Li Xin narrowly avoided the grab with a quick twist of his hips, "Dragon Mother, I'm still a kid. Look at David's muscles, just looking at them feels satisfying."

Dragon Mother's lush, luscious red lips cracked into a grin, "They are all good, just different flavors."

People at Lirong Inn often had nicknames for each other. Here today, maybe gone tomorrow. The turnover was high, though there were some regulars like David. He's a mercenary adventurer, an Awakened, strong and exuding strong masculine charm. He often took on dangerous tasks and was frequently away, but when he returned, his pockets were generally full. A cheerful personality, he's Dragon Mother's favorite, always on time with rent and often away, making him a premium guest.

"David, how about a massage? Let me tell you, Dragon Mother is very skilled, a professional," Dragon Mother winked and smiled.

"Dragon Mother, I'm an honest person, only selling my skills, not my body," David laughed, "That painter suits you. I think he fancies you."

"Tsk, that broke guy, just because he has a clean face, thinks he can avoid paying me. He owes three months' rent! Someday I'm going to sell him to be a rent boy! But seriously, he's a nice guy!" Dragon Mother scoffed, though she had settled in Moncalleta for many years, she still held onto some traditional Lirong beliefs, advising those selling their bodies to reform, and gentlemen to live off others.

"Dragon Mother, you underestimate Dalivin. He's one of those who doesn't sell a painting for three years, but when he does, he can live off it for another three. All artists wait for their chance. Now you might ignore him, but soon you won't be able to afford him," laughed Magician Kan.

Even in the inn, he dressed neatly, in a formal suit, black top hat, and a gentleman's cane. His neatly groomed mustache added to his elegant, handsome appearance. He was a down-and-out Moncalleta charmer, only taking off his white gloves during meals, though the gloves were losing color from washing.

"You penniless illusionist, it's the pot calling the kettle black. When are you paying last month's rent? I'll give you three more days and if not, you'll have to pay with your body!" Dragon Mother stared hard at the Magician, swallowing unless visibly impressed. The Magician was more her type than the painter, who was more like a weakling she feared would bring her discomfort.

The diners burst into laughter at once, and the Magician's smile disappeared immediately, "Tomorrow, I'll definitely pay tomorrow!"

Li Xin was also eating. Here there weren't high expectations; everything was the cheapest possible. The big pot of soup was mostly water, and the vegetable leaves were fished out in the first wave. A place full of talent indeed.

"Dragon Mother, there's no taste in this soup, never mind the lack of ingredients, add more salt at least."

"Tsk, salt isn't free! If you find it bland, go with Little Li to the docks and drink to your heart's content! Old Fang, why is the chair in your room broken? Fix it immediately. If you don't have money, go out and make some by fortune-telling. All of my stuff is high quality, and you all better listen: anyone who breaks something pays double!"

Dragon Mother yelled, rolling up her sleeves to reveal her intimidating biceps. Her shout made everyone look down. Rumor has it that those who questioned her were thrown out. To own such a place amid the fierce competition in the Saint George District indicates considerable power and backing.

Under pressure, Old Fang hurriedly finished his meal and drank up the soup. He was a lame fortune-teller in the area, said to be quite skilled, but once miscalculation had cost him the use of his leg.

Like a Lord patrolling her domain, Dragon Mother arrogantly lifted her head. Her big red lips gleamed even more vibrantly after being moistened by saliva. She always felt exceedingly pleased after reprimanding someone.

Li Xin felt that she always came out during meals just to enjoy herself.

After eating, Li Xin returned to his small room. He'd been at Lirong Inn for over a week, just shuttling between the docks and Lirong Inn. Cargo carrying was only a temporary measure. With his abilities, how could he continue doing that? First, he needed something to fall back on, then find business opportunities. With all the wit and wisdom from his two lives, maintaining a basic living standard should be easy without resorting to theft. Many ideas he hadn't used yet, adjusting to local customs first, plotting before acting. Tomorrow he planned to visit the market for opportunities; he already had a few thoughts in mind.

Next door was mercenary David. Mercenary, bodyguard, hitman, he did it all. Sometimes he went on sea adventures. Recently, without assignments, he stayed at the inn. Honestly, Li Xin hoped he wouldn't be around. Sure enough, it soon started again.

Duang… duang DuangDuangDuang…

Li Xin felt a headache. The soundproofing was terrible, and neither did the bedmate restrain their high-pitched screams, which had a piercing effect. Late at night, Li Xin wanted to admire Moncalleta's moonlight, but who could withstand such noise? Three days in a row now—too much!

Li Xin pushed open the door only to stumble across a scene: the painter, the magician, fortune-teller, and several others lying in wait. . . Was that a glimpse of a bright red dress around the corner?

"Ahem, I'm just passing by."

"Who's making such noise in the middle of the night! Howling away, I was going to step in as a good Samaritan."

"Exactly, a pair of animals!"

Everyone, with envy and bitterness, returned to their rooms, teeth clenched. What a tough night.

Li Xin was helpless; the small room he lived in felt like it was sectioned off from David's storage space by Dragon Mother. Just as he was about to return, the door swung open. A half-naked David, sweat in his curly brown hair, stood with a voluptuous white figure behind him—both seemingly indifferent to being seen, David even deliberately flexed his thigh muscles.

This is too much!

"Ah, nobody else up for it? Li Xin, want to join us?" David laughed.

Li Xin was speechless; was Moncalleta this wild? Plus, his companion even hummed, revealing a slight glimpse of fair skin.

Li Xin pinched his thigh, refusing the tempting offer, feeling they were just teasing to add fun to themselves. Gritting his teeth, he decided to take a walk and return when they quieted down. Damn, who are they looking down on? Back in the day...

As he reached downstairs, he hesitated. Should he go back up and ask if they still wanted him to join, just out of a 'what if'...

Although both places are by the sea, Celestial Capital and Moncalleta differed greatly. Moncalleta's warmer climate gave the air a salty sea breeze which he quite liked; it relaxed people. Absentmindedly checking his pocket—empty. The cigarette pack was almost gone by the end of the voyage, and the last few were smoked restlessly the previous night.

This was a bit of a problem.

Hedan's ethnicities are more diverse. Besides Moncalleta's own tribes, people from all over Dao Yuan Continent converged here. But most kept to their circles; staying distant unless you understood the rules was safer. Regardless of origin or faith, respecting the Earth Mother Goddess in Hedan was vital. This wasn't Lirong; talking about freedom of faith could get one killed.

Many newcomers to Hedan gradually started worshiping the Earth Mother Goddess.

The Earth Mother Goddess Court is located in Hedan, with churches in its districts, and small chapels in communities where a priest can lead services. Numerous monasteries around town provide retreats for devout believers, usually in the outskirts.

In Hedan, seeking any decent job or public service role required being a follower of the Earth Mother Goddess.

Wandering alone, he eventually reached the docks. The daytime hustle had vanished, leaving a tranquil atmosphere. Li Xin sat at the edge, bracing himself with his hands on the ground, gazing at the clear night sky. A few clouds veiled the red moon—the night was lovely, the sea breeze comforting.

Somehow, he felt a twinge of homesickness...

Meanwhile, in the highest and most luxurious place of Hedan's Inner City—the Royal City, Estella gazed with joy at the small harp she had completed. Yes, after over a month, she had finally finished polishing the harp down. It was the first time she'd focused so intently on crafting a gift.

The harp was made from Wisdom Wood, also known as the Wood of Life—a mysterious ancient tree that's a national treasure of Moncalleta, extremely rare. This wood could be used to craft various secretive tools or brewed into Magic Potions with strong warding capabilities. Even the royal family had limited amounts.

The strings were from the Jiao Tendons of Kara Sea, capable of making advanced secretive tools, deadly to Fallen Creatures—it was something Estella snatched from her father's vault. Jiao tendon from a centuries-old dragon was indeed a treasure, essential for Demon Exorcism Weapons and certain Magic Potions. To make the strings, Estella used an entire Dragon Sinew, secretly, and if asked, she'd say her brother took it.

Trimming, carving patterns, every step was done meticulously. Of course, there was a small secret—Estella engraved her initials on the harp's base beam. She was personally responsible for tuning it. While she may not be an expert on other matters, she was confident in her harp skills.

After finishing, Estella immediately played to the ocean. Keli listened with eyes closed, entranced.

Chris stood on Estella's shoulder, looking down arrogantly at the sea, though its tilted head betrayed its enthralled state.

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