Volume One: First Steps into the City Chapter Fifty-Three: A Willow Grows Unintended

After pushing Xu Anxuan into the CT room, Lu Yi walked over to a window and quietly gazed at the scenery outside, his thoughts drifting back to the events of the previous day.

Just then, his phone began to ring. When he glanced at the screen, he saw it was a call from Ke Yun-yao.

“Hello, Lu Yi, how have you been lately?” Ke Yun-yao’s concerned voice came through as soon as he answered.

“I’m doing well,” Lu Yi replied with a relaxed smile. “How about you? I remember you mentioned you were applying for a job at that company. How did it go?”

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Ke Yun-yao said, relief evident in her tone. “Where are you? I’ll come find you.”

Lu Yi gave her his location, and she said she’d come over immediately.

After hanging up, Lu Yi gazed out the window, a wave of emotion stirring within him. They’d only seen each other two days ago, yet now it felt as if ages had passed. So much had happened in such a short span of time.

Thinking about Ke Yun-yao’s caring tone, a faint smile lingered on his lips. It was a good feeling, being cared for. However, his brow soon furrowed. Ke Yun-yao wanted to join Dong Xingteng’s company, but with the path Dong Xingteng was taking, his demise seemed inevitable.

Lu Yi pondered this for a moment, then quickly drafted an email. No sooner had he finished than his phone rang again—this time, a video call request. Judging by the profile picture, the caller was none other than Katharina.

When Lu Yi accepted, Katharina’s image appeared on the screen. She was lying on her bed, dressed in loose, comfortable clothes.

“Darling, where are you? Is this a hospital?” Katharina asked.

Lu Yi jolted slightly at her question—what was Katharina playing at? Still, he replied, “Yes, the girl you saved hasn’t woken up yet. She’s undergoing some tests right now.”

“Oh,” Katharina nodded, then reached for her phone, causing the camera to tilt upward. By the time the image stabilized, she was sitting upright on her bed, neatly dressed. She chuckled. “So, did you have any strange fantasies just now?”

“You’re teasing me again,” Lu Yi thought to himself. But since Katharina was in good enough spirits to joke, she must have recovered well. Since this was a positive sign, he played along.

“I did have some fantasies,” Lu Yi replied with feigned disappointment, “but unfortunately, nothing actually happened.”

Katharina burst out laughing, her voice light and cheerful. “Well then, you should keep living well—and come find me.”

Lu Yi was momentarily taken aback. What was this about? Although Katharina sometimes liked to tease, she usually knew where to draw the line; this time, her words felt more like an invitation.

“Surprised?” Katharina grinned. “I received the Reversion Fruit, and Helian Ying told me all about what happened. I didn’t realize you had such a courageous side.”

She gave Lu Yi an appreciative look. “No wonder some girls like you. After hearing Helian Ying’s story, even my heart skipped a beat for you.”

Lu Yi’s expression was a bit peculiar—after all, those deeds had been done by the original “Lu Yi,” not him.

Just then, a golden owl flew up to him, carrying a ring in its beak. It dropped the ring at his side and instantly dissolved into a pile of confetti.

“The gift I sent has arrived,” Katharina said.

Lu Yi picked up the ring. It was gold, and a majestic lion’s head was intricately carved on its surface.

“Name: Ring of the Sacred Lion’s Protection
Quality: Tier One, Violet
Weight: 77 grams
Requirements: None

Sacred Lion’s Flame: When activated, the ring is imbued with holy fire of the light element; the fire can also be transferred to a weapon by other means. Duration: 3 minutes. Recharges after a period of time (currently every two hours in this environment), based on elemental concentration, up to 6 charges.

Sacred Lion’s Majesty: Enhances the wearer’s presence and can intimidate weaker evil spirits or ghosts. When activated, unleashes the Sacred Lion’s Roar, dealing light and sound-based area damage for 5 seconds. Cooldown: 1 hour. Can be used once more during cooldown, after which cooldown extends to 4 hours.

Other abilities: Unlocked when certain conditions are met.

Special Ability, Fate: The wearer can activate the ring to teleport into the trial world during rest periods. Teleportation is limited to within 200 meters of Katharina, or another suitable nearby location, and allows Katharina to sense your arrival. Usable 3 times, non-replenishable.”

Description: This is a piece of equipment personally crafted and gifted by Katharina, symbolizing her recognition of you.

Special Instructions: This item is unique, non-transferable, and non-tradable. Replicas will not retain special abilities. If discarded or if the wearer dies, the item is destroyed.

Note: The maximum duration of stay in this world is influenced by story progress; you will be informed of the time limit before entering, and the final duration is determined by your actions and other factors. Using this means of entering the trial world does not assign you a mission, so you will not receive any reward points, and the City will review all items brought in or out.”

Another violet-ranked item—Lu Yi was startled. He held the ring in his hand. “Is this really for me? Wait, how did you find me?”

“It is,” Katharina replied with a gentle smile. “Originally, I planned to come help you myself, but things have been a bit unsettled lately, so I could only send this to you.”

“As for how I found you—” Katharina paused, feigning mystery. “Remember the blood you absorbed from me? Now that I’ve recovered—and grown stronger—finding you and knowing what’s on your mind is child’s play.”

She gave a mischievous grin, while Lu Yi’s face twisted in a tangle of emotions.

“I’m just kidding; of course not,” Katharina said, bursting into laughter at her successful prank. “Remember, the Reversion Fruit absorbed your blood. I tracked you by that.”

“Katharina, it’s time to go,” came a woman’s voice from off-screen.

“All right, Master,” Katharina replied, then looked back to Lu Yi. “Anyway, darling, whatever you do, don’t die. And after this, remember to look me up—the address is on those papers.” With that, she abruptly ended the call.

Rifling through the pile of confetti, Lu Yi found a slip with the address written on it. He scratched his head—what an unexpected turn.

Still, since the opportunity was there, Lu Yi had no intention of letting it slip away. “This mission is about to become a grand, sweeping event, and I’ll make my own way in the City. As long as I’m strong enough, no one can stand in my path.”