Eldritch Horror Theatre

They actually know each other?

Jiang En's sigh carried a profound meaning, radiating a Zen-like calm that perfectly expressed the epiphany of a man who had let go of his obsessions and achieved a clear state of mind.

The spectators waiting for a good show immediately drew their conclusions.

So the agreement was real?

This mysterious figure originally had a scheduled duel with Jiang En. Who could have expected that when the appointed time arrived, the latter would abandon the transcendent path because he couldn't break through his bottleneck, his heart like dead ashes?

With things taking this turn, it seemed there was no spectacle left to watch.

After all, given Jiang En's current posture—willing to abandon even the resources provided by his family—he didn't look like he could muster the slightest desire to fight.

"You've arrived a bit early, yet also a bit late."

At that moment, Jiang En's reflections weren't even finished.

"But I say you're late because I have already realized who I truly am. I've let go of my obsessions. The current me won't compete with you over victory and defeat."

Jiang En studied the mask on Fu Qian's face.

"If the Wisdom King demands it, I can even kneel on the ground and admit defeat, declaring that my reputation is entirely unearned."

This thoroughly unreserved surrender obviously caused quite a commotion within the Jiang Clan.

However, as the person in charge, Jiang Chengqing only frowned deeply, in no rush to speak.

Jiang En's words seemed like an extreme display of weakness, yet their timing was impeccable.

If Dayun Mingwang really came here to make a name for himself, forcing a man to his knees to concede would only do more harm than good.

Because of Jiang En's previous performance, this perfectly reasonable surrender wouldn't cause too much damage to the Jiang Clan's reputation either.

For a moment, he watched Fu Qian's reaction with great anticipation.

"I might not drive a man to the absolute brink, but I won't be coaxed by a few pretty words, either. During this trip to Shangjing, I've seen far too many people avoid a fight."

Dayun Mingwang looked Jiang En up and down before snorting.

"You say you've let go of your obsessions. Do you dare dismiss this crowd and answer a few questions of mine alone?"

This...

Upon hearing Fu Qian's suggestion, almost every bystander, including Jiang Chengqing, instinctively wanted to refuse.

To Jiang Chengqing, this guy was temperamental and unpredictable. What if he just killed Jiang En outright?

That would be far worse than Jiang En severing ties with the family—they would go from a slim hope straight to absolute zero.

Even if that didn't happen, what if this guy finished their chat and went out to announce that Jiang En had only put on that act because he was terrified of death? What if he claimed Jiang En had actually been crying and begging on his knees in private?

"Alright."

Unexpectedly, Jiang En merely thought for a moment before nodding his agreement.

That was way too quick!

"No, you don't call the shots here!"

While Jiang Chengqing was still in shock, someone else beat him to the punch with a harsh reprimand.

"Then I will step outside first, and then speak with the Wisdom King privately."

Jiang En seemed to have expected this. His expression didn't change in the slightest.

...

The group was instantly left speechless.

Going outside would be even harder to control than the situation right here.

"It seems the Wisdom King has things he doesn't want others to hear. How long will you need?"

Jiang Chengqing made a prompt decision, his voice deep.

"Rest assured, half an hour is enough."

Jiang En looked toward Fu Qian. Fu Qian didn't decline, answering directly.

"Alright."

Jiang Chengqing asked no further questions. He turned and ordered everyone to withdraw. In the blink of an eye, the hall was completely empty.

...

Cough—

Seeing that Fu Qian was in no rush to speak, Jiang En finally cleared his throat.

"Whether the Wisdom King believes it or not—"

"I believe it."

Unfortunately, he was cut off the moment he started.

"I can see you've been cultivating bitterly for a long time."

He really did see everything...

Jiang En's breath hitched slightly.

"Relax, my lips are sealed. I only came here to confirm a few things with you."

Walking straight to the side and taking a seat, Fu Qian gestured for him not to be nervous.

Truthfully, this guy had it rough. He had pushed his available resources to their absolute limits, serving as a perfect example of painstaking effort reaching alone into untrodden realms.

"What questions?"

Jiang En naturally wasn't so easily comforted, asking warily.

"Simple. Who told you about the ritual?"

Yet despite how intensely he had braced himself, Fu Qian's question still set off massive waves in Jiang En's heart.

He knows it's a ritual...

He knows what I'm doing...

But how could he know?

So he created those claw marks just to help me?

He isn't some lunatic? His so-called quest for fame was all just an act?

"Focus. You have five minutes to answer,"

Fu Qian reminded him coldly.

"No one told me. I saw it myself."

Faced with this urging, Jiang En hesitated for only a few seconds.

"Oh? Under what circumstances did you see it?"

Fu Qian's tone betrayed no emotion.

"It was a very strange state, almost like a momentary burst of inspiration, and then information appeared in my mind."

Jiang En's gaze lost its focus as he seemingly fell into a memory.

"Let me rephrase."

Fu Qian shook his head and sighed, making Jiang En's eyes sharpen.

"At a specific time, while facing a specific entity, did you ever strike a special pose?"

"...Yes, a few months ago."

Jiang En had started gritting his teeth halfway through the question, but his answer was decisive.

"Excellent. I think we're off to an ideal start."

Brother Jiang En was finally displaying a willingness to communicate sincerely. Fu Qian nodded in satisfaction.

It really was a covenant.

"Next question. Who guided you to do it?"

"Someone named Daneta. I met him purely by chance while I was out. After a brief interaction, he seemed to see through my troubles and suggested there might be an opportunity."

"I didn't believe it at first. I never expected that after performing some bizarre actions according to his prompts, I would actually receive enlightenment regarding the ritual."

"You mean the things you were doing in the hotel?"

"...No."

I knew it. Seeing that Jiang En wasn't playing tricks anymore, Fu Qian felt deeply gratified.

No matter how you looked at it, the ritual seemed like something that could be performed anywhere.

Since he mentioned meeting Daneta while he was away, why didn't he just finish it out there before coming back? Did he really have to look for thrills back in Shangjing?

He couldn't possibly have predicted months ago that Gulade would run into trouble, going so far as to use this to strike a blow against a competitor, right?

There must have been an unexpected turn of events in between.

"I couldn't do it."

This time, without waiting for Fu Qian to ask, Jiang En continued.

"The first revelation I received was the exact opposite. The ritual involved drawing out one's true self and letting it grow strong."

"At first, I was extremely excited and performed the ritual with Daneta's help. But as it neared completion, I realized I was starting to lose myself. I could have become lost in the awakened bestial nature at any moment."

"Ultimately, right before reaching the point of no return, I secretly hurried back to Shangjing."

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