Li Xin had made a reservation at the Ivory Bay Restaurant and was now lying comfortably in Master Simmons' carriage. The young master, much like an eagle, was quite considerate.

Though it was a business matter, it could also be considered a date with Christie. Li Xin contemplated whether or not to buy some flowers, but their relationship was a bit weird; what if buying flowers made Christie think he was being too forward?

Back at the inn, Lee's Draconic was still bustling with noise. Most of the guests had left, leaving only the inn's regulars. After a busy evening, they were just having dinner. Ever since they started making money, Dragon Mother became more generous, offering free late-night snacks to the long-term tenants after their shifts, with the expectation that they would lend a hand when needed, of course.

In the sweltering heat, the men were shirtless. David, surrounded by a group of people, was telling his steamy tales. Old Fang, dry-mouthed from narration, also enjoyed the service, casting envious glances at David's physique. Any man would be envious, thinking that with such a body and good looks, making money would be a breeze.

Seeing Li Xin return, David waved him over, "Ah Xin, want something to eat?"

Li Xin touched his stomach, "Is there any left?"

"Ah... sure!" Before he could finish, Ma Liu had already dashed into the kitchen to start cooking. Li Xin was his benefactor—not only did he return the kitchen to him, but he also passed on his secret recipes. Ma Liu had now become a renowned chef.

"Why are you closing up so early today?" Li Xin asked. "Where's Dragon Mother?"

"The city guards came by just now; everyone had to undress for inspection. Dragon Mother and the surrounding shop owners were taken for questioning by the city's guards, as someone supposedly attacked the Great Cathedral," Old Fang explained. "It's terrifying, who would think of attacking the cathedral?"

Everyone turned to look at David, who quickly waved his hands, feigning a serious face, "What a joke, I'm a mercenary, not crazy, I have a license, law-abiding good citizen."

People like David were under special scrutiny, and the fact that he was still here meant there was nothing wrong with him.

"We have these peaceful days thanks to the Earth Mother Goddess's blessing. Anyone who dares attack the church should be caught quickly and put on the gallows."

"That's a heretic, they deserve to be burned!"

"Come on, you guys can debate all you want, just stop looking at me, it's creeping me out." David rubbed his arms, "Ah Xin, where have you been? You seem busy lately."

"David, you're busier than I am. I come back on time every day, but you've been missing for ages." Li Xin joked with a smile.

"Haha, David, let me tell you, Ah Xin has surpassed expectations," Old Fang laughed, "He was amazing last night!"

Old Fang gestured with his fingers.

David's mouth immediately dropped open as he stared at Li Xin in disbelief, "Ah Xin, you're that impressive? Damn, I refuse to accept this! Let's have a contest sometime!"

Li Xin was both amused and exasperated, glaring at Old Fang, "Old Fang, have you checked your fortune today? I see a disaster in your future."

Old Fang stroked his beard with amusement, "I never boast, now tell me if I was wrong!"

Li Xin was speechless; how could he possibly count this?

"I can confirm, Old Fang is right," Dalivin said, "Ahem, Ah Xin, you're not playing fair, locking the door like that. How did you catch such a stunning beauty? Tell us about it."

Ma Liu also came over with a large plate of steaming hot food, "I... I... I..."

"See, Ma Liu wants to know too," David quickly added for Ma Liu, who nodded in agreement.

"What, are you trying to court Dragon Mother?" Li Xin immediately shifted the focus.

Ma Liu's face turned beet red, but he resolutely nodded, "I like Dragon Mother."

Everyone exchanged glances, impressed—he didn't even stutter. Could this be the power of love?

The others looked at Ma Liu, puzzled by his taste, while Old Fang patted him on the back, "Ma Liu, you can't stay cooped up in the inn all day. You need to get out there, look around, and only then will you understand what true love is."

Still, Ma Liu shook his head, his gaze steadfast.

"To Ma Liu, a true man, the bravest guy in our inn!" David raised his wine bowl, and the others joined in the cheer. Ma Liu, with a warm smile, lifted his bowl too.

Drink~~~

After eating and drinking, everyone went off to sleep. Ma Liu cheerfully cleaned the tables and dishes. After tidying up, he would also clean the kitchen, as it was his habit; as long as Ma Liu was there, the kitchen would always be spotless since Dragon Mother liked a clean and tidy environment.

Li Xin returned to his room, lay on the bed, listening to the distinctive cries of Herden's native macaques outside the window, and began to sort through recent events in his mind. He couldn't get involved in everything haphazardly. Meeting Finir today had been a reminder; there was an unsettling sign on that person, like a ghostly presence whose nature he couldn't decipher yet. He'd have to find a chance to ask Cancer about it since he probably knew.

Just as Li Xin was about to fall asleep, he felt the dice shake. Someone was calling him; he had actually felt it during the day, but it quickly vanished, and now it was vibrating again, then another time.

He had agreed with Miss Aries that three times was the signal, and with Batty that it was two times, two times.

This time it was Batty.

Li Xin locked the door, guarding against gentlemen, not small men, and entered the Twelve Zodiac Star Disc, where Batty was already waiting.

"Sir, I've come to disturb you again," Batty said.

Li Xin chuckled, "Is there something wrong with the wooden fish?"

Batty scratched his head in frustration, "Yes, when I used it on the lighthouse, it had no effect. It seemed to make the whispers worse; a few more times and I think I won't be able to hold on."

For some unknown reason, the attacks of the whispers were becoming more severe. In Divpo City, it wasn't this bad; though painful, it was bearable, but now each time felt like skirting the line of death.

Li Xin could sense Lion's weakness; his tone was calm, but this 'won't be able to hold on' was truly serious.

Could it be that the wooden fish was only effective on the Twelve Zodiac Star Disc?

Batty stood up, bowed deeply, "Thank you, sir, for your care and assistance all along. If I can't attend the next gathering, please tell everyone that even coming here and meeting everyone has made my life luckier than most of Roto."

Ultimately, he couldn't escape fate or change anything, but Batty wasn't afraid of death—this was the destiny of every Roto. Sooner or later, knowing that there truly was a Paradise beyond was salvation itself.

"Sir, I've had a greedy and presumptuous thought—I want to return to the city while I still have my senses to tell my sister and my kind about the existence of Paradise. Of course, I won't mention the Twelve Zodiac Star Disc; I just want them to have hope while they live, that the paradise truly exists. May I?" Batty asked.

Li Xin didn't know how to answer. Since when did a bit of hope become a greedy thought?

Seeing Mr. Gemini remain silent, Batty knew his thought was selfish as well, "I'm sorry, sir, if you disagree, I..."

"Mr. Leo, I'm not disagreeing. Leaving the lighthouse to return to the city hastily, even if you can arrive safely, probably won't have the intended effect. I've thought of a method, but it's uncertain; if possible, maybe it could resolve your current troubles," Li Xin explained. The plan carried risks, ones he initially refrained from trying, but now that Lion's situation was dire, he should dare to attempt it.

"A method?" Batty was puzzled at the notion of another way.

"You go back first; I'll attempt to reach your world. It's a possibility, but if your Divine Relic reacts in some unique way, you need to cooperate with me," Li Xin said.

The Divine Relic and the Star Disc serve as coordinates, so does it imply that after arriving at the Star Disc, he cannot only return but also reach the place where others' Divine Relics are located?

As far as whether he could reach there, the nature of risks involved, and the form he would take on arrival—all were uncertain. The risks existed and were significant, which was why Li Xin hadn't tried before, but now Batty's situation clearly called for help.

Batty was silent for a moment, "Sir, is there any risk involved?"

Li Xin laughed slightly, "There's not much risk, just trust me. At worst, I'll just retreat if it doesn't work, but then I wouldn't be of much help."

Batty didn't say anything further. He knew there must be risks. In his world, no one had ever been helped like this, let alone with others taking risks on their behalf. He already vaguely had a suspicion.

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