Bai Yujing stood on the deck holding Merlin's Staff, as seagulls chased after the fishing boat. The blue sky, the ocean, and the flock of birds formed an independent and free world, breathing in the sea breeze and fresh air, making one feel particularly relaxed.
Bai Yujing had figured out the functions of most things, but what was the purpose of this Merlin's Staff? Did Lemuel Gulliver leave such an item with any significance, or was it simply a keepsake?
At that moment, Bivis also came up to the deck. It was early in the morning, and since there were no entertainment options in bed, and Emma was still lying in bed, Bai Yujing did not expect Bivis to be up so early.
"Mr. Bai Yujing, do you have any doubts? I noticed you have been lost in thought here; are you pondering something?" Bivis approached.
The fishing boat continued to sail smoothly, cutting through the water's surface, with huge ripples spreading outwards and splashing layers of water. The journey was very stable and fast as the two leaned against the railing on the deck and began to talk.
"I do have some doubts. I wonder if Mr. Bivis knows about the legend of Merlin?" Bai Yujing asked.
Bivis immediately laughed: "I think in England, there should be no one who doesn't know his legend. Merlin is said to be King Arthur's close friend, mentor, and guide; it was he who helped Arthur obtain Excalibur and become the king of England!"
"However, this is just a legend. In the historical records of the McLeod Family, there are some even more interesting stories!"
Bivis's words immediately caught Bai Yujing's attention: "What does Mr. Bivis mean?"
Bivis slowly said, "Have you read the materials I sent you?"
Bai Yujing nodded: "Of course, I have read through them several times!"
Bivis continued: "After the Lake Fairy Lily, who guards the Fountain of Life, came to the human world, she left behind two children—one named Annie and the other named Merlin!"
"What?" Bai Yujing was unaware of this secret. Now recalling that in legends Merlin is said to be the son of a fairy and has some mysterious connection with the Lake Fairy, it seemed that there was indeed a link between Merlin and Sky Island.
Bivis went on: "For hundreds of years, the McLeod Family has been collecting information on this matter. Aside from a failed landing operation in the 17th century, certain events occurred at that time that caused a break in information flow. The McLeod Family also lost track of the specific location of Cloud Hole and records on how to open it."
"However, I remember seeing a phrase in one of the family head's notes: 'The fairy in the lake stole the key to the Fountain of Life from heaven; the Healing Spring Gold Plate was given to her pet; the Fountain of Youth Golden Plate was given to her son Merlin; the Fountain of Lifespan Gold Plate was given to her daughter Annie; and the Holy Oak's staff guides to the gates of heaven. When oaths come to an end, that will be when everything concludes!'"
"I don't know if this helps you!"
Bai Yujing immediately recalled the notes of Lemuel Gulliver, which mentioned that the guidance of the Children of the Gods led them to the location of the Cloud Hole. Since Lily is also referred to as the Sun Goddess, it seems reasonable to say that Merlin being called a part of the Children of the Gods is not too far-fetched.
So, could the guidance of the Children of the Gods refer to the Merlin's Staff? If that's the case, then it makes sense why Lemuel Gulliver left behind this staff.
“Mr. Bai, Mr. Bai?”
Bai Yujing snapped back to reality and nodded: “Of course, that’s very helpful. So, does that mean the Fountain of Lifespan Gold Plate is in the hands of the McLeod Family?”
Bivis nodded: “Yes, indeed. This time, Mr. Burton asked me to bring it along. If you want to take a look, you can come to my bedroom. However, this is an important heirloom of the McLeod Family, so I cannot hand it over to you. I hope you understand!”
“Of course!”
As they walked, Bai Yujing asked: “I wonder how Mr. Burton has been lately? I originally wanted to discuss this operation with him in person.”
Bivis immediately showed a worried expression: “The situation isn’t particularly good, but nothing serious will happen in the short term. Therefore, Boss is very concerned about this operation and hopes that you, Mr. Bai Yujing, can fulfill the long-held wish of the McLeod Family!”
“I will do my utmost. After all, our desire for the Fountain of Life is a shared wish between Emma and me. We are determined to go to any lengths for this. Please allow us, Mr. Bivis, as our goals are aligned!” Bai Yujing explained.
A look of relief appeared on Bivis’s face, as if he was very pleased. However, at the moment he turned to open the door, his expression darkened because with his back turned to Bai Yujing, he could not be observed.
Bivis’s room was much simpler since it was just a fishing boat. He carefully took out a box and opened it, revealing a gold plate similar to his own Fountain of Youth Golden Plate, except that the symbol in the center was different—it represented longevity. With this, all three gold plates were completely gathered.
“With this, we have fully assembled the key to the Fountain of Life. This is a good omen! Please wait a moment; I will get my two gold plates and see if there are any differences among them,” Bai Yujing said with a smile at Bivis.
Bivis clasped his hands together: “This is indeed shocking news! After thousands of years, the key to the Fountain of Life has been gathered again. Perhaps it indicates that we will definitely find the legendary Sky Island and retrieve the Fountain of Life!”
At that moment, Bai Yujing retrieved his two gold plates from between rooms. Emma also woke up and sleepily looked at Bai Yujing, her messy golden hair spread across her pillow. “Ian, what are you looking for?”
Bai Yujing immediately replied: “Emma, did you know? The other gold plate, which is the Fountain of Lifespan Gold Plate, is in the hands of the McLeod Family. And this time, Mr. Bivis brought it along as well. I want to compare it with my two plates and see if there’s any special connection or meaning among them!”
Emma suddenly opened her eyes. "Oh my God, really? The keys to the Fountain of Youth have been gathered! Ian, wait for me, I'm coming right over!"
"You need to hurry then; I'm really eager to see the three golden plates come together!" Bai Yujing immediately replied.
Emma jumped out of bed and ran into the bathroom, wearing only a white lace thong. After rushing in, she poked her head out and said, "I'll be ready soon! If you don't wait for me, you're going to regret it!"
"Someone only has five minutes; Mr. Bivis is still waiting for me!"
"Five minutes isn't enough!"
The two bickered and finally made their way hand in hand into Bivis's room. Bivis was on the phone and hung up as soon as he saw Bai Yujing enter. "Are you both ready? Did you bring the golden plates?"
Bai Yujing nodded and immediately took out two golden plates from his pocket, placing them alongside Bivis's Fountain of Lifespan Gold Plate. Bai Yujing picked up all three plates and moved closer to the window, comparing them in the morning sunlight. From color, pattern, and craftsmanship, the three golden plates appeared to be made by the same person.
However, as he looked closer, Bai Yujing furrowed his brow and opened his mouth to say something. He glanced back at Bivis but quickly recalled something and held back his question.
"They're just so beautiful and mysterious. To be honest, we've also sought out research institutions for testing, but we still haven't figured out what material this actually is! Even with the three plates together, I can't quite understand what they hold," Bai Yujing said with a hint of regret.
Bivis understood. "That's normal. The McLeod Family believed for centuries that this was just gold!"
After discussing the golden plates and the history of the McLeod Family in Bivis's room, Bai Yujing reluctantly left, still feeling intrigued by their conversation.
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