On the bustling street where people came and went, the two walked slowly side by side. "Xinya" spoke up shyly, "Um, Lian Kong... I am truly grateful for your help the other day."
"There is no need to thank me. You have simply made an equivalent exchange," Lian Kong replied as he walked.
"About that... what is the price I must pay?" Xinya asked tentatively.
"Your soul." Lian Kong's answer struck Xinya like a bolt from the blue.
(Does he mean he wants to take my life in exchange?) Xinya thought anxiously.
"Not so. You will understand when the time comes." Xinya was suddenly startled; it seemed Lian Kong could see right through her mind.
"You know what I'm thinking?!"
"Haha, a God Master is all-knowing," he answered with a smile. Only then did Xinya truly realize how vast the powers of the person before her were—a genuine, undeniable God.
"Forgive my rudeness just now..." Xinya apologized, trembling slightly.
"Am I more terrifying than those wicked men? There is no need to speak with me so cautiously. Just be your usual self," Lian Kong remarked, seemingly unsatisfied with Xinya's overly reverent attitude.
"Alright... I'll try my best to adjust," Xinya said with a forced smile.
The two continued strolling through the busy streets as if nothing were out of the ordinary. As they passed a food stall, Lian Kong stopped. Looking at the rows of ball-shaped meat snacks in the unmanned shop, he asked, "What is this?"
"Didn't you say you were all-knowing?" Xinya giggled, covering her mouth.
"You managed to get one over on me this time," Lian Kong replied, turning his head toward her.
"My apologies. This is Guǒ Shuǐ Dòu, a unique local snack," Xinya explained.
"I see. I have never tasted the food of this mortal realm. Let us buy a portion and try it," Lian Kong said with a smile as he stepped into the shop.
"Um... sorry, I didn't bring any money today," Xinya replied awkwardly. It wasn't so much that she forgot it, but rather that she couldn't afford it. Lian Kong saw through her thoughts.
"No matter. It is my treat." Lian Kong stood before the machine and waved his hand. The machine obediently began preparing the dish. Before long, two skewers of Guǒ Shuǐ Dòu were pushed out, emitting fragrant steam.
"Here," Lian Kong handed one to Xinya.
"Thank you..." Xinya was overwhelmed by the favor as she took the skewer.
"Mm, the taste is decent," Lian Kong commented after a small bite.
"It's delicious! This is my first time eating it too," Xinya said happily as she began to enjoy it.
"While this planet has its beautiful corners, unfortunately, the corruption of the human heart is still visible everywhere," Lian Kong sighed, taking another bite.
"Um, may I ask you something? What did you mean last time when you said the world would face its end in two months?" Xinya asked, noticing his expression.
"That is a secret and cannot be leaked casually. However, I hope you live well when the time comes," Lian Kong replied with a smile.
"Fine, how stingy," Xinya pouted in dissatisfaction.
The two spent the rest of the day wandering leisurely through the city. Since the area was more than familiar to Xinya, she naturally acted as a guide. In front of her, Lian Kong talked and laughed like an ordinary handsome young man, showing no divine arrogance at all. By evening, he accompanied her back to the entrance of the slums.
"I should compensate you for the time you spent with me today." With a wave of his hand, a pile of high-quality food appeared out of thin air. "Please accept this small gift."
"Thank you for your kindness, but this isn't something I earned through my own effort. I cannot accept it. Please take it back. If you wish to give me a gift, please show true sincerity rather than just conjuring things up so casually," Xinya stubbornly refused his kindness, which came as a surprise to him.
"Haha, what an interesting woman. Fine, it was my lack of manners. Next time, I will carefully prepare a gift that suits you. But you must keep this food; even if it isn't for you, consider it relief for the residents here," Lian Kong said, offering a final compromise.
"I understand. Then, on behalf of the residents, thank you," Xinya replied with a smile.
"That is all for today. I shall take my leave for now."
"Mhm, I look forward to seeing you again soon!"
"Hmph, until next time." With that, Lian Kong used teleportation to vanish. No longer surprised by such feats, Xinya wore a smile of anticipation.
Back in the God Master's domain, Lian Kong returned to his temple and reflected on Xinya's words. He left the palace and wandered through the sea of flowers and cloudy fields. Looking at the divine tree before him, his lips curled into a slight smile, as if a specific idea had come to mind.