163: Chapter 163 Heading to the Star Nest

Stealing a gem?

Xing Yaoyan understood almost instantly what kind of absurd mission Xiao Meng had received.

She turned to look at the calm Moss on the other side, thinking to herself, *When are you going to change your ways? No wonder the whole organization is so "low-profile." You guys really lack class like this...*

"Ahem... this is just a small test the organization has given you. Besides, the gem you're supposed to retrieve is no ordinary item. It's worth a thousand spirit crystals per gram... No, wait, it's a gem that might hide a major secret of the world!"

"And you're not going alone; didn't I arrange a Senior to assist you? Hurry up and set off to meet him."

Having said that, Moss waved his hand, signaling for Xiao Meng to leave immediately.

Seeing this, Xiao Meng couldn't say anything more and had to turn around and leave with Hu Wang.

"Young Miss Xing Yan, can you tell what breed our Young Miss Yi Meng's contracted beast is? Although I've seen Spirit Beasts that can talk before, this is the first time I've seen such an interesting Rank Three contracted beast."

Xing Yaoyan gave him a private eye-roll, thinking, *In terms of seniority, that white fox is the founder of your Bridge of Worlds, and you're actually gossiping about him?*

"I can't tell. Didn't you look into it when you recruited her?"

"That's her private business. Our Bridge of Worlds isn't the kind of organization that's obsessed with control. As long as they aren't core members, we don't pry into their true backgrounds."

Moss's answer actually surprised Xing Yaoyan a bit.

It was truly bizarre for an organization to let members in without even knowing their backgrounds.

As if sensing the girl's thoughts, Moss thoughtfully added:

"Actually, this is also thanks to a special item in our organization—the mirror of truth. Legend has it that it's a Spiritual Artifact created by our founder. As long as it has enough energy, it can see through all the delusions in the world."

"Not only that, it has a miraculous effect. Once a member's essence blood is dripped into the mirror, they are forced to sign a loyalty contract. If they betray us, they will suffer a massive backlash... Wait, did you just laugh?"

Moss looked at the girl in front of him with suspicion; he could feel her shoulders trembling slightly just now.

"No... I didn't..."

Xing Yaoyan instantly adjusted her emotional fluctuations so he wouldn't notice anything amiss.

*I was wondering why that old fox insisted on joining the organization he looked down on so much; it turns out he wants to retrieve the "Divine Artifact" he left behind in his past life...*

"Um... did you drip Yi Meng's and her Spirit Beast's essence blood into it?"

"Not yet. I'll do it in a few days; there's no rush."

"If you trust me, don't drip her Spirit Beast's essence blood into it..."

Moss looked at the serious girl again, seemingly confused as to why she was suddenly warning him about this.

"I'm giving you this advice out of respect for our partnership and because we are both Star Beasts. I won't tell you the specific reason, and if you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do..."

Xing Yaoyan slowly took off her mask.

Since there was no one else here anyway, it was more comfortable to speak like this.

"Alright... I believe you."

Hearing this, Xing Yaoyan felt strangely touched.

She could sense that Moss was skeptical after hearing her advice, but the moment she brought up the reason of being "fellow Star Beasts," his doubts vanished instantly.

"If there's a chance, could you take me to see this so-called 'mirror of truth'?"

"Sure, when there's a chance..."

"Can't you just tell me where it is? I'm a Star Beast too~"

"No..."

"..."

The two stared at each other for a few seconds before suddenly smiling at each other.

"It seems you're still on guard against me, Mr. Moss..."

Xing Yaoyan tucked her hair back.

"I wouldn't dare, our Bridge of Worlds' first partner Young Miss..."

"Forget it, it's just a broken mirror. If I can't see it, I won't. However... it seems your place isn't very friendly to a big donor like me..."

Xing Yaoyan stood up, hands in her pockets, her eyes glancing toward the door.

She could sense that the noise outside had disappeared at some point. Not only that, she could also sense several figures with a faint red malicious aura standing outside the door, likely other members of the Bridge of Worlds from the bar.

"Young Miss Xing Yan, don't worry. After all, I didn't give them a heads-up beforehand, so it's normal for them to be a bit wary."

With that, Moss waved his hand, dispelling the illusion array covering the room, and then called out loudly.

"Little ones outside, no need to be so afraid. She's a Star Beast just like us, and a partner I've found."

"Click."

The room door opened in response.

Xing Yaoyan looked out the door; four people, two men and two women, were standing there. From their clothes, they appeared to be bar staff.

They were all staring at her warily, as if they would pounce and fight her to the death at the slightest movement.

"What are you all standing here for? The bar is closed; let's head back to the 'Star Nest' first."

Moss passed behind Xing Yaoyan and walked outside.

"Are we taking her with us?"

The speaker was a girl in a waitress uniform, but Xing Yaoyan felt her voice was a bit too young. Judging by the voice alone, she should be much younger than her outward appearance suggested.

"Of course. After all, she's a Star Beast like us, and she just gave me two million spirit crystals..."

Moss patted the girl's head and gave a few awkward laughs under her disdainful gaze.

"Newcomer, welcome. I'm Yuehua. What's your name?"

Hearing that this strange woman was also a Star Beast, the girl turned to look at Xing Yaoyan with a smile.

The others also dropped their guard and began to show their goodwill toward her.

Xing Yaoyan looked at her acting like a little adult, coupled with her extremely jarring, childish voice, and felt it was strangely amusing.

"Hello, I'm Xing Yan. Allow me to add one thing: I am only in a partnership with the Bridge of Worlds, I haven't joined."

Xing Yaoyan returned the smile; she felt that the malice she had previously sensed from them had completely vanished.

However, she was still curious about one thing. She could sense that these youths were only at Rank Two or Three, which translated to the strength of two or three Marks. Why were they able to fully transform into human form without any beast-like features?

But she wasn't in a hurry; she was about to go to the "Star Nest" Moss had mentioned anyway.