I was so scared that I put all my points into health.

In the blink of an eye, Wang Xiaoyi was back at his starting point. He first looked around, as if to confirm that he was really back in this familiar place. Then he bent down and casually picked up the nail clippers, eyebrow pencil, and dressing mirror. Although these were divinely bestowed equipment, top-quality equipment specially given to him by the goddess, these everyday items had nothing to do with divine artifacts. There was also the gardening shears for himself, which his mother and father could use. However, he thought that the nail clippers and eyebrow pencil could withstand the level 80 nightmare-level dungeon BOSS. Although it was not the complete BOSS, he would keep one for himself and the other two to save his parents' lives.

After carefully placing the artifact away, he glanced at his hands. He noticed his fingernails had grown rather long, and the clicking sound of trimming them was surprisingly relaxing. At this seemingly ordinary moment, a crisp system notification, like the clinking of crystals, suddenly rang in his ears: "Ding, Gratitude Points +3000." This gratitude was truly long overdue, like a long-lost friend suddenly appearing with a generous gift just when you'd almost forgotten about them. The feeling was wonderful, like carefully selecting a gift for his mother in a bustling store, spending thirty or fifty yuan, hoping only for her happy smile and warm hug—a gesture of love and reciprocation. However, his mother seemed to be struck by a huge surprise, transferring him 666 yuan in one go. In that instant, Wang Xiaoyi felt that this was true love, his mother's overflowing affection and gratitude.

It seems there's no need to do anything earth-shattering or complicated; just like a child with a little secret, secretly enjoying the moment is enough. The feeling is like finding unexpected wealth on the street, which is incredibly exciting.

Whether in the real world we know or in this divine realm full of unknowns and mysteries, he gradually realized that sometimes it's not necessary to deliberately do things that are too complicated or unfathomable. Just like relationships between people, a sincere smile, a thoughtful greeting, a kind understanding—these seemingly insignificant acts of emotional value can often become key factors in maintaining relationships and reaping unexpected rewards. Just like gaining gratitude points in this mysterious world, it's simple yet full of wisdom about life.

After neatly trimming his nails, Wang Xiaoyi quickly put away the nail clippers. He ran back to the Elf King Dragon (in human form) as fast as the wind.

The Elf King Dragon (in human form) was sitting there peacefully eating, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding chaos. Upon closer inspection, the journey appeared to have taken very little time; the environment remained unchanged, as if time had stood still for that brief moment.

When the Elf Dragon King (in human form) saw Wang Xiaoyi return, he nodded slightly. His handsome face held an undeniable composure as he slowly stood up, indicating that he was ready to take Wang Xiaoyi away from this place.

Speaking of Castio, he has now recovered some of his power. Although the severe injuries he suffered earlier have not fully healed, leaving this place is not particularly difficult in his current state. Moreover, thanks to his mysterious connection with this world, he can return at any time before his power is fully restored.

However, Castio was overwhelmed by an indescribable emotion: a desire to leave this place filled with memories and pain. This place had witnessed many unpleasant events, and every inch of its land seemed to silently recount the sorrows of the past.

The Elf King Dragon (in human form) turned around and extended its hand to Wang Xiaoyi, saying calmly, "Take my hand." Without hesitation, Wang Xiaoyi quickly reached out and grasped the Elf King Dragon's hand.

In that instant, the surrounding scenery seemed to be distorted by a mysterious force. Wang Xiaoyi only felt a blur before his eyes, and when he could see his surroundings again, they were already back beside the huge crack in the blink of an eye.

Alpha and Allen waited anxiously nearby. Alpha's brow was furrowed, his eyes filled with worry and impatience, and his hands were constantly rubbing together, as if trying to ease his anxiety. Allen, on the other hand, stared intently at the crack, his ears twitching slightly as if trying to catch any possible sound.

President Winnie stood to one side, her eyes deep, as if pondering some profound question, her expression solemn and serious. Her hands were behind her back, slightly clenched into fists, revealing that her inner state was not as calm as it appeared.

The moment President Winnie's gaze fell upon Wang Xiaoyi, a look of relief flashed in her eyes. She raised her head and said in a firm and powerful voice, "Alright, mission over for today. Let's go back." Hearing President Winnie's words, Alpha and Allen walked to the griffin beside them. Wang Xiaoyi and the Elf King Dragon (parrot form) followed. Wang Xiaoyi leaped lightly and landed steadily on the griffin's broad back.

At Guild Master Winnie's command, the griffins spread their enormous wings, let out a deafening cry, and soared into the air. They traced a graceful arc through the air and swiftly flew towards the Adventurers' Guild.

After the crowd departed, a figure suddenly appeared in the previously empty spot. Castio, this mysterious and sagacious being, had returned to this place.

His gaze was fixed on the direction where President Winnie was walking away, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions that were difficult to describe. There was longing in his eyes, a reluctance to let go of the past; because she held a very high place in his heart; and even more so, a firm resolve, stemming from a vow he had always kept in mind deep within his heart.

Castio secretly vowed to protect the white moonlight in his heart, and the world she loved. It was a belief ingrained in his bones, like an inextinguishable flame burning deep within his soul.

He lowered his head slightly, his slender fingers slowly slipping into his pocket, the movement unhurried and rhythmic. As his arm bent slightly, his palm turned upward, and an exquisite object appeared in his hand. It was a pocket watch with a captivating metallic sheen, its case seemingly crafted from the purest celestial metal. Under the light, it refracted a myriad of colors, like a dreamlike nebula swirling in his hand.

The pocket watch boasts a classic and elegant design. Its oval case, with rounded, smooth corners, resembles a meticulously polished gemstone. Exquisite patterns are engraved on the case, their intricate designs resembling ancient and mysterious runes, or perhaps depicting a grand historical epic. The lines of the patterns are delicate and fluid, each line seemingly drawn with the finest brushstrokes, revealing boundless refinement and depth within a small space. Every subtle detail reveals the traces of ancient and complex craftsmanship.

The case back and watch case fit together perfectly, without a single gap, as if they were originally one piece. A small protrusion on the case back acts like a guardian protecting the inner secrets. Gently opening the case back reveals an even more astonishing inner structure. The dial is like a miniature universe; against a white background, there are three black hands and several tiny hour markers. The hands gleam with a cold metallic sheen, exuding a mechanical austerity. On one side of the dial, there are several small gears and screws, tightly meshed together—the secret to the flow of time.

This pocket watch is not merely a mysterious treasure from ancient times, but also a symbol of his glory as a warrior. It was personally given to him by the goddess Veronica during his solemn ceremony of becoming a warrior. It carries the goddess's approval and affirmation of him, and is a sacred testament to his embarking on the path of a warrior.

He gently opened his pocket watch, his gaze instantly becoming focused and solemn, as if meeting the eyes of a long-lost friend. His fingers carefully rested on the fourth hand, and he began to turn it counter-clockwise. His movements were steady and precise; each rotation seemed the result of countless repetitions, imbued with a mechanical accuracy. Round and round, it was as if he were turning the gears of fate, each turn seemingly resonating with the river of time, triggering some unknown change.

As he moved his fingers, a miraculous scene unfolded. The thin magical barrier that the Elf King Dragon had previously erected here, like a slumbering beast suddenly awakened, began to change rapidly. The barrier, which had been as fragile as a veil, seemed to receive an infusion of boundless power, growing thicker at a visible speed. From its initial elusive presence, it gradually became a tangible entity, like a trickle of water converging into a vast river, radiating a powerful and stable energy fluctuation.

Under the powerful force of this barrier, the vast majority of demonic energy was ruthlessly kept outside. The pervasive black demonic energy was like a surging tide crashing against an impenetrable wall, helplessly churning and surging outside the barrier. The black demonic energy surged, like an angry demon struggling, constantly assaulting the barrier, but each impact was mercilessly bounced back, only able to let out angry roars, unable to break through this powerful defense summoned by the pocket watch's power.

Looking back on this trip, it has truly been very rewarding. In this journey full of unknowns and challenges, besides the unexpected surprise of 3000 gratitude points from the Goddess, I also obtained crucial information about the main quest. Information about the Village of Time is gradually emerging; that mysterious village located in the Valley of Time is called Twilight Bell Village. However, the exact location of Twilight Bell Village is currently unclear. But based on past experience and my understanding of Castio, he should know its exact location.

This unknown village was like a huge mystery, hiding countless secrets waiting to be uncovered. It was like a dazzling pearl hidden in the darkness, exuding an alluring and mysterious aura, like a silent call, attracting everyone to explore. But Wang Xiaoyi, this always lazy and leisurely fellow, had no intention of truly exploring. He felt that he was being completely swept along by the torrent of fate, and everything was a choice he was forced to make.

Back at the Adventurers' Guild, Guild Master Winnie called Wang Xiaoyi to her office alone. Alpha and Allen stood to the side, their faces full of confusion. Their bright eyes were filled with question marks; they were wide open, their ears involuntarily perked up, trying to find a clue in their surroundings, but ultimately to no avail. They simply couldn't figure out what had happened, as if they had been suddenly thrown into a fog, everything around them becoming blurry. Helpless, they could only return to their rooms first.

Actually, nothing particularly complicated happened today; we just learned how to ride griffins. We went with President Winnie to the area filled with demonic energy and did a quick check. First, Wang Xiaoyi mysteriously disappeared, then President Winnie vanished without a trace, and shortly after, the Elf King Dragon (parrot form) flew in like lightning. It all happened so suddenly, like a raging storm suddenly erupting on a calm lake. It felt like something extremely important had occurred, but they knew nothing about it—a truly inexplicable feeling. However, they could only console themselves that perhaps it was better not to know some things, after all, they always held the saying: "Curiosity killed the child."