Chapter 55: Time Limit

Chapter 55: Time Limit

Having crossed the midpoint of the plot, it was time for the boss known as "The Tiger" to make an appearance.

However, Liu Xing and Tian Dao's immediate goal was still to visit the peach orchard behind the temple, to pluck some peaches as offerings.

"Let's go pick some peaches first, then we'll head back to the temple to meet up with Tina and the others and discuss our next move," Liu Xing suggested, patting Tian Dao's shoulder to signal him to follow.

Tian Dao nodded but couldn't hide his confusion. "But if that shadow really was Nan Xiaoniao's mother, her speed was unbelievable. She covered more than ten meters in the blink of an eye. So, I suspect that Nan Xiaoniao's mother might have already..."

Though Tian Dao did not finish his sentence, Liu Xing understood his implications and shook his head. "I completely share your thoughts; it's very likely that Nan Xiaoniao's mother isn't human anymore. We'll have to be even more cautious from now on. Given your description, Tian Dao, we definitely won't be able to outrun her. If she catches us, there's no escape."

Acknowledging Liu Xing's point with a nod and a sigh, Tian Dao took the lead towards the peach trees.

Since there were only seven trees in the orchard, it didn't take long for Liu Xing and Tian Dao to spot the peaches. However, as Liu Xing had predicted, they found only two peaches in total.Ñøv€lRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Ñôv€lß¡n.

"As expected, the offerings in this mirrored world are far too scarce. We need to be careful not to drop and damage them," Liu Xing said, gingerly cradling a peach in his hand. Knowing their game master was someone who liked to stir up trouble, he couldn't help but suspect that if he carelessly carried the peach back to the temple, the GM, KP Cao, might force a Luck Check halfway through. Failing the check could result in accidentally dropping and ruining the peach.

"Good," Liu Xing continued, "First of all, the reason Tian Dao went off alone to pick peaches was due to a plot-driven necessity. He saw a figure dashing at high speed toward the commercial district on the left, presumably heading to the Grape Promenade. Tian Dao and I believe that this figure is likely Nan Xiaoniao's mother. However, there's an eight out of ten chance that she's no longer human and has possibly become a mythical creature."

"Therefore, I suggest we split up. Although we can't predict what might happen when Nan Xiaoniao and her mother reunite, it's unlikely to be anything good. Hence, one person must remain in the temple to watch over Nan Xiaoniao and Li Ming."

"Next are the remaining two offerings. Clearly, the grapes are in the Grape Promenade, and the bamboo shoots are in the bamboo forest halfway up the mountain. I recommend sending one person to the bamboo forest in search of bamboo shoots. Given the hints from the plot, the danger surely lies at the Grape Promenade, so the bamboo forest should be relatively safe, and exploring alone should pose no problem."

"As for the remaining two, naturally, they will head to the Grape Promenade in search of grapes and to confront Nan Xiaoniao's mother, though it's more likely they'll face a mythical creature. The chances of collecting both grapes and bamboo shoots in one go are slim, so we mustn't linger in battle. Should anything seem amiss, we must retreat here immediately to discuss further." Liu Xing laid out his hastily devised plan.

Tian Dao nodded, adding, "I agree with Liu Xing's plan, and I think I should stay and guard the temple. There are no ropes here to restrain Li Ming, and should he awaken, I can subdue him immediately. Plus, if something unexpected happens here, I can take Li Ming and Nan Xiaoniao out with me."

"Well then, I'll go to the bamboo forest to look for bamboo shoots. Given that my investigative skills are probably the highest among us, and an environment like the bamboo forest will certainly require Investigation Skill," Akira Akashi volunteered for his task.

As for Tina, she smiled at Liu Xing and said, "It looks like it's you and me working together this time. Please take good care of me, Liu Xing."

Liu Xing responded with a laugh, "Not at all, let's not delay any further. Let's get moving."

No sooner had Liu Xing finished speaking than KP Cao interjected, "Now that you've all settled on a plan, it's time for everyone to make a Constitution check."