Fang gestured, signaling the start of their discussion. He spoke, his voice calm and his expression warm, "Today marks the start of our discussion regarding the completion of the Contract–the one that Hope has carried throughout her years."
But before he could even officially begin, Zixin chose to bring up a question: "We can begin later since I need to know what just happened–why did the room just suddenly transform?"
Fang Hau, who didn't seem to mind Zixin's sudden question, raised his finger, pointing at the ceiling. He spoke comfortably, "What you just saw was a miracle brought about by the collision of Restrictions. I recommend studying this once you learn the basics, but I am not here to do so." He continued, "This place, however, is one of the several rooms inside my Chamber. Its main purpose is to serve as a room to discuss our plans."
I have a hard time believing him, but I'm currently in a situation where I'm at his mercy. He will most likely use me for his own agenda of materializing a portion of the Truth. In return for helping him, I can use this opportunity to dive deeper into Mouth Lorebale's secrets. Things seem to have become even more intriguing. Zixin thought carefully, darting his eyes around to appear confused.
Fang Hau chuckled upon witnessing Zixin's confusion. He said, "I have something I want you to accomplish, and I believe that I have spoken of it before but never told you what it may be."
"Is it regarding the market? If so, that would be troublesome." Zixin asked in confirmation.
Fang Hau's smile widened as he burst out into laughter. He wiped his eyes before he spoke, "My goodness, neither of us should pay attention to the filth beneath the surface. It's not your job to clean the mess that they have started. And I expect that our Bloodline would never produce a heroic figure."
Zixin's eyebrows furrowed as his thoughts erupted. What does he mean by that? Isn't it more improbable to believe that there wouldn't be a child born in our Bloodline that would be inspired by Jing Xiao and follow in his footsteps? It's just an insignificant idea.
Fang Hau explained, "I hope that you will help me in accomplishing this. In return, you may witness an abstract idea we call Truth come to physical form. Even if it may only be a fragmented one, it should still be worth the effort. Isn't this something that you would take an interest in?" He added, "Or perhaps I could help you advance with your ability?"
"I suppose I can't argue with that. Knowing how much you've put into this plan of yours, I can only assume that the chances are better than zero." Zixin replied, taking a glance at Hope, who was taking down notes in her journal.
This girl… Zixin chuckled inwardly.
"You're willing, I presume?" Fang Hau grinned.
"Yes, I am."
Fang Hau let out a deep sigh of relief, muttering to himself, "The greatest hurdle is now out of the way."
Noticing Zixin's confusion, he elaborated, "If you refused, I would have to continue wasting my energy negotiating with you, which would end with my soul losing all of its remaining energy."
"I… suppose," Zixin commented, giving him a deadpan look.
After a while, their discussion officially began.
"The plan requires you to infuse Mouth Lorebale's Restrictions with its own life essence, and that would mean that we would need to be able to alter the Restrictions to a certain extent and have the capability to infuse and store life essence. And I have the solution right here." Fang Hau explained, snapping his fingers as an illusory gourd fell from the ceiling.
Before it fell to the ground, Hope managed to catch it in time, sending Fang Hau into utter silence before he complimented her, "You are quite athletic, no?"
"This is a precious artifact that we can use to harvest life essence. I can't just let it fall and be destroyed." Hope explained with an annoyed expression.
Artifact? Such an object could certainly do so, but the Restrictions it contains may be problematic. Zixin pondered, listening intently.
"But how will we go about altering the Restrictions of a Fragment of Truth? I can already tell that none of us here are Law Holders." Zixin questioned, shaking his head.
"Just like how we are using the power of an artifact, we will also be using another for this task, and that's where you two come into play. Your first step of action is to search for an individual who can create an artifact that suits our plan–there is certainly one within the market." Fang Hau gestured at them politely.
Upon hearing Fang Hau's words, Zixin and Hope turned to each other, already with someone in mind.
Zixin questioned her capabilities, "Can she really do it? She doesn't seem to be a Holder."
Hope puffed up her chest, speaking with utmost confidence, "Trust me, I know she can do it. I trusted her after all."
Zixin sighed, turning his attention back to Fang Hau. He asked, "How did you manage to do all of this? As far as I can see, everything that you have done has been backed by your meticulous planning and calculations. But even then, it's almost impossible to achieve all of this."
"The answer would bore some to death, and it's because I chose to sacrifice everything else for this selfish dream. To witness whether my hypothesis is true or false." Fang replied plainly, closing his eyes in reminiscence.
Before Zixin could even speak further, he felt his stomach growl. He closed his eyes, shaking his head in annoyance, but he set all his thoughts aside with the sole mission of satisfying his stomach.
"If you're hungry, we can cook here. There should be a kitchen nearby." Hope walked over, pointing at one of the banners. It had a symbol of a knife, perhaps representing a kitchen, as she meant.
So the patterns represent a room, huh? That sounds unlikely; she's probably overthinking. Zixin dismissed her idea, but Fang Hau confirmed it.
"Correct, good observation."
I feel like an idiot–I am an idiot. Zixin self-deprecated whilst following Hope.
…
On their way to the kitchen, Zixin observed the infrastructure of the hallway. It mirrored the Palace with its brilliant white walls and stunning beauty. The hallway echoed with curiosity like the overflowing tides of the oceans.
Sigh, I wonder if Fang Hau was ever taught in persuasion because he has completely taken my attention. I still am suspicious of him, but his end goal is too fascinating. Zixin thought, rubbing his eyes, feeling a little tired.
After an unexpectedly short walk, they found themselves inside the kitchen. Zixin has never been in one besides the cabin's humble kitchen. The room was neat and clean, lacking even a single speck of dust.
He asked while Hope took her time searching for something, "How are we supposed to cook when we have no ingredients?"
Hope turned back to him, speaking just as they were transported out of the Chamber, "There are some… at the cabin, let's go take them."
How can she be so unfazed? Wait a second, don't tell me she brought us back just so we could take the ingredients. She's doing this for fun, isn't she? Zixin shook his head, deciding to go along with her.
…
After a short while, they brought the ingredients back to the Chamber's kitchen.
Hope asked with a cheerful smile, "What's your favorite food? I'll cook it for you."
"Oh? That's nice."
"But why are we cooking here, of all places? Couldn't we have just cooked in the cabin?" He lowered his head in confusion.
"I want to have Fang Hau taste my cooking. It sounds fun."
How could he even taste it when he's only a soul? Zixin scratches his head in curiosity.
When they begin, Zixin accidentally cuts himself. Hope, who noticed this bandaged him and reminded him, "Be careful! I don't have any herbs capable of healing lost fingers."