Chapter 2308: Chapter 2303: Human Skin Mask

"Professor Viron."

Indeed, just as Wen Li mentioned earlier, the old master who came specifically to greet them looked in good spirits.

Not only was his expression calm and resolute, but perhaps because of the recent setbacks, even his innate pride seemed diminished.

Fu Qian felt deeply that no matter one’s age, one should never give up on progress and offered a friendly greeting.

As for Wen Li beside him, she appeared much more serious by comparison and followed with a formal salute.

"I wasn’t here earlier. After returning, I heard from Wen Li that you visited my place yesterday. Is the situation at the Divine Ashes Institute still manageable?"

With the old master’s scrutiny, Fu Qian did not beat around the bush and expressed his intentions directly to show goodwill.

After all, as the saying goes, harmony brings wealth; his image here had been somewhat mediocre before.

Though Old Master Viron may not easily show his emotions, others observing the exchange on this side could inevitably feel the caution.

"It’s still manageable... I must thank Professor Fu. If it weren’t for your reminder, Linghui might have taken a major fall this time."

Speaking so earnestly after the visit, the old master nodded slightly and even gave sincere thanks, displaying a spirit of straightforwardness.

"Including Wen Li here, we must thank you for your care."

His gaze then fell on Wen Li, and Viron seemed somewhat gratified about the state of this rising star in the Psychic Series.

"No need for thanks, it’s what I should do."

Wen Li, who felt cared for, hadn’t even spoken before Fu Qian waved his hand, indicating it was unnecessary to mind.

Frankly, regarding Miss Wen, similar words had been said before, such as when mentioning the daughter of an old acquaintance to Chief Yuan in Shangjing.

This time, it was still effective; Old Master Viron took about two thoughtful seconds before speaking again.

"Please come with me, I happen to have something I’d like you to see."

...

It is impossible not to be suspicious.

After all those years, even if most of his time had been spent in academia, he still had a sense for human interactions and worldly affairs.

In Fu Qian’s view, although he and Wen Li’s performances had been stellar during this time, and their maneuvers seemed justified, ultimately, the new star of Linghui was forcefully left at Heaven’s Commencement Institute, and seemed to stay quite comfortably.

Even if there’s no evidence of the nature of their relationship before, Old Master’s mind might be drums beating, pondering whether Wen Li would still want to return to Divine Ashes Institute.

Especially, logically speaking, regardless of what decision Wen Li made, Linghui seemed not to have a position to criticize.

It seemed like resources were poured into aiding her rise to the top, however, given the situation that later unfolded, it’s hard to say what would have happened if Wen Li continued to stay at Linghui.

Although everything seemed normal at the moment, the origin of that bizarre "Sufferer’s" ritual still left its risks unpredictable.

From this perspective, Wen Li’s attitude towards Linghui was already considered polite.

"Oh? Is it still Si Lei?"

Unfortunately, the two visitors today were masters at hiding emotions, and Old Master Viron gained nothing from their reactions.

Fu Qian quickly got into the state of mind, showing great curiosity about what he mentioned.

Remembering the last victim’s name quite clearly as well.

"Not him. His situation is actually lighter, and he’s mostly okay now."

Viron quickly abandoned focusing on those details, explaining Si Lei’s recent condition while leading the way and shaking his head.

"After you left last time, we immediately used various methods to confirm and stabilize his condition. It seemed he wasn’t deeply influenced... but soon we discovered a more troubling situation."

...

A place never before visited.

Not only did Linghui have an overbearing approach to the outside world, but the internal hierarchy felt ingrained within their cultural fabric.

With Viron leading the way, and given the recent tumultuous times, others would fervently avoid eye contact as they passed, lacking any exchange of glances.

Nevertheless, this did indicate that the earlier mentioned situation was under control, not a mere empty claim. People clearly began returning to normal operations, no longer gathering for decontamination as before.

The more troubling situation Viron mentioned had its address nowhere near the previous chandelier hall.

After traversing through distinctly unfamiliar territory, suddenly the path led downward.

The surroundings bore decor reminiscent of the galaxy of stars from that hall, appearing as if constructed during the same era, marking key areas not for everyday access.

Even compared to the item they lost to Heaven’s Commencement Institute before, the security level seemed higher here.

"Right up ahead."

Passing through several doors, Fu Qian noted familiar prohibitions akin to those that restricted the guardian beast of the Bone Spirit Realm’s entrance.

But the scale was grander, nearly forming a matrix and converging towards a specific direction.

As expected, Viron made a gesture in that direction.

Reaching a door resembling black wax, before Fu Qian could even admire the interlinked circular patterns on it, it opened from the inside.

"Professor Yang, thank you for your hard work."

Facing a new figure, Fu Qian immediately greeted him.

The person behind the door was easily recognizable, and among the visitors this time, was the one exuding the most overwhelming aura, whose face looked dissatisfied even now.

Another Demigod of Divine Ashes Institute, the veteran Professor Yang, known for his not-so-great temper.

Regardless, for such an esteemed Demigod to appear in this guardian role was enough to prove Viron’s earlier mention of a "more troubling" situation.

"Professor Fu."

It’s a pity that Professor Yang’s mental preparedness didn’t match Viron’s. Facing Fu Qian’s greeting of appreciation, he merely responded with a poker face.

"Is that what you meant?"

Unfazed, Fu Qian gestured inside without delay, bringing attention directly to the main issue.

A windowless space with interlaced metal rings outlining an open cage structure, allowing clear sight of the person "imprisoned" within.

Indeed, a person sitting on a bench, head drooped, showing no reaction to the crowd’s arrival.

From the clothing, they might be identified as a mentor from Divine Ashes, just that their face seemed unfamiliar—

Whoosh!

In the midst of Fu Qian’s observation, that rather abstract face was suddenly grabbed by a bloody hand.

The force was apparent, and before one could imagine the pain, the skin was promptly and cleanly peeled off, revealing the blood and bone beneath.

Admittedly, the sight somehow appeared familiar now.

Although Fu Qian’s gaze focused more on the person’s feet, where numerous similar masks embedded with human skin seemed to writhe, climbing upward as if alive.

"Yes."

Viron opportunely confirmed from the side.

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