Tavern of the Spear: Desire for Pleasure

Bai Yu nodded amicably to everyone, as if to say hello. Evans stepped forward excitedly, grabbed Bai Yu's hand, and said enthusiastically, "Bai Yu, you're amazing! I heard about you from Cheng Yu; you actually came out of hell and can even time travel! It's incredible!" He paused, his expression slightly somber, "Speaking of which, I happen to need your help..."

Looking at the fiery redhead before him, Bai Yu felt, for some reason, that he bore a resemblance to Snow. Could it be…? A thought struck him, and he tentatively asked, “Are you Snow’s son?”

Evand paused for a moment, then smiled and explained, "Oh, you mean Snow? He did take me in as a son, but I think he was my godson. But I really think he looks a lot like my father, though he doesn't seem to remember it. What, you know him?"

Bai Yu nodded. "I'd say we know each other. He helped me prepare a barn." He thought to himself, it seems it was just a coincidence; perhaps it's normal for orcs to look alike. "You said you needed my help earlier, what is it?"

Evand's expression darkened again. "It's like this, I have a friend who also came from another world. Some time ago, I helped him return to his world, but we both miss each other terribly. However, he can't come back now. I wanted to ask you if you could open a portal to send him here, or send me there and then bring him here?"

Bai Yu understood what Evand meant. After pondering for a moment, he shook his head. "I'm sorry, Evand, although I can open a portal, it's either randomly or requires knowing the exact coordinates to open it. I don't know the coordinates of your friend's world, so I can't connect the two worlds and establish a portal."

Evan's eyes were filled with disappointment, but he still politely thanked Bai Yu, "Oh...it's alright, thank you, Bai Yu."

Seeing this, Victor gently patted Evand's shoulder and softly comforted him, "Evand, don't be too sad. As long as you still think of each other, that's enough. You don't have to be together forever."

Cheng Yu stepped forward and took Evand's hand, offering him silent support. Evand took a deep breath and forced a smile, "Yes, I know. Thank you, Witt, thank you, Cheng Yu."

Bai Yu watched this scene unfold, a slight tremor in his heart. Though he could manipulate time and space, he couldn't alter the bonds and longing between people. Perhaps, this was the inherent helplessness of time travel.

"By the way, Bai Yu," Cheng Yu walked up to Bai Yu and asked in a low voice, "what are your plans for the future?"

Bai Yu thought for a moment, "I plan to stay in this world for a while to get a feel for the situation here. Then I'll consider my next steps."

“That’s wonderful!” Evand exclaimed excitedly. “You can live here with us! The Misty Forest is vast, with many interesting places that we can explore together! Although I long for the outside world more!”

Bai Yu smiled and said, "Sure, I'd love to."

At this moment, the two small dragon bracelets also lit up, representing Violet transmitting a message to Bai Yu's mind: "Disciple, since you have decided to stay here, you must be more careful. Although this world looks beautiful, it also hides many dangers."

Argent also transmitted a message to Bai Yu's mind, adding, "Yes, disciple, although I hate silly dragons, I share the same opinion, and you'd better not reveal too much about yourself."

Bai Yu nodded, "I understand, Masters, I will be careful."

The group watched as Bai Yu suddenly stopped moving, seemingly lost in thought. They didn't know what he was doing, but they didn't disturb him.

After the other person recovered, Evan said, "I think we should give you a proper welcome, after all, the tavern has gained a new friend!"

"That's right, I completely agree with that point!"

"How about we have a party tonight? I think Chet would love it, haha~"

As night fell, the Spear Tavern was brightly lit and bustling with activity. All sorts of orcs gathered there, drinking and chatting, creating a lively atmosphere. Bai Yu and Cheng Yu sat at a table, savoring the delicious ale brewed by Snow while listening to the orcs around them chatter.

"Have you heard? A strange creature has recently appeared in the Misty Forest. It's said to look like a giant sun-facing creature that's also like a bull. Several people haven't been able to subdue this monster!" said a burly minotaur.

"Really? I've never heard of such a terrifying creature before!" a lizardman exclaimed in surprise.

“I heard that someone saw that monster near the minotaur tribe, but I don’t know if it’s true,” another orc interjected.

Bai Yu and Cheng Yu exchanged a glance. Bai Yu could tell that Cheng Yu seemed to know something, and a sense of curiosity rose in both of them. The Misty Forest seemed to be even more mysterious than he had imagined.

"It seems I need to find an opportunity to visit the Minotaur tribe," Bai Yu said in a low voice.

As Bai Yu was deep in thought, he felt a weight on his shoulder. Although Cheng Yu's transparent arm passed right through his body, he could still feel its weight. Cheng Yu's transparent face drew closer, and he asked curiously, "What are you whispering about again? It's not about that monster, is it?"

Bai Yu nodded, which was taken as tacit agreement.

“Don’t worry about this,” Cheng Yu patted Bai Yu’s shoulder with his transparent arm. “Someone will take care of it. I just don’t know if that guy will have a headache.”

"Who will care?" Bai Yu asked, puzzled.

Cheng Yu gestured with his lip, indicating to Evans who was not far away.

Bai Yu was somewhat incredulous. "Him? He can handle it? And he would even bother to get involved?"

Cheng Yu nodded firmly, "He will definitely take care of it, and this matter is very important to him, which may even make him hesitate."

"Why is this happening?" Bai Yu was even more puzzled.

Cheng Yu smiled mysteriously and shook his head, "You'll know in a while."

Bai Yu's doubts deepened. Who exactly was Cheng Yu? Why were there more and more strange things about him? A powerful soul, emanating spatial power, and he could sense that Cheng Yu's slime body also possessed temporal power. Even more terrifying was that he could now see an inexplicable force of creation connecting these two states, completely overturning his understanding. However, he ultimately decided not to pursue the matter further.

The surrounding space seemed to return to normal. Aside from Bai Yu and Cheng Yu, no one knew what they had just been talking about. At that moment, Evans walked over and grabbed the two of them. "We're busy right now, don't wander around the guest area. We'll start the party later tonight!"

Bai Yu and Cheng Yu were led by Evan to a quiet corner in the backyard of the tavern. There were several wooden tables and chairs, and some green plants around them, making it particularly serene.

"How's it here? Quiet, isn't it?" Evan asked with a smile.

"Hmm, not bad." Bai Yu nodded, looked around, and found another entrance leading underground in the corner of the backyard, which seemed to lead to the wine cellar.

“That’s the entrance to the wine cellar,” Evand explained, following Bai Yu’s gaze. “Snow’s wine cellar has a lot of fine wines. We can go down and take a look when the party starts.”

“Okay.” Bai Yu readily agreed.

The three chatted for a while, and the topic returned to the monster in the Misty Forest.

"Evand, regarding the Minotaur tribe, will you go and deal with that monster?" Bai Yu asked.

Evand nodded. "Yeah, I don't know either. My friend is there, how would I know about the situation there? I'll go later. Although that monster has already threatened the safety of the Minotaur tribe, I can't just stand by and do nothing, but Axel doesn't like me, and he might think I'll cause trouble."

"Oh, it seems you are really kind! You are willing to help your friend in such a dangerous situation. I think everyone who wants to be your friend must really like you!" Bai Yu said with great surprise.

“You’re right, but you can rest assured, guest, that I’m not alone,” Evand smiled confidently. “I’ll gather my companions to go with me.”

“Then I’ll go too!” Cheng Yu suddenly said.

"You?" Both Evande and Bai Yu were somewhat surprised.

“That’s right, I’m going too,” Cheng Yu said firmly. “I also want to see what that monster really looks like.”

Bai Yu thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll go too. Maybe I can be of help."

Evan looked at the two of them and smiled gratefully. "Thank you. With your help, I believe we can definitely defeat that monster!"

As night deepened, the noise in the tavern gradually subsided. The party was about to begin; the guests had already left, and the tavern's patrons had gathered in the hall, awaiting the start of the revelry.

Snow stood behind the bar, a satisfied smile on his face as he looked at the assembled crowd. Just then, Evand walked over with Bai Yu and Cheng Yu.

“Snow, we’re ready,” Evand said.

Snow nodded. "Then let's begin!"

He clapped his hands, signaling everyone to quiet down. "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have a special guest, a time traveler from another world—Bai Yu!"

The tavern erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers. Bai Yu smiled and nodded to the crowd.

"To welcome Bai Yu, we're having a huge party tonight!" Snow announced loudly. "Everyone, eat, drink, and have fun!"

As the cheers rose, the atmosphere in the tavern instantly became lively. The friends raised their bottles, sang and danced, and thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful night.

Bai Yu and Cheng Yu also joined the revelry, drinking, chatting, dancing, and singing with their friends in the tavern. Bai Yu felt the warmth and vitality of this world, as well as the simplicity and kindness of the beastmen.

Amidst the lively party, Bai Yu and Cheng Yu gradually immerse themselves in this strange world and prepare for the adventure that is about to begin.

The boisterous party ended, and everyone dragged their weary bodies back to their rooms. Hakan was an exception; he had one arm around the slime Cheng Yu and tried to hold the soul Cheng Yu's hand with the other, but his hand passed right through it. His face was full of longing, clearly wanting Cheng Yu to keep him company for the night and help him relieve his fatigue.

Looking at the fiery red dragon before him, and then at Cheng Yu beside him, Bai Yu couldn't help but ask, "Cheng Yu, is this your boyfriend? He looks like he's burning with desire."

Cheng Yu nodded helplessly, "After all, it's a dragon, so it's quite normal for it to behave like this."

Bai Yu expressed his understanding, but still couldn't help being curious, "So... how do you guys play?"

Cheng Yu smiled mysteriously, "You don't need to worry about that. But judging from the situation, Witt will have to sleep with Snow tonight." After all, if Cheng Yu and Hakan want to have some fun, they need a room. Going to Evand's place is definitely out of the question; they're already staying there, and kicking the host out would be too much. So, they'll have to go to the basement room.

As expected, Witt readily agreed. So, Hakan led the two Cheng Yus back to their basement room. What would happen to them that night remained to be seen.

Bai Yu watched their departing figures, coughed awkwardly, and prepared to return to the barn to sleep. He still felt that these orcs were a bit too open-minded.

Back in the barn, Bai Yu lay on the soft haystack, but couldn't fall asleep. He kept thinking about everything that had happened that night, his mind filled with questions. Cheng Yu's appearance, the secret of the Misty Forest, and that mysterious monster... all of it made him uneasy.

The two small dragon bracelets emitted a faint light, and Violet's voice echoed in Bai Yu's mind: "Disciple, can't you sleep?"

“Hmm,” Bai Yu replied, “I have a feeling that something is about to happen.”

“This world is full of unknowns and dangers,” Argent’s voice followed, “You must always be vigilant.”

“I know,” Bai Yu said. “I will be careful.”

He closed his eyes, trying to relax. Perhaps everything would become clearer tomorrow.

The next morning, Bai Yu was awakened by a commotion. He went out of the barn and found the tavern in complete chaos. Snow, Witt, Evand, Hakan, and the two Cheng Yus were all gathered in the hall, looking anxious.

"What's wrong?" Bai Yu asked, puzzled.

"Something's happened!" Evand exclaimed anxiously. "Tarn of the Minotaur tribe has gone missing!"

"Tahn is missing?" Bai Yu's heart sank. Could it be related to that monster?

“That’s right,” Snow added. “Last night, someone saw Tarn leave the tribe alone and never return.”

"Could it be that it was captured by that monster?" Witt asked worriedly.

“Very likely,” Hakan said. “We must be prepared at all times, as this could very well lead to war.”

“Perhaps we should go and see. There might still be a chance. After all, didn’t you say they were going to hold some kind of gathering? Helping the Minotaur tribe find Tarn and then letting them successfully hold their gathering might delay the war between the two tribes for a while,” Bai Yu analyzed based on the information he knew.

"That's what I think too. We should go find Tarn first. This whole thing is too bizarre; it's completely beyond our imagination!" the two Cheng Yus said in unison.

This is truly beyond my imagination, Cheng Yu. I thought your Tauren Tarn would disappear for a while after the gathering, and then return to the tribe covered in wounds. How could he suddenly disappear like this?

“Their analysis is quite good. Perhaps we can send a few people to take a look. Since it was your suggestion, you two should participate. Is there anyone else who wants to participate?” Snow also gave his suggestion.

"Dad! I'll go! Tarn's gone missing, I have to find him!"

"Alright, pack your bags in case the search takes too long and you can't find any supplies."

The conversation came to an end, and those who were not involved in the operation returned to their posts. After making some preparations, Cheng Yu and his group left the tavern and headed towards the Bull Tribe.

They followed the winding path through the dense forest, heading towards the minotaur tribe. Along the way, Bai Yu kept asking Evand about Tarn and the minotaur tribe.

“Tarn is the chieftain of the Minotaur tribe,” Evand explained. “He is an upright man, deeply respected by his people, but he is far too serious. Tarn is his son, and from birth, his father has placed high hopes on him, but their disagreements have led to a deteriorating relationship. The Minotaur tribe is a brave and warlike tribe, and initially they maintained good relations with the Lizardmen tribe, but these relations were severed due to a child abduction case.”

"Then why did monsters suddenly appear?" Bai Yu asked.

“I don’t know either,” Evand shook his head. “Perhaps it’s some kind of mutated creature from the Misty Forest.”

“Misty Forest…” Bai Yu murmured to himself. Just how many secrets does this mysterious place hold?

As they drew closer to the Minotaur tribe, the surrounding trees grew increasingly tall. In the distance, a majestic mountain came into view, with a building faintly visible atop its summit, and at its foot lay the Minotaur tribe's settlement.

“We’ve arrived,” Evand said, pointing to the distant mountains. “The Minotaur tribe is at the foot of the mountains.”

“Let’s go,” Bai Yu said, “let’s go take a look.”

The group quickened their pace, heading towards the foot of the mountain. They had no idea what challenges awaited them.

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