Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2437: Chapter 2432: The Prophet Is Dead (43)

”What makes you think you have the right to define what a true Ashen Messenger is?”

The ambush was detected and easily thwarted, yet Holle seemed completely unfazed. In that moment, he distanced himself and responded to Fu Qian’s remark.

”Well said. Actually, I was just confirming that you’re not the Holle I met earlier. Do you know why?”

Fu Qian also displayed magnanimity, not only refraining from pursuit, but even keeping his gaze on the swelling Ashfall, casually responding.

Like reaping wheat, the crowd had fallen in large swathes.

Those below the level of Demigod had almost no resistance to this thing.

By his feet, the woman in the headscarf remained lost in reverie, and one could even sense her anticipation of being devoured at that moment.

”In my view, although that Holle wasn’t particularly smart, he wouldn’t ask ’what’s wrong with them,’ based on his demeanor at the bar. His laissez-faire attitude, in fact, made him the most empathetic among Demigods.”

Without waiting for a response, Fu Qian had already revealed the answer.

”The story isn’t badly crafted, but unfortunately, the moment you spoke, you almost destroyed the character... That’s why people who aren’t smart should talk less.”

His words were rather sharp, with considerable penetrating power.

”No wonder the Prophet values you so much... ’So if I’m not the Holle from earlier, then who am I?’”

After a slight hesitation, the targeted person finally gave up on pointless persistence and replied with considerable poise.

Oh?

The composure shown by the other party took Fu Qian somewhat by surprise.

He finally turned to take a look, sizing him up, and his gaze fell on the bloodstained clothes.

Though seemingly fresh, the appearance was less than appealing, as it was permeated by that ’gray’ from head to toe.

”The Fallen Ashen Messenger?”

Fu Qian blinked and casually offered a classic nickname.

Heh heh...

The description was so fitting that it seemed undeniable.

At that moment, the newcomer simply emitted a string of cold laughter, apparently accepting the moniker.

Thud!

Fittingly enough, at that moment, the woman in the headscarf beside them also collapsed with a crash.

The Ashfall finally covered the field of vision, and the color of the Demigod’s body visibly darkened.

...

”Your attitude of superiority is really displeasing.”

The ’Fallen Ashen Messenger’ seemed to be enduring pressure, yet it appeared unconcerning and criticized the attitude of the outsiders.

”Death, silence, terror... Did you genuinely feel those things she just mentioned, or are you pretending?”

Not even forgetting to use the woman in the headscarf on the ground as an example the next moment.

”Pretending, and pretending with great joy.”

Fu Qian responded with honesty and straightforwardness.

”It seems you really have figured out who I am...”

The tone was somewhat unfriendly as the ’Fallen Ashen Messenger’ fell briefly silent, then stared at Fu Qian with a changed expression—and a different face.

Without any movement, his appearance had transformed from despondent to shadowy, even his hair had grown noticeably longer.

Indeed, it was the first Demigod ’Lord’ encountered on this journey.

”Actually, I just thought that the things you left on Holle should serve some purpose... so if someone was impersonating him, I thought your likelihood would be slightly higher.”

Unsure about the outcome, Fu Qian nodded to indicate he knew.

”So what were the revelations you received earlier?”

After casually explaining the reasoning, Fu Qian showed no sign of pride, instead continuing to confirm the preceding query.

”You really know a lot... To be honest, I began to doubt the Prophet’s words at that time. Are you really an outsider?”

The Lord nearly accepted the idea of ’enlightenment’ as fact.

In a tone as if confronting him, it was clear he still had his analysis, even if he hadn’t been involved in the previous task’s trap operation.

Indeed, it was strange, standing from the perspective of the natives. The situation back then was akin to a group of vicious outsiders entering to hunt, only for another outsider to inexplicably help the Unseen Hillock through the crisis, without benefitting in any visible way.

Not to mention that these outsiders never regarded themselves as part of the native group. Even if some natives managed to accomplish such a feat, they would deserve a superhero title.

”Heh heh... You can call me Ballard.”

Yet faced with the Lord’s doubts, the other party merely let out a peculiar chuckle at that moment.

Neither admitting nor denying, he presented a special name.

”Grim Ballard.”

Next, pointing a hand at his head, shiny lenses climbed up, quickly enveloping his head.

...

Like others, the Lord evidently didn’t know the meaning behind that name.

No matter; he would understand later.

As the veil over his face was completed, the form and name of a righteous ally resurfaced on the Unseen Hillock.

Before the Lord could voice anything, Fu Qian had already swung his arm. However, the target was not him but the sky above.

Boom!

An unusual dull sound echoed, as a massive ice, falling like a meteor from the Void, was caught steadily.

It melded almost seamlessly with those shades of black, white, and gray, carrying an exaggerated coldness and an equally exaggerated weight.

”Is this also your gain? Unlike others, not only unaffected negatively but intertwined more closely with this night, able to harness its power?”

Maintaining the movement, Fu Qian seemed to understand why the Lord, despite previous missteps, had the confidence to act now.

”But do you remember my earlier advice? If you’re not smart, don’t talk too much.

”When an ambush fails and you’re recognized but don’t leave, and perhaps think such actions are numbing, it almost writes the ulterior motive across your face... Indeed, stealthily attacking from the side might have a higher success rate.”

The pressure on his hand kept increasing, as if the entire Unseen Hillock were piling up, but Fu Qian bore it effortlessly, even delivering sharper evaluations.

”What exactly are you...”

Finally unable to bear it, the Lord sighed once more.

Rumble!

His response was a thunderous roar.

Fu Qian’s iron boots, composed of mirrored pieces, delivered a heavy stomp to the ground, creating a massive crater.

A giant exposed spike inside was shattered into pieces.

”Still haven’t learned your lesson? Failing the ambush, neither leaving nor shutting up, even a fool knows there’s more to come.”

Sharper ridicule, albeit belated, indicated that the Knight within the Mirror Armor had given up hope on the Lord’s enlightenment.