Chapter 1931: Chapter 1926: Dual Contingency Plans

"I can believe it, but Professor Ah Kai has been left feeling insecure by your actions."

Amid Nepheli’s hopeful wishes, Fu Qian glanced towards the towering structure that continued to draw closer from outside.

As a high-tier Transcendent who has weathered countless storms, this wasn’t the grandest scene he had witnessed.

However, adding the span of a thousand years unquestionably imbued the moment with a sense of wonder.

"Even the research he conducted was ruined by you."

Yet, despite it all, Fu Qian still did not forget to seek justice for Professor Ah Kai.

Nepheli did not disappoint, her honest demeanor giving the exchange a positive turn.

Some earlier core suspicions were thus confirmed.

For instance, though the journey seemed perilous, much of it was mere atmospheric embellishment.

Even the slowing of time was a phenomenon manipulated secretly by the other party through control over the place.

Of course, Fu Qian wasn’t naive enough to believe that the people across genuinely cared about the safety of their team.

When discussing this hypothesis with Old Master Stoss, he had already analyzed a possible reason, such as the concealed figure not wanting to be affected as well.

That was indeed the true intention, though one thing was left unsaid—

As a Transcendent presumably born from the ark, Brother Mar likely wouldn’t fear any distortions brought by this ship, implying there might be someone else in the shadows fearing it—perhaps the Second Phase present before him.

Fundamentally, this was one of the reasons to judge that Nepheli was indeed on the ship.

Regarding Professor Ah Kai’s matter, naturally, it referred to his uncontrolled Miracle.

As a hidden figure capable of monitoring the entire scenario, where no movement could escape their notice, disrupting Professor Ah Kai wasn’t a difficult task with their specialized abilities.

The aim was simple: the spinning scythe further agitated the ark, making its response more fierce.

It was a classic incitement tactic.

...

"He is a very talented young man."

Faced with Fu Qian’s accusation, Lady Nepheli did not deny, instead sighing over the awe-inspiring nature of younger generations.

"But unfortunately, mere talent isn’t enough in many matters."

Surprised by Fu Professor’s unusual attention to the development of the Benevolence Institute, she even ambiguously lamented once again.

"Oh?"

To this, Fu Qian merely responded with a word while continuing to look unwaveringly at the scene outside the ship.

Kidding aside, how could a leading academic not be interested in the unfolding spectacle?

Like mentioned before, this was also an application he had long considered.

With Lady Nepheli assisting in solving the technical issues, it was a matter of going with the flow to catch a smooth ride, why waste such an opportunity?

"Professor Ah Kai will deeply comprehend this statement in the future."

Though Fu Professor showed little appreciation, Nepheli went on to explain.

"When I was his age, I always believed Miracle was the most correct path.

"There was no need to transform oneself into a Transcendent through materials and rituals. Instead, it was about purely governing and mastering it, a path that could only be traveled through genuine talent and knowledge, but alas—"

"Alas, isn’t your field different where a path can only be walked once?"

Lady Nepheli indeed underestimated Fu Professor. While she lamented the Transcendent life, Fu Qian casually continued her line of thought.

"Professor Ah Kai lamented to me that his office is filled with redeemed lottery tickets, though correct, they are uninspiring. Could it be you had a similar experience?"

With a casual sip to finish his tea, Fu Qian, not troubling anyone, poured himself another drink and finally glanced at Nepheli.

She undoubtedly still regarded the Academy’s development with an old mindset, thinking Expert Fu’s department collaboration was mere semblance?

Of course, guessing Nepheli’s "alas" wasn’t difficult, the implication behind it was still astonishing.

This genius of the Benevolence Institute even received numerous redeemed lottery tickets?

To the extent that it failed to bring any feedback in elevating her Supernatural Tier?

Someone had already ventured far ahead, leaving no path for those who followed?

Perhaps this was one reason that urged her to leave.

...

"Professor Fu’s pursuits are indeed extensive..."

Nepheli did not deny once more, even acknowledging Fu Qian’s academic prowess.

Yet, that was all; the former dean clearly wasn’t prepared to reveal more on this aspect.

"So what was your original plan?"

Fu Qian did not linger on the topic, instead posing a new question.

This situation was founded on mutual interests, forming a fragile equilibrium. It’d be naive to assume they were allies.

Steering away from unnecessary inquiries was pragmatic, knowing unanswerable questions would meet no response.

Considering the plan had already failed, this might not count as off-limits.

"From the moment I discovered this ship, its state was chaotic, and recent events made it even more so...

"Unable to continue controlling it, I hoped you could help purify it, then seize the opportunity to transform it into a portable, controllable item."

As expected, Nepheli answered nonchalantly.

She was planning to use us as tools all along.

Fu Qian wasn’t surprised by this result.

"Purification" sounds pleasant, but it essentially meant using the team as a blacksmith’s hammer, sparking conflict and drawing blood, with hopes that impurities would be hammered out of this scrap iron, allowing her to reap the rewards and attempt to capture and carry it away.

Perhaps it wouldn’t pose fatal danger, but undoubtedly, it’s a misfortune.

"Unfortunately, due to your exceptional performance, this notion must be abandoned, pivoting to some final desperate use."

Before Fu Qian could respond, Nepheli went on lamenting, even adopting a slightly victimized posture.

"Now the ship will take us for one final voyage, never to return."

"What about the passengers then?"

Fu Qian didn’t question the notion of scrap utilization, instead signaling towards Su Gao beside him.

The latter had been quietly listening throughout, unmoved by the myriad of secrets revealed.

"There’s no cause for concern since I’m aboard as well, not to mention those two fools. I would never persuade them to willingly face death."

Offering a sly smile, Nepheli presented two seemingly convincing reasons.

"That’s also why I decided to appear, hoping you could help stabilize Lord Stos, allowing this journey to reach its natural end. Trust me, it won’t be long.

"Conversely, should it truly be destroyed, our fates would be even more unpredictable. And Stos could genuinely accomplish that... Honestly, I’m still a bit surprised that he came."

It didn’t sound purely exaggerated; Nepheli indeed seemed somewhat puzzled.

"I’m not—have you ever seen golden fire?"

To this, Fu Qian didn’t demonstrate empathy, instead wearing a mysterious smile.

The original intention behind inviting the old master was never forgotten, and having someone before him potentially connected to that Fire of Madness was undoubtedly a delightful surprise.

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