It's so painful! So hard! So difficult!

The pain didn't last long, and it subsided a lot. Bai Lin soon noticed that there was a little one beside him, who was also feverish. Seeing Mi Yu sleeping soundly beside him, Bai Lin ignored her and sat up, looking around.

Judging from the interior structure, this is undoubtedly a cave of the lizard people. Bai Lin, who was a little more awake, was sleeping in this place, recalling what happened last night bit by bit.

The lizardmen's food wasn't anything special, and it was even worse than what Bai Lin had eaten in Dragon Blood Village. But as an adventurer, she wasn't picky about food. However, Bai Lin had overlooked something else: the lizardmen's ability to get people drunk.

While I didn't know exactly how much they could drink, they were definitely taking good care of the newbies when it came to getting them drunk. Bai Lin felt the same way again, even after so many years. She couldn't resist the constant persuasion of these lizardmen and drank quite a bit. Her alcohol tolerance, which was considered decent among humans, was completely useless here.

"I'm having a good time today, let's have a couple more drinks." This phrase really worked. Bai Lin initially refused some of the drinks, but as the alcohol started to take over, she decided she had to get a few drunk. Unexpectedly, before she could get drunk, the lizards switched to something with a higher alcohol content. After Bai Lin poured a round of drinks, the aftereffects took over and she passed out, completely losing her memory.

There's really no room for drunkenness. This isn't drinking, it's simply taking poison. Bai Lin broke out in a cold sweat and counted on his fingers how many times he vomited last night.

Really, I shouldn't have been drinking with these guys.

Bai Lin, who had packed her clothes, walked out the door and bumped into Xiao Li, who seemed to be looking for her. The other party was stunned at first, then reacted and replied,

"Big sister, you're awake! I saw you passed out so quickly last night, I thought you couldn't hold your liquor very well, so I had to come and call you..."

"...How dare you bring that up? If more than a dozen of you each gave me a glass of that thing, I'd be wondering how I didn't get alcohol poisoning."

As soon as he came out, he was scolded for his poor alcohol tolerance. Although he did drink quickly, Bai Lin was definitely not convinced and cursed out loud. Xiao Li smiled apologetically and replied,

"Hahaha, don't be so angry. I was just joking. Actually, this is a tradition of our family. On happy occasions, we have to get the happy person drunk. However, Ziqiang can't drink too much due to his illness, so the burden falls on your shoulders as a benefactor."

Xiao Li said this, Bai Lin also recalled last night, Ziqiang did not come to drink much. However, this drinking table culture of forcing people to drink was also something Bai Lin could not appreciate. She curled her lips and replied,

"Forget it, it's all in the past."

Chapter 490 Give a Souvenir

"Oh, by the way, last night we discussed what to do with the wreckage of Vesta. We concluded that it was completely unrecoverable, so we asked everyone to take some parts home as souvenirs. We've always thought that you should have a piece, too, so—"

As Xiaoli spoke, he pulled a large piece of metal from the floor behind him. Bai Lin took a closer look and realized it was Vesta's hand. She figured since the lizardmen really had no use for it, she might as well keep it.

Without further ado, Bai Lin took the item from Xiao Li's hand and put it in her backpack. She looked up and saw Xiao Li looking at her, and a wave of emotion washed over her. Yesterday, they were just casual acquaintances, but in just one day, their relationship had warmed up to a level that included addressing each other.

Although she was just a passer-by, the friendship between these lizardmen really infected her. However, even though she was infected, she did not feel too sad. She just looked at Xiaoli and continued,

"Then, I'll wake up Miyuki and leave."

"Don't you want to say goodbye to everyone?"

Xiaoli's question made Bai Lin feel a little melancholy. She immediately shook her head firmly and replied,

"No, I don't like saying goodbye either."

"Then, I wish you a safe journey," Xiaoli replied calmly with a smile. Bai Lin casually turned away, waving goodbye. But just as her eyes were about to meet Xiaoli's, Bai Lin caught a glimpse of subtle cunning in the corner of his eye. With a hint of doubt, Bai Lin washed up, then, like a piece of luggage, cradled the sleepy Miyu in her arms and headed out.

Inside the Sky Furnace, the clamor of steel was nearly identical to yesterday's. It was still incredibly loud, yet also possessed a distinctly romantic quality of the metal industry. Standing once again within this warm current, Bai Lin felt a profoundly different sensation. Each day of his journey had seemed less burdensome than the previous one.

Her steps were still vigorous as she gradually walked past the other glowing exit of the Heavenly Furnace. Just as she was about to leave this strange tunnel that was not dim, she suddenly heard the sound of thousands of horses galloping and bursts of calls from behind.

"Big Sister—wait!"

Bai Lin turned around and saw a group of eight-foot-tall men, some even wearing pajamas, striding towards her at full speed. If such a coordinated charge were to take place on the battlefield, it would surely be a startling sight of flying dust and iron cavalry. Even Bai Lin couldn't help but be slightly stunned.

Watching them panting and resting neatly in front of Bai Lin, Bai Lin felt a little amused, but at the same time, another subtle feeling welled up in his heart. Regardless, there was definitely a hint of sadness in that thought. After all, hidden beneath his helmet, Bai Lin's face was already gleaming with the moisture of this emotion.

"You left without even telling us. Big sister, have you forgotten that we became sworn brothers yesterday? I'm so sad!" The tall and strong lizard man said with a mean smile.

"Stop talking nonsense. Even though I fell down quickly last night, I didn't make up that story—"

Before Bai Lin finished his reply, another voice rang out from the side of the team, shouting,

"Big sister! You can't just leave like this! Although we are brothers, you are so beautiful. I hope my child can be engaged to your child——"

"Go, go, go, go."

Although Bai Lin denied the nonsense of these guys one by one, how could she possibly defeat them alone? Soon, Bai Lin's voice was drowned out, but she didn't feel too much disgust, because she also understood that these guys just wanted to get close to her one last time.

After this separation, there might not be a chance of seeing each other again. There was hardly a word of truth in the lizardmen's words, but their reluctance to leave was completely genuine. Bai Lin didn't resist any more, letting them chatter away.

"I've already told you, if you guys talk like that, I'm sure you'll leave me speechless!"

Xiaoli stretched out his hands and stood at the front of the crowd, stopping the group from talking nonsense. But Bai Lin knew very well that the person who led the team to do this was this smart guy. She immediately said,

"I already told you not to come say goodbye. Also, we're in a business relationship. I'm paid, so draw a clear line! And don't call me 'Big Sister' in a place like this! You're making me feel uneasy about the deal we made before."

The words that came out of Bai Lin's mouth with a hint of threat were surprisingly non-intimidating. Perhaps they were diluted by the momentum of these guys who rushed over with their blood boiling.

This time, Xiaoli smiled very brightly, and he still replied politely,

"Okay, okay, you're right. We all understand. It was our fault just now. Don't worry, I'll definitely give these guys a good scolding when I get back. But right now, I have something to say to you that I hope you can listen to."

When Xiaoli said this, he hugged Ziqiang to his side, pointed at him with his free hand, and said to Bai Lin,

"This guy said he doesn't think he'll live long, so he wanted to tell you, his benefactor, in advance that he'll be buried where Vesta crashed. If you're free, he hopes you can attend the funeral. If not... he'd be happy if you could just visit and sweep his grave occasionally."

"Who the hell did he tell that to? Stop spreading rumors!"

Ziqiang has always been very concerned about his reputation. He looked at Xiaoli and said with a glare. But this time, the crowd did not laugh again. At Xiaoli's glance, Ziqiang calmed down, patted Xiaoli's shoulder, and when the other party let go, he stood up and said solemnly to Bai Lin,

"Thank you."

After thanking him, Ziqiang shyly looked away. Bai Lin also replied frankly,

"You're welcome. This was a great experience for me. Take care, dream builder."

After saying this, Bai Lin struggled in his heart for a few times, then turned around again. This time, he stood still, then waved his hand with certainty and walked slowly towards the distance.

Chapter 491: Time to Adjourn

Suddenly, behind him, there was an overwhelming and warm farewell voice.

"Good-bye,—"

"If you don't allow me to call you Big Sister anymore, what should we call you from now on?" A lizard man suddenly asked.

"Are you stupid? Big sister just called that guy Ziqiang a craftsman who builds dreams. Why not use such a literary term? You think he's a craftsman, and big sister is a pilot who builds dreams, right?"

"You're the dumb one, right? Pilot sounds so bad, just call me Dream Builder! It's simple and easy to remember!"

Thus, this title was given to the knight dressed in black, walking towards the distance. Bai Lin also stretched out his tone and replied,

"As you please. Good-bye!"

Finally, she left amidst waves of farewells and laughter. The brief friendship made Bai Lin's steps heavier. Amidst such noises, Mi Yu finally woke up and asked sleepily,

"Sister, is this really the first time you're meeting those lizardmen? Why does it feel like they're treating you to dinner and drinks, rather than you treating them several times?"

Bai Lin sighed deeply, and once again acted like a parent who was too lazy to reason, and said,

"You'll understand later, but maybe you won't. Sometimes, even a passing friendship leaves a mark."

Mi Yu rubbed his eyes as if he understood something, jumped off Bai Lin's body, stretched, stood with her again, and walked towards the distance.

To be honest, who is the guest on this journey? How to tell them apart when the party is over?

-

"Little girl, do you want another string?"

A simple and honest voice emanated from a very plump, almost exaggeratedly thick figure. He stood about three meters tall, yet was almost as round as a ball. At first glance, he had the typical balloon-like figure rarely seen in real life.

At least, this was the first time Bai Lin had seen something like this. Her face was now filled with the words "speechless and choked," but no one could see it through the helmet and hood.

This fat, mountain-like Balloon Man actually resembles a human. He has slightly shorter limbs than his body, and a mask that, while reminiscent of a demon, has a cartoon-like, crooked, and comical look. From his forehead, beneath the mask, sprout two horns that look like rubber. They're not at all aggressive and even glow red. It's like...

In Bai Lin’s original world, it was like that little devil headdress.

"Really? Is this really possible?!"

A lively and excited voice echoed from Bai Lin's side. It was clearly our little Miyu. In her hands, she held a colorful, half-eaten string of candied haws. From the crumbs at the corner of her mouth, it was clear the string had gone into the little creature's stomach.

"Oh, my good boy, you deserve a reward. Here, this is your reward!"

The balloon devil awkwardly bent down and put another skewer in Miyu's hand. Miyu happily took it and began to eat it happily.

Why has it become like this? It's becoming more and more like a trip to enjoy the scenery. It's not a good thing to be so relaxed.

Bai Lin sighed in bewilderment. She didn't quite understand why this had happened. She only remembered that not long ago, she had been in the wilderness, easily slaying some small monsters with her little Miyu. With the map she'd bought in the previous town, she'd planned to come here to resupply. But upon entering the city gate, she was warmly welcomed by this balloon ghost.

This scene wasn't unique to Bai Lin. Glancing around, he could see people who looked like the balloon ghosts, handing out gifts to all sorts of passersby. Perhaps small skewers, some fruit, or even small toys. In short, there was a wide variety of things going on.

The town's overall architectural style is rather solemn and dignified. The aligned, custom-fitted bricks and tiles, along with the progressively higher-rise buildings along the main road, evoke a sense of ancient China. However, the carvings are quite different, with influences of European patterns. The wall paint and surrounding decorations seem overly festive and joyful.

The walls, mostly painted in clear white, were covered in a variety of puppets inspired by the ghost faces on balloons, and some even had comic strips painted on them. The streets were dotted with hanging lanterns, and the streets were filled with all sorts of exaggerated signs and some rather whimsical decorations.

The avenue is not made of bricks or stones, but is also within the acceptable range of human vision, with a certain amount of gradient formed by colorful pebbles.

Even the clothes worn by the balloon ghosts have a similar feel. While the style is antique, the colors give it a vibrant and lively feel. The dark brown hair tied back is quite iconic, with the side hair also raised in a regular pattern, showing that they are very particular about their appearance.

Although as a Chinese, Bai Lin should have been puzzled and bewildered by such a sight, like seeing something like "strawberry-filled soup dumplings." However, just like there were too many strawberries, they almost covered the flavor of the soup dumplings, causing Bai Lin's feelings to be quite complicated.

If Bai Lin had to describe it, this place would be like an amusement park, filled with an excessive amount of joyful elements.

"Miss, it's not a good thing to have a stern face all the time. Now that you're here, why not indulge the fatigue accumulated from traveling and enjoy our hospitality?"

As he said that, the balloon ghost reached into the basket behind him. Bai Lin saw that he seemed to be trying to stuff a gift into his pocket, so he quickly stopped him and said,

"Goodbye. Although I know your food is not poisonous, I dare not eat it. If you really want to show your hospitality, answer a few questions for me."

When Bai Lin first arrived, the balloon monster pulled something out and tried to force it onto her. At that point, Bai Lin was already wary, almost resorting to knife-wielding. After much persuasion, Bai Lin used her fingertips to scrape a bit of powdered sugar, and thanks to her poison resistance, she finally shoved it into her mouth. Then, after analyzing it with her divine power, she dared to let Miyu take the first skewer.

Chapter 492 You Take It

But Bai Lin looked at these small toys and snacks, which were almost meant to entertain children, and he couldn't muster the slightest desire. Although the atmosphere here was quite cheerful, like an amusement park, and the staff were very lovely, Bai Lin, as a traveler, just wanted to relax, not indulge.

It wasn't that she didn't like these snacks, but she didn't really want to accept Wu Lu's favor, nor did she want to relax too much. A delicious meal and a comfortable place to stay were what Bai Lin needed most.

Since arriving in this world, Bai Lin had lost a lot of her entertainment. Singing to herself might count as one, right? Then again, occasionally sleeping with Katie probably counted as one, too. She'd grown accustomed to a life without entertainment, and suddenly being immersed in this atmosphere wasn't going to make her feel comfortable.

"Hmm? Then feel free to ask me. I'll answer everything truthfully. But I hope you'll be truly happy after asking."

The eyes on the balloon ghost's face suddenly widened for a moment, as if alive, and then the smile on the ghost's face became even brighter. The vivid appearance undoubtedly added a bit of humor. Facing this scene, Bai Lin's dark expression did not change, but he first extended a finger and asked,

"First, how do you know I'm a woman? You can't tell what my voice is like through this cloak and armor, and you can't tell anything about my figure, right? This time, you have to answer properly."

Bai Lin's eyes narrowed slightly, and a dangerous aura slowly emanated from behind her shoulders, as if she was going to attack if the answer was not good. The balloon ghost was a little embarrassed and quickly replied.

"Well... please calm down, we don't want to fight. This is a special ability of us Happy Ghosts. We can distinguish the race and specific body shape of the opponent through obstructions. But your appearance seems to have been cast with some kind of magic... It's a little hard for me to see clearly, so I can only tell that you are a woman."

Bai Lin pondered for a moment after hearing this answer, while Mi Yu beside her asked with some disappointment,

"Hey, isn't it magic?"

Obviously, when Bai Lin asked this question for the first time, Balloon Ghost used this child-like answer. But now it seems that he dare not talk nonsense anymore. Bai Lin reluctantly agreed with this statement and raised a finger again.

"Secondly, what's the point of you going to such great lengths to amuse us? There has to be a purpose."

"You're right. Well, there is. In fact, we, the Happy Ghost Clan, feed on the energy generated by the emotional fluctuations of others. So even though we don't need to eat, we still open restaurants and other places in this city that never sleeps, so that guests of all races can get along happily."

Listening to the Balloon Ghost's words, Bai Lin nodded thoughtfully, while Miyu's expression became increasingly disappointed. The Balloon Ghost also smiled awkwardly, and then said,

"I've already told you everything I can. Sincere hospitality is our way of doing things. If you have any other needs, please let me know. Regardless, we hope that you and your children will enjoy your stay in this city in every way possible."

"Then I do...she is not my child."

Bai Lin first pointed out the Balloon Ghost's grammatical errors in a rather harsh tone, and then continued,

"I do need some money, but even if I'm happy just stuffing it into my pocket, I doubt it'll be as effective as giving snacks to this little guy. So I won't bother you. Let me wander around your city. If I see something interesting, I'll be happy."

Adventure and travel have always been inseparable. When you arrive in a seemingly safe place, you certainly can't let your guard down, but enjoying the scenery along the way is also a joyful experience. Since the Balloon Ghost had so honestly told her everything she wanted to know, Bai Lin naturally expressed her feelings honestly as well, so that the Balloon Ghost wouldn't have to worry about her anymore.

"That's fine. Since that's your request, please feel free to wander around. Aside from the main hall at the top of the cliff, most of the mansions are open to guests. Almost every household in Huan Gui has something interesting prepared for travelers like you."

Huan Gui said this to Bai Lin with a smile, and Bai Lin nodded perfunctorily, thanked Huan Gui for his kindness, and then walked out with Mi Yu. But after taking a few steps, she stopped herself and looked back at Huan Gui who was following closely behind her, and asked,

"Why are you still following us?"

"This is our custom. Although you may not need a guide and would prefer to explore our city freely, I should still follow you. This will make it easier to deal with any conflicts that may arise. If you find me an eyesore, I can transform into a bird and follow you."

Listening to Huan Gui's extremely thoughtful and polite words, Bai Lin couldn't help but sigh. This really brought the spirit of the service industry to its extreme. It seems that it is not so easy for their race to make a living. Just when Bai Lin was about to agree, Mi Yu suddenly shouted,

"Brother Ghost, you're so tall and strong, yet you look so weak. Can you carry me on your back?"

Seeing the longing light flashing in her eyes, the Balloon Ghost leaned over without any hesitation, stretched out his short hand to Miyuki, and said with a mysterious smile,

"Hold on tight, it's time to take off!"

In the blink of an eye, Mi Yu was carried on the back of the balloon ghost. From her starry eyes, it seemed that the little guy was really enjoying the feeling of sitting on the balloon ghost.

...Does she really like sitting in high places? Bai Lin was a little confused, but when he thought about how he was like this when he was a child, he understood a lot. This was probably just the innocence of a child.

I'm sure I'll be a tough nut to crack for the Huanguis. Since Miyuki is already sitting there, I'll just consider her as payment for the snacks and information I just gave her. I won't separate them. Besides, there's nothing wrong with taking a local guide around this place.

Thinking of this, Bai Lin ignored the two of them and took his own steps.

Chapter 493 Take Care of My Child