"I was thinking the same thing."
After hearing Ahri's words, Akali said thoughtfully, "We had only just come down the mountain when he won a second-tier prize. Doesn't that perfectly match his wish?"
After all, Luke had wished to obtain a lot of money.
One thousand gold coins was already a considerable sum.
Luke thought for a moment. "That's possible, but what if I was simply lucky?"
Akali glanced at him. "Do you honestly believe that yourself?"
The odds of such a coincidence occurring were pitifully low, yet it had happened. There had to be more to it than mere luck.
Ahri asked, "Isn't having a wish granted supposed to be a good thing?"
"That's true, but..." Akali seemed about to say something, then shook her head. "Forget it. There's no point dwelling on it right now. I'm starving."
She merely felt that the wish had been fulfilled far too quickly. Still, after thinking it over, she decided it was ultimately a good thing. Luke had practically received one thousand gold coins for free.
The three of them were not planning to return to their lodgings just yet. They had originally gone out to purchase ingredients.
After turning down several streets, they arrived at the town market. Fresh vegetables, fruit, and meat were sold in separate sections throughout the sprawling marketplace.
"Buy whatever you feel like eating. It's my treat."
Having just won a large prize, Luke spoke with impressive generosity. The three of them marched into the market like newly rich aristocrats.
"Then I won't hold back!"
Akali immediately charged toward the meat section, her eyes shining.
As an unabashed meat lover, she had not eaten a proper meat-heavy meal since leaving the Kinkou Order.
"I'm going to choose some vegetables. Pick out anything you'd like to eat, and we'll meet up later."
Luke handed Ahri some money. Once she nodded, he turned and headed toward the vegetable stalls.
Ahri watched the two of them leave. She was happy eating anything, since everything Luke cooked tasted delicious.
With nothing else to do, she began wandering around the market.
A faint scent of incense hung in the air, masking the many unpleasant odors that normally filled a busy marketplace. Voices clamored all around her. Whenever Ahri found herself alone within a crowd, she always felt as though she did not belong.
She had not forgotten that, in the eyes of ordinary people, her true appearance still belonged to a monster.
Luke and Akali both treated her like a normal person, but Ahri herself could not escape that shadow.
More importantly, she constantly worried that she might one day lose control of her powers and hurt them.
She sighed with a heavy heart. For some reason, she remembered the wish she had made earlier and took out two stones.
Although they could be called stones, they were as clear and brilliant as gemstones. Each was shaped like a leaping flame. Their sharp protrusions had been carved so ingeniously that the two pieces interlocked to form a perfect orb, fitting together without the slightest gap.
They had been beside her for as long as she could remember, but Ahri still knew nothing about their origins. She only knew that they might be connected to her past.
She desperately wanted to know where she came from. Only then could she truly understand herself.
Without realizing it, she stopped in front of a stall.
Dozens of baskets covered the stall, all filled with assorted trinkets. There were smooth, rounded pebbles, seashells engraved with legendary maritime tales, dice carved from animal bones, and various other curiosities.
The stall owner was an elderly man sitting on the ground and dozing.
Perhaps sensing that someone had stopped before his stall, he opened his eyes. His attention was immediately drawn to the twin gemstones in Ahri's hands.
"Those are..."
He rubbed his eyes as though remembering something.
"How rare. I never expected to see a pair of Sunstones within my lifetime."
Ahri froze slightly.
When she heard the word "Sunstones," she felt as though she had received some kind of sign. Something within her seemed ready to burst free, and a powerful yearning rose in her heart.
"You recognize these?"
She could not stop herself from asking.
"I say I recognize them, but this is actually the first time I've seen the real thing." The old man gave a modest smile before asking with interest, "May I examine them?"
Ahri hesitated briefly before handing the twin gemstones to him.
The old man carefully placed them upon a piece of red cloth. Under the sunlight, the Sunstones radiated wondrous colors.
He then took out a tool resembling a magnifying glass, leaned closer, and studied them while murmuring to himself.
"There is no mistake. These really are Sunstones."
He finally confirmed his conclusion.
Ahri hurriedly asked, "Where did they come from?"
"To be perfectly honest, this is also my first time seeing actual Sunstones. I don't know their exact origins."
The old man shook his head slightly and returned them to Ahri.
"I see."
Ahri sighed in disappointment, then asked, "How did you recognize them?"
"That story begins with my grandfather's grandfather, perhaps even further back." The old man remained seated and slowly began explaining. "During the height of my family's prosperity, my ancestors were jewel merchants. They traveled throughout the First Lands, collecting jewels they had never encountered before.
"Naturally, they kept detailed records, which were passed down from one generation to the next. However, as you can see, my family's fortunes had already declined by the time my generation came along.
"I have been interested in such things since childhood and have studied them for many years. The Sunstones were among the precious gems recorded in those old documents, though they disappeared long ago.
"They can be identified by their exquisite craftsmanship. When two Sunstones are placed together, even the faintest seam seems to vanish. No similar jewels exist anywhere else in the world. Had my eyes been any less experienced, I might not have recognized them.
"They are called Sunstones because they can naturally absorb sunlight, convert it into energy, and preserve that energy within themselves. They are also extremely hard and difficult to damage, making them extraordinarily valuable.
"A very long time ago, they were considered priceless.
"That is everything I know. However, I am curious about how a young lady such as yourself obtained Sunstones of such exceptional quality."
Curiosity appeared on the old man's face as he finished. He clearly hoped to learn something about their origins.
"My parents left them to me," Ahri said.
Her heart trembled slightly because the Sunstones truly possessed every property the old man had described. They could naturally absorb and store energy.
They were also remarkably hard. Ordinary methods could not leave so much as a scratch on them.
"I see. I never imagined that any Sunstones still existed today." The old man looked at Ahri and advised her earnestly, "You must take good care of them. These may be the last pair of Sunstones in the entire world."
His words left a sudden emptiness within Ahri's heart.
The last pair...
Her desire to discover her origins grew wildly, like a great tree suddenly driven into rapid growth.
Why had they become the last pair?
Why had they disappeared so long ago?
Who exactly were her parents?
Where were the rest of her people?
Why had she appeared in this world?
Ahri gently bit her lip as countless complicated emotions surged through her.
"Ahri, what are you doing over here?"
Akali's voice came from nearby.
She approached with the meat she had purchased strapped to her back and looked curiously at Ahri, who was standing blankly before a small stall.
Luke also approached from the other direction, carrying vegetables.
Ahri came back to her senses, took several gold coins from her clothes, and placed them on the old man's stall.
"Thank you for answering my questions. I have always wanted to know where these gemstones came from."
The old man hurriedly waved his hands. "That is far too much money. Please take it back. At the very least, choose a basket of goods to take with you."
"Then I'll take this basket."
Ahri had intended to leave immediately, but after noticing the old man's discomfort, she finally selected a basket of trinkets.
Only then did she walk away.
"Why did you buy all this? You could find most of it beside any river or beach."
Akali examined the pile of trinkets Ahri had purchased and immediately suspected that she had been cheated.
"That old man just now..."
Ahri slowly recounted everything that had happened.
"Sunstones?" After listening, Akali frowned slightly. "I've certainly never heard of them. So these Sunstones are connected to your origins?"
"Yes."
Ahri nodded gently.
Akali gradually sensed that something was wrong, and her frown deepened.
"Isn't that a little too convenient? Didn't you wish to receive information about your origins?"
Ahri froze slightly and realized the same thing.
Now that she thought about it, the timing really was suspicious.
Especially after Luke's lottery win.
Could two such coincidences truly happen in succession?
What were the odds of encountering something like this?
After thinking for a moment, Akali said, "Could the mountain god really be responsible?"
"I would say there's a very good chance."
Luke nodded slightly. The image of that enormous mountain god statue flashed through his mind again, along with the strange sense of familiarity it had given him.
He also remembered the sensation of being watched from the moment he entered the Mountain God Temple.
A little consideration was enough to realize that the matter was not simple.
For now, however, he still did not know what the mountain god was scheming. Luke found it difficult to believe that the god had no hidden intentions whatsoever.
He was in no hurry and intended to observe the situation a little longer.
Ahri suggested, "Should we go back there?"
She wanted to return because she believed the mountain god might know something about her origins.
"What would we accomplish by going back?" Akali glanced in the direction of the Mountain God Temple. "Guwu already explained things clearly enough. Apparently, you two are people who share an affinity with the mountain god. I am rather curious about how he decides who qualifies.
"Still, even if we asked, I doubt we would receive a straightforward answer. Places like that always hide behind riddles and vague explanations."
She understood such organizations far too well. Whether it was a temple or an order, no one inside ever seemed capable of speaking plainly.
Luke added, "We aren't in a hurry to leave. Since we found a clue about your origins here, there's no harm in staying for another couple of days."
"All right."
Ahri nodded, knowing that rushing would accomplish nothing.
It was already afternoon.
The three returned to the small courtyard they had rented earlier. Luke lit the stove and began cooking. Before long, delicious aromas filled the courtyard, immediately awakening the appetites of both women.
After enjoying a satisfying meal, they each turned to their own activities.
Akali began training. Her physical exercises looked exceptionally strenuous.
Luke lazily lay beneath the sunlight. At this time of year, the sun was not harsh at all. Its warmth settled over him like a blanket, making him extremely comfortable.
Ahri held the Sunstones and began studying them.
Although she had already examined them for countless days and nights, the new information made her feel that the Sunstones still concealed secrets she had never discovered.
When she channeled her magic into them, she could feel the Sunstones responding.
Beyond that, she could sense a vast, pale space within them.
It was completely empty.
Her ears drooped slightly, revealing her disappointment.
However, Ahri soon encouraged herself again. Unlike before, she now possessed a new clue.
Sunstones.
From now on, she would use that name as the focus of her investigation and continue searching.
Sooner or later, she would uncover the truth about her origins.
Time passed, and the next morning arrived.
Akali opened her eyes in bed. Her sleep had been remarkably good over the past several days, and every night had been peaceful and restful.
Unlike the previous mornings, however, she felt that something about her body had changed.
Akali immediately rose from bed, raised her right hand, and clenched her fist. A strange expression appeared in her eyes.
After changing clothes, she stepped into the courtyard.
A thin mist covered Guyuan in the early morning. Standing outside, she could feel the cool air and the moisture of the morning dew.
Once she was ready, Akali took a deep breath and jumped straight upward.
Despite being a casual leap, it carried her several yards into the air. It felt extraordinarily easy and required practically no effort.
At that moment, her body felt as light as a feather. Every movement seemed much easier than before.
Furthermore, unless she was mistaken, her physical strength had also increased considerably.
After making this discovery, Akali immediately woke Luke and Ahri and told them what had happened.
"So you think you became stronger?"
Luke yawned and asked the question while sitting sleepily in a chair.
Akali was speechless at his lazy appearance, but she still nodded.
"Yes!"
Luke yawned again. "Maybe you're imagining it."
Akali's eyebrow immediately twitched.
"It's my own body. How could I possibly be mistaken?"
"Enough talking. Let me test what you're made of."
Luke stretched, rose from his seat, and spoke casually.
"Attack me as fast as you can."
Akali narrowed her eyes at him. Fighting spirit surged through her entire body as she flexed her fingers in anticipation.
"You said it, not me."
Luke nodded confidently. "Come at me."
The moment he finished speaking, Akali vanished from where she stood.
Her small fist shot directly toward Luke's handsome face without the slightest restraint.
She had wanted to do this for a very long time!
Besides, she also needed someone to test exactly how much stronger she had become.
Perhaps she was finally stronger than this infuriating man.
Moving at full speed, Akali reached Luke in an instant. She was certain that few people could easily block that punch.
Yet despite its speed, Luke's expression did not change at all. His body shifted slightly, and he effortlessly avoided it.
"Take this!"
Akali's punch struck empty air, but she did not become discouraged. With a sharp cry, she unleashed several more punches in rapid succession.
Although she specialized in using her kama and throwing weapons, she had also trained in unarmed close combat since childhood.
Even so, Luke avoided every strike by casually shifting from side to side. His movements remained graceful throughout the exchange, and not even his hair was disturbed.
Akali followed with a kick, but that attack also missed.
After several exchanges, she had still failed to touch Luke even once.
Irritation began rising within her. Her attacks became increasingly fierce, yet every strike continued hitting nothing but air.
From Ahri's perspective, it looked like an adult casually teasing a child.
Finally, just as Akali was about to explode from frustration, Luke made his move.
He caught her incoming fist with one hand and suddenly pulled her toward his chest.
Caught completely off guard, Akali lost her balance. In the next instant, an overwhelming force hurled her away.
She stabilized herself in midair, gritted her teeth, and planted her feet against a wall. Then she launched herself back toward Luke like an arrow released from a bow and delivered a powerful flying kick.
Faced with the forceful strike, Luke merely raised his left arm and blocked it.
He then caught her slender, smooth calf with one hand and used her momentum to swing her away again.
This time, Akali flew even higher. The world spun wildly around her, and the sensation was somehow even more infuriating than having all her attacks dodged.
"I'm done!"
She landed safely on the ground and shouted irritably, refusing to continue.
Even Ahri could see that Luke had never taken the fight seriously.
Continuing would only make Akali more miserable.
"You really have become stronger. Both your speed and physical power have improved," Luke said honestly after completing his assessment.
Akali could not bring herself to feel happy.
After exerting herself so intensely, she was already breathing somewhat heavily. She sat down, poured herself a cup of water, and drank.
She could clearly sense the change in her abilities, which meant the increase had been quite substantial.
Even so, she was still nowhere near Luke's level.
Just how strong was this man?
Akali drank her water while glancing at Luke, but she could not judge his limits at all.
After finishing, she said, "That means all three of our wishes have now come true."
Strength could not suddenly increase so dramatically for no reason.
The mountain god must have used some unknown method.
Luke nodded. "It certainly seems that way."
Akali continued, "What do you two think about this? I find the whole thing rather strange. Why would this mountain god be so generous?"
Had their wishes really been fulfilled merely because they supposedly shared an "affinity" with him?
When someone received benefits too easily, it naturally made them suspicious.
It was like meeting a complete stranger beside the road who suddenly handed you a bag of money and walked away without explanation.
Could you accept that money without worrying?
Of course not. It would feel deeply unsettling.
Luke unhurriedly began preparing breakfast.
"We'll know more if we visit the temple again after breakfast."
Akali and Ahri had been thinking the same thing.
The three soon finished eating and headed directly toward the Mountain God Temple.
Although it was still early in the morning, plenty of people were already climbing the mountain to worship, though there were fewer than at noon the previous day.
Mountain mist drifted around the Mountain God Temple, giving it a mysterious atmosphere.
The three entered the temple grounds.
Guwu, whom they had met the day before, seemed to have expected their arrival. He soon approached them on his own.
"The three of you. It is good to see you again."
Guwu smiled and bowed slightly in greeting.
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