Lucian, upon hearing this, asked in confusion, "Even if Jinhsi and I combine our swords, can we still not control the flow of time?"
Changli shook her head slightly. "Yes, and no. Though the two of you can manifest the power of temporal sequencing, your own abilities are still too weak. At present, you can only achieve feats like freezing Mt. Firmament as before."
Lucian suddenly understood. "So, our own limitations restrict the full potential of temporal power?"
A faint smile touched Changli's lips. "Precisely. The chess manual records, 'Only when Mt. Firmament manifests can the chessboard be seen.' Though it remains unclear how the chessboard relates to temporal power, if the records hold true…"
"Then there exists a complete temporal power beyond that of the Sentinel?"
Changli: "Moreover… perhaps we may even find a path to curing the Sentinel's affliction…"
However, she quickly shook her head. "But… the likelihood is minuscule. It's also possible that the chess manual merely preserves a memory of Master."
"So… this is a personal request of mine."
"I'd like to ask you both to enter the mountains once more and seek out this legendary chessboard."
[Option 1: As an upright and selfless man, help Changli unconditionally! Reward: 100,000 Shell Credits]
[Option 2: Demand Changli's stockings as payment for helping her! Reward: Achievement 'Stockings Collector' — Effect: It becomes easier to demand stockings from others!]
[Option 3: Have Changli owe you a favor upon completion! Reward: Copy-Paste Technique]
Lucian said expressionlessly, "I can do it, but what's in it for me?"
"After all, as you know—being Rover's husband, the Magistrate's exclusive intelligence officer, Jianxin's master, Chixia's lover, the one privy to Yinlin's identity, the great hero who saved Jinzhou—I'm a very busy man!"
Rover sighed. "Aren't your titles a bit too long… And who's Yinlin?"
Seeing Lucian's dead-serious expression, Changli chuckled softly, then leaned forward slightly, her ample curves momentarily dazzling Lucian's vision. She whispered by his ear, "After this is done, I'll be at your command. How about that?"
Upon hearing this, Lucian slammed his palm on the table, sending the chess pieces flying. "In all my years of battle, I, Lucian, have had but one virtue—sheer, damn benevolence! Deal!"
Rover instantly pulled away, eyeing Changli warily. "You're acting suspicious."
Changli covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Rover is quite perceptive…"
"I've merely struck a small agreement with Mr. Lucian. Don't overthink it, Rover."
Her golden eyes flickered playfully at Lucian. "Isn't that right… Mr. Lucian?"
Lucian hugged Rover, coaxing her. "Rover, look—this chessboard is somewhat familiar to you. Perhaps this trip could uncover some of your lost memories. Why not take the chance?"
Rover shot him a sidelong glance. "Even if you say that…"
Lucian declared solemnly, "Don't you want to know the truth behind Mt. Firmament?!"
"Don't you want to uncover whether your amnesia stems from the distortion of human nature or the collapse of morality?!"
"Don't you—"
Before he could finish, Rover clutched her head in pain. "Alright, alright, stop chanting. I never said I wouldn't go…"
"Besides, the reason behind my amnesia probably isn't as… dramatic as you claim."
Lucian: "Ah! You can't say that for sure. We must consider all possibilities when confronting the unknown."
"And haven't you noticed? In the legends, you were powerful, composed, and rational. But look at you now…"
Lucian gave Rover a once-over, then sighed deeply. "Tsk…"
Rover pinched his ear coldly. "What about me now? Go on, say it!"
"And isn't this all because of you? You're the root cause!"
Lucian looked aggrieved. "False accusations require no evidence!"
He turned to Changli. "Counselor Changli, you know me—I, Lucian, have always been incorruptible and upright."
"Tell me, what kind of logic is this?!"
Changli watched their bickering with amusement. "Alright… enough of your nonsense."
"Since you've both agreed to accompany me deep into Mt. Firmament, let's meet at the plank road outside Hongzhen."
"You two go ahead. I still have some preparations to make and will join you shortly."
With that, Changli strode away, her long legs carrying her off.
Lucian glanced at Rover's icy expression, then bolted the next second.
"Get back here!"
Watching Lucian flee, Rover's lips curled slightly before she quickly gave chase.
...
By the waterfall, on the plank road, a man and woman embraced, exchanging saliva.
Lucian and Rover clung to one another, their bodies pressed tightly together. Their lips met in a hungry, wet kiss, tongues sliding against each other with need. Soft, lewd sounds filled the air—moans muffled between gasps, the slick smack of their mouths parting only to reconnect with desperate urgency.
Rover's fingers tangled in Lucian's hair, tugging him closer as his hands roamed down her back, gripping her waist possessively. A breathy whimper escaped her when he nipped at her lower lip, his teeth teasing before soothing the sting with another deep, devouring kiss. The rush of the waterfall drowned out some of their sinful noises, but not the way Rover's breath hitched when Lucian's thigh slid between her legs, as she ground against him.
This was the scene Changli walked in on.
"…Am I interrupting?"
Their lips parted, a silvery thread glinting briefly between them.
Lucian: "No, you're right on time."
He tilted his head. "We ran here—how'd you get here so fast?"
Changli smiled. "As the 'Guide,' I know a few shortcuts in these mountains."
Lucian clasped his hands behind his head leisurely. "Well then, 'Guide'—lead the way."
"Last time, I was dragged off by Phrolova before I could enjoy the sights."
Changli chuckled. "It seems Mr. Lucian holds quite a grudge against Phrolova."
Lucian waved a hand. "Enough about her. Where's our destination?"
Changli nodded, retrieving a booklet from her sleeve—a map of Mt. Firmament.
"The notes record the general area where the chessboard last appeared. During my previous investigation, I narrowed it down to the most probable zone."
"We'll head straight there and search for new clues."
Lucian blinked. "Last time? You've been here before?"
Changli nodded. "After the battle at Loong's Crest, I quickly surveyed the other regions."
"But further progress was impossible alone—I needed your help."
As they walked, the group chatted, strolling through the tranquil mountain paths.
Before long, a massive ring-shaped structure loomed in the distance.
Noticing Changli's wistful expression, Lucian asked, "What's wrong?"
Changli smiled softly. "Just wondering… does this count as 'viewing the snow-clad mountains together'?"
Without elaborating, she changed the subject. "Are you curious about those ruins?"
Lucian shrugged. "I don't mind, but Rover seems interested."
Rover mused, "They resemble the Court of Savantae's remnants… but on a grander scale."
Changli explained, "Rumor has it they're one of the phenomena that descended with the Sentinel. Later, the Court used them as prototypes for their Chronosorter."
Lucian pondered. "Related to the Sentinel? We could just ask Jiao-Jiao when we get back."
Rover shot him a look. "You think she'd tell you? She didn't even explain the Twenty-Eight Mansions last time."
Lucian snorted. "If she refuses, I'll spank her butt hard!"
Rover: "…"
Changli: "…"