Facing an Ancient God for a Year-Chapter 1356 - 1354: Fallen Guest Empire (13)

Lady Raven.

High-collared long dress, gauzy cloak, this expected visitor indeed presented the demeanor of a lady accustomed to luxury.

Even on her somewhat aged face, her features appeared gentle, with no hint of the deep bitterness typical of a resistance organization—even though she was violently invited here at this moment.

Marianne’s arrangements were not surprising at all for Fu Qian.

After being provoked into demanding to go along, she found herself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Her level of danger increased step by step, her motives became more and more unsettling, and bringing someone directly into the organization without due caution could very well become a disaster.

But if she didn’t bring her into the organization, breaking her promise could also immediately invite disaster.

In this deadlock, leveraging her cooperating stance to sacrifice an insignificant base and escape like a cicada shedding its shell, thus preserving the initiative for the organization, was already the best outcome—from her perspective.

Everyone’s perception has its limits, and it’s well known that leadership has a broad vision.

As an organization virtually built purely on faith, when encountering another concept that might feel like a dimensional downfall, even with the fierce endorsement from nightmares, ignoring it was absolutely not an option.

To prevent unrest among people, facing it head-on was the only option.

Either eliminate it swiftly and thoroughly, or painstakingly disprove it.

Thus, after the previous series of accelerated maneuvers and the subsequent attack, Fu Qian was quite clear this meeting would happen.

This is also why she was willing to cooperate all the way.

The worst outcome for her was merely wasting time waiting, and then facing a large-scale encirclement by elite Awakeners, while the exchange was bound to occur.

And the best outcome was right in front of her, no need for any notice; Lady Raven had been keeping track of Marianne’s whereabouts, appearing in a peaceful manner as soon as they departed, ready to engage in a discussion of philosophies.

Not a moment wasted.

"You can call me Raven or Madam."

After greeting, she directly walked to the side and sat down, immediately introducing herself upon arrival.

"All right, Lady Raven."

Fu Qian remained amiable, closed the door, and sat beside her.

"First of all, thank you for your kindness towards Marianne and them, for not taking offense at the invitation. I am here for a sincere exchange."

Lady Raven’s expression was sincere, her words straightforward.

"I only brought one guard with me, who stayed outside, so please don’t worry about any unfriendly behavior."

"No problem, I’m equally looking forward to this exchange and must also thank Marianne for arranging it."

...

Fu Qian gestured with her hand, indicating not to worry, yet her excessively relaxed attitude caused a brief silence from Lady Raven.

The fact that she appeared so quickly without revealing any surprise on the other’s face could only be explained by Marianne’s seemingly prudent arrangements having long been seen through, including how she came here...

"I have a certain connection with every Awakener."

With this thought, Lady Raven chose to be further candid.

Sure enough.

Fu Qian still did not show any surprise.

"But they don’t know about it?"

"No, sometimes when guiding a group of confused people, it’s still necessary to maintain some mystery."

"I understand, discovering new members is through this too?"

Fu Qian was very appreciative of Lady Raven’s candor.

"Yes, sometimes I can even become aware of their uniqueness faster than they themselves... and manage to instill self-belief in them."

"It’s just now, I seem to find it hard to do so in good conscience."

With emotions restrained while observing Fu Qian, Lady Raven cut straight to the point.

"Honestly, in that world, I seem to have never heard of the Dark Moon, where did you come to know about it?"

Truly impressive, such a leader not wasting any time is truly rare!

Challenged with queries, Fu Qian did not regret arranging this meeting more than ever.

"Initially, from a world within a painting."

World Within the Painting?

Lady Raven was visibly taken aback upon hearing this.

"That special Nightmare involving a vast number of people? Yet in there, it seems there’s also no mention of the Dark Moon?"

"You really know quite a bit about that!"

Not rushing to answer, Fu Qian smiled as she commented.

These two sentences by Lady Raven carried quite a bit of information, not only indicating that she was indeed able to traverse the world from which he came, but also delving into quite a bit of information gathered, such as the recent Nightmare invasions.

Not surprising, as it was a reference to their own situation.

"Not enough."

Lady Raven, however, was very humble.

"Additionally, for some content, I haven’t shared it 100% with Marianne and them."

"Understood, it’s a very normal approach at a certain stage of development to maintain cohesion through authority."

Fu Qian found it very understandable.

"In any case, from the first day of opening my eyes in that world... Stars Association, decrees, The Sect, I have been striving to comprehend more to solidify my beliefs and those of everyone."

Lady Raven appeared as if reminiscing the glorious days of the past.

"The process was so bewildering and painful that I wouldn’t want anyone else to endure it."

"If it wasn’t for the guidance from the Stars Association, I might still be trapped in confusion, yet now I hear it’s all just an illusion."

Though clearly striving to control her emotions, Lady Raven’s gaze had become slightly piercing.

"Lord Golim Xiao, I’m uncertain of your full intentions, but since you’re willing to cooperate by coming here, I assume you have questions for me."

"If possible, I’d like this to be an exchange; for answers to my questions, please be open and sincere."

"Deal, when was the last time you entered that side?"

Fu Qian smiled more broadly, agreeing very straightforwardly.

"The day before yesterday, what’s the matter?"

"So you haven’t slept for the past two days?"

Fu Qian looked surprised.

"This Nightmare is not so simple as just falling asleep to enter reality."

Lady Raven sighed gently.

"The opportunity to walk in that world nearly appears randomly and is difficult to grasp."

"Even I only appeared in these events earlier than Marianne and them."

"The only comfort is that no matter how long it is before returning, only one minute would have passed over there, so there’s no worry about missing anything."

Indeed aligning quite well with the definition of a Nightmare.

With a new piece of knowledge gained, Fu Qian rubbed his chin.

"And when coming back?"

"Requires a state of sleep, but likewise not controlled by oneself."

"Although the time flow over here doesn’t strictly follow a minute-by-minute rule, overall, the times on both sides still parallel each other basically."

Fascinating.

Fu Qian nodded slightly.

"So when was the first time you woke up?"

"A month ago."

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