Blasphemy Wizard by Deceit World
Chapter 53: The Mastermind Behind the Scenes

Chapter 53: Chapter 53: The Mastermind Behind the Scenes

The props Zhou Xu and his team employed were of no insignificant tier, specifically designed for sealing Ancient Objects. It could be said that the members of the Deceit Bureau had sufficiently prepared for this operation.

But alas,

they hadn’t anticipated Wang Chuan uncovering the complete true name corresponding to the ruined statue of the Abyss Old God, and chanting it aloud within the real world. This caused the emergence of the New God from the Ancient Object, rendering their meticulously prepared measures useless before they even had the chance to act, and leaving them hung upside down.

If Yang Qizhou hadn’t arrived in time,

then once the New God was born, they would have been devoured as offerings.

As time passed, under the influence of mystical forces, all the twisted flesh within the exhibit hall retreated back into the ruined statue of the Abyss Old God. Wang Chuan’s complete form was revealed, lying lifeless on the ground, unconscious.

It’s finally over.

Yang Qizhou exhaled slightly and said, "Handle the aftermath properly. I don’t want any similar occurrences in the future."

Zhou Xu could discern the Lamp-holder’s dissatisfaction from his tone, feeling somewhat nervous. After pondering for a moment, he replied, "Rest assured, once we return, the Bureau will secretly execute Wang Chuan. As for the ruined statue of the Abyss Old God, it will be stored in a secure location, ensuring that events like this will not happen again."

"Can’t we destroy this Ancient Object outright?"

"Unfortunately, according to revelations within the game, Ancient Objects cannot be truly destroyed."

Cannot be truly destroyed?

What does that mean?

Yang Qizhou did not press further. Activating the effects of the Hidden God’s Clothes, his figure gradually faded, as if erased by an invisible rubber.

The crises involving Sister Xin and the little bean sprout had been resolved, the birth of the New God prevented. Though he hadn’t managed to give Wang Chuan a proper beating, considering the man was going back only to be executed, Yang decided not to trouble the scoundrel further.

The threads of fate had been overlaid, his job hadn’t been attended today, and Yang wondered if he’d be getting fired for skipping work.

Seeing the Lamp-holder’s figure fade away, Zhou Xu spoke up anxiously,

"Please wait..."

Yang Qizhou did not pause, rapidly entering the Hidden State, thinking: ’Nothing good ever comes from them calling me over. Best not get tangled with the official departments; slipping away is the better choice.’

Watching as the Lamp-holder ignored him and quickly vanished, Zhou Xu sighed lightly...

"I’d originally planned to try inviting him to join the Deceit Bureau, even as an adjunct member. Unfortunately, the Lamp-holder clearly has no such intentions."

Others felt a similar regret.

In truth, the Deceit Bureau maintained rigorous standards for recruiting members, not just on strength but also progress within the game, character, mindset, and other criteria...

The Lamp-holder had saved the thousands of civilians in the Diamond Building, rescuing them from Wang Chuan’s grasp on multiple occasions.

His qualifications were unimpeachable.

Regrettably...

The Lamp-holder seemed utterly uninterested in joining any official affiliation.

"Director Zhou, what’s the plan now?" asked Old Chen.

Zhou Xu turned his gaze toward Wang Chuan. "Take him and the Ancient Object back for processing. Entrust the aftermath to the Assistance Division. Coordinate with the relevant departments to seal off the building for a day. Only reopen once we’ve confirmed there are no remaining hazards."

"And the Lamp-holder...?"

In Zhao Keke’s eyes was a gleam of excitement. Little girls often idolized heroes, and though she was capable in her own right, she was no exception.

"Just follow through with our prior plan: report the incidents of weather manipulation, the slaying of a high-ranking Abyss Old God, and so on. File a petition with the higher-ups to elevate the Lamp-holder’s rating to S-grade."

...

...

Shortly after the Deceit Bureau members departed with Wang Chuan and the Ancient Object, a figure cloaked in black mist and wearing a monster mask stepped into view. Medium-built, the figure emerged into an unsettling darkness.

"Damn it, just a bit more."

"To make an unborn New God experience fear—is this an effect of the Ancient Object, or something else entirely?"

"Someone who’s slain a high-position Abyss Old God... To think a player has reached such levels. It seems this world cannot be underestimated."

"Lamp-holder."

"I’ve remembered you."

The voice dripped with venomous hatred. Soon after, the figure disappeared.

In the moderately dim exhibit hall, Yang Qizhou disengaged the effects of the Hidden God’s Clothes, his figure emerging as if drawn by an invisible brush.

Indeed,

he hadn’t left at all. He’d stayed behind for one specific purpose: to observe whether the hidden hand behind Wang Chuan would reveal itself. Two hours had passed, and no suspicious individual had appeared; Yang Qizhou had started doubting his hypothesis. He hadn’t anticipated this twist of events—just as he was about to leave, this black mist-cloaked figure, practically advertising "I’m the villain," showed up.

"As expected,"

"Wang Chuan’s madness and the Abyss God’s birth were orchestrated by a hidden hand."

"After such a confrontation, animosity between us is inevitable. Although the Hidden God’s Clothes’ effects make it highly unlikely that he would locate me, some precautions are still necessary."

"First, track this individual and pinpoint his hideout. If possible, uncover his true identity."

"And then..."

"Report him to the Deceit Bureau."

"Eradicating all uncertainties brought by Deceit World is precisely their responsibility—let them deal with the headache."

"I’m simply too despicable."

...

...

Yang Qizhou wasn’t exactly a master stalker. However, the Hidden God’s Clothes’ effects were overwhelmingly powerful, concealing his existence entirely within the fabric of reality. With no fear of being discovered, tracking the black mist figure became relatively effortless.

The two departed the Diamond Building and soon arrived at a secluded alley.

Suddenly, the black mist figure stopped.

"Has he spotted me?"

Yang Qizhou felt a jolt of alarm before quickly realizing something was off. The Hidden God’s Clothes was a Quasi-legend tier Ancient Object; while in the Hidden State, it was nearly impossible for him to be detected.

It was then,

that a low, raspy voice emerged from the black mist figure. "Stop hiding, come out. I’ve known you’ve been following me."

Yang Qizhou’s lips curled into a cold smile. This was the hidden hand that had orchestrated the Abyss Old God’s emergence in reality—ruthless and coldhearted by nature. If he’d truly discovered Yang Qizhou, he would’ve acted instantly.

Why waste time on words?

Maintain composure and observe further developments.

"If you won’t reveal yourself soon, I’ll have to drag you out myself." The black mist thickened, twisting the figure’s shadow grotesquely.

Still playing games?

Yang Qizhou sneered inwardly at the individual’s despicable tactics but nonetheless altered his approach.

Now, he would intentionally reveal himself, pretending to have been tricked into coming out. This would instill a false sense of superiority in the hidden hand, potentially making them drop their guard during subsequent dialogue. The goal: coax out more information.

An excellent plan, indeed.

Besides, he had the Dark Crow of Profane Fortune at his command. If things went awry, he could simply restart the destiny line, erasing any trace of their interaction.

Yes, an excellent plan.

Resolving inwardly, Yang Qizhou disengaged the Hidden State, feigning an expression of shock as he spoke: "Care to explain? How exactly did you notice me?"

The figure enshrouded in black mist fell silent for an extended moment, eyes betraying astonishment.

It was quite a while before the figure spoke:

"There’s... actually someone here."