I'll also work hard to conquer the dungeon today.

Chapter 737, Sections 2.7 and 24: La Somésmia: The Crown

Temporary base.

“Eight hours have passed since the enemy retreated. I don’t know how long this calm will last.” Daolin leaned against a pale stone pillar and blew on the hot water in his cup.

Five hours ago, they met up with Mu Yegui and then came to the Clean Pool together. They completed the construction of the temporary base in two hours. Although it was just a makeshift tent made of stones and scraps of cloth, it at least gave the survivors a place to stay and a chance to catch their breath and enjoy this hard-won peace.

But this calm was ultimately illusory; no one could be certain when the next wave of attacks would arrive.

The pitch-black night sky was devoid of stars and moon, only layers of eerie and dazzling green veils. The aurora borealis was beautiful, yet it hung like a sword overhead, constantly reminding them that danger was never far away.

Light, slow but disordered footsteps came from behind him. Dao Lin stared at the blazing campfire in front of him. He didn't turn around, but said in a low voice, "You've come."

Zhu Yan was the first to sit down in front of the campfire. His white sleeveless robe embroidered with red plum blossoms fell onto the muddy ground as he sat down, but he didn't care at all. He simply rested one hand on his knee and propped up his chin.

“Although we’ve built a temporary base, we have absolutely no plans for what’s to come, so I called them to come with me,” Shui Qi said slowly, standing next to Dao Lin.

Mu Yegui sat next to Zhu Yan, his cold silver eyes fixed on the burning campfire. His slender fingertips touched the flames absently, as if trying to draw some kind of energy, but he seemed listless because it was too weak.

"Nice to meet you, Rae—the lion from the Kebarenar Thieves." Dao Lin spoke, his icy blue eyes fixed on the tall figure beside Xie Qing.

"This isn't our first meeting, Gu Shurong. Thanks to you, I've come to investigate this matter myself." The man's deep, arrogant voice carried a hint of laziness, much like a lion taking a nap. Although his eyes were slightly closed, he remained vigilant about his surroundings.

His golden, lion-like mane swayed gently as he walked, his golden-red vertical pupils and ice-blue eyes locked in a fierce gaze, neither giving an inch. Reus, over two meters tall, stood out from the crowd; his muscular physique was undeniably sexy and voluptuous, radiating a powerful masculine aura and an intimidating presence.

The third most notorious space pirate group in interstellar history is the Kbarenaar Pirates, commonly known as the Lion Band, and their leader is Lion King Raeel. He is a genuine orc, with an extremely powerful physique of 2S. In interstellar space, 2S is already considered top-tier, because anything beyond that is subject to a set of rules.

"I am Daolin." He said slowly, his icy blue eyes slightly narrowed.

“Is that so…” Rae said two words cryptically, then sat down.

Xie Qing smiled at Dao Lin but didn't say anything.

After confirming that everyone had arrived, Dao Lin took out a stone slab and handed it to Shui Qi, and then began to get down to business.

“Eight hours have passed. Although it’s been calm, it doesn’t change our passive situation. As time goes by, we will only become more and more disadvantaged. The Pure Pearl, the Notebook, and the Destiny Tablet are all in the enemy’s hands. The fact that they appeared in the prophecy means they are very important. We need to take them back.”

"How do we take it? If we alert the enemy, we'll face an even more passive situation than before," Xie Qing asked. "The constant stream of enemy troops will only wear us down first."

Dao Lin chuckled softly. His icy blue eyes were clean and clear, just like him, never having been tainted by the world. He was always so confident and determined in himself, like a bright lamp that never lost its way in the darkness, shining brightly and guiding others in the right direction.

He said seriously and confidently, "Replace."

Shui Qi frowned, pondering for a moment, then asked uncertainly, "You mean...that?"

“Yes, that’s it.” Dao Lin nodded, confirming. The two seemed to be speaking in riddles. Mu Ye Gui continued playing with the fire without saying a word, seemingly distracted and not paying attention to the meeting at all.

Zhu Yan looked at Mu Yegui without saying a word, but there was a hint of worry in her eyes.

"Just tell me your plan, Daolin. I'm too lazy to listen to your riddles," Rae said lazily.

“First, we need to find out exactly where these three items are located; then, we need to use the [Fake Treasure Box] tool to perfectly forge them; finally, we need to replace them without anyone noticing.” Dao Lin paused, then added, “The base only needs Zhu Yan. We’ll leave the investigation to Xie Qing and Shui Qi, as you two are more familiar with this area.”

"Let's leave the task of finding the counterfeit treasure box to Rae. The lion has a keen sense for treasures."

"The forgery of the three treasures will be handled by me, Shui Qi, and Mu Yegui. The three of us have all had contact with these three treasures. As for the final replacement..."

“I’ll do it,” Shui Qi interrupted Dao Lin.

Dao Lin frowned, disapprovingly saying, "You haven't forgotten your feud with that queen, have you? Others might escape if they were discovered, but you would certainly die if discovered, not to mention..."

Dao Lin didn't continue speaking. Although Shui Qi's genetic breakdown was common knowledge, he still wouldn't say it in public and embarrass others.

"A fake is still a fake. Even if the simulation is 99% realistic, there is still a 1% chance of it being discovered. If it is not 100%, then the probability of failure is 99%. I don't want to gamble on this uncertainty. Since luck is not on our side, I choose to create my own luck. Only I can make the fake 100% undetectable."

"Only I can go."

Shui Qi objectively stated the facts; he himself was not lucky, so he never believed in luck.

He has survived to this day solely because of himself.

"Daolin, I want to live." Her long, narrow blue eyes stared intently at Daolin, deep and resolute.

He couldn't entrust his life to someone else, so he had to act on his own. If Daolin refused, he would still walk the same path as in the 'Lias's Voyage' story.

To stand against everyone, and then steadfastly walk further and further down the path you have chosen, even if it means going completely apart.

"I'm defeated by you..." His icy blue eyes stared blankly at Shui Qi, then slowly closed, and he let out a long sigh.

Daolin said, "Go, Shui Qi."

Have a safe journey.

The night is still long, and no one knows when dawn will break.

But whether it succeeds or not, this is their last resort.

Sorry for the wait, I've got an inspiration, things will go smoothly from here on out.