Tracing the Source

Blue Lake Manor.

Richard walked out of Eden Garden and, with a serious expression, sought out butler Jia Lie to give him instructions.

"Jia Lie, I'm going on a long journey."

"A long journey?" Jia Lie froze.

"Yes, a long journey. Don't ask where exactly I'm going. Just manage the manor properly while I'm away.

If anyone comes to see me, such as Bobobo Wei Qi or Yuesefu, tell them this: because of my research, I've gone out to search for a rare material and may not return for some time.

If they aren't in a hurry, they can come back after a while. If they are, they can leave a letter. Once I return and read it, I'll contact them as soon as possible. Do you understand?" Richard asked.

After hearing this, Jia Lie looked at Richard and nodded firmly. "I understand."

"Good." Richard lightly patted Jia Lie on the shoulder and turned to leave.

After taking a few steps, Richard seemed to think of something. He slowly stopped, turned his head toward Jia Lie, and added, "Oh, right, Jia Lie. While I'm gone, keep an eye out for craftsmen, especially carpenters and blacksmiths. The more, the better. They may be useful once I return."

"Craftsmen? Carpenters, blacksmiths?" Jia Lie repeated it, nodded to show that he had remembered, and said, "Master, don't worry. I'll make sure it's handled properly."

"Good. I trust you." Richard turned and left Blue Lake Manor, flying westward.

Day passed quickly, and night fell.

Darkness rose from all directions, gradually covering the entire world. Then, beneath the shifting stars and driven by the cold night wind, it slowly dispersed again.

At the final lingering moment of night, when dawn was close but had not yet arrived, Richard appeared in a forest near New