Chapter 172
This was the first tier of all the pathways that Xia'er knew, and she had already acquired quite a few potions, though some items were too dangerous even for the Dedun Group to sell.
She could even buy potions like "Blood Painter," "Butcher," and "Coroner," which required human lives for their replication rituals, but other potions remained out of reach.
Perhaps this was related to the potential social impact—after all, the "Butcher," the pathway with the highest body count, only required the killing of ten.
Finally, as Xia'er closed her eyes to think, the conversation shifted to the "Gardener" potion.
When she opened her eyes, she saw Aivina sitting directly across from her, a look of conflict on her face.
"Is there a problem with the 'Gardener' potion, Aivina?" Xia'er asked.
"Not exactly a big issue... I should be able to get the potion, but..."
Aivina hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I'm not very familiar with this pathway, so I might not be able to provide much help afterward."
"But Aimi isn't really interested in the other pathways," interjected Adele, who had been listening quietly. "When we visited Aimi's house before, all those flowers and plants were grown by her, right?"
"Yeah, I love taking care of flowers and plants. I really enjoy their fragrance," Aimi nodded.
It seemed that the "Gardener" pathway was indeed the most suitable for Aimi.
Compared to others, Aimi was a true novice in the realm of the extraordinary. Before this, she was just an ordinary, naive noble lady, making it unrealistic for her to complete any other replication rituals.
Even the seemingly simple "Listener" required a certain talent and a delicate mindset, and even Aivina couldn't quickly digest the subsequent pathways.
Fortunately, Aimi appeared very interested in the "Gardener" pathway, though the price of the potion that Aivina mentioned left her a bit taken aback.
Compared to the average person, Aimi was quite wealthy, having spent lavishly and still managed to save over a hundred Su pounds.
However, the "Gardener" potion was estimated by Aivina to cost around 900 or even 1000 Su pounds. In comparison, Aimi's pocket money seemed a bit insufficient.
But there was no need to worry too much; Aivina would still help Aimi gather the potion first, and as for the Su pounds, Aimi could pay her back slowly.
After all, Aimi was Xia'er's friend, and for Xia'er's sake, Aivina could afford to lend her that amount.
As night fell, after confirming the pathway and chatting a bit longer, Aimi bid farewell to everyone. Although she seemed a bit reluctant, as if she hadn't had enough of the conversation, she knew that if she didn't head back soon, her parents would likely send someone to look for her.
Everyone accompanied Aimi to the door. Aimi lived in the Jueshi Bridge area, not too far away, and she planned to walk back alone.
However, Xia'er vetoed that idea. Since Adele was heading back to Gem Avenue and would pass by Aimi's house, Xia'er suggested that Adele give Aimi a ride.
This wasn't out of concern for Aimi's safety; she had a divine servant with her, and no one in the current Bole City could threaten her.
Xia'er was more worried that if someone came looking for trouble with Aimi, the divine servant's rash response might expose Aimi's secrets.
After Adele took Aimi away, Aivina turned to Xia'er and asked, "Xia'er... are you okay?"
"Me?"
Xia'er glanced at Aivina and nodded. "I'm fine."
"You've been staring at the sky since earlier... is there something up there?" Aivina asked curiously.
Hearing Aivina's question, Xia'er stopped herself from looking up, remaining silent for a moment before replying, "I don't know."
Xia'er truly didn't know if that shadow was still hovering above her.
Unless she dared to cross the boundary of the Otherworld directly in reality, she wouldn't be able to see that raven's shadow.
Noticing Xia'er's demeanor, Aivina realized something was off.
Something must have happened to Xia'er.
Since Xia'er returned from renting the house, she had been acting a bit tense.
Despite maintaining a normal routine, even the previous night at the Dedun Manor, filled with cultists, hadn't affected Xia'er's sleep; she had slept soundly until this morning.
Logically, she shouldn't have fallen into that semi-dazed state earlier, and Xia'er's spirit... felt very weak.
"Are you planning to go back?" Aivina asked.
"Yeah, I've rented the house, and it's pretty well-furnished," Xia'er nodded.
She wasn't sure if she had been affected by the rules of misfortune, but after this dinner, she needed to stay away from anything related to the extraordinary, including her friends.
Aivina spoke up, "The Ancient Ansu script you wrote earlier must be very important, right?"
"Yes, I plan to find some time to translate the text," Xia'er replied, not hiding anything.
Aivina was taken aback. "You don't understand Ancient Ansu?"
How could she write it then?
After a moment's thought, Aivina suggested, "How about... you just stay at my place tonight? You look really tired and weak; I can help you recover overnight."
"In the morning, I can help you translate the Ancient Ansu script... if it's just the general meaning, I should be able to translate it based on reference books."
Aivina's suggestion was indeed excellent and perfectly aligned with Xia'er's current needs.
What she needed was mental comfort and help with the translation, both of which Aivina could provide.
If Xia'er hadn't known about the rules of misfortune, she might have readily agreed.
But now, knowing about the rules and having witnessed their terrifying consequences, Xia'er was too afraid to stay at Aivina's house.
She worried that misfortune might affect those around her, and even though she had rented the house to share with her sister, she didn't plan to call her sister over.
"It's fine; I'll just go back and get some sleep," Xia'er shook her head and said, "Thank you, Aivina."
Upon hearing Xia'er's refusal, Aivina's expression remained neutral, but there was a hint of disappointment in her eyes, which Xia'er noticed.
She recalled the help Aivina had given her in the simulation, and rejecting Aivina's kindness in reality made Xia'er feel a bit guilty.
Suddenly, she remembered something Aivina had done for her in the simulation, something that had weighed on Aivina's mind, and it seemed to have lifted Aivina's spirits after they had finished.
So, after a moment's thought, Xia'er took a few steps toward Aivina, reached up to slightly tug at her collar, and lowered her head a bit.
"Xia'er?"
Aivina took a nervous step back, confused by Xia'er's actions.
"To avoid Sheren's suspicion, I bit you before," Xia'er looked into Aivina's eyes and said, "You can bite me back."
Xia'er's words seemed to stir some memories in Aivina. She looked at Xia'er's delicate, pale neck, her cheeks flushing slightly. Aivina bit her lip and feigned calmness as she replied, "No need; that was just a forced situation. I didn't take it to heart."
Really?
Xia'er blinked at Aivina, who met her gaze without flinching, as if she were speaking the truth.
Then why had Aivina dwelled on this for a month and a half in the simulation, while Xia'er had nearly forgotten about it in just a few days?
It could only mean that Aivina only thought about it when she was angry... After all, a month from now, the "Friend Fee" Eye of Order contract would expire, and perhaps that was when Aivina would truly "take action" against her.
"Alright then."
Xia'er released her grip on her collar, straightened her clothes, and said, "If you want to bite me back, you can do it anytime. I'm leaving now..."
"Xia'er," Aivina seemed to remember something and said, "On the 25th, a member of the royal family is coming, and there might be a banquet... would you like to accompany me?"
A banquet?
To meet Opode and Lucy?
Previously, Opode and Lucy had met at a banquet, but that hadn't triggered the raven's shadow hovering above.
But if she went this time... it might be a different story.
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