Chapter 2223: Chapter 2218: The Crucified King of Men (8)

From behind the scenes to the front stage, how many internal struggles lie in between?

The arrangement is so conspicuous, its meaning is self-evident.

Unlike the hidden presence in the corner earlier, it’s clearly placed there for you to find.

So much so that no matter how you look at it, it seems "escalation of tension" is the only fitting term.

So not only as predicted, is there really someone waiting in the interview setting, but even from the start, the scale is astonishing?

Marveling at the wonders of the world, Fu Qian also understands the subtlety of the situation.

When the opponent chooses to show their hand openly rather than resorting to intrigue, it often means the move is hard to counter.

After all, the reason for secret actions is likely easy resolution upon discovery.

As for the current situation, it’s like a zero-cost product that’s unsellable hanging there—how exactly should it be dealt with?

No reaction, just walk in ignoring it?

It may seem calm and composed, yet undoubtedly reveals insecurity.

Such an eye-catching thing thrown in your face, such a move almost blatantly signals acknowledgment of its complexity, trying to cover one’s ears while stealing a bell.

No reaction, then just pass by without entering?

Doesn’t that require an explanation for the clear motivation that led you here?

Not to mention claiming the name Ariel from the start, a name with such resonance.

React, curiously play with it, then really treat it as an ugly rag doll?

It seems relatively decent, but have you forgotten that behind the doll is a Second Phase with various strange means?

Perhaps the distance now is not close enough to confirm, but once you have it in hand, are you truly confident it won’t be detected whether you are a Transcendent or of what ranking?

Drop the facade directly, enter Shura Mode, kill and reduce the rag doll to dust?

Not to mention how much damage this bait, thrown out to scare the grass and startle the snake, can transmit to the controller, what if it’s a coordinated action by the Night Watchmen?

Wouldn’t this fisherman immediately become a sandpiper caught between the clam?

All in all, the small rag doll hanging there is a true open strategy based on self-confidence in strength. The moment it’s displayed, it means you have to reveal something in return—Fu Qian walked in without a moment’s hesitation.

Throughout the process, his gaze remained fixed on the rag doll, unhidden in his attention towards it.

Cre-eak—

After arriving close, Fu Qian had already casually dragged over a wooden chair, sitting upright, with his gaze continuing to lock onto it.

This is my answer, now it’s your turn.

Lady Needle Witch, please.

...

Fu Qian’s stance was straightforward.

Not only noticing the rag doll, but knowing at first glance it wasn’t simple, and even not minding showing this awareness.

No matter how you look at it, such a reaction could be summed up as boldness.

Besides proving honesty, it’s no wiser than any previous choices—but don’t forget the purpose of being here.

The reason for coming is precisely because it’s likely someone would be waiting here.

Whether it’s the Night Watchmen or the Native Council, whoever is here is whom I’m seeking.

No matter how sly you are, how elusive, I, Ariel, have never changed my surname.

My heart and actions are clear as a bright mirror, not merely words.

...

No matter how secretive an underground organization the Native Council is, or how much infiltration of the Night Watchmen it has, Fu Qian does not believe the primary violence institution would be completely ignorant of their situation.

Not to mention that Brother Ariel had already been actively involved in actions in both Shangjing and Dunis.

The present reaction may seem unusual, making it unclear what’s on the mind, but don’t forget according to the previous hypothesis, it seems Lord Ariel’s operational mode was always a black box inputting targets and outputting results?

Even for Nepheli, the creator, it might not be possible to meticulously explore the internal operations, right?

I am currently in that state, and since it doesn’t contradict the ultimate goal, I act without knowing fear.

Thinking this way, doesn’t the current portrayal become lifelike?

This subtle sense of otherness highlights the issue lying with the controller behind the rag doll.

Originally to probe Fu Qian, the opponent now has to make a judgment based on this probing result.

For instance, what is "Ariel’s" intention for this trip to react in such a manner to this scene?

And further, what exactly does the Native Council intend?

Previously mentioned, this is a duel involving three major Extraordinary Organizations.

In the contest of heroes, no one can remain unaffected.

...

As for whether this overly bold action would cause the Night Watchmen behind the rag doll, realizing something’s amiss, to take immediate drastic measures for elimination?

According to the understanding of their style, such a risk indeed exists, and it seems like a development that would amuse the Native Council to death.

But actually, even if it really happens, operations can still continue.

At that time, it might not even require fighting; as long as you seize the opportunity to escape the encirclement, all subsequent consequences will be borne by the real Young Master Ariel.

Besides running to the Lonely King to wait with patience, I will suddenly have another way to complete the mission—letting the Night Watchmen help find Ariel.

In Fu Qian’s beautiful imagination of the future, as if feeling this emotion, despite no change in the wind blowing into the house, the rag doll stopped swaying—then began to rotate.

In the blink of an eye, only the face with the mouth aligned directly this way.

Even in the silent gaze, two red points emerged from the irregular face, like a blush on shy cheeks.

...

Not bad, quickly answered.

In such an efficient scene, how could Fu Qian be dissatisfied?

Even if those shy, red cheeks, clearly carry a strong scent of blood.

The speed of warfare is valued; the opponent’s quick response saved time and undoubtedly conveyed confidence.

Behind the rag doll, there might indeed be more than just Lady Corin.

Besides that, it seems the Night Watchmen really do not intend to kill on the spot.

The reasons within are worth pondering.

And in that brief moment when the rag doll oozed blood, Fu Qian had already sensed something strange—he seemed to be bleeding too, in another way.

After Brother Leech’s earlier advice, the active skin on the back of his hand seemed to have grown more independently.

And blood, following an abnormal path, began to converge there.

The final result presented was uncannily like a bloodsucking parasite awakening to feast.

A curse?

In the face of such a change, Fu Qian easily recalled Yuan Shan’s description of Corin’s ability.

Of course, it’s not a mere coincidence; upon turning to look at him, the rag doll seemed to be weakening his resistance to this place in a special way.

Why do this? It’s simple upon reflection.

Brother Leech once said that the rippling bloody light was the Lonely King’s great glory reflected.

It seems he has been made a tool to seek the "King."

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