At the Zubayr Theater, the Sabzeruz Festival celebrations had to be abruptly halted due to the explicit warnings from high-ranking Scholars. Nilou, Dunyarzad, and the theater staff were ultimately just ordinary citizens of Sumeru, unable to openly defy the Akademiya.
After bidding farewell to Dunyarzad, the Traveler and Paimon prepared to return to their lodgings. As they walked, both were lost in thought, their spirits heavy.
"Dunyarzad had been looking forward to the Sabzeruz Festival for so long, but it ended so abruptly. She didn't even get to see Nilou's dance. She must be so disappointed..." Paimon's voice grew increasingly indignant. "Those Scholars are truly despicable! They even tried to obstruct the ceremony honoring the Dendro Archon!"
Amidst their disappointment, the Traveler's suspicions about the Dendro Archon's situation only deepened.
They hadn't gone far when they spotted two familiar figures running toward them—people they recognized, but...
Why were they wearing such strange masks? And why were they carrying clubs?
"What's going on?" the Traveler asked, puzzled.
"Shh! Come with us!" Silaya and Chu Xi urged, their footsteps never faltering as they seemed to be fleeing someone's pursuit.
Though confused, the Traveler and Paimon joined Silaya and Chu Xi in their frantic escape. The group ducked behind a building, where the Traveler witnessed a squad of Akademiya guards sprint past their hiding alley.
Once the commotion subsided, the Traveler turned to the pair. "What was that all about?"
Silaya sheathed her staff and took Chu Xi's as well. "You recognized us right away? Guess our disguise wasn't very effective." She removed her mask.
The Traveler and Paimon exchanged speechless glances—with such obvious disguises, anyone could have seen through them!
Silaya peeked out to confirm the pursuers were gone before leading the group out. Since they hadn't been caught red-handed, even if they strolled boldly down the street now, the guards wouldn't recognize them.
Paimon eyed Silaya suspiciously. "Hey, what exactly did you two do? How did you attract so much attention?"
Recalling their daring feat, Silaya couldn't help but grin proudly. As a devout follower of the Dendro Archon, she had long yearned to teach that arrogant Scholar Leader a lesson. Today, her wish had finally come true.
"We just went and beat up the Grand Sage!"
Paimon and the Traveler's eyes widened in unison. "What?!"
In Chen Xiyao's live stream, the previously despondent viewers instantly perked up.
They beat up the Grand Sage? Good job!
They had long wanted to storm the Akademiya and teach that arrogant fool a lesson, but they lacked the means. Silaya and Chu Xi had done what they could only dream of.
Chen Xiyao clapped her hands excitedly. "Well done, Silaya! I love you so much!"
The live stream chat erupted:
Good job!
[That's the Silaya I know—tough and to the point!]
[Ha ha ha, they really thought wearing masks would disguise them?]
[For some reason, Chu Xi wearing a mask makes my heart race!]
[Chu Xi was definitely dragged into this. This was all Silaya's idea.]
[Now they're gonna get punished for sure!]
[I wish I could have seen them beat up the Grand Sage. Judging by the stick in Silaya's hand, he must have taken a serious beating...]
Meanwhile, on the other side of Sumeru City:
The Akademiya guards removed the burlap sacks from the Grand Sage and his assistant's heads. Though both had been hooded, Chu Xi and Silaya had only frightened the assistant, sparing her any physical harm.
The Grand Sage fared far worse—his face was covered in bruises, his hat lay discarded nearby, and a bloody, swollen lump protruded from his head. He was unconscious and unresponsive.
"Quick, get the sage to treatment!" the assistant ordered urgently, his voice filled with anger. "Did anyone see who did this?"
"...No, it was too dark."
"Damn it! We have to catch the culprit!"
Facing the shocked expressions of the Traveler and Paimon, Silaya shrugged helplessly.
"Don't look at me like that. I've wanted to punch him for ages. He was spouting nonsense again today, probably plotting something evil. I just couldn't hold back. I wouldn't have felt right if I hadn't given him a good beating."
Paimon gave Silaya a thumbs-up.
"Awesome! This is definitely the Silaya I know. I've never liked that Grand Sage either!"
The Traveler nodded understandingly at Silaya, but she couldn't help but worry about the consequences of assaulting the Grand Sage in Sumeru City.
Silaya seemed to sense the Traveler's concern and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. That guy doesn't know it was us, and the people chasing us didn't get a good look at our faces."
Paimon exclaimed excitedly, "I really want to know what you did to the Grand Sage! Serves him right for bullying Nilou and Dunyarzad!"
Chu Xi added softly, "I think he passed out in the end."
Silaya nodded. "That's right. Chu Xi knocked him out with a single blow to the head. Tsk, his constitution is truly pathetic."
Chu Xi blinked her innocent, wide eyes at Silaya. "But it was you who—"
Silaya wrapped an arm around Chu Xi's waist and nudged her forward. "Come on, let's go! I'm in a good mood today. I'll treat you to barbecue back home!"
Paimon rubbed her tiny hands together, staring eagerly. "Hehe..."
"Of course you're invited too!" Silaya laughed. "How could I forget Paimon?"
The group headed to Silaya's house. They couldn't have a barbecue at the lodging Dunyarzad had arranged, but fortunately, Silaya's home wasn't far.
Silaya rummaged through her pantry—if they didn't eat the supplies now, they might never get another chance. She lived alone and often enjoyed grilling meat, so her kitchen was well-equipped. By heating smooth, round stones and placing marinated meat slices on them, the barbecue acquired an exceptionally rich and smoky flavor.
The Traveler and Paimon also contributed ingredients from their backpacks. Once the vegetables and meats were prepared, the four of them gathered around the grill, enjoying a lavish barbecue feast.
After the meal, the Traveler and Paimon returned to their lodging.
Paimon sighed contentedly. "So much happened today! Even though the ending was a bit bittersweet, the barbecue at Silaya's house was amazing!"
The Traveler nodded in agreement. "It was indeed remarkable."
"Even though Nilou and Dunyarzad promised to hold a perfect Sabzeruz Festival next year, and the Grand Sage got a good "scolding" from Silaya and Chu Xi... Dunyarzad's time..." Paimon's voice trailed off.
The Traveler murmured, "Dunyarzad herself probably understands that this might be an irreparable regret..."
"Yeah..." Paimon sighed.
After tidying up, the Traveler and Paimon went to bed.
Just before drifting off to sleep, the Traveler faintly heard a crisp notification sound, followed by what sounded like someone whispering in their ear:
Connection confirmed. Constructing maximum stability framework.
[Action] entering its most critical phase. Commencing energy extraction from [——].