The terrified Kim Crest and his companions were startled to find that, beneath the dark blanket, the trembling sounds near their ears had suddenly gone silent.
Even the temperature had become mild and comfortable.
The blanket’s surface trembled and receded. Ma Shuo, Kim Crest, the biologist Jean Ussy, and a simple-looking man who had been pulled in because he stood close to Ma Shuo, all stared wide-eyed at this suddenly appearing vintage room as the giant blanket shrank down to the size of a silk scarf.
The floor was made of velvet carpet, the walls elegantly covered in patterned fabric, and beside them stood a soft, warm bed whose velvet coverlet draped down to the floor.
“Is this… some kind of magic? ” murmured the man clutching a clump of grass.
A pale golden glow of temporal energy emanated from Ma Shuo. He asked warily, “Who are you? Where is this? You know my name? “
The biologist, a tall, lean young man with evenly proportioned muscles, had been rapidly jostled around in several places within seconds by someone grabbing him. As he raised his still-functional left hand, dizzy and attempting to stand, a firm arm suddenly seized him from the side and pulled him back behind.
Watching Ma Shuo’s movements, Yang Zicang, whose face was concealed behind a mask, gave a faint smile. He looked over at Edgar Jin Christie, whose expression revealed surprise tinged with inquiry. This fellow was arguably the most emotionally stable person here besides himself.
Jin Christie cast a glance toward him, his eyes full of expectation yet tinged with uncertainty.
The tall, slender young man nodded gently.
“I am Medwiser. “
The young man across from him, clad in a grimy, thin red robe, immediately sprang to his feet with a start of joy.
“He’s a friend of the White Violet Hero, Buchen! ” he shouted, shaking his arm vigorously, but his voice then faded—place was far too strange.
As the three people nearby stirred and stood up, only then did the Biologist feel the pain across his body. “Ouch, ouch, oww… “
Ma Shuo took a step back and tugged at Jin Christie’s sleeve. “How can you be so sure? “
“Yang Buchen came by this morning, ” Jin Christie said, “right while you were in the restroom. He told me someone named Medwiser would be arriving. “
“What… ” Ma Shuo’s eyes went wide. Suddenly, he looked at the pendant around his own neck, then at the ornaments on his hands. His whole body gave an involuntary shudder, as if in disbelief.
Yang Zicang let out a soft chuckle and walked over, twirling a keyring in his hand.
Seeing this reaction, he didn’t even need to guess—the distributors of that fellow from back home were already fiercely hiking up the price for the current experience.
-｛Distributor July·Mr. Lai observed my current life experience.｝
-｛Distributor February·Di’an marked a new node in the current experience with rather poor mood.｝
I’m truly sorry that, due to various accidents, I still haven’t actually sold this distributor a single Glory Light related to Fei Lü Inn.
Catching sight of Ma Shuo, who was restless with unease, his eyes flickered, and a thought came to him—suddenly he wanted to conduct an experiment.
“I bet you’ve already heard the sky-high price hikes coming from the school-distributor beacons on you, haven’t you?“
Amidst the bewildered gazes of the bystanders, Ma Shuo struggled to swallow.
Based on his own experience and what he’d heard, such a degree of price increase could only mean one thing—the situation he was currently in seemed extraordinarily dangerous.
“What are you trying to say?“
“Nothing much. I want to give you a task. But you’ll have to pay a ‘Glory Light’.“
Ma Shuo, together with his distributors, were all fixated on the man before them. Dense heart-voices of “New node” and “Raise the price again!” echoed in his mind.
“Just pay a single Glory Light?“
No sooner had Ma Shuo spoken than a series of “Bad reviews” suddenly resounded in his heart. This sent a shiver down his spine.
This was far too bizarre for him.
Ma Shuo’s heart was filled with panic; he was utterly at a loss. How had he been targeted to show up here? He couldn’t understand a thing—the strange words of this man, nor the abnormality of his own distributors.
He looked at “Medwiser, ” who spoke to him calmly: “This place—you can think of it as a dwelling imbued with Holy Sword-level power. “
Once unknowing, Yang Zicang was now certain: since Distributor Mr. Lai had said that once he had his own “Heroic Flash ” that broke through the era’s blockade, it would be easier to resonate with a similar fate. Then the reason Distributors flocked to buy the “Radiance ” associated with this place must surely be due to a similar cause.
That is to say, a flash or radiance related to “Divinity ” can also enhance the possibility of resonating with another destiny bound to divinity!
He organized his words, recalling the reactions of the Distributors after successfully building momentum for the Arkworld, and said:
“Any radiance related to this place, your Distributors will flock to buy. So I want to ask you—are you willing to keep getting the chance to drastically increase, even double the price when selling radiance? “
“This… “
“That heroic friend of mine wants to prepare a trading market for radiance later on. I believe you understand what that means? “
Ma Shuo’s mind instantly flashed with realization, as if a streak of brilliance had passed.
This kid is recruiting—he cast a suspicious glance at the room; a dwelling with Holy Sword-level power?
“A market? Are you saying that you have Distributors stationed here, or that Burners exist here? Ah, I see… “
He suddenly remembered the news about Yang Buchen that he had occasionally come across in the newspaper a few days ago. That guy must be basking in the limelight now, right? How long had it been, and someone who was once on par with him has already flown up to high places, pretending to be a big shot. That kid definitely knows a team that harbors a Radiance.
Ma Shuo said:
“So what exactly is the deal you mentioned? And will it take place here? “
“Of course not. ” “Medwiser, ” who was rubbing his fingers, replied:
“At the time, we will have ways to enhance the value of your Glory. As for the specific location… we’ll discuss that later. Anyway, as long as you’re willing, just get in touch with that friend of mine whom you have also dealt with by then. “
At this point, Yang Zicang, as if seeing through Ma Shuo’s form, his gaze seeming to pierce right through him, said:
“That way, you distributors, gentlemen, won’t have to travel a thousand miles just to squeeze in with my friends who are connected to this place. “
Several intense and subtle thoughts exploded into being between Ma Shuo and Yang Zicang’s hearts and minds.
-｛Distributor Loki Tata Mingqi signals a “Cheers! “｝
-｛Distributor Sigure Odyssey signals “Full of Anticipation “｝ in excited disposition.
-｛Distributor May Valkyrie indicates desire to pre-purchase the premiere of my currently gestating endeavor: The prelude that surpasses brilliance.｝
Too…mentally swept along — hearing about the excited emotional states from the distributors nonetheless stirred a touch of excitement comfortably in Yang Zicang’s chest.
Finally, he managed to sort out the issue. Ever since the flocks of pigeons, like migrating birds, swarmed over the charred skies of Creon, Yang Zicang had been pondering the solution to this matter in his spare time.
Whichever distributor he chose, once the decision was made, the others would inevitably—openly or covertly—steer their suppliers toward matters concerning the Divine Hotel. Then he, along with the guests associated with this inn, would become targets for all.
Was there a way to have the best of both worlds? This was his solution!
-｛Distributor July·Mr. Lai’s expression showed a hint of surprise.｝
-｛Distributor February·Di’an raised the price for my current life experience by 1000%.｝
Ma Shuo, standing before him, was completely stunned. Beside him, Jean Ussy reached out and tugged at his clothes.
“W-why is this happening? ” Ma Shuo pointed instinctively at his ring with his hand.
“Your distributors are also looking forward to those subsequent transactions, aren’t they? “
Having said this, “Medwiser ” turned to the others nearby. After giving a slight nod to Kim Crest, he directed his gaze at the man who had been swept up in this. From a morning’s observation, it seemed this person was part of the team, but it was still uncertain whether he was a plant from Lu Wen and his group, infiltrating the team ahead of time.
“Who are you? “
“I-I’m Edmond. ” The burly man felt an aura of chilling killing intent envelop him, his whole body trembling uncontrollably with fine shivers.
Yang Zicang gently retracted the killing intent of “Azure Dragon Overwhelming Mount, ” and only then did the others breathe a sigh of relief, as if they had just surfaced from suffocating lake water.
“You two stay here. Edgar, and you, sir, with the plaster cast — follow me. “
With that, Ma Shuo watched “Medwiser ” lead the two out of the door.
After closing the bedroom door, Yang Zicang turned his head slightly and whispered to his shoulder, “Are you there? “
There was no response.
Then, Yang Zicang opened the door again, poked his head in, and said:
“By the way, Mr. Ma Shuo, I haven’t told you what we need to do yet. “
“Ah, right. What is it you want to do? “
“I’d like to ask if you know any distributors who do fine goldsmith work. I want to replicate a small object with capabilities related to the Ether Beacon. “
“A small object? ” Ma Shuo said, slightly surprised.
No sooner had he spoken than Yang Zicang felt a tiny claw stomp down hard on his neck.
It was that fleeting, faint sensation of departing.
He immediately activated the extremely thin White Shadow Thought-Dragon and swiftly shut the door.
Although this lightly leaked psychic force was still barely enough to catch Little Bird’s trail, under the premise that she was deliberately revealing herself, he could just sense the elusive hint of her departure—flickering in and out of existence.
She should be trapped in the room.
At least a fifty percent chance… or maybe ten percent.
But even that was already a considerable achievement.
At this moment, perhaps it cares more about who Ma Shuo is contacting.
Yang Zicang clapped his hands and said to the two people beside him, “Let’s go. “
……
After stepping out of the room, Kim Crest and Jean Ussy looked around at the decoration in awe.
“This is the first time I’ve been to such a luxurious place. “
“Mr. Medwiser, may I ask, why are we here? Has something happened? ” Jean Ussy asked, fearful that his dirty coat, caked with mud, might brush against the surrounding walls.
Closing the door to Room 407, “Medwiser ” said, “Let’s go next door to talk. “
He tried, and conveniently pulled open the door of Room 405, let out a displeased snort, and said to those behind him, “Come in. “
Just as he finished speaking, a sound of hurried footsteps on the stairs came from the third floor.
“Medwiser ” turned his head and saw a man’s figure appearing at the entrance of the stairway.
Wager had just poked his head out when he spotted the three unfamiliar people in front of the open door of Room 405. The look of joy on his face instantly froze. A feeling of being cheated sent a numb rush through him; without a second thought, he turned and leaped down the stairs, sprinting straight to the second floor.
“Hey… ” The young man at the doorway reached out his hand, then drew it back helplessly, touching his own face.
“You two wait here. ” After sending the two people into the room, he pulled the door shut, and with a sudden dash,｛… he was done clutching his business card｝ he sprinted towards the stairway entrance, leaped, and after two bounds on the stairway jumped over the railing to land on the second floor. By then, Wager was already at the door of Room 203.
“Stop right there. ” Yang Zicang landed and tore off the mask on his face, causing his hair to toss back. “It’s me. “
At the door, Wager froze with the doorknob twisted in his hand and one foot already halfway inside.
“You… how do you prove it? “
“Sigh. “
Yang Zicang rubbed his face. “Who else but the two people from the guild can open a locked door? Otherwise, let’s go downstairs and let the manager be the judge. “
Pat-pat-pat.
A series of tiny, hurried footsteps came from the carpeted stairs. Several fluffy mice, formed in a single file and each dragging a dry towel behind them, scurried down a narrow track that ran alongside the soft staircase steps, like a delicate decorative strip, and arrived at the stairway’s mouth.
“Squeak-eep? “
They all gave a little jump in unison, then stared at Guild Leader Yang Zicang, who stood frozen in place as if about to explain something, before turning their gaze to Guild Leader Wager, who was standing suspiciously in front of the distant door.
The two men stared at the small mice that had come up the stairs.
Yang Zicang asked with bemusement, “Can you tell if I’m the real deal? “
The little yarn mice, dressed in small suits, all shook their heads.
Yang Zicang let out a sigh. He lifted his head and looked toward unit 201, the one furthest ahead.
Suddenly, he said, “Alright then… let’s go find the Fake Phoenix and have her tell us what’s what. “
“Huh? ” Hearing this, Wager hesitated and slowly removed his hand from the doorknob.
“Mind if I drop by? ” Yang Zicang said as he approached.
“I… ” Wager faltered. He came to a stop in front of 201’s door and raised his hand.
“Forget it.” He lowered his hand, watching the young man’s silhouette gradually draw closer under the warm glow of the wall lamp, moving across the finely carved, deep rosewood-colored wainscoting. “Since you can name the occupant inside, I believe you.“
He looked at the felt mice gathering around, then said to Yang Zicang, who stood there smiling:
“To prevent this from happening again, let’s agree on a code.“
“What code?“
“An envelope from the World Ark.“
Yang Zicang gave a soft hum. “Two plus one.“
Wager nodded solemnly. “Good,” he said, finally relieved. He walked over and asked, “What were those two doing?“
“They’re my friends. I just rescued them. If everything’s fine here, I’ll head upstairs first.” Yang Zicang turned, took two steps, then stopped.
“The guy in 408 is a total scumbag. If he comes out, make sure to restrain him immediately.“
……
Inside the room, Kim Crest and Jean Ussy watched in silence as a strange metal bird, perched on the small, branch-like hooks of the standing coat rack, stared them down.
It exuded a heavy, sinister aura, tilting its head and fixing its unblinking eyes on the two, who had taken off their coats and sat awkwardly on the edge of the bed, on a chair.
Finally, a faint sound broke the stagnant silence.
The bird’s eyes rolled back and bulged wide as it asked, its tone dark and severe: “Why won’t he come in?“
“Who… who…“
“Of course… the ‘Rambler’…” Its voice seemed to emerge from the depths of a deep, charred forest, carrying a heavy withered smell, “What was it doing?“
Kim Crest raised his hand with some guilt, “Do you mean Mr. Medwiser?” Suddenly, the door clicked open.
The two looked towards the doorway. When they turned back, the little bird on the coat rack had vanished into thin air, as if it had never existed.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Yang Zicang, disguised as “Medwiser,” walked over to the shoe cabinet. Turning back to close the door, he said:
“Just now, someone I hadn’t seen for a long time appeared here, so I chased after him to ask about something. Huh, why are you both making such strange faces?“
“Well, a strange little bird was just questioning us about where you went.“
The young man’s eyes shifted left and right briefly. He spoke to the air:
“It seems you care quite a bit about that little creature. Tell me what secrets it holds, and I might consider returning that thing to you.“
A faint, eerie voice came from the door handle outside the room.
“Why did you go back inside again?“
Yang Zicang was taken aback.
“Hmph, suits me just fine. You wait outside for now.“
With that, he locked the door, then walked towards the wide-open bedroom door.
“Now we can talk, you two. Before arriving in Splinterwood Town, did you discover anything that got you targeted?“
“Targeted?” Jean Ussy was startled.
Yang Zicang hesitated for a moment, but ultimately did not bring the key into contact with the two people’s skin. Instead, he said:
“That group called Lu Wen are extremely powerful experts. How could they possibly come to Shredwood Town at a time like this for such a trivial task as rescue? “
Kim Crest stood up abruptly. “So many people dead, and you call that trivial? “
“Of course not. It’s just that the mudslide was probably meant to block your path, and to await our rescue for you. “
“How is that possible! ” Kim Crest’s thoughts fell into chaos. “All those deaths just to… “
A hand suddenly gripped the young man’s arm.
Jean Ussy hesitated, then stood up. “Wait, if that’s the case, could it be related to the discovery Edmond and I made? “
“Discovery? What is it? ” The young man, now serious, fixed his gaze on the biologist, whose face bore a slightly contemplative expression.
The Biologist, Jean Ussy, his arm in a sling across his chest, hung his head in thought for several seconds before speaking hesitantly:
_”We’ve been observing some peculiar plant and animal phenomena along the way. According to Edmond’s observations, some plants have shown unusual traits.
“Their texture has become tougher and rougher, and some plant leaves that shouldn’t be succulent have developed this characteristic. Of course, it’s not a uniform change; other plant leaves have become dwarfed and compact. “
Kim Crest also looked over.
“I remember you mentioned this to Lu Wen. They said they would investigate. But it seems they weren’t very concerned about the issue. “
The young man clapped his hands and spread them.
“Of course, now we know why. “
Hearing this, the black-haired “Medwiser, ” whose hair nearly touched his ears, rubbed his chin.
“Besides that, is there anything else? “
“Yes, ” Jean Ussy nodded emphatically.
“Medwiser ” was a bit surprised; he had only asked as a precaution, never expecting there to actually be more.
The biologist before him said:
“This is one of my research areas. Actually, I’ve been studying some issues not just recently, but for a long time. That is, sometimes, certain migratory birds leave their living areas at abnormal times and undertake non-periodic migrations. “
“And large mammals also exhibit similar abnormal migration phenomena on relatively rare occasions. “
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