Eldritch Horror Theatre

Li Weixuan's statement settled the matter.

Naya, though reluctant, did not argue further.

And judging by Yuan Fang's expression, he didn't seem to mind either.

Li Weixuan had barely spoken to him before making the call, proving they were on good personal terms.

"Professor Naya, you will accompany Professor Fu from here on."

Having said that, Li Weixuan turned to look at Fu Qian, his expression unreadable.

"Professor Fu, while I personally believe you are innocent, I still hope you can provide sufficient evidence to prove it."

"We will investigate this with our full effort as well. If we discover you really are involved, the Academy will not shield anyone."

"As you should."

Li Weixuan's approach seemed a little biased, but it was the most sensible compromise.

Setting aside the fact that his supposed murder motive was so blatant it felt staged, the Academy had just issued the statement on his hearing this morning.

Changing their minds now and handing him straight to the Night Watchers without any solid evidence would look terribly awkward.

The only risk in handling it this way was that if he just ran for it, Naya wouldn't be able to stop him.

But honestly, given the strength he had already displayed, if he truly wanted to escape, even all of them together might not be able to hold him back.

So rather than back him into a corner and force him to operate in secret to clear his name, it was better for them to take the high road.

And Li Weixuan's seemingly arbitrary declaration actually helped take some of the pressure off Yuan Fang.

They really were close; their unspoken understanding was exceptional!

"Without further ado, Naya and I will head out."

Fu Qian didn't say much else, taking his leave from the room.

Such a crude framing method gave off the distinct impression that someone was trying to buy time.

Whoever killed Jia Yi seemed to be fighting desperately for time.

Though he wasn't sure what the killer was planning, fighting speed with speed was absolutely necessary.

Finally, amid Naya's sighs and the watchful eyes of the others, the two of them departed.

"Out with it. Where to?"

Once outside, Naya glared at Fu Qian, clearly in a foul mood.

"To find a couple of people."

"Find who? Can't you just obediently stay at the Academy?"

Naya frowned, clearly reluctant.

"I don't have all the time in the world to wander around with you."

"All right, then I'll go consult them myself?"

...

Fu Qian's words plunged Naya straight into silence.

"Where are we going?"

After shooting him a fierce glare, Naya ultimately didn't dare let him wander off on his own.

"Do you know that old man from yesterday's banquet?"

Fu Qian looked at her with a smile.

"I know him. Even though he isn't a transcendent, Qiao Yanchuan is still a prominent figure in the local area."

Naya's gaze immediately turned wary.

"Don't do anything reckless. Even though there was some conflict yesterday, you've already scared him out of his wits. Are you trying to show up at his door aggressively demanding accountability?"

"Like I said earlier, how could I be that petty?"

Fu Qian waved a hand dismissively.

"I genuinely have something to consult Old Man Qiao about. It's perfect that you know him. Lead the way."

...

It didn't take them much time to reach their destination.

On the way there, Fu Qian had learned from Naya that Qiao Yanchuan was nearly seventy. He was a highly influential figure among the ordinary locals, which was exactly why he could afford transcendent bodyguards.

The only pity was that, to date, not a single member of his family was a transcendent, so they could never enter the hall of great elegance.

At present, one glance at the Qiao Family Residence showed it was heavily guarded; the security level had likely been cranked up to the max.

It was obvious that Jia Yi's death had put the man on high alert.

Naturally, when Fu Qian and Naya showed up at his door, he became even more nervous.

However, he didn't have the guts to turn away people from the Academy.

Five minutes after the guards went to report their arrival, he finally came out to receive his guests with a pleasant expression.

"It's barely been half a day, yet your presence is even grander than before, Old Man."

Trailing behind Naya, Fu Qian greeted him with a smile.

At his advanced age, still insisting on attending such wild parties, this man could definitely be considered old but still vigorous.

Unfortunately, hearing his praise, Old Man Qiao clearly recalled some unpleasant memories. For a moment, his smile looked as fake as if it had been pasted onto his face.

"Hello, Professor Fu Qian."

Even so, he stared at Fu Qian and returned the greeting.

His information network was indeed swift; he had actually managed to dig up his name.

And calling it out so deliberately right now seemed to carry a deeper meaning!

Was he trying to show off his strength?

Fu Qian looked at Qiao Yanchuan impassively.

Sure enough, old age made a person more fearless of death.

"Professor Naya, what brings you here?"

Seeing that Fu Qian remained completely unmoved after having his name called, Old Man Qiao grew a little flustered himself and instinctively turned to speak to Naya.

Unfortunately, she didn't say a word and simply shot Fu Qian a glance.

'How the hell am I supposed to know what this guy is here for!'

...

Seeing that Naya was clearly in a foul mood, Qiao Yanchuan had no choice but to turn his gaze back to Fu Qian.

"It's actually quite simple."

Fu Qian's expression remained perfectly normal.

"A case occurred earlier today. Have you heard about it, Old Man Qiao?"

"Are you talking about Jia Yi? That is indeed a tragedy."

Qiao Yanchuan's expression shifted, making no effort to hide his knowledge of Jia Yi's death.

"That's right, President Jia. I didn't actually know him that well; I just didn't expect to run into him at the banquet."

Fu Qian said, sizing up the space behind Qiao Yanchuan.

Standing on his left and right were obviously the two transcendents who had made a move at the banquet.

And at this very moment, both of their attention was completely locked onto him.

"I came here today because I have a few questions related to this matter that I'd like to ask you."

After hearing Fu Qian's words, Qiao Yanchuan stared at him for a long time, seemingly understanding his intentions.

The next second, he suddenly chuckled, leaned back in his chair, and took a sip of his tea.

"Please, ask away. However, I am getting on in years and my memory is poor. I can hardly guarantee I'll be of much help."

'He's really putting on airs now, isn't he!'

Fu Qian tutted in amazement inwardly.

"Just two simple questions. First, when did gatherings like the one yesterday start?"

"I don't understand what you mean, Professor Fu."

Seemingly not expecting Fu Qian to ask this, Qiao Yanchuan immediately blanked and set down his teacup.

"A gathering among friends—what do you mean by 'when did they start'?"

"Second question."

Fu Qian seemed completely unbothered by the man's obvious feigned ignorance.

"Have any transcendents ever attended these gatherings?"

"Yes."

Old Man Qiao answered much faster this time, reaching out to point in his direction.

"You did, Professor Fu."

"You had better think carefully before you answer."

For a moment, even Naya couldn't stop herself from speaking up.

Even though she didn't understand why Fu Qian was asking this, the old man was clearly dancing wildly on the edge of a death wish.

"My apologies, Professor Naya, but I truly am getting on in years."

Qiao Yanchuan didn't panic in the slightest. He turned to look at Fu Qian with a cold sneer.

"You're trying to find a way to clear your name regarding Jia Yi's death, aren't you, Professor Fu? It's a real pity, but I truly cannot help you!"

'Excessive debauchery really does lower one's IQ!'

Looking at Old Man Qiao, who was clearly taking the opportunity to act out, Fu Qian sighed.

"Repeat what you just said. I'll allow you a moment to reorganize your words."

"...I truly cannot help you—what are you doing?"

Qiao Yanchuan's gaze instantly turned wary, though he still answered out of habit.

"Go back a little further."

"Jia Yi's death..."

"Right, that's the one."

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