In Bai Xu's eyes, this black-haired beauty looked strangely familiar. Tall, with long, cascading black hair. Even in loose loungewear, his refined aura couldn't be hidden, and it seemed like a soft, pleasant fragrance drifted into Bai Xu's nose.

Maybe this was the scent of hormones? Bai Xu wondered.

When he realized what he was thinking, he nearly slapped himself.

What the hell was that?! He was here to talk some sense into a "lost girl," not swoon over someone. Sure, this one was definitely the most attractive person he had ever seen, but he couldn't let beauty cloud his judgment!

Fu Zhi's tone turned a little gritted. "Bai Xu, what exactly goes through your head all day?"

Bai Xu stared blankly at the long-haired beauty. "A man's mouth is full of lies, so don't believe a word our captain says. He already has someone he likes. But me? I'm different. I liked you the moment I saw you—"

"I'm Ruan Xing," Ruan Xing interrupted.

For a second, Bai Xu's entire face cracked, like seeing your goddess walk into the men's restroom, unzip, and turn out to be 'bigger' than you.

“Ru—Ru-Ru-Ruan Xing?!”

Ruan Xing pulled the door to open wider. "Yeah, I'm not dead."

Bai Xu looked like he had lost the will to live. "Ahhh, this is awful."

"Huh?"

"No, no, no, I mean, it's great! I'm glad you're alive!"

Fu Gui flew over. "Look at him, totally crushed. That budding romance died before it even bloomed."

Ruan Xing grabbed Fu Gui's leg. After taking the medicine, the little guy was finally back to normal.

Fu Gui squawked, "Hands off! Have you ever seen a bird do the splits? Stop twisting my legs!"

"You said the captain likes someone?" Ruan Xing asked.

Bai Xu mumbled, "I can't say."

Fu Zhi cut in, "Let's talk in the living room."

So the three of them, Fu Zhi, Ruan Xing, and Bai Xu, sat neatly lined up on the sofa.

Fu Zhi explained the mission, leaving out the key details. He just said they met halfway through. Bai Xu either did not think too hard about it, or he genuinely didn't care. He just accepted it without question.

Still looking dazed, Bai Xu said, "Xing, it's really good that you're alive!"

Fu Gui: Kid, stop dreaming. You look like a farmhand with a crush on the landlord's daughter.

Bai Xu said, "Should we tell Pei Ye and the others? This is huge! I remember your position hadn't been officially withdrawn when I left, right?"

Fu Zhi replied, "I filed a missing person report, but the death benefits already got issued."

Bai Xu's eyes lit up. "Then can we... maybe keep the benefits and—?"

"No," Fu Zhi said flatly.

Bai Xu pouted. "The Enforcement Division is weird. It usually takes forever for the payout. Why was it so fast this time?"

"Because the Tower gave the order," Fu Zhi said.

Ruan Xing blinked and turned to him. "The Tower? Why would the Tower know about me?"

Bai Xu said, "Well, you were a special recruit. The captain had to deal with that personally at the Tower."

Ruan Xing remembered that back when he was a substitute instructor at the academy, Fu Zhi had disappeared for a while. "So what does that have to do with anything?"

"Everyone in Team One is technically a knight candidate," Bai Xu explained. "The captain had to report everything and answer a bunch of questions."

Knight candidate?

Ruan Xing looked at Fu Zhi in surprise.

Fu Zhi nodded. "Yes. But don't worry. As long as the info is 'reasonable,' it's fine."

Meaning, he didn't report all of Ruan Xing's abilities, just selected the parts that sounded acceptable.

"So, what does being a knight candidate mean?" Ruan Xing asked. "I thought knights were chosen from the start?"

Bai Xu glanced at Fu Zhi, who stayed silent but didn't stop him from answering.

"You remember Pei Yi, right? The guy with black hair who saved us at the concert?"

Ruan Xing nodded.

"He's a knight. He used to be in our squad. He's also Brother Pei's younger brother."

"Though that was before I joined. By the time I came in, he was already in the Tower."

That explained it. No wonder that guy looked familiar. Now that he thought about it, he did resemble Pei Ye a little.

"The captain and Pei Yi were super close back then, but something happened... and now... well—"

"Stick to the point," Fu Zhi said, setting a glass of water in front of Bai Xu with a thud.

Bai Xu gulped a few sips. "Alright, alright. The point is, there are only three official knights, and they're incredibly powerful. They all have this special ability called 'Purification.' But the thing is, they don't awaken this ability naturally. It only shows up after they enter the Tower."

Ruan Xing was stunned. "What do you mean, 'suddenly awakens'? That's not how abilities work. It's not like organ transplants."

"I dunno," Bai Xu shrugged. "But yeah, once someone becomes a knight, they awaken the ability."

"You said First Squad members are all candidates?"

"Yeah. Everyone in our team is physically top tier, the elite of the elite. So, when a knight dies, the replacement usually comes from us."

"Then a lot of people must want it, right?"

"Not me," Bai Xu said without hesitation.

"Why not? The Tower has insane resources, and that power is huge. Why not go for it?"

"Because you lose your freedom," Bai Xu said, scratching his cheek. "Once you enter the Tower, you have to say goodbye to all your friends and family. Your only loyalty is to the Tower. Your life becomes all about pollution and protocols and cold white buildings and uptight coworkers. And the worst part? You're not even allowed to talk to people!"

"Could you live like that?! I couldn't! I don't even know how others put up with it!"

Bai Xu looked pained. "When I had to choose between a mountain of money or a life of silence, I seriously struggled. In the end, I gave up the money. You can always earn more. But if someone shuts your mouth, how do you open it again? It was a painful decision, man."

Ruan Xing had no idea how to comfort him.

Fu Zhi stepped in, "When new members join, they fill out a form. It asks whether they're willing to enter the knight selection if a position opens up."

There were not a ton of people in First Squad, but plenty had signed up. Bai Xu was just one of the few who declined.

"So why didn't I get the form?" Ruan Xing asked.

Fu Zhi hesitated. "Would you have said yes?"

"No way," Ruan Xing said instantly.

Fu Zhi looked relieved. "That's why I didn't tell you."

Ruan Xing tilted his head. "Why not, though?"

"The Tower isn't as perfect as people think," Fu Zhi said, handing Ruan Xing a glass of water. "What Bai Xu said is true. Once someone becomes a knight, their original ability starts to mutate. A lot of people don't make it. They don't die on the battlefield. They die right there, inside the Tower. But if they survive, the Purification ability merges with their original one and becomes something new."

"Many believe this is humanity's only hope. The Tower claims it's their ultimate sacrifice to save the world."

Fu Gui suddenly scoffed. "Yeah, right. You think Will is the kind of guy to make sacrifices? That bastard is just insane."

Ruan Xing looked at him. [Will? The guy who developed the Spiritual Healing potion? You know him?]

Fu Gui grunted and fell silent.

This bird clearly has stories.

"All of that is just surface level," Fu Zhi continued, grabbing both Bai Xu and Ruan Xing's attention. "The truth is, the Tower's 'knights' are nothing more than tools. Their sole purpose is to purify polluted sources."

Fu Gui nodded in agreement.

Fu Zhi added, "What you said earlier wasn't wrong either. The Purification ability is like an organ transplant. There are always three knights. When one dies, someone else takes over. It's not really an 'ability.' It's more like 'equipment.' Who wears it doesn't matter."

Bai Xu looked unsettled. That was the first time he had heard it framed like that.

"Anyway, the Enforcement Division already gave out your death benefits. I even got your memorial email today. They'll probably plan your funeral soon."

Ruan Xing fell into thought. Now that he was officially "dead," if he showed up again, it would definitely attract attention from the Tower, and possibly a lot of unnecessary trouble. Maybe it was better to remain a "ghost," acting freely without being assigned missions or controlled.

Besides, he still had to go to Mist City.

Bai Xu nodded dramatically. "Not many people get to attend their own funeral. You're one of the lucky few. Someone might even think you're a fake, insult you to your face, and then you jump out and go, 'I'm not a fake!' and slap them with the truth—"

"Shut up," Fu Zhi said.

"Yes, sir!"

My funeral?

Ruan Xing was actually a little curious. He had no attachments in this world. Even the father of this body was already dead. Who would even attend?

Bai Xu suddenly remembered something. He clapped his fists together. "Oh! Inner city residents, once they're declared dead, isn't their property seized?"

Ruan Xing jumped up. "What?!"

He hadn't even found his original house yet, and now the new one might be gone too?!

Unacceptable!

"No way! They can't take my place!"

"Relax," Fu Zhi said calmly. "I already told Yi Hang. Your place won't be reclaimed for now, but you still can't go back just yet."

Ruan Xing breathed a sigh of relief. "As long as the place is safe."

Bai Xu teased, "Wow, owning property really changes people. Just rent like me, no pressure."

Ruan Xing replied, "You don't get it."

Bai Xu shrugged. "You've got nowhere to stay now. Want to crash at my place? It's pretty spacious."

Say what you will, but the pink-haired guy really had a good heart. Ruan Xing was just about to say yes when Fu Zhi spoke up.

"No."

Bai Xu exploded, "Why not?! I've got a huge bed!"

Fu Zhi replied, "Too far. Not safe. Stay here."

"How's it not safe?"

"You're not safe," Fu Zhi said without blinking.

Bai Xu's face turned red as if his little plan had been exposed. "You're the one who's not safe!"

Fu Gui's eyes sparkled. Fight! Fight!

As the two of them started arguing over nothing, Ruan Xing raised his hand. "How about I just stay with the captain for now?"

Bai Xu clutched his chest, devastated. "Why him and not me?"

Ruan Xing said, "Living expenses for two people must be high. I don't get a stipend anymore."

He never expected to get rejected for that reason. Bai Xu was heartbroken. "I swear I'll earn more money! Don't give up on me!"

"I'm not giving up on you," Ruan Xing blinked. "It's just that I'm more familiar with the captain's place. Last time I walked him home, we even—"

Fu Zhi coughed. "Just stay here for now."

Bai Xu stormed out. Before he left, Ruan Xing asked him to keep everything a secret.

"I got it!" the pink-haired guy huffed, hands in his pockets as he walked away.

—

That night, Fu Zhi got ready for bed. "I'll sleep on the couch."

There was only one bedroom. Housing was assigned per head, and he could only apply for a bigger place once he got married or had kids.

Ruan Xing declined. "Your bed is not small. It's a double bed, so we'll fit. The couch is too uncomfortable, and you have to go to HQ tomorrow."

He leaned against the headboard in borrowed pajamas. The lamp lit half his face, and his smile was soft and inviting.

Who could say no to that?

Fu Zhi hesitated. "Alright."

He suddenly felt so glad that Ruan Xing didn't go with Bai Xu. This side of him, he didn't want anyone else to see it. And definitely not Bai Xu.

Ruan Xing scooted over and patted the pillow. "Come on."

Fu Zhi stiffly lay down. The moment he did, the soft and fresh scent of lily-of-the-valley reached his nose again.

He couldn't sleep. Couldn't sleep at all.

Staring at the ceiling, he kept thinking about what had happened in the illusion and real life.

In a daze, he imagined himself as the silver-haired knight, dying in that little wooden house surrounded by enemies.

"I won't let them find you. Go, Ruan Xing."

In that final moment, something warm dripped on his cheek.

Fu Zhi snapped his eyes open.

Were those memories his? Or the knight's?

Was it the illusion playing tricks? Or was there some connection between him and that man?

The pendant on his neck began to glow. But the light that once comforted him now felt oddly out of place.

Sleep was nowhere in sight. Fu Zhi turned his head to watch the young man beside him with a soft gaze.

Ruan Xing was deeply asleep. The weather was a bit warm, and his cheeks were flushed. Long hair spilled across his face. He shifted a little, clearly uncomfortable, and his arm draped across Fu Zhi.

Fu Zhi's whole body tensed, and his pupils practically shook.

Then Ruan Xing murmured in his sleep, "...This wand doesn't feel right..."

The next morning, Ruan Xing noticed the dark circles under Fu Zhi's eyes. "You didn't sleep well?"

Fu Zhi was wearing an apron as he fried eggs. He just grunted in response.

Ruan Xing felt a little guilty. He had taken the guy's bed and kept him up all night...

"Maybe I should stay at a hotel—"

"No need," Fu Zhi interrupted. "I didn't sleep well because I was too tired yesterday."

Ruan Xing turned his head to look at him. His long hair slid off his shoulder. "Really?"

"Really." Fu Zhi didn't wear his contact lenses today, so his eyes were black.

Ruan Xing noticed. "Your eyes changes color?"

"Yeah," Fu Zhi said as he plated the eggs and added a toast. "When I get emotional, they turn blue."

Ruan Xing glanced at the key pendant on his neck. "Does the necklace glow too?"

Fu Zhi looked surprised. "How did you know?"

Ruan Xing smiled faintly. "I've seen it."

"I used to have one just like it."

Fu Zhi froze mid-motion. "Exactly the same?"

"Yeah. It was the key to my Mage Tower."

An orange-toned memory flashed through Fu Zhi's mind, young mages in robes bustling back and forth in a sunlit corridor. He liked that kind of lively, busy scene.

Then he thought of the Tower. Replacing those robed mages with current-day people didn't seem that strange.

But how could buildings from two different worlds be connected? That made no sense.

"So... where's your Mage Tower?" he asked. "I didn't see it in your memories."

"I lost it," Ruan Xing said quietly. "When I arrived in this world, it disappeared."

Fu Zhi finished plating breakfast and set it on the table. "Lost... this world?"

"Maybe. I have some leads. I'll probably head out soon to look for it."

Fu Zhi paused. "Will you come back?"

Ruan Xing picked up his toast and took a bite. "We'll see. Depends if I find it."

Fu Zhi nodded slightly and reached up to remove the pendant from his neck. "Here. Take this."

Ruan Xing was too stunned to react. "For me?"

"I don't know if it'll help, but just in case."

Ever since Ruan Xing appeared, his headaches had stopped. And those dreams, the ones with the door, probably wouldn't return either.

Fu Zhi looked at Ruan Xing. His gaze was gentle.

Ruan Xing lit up instantly. Joy sparkled from his brows to his smile as he took the necklace and put it on. The silver chain gleamed under the sunlight, making his pale skin glow even more.

"You look good in it," Fu Zhi said.

"Thanks," Ruan Xing beamed.

The mycelium on his cheek squeaked in delight too, as if sharing his happiness.

Ruan Xing tried using the key to contact the Mage Tower. But something felt off. The magic he sent out disappeared into nothing. There was no response.

Huh? What's going on?

His eyes darkened, a faint magic circle appearing in his pupils which turned slowly.

A soft "crack" echoed as the key had started to split.

But before it completely broke, Fu Zhi suddenly let out a low grunt. Sweat instantly beaded on his forehead, and he braced himself on the table with tensed shoulders.

Ruan Xing froze.

Why does calling the Mage Tower cause Fu Zhi so much pain?