Chapter 419 - I'm A Professional Bluffer!

Chapter 419: I’m A Professional Bluffer!

House of Commanders.

After some time, Zheng Minghong pulled his hands back.

Fang Ping was just about to continue shattering his internal organs when Old Man Li kicked him without batting an eyelid.

That should be enough!

Even if you shattered your internal organs again, no, shattered your head, he would not entertain you anymore.

In just a short time, Zheng Minghong had transferred a large amount of imperishable substance, comparable to the amount Wu Kuishan inserted last time to save Lu Fengrou’s life. To replenish it, a lengthy cultivation period would be needed.

Of course, Zheng Minghong rarely entered the Catacombs lately. Old Man Li figured it would not make a big difference to him either way.

Fang Ping understood the situation and acted without hesitation. Instantly, he scrambled to his feet, a look of utmost respect on his face. “I am grateful to both ministers for saving my life. I am thankful that CEO Zheng has buried the hatched and aided me. It is exactly because our country has all of you Grandmasters who devote yourselves so selflessly that martial arts is prospering and thriving. It is only then that we, the young generation martial artists, have the motivation to move forward…”

Rather than showing appreciation, it was better if he did not.

Both ministers nodded with a smile. Zheng Minghong was growing more annoyed with every word Fang Ping uttered. He was in no mood to entertain him.

Why did he not say these words earlier?

Zheng Minghong kept his mouth shut. He promptly walked to one side and sat down. He decided to act as if nothing had happened earlier.

No matter how polite Fang Ping was right now, he would not take the kid seriously.

After walking into the roofless concourse and taking a seat, Zheng Minghong asked, “Guardian Wu isn’t here?”

Commander Bai took a look at him. Seeing that the conflict between both parties was over, he answered in a low voice, “The guardian has gone to River City. Please wait for a moment, everyone.”

“River City…”

Zhang Minghong seemed to be lost in thoughts. It reeked of bad news.

While he was pondering, Fang Ping employed the Mentality barrier, discussing with the MCMAU representatives very softly.

“Instructor, if there’s really something wrong with Zhao Yu later, then we must watch the two major companies closely and don’t let them go! We need to sell the shares, at least!”

Huang Jing frowned slightly. “What if there’s nothing wrong with Zhao Yu?”

If there was nothing wrong with him, then they could not just simply fabricate something against him.

Huang Jing did not agree to this. They needed to have a baseline, at least.

Fang Ping chuckled, “Naturally, I also hope that this is not true. If it really isn’t true, then it’s no big deal. It’s better to clear things up than leaving things as it is.

“But, if it’s really true, then they can’t just dismiss us with a few words.

“If they try to brush off the incident when the time comes, saying that this only concerns the individual… Instructors, you cannot let the subject drop no matter what.

“If we still can’t sell the shares that we have, now that we have offended them this time, there’s absolutely no way we can rely on these shares to gain benefits anymore.

“They know what we want anyway. In short, if there’s something wrong with Zhao Yu, then we’ll drag the two major companies into the mire.

“This is their problem. They must be responsible for this.”

Huang Jing inhaled gently, pondered, and said, “If there’s really something wrong with Zhao Yu, then we won’t let this matter drop. But, let me remind you that if there isn’t, then this ends here. You must understand that the two major companies are involved in many things.”

“I know that.”

Fang Ping nodded. Then, he scattered his Mentality barrier. In front of him, Zheng Minghong darted him a look but did not say anything.

However, Zheng Minghong suddenly felt himself losing his cool.

Fang Ping who had just stopped speaking was currently healing his injuries peacefully.

This was not the main point. The main point was, this kid’s golden bone was suddenly emitting large amounts of golden radiance, starting to grow flesh.

Zheng Minghong was so enraged he wanted to spit blood. That imperishable substance was his!

As expected, that bastard Fang Ping did not use the substance to recover earlier but had stored them into his golden bones instead.

This was not something a typical martial artist could do.

However, Fang Ping had golden bones… golden bones…

Zheng Minghong could barely think straight through his fury. Only now did he start paying attention to the main point.

This kid somehow had Rank-8 golden bones!

The look on Zheng Minghong’s face grew even more ghastly. This kid did not have a golden body yet. If he had constructed his golden body, he would have no qualms in overturning the pill company.

Whilst thinking about this, everyone in the concourse suddenly looked outside the building simultaneously.

Wu Chuan and the rest landed from the sky… Falling directly into the concourse.

Wu Chuan darted a glance at the roof that had been turned over, frowning slightly. He then shot a glance at the crowd.

Old Man Li pretended like he did not see anything. It was none of his concern.

Wu Chuan did not say much. He could already guess what happened.

At this moment, Wu Chuan was dragging two people in his hands. One of them had a ghostly pale complexion, his injuries heavy; the other looked calm, nothing out of the ordinary.

Behind them, Wu Kuishan lowered himself. He brought someone along too—Zhang Dingnan.

This incident happened in Nanjiang. Zhang Dingnan immediately wished to come along. Unfortunately, his injuries were heavy, hence he was too weak to rush over.

Naturally, both of them needed to inform him if they wished to capture the suspects in Nanjiang, as they needed Nanjiang to cooperate in the investigation.

Zhang Dingnan simply caught a free ride and came over.

As soon as they landed, Fang Ping hurriedly asked Wang Jinyang in a whisper, “Who’s the injured one?”

“Liu He.”

Fang Ping raised his eyebrows slightly. Him being injured actually signified a lot of things.

On the other hand, Zhao Yu looked absolutely calm… Fang Ping believed that Peak Rank-6 powerhouses were really important to Nanjiang; it was best for all parties if he was not a member of the evil sects.

However, comparing the suspects, if one of them had to be identified as a cultist, Fang Ping figured that Zhao Yu was more fitting for his self-interest.

Right now, it seemed like Zhao Yu was unscathed. Wu Chuan did not lay a finger on him. This implied that he had not yet been proven guilty.

Fang Ping felt that something was not quite right. Zheng Minghong could not help but frown too.

Wu Chuan brought two people here. One of them was injured. As a guardian, Wu Chuan would not attack others without any evidence.

Also, if one of them was in trouble, this signified that there was a high probability that the other person brought in together was equally in deep trouble.

Zhao Yu was someone Zheng Minghong most certainly knew.

He was the person in charge of the Nanjiang pill company. In the company, a Peak Rank-6 was qualified as a higher-up now.

If there really was a problem… Zheng Minghong felt rather uneasy now. If there was a problem with Zhao Yu, then it would be a serious one.

Zhao Yu was responsible for all the affairs in Nanjiang’s pill company. Although he did not master certain fundamental pill-manufacturing skills, such as the most fundamental secret formula for the pills, the other party knew plenty of things too.

If Zhao Yu exposed this…

Zheng Minghong’s expression remained calm, yet he was rather panicky inside.

Beside him, the weapon company’s CEO looked slightly better. He was relieved that he did not see anyone from his company.

Nevertheless, the pill and weapon companies could be viewed as the same body.

If the pill company was in trouble, the weapon company would definitely be involved.

Between them, many higher-ups were actually taking turns in holding a post in the two major companies.

…

Wu Chuan did not care what everyone was thinking. As soon as he landed, he said, “Upright Sun Martial Arts Dojo Liu He. When he was asked to assist with the investigation in Nanjiang, he attempted to resist and escape. I had to injure him.”

Wu Chuan did not pursue him as soon as he arrived in Nanjiang. Instead, he went through Nanjiang’s House of Governors to invite both of them to assist in the investigation.

Unexpectedly, when both director and deputy directors of Nanjiang’s Department of Investigation Service led him to Liu He to request cooperation with the investigation, Liu He began to strike back.

This time, Wu Chuan knew without a doubt.

This fellow most certainly was involved in something shady.

As long as one of the two suspects showed issues, then Fang Ping’s words were no longer just baseless assumptions, nor could they be written off as untrue.

Right now, the key was Zhao Yu.

If there was a problem with Zhao Yu, then the situation would be much worse than Liu He.

An injured Liu He had a weak aura. He heard what was said and defended himself, “Guardian, I, Liu He, had no intention of resisting arrest. Earlier, I was only trying to leave some words. Already Upright Sun Martial Arts Dojo is in chaos after Director Zhou’s passing… I’d never have thought that Director Xiao would not even give me a chance to explain myself, detaining me forcefully…

Wu Chuan turned a deaf ear. On the way, Liu He was constantly blabbering explanations. However, he just pretended like he had not heard a thing.

He had already observed what happened in the process clearly and secretly.

On the other hand, Zhao Yu remained collected. He looked directly at Zheng Minghong, bowed slightly, and said, “CEO Zheng.”

Zheng Minghong stared at him. Zhao Yu said in a low voice, “Everyone can judge for themselves what’s right or wrong. I am able to stand up to the investigation and the truth will come to light whether Zhao Yu is a member of the evil sect or not…”

Zheng Minghong did not say much. Sometimes, before there is a result, it was best not to make any assumptions.

He did understand this point.

Right now, he spoke with full confidence. If something was really wrong, he would be giving himself a slap in the face.

Zhang Dingnan said, “The Detective Office and Nanjiang’s House of Governors are currently making a thorough investigation. CEO Zheng, there are people investigating Nanjiang pill company’s accounts and sales records. We hope you can understand.”

Zheng Minghong nodded slightly, saying, “Governor-General Zhang, you can go ahead with the procedure and do what you need to do.”

This matter had to be investigated now. This involved the higher-ups’ renegade. They might have been infiltrated by the evil sect members. This had to be taken seriously.

Upon hearing Zhang Dingnan’s words, Fang Ping frowned slightly. If that was the case, the investigation would be dragged on?

How long would they have to wait?

After thinking for a moment, Fang Ping said, “Governor, do the evil sect members have any special traits?”

Zhang Dingnan was slightly speechless, though he still explained, “They’re all martial artists. Do you perhaps think that they will also print the words ‘evil sect member’ on their faces?”

Fang Ping’s question made him rather exasperated.

This was not like in television shows. Already evil sect members did not have enough time to conceal their identities from the start. Who would be so foolish as to put marks on their own bodies?

Fang Ping heard what he said and looked at Wu Chuan. Wu Chuan said, “Just wait. There will always be traces to find out whether it’s true or not.”

Wu Chuan was in no hurry. If Zhao Yu was truly an evil sect member, they would be able to find out.

The government’s power was much stronger than what Fang Ping could have imagined.

With a target and the suspects captured, after making a thorough investigation, results would definitely be achieved.

Fang Ping blew out a mouthful of air, thought for a moment, and said, “Guardian Wu, this wastes too much time. I think there is a simpler way.”

Wu Chuan looked at him with a faint smile. He said mildly, “Go on.”

“Liu He is definitely suspicious…”

The injured Liu He suddenly croaked hurriedly, “Grandmasters, please believe me…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Wu Chuan employed his Mentality, suppressing the man instantly to the point that he could not speak a word.

“If CEO Zhao is an evil sect member… I’m saying if. CEO Zhao, you don’t mind me making a hypothesis, right?”

Zhao Yu responded in a solemn voice, “Naturally, I won’t. Since I’m a suspect now, I ought to be detained. Needless to say a hypothesis is reasonable.

“How righteous of you, CEO Zhao!” Fang Ping said flatteringly.

Then, he continued, “If CEO Zhao is an evil sect member, then there are only two possibilities. Number one, an evil sect fanatic. Nurtured at a young age. The kind that intentionally makes his way into the pill company. Devout in the cult’s teachings. Had no scruples in lurking in the pill company.

“Number two, joined halfway through. Has been bewitched and bribed by the cults.”

Everyone nodded. This was a bunch of nonsense, though.

Fang Ping continued, “If he’s the second type, it’s no easy feat to bribe someone of CEO Zhao’s status. A Peak Rank-6! Of course, CEO Zhao may not have begun with this ability. He may have been bribed when his abilities were still weak.

“CEO Zheng, was there a time when CEO Zhao was exceptional? Or times when he had advanced by leaps and bounds across his martial arts ranks?

“For example, things like exceeding the extent of his capabilities, advancing exceptionally fast in martial arts ranks…”

Zheng Minghong frowned. After a long time, he answered, “I don’t think so.”

“CEO Zheng, you’re positive about this?”

Zheng Minghong let out a humph, saying, “Zhao Yu is a Peak Rank-6 martial artist. Even for the pill company, there aren’t many of them. Of course I would know!”

“That means that he’s cultivating step by step then.”

Fang Ping stroked his chin, saying, “Reaching this level after cultivating step by step… Then, benefits are out of the question. Since he joined the cults halfway through, then there’s definitely a scheme. Since it didn’t happen during other times… then he’s doing it now to breakthrough high rank?”

Fang Ping chuckled. “The man I killed earlier loathed CEO Zhao to the bones. I think that there is more to it than just the resentment between both parties. Maybe it involves a fight for quota for nurturing high ranks.

“In other words, CEO Zhao really wishes to breakthrough to high ranks too.

“And only the temptation to breakthrough to high ranks can cause a Peak Rank-6 martial artist to fall into the hands of the evil sect.”

Zhao Yu replied calmly, “No one out there does not wish to breakthrough to Grandmaster. Naturally, I wish it too. However, I have my own principles. President Fang, you can’t make such arbitrary speculations just because I’m a Peak Rank-6 martial artist.”

Fang Ping chuckled. “Of course. This means nothing. Coincidentally, I wish to breakthrough to Grandmaster too.”

Fang Ping then added, “Let’s talk about the first possibility then. CEO Zhao is an evil sect fanatic nurtured from a very young age.”

“Actually, evil sect fanatics like this are the easiest to weed out!”

Fang Ping said pleasantly, “I heard that the evil sect fanatics show an intense agreement toward the cult’s ideals, treating the Patriarch and true god as their ancestors, obeying every word they say.”

Wu Chuan nodded and answered, “Something like that does exist.”

“That’s simple then. Grandmasters, if you don’t mind, I will now give the Patriarch and true god a good scolding. Grandmasters, please release your Mentalities and observe any fluctuations in CEO Zhao’s mind. I think it will be noticeable if he really is an evil sect member, even if a martial artist is extremely strong psychologically.

“There will be fluctuations of some degree when faced with situations like this.”

As soon as he said those words, everyone was slightly stunned.

Honestly, in the last few years, many evil sect members were caught. However, it was either they were caught red-handed, or they were secretly observed for information after becoming a suspect. There were rarely times they did what Fang Ping did.

People like Zhao Yu would usually not be captured before conclusive evidence was found against them.

This time, it was only because Fang Ping accused with supposed evidence and caused a storm that they captured and brought the other party here without any evidence.

Wu Chuan started mulling it over. What Fang Ping said was not too reliable… but it could work, though.

The Department of Investigation Services and the Military Department had not considered using this method to interrogate in the past.

Perhaps… perhaps it could be adopted too.

“Alright. Try it then.”

The moment Fang Ping heard those words, he did not hold back. Immediately, he began cursing, “Your bullsh*t Patriarch is just a pile of sh*t. What sort of d*ckhead plaything…@#¥%…”

Fang Ping cursed as soon as he opened his mouth. A string of insults commonly used nationwide was heard for a long time. Impressively, none of them were repeated.

Once he was done cursing the Patriarch, he went on to cursing the true god. After cursing the true god, he cursed their bullsh*t ideas.

This was the first time someone used common curses for more than ten minutes in the presence of nearly twenty Grandmaster powerhouses.

The Grandmasters released their Mentalities, observing the emotional changes of both suspects in the concourse.

Under the observations of so many Grandmasters, even middle and low-ranked martial artists found it difficult to conceal their own emotional fluctuations.

On the ground, Liu He was flushed red.

Yet he could not say a word.

Everyone could also sense his rage, resentment, and rancor…

At this point, Liu He no longer made any attempts to conceal it.

Wu Chuan did not even give him a chance to explain himself. There was almost no chance for him to escape this time.

After sensing this change, Wu Chuan frowned slightly. Even though Fang Ping’s curses made his ears itch, the effect… was still slightly visible.

More than ten minutes had passed. Fang Ping was tired of cursing too.

Zheng Minghong breathed a sigh of relief, saying, “There aren’t any emotional fluctuations in Zhao Yu.”

Fang Ping chuckled. “This can only prove that CEO Zhao isn’t an evil sect fanatic. Some people are egoistic and only believe in themselves. Who gives a damn about the Patriarch. But, with this, we can rule out the possibility that CEO Zhao is an evil sect fanatic nurtured since young.

“Whereas the second type, the possibility of him joining in halfway has not been ruled out yet.”

Fang Ping continued, “If he joined halfway, then CEO Zhao certainly didn’t join in when he was still weak. Otherwise, there will be noticeable traces.

“CEO Zhao has joined the pill company. In order to push his way into the higher-ups quicker, I believe that the evil sects will invest in CEO Zhao.

“CEO Zheng, how many years has CEO Zhao worked in the pill company?”

Zheng Minghong thought for a moment. Suddenly, he fished out his phone and made a call. After a moment, he hung up, saying, “34 years.”

“It took him such a long time to only become the pill company’s provincial CEO … I think that the possibility of him joining the evil sect when he was weak isn’t high.

“The more probable situation was that it happened recently. After entering Rank-6 or Peak Rank-6, as he could no longer advance further, CEO Zhao has been tempted.

“Otherwise, with CEO Zhao’s status and identity, he will have more than enough to satisfy his daily cultivation needs.”

Zheng Minghong nodded, saying, “Of course. With Zhao Yu’s identity and a part of the pill company, he will definitely not end up to a point in which he can’t even satisfy his own cultivation needs.

Fang Ping chuckled. “CEO Zheng is rather confident of this. We have too many people in the martial arts universities, hence we don’t have sufficient resources for ourselves.”

Zheng Minghong’s complexion turned dark. He was merely explaining that the possibility of Zhao Yu’s treachery might not be high.

If they wished to tempt Zhao Yu into relying on the cults, unless the cults agreed to help him breakthrough Rank-7, otherwise, it would be impossible.

Fang Ping asked again, “How long has CEO Zhao been in Peak Rank-6?”

“Eight years.”

Zheng Minghong understood this really well.

“Eight years. He didn’t even attain Mentality-Vitality fusion. This means that stepping into Rank-7 is really hard. Who knows how many more years he’ll need. At this time, in order to become a high-ranked powerhouse, it’s understandable why he would do certain things.”

“Fang Ping, speak with evidence. Are you trying to say that all Peak Rank-6 will be tempted then?”

Fang Ping chuckled. “That won’t be the case. I’d like to ask CEO Zhao, is your Vitality complete?”

Zhao Yu frowned slightly, nodding. “It’s complete.”

“What about Mentality?”

“Average.”

“That means that what CEO Zhao needs is not Vitality resources but treasures that can enhance Mentality. These things are difficult even for the evil sect to obtain!”

Fang Ping sighed, “If they wish to make you a high rank, or attain Mentality-Vitality fusion, then they need to use these things to tempt you.

“A Rank-6 powerhouse will not be easily tempted by a few empty words. There must be practical and tangible benefits.

“CEO Zhao, I’ll ask you again. In the last few years, have you obtained any Mentality-enhancing treasures?

“If you’ve obtained one before, can you tell us where you obtained it as well as the specific details?”

Zhao Yu shook his head. “I didn’t.”

This thing he was talking about was no common cabbage, how could it be obtained so easily?

Fang Ping laughed suddenly, “Everyone present here, has anyone obtained treasures like this or consumed any before?”

Everyone exchanged glances. After a long time, everyone shook their heads.

They had never used this sort of thing.

“Then, does anyone know that if these treasures have been consumed and digested, it will actually leave residual aura in the body indefinitely?”

As soon as he said those words, Zhao Yu’s eyes moved ever so slightly.

Fang Ping thought nothing of it. He looked at Li Changsheng and smiled. “Dean Li, you’ve consumed the Energy Essence before. Until now, there is still the residual aura of the Life Force…”

Old Man Li thought for a moment and said, “The time I took to consume it was too short.”

Fang Ping shook his head. “Even if the time was longer, there will still be traces of it. This is actually very easy to notice. It’s just that no one pays much attention to it normally.

“CEO Zhao claims that he didn’t consume any Mentality-enhancing treasures. Whereas based on my judgment, if he turned to rely on the evil sect in order to breakthrough high rank, then, the evil sect will definitely bring out treasures that can arouse his interest!

“For CEO Zhao, what are the things that are difficult to obtain?

“Only Mentality-enhancing treasures. For a person who desires to breakthrough as a Rank-7 powerhouse, no one can hold back from consuming this kind of thing, right?

“If they only gave empty words, CEO Zhao would never believe them.

“At least, the other party needs to throw in some bait for CEO Zhao to take.

“If CEO Zhao has consumed any, then there will certainly be residual aura. He can’t sense the residual aura with his Mentality, but the Grandmasters can.

“Right now, I’d like to ask all Grandmasters to take this as your aim and begin investigating carefully.

“If there are no traces of any particular residual aura, that means that my speculations earlier are wrong, and we can only await the upcoming checks…

“If there are…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Zhao Yu cut him off, saying, “In the last few years, I’ve entered the Catacombs multiple times. I’ve consumed tons of herbs and nameless energy fruits. I don’t know if they’re treasures that can enhance Mentality or not. After all, I can’t expel Mentality. I can’t sense my own Mentality growth clearly.”

As he said that, Zhao Yu concluded, “I think that this point can’t be evidence to support your speculations.”

Fang Ping burst out laughing and said teasingly, “Tsk, tsk. As soon as I mentioned it, CEO Zhao is already claiming that he may have consumed it before. Has this Mentality-enhancing stuff turned into a cabbage now? One that you can find everywhere?

“Also, if there truly are treasures like this, I believe that even though the feeling isn’t significant, martial artists will also have a clear sense of the changes in their own bodies, right?”

Zhao Yu said in a low voice, “I’m only speculating. I didn’t confirm whether I’ve consumed any before.”

Fang Ping smiled. “That makes sense. Of course, I believe CEO Zhao. I can’t say for sure whether others believe you or not, though.”

Fang Ping stared at Zheng Minghong whilst grinning. He asked, “CEO Zheng, do you believe him?”

Zheng Minghong kept a straight face and did not utter a word.

Zhao Yu was becoming more and more suspicious!

As for Fang Ping, he laughed again suddenly, saying, “Actually, there are still many other ways to prove it. Since the evil sect has given the benefits, they will definitely ask for something in return.

“For example, some of the pill company’s secret formulae and skills.

“Have these things cropped up in the evil sect lately?

“For example, perhaps they’re carrying more pills with them now?

“Especially in Nanjiang. We can check with the Department of Investigation Services and Military Department. Whether there are any differences found in the recently exterminated evil sect members.

“Of course, this can’t conclusively prove anything either.

“It’s fine. We can investigate that slowly. Whether it is true or not, there will be a result sooner or later.

“This includes what CEO Zhao claimed about consuming countless nameless herbs and energy fruits before. Describe them one by one and we’ll follow the illustration and trace them out. See if any of them can enhance Mentality.

“Also, the location where you obtained them. Certain things are not found in every Catacombs.

“There are records for the Catacombs in which CEO Zhao had entered as well as the time spent there.

“If the evil sect did supply certain Mentality-enhancing items, CEO Zhao can indeed describe it clearly. However, CEO Zhao has to be careful not to list out the wrong location where it was produced.

“This plaything is really rare. It really is not found just about anywhere.

“You’re only a Rank-6, so you don’t know much. However, Rank-9 powerhouses have a broad range of experience. I believe that Guardian Wu knows certain Catacombs’ local specialty, especially this type of Mentality-enhancing goods. Am I right, Guardian Wu?”

Wu Chuan darted him a look, nodding slightly. He was not lying. Although many people did not understand these items, many Rank-9s knew very well in their hearts.

Zhao Yu’s expression remained the same. However, Wu Chuan did not take his eyes off him. Certain emotional changes could be felt.

Sighing in his heart, Wu Chuan did not say anything.

The results would be out sooner or later as they investigated.

They would not drop this matter just like that either.

As for Fang Ping’s claim about the residual aura… Fine, Wu Chuan could honestly say that it was not true.

What sort of senseless logic!

As time passed, it would vanish. Where would there be any residues?

However, a typical person did not understand much about this. Even Rank-8 martial artists did not know much about it, not to mention Zhao Yu.

After all, none of them had consumed any!

As for those who had, especially treasures that could enhance Mentality, Zhao Yu had not attained the stage in which he could expel Mentality, so he had no idea nor could he sense it, actually.

Fang Ping was clearly bluffing!

However, Fang Ping made the bluff seem quite real. Wu Chuan dared conclude that many Grandmasters present there believed him. Perhaps only a few might doubt him.

As for Zhao Yu, the chances of him being bribed were extremely high.

Wu Chuan did not expose Fang Ping either. By using this tactic, he might be able to trick certain things out of him.

Zheng Minghong had also sensed certain changes in Zhao Yu.

At this moment, there were some slight changes in Zheng Minghong’s expression, seemingly ghastly.

Something was wrong indeed!