Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2284: Chapter 2279: The Greatest Concealment Lies Within the City

Overbearing.

It wasn’t a very large banquet, yet it was clearly a reflection of Shangjing’s high society.

Among them were even those who possessed divinity, so theoretically, with such a short distance, it would not be difficult for them to hear what was being discussed here.

However, Yuan Shan was still unrestrained, speaking with calmness yet full of dominance—unless I go to them first, no one would disturb the peace here without reason.

This is what one might call truly hiding in the city.

It’s not that I avoid showing my face, but until I announce seeing you, you must pretend you haven’t seen me.

Admittedly, the sincerity of this hospitality today was truly felt.

Honestly speaking, this demeanor of Yuan Shan seems more reasonable to Fu Qian.

It’s all about strength, forcibly maintaining the current order with it.

As was critiqued long ago, under such underlying rules, the current social order could nearly be called eccentric, completely unlike a system that should normally exist.

Strength is one thing, but maintaining this peace essentially relies solely on the outlandish motivations of the Night Watchman, voluntary self-restraint, forcibly suppressing everything for eternity.

This doesn’t mean Fu Qian doesn’t believe in the potentially existent notion of protecting all people.

Just from a sociological perspective, the current system is clearly not a stable balance achieved after adequate deliberation.

In other words, should the Night Watchman’s motivation deteriorate, or their strength falter, the current order would instantly lose its support, swiftly descending into another kind of chaos.

Under such a circumstance, apart from the Night Watchman’s basic principles, it’s not significantly meaningful to excessively stress enjoying with the people.

With an inherently flawed framework, can you still expect to come up with a perfectly functioning system?

Indeed, this is an explicit critique of a certain chief from Ye Island, Lord Yin Hehong.

The idea seemed attractive but ultimately led to the Night Watchmen being bound bit by bit, letting things spiral out of control, resulting in the Yasui Tokiyuki mess.

By comparison, Yuan Shan’s non-professional stance has a better short-term effect.

For example, though the current demeanor might be criticized by some, the core message it delivers is extremely clear—I stand by the things I initiate.

Without setting rules, there is no obligation to defer to them.

I addressed the issue with the new municipal officer, and now I am directly standing out to hold things down, showing no pretense.

Governance, though it may not seem advanced, ultimately relies on the heart.

Of course, though aware of Yuan Shan’s motives for coming this time, there’s still a minor loophole here—one is also a participant in establishing order.

Fu Qian admits that although he’s enjoying the meal, simply standing beside Yuan Shan hardly qualifies as low-key.

Without even needing to look up, he can sense intuitively that a spirited old man nearby is staring intently at him, tiger eyes filled with resentment.

The crucial point is, although the face seems slightly familiar, Fu Qian is certain he has not interacted with him before.

”Who is that?”

Considering the extremely relaxed vibe of the evening, Fu Qian doesn’t bother stirring up memories, directly indicating, and ensuring with Yuan Shan.

...

”Chen Pingxian, don’t you recognize?”

In a truly nonchalant exchange, Yuan Shan casually mentions a name without masking surprise.

”Seems familiar... remembered now.”

Fu Qian reacts by finally sifting through his memories, successfully locating the source of that familiarity.

Chen Xing, Chen Mingda, Chen Mingfei... and others.

Indeed, individuals were originally the task objects upon his first arrival in Shangjing, faces from the Chen Family supported by the Native Council’s technology.

Additionally, the familiarity of this name seems linked to why Yuan Shan is surprised—

”Weren’t you planning a visit to him earlier?”

Sure enough, Yuan Shan adds, assisting in confirming that memory.

Chen Pingxian, the person put forward by the Chen Family after Chen Xing’s unconventional attempt to become a demigod forceably failed, resulting in a heavy loss.

Back then, to confuse Ariel, stabilize the situation in Shangjing while waiting for reinforcements, Yuan Shan had requested Fu Qian to guise as a terrorist.

To make it more convincing, Fu Qian even suggested truly acting as a terrorist, potentially eliminating this person.

Sadly, since it wasn’t implemented, Fu Qian had never met the person involved.

Nevertheless, it seems not to delay the involved person’s opinion on Fu Qian.

After all, in that incident, he had shown himself openly, even getting involved wasn’t unheard of.

Previously masquerading as a bookstore owner staying in the shadows made sense, but now, appearing so blatantly, seeing a bit of emotion is understandable.

Of course, upon Yuan Shan’s remarks, those emotions are rapidly converting into cold sweat.

”Indeed, I am quite interested in their Opportunity-Attracting Spell.”

Always having a knack for exacerbating situations, Fu Qian wouldn’t easily pass the chance, admitting outright.

...

Indeed, it’s a bit impolite to be eavesdropping.

At that moment, from the corner of his eye, Fu Qian clearly felt Chen Pingxian’s shaky expression management teetering on the brink.

If the previous sentence left him wildly pondering reasons for the potential visit, the latter phrase undoubtedly could be deemed the answer.

Miss Wen had provided intelligence before, stating that the Chen family had an ancestral secret art known as the ”Opportunity-Attracting Spell,” which could assist qualified family members in embarking on a predetermined path of transcendence.

Though later bottlenecks seemed quite apparent, even the late Old Master Chen Xing had lost confidence.

Yet in this transcendent world, even at the Middle Tier, it remained the foundation of the Chen Family’s standing—

And now, a Night Watchman’s henchman plans to pursue this ancestral secret? What could be done about this!

Skillfully empathizing with the individual, Fu Qian shares the stirring feelings under that facade.

”Are you sure?”

At this point, on the contrary, it was Yuan Shan who was taken by surprise.

It’s understandable, for knowing that this individual is one of the few to already be in the ”Second Phase,” and having some grasp of the Chen family’s situation, it’s hard to combine the two.

The different paths aside, not even achieving demigod status, what use could it be for someone at the Second Phase?

”Certain.”

Nevertheless, Fu Qian genuinely nodded again.

Sincerity is always misunderstood.

Regarding elevation in ranking, this type of cultivation method naturally has no significance, but he musn’t forget his identity as a scholar.

With pathways to divinity appearing increasingly peculiar, the essence of cultivation becomes all the more intriguing.

And apart from the references from the Swordsmanship Department, special cases like these household secret skills are undoubtedly excellent research material.

Certainly, the weight of this consideration is overwhelming, and the involved party seemingly feels like retreating—oh?

Simultaneously, a figure attentively monitoring this direction gradually approaches,

Lord Grantham seems to have finally reached some kind of decision.