Chapter 129: An Unexpected Reunion

Only Link knew of the shift in his own mindset; on the surface, he remained composed. Even if she had known, it was unlikely Yuuka would have cared—how could the inner thoughts of an ant ever concern someone like her?

After the two women finished their introductions, Lin Xi asked Yuuka if there was any way for them to return to their original world. To their dismay, Yuuka shook her head. "I will not help you. If you wish to leave, find your own way." She paused, and amidst their disappointment, she added, "Until you find a way back, you may stay here temporarily. But, do not harm the children, or you will stay here as fertilizer for the flowers."

The group was taken aback. Link asked in confusion, "May I ask, which children are you referring to?"

"Any plant in this flower field." Without even glancing at Link, Yuuka turned and walked back into the mansion.

Facing such arrogance and indifference, the group felt quite unsettled. Yet, under the circumstances, they had little choice but to lower their heads; having found a place to stay while everything else remained a mystery, they decided to make the best of it.

Link signaled for Phantom to merge into his shadow, and they entered the mansion. The interior was surprisingly luxurious, filled with expensive decorations, yet the lack of light made it feel dim and gloomy. With no one else in sight, it resembled a haunted house.

Yuuka had vanished, but her voice echoed from every direction: "Except for the third floor, you may use the rest of the house as you please. There is clean water and food in the kitchen; see to your own needs."

Surprised by her generosity despite her haughty attitude, the group thanked her loudly before exploring. They quickly found the dining room and kitchen on the first floor, stocked with fresh ingredients and water.

Though they wondered how Yuuka obtained such supplies, they were too hungry to care. Even Reimu, whose cultivation method relied on the natural elements of the world, found herself famished due to the scarcity of energy in this realm.

Cooking was not a problem. Lin Xi had been a skilled cook before leaving Cinko Town, and Link had also known how to cook before he traveled to this world. Even though the ingredients and seasonings in the World of Sorakong were different, it didn't hinder their efforts. With everyone pitching in, they soon enjoyed a decent meal.

Once fed, they gathered to discuss their next steps. While their immediate needs were met, this was no place to stay permanently; they had to find a way out of this space. Although Yuuka Kazami had provided some help due to her connection with Reimu and Lin Xi, it was clear she would do no more. They had to rely on themselves.

They decided to explore and search for clues, splitting into three groups: Phantom, being fast and stealthy, went alone, while the others split into pairs. They headed in three directions, with strict instructions not to venture too far or act recklessly. They were to return and consult if anything suspicious arose. For now, there was no immediate crisis, so caution was the priority.

After resting, they set out. Though Yuuka claimed she wouldn't help, she had opened several paths leading out of the flower field, allowing them to traverse the Sun Flower Field with ease.

They spent a long time searching the surroundings, but by the time the sky darkened, they returned to the mansion empty-handed.

With no other choice, they settled in for the night. The darkness in this realm was absolute, lacking even a sliver of light. Even with their decent night vision, moving around in the pitch-black was impossible. Link assigned Phantom, who grew stronger in the dark, to continue the search.

The mansion was filled with luxurious, comfortable rooms. Thinking of the horror stories involving abandoned mansions, Link had everyone pair up—men and women in separate rooms—to keep watch.

In the end, that night… nothing happened. They stayed on guard all night only to find themselves exhausted for no reason, while Reimu, the shameless one, slept soundly and woke up refreshed.

Having no other choice, Link let Altair and Lin Xi sleep in, and told the weary Phantom to rest. Feeling energized himself thanks to his mid-tier magic core and the Nine Yang Divine Skill, he decided to investigate with Reimu.

When they reached the first-floor hall, they found Yuuka standing at the door, gazing outside. Her posture piqued their curiosity, and Link approached, asking, "Lady Yuuka, may I ask what you are waiting for?"

"A guest," Yuuka replied without turning back.

"A guest?" Link and Reimu exchanged looks. Link asked again, "May I ask who you are waiting for?"

"A friend's daughter." Yuuka’s response was characteristically brief. Before Link could process this, she added, "She is here."

As if in response, a graceful figure appeared in the distance of the flower field, slowly approaching. Upon seeing her, Link was stunned: "It’s her!"

Yuuka remained indifferent, not even turning her head. Reimu asked suspiciously, "You know her?"

Link nodded, then shook his head. "I've only seen her once. She is the mysterious girl I mentioned on the way to Starry Glory City."

"It's her?" Reimu’s eyes widened in realization as she looked at the newcomer with curiosity.

It was indeed the blonde girl Link had seen on the ship—the mysterious person invisible to everyone but him. This time, however, she was clearly visible to everyone, including Reimu.

When the blonde girl saw Link and Reimu, a hint of surprise crossed her artistic, beautiful face, though she quickly returned to her cold expression. She resembled Yuuka, though she lacked that "keep-out" aura.

Once the girl reached Yuuka, Yuuka asked, "Did you find anything in the outside world?"

The blonde girl shook her head. "No. I’m sorry to have worried you."

"It’s fine. As long as you’re safe. These two humans are temporary guests of the Fantasy Pavilion. One of them is the successor of a friend of mine."

Hearing this, a flicker of nearly imperceptible surprise crossed the blonde girl’s cold features. She glanced at Link and Reimu, then nodded thoughtfully.

"I need to go tend to the children. If you’re tired, go and rest." With that, Yuuka walked toward the Sun Flower Field. She was "walking," but her speed rivaled teleportation, and she vanished in an instant.

After watching Yuuka leave, the blonde girl nodded politely to Link and Reimu. "I am a bit tired, so I will return to my room. Please, make yourselves at home."

"Please wait, beautiful lady," Link quickly called out.

The blonde girl paused, looking back with a mix of confusion and cool detachment. She stepped back slightly to maintain distance. "Sir, is there something you need?"

Her guarded posture made Link feel a bit awkward, but she was far more approachable than the aloof Yuuka. At least she was polite.

Link hadn't stopped her to flirt. The conversation he had overheard reminded him of something vital—the girl had been to the Star Kingdom. If she could travel between spaces, she must have a way to reach the mortal world.

Suppressing his embarrassment, Link asked, "Beautiful lady, we accidentally wandered into this realm and cannot find a way out. I was wondering if you know how to return to the mortal world—specifically, the Star Kingdom you visited."

The blonde girl blinked. "How did you know I visited the Star Kingdom? Did Yuuka tell you?"

Link didn't hide it. With a practiced, friendly smile, he said, "The Father God is above. I saw you by chance on the ship to Starry Glory City, and I was so struck by the encounter that I still remember it vividly."

"You saw me?" The blonde girl was genuinely surprised.

Link nodded, keeping his charismatic smile. "My name is Neil Night, a messenger for the Father God, Link. Under his protection, I have gained some unique powers, which is why I could see you."

"Father God Link?" The blonde girl looked puzzled but didn't press the issue. She nodded politely. "I see. My name is Alice Margatroid, and this child is Shanghai, the doll I crafted." She gestured to the black-clad doll in her arms. "I do know how to reach the mortal realm, but you likely cannot pass through. According to mortal classifications, you would need at least Saint-level power to survive the passage between realms; otherwise, the channel will tear you apart. I cannot help you pass through—that is something you must achieve on your own."

Saint-level?

Link and Reimu were stunned. They weren't even at the seventh rank yet—what was a Saint? Was it something they could eat?

Seeing their reaction, Alice looked apologetic. "I am sorry I cannot help you."

Link waved his hand with a bitter smile, indicating it was fine. Still, he asked if Alice would take them to see the passage. Alice did not refuse; she nodded and took flight, leading them toward the portal. This miraculous display confirmed that Alice was indeed a Saint-level powerhouse—possibly even a Saint Spirit!