The task

To Chen Lin's surprise, the Green-Clothed Girl did not hesitate at his request. She gave the hand holding the Yellow Apricot a gentle shake, and a streak of yellow light flew out of the painting.

Before he could reach for it, the yellow light landed directly in his hand. It was a Large Key.

The key was a full half-foot long. Its design was simple, with only a few teeth of varying heights, and it was the same golden-yellow color as the lock on the courtyard gate.

Chen Lin paused in surprise, then immediately wrapped his palm in Innate Power to guard against anything unusual.

But nothing happened. The key seemed to be made of much the same material as the large lock, without any fluctuations of energy.

"Thank you, esteemed Bailiff, for accepting my task. Under Nightmare Law, once you complete the task, my family heirloom will be yours! If you fail, you must compensate me with a treasure of equal value. If you break your agreement and abandon the task, you must pay tenfold compensation. If you cannot provide compensation, you must accept punishment under the rules."

The Girl in the Painting's voice rang out.

At the same time, under Chen Lin's astonished gaze, she actually stood up in the boat. Her earlier playfulness was gone, and she bowed gracefully to him with a solemn expression.

This is bad. Chen Lin immediately said in a low voice, "When did I agree to accept your task? Don't spout such blatant lies!"

He had to make his stance clear now. He could not let her forcibly saddle him with a task.

But the Girl in the Painting ignored his challenge and continued on her own. "You hold the status of a Bailiff, my lord. Huang Batian would not dare attack