Hu Tao Is Monetizing My Existence. [44]

After all, this was a magical world where even snakes could talk. Trying to apply old-world logic here would definitely lead to mismatches.

Setting aside the question of whether drinking unboiled water was safe, the two of them soon arrived at the foot of the Statue of The Seven.

This statue looked no different from the last one they had seen, but the offerings here were particularly abundant.

In front of the statue stood several incense burners, fresh flowers, and various tributes. The surrounding grass and trees were neatly trimmed, and the ground was spotlessly clean—clear evidence that people regularly came here to worship and maintain the site.

Hu Tao stepped forward, bowed three times, and, just like last time, murmured some well-wishes about the Geo Archon being happy every day.

Meanwhile, Jiang Bai's attention was drawn to the blue gemstone embedded in the statue's center—one that looked strikingly similar to the ley line anchor.

If touching a ley line anchor allowed him to sense the ley lines, then what would happen if he touched the Statue of The Seven? Would he feel the ley lines as well? Or… perhaps sense the presence of a god?

The last time he had encountered a statue, out of respect, he had refrained from doing anything beyond paying his respects.

This time, though, he was tempted to give it a try.

After bowing three times and whispering, No offense, Geo Archon, Jiang Bai reached out and pressed his hand against the glowing blue gemstone at the statue's center.

A sensation almost identical to touching the ley line anchor surged through him. Once again, he saw that vast network of veins, spreading like blood vessels across the land.

But this time, there was a noticeable difference.

One of the network's nodes had already been activated, glowing faintly. And now, as he touched this new node, it, too, began to light up.

His consciousness followed the ley lines, tracing a connection to the first illuminated anchor point. The moment he reached it—

His body vanished from sight.

It lasted only an instant. A second later, he was back in his original position.

Hu Tao, who had just witnessed Jiang Bai disappear and then reappear, rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

"Did you just… vanish for a second?" she asked, voicing her confusion.

"Huh? What do you mean, vanish?" Jiang Bai looked at her blankly, his expression innocent. What nonsense is she talking about? I don't understand a word.

"For a moment, your figure flickered—it was like you were gone," Hu Tao scrunched up her nose. It had all happened so fast that she wasn't sure if her eyes were playing tricks on her.

"Really? Maybe you're just seeing things, Director Hu…"

The truth was, the moment his consciousness touched that first illuminated node, he had instantly appeared at that ley line anchor.

But he hadn't taken the time to fully experience the sensation—instead, he had immediately returned to his original location.

No one knew what ley line anchors were actually used for, yet somehow, he could sense the ley lines through them. Not only that, but he could teleport using them.

That was far too unusual.

And it wasn't something he could easily explain away.

Jiang Bai didn't see himself as some kind of chosen one or savior of this world.

He was an outsider—what right did he have to be this world's so-called "chosen one"?

As for being a savior? Yeah, no thanks. He had zero interest in that kind of responsibility.

Besides, he hadn't noticed anything particularly wrong with this world that needed saving.

His best course of action was to consult the one person who knew his true identity.

Though that Zhongli fellow always seemed to have overthrowing the rule of gods on his mind, at least for now, he hadn't pushed Jiang Bai to do anything dangerous. He certainly hadn't tried to recruit him into some grand rebellion against the divine.

And Zhongli was, without a doubt, the most knowledgeable person Jiang Bai knew. If anyone could explain this mystery, it would be him.

Asking for advice has more benefits than risks.

As for testing out this teleportation ability—there'd be plenty of time for that later.

Right now, the most important thing was getting Hu Tao off his case.

"Director Hu, let's keep moving," he said nonchalantly, lowering his hand from the statue as if nothing had happened.

A small spirit emerged from Hu Tao's body, locking eyes with her. They seemed to exchange a silent conversation.

After confirming that Jiang Bai had indeed disappeared for a brief moment, Hu Tao didn't press the issue.

Everyone had their secrets.

As long as Jiang Bai's didn't pose a threat to society or humanity, she had no intention of prying further.

...

Continuing along the main road, they passed more patrolling Millelith, as well as numerous traveling merchants. Carriages loaded with goods moved steadily along the trade route, weaving between the guards and other travelers.

In the distance, Jiang Bai spotted a massive structure built against a towering rock formation.

The building's architecture blended seamlessly with the natural stone pillar, rising upward along its steep face.

Sweeping eaves and interlaced wooden beams gave it a distinctly Liyuean aesthetic. Red lanterns hung beneath the eaves, swaying gently in the breeze.

Below, a large wooden platform extended outward, featuring an enormous waterwheel that continuously supplied the upper levels with fresh water. Wooden staircases spiraled up the rock face, and an adjacent lift carried guests up and down with ease.

At the very top stood a majestic golden tree, its branches spreading like a gilded crown under the sunlight, casting a radiant glow over the entire inn.

The entire structure was a stunning fusion of architecture and nature—harmonious and breathtaking.

"Director Hu, what is that place?" Jiang Bai asked.

"That's Wangshu Inn—where we'll be having lunch," Hu Tao replied.

"It's huge..." Jiang Bai marveled.

He had assumed it was just a small roadside inn.

"As the only inn along this major trade route, of course, it has to be big. Otherwise, how would it accommodate all the traveling merchants?"

Hu Tao glanced up at the sky—it was nearly noon.

"We should hurry up. The sooner we get there, the sooner we eat! The almond tofu here is amazing!"

Seeing Hu Tao pick up the pace, Jiang Bai naturally sped up as well.

Although he had plenty of stamina and found everything around him fascinating, just walking for hours was getting a bit dull.

At least in the afternoon, they'd be gliding most of the way. That would be much more enjoyable.

...

The sun slowly climbed to its peak before beginning its descent westward.

Even with their quick pace, it still took Jiang Bai and Hu Tao the entire morning to reach Wangshu Inn.

Along the way, Jiang Bai had discovered another ley line anchor, bringing the total number of places he could teleport between to three.

However, he couldn't simply teleport to just any anchor—he had to use one first to unlock its location.

Not that it mattered for the return trip. If he dared to ditch Hu Tao and teleport back alone, she'd definitely make sure his next stop was the cremation chamber at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

After crossing a wooden bridge, the two of them arrived at the base of the inn.

The outdoor dining area was set up on a spacious wooden platform, with numerous tables and chairs arranged for guests to relax and enjoy their meals.

Teapots were placed on every table, alongside complimentary Sunsettia fruit—a small but telling detail of the inn's prosperity.

Jiang Bai plopped into a chair and immediately started gulping down tea.

Free tea? No reason not to drink as much as possible.

Hu Tao, meanwhile, kicked back in her seat, crossed one leg over the other, picked up a Sunsettia, gave it a quick wipe on her clothes, and took a hearty bite.