Chapter 879: 72. Keep moving forward
The popularity of the “Return of the Legendary Exorcist” did not wane with Lu Li’s mystery, because some deeds from the Main Affinity Continent were heard from the old days.
For example, the title: The One Who Rang the Evil God’s Death Knell.
That title came from Lu Li having slain an Evil God, or in terms that even people of the Weird Times could understand: a Divinity.
Despite how unbelievable it seems, it truly exists.
Interestingly, discussions about Lu Li’s appearance outweighed other deeds—ever since Lu Li attended the Lang Manor gathering.
The opportunistic museum curator promptly announced that Lu Li’s portrait would be added to the museum, prompting many citizens to buy tickets to view it.
An art once appreciated only by the nobility seemed adored by everyone but only temporarily.
Meanwhile, news of Lu Li’s impending departure was known only to a few.
Dean Lawrence felt Lu Li’s travel arrangements were hurried, while Professor Caesar thought it was impeccable timing.
With conspirators cleared and new plots yet to brew, leaving Midnight City quietly before new schemes hatch was wise.
Phantom University could still use Lu Li’s name for promotion for a while to cover up the news of his departure.
In the evening, Lu Li received a letter sent from atop a giant tree, signed by Professor Wayne, containing a ticket for the Prissy Caravan.
[Midnight City – Storm Corner]
Professor Wayne reminded Lu Li to be wary of approaching strangers—as many matters Lu Li inquired about pointed towards the Main Affinity Continent, perhaps some existences sensed where he was headed next.
Knock knock knock—
The door was knocked, and Dean Lawrence, Professor Daisy Schmitz, and Professor Caesar arrived.
“Here is the clay you need.”
Dean Lawrence said as Professor Daisy Schmitz set down several clay pots she was holding.
“And this… we thought you might need it.”
Dean Lawrence gently placed an object wrapped in aged leather on the table.
It was a Spirit-Calling Gun.
“An exorcist should have his Spirit-Calling Gun,” Dean Lawrence said softly.
Lu Li, quietly gazing, reached out his left hand to pick up the Spirit-Calling Gun, with three un-bloomed roses.
The familiar touch seeped from his palm into his heart, making Lu Li instinctively grip it tightly. As if because of the Redemption Fragments in his palm, he shared a peculiar bond with the Spirit-Calling Gun.
“Where did you find it.”
As Lu Li released it, the extraordinary sensation vanished, along with the whispering madness.
“On display in the museum,” Dean Lawrence lamented, “unfortunately, we couldn’t find any bullets.”
Even without bullets, the Spirit-Calling Gun could still be used to smash strange entities.
The damage was merely negligible.
“Thank you, I’ll take it,” Lu Li nodded gently.
“We hope you reach the Main Affinity Continent safely and find the person you’re looking for,” Dean Lawrence said. To keep Lu Li’s tracks hidden, they wouldn’t be coming to bid farewell tomorrow.
After they left, Lu Li returned the Spirit-Calling Gun to its holster, hanging it at his waist under the coat.
“Just like the legendary one!”
Puxiu wagged its tail, hopping around Lu Li.
Lu Li opened the clay pots, a faint earthy smell wafting from within.
Lu Li summoned Big Sister: “This is the finest clay in Midnight City.”
Big Sister climbed onto Lu Li’s shoulder without yelling, being much quieter than usual, possibly due to the impending farewell.
“…maybe there’s something wrong with them!” Big Sister sought an excuse. “What if using your clay kills you!”
“Do you want to keep following me?” Lu Li’s serene black eyes gazed at Big Sister.
“Mm!”
“Reason.”
Big Sister stammered, unable to articulate, and her head behind the ferocious mask occasionally turned towards Puxiu.
Puxiu, having read this part in a book, sensibly ran to the door, pawed at the wooden door handle but couldn’t reach it, so
it turned its head back to look at Lu Li.
Lu Li opened the door, watching for Puxiu to step out, then looked at Big Sister: “You can speak now.”
“First I want to travel! Second you possibly seem like a good person! Third maybe possibly it feels cozy around you! The first reason is most important!”
Big Sister reverted to shouting, the flimsy door seemingly unable to contain its voice.
Letting an unidentified strange entity follow wasn’t a good idea.
Maybe it was trouble itself, or maybe it would cause trouble.
The abyss gazes back as you stare into it, entangling too deeply with anomalies can turn you into one.
But strictly speaking, Big Sister belonged to the Spirit of Ghost Town, and had numerous unseen ties with its church.
And Big Sister sought Lu Li’s permission.
If it secretly followed, Lu Li would remain unaware.
“Okay.”
After a slight pause, Lu Li agreed to Big Sister’s request.
It could conceal itself, like during the giant tree journey when Big Sister went unnoticed.
Or it was seen but ignored.
Lu Li opened the door, allowing Puxiu back into the room.
“I’m called Puxiu! Big Sister… Miss, hello!”
Realizing that Big Sister was joining, the sociable Puxiu eagerly introduced itself.
“Call me Big Sister!” Big Sister demanded confidently, hands on her hips.
“Uh… should I not add ‘Miss’?”
“No!”
During the chat between Big Sister and Puxiu, Lu Li packed the clay pots and handed them to Dean Lawrence, asking him to send them to Ghost Town.
Returning to the room, the debate over the address resulted in Big Sister’s victory.
Peaceful night passed.
The next morning, waking up, Lu Li saw the suitcase prepared by Phantom University for him.
It contained two sets of clean clothes, some food, and enough Shillings for luxurious spending up to Midnight City.
“Should we bid them farewell?” Leaving the room, and heading downstairs with Lu Li, Puxiu asked.
Puxiu was draped in a special black robe, concealing its unusual outline.
Yet wearing the robe made it appear equally strange.
“No need.”
Lu Li pulled up his cloak, hiding his face in the shadow, following Dean Lawrence’s indication to the library, leaving Phantom Kleinse University through a secret passage.
…
Lu Li watched the Prissy Caravan in the distance.
Workers loaded and unloaded goods from the vehicle, while passengers gathered at the wooden fence for ticket inspection.
“It’s a pity that Miss Katerina couldn’t join us,” Puxiu said regretfully.
“The etiquette teacher says it’s impolite to speak ill of others behind their backs.”
A cold snort suddenly came from beside them.
“Miss Katerina!” Puxiu exclaimed joyfully, its tail wagging under the black robe. “Did you come to see us off?”
Lu Li’s gaze fell on the leather armor Katerina had put back on, then shifted to the sack on her back.
“You already got what you wanted; you don’t need to follow me,” Lu Li said calmly.
“I’ve changed my mind.” Katerina moved her long legs toward Lu Li, sighed, “I couldn’t get used to that life; it made me anxious and afraid… never mind, in any case, I’ve changed my mind and snuck out to find you.”
She knew full well how foolish her decision was at that moment.
“Welcome back!” Puxiu said cheerfully, turning to Lu Li, “Mr. Luli? Let’s take Miss Katerina along.”
“Let’s go.”
Lu Li said, turning to walk toward the caravan.