Leaving

Bai Yi inquired of the God's Showcase about how to locate the evil god being nurtured in Nanling City. The response was vague, only instructing him to seek out the scavenger, Sid, without further elaboration.

This left Bai Yi pondering two possibilities: either Sid was a demon god in the making, and the God's Showcase was hinting at another demon god entirely, or the answer was more complex. The heart he possessed contradicted the notion of Sid being an evil god; it was clearly identified as having been taken from a living monster.

This inconsistency raised questions. If replacing a heart could transform someone into a divine creature—provided they could withstand the evil god's backlash—then it suggested a deeper connection. The heart might even belong to the very evil god Night Rose was attempting to create.

Bai Yi's thoughts sharpened. He observed that while Sid collected garbage, the truck bed of her cart was shrouded in darkness, hinting at something unknown. He recalled her whisper: "It likes your heart." Who or what was she referring to?

He retrieved a wooden box from his space ring, filled with the essence of life. After using two Flowers of Life, he had two empty boxes left—perfect for storing flesh and blood. After safely placing the Heart of Divine Evil back into his ring, Bai Yi followed Sid into the city.

As he stepped into Sin City, a scarlet mist swirled around him, and a sultry voice called out, "Brother Bai Yi, have you seen anything interesting?" It was Ai Nuan, now much closer.

Ignoring her, Bai Yi linked his earlier discoveries to Sid's presence. The establishment of Sin City was rooted in a treasure hunt, with Night Rose's evil emerging only after the recent purge. Sid, though rational, seemed bound by some unseen force, compelled to act as a scavenger.

"Why are you ignoring me? If you tell me, I might let you taste my red lips," Ai Nuan purred, pressing against him without actually making contact.

"When did Sid arrive here?" Bai Yi asked suddenly.

Ai Nuan paused, a playful smile on her lips. "You're quite the perverted brother! She was already here when we arrived."

Understanding dawned on Bai Yi, and he quickened his pace. The secrets hidden within Sin City were more valuable than he had imagined, and he felt compelled to confront the federal council.

Sid was likely a legend. If freed, she could disrupt the balance of Sin City and reveal its hidden truths.

"Where are you going, brother? Come on, let your sister taste you!" Ai Nuan called, but Bai Yi vanished, leaving her frustrated.

"Such a beautiful man, and yet he won't kiss me?" she fumed.

Bai Yi reappeared in the heart of Sin City, noting the deliberate pathways leading to Sid's location. The scavengers were waiting, the lawmakers were waiting, and the federal government was also poised, anticipating the arrival of a legend. The first to achieve this status would reach the inner sanctum first.

Returning to where Yue Fang awaited, Bai Yi reflected on his next steps. He needed to locate the evil god or discover the method of its creation. The Heart of Divine Evil hinted that it sought its own body—Bai Yi would help it find that body.

"Yue Fang, let's go."

"Coming!" Yue Fang replied, albeit confused. "But we still haven't visited the mechanical alchemist."

"No time for that. The Federation awaits," Bai Yi replied, deep in thought. His focus was shifting; the mechanics of warfare were less relevant now than the broader picture.

As they exited the city, a surge of energy and blood power enveloped Bai Yi. He grasped Yue Fang and leaped into the sky, propelled by the power of evil thoughts, soaring over 3,000 meters above Sin City.

Establishing a teleportation array, Bai Yi glanced back at the city before stepping through with Yue Fang.

In an instant, they arrived outside Nanling City.

The 3,000-kilometer teleportation could incapacitate a mid-level bronze warrior, and Bai Yi had to ensure their safety. He administered a life recovery potion to Yue Fang, who slowly regained consciousness.

"Ugh, boss, were we attacked?" Yue Fang groaned, his head spinning.

"Let's go. This is Nanling City. I'll arrange for someone to take you to my city later," Bai Yi assured him as they walked towards the city.

Despite his lingering discomfort, Yue Fang was struck by the orderly bustle of the city gates. This was a glimpse of his future, a life of structure.

However, upon entering, his expression changed. The wooden houses were filled with people who moved about with vacant expressions—no light in their eyes, only a haunting calmness that mirrored despair.

As they boarded a strange vehicle, the grim reality unfolded. The city was impeccably clean, even in the poorer districts. Yet within fleeting glances, he saw not just despair but envy and self-mockery.

The vehicle sped along an exclusive road, and Yue Fang caught sight of a large machine flying overhead, headed toward the city center. His eyes widened at the sight of a grand stone building, distinct from the mundane wooden structures.

Children poured in and out, their eyes sparkling with hope—a stark contrast to the hollow expressions outside. This was the order Yue Fang had longed for.

But the vehicle soon slowed, and as they approached a city wall, vibrant life burst forth. Neon lights illuminated the night sky, and machines fluttered above, while the streets teemed with people and shops.

As they passed taverns, the melodies of troubadours filled the air, weaving tales of epic adventures that elevated the city in his eyes.

"Are you confused?" Bai Yi asked softly.

Yue Fang paused, feeling the warmth radiating from Bai Yi, a stark contrast to the oppressive aura he had felt before. He sensed a gentle brother rather than a terrifying evil god.

"Yes, the difference is overwhelming," he admitted.

Bai Yi smiled, "Everyone has their talents and will grow. Those who can thrive find their place inside; those who cannot remain outside. Do you still have doubts?"

The vehicle stopped at the official entrance. Bai Yi tossed a gold coin onto the seat and disembarked, prompting Yue Fang to follow, his heart racing as he grasped the significance of their journey.

"Remember, it's November 7, 1537, in the Dawn Calendar. By 1540, I need you to reach silver rank. That will be your value."

"I understand," Yue Fang replied, a newfound confidence in his voice.

"Let's go," Bai Yi urged as they made their way toward the City Lord's Mansion. The guards at the gate, loyal to the City Lord, didn't impede their entry.

Approaching the back garden, they found Dias and Qinxia engaged in training—Dias instructing with his usual cold demeanor while Qinxia practiced diligently.

"Stop for now; we have guests," Dias said as they approached.

Qinxia looked up, curious, and jogged over to Bai Yi. "Thank you, City Lord. I'll return this to you."

Bai Yi produced a rescue ice crystal, channeling his mental energy to pass it to Dias.

"Have you finished your work?" Dias asked, his tone neutral.

"Not yet," Bai Yi replied.

"Then keep it. Return it when you leave Nanling City; it's too troublesome if you perish here," Dias instructed.

Bai Yi paused, then retrieved a blank booklet, summoning faint blue text to emerge. He returned the rescue ice crystal and handed over the booklet.

Dias examined the formulas within, a flicker of surprise and satisfaction crossing his features. These were long-lost elven recipes. If utilized properly, they could significantly enhance the elves' capabilities.

"I need an alchemy laboratory. Please arrange it," Bai Yi requested. "If you have a life priest, life mage, or alchemist, I'll craft a bottle of the Source of Life for them."

Dias glanced at Qinxia. "Make the arrangements."

"Yes, Master," she replied.