Eldritch Horror Theatre

The brief exchange undoubtedly contained a massive amount of information.

It was a textbook application of the four diagnostic methods.

Every word exchanged carried immense weight.

However, human nature prevailed; curiosity won out over everything else.

The commotion surrounding Wen Li naturally drew Yuan Shan's attention.

As a veteran Demigod, she realized almost instantly that the younger woman had firmly crossed the threshold into Tier 4—the final leg of the journey before the Demigod Realm.

If she remembered correctly, it had been less than half a year since the girl advanced to Tier 6. At that speed... compared to her, the likes of Taylor and Jiang En were as insignificant as dust.

Studying Wen Li's gentle face, which still could not hide her youthful vigor, Yuan Shan couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

She was finding this world harder and harder to understand.

Fu Qian asked from the sidelines.

You just nurtured a Tier 4. Isn't your reaction a bit too plain?

Hearing Fu Qian's casual tone—as if he were just asking what was for dinner—Yuan Shan secretly criticized him.

After her recent interactions with Wen Li, she was quite clear on the girl's background and capabilities.

Rapid progress was one thing, but Wen Li had clearly not been prepared to advance another tier so soon.

Yet after just two days apart, even the ritual had been fully prepared. One didn't need to be a genius to figure out that this guy had handled everything himself.

"My condition has initially stabilized, and my physical attributes have been strengthened to a certain extent."

As the main subject of the ritual, Wen Li couldn't hide a trace of joy. She meticulously detailed her condition, her seriousness matching that of someone writing a laboratory report.

"Did you hear any unusual voices?"

Fu Qian listened attentively.

"No."

Wen Li frowned, taking a moment to sense her condition before shaking her head.

"Has there been any abnormal echoing or amplification in the emotions you perceive?"

Fu Qian continued his questioning.

"No."

Wen Li answered much faster this time.

"Try using Kaleidoscope to influence me."

Fu Qian nodded, pointing at his own head.

"Alright."

...

Wasn't his focus a bit misplaced?

When Wen Li began to hum a little tune, Yuan Shan—despite not being the target—still felt a surge of emotional turbulence that made her deeply question her life.

She had finally advanced; shouldn't the focus be on the changes to her abilities?

What enhancements had her previous abilities received, or what new authority had she gained?

That was how things were done back in her day!

Venting inwardly while worrying that she had been left behind by the times, Yuan Shan suppressed her impulses and refrained from voicing her doubts.

However, watching Fu Qian intermittently close his eyes to sense the effects, look the girl up and down, and even nod slightly in a complete display of the four diagnostic methods of looking, smelling, questioning, and pulse-feeling, Yuan Shan felt the urge to complain burning fiercely within her.

"Very good. The situation is quite ideal."

A long half-minute finally passed, and Yuan Shan heard an evaluation completely in character for him.

"Sit a bit closer and let me see your wrist."

Just as she was about to speak, she realized Fu Qian's diagnosis still wasn't over.

...

Wen Li's original seat was a bit far away. Under Yuan Shan's wooden gaze, the girl came forward without hesitation, sitting down between them and placing her fair, slender wrist on the table.

"This might hurt a little. Bear with it."

Accompanying his speechlessness-inducing lines, Fu Qian's fingertip slowly extended. In the blink of an eye, it grew as sharp as a needle and pricked Wen Li's wrist.

A drop of dark red blood seeped out, accompanied by a bizarre sight—crystal-like scales grew out of the skin around the wound, looking like embedded diamonds.

Within the dazzling reflections, the faint outline of a twisted human face could even be seen.

This was...

Without a doubt, women possessed little resistance to shiny things. Yuan Shan and Wen Li's attention was instantly captivated.

It was actually there.

While the two ladies were lost in thought, Fu Qian also sighed inwardly.

He was all too familiar with the sight before him. Back when Madam Eve had been beaten to the ground on all fours by him, she had been wearing this exact Skin.

It offered enhanced defense to a certain extent and drastically increased Mental Resistance.

This scene almost completely proved that Wen Li's advancement route had inherited the legacy of ancient sages.

In truth, this was exactly what Fu Qian had most wanted to confirm. He hadn't expected the results of his test to be this perfect.

Probing no further, Fu Qian retracted his fingertip. Wen Li's wound healed at a visible rate, and the fine crystal scales slowly receded.

"It seems you've gained quite a few benefits. These scales possess considerable resistance."

Chief Yuan was quite observant, and she finally couldn't help but comment.

She had no choice. The actions of these two were simply too bizarre; if she didn't say something, she felt her brain would tie itself into knots.

"Yes... It's a very peculiar feeling, though it seems I can't actively control it yet."

Wen Li reluctantly tore her gaze away from her wrist. A moment later, she stood up and bowed formally to Yuan Shan.

"Thank you for your help. I was eager to advance and had no better alternatives. I am truly sorry for today."

"It's fine. I didn't suffer any losses."

Yuan Shan waved her hand generously, though her eyes remained fixed on Fu Qian.

The prospect of advancing was undeniably tempting, but she still didn't believe Wen Li had the guts to take such a risk. There was a ninety-nine percent chance this entire affair had been his idea.

It was just that the girl considered herself the beneficiary, so she was taking all the blame right now.

"Although Jiang En's actions were somewhat strange, he showed restraint overall."

Of course, Yuan Shan could forget about expecting Fu Qian to feel anything resembling shame.

After holding her gaze for two seconds, he smoothly changed the subject—with great success.

Pondering the eyewitness account he provided, Yuan Shan paused to think.

"Are you suggesting there is no need to pursue Jiang En's transgressions any further?"

"I'm only providing a description of the situation. I don't give rulings."

Fu Qian answered briskly, having no intention of interfering with Chief Yuan's independent judgment.

"From the current circumstances, he did indeed show some discretion."

Unbothered by his answer, Yuan Shan frowned and muttered to herself.

"But I still have to give the public an explanation... This subject is far too sensitive, and there are many eyes on it."

"That's simple. There's a guy named Daneta who can take the fall as the mastermind behind the scenes."

Seeing Chief Yuan's dilemma, Fu Qian brought up another conflict.

Even if he didn't mention it now, he couldn't expect Yuan Shan to just forget about it.

"...In short, this evil pyramid scheme syndicate has been prowling around for depressed, frustrated youths to lure into their ranks. Their crimes are truly heinous... Fortunately, the passing Dayun Mingwang was perceptive down to the smallest detail. He drew the snakes out of their hole and successfully dealt them a crushing blow."

Fu Qian's narration grew increasingly impassioned.

"And most commendable of all, after finishing his work, Dayun Mingwang walked away with ease to quietly hide achievements and fame. His indifference to fame and fortune is truly admirable."

"Truly admirable... though this is still only your side of the story..."

Confronted by Fu Qian's sheer shamelessness, Yuan Shan was left speechless.

"What's so hard about that? Just go find the rest of Daneta's accomplices and see if they make a run for it."

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