"Complete Main Quest 1: Go to the destination and find E-level Exotic Creatures — Leprechaun, reward 50 points."
"Complete Side Quest 1: Have a friendly conversation with Leprechaun and exchange information, reward 20 points."
Bai Yujing was watching the results of this mission in the room's lobby. With the previous 30 points added, Bai Yujing now had a total of 100 points, suddenly becoming quite wealthy. If exchanged for cash, it could amount to a million, which would take Bai Yujing a long time to earn. However, Bai Yujing was not willing to do something so foolish.
After carefully looking through the shop, Bai Yujing had already realized that even exchanging points for real estate and then selling it was much better than exchanging for money. Unfortunately, specific locations could not be designated. However, a property within Deep Market could be obtained for less than 100 points, which was definitely worth it.
This money exchange feature was probably meant for emergencies. Bai Yujing decided to enhance their foundational capital, which meant improving their body. They immediately switched to the body category, where three panels appeared: Appearance Adjustment, Body Shape Adjustment, and Constitution Adjustment.
Bai Yujing had already made up their mind and chose Constitution Adjustment. They felt that their external conditions were not that bad; they were currently acceptable. The costs were 30 points for Appearance Adjustment, 40 points for Body Shape Adjustment, and 50 points for Constitution Adjustment.
Moreover, it was noted that this was the price for the first adjustment; the further along one went with adjustments, the more expensive it became. Bai Yujing selected Constitution Adjustment and clicked to purchase. The point value immediately began to decrease until it stopped at 50.
A full-body X-ray image of Bai Yujing appeared on the panel, showing a skeletal structure made of dashed lines and internal organs. The energy bar next to it was currently at full capacity, with a button labeled "Inject" nearby.
Bai Yujing pressed it and immediately felt their body stiffen as a warm current flowed into them. Bai Yujing quickly guided this warm current to begin strengthening their body, concentrating most of it in their heart.
The heart is the organ that drives blood flow throughout the body, supplying oxygen and various nutrients to body cells; it is the engine of the human body. As Bai Yujing injected this energy into their heart, they found that it became stronger. Its beating slowed down but became more powerful, each beat able to push more blood throughout the body.
Strengthening the heart allows one to possess athletic qualities without needing to exercise; the body becomes more vigorous and enduring. While enhancing the heart, much of the energy also radiated outward, strengthening other parts of the body as well. Seeing that there was still plenty of energy left, Bai Yujing decided to send it all into their kidneys.
Suddenly, Bai Yujing felt a warmth in their lower back; that was where the kidneys were located. The kidneys are primarily responsible for growth and reproduction as well as detoxification. They have endocrine functions by producing renin, erythropoietin, prostaglandins, etc. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, kidneys govern water and are very important for nourishing the entire body and storing essence and energy. Strong kidneys mean abundant vitality, reflected externally as being energetic and able to exercise for long periods without feeling fatigued.
When Bai Yujing stood up, they suddenly felt weak all over and drenched in sweat as if they had just emerged from water; their entire body felt greasy as if everything flowing out was oil. Bai Yujing felt a pain in their stomach; this was the detoxification function of the kidneys beginning to manifest.
This phenomenon might last for some time since bodily transformation takes time to gradually reveal itself. Eventually, Bai Yujing would possess a physique surpassing that of an athlete. Just thinking about it made them feel a bit excited!
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In the hotel restaurant, Bai Yujing ate heartily. At this time, there weren't many people in the restaurant since it wasn't mealtime yet; afternoon tea time had also passed. A few waitstaff watched as Bai Yujing consumed several servings of food alone.
Feeling refreshed after finishing a large plate of chicken wings and meat rolls, Bai Yujing ordered five hamburgers and hot dogs before finally feeling like they had replenished some of the energy just expended. Wiping their mouth, they returned to their room and saw that Emma had finished treating Alice. The two were sitting together in the living room watching TV.
Alice sat at the table looking at what resembled a movie theater screen with her legs secured by splints but appeared somewhat gloomy.
"Alice, what's wrong? Why aren't you happy?" Bai Yujing sat down and asked Alice.
Alice looked at Bai Yujing with some concern. "Mr. Bai Yujing, could you take me home? I came out to find my boyfriend today, but unexpectedly, I was discovered and caught. If I don't go back, he will be very worried."
Bai Yujing discussed with Emma for a moment. Alice's injuries were not serious; as long as she took her medicine on time and paid attention, she should recover in about two months. Therefore, they decided to take her home. After all, Alice was a sentient being, not a pet, and they needed to respect her opinions and feelings.
After discussing with Emma, Bai Yujing said to Alice, "We have decided to take you home before dark. However, it's almost dinner time, and we would like to invite you to have dinner with us. Can you share some of your stories with me?"
Emma and Bai Yujing were very curious about the life of Leprechauns. However, as Emma spoke about their lives, Bai Yujing felt a bit sad because various natural enemies could harm Leprechauns; it could be a mouse or a cat. The living environment was becoming increasingly harsh, so the Leprechauns in this area were dwindling.
Alice told Bai Yujing that currently, she knew of no more than ten Leprechauns, and some of them were on an island far away with no news for many years; it was uncertain if they still existed.
In the Kailijin Town area, there were only Alice and her boyfriend, Kaka; they were nearly extinct. Bai Yujing could imagine that in another twenty or thirty years, the Leprechauns here would vanish completely, leaving only memories in the minds of Bai Yujing and Emma. Even if mentioned later, it would just be considered a boring fantasy.
What started as a curious inquiry turned into something sorrowful. Alice told Bai Yujing that when she was young, she had both a father and a mother in her family—a three-person household. Her father belonged to a large family spanning three generations. Now, she was left all alone.
The human world was filled with dangers; their ancestors warned them that no matter how careful they were, it was difficult to escape the brink of extinction.
Emma suddenly spoke up: "Perhaps you can live with us; that way I can protect you, and you won't have to worry about living issues anymore."
But Alice smiled and interrupted Emma: "No need. If extinction is our fate, then before that happens, we want to live as free beings with dignity."
When Alice said this simply and plainly, it shocked both Bai Yujing and Emma.
After inviting Alice for dinner, Emma packed some medicine for her in a small bag with a straw and reminded her of the precautions she needed to take. Bai Yujing gave Alice some non-perishable food and a small bag of rice.
Driving back to Kailijin Town again, the Sky Island looked particularly beautiful under the dusk light—rolling hills and green lawns. This stretch of road wasn't long for humans but could feel like divine punishment for Leprechauns.
Following Alice's directions, Bai Yujing found her current residence. It was indeed not far from Will Hackman's place—around the corner in a narrow alley where an old house stood inhabited by an elderly woman.
Alice called out loudly from the left side of the yard: "Kaka! Kaka!"
Before long, Bai Yujing saw a strong young man wearing a black cloak similar to Alice's come out. It seemed he was hiding weapons under his cloak as well; however, Kaka appeared very nervous. With his girlfriend in Bai Yujing's hands, he had no choice but to step forward. It was clear that Kaka cared deeply for Alice.
"Let go of Alice!" Kaka said while standing next to a stone and looking at Bai Yujing.
"Alice" said, "Kaka, they are not bad people; they saved me."
"Bai Yujing" crouched down and carefully placed Emma on the ground. Kaka immediately ran over and hugged Alice, "Alice, are you hurt?"
"Yes, but Emma has already treated my injuries. I'm fine now; I just can't move around much for a while. They brought me a lot of food," Alice pointed to the large bundle beside her that Emma had placed next to a rock.
Bai Yujing also spoke up, "We are Alice's friends and would never harm you. We come in friendship."
Bai Yujing suddenly spoke in Lilliputian Language, startling Kaka, "You can speak our language?"
Alice introduced Kaka, "This is Bai Yujing, and next to him is Emma. They are both very good people. I was captured by two human children, and they saved me."
Kaka was also very scared, "Human children are the most terrifying creatures. Did they see you?"
Alice shook her head, "No, they only saw me wearing a black cloak. I fell into the water jug, and they caught me."
Kaka nodded and stepped forward to express gratitude to Bai Yujing and Emma. Bai Yujing and Emma watched as the two gradually disappeared into the grass of the courtyard.
Emma couldn't help but ask, "Will I see you again, Alice?"
Bai Yujing translated for Alice, who turned back and nodded, "If you want to see me, just come here and call my name!"
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