Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1941: Chapter 1936: Ominous Beginnings of the Journey

"It seems we’ve returned just in time, thanks to Lord Aike."

Amidst the sudden change, Fu Qian’s tone was one of apparent good luck, even specifically thanking Aike.

It seemed appropriate, as any later and they would have been stuck outside.

Although in Fu Qian’s deduction, had they been later, perhaps the passage wouldn’t have closed immediately either.

Indeed, he suspected that this change wasn’t due to the Miracle’s timing but rather Nepheli’s intervention.

Having finally returned, it’s best to avoid complications, like suddenly thinking of another problem and rushing back in.

This isn’t impossible.

Apart from sharing the same logical deductions with Su Gao, derived from extensive experience, Fu Qian also gave additional credence to Nepheli’s explanation.

Time traveling isn’t that easy; among the current Superiors, it’s only the warehouse that exhibits such authority.

If the ark really had the power to send two people back a thousand years and alter history to this extent, it would probably have been eliminated by the warehouse long ago.

So, like using experiences from the Ancient Reminiscence earlier, comparing them to the feelings as a "tourist."

The current state of everyone on this ship should be similar to the exploration he and Selana undertook, reliving a part of past history using some special power.

In essence, their existence remains anchored to reality—unless completely synchronized with the ship.

That’s the danger in that earlier distortion.

Even if so, they’d likely be lost together inside the ark, and not impact history significantly.

In such cases, Nepheli’s statement, "just quietly wait until reaching the endpoint," is undoubtedly more credible.

As for why, if she had the ability to end this Miracle early, she didn’t do so while we were in the coffin?

This too can be explained by the conclusion above.

Because existence anchors to reality, doing so likely wouldn’t truly banish them.

At that time, either there would be trouble affecting the ark, or the three might disembark early, none of which would be good news for her.

Of course, some things are better left unsaid; let Old Master Stoss ponder these doubts on the ship at leisure.

Not out of camaraderie with Nepheli, but because this makes Professor Fu and the Night Watchman’s relationship even more enigmatic, allowing her to fully unleash her imagination.

"Professor Fu, I’ve received a report from Aike that mentioned when you were interacting with ’invitation’ victims, you seemingly discovered golden flames in the illusionary White Head Holy Church?"

The wait was indeed long, and in the ongoing indistinguishable darkness of whether the ship was moving, at a certain moment, Lord Stos unexpectedly broke the silence.

...

One could say everything was the best arrangement.

At that moment, Fu Qian’s satisfaction with this journey could be said to rise another level.

It’s common to seek a topic in restless times, but this topic the old man found was highly anticipated.

"Indeed, very strange flames that seem unable to burn flesh but lean towards more essential destruction—do you know of it, Your Lordship?"

Nodding slightly, acknowledging the truth of it, Fu Qian exhibited an astonishing academic instinct and suddenly realized something.

"Is it like this?"

The rare interest from Professor Fu wasn’t left wanting, as the old man promptly raised his hand and took a breath.

A quick, twisting streak of gold, like electricity, flashed across his hand.

Even witnessing it, it seemed to provoke some kind of inner agitation.

Fu Qian was quite certain this was the method Old Master Stoss once used to torment the Clown.

"It is... what nature does this power hold?"

Though he restrained himself from being overly surprised, Professor Fu momentarily furrowed his brows.

Lord Stos actually wielded a similar method, evidently leaving him somewhat shaken.

"So it’s real..."

Yet, at this moment, the old man played coy, not rushing to answer but musing to himself.

...

"I can’t tell you much; first, it is indeed a flame, one of the abilities added upon my Second Phase progression."

After a rather brief wait, Lord Stos finally spoke amidst the gathering’s attention.

"Moreover, your perception is correct. Its effect is quite unique, primarily targeting the spiritual level; hence, I am accustomed to calling it the Fire of Madness.

"Considering the nature of the White Head Holy Church, the scene you witnessed can be considered reasonable."

Taking a deep breath, inclined to support Fu Qian’s statement while the old man’s emotions seemed somewhat heavy.

"However, discovering this in such a place indeed feels ominous, reminding me of someone telling me it is an ominous fire..."

Oh... there’s even someone else?

With a sense of abundance, Fu Qian’s face transformed from confusion to curiosity.

"Who is it, if convenient—"

"Wait, have we returned?"

However, just as he reached a crucial point, a voice interrupted him.

Professor Ah Kai suddenly stood up, looking around in disbelief.

Still dark, but a lot roomier, with hardly any wood in sight, only scattered gray feathers.

In silence, everyone had somehow returned beneath the Benevolence Institute, where they originally set off.

...

Look at you acting so inexperienced.

Professor Ah Kai’s feelings are entirely understandable, yet Fu Qian still harbored disdain.

Though the movements were subtle and changes rapid, how could the present experts not detect it?

Only that everyone had the composure of Mount Tai collapsing before them, not hasty to show it before further judgment.

Besides, where we embarked, returning to that place also carries a certain mystical feel of Dreams and Illusions.

"It seems that ship is gone."

As Fu Qian pondered, Su Gao was already reporting this crucial conclusion and gave a glance this way.

Nepheli and Brother Mar were also absent.

Fu Qian naturally understood and wasn’t surprised.

Nepheli, who knew more about the ship, could indeed have perceived it first and slipped away.

Not to mention, beneath the Benevolence Institute is theoretically her domain too.

However, this meant she likely missed hearing the most crucial points earlier.

"I feel the same... besides, as for the previous question’s answer, I can tell you—Jade Soul Master."

Indeed, joyous events invigorate the spirit; after confirming their quiet return, Lord Stos seemed accepting of losing track of the ark.

In the aftermath, without needing further probing from Fu Qian, he resumed the previous topic, directly giving a title.

Though it sounded...