Li Weixuan’s stance undoubtedly had a decisive effect.
Although Lanaya was reluctant, she did not argue any further at the time.
Yuan Fang seemed unconcerned as well.
Li Weixuan had hardly any interaction with him before making this statement, indicating that their personal relationship was indeed quite good.
“Professor Lanaya, you will act together with Professor Fu Qian from now on.”
After finishing, Li Weixuan turned to look at Fu Qian, his face showing no emotion.
...“Professor Fu, although I personally believe you are innocent, I still hope you can produce sufficient evidence to prove yourself.”
“We will also investigate fully on our side, and if by any chance it turns out that you are indeed involved, the Academy will not shelter anyone.”
“Of course.”
Fu Qian smiled and agreed amiably.Li Weixuan’s move seemed somewhat partial, but it was a relatively appropriate way to handle the situation.
Not to mention that his own motive for murder was so blatantly fake, on the other hand, the Academy had just issued a hearing statement in the morning.
At this time, without much evidence, it would indeed be awkward to change their mind directly and hand him over to the Night Watchman.
The only risk with the current arrangement was that he might run away, and Lanaya would not be able to stop him.
But in truth, with the strength he had previously demonstrated, if he really wanted to escape with all his might, even if these people joined forces, they might not be able to detain him.
Therefore, rather than being pushed into desperation and taking a private action to prove his innocence, it was better to maintain a higher stance.
And Li Weixuan’s seemingly arbitrary initiative actually helped to share some of the pressure off of Yuan Fang.
Indeed a great buddy, an incredibly tacit understanding!
“No point in delaying, I’ll set off with Lanaya now.”
Fu Qian did not say much, but took his leave from the people in the room directly.
Such crude framing tactics always gave the impression of buying time.
The person who killed Jia Yi seemed to be striving to gain time.
Although it was unclear what he intended to do, acting swiftly was essential.
In the end, amidst Lanaya’s sighs and the attentive gaze of the crowd, the two left together.
“Tell me where we’re going?”
Upon exiting, Lanaya looked at Fu Qian with an irritated face.
“To find two people.”
“What people? Can’t you just stay put in the Academy?”
Lanaya frowned, clearly reluctant.
“I don’t have that much time to waste following you around.”
“Fine, shall I go ask them for advice on my own then?”
…
Lanaya fell silent at Fu Qian’s words.
“Where to?”
After glaring at him fiercely, Lanaya still did not dare to let him go on his own.
“Do you know the old gentleman from yesterday’s banquet?”
Fu Qian asked with a smile.
“I know, Qiao Yanchuan is quite a prominent figure locally, although he’s not a Transcendent.”
Lanaya’s look at Fu Qian became guarded in an instant.
“Don’t cause trouble, even though there was some conflict yesterday, you’ve already scared him good. You’re not thinking of going to demand an explanation, are you?”
“As I just said, how could I possibly be that petty.”
Fu Qian waved his hand.
“I have genuine matters to discuss with Old Master Qiao. Since you know him, that’s perfect. Lead the way, please.”
…
It did not take much time for Fu Qian and Lanaya to arrive at their destination.
On the way there, Lanaya informed him that the old gentleman, Qiao Yanchuan, was nearly seventy years old and was quite an influential figure among the local common folk; this was also why he could afford to hire Transcendent bodyguards.
The only regret was that, so far, not one member of the family was a Transcendent, hence they could not gain access to the upper echelons of society.
At that moment, the Qiao Family mansion was heavily guarded with a security level that was most likely maxed out.
It was evident that Jia Yi’s death had put the old gentleman on high alert.
Of course, when Fu Qian and Lanaya showed up, he became even more nervous.
But he wasn’t audacious enough to refuse people from the Academy.
After the Guards reported their arrival for five minutes, the old gentleman finally came out to meet them, all smiles.
“Half a day apart and Old Master Qiao looks more distinguished than ever.”
Fu Qian, following behind Lanaya, greeted him with a friendly smile.
Despite being of advanced age, he still insisted on attending the silver party, truly exemplifying vigor in old age.
Unfortunately, after listening to the praise, Old Master Qiao clearly recalled something unpleasant, and his smile was as fake as if it had been pasted on.
“Professor Fu Qian, good to see you.”
Even so, he still staring at Fu Qian, greeted him attentively.
The news was indeed accurate, even managing to find out his own name.
And calling him out like this now seemed to have a deeper meaning!
Was this a show of force towards him?
Fu Qian watched Qiao Yanchuan without showing any emotion.
Indeed, the elderly often face death with equanimity.
“Professor Lanaya, have you come over to me for something?”
Seeing that addressing by name didn’t rattle Fu Qian, Old Master Qiao became somewhat flustered himself, instinctively turning to speak with Lanaya.
Unfortunately, the latter didn’t utter a word and simply glanced at Fu Qian.
How should I know what this guy is here for!
…
Seeing that Lanaya was clearly in a bad mood, Qiao Yanchuan had no choice but to turn his gaze back to Fu Qian.
“It’s actually very simple.”
There was no sign of anything unusual on Fu Qian’s face.
“Earlier today there was an incident, has Old Master Qiao heard about it?”
“Is it Jia Yi’s matter? This is indeed regrettable.”
Qiao Yanchuan’s expression changed slightly, not hiding the fact that he knew about Jia Yi.
“Yes, it’s about Mr. Jia. In fact, I didn’t know him well, and didn’t expect to encounter him at the banquet.”
While speaking, Fu Qian was sizing up the area behind Qiao Yanchuan.
The two standing to his left and right were clearly the Transcendents who had taken action during the banquet earlier.
At this moment, both were locking their attention firmly on him.
“I came here today because I have a few questions related to this matter that I would like to consult with Old Master Qiao about.”
After hearing what Fu Qian had to say, Qiao Yanchuan looked at him intently for a long time, seeming to understand his purpose.
The next moment, he suddenly let out a chuckle, leaned back in his chair, and picked up his tea for a sip.
“Feel free to ask, but keep in mind that I’m getting on in years and my memory isn’t what it used to be. I can’t guarantee I’ll be of much help.”
There! He had taken an attitude all of a sudden!
Fu Qian inwardly clicked his tongue in amazement.
“It’s just two questions. First, when did gatherings like yesterday’s start?”
“I don’t understand what you mean, Professor Fu.”
Apparently not expecting that Fu Qian would ask this, Qiao Yanchuan was taken aback and put his teacup back down.
“Friend gatherings, there’s no such thing as a start time.”
“The second question.”
Unperturbed by the obviously feigned ignorance, Fu Qian seemed not to mind at all.
“Have any Transcendents attended this gathering?”
“Yes.”
This time Old Master Qiao answered even more quickly, and pointed in his direction.
“You are one, Professor Fu.”
“You’d better think carefully before answering.”
Lanaya couldn’t help but interject at this point.
Although she didn’t understand why Fu Qian was asking this, it was clear that he was recklessly probing the bounds of danger.
“I apologize, Professor Lanaya, but indeed, my age is a bit of an issue.”
Qiao Yanchuan, however, was not flustered at all, turned his head to look at Fu Qian, and smirked coldly.
“Are you, Professor Fu, trying to clear your name regarding Jia Yi’s death? It’s a pity but I truly can’t help!”
Excess evil surely lowers one’s intelligence!
Looking at Old Master Qiao, evidently taking advantage of the situation, Fu Qian sighed.
“Repeat what you just said, I’ll allow you to organize your thoughts again.”
“…I truly can’t help—what do you want?”
Qiao Yanchuan’s gaze suddenly became wary, but he still answered out of habit.
“Go back a bit further.”
“Jia Yi’s death…”
“Yes, that’s the line.”