"..."
Aether listened to Dugu Bo's all-too-familiar words. This old man really was stubborn to the core.
Just like last time—stubborn as a mule. He'd first force you to agree, then tell you what it was about. Was he doing this again?
Aether activated his Elemental Sight and looked toward Dugu Bo… but strangely, there was no blue dot hovering above his head.
Weird…
He turned his head slightly—and was immediately blinded by a dazzling golden light.
Yu Keke's head was practically glowing like a light bulb, radiant gold shining brightly.
Aether froze again.
What the hell?
A critical commission?
She's been with them this whole time, and there hadn't been anything unusual. So why was there suddenly a legendary-level golden commission?!
Wait a minute…
No wonder Paimon insisted on keeping Yu Keke around earlier. This little creature…
Aether had pitied the girl and taken her in just to look after her. That was Level One thinking.
But Paimon? She'd seen straight through the surface and down to the essence—Level Five thinking?
Had she known all along that there was a main quest walking around beside them?
Aether glanced toward the little floating Paimon, who was bobbing up and down in the air. He gave her a thumbs up.
"Paimon, you really are something else!"
"Eh? What do you mean?"
Paimon tilted her head, confused by the compliment.
"I mean you're amazing."
"Hehe, I've always been amazing~"
She didn't know why the Traveler was praising her out of nowhere, but compliments were always welcome.
"My lord, please—you must accept this."
Dugu Bo, still stubborn as ever, saw Aether distracted and immediately spoke again.
"Old man, just tell me what it is you want first."
Aether pressed down the thoughts from earlier. Better to deal with this old guy before diving into other mysteries.
"I know I'm of little help to you, my lord… but I do possess a certain treasure, and I wish to offer it to you."
Dugu Bo looked at him earnestly. Then, with grave sincerity, he dropped to his knees again.
"It may not be much in your eyes, but I implore you—please accept it. Otherwise, I'll have no face left to face you."
"…Fine, I'll take it. Now please, stand up."
Aether activated the Anemo element and forcibly lifted the old man to his feet.
He'd seen people insist on giving gifts before, but never anyone this unyielding.
"Haha—thank you, my lord! You've lifted a burden from this old man's heart."
Dugu Bo let out a hearty laugh, finally feeling somewhat relieved.
He turned to the others gathered in the courtyard. Aside from Prince Xue Qinghe, there were no outsiders. After a brief pause, he spoke again:
"My lord, the treasure is in Sunset Forest. It's a bit far from here. Would you like to see it now?"
"The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, huh… maybe wait a few days?"
Aether murmured, as if weighing the decision.
"The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well… what a perfect name! Truly, my lord knows all things!"
Dugu Bo was stunned. The name Aether had spoken fit the treasure perfectly. Could there be anything this man didn't know?
"It's something I happened to hear about~"
Aether waved dismissively. The Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well wasn't particularly useful to him.
But this old man was just too persistent, so he'd gone along with it.
From the moment he saw Dugu Bo, he'd thought of this treasure.
In his memory, Tang San—the Child of the Plane—had relied on this very place and this very old man to rise in the early stages.
For Tang San, it had been a heaven-sent opportunity. But for Aether… it was merely chicken ribs: tasteless, yet a waste to discard.
Still, just because he couldn't use it didn't mean others couldn't.
Aether glanced over the gathered group, mulling over his options.
Dugu Bo could perhaps use the rare herbs there to evolve their spirit. It was his territory, after all. Helping him further wasn't unreasonable.
He could also gift a few herbs to Xue Qinghe.
The prince had arranged all their living and travel needs during their stay—some gratitude was in order.
And then there was Yu Keke. She'd stuck close to him all this time. It was about time to help boost her strength.
Still… what was that blinding golden commission about? He'd have to ask her about it later.
"If that's the case, my lord may call on me anytime you wish to go. I'll serve as your humble guide."
Dugu Bo, seeing that Aether seemed preoccupied, didn't push the matter.
The gift was already given, and Aether had accepted it.
"Mm, I'll trouble you to lead the way when the time comes," Aether nodded.
"By the way, my lord… do you happen to need a maid?"
Dugu Bo looked over at his granddaughter. Since her poisonous spirit had been purified and even evolved, she'd been sneaking glances at Aether nonstop.
The old man suddenly had a thought. It was a long shot, but he thickened his face and asked anyway.
Opportunities had to be fought for. If Yanyan could follow this man, it would be a blessing from the heavens.
"Uh…"
Aether was confused. What was the old man suddenly getting at?
"It's just that… after all you've done for my family—"
"Ugh~ Grandpa, if you've got something to say, just say it…"
Paimon floated over and whispered in Aether's ear:
"Traveler, this old guy is so long-winded. He just keeps circling around the same few lines and never gets to the point."
Aether gave her a look of agreement.
"Hehe, then I'll just get to the point. My lord, I humbly ask you to take Yanyan into your service—to pour your tea and such…"
"Grandpa…"
Before Dugu Bo could finish, Dugu Yan tugged on his sleeve, blushing furiously as she stole a glance at Aether.
Why didn't Grandpa ask for her opinion before offering her up?
Still… if it was just staying by his side, maybe it wouldn't be so bad.
Like Grandpa said—it was a form of repayment. And she was curious about this boy.
"Old man, I can't accept that. I don't need a maid."
Aether waved his hands repeatedly.
Good grief. He couldn't stay around this stubborn old man any longer—he'd probably try to throw himself in next.
Dugu Yan's eyes flickered with disappointment—but only for a moment.
"Sigh… I overstepped."
Dugu Bo shook his head. He hadn't expected much, and the result was within expectations.
"Well, I've got some things to take care of. I'll be going now."
Aether exhaled. He'd feared the old man might drop to his knees again and force another request.
Since he had other business anyway, this was a good time to retreat.
"My lord, if you need any assista—"
Before Dugu Bo could finish, Aether was already rushing off, scooping up the wide-eyed Paimon in his arms and striding away. Yu Keke quickly followed.
Xue Qinghe nodded politely to Dugu Bo and left as well.
In the end, only the grandfather and granddaughter remained in the courtyard.
"Grandpa, seriously! Why would you say something like that?!"
Dugu Yan turned her back on him, scolding with embarrassment.
"I just thought…"
"Hmph! I'm going back!"
With a sharp turn, she dashed off toward the mansion's gate.
She wanted to die from shame. Offered as a maid—and then rejected?! She could never live this down…
"Hey—wait up! Grandpa will walk you home…"
...
Outside the gates of Heaven Dou City, Aether stood in a wide open area, gazing toward the horizon with a slight frown.
"Traveler, are you saying… you found the location of our Serenitea Pot?"
Beside him, Paimon clenched her little fists, her eyes full of anticipation.
Aether had just told her that he'd sensed the teapot's whereabouts.
Yu Keke and Xue Qinghe, who had followed closely behind, also looked over curiously.
_
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