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Chapter 248 - Rejection
🕑 Added 2025-02-21 07:00:07 +0000 UTCThe passengers in the airship immediately sprang into action, packing their belongings and using their abilities to ensure their cabins were spotless. Given President Albert's unpredictable personality, there was a high probability that anyone who left a mess would face his infamous "spitting wrath." Even if it sounded absurd, no one dared to take the chance.
Not long after, the airship slowed down considerably as it approached New Fork City. Leyvi and the ladies made their way to the top deck, taking in the view. From above, they could see numerous airships converging toward the city from all directions.
"What the heck! No wonder it's called New Fork City. There are two giant forks in the middle of the city!" Leyvi exclaimed, pointing at the massive structures that dominated the cityscape.
Valenia frowned, tilting her head. "But why forks? That's such an odd choice for a city's aesthetic."
"Obviously, there's someone in the city who really likes forks, just like you love your broadsword," Leyvi said, teasing her. "If you want, we could build a giant broadsword in the middle of Bara City. How about it?"
Although Leyvi was joking, Valenia found herself seriously considering the idea. Waking up every morning to see her beloved broadsword standing tall, reaching toward the sky from the heart of the city, felt like a great source of inspiration. Maybe she could even change the city's name to Holy Broadsword City! The thought brought a small, satisfied smile to her face.
Noticing that Valenia hadn't responded as usual, Leyvi glanced at her and saw a dreamy expression on her face. Her eyes were distant, and a small smile played on her lips.
"Huh? Val! Come back! You have the same delusional look as Mr. Bison and Dorin. Don't go to that side," Leyvi said, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her gently. Her red ponytail swayed wildly as he snapped her out of her fantasy.
Valenia blinked, her dream abruptly shattered. She secretly swore to herself that she'd get back at him the next time they were in bed together. Maybe she'd use her sword intent to give his "holy rod" a slight prick—just enough to teach him a lesson.
"Ahaha! Brother Leyvi, it's been a while since we saw each other, even though we're on the same airship," a familiar voice called out.
Leyvi turned around to see Lin Wei approaching, accompanied by Lana and Angela, his two companions. It seemed they had finished packing and decided to come up to the top balcony as well.
"Haha, it can't be helped. It looks like everyone locked themselves in their cabins, busy preparing for the Mystic Realm—myself included," Leyvi replied.
"You're right. I was preparing myself too. It feels like there's never enough time," Lin Wei agreed. He paused for a moment, then continued, "Brother Leyvi, how about we explore the Mystic Realm together later? That way, we can cooperate and watch each other's backs."
Leyvi was surprised. He hadn't expected Lin Wei to invite his group to explore the Mystic Realm together. However, recalling his earlier conversations with Anda, he felt that traveling with Lin Wei might expose them to greater danger. The memory of the crazy Demonic Owl that had attacked the airship resurfaced in his mind. Don't tell me that unusual attack happened because of Lin Wei's protagonist influence? Was it supposed to be an event that benefited him somehow? Oh lord. Maybe it was the Demonic Owl's meat.
The thought only intensified Leyvi's desire to keep his distance. He didn't want his group to become fodder, paving the way for the protagonist to achieve his objectives. But he also didn't want to sever his relationship with Lin Wei over this. Leyvi wasn't that shallow. If it were just him, he might have taken the risk, but with the ladies in his group, their safety had to come first.
As Leyvi racked his brain for a polite way to decline, Anda suddenly chimed in, sensing his dilemma. "Little Brother Lin Wei, I'm afraid we can't explore the Mystic Realm together with you."
"Eh? Why? Are you thinking we aren't strong enough?" Lin Wei asked, his tone tinged with surprise. With his Heavenly Flesh and Qi Unification Body and his supreme treasure, he was confident he'd be the strongest person entering the Mystic Realm, even though he was only at the middle stage of the Core Formation realm. He felt he was doing them a favor by inviting them, considering Leyvi's group was at the early stage of Core Formation and likely among the weakest participants. While he acknowledged Leyvi's unusual capabilities, he doubted Leyvi could handle the many peak Core Formation cultivators they'd encounter.
Anda smiled mischievously before responding. "Little Brother Lin Wei, we already have our own plans and strategies for exploring the Mystic Realm, tailored to our abilities and group dynamics. Cooperating with another group might hinder our plans..."
When did we plan all that? My panda wife is lying again, Leyvi thought, though he kept his expression neutral.
"I know you're inviting us because you're worried about our group's strength, but don't worry. We're confident in our methods and tactics for escaping danger. We're not as helpless as you might think," Anda continued, her tone reassuring.
Lin Wei nodded slowly as he listened to Anda's explanation. Her reasoning made sense. Leyvi's family was a fast-rising force in the South Region, so they likely had their own extraordinary means and strategies. He realized he had been underestimating them, perhaps because of their often comical and lighthearted nature. Adjusting his mindset, Lin Wei acknowledged that he had been too presumptuous.
"I apologize, Brother Leyvi. I've been too presumptuous, thinking you needed my protection," Lin Wei said sincerely, his tone reflecting genuine regret.
"Hahaha! Don't worry about it. How can I be upset about a friend worrying about me?" Leyvi replied, patting Lin Wei's shoulder reassuringly.
For a split second, Lin Wei's eyes widened. Leyvi's pat had triggered his supreme treasure, which roughly estimated Leyvi's power. The result was far beyond what Lin Wei had imagined. He had truly underestimated Leyvi. The moment served as a reminder to never judge others based on their behavior alone. Everyone had their own opportunities and strengths.
"Actually, the reason I gave you earlier was only the secondary reason. We have another primary reason why we can't join you," Anda chimed in again, her tone playful.
"Huh?" Lin Wei turned to her, confused. "What do you mean by that? What else could be the reason?"
Even Leyvi looked puzzled, unsure where Anda was going with this.
"Hehe," Anda chuckled, her eyes glinting mischievously. "If we have other people around, how can we have our intimate moments as much as we want? We need to refuel regularly, you know. We don't want to slow others down because of our private activities."
Lin Wei was utterly dumbfounded. That's the real reason? Brother Leyvi, did you marry a bunch of succubi?
The ladies around them blushed furiously at Anda's bold statement, especially Ava, who had never been part of such activities and found the conversation incredibly awkward. Only Lilian remained unaffected, her attention entirely focused on the vegetation below. As they were nearing the city, she was busy scanning the landscape for any plants she didn't already have in her collection.
Leyvi covered his face with his palm, a mix of amusement and exasperation on his face. He had to admit, Anda had handled the conversation perfectly, refusing Lin Wei's invitation without straining their relationship. But did she really have to add that unnecessary bit at the end? Anda, if you keep this up, people will think we're a family of perverts on top of being weirdos.
"Ahahaha. I see. Now I understand why. Brother Leyvi, if that's the case, I won't insist anymore. However, if you encounter any trouble, don't hesitate to ask for my help," Lin Wei said, his tone light but sincere.
The group chatted for a while longer until the airship finally landed outside the city gates. The area was bustling with activity, as numerous airships of various sizes had also just arrived. Leyvi noticed organizations he had never heard of before: the Body Cultivator Union, the Cloud Continent Archeology Institute, The Eternal Beauty Association, The Botanist Society, and others. The sheer diversity of groups was impressive.
As soon as they landed, President Albert's voice boomed through the airship's speakers once more. "Alright, everyone. We've arrived at New Fork City. I must remind all of you that your actions here are still under my responsibility, so don't make a scene, or I'll kick your name from the spot. Magnus, Vitali, Tordin—you three are the usual suspects. Your good behavior on my airship over the last three months has been commendable. You stayed in your cabins like good kids without causing any trouble. Please continue this good behavior until your representatives enter the Mystic Realm. That's all. Everyone, get off my luxurious airship now. Vacation is over!"
Soon, people began disembarking. Leyvi and Lin Wei's group were among the first to step off, and they stood to the side, watching the others exit. Leyvi spotted Magnus, Vitali, and Tordin stepping off the airship with deeply embarrassed expressions.
The three of them cursed President Albert inwardly for publicly calling them out like this, but they didn't dare voice their complaints aloud. How can you call us troublemakers when you're the biggest troublemaker of all? they thought bitterly.
Leyvi could only sympathize with their plight, but he also knew it was partly their own fault. After all, who told them to keep quarreling and confronting each other every time they met?
