Storm of Gods

Chapter 126 is about bonds!

Thump... Thump... Thump thump thump...

Damn it, he's here, he really is here. I knew he was going to silence me. What should I do?
Simmons was immediately on high alert. Could he and Lancer withstand him?
"Brother Li, what are you doing here?" Simmons asked, trying to appear calm.

"Of course it's the bond between us, young master Simmons, aren't you happy?"

Simmons' mind raced. It was clearly impossible; if he came looking for him, he probably wouldn't be able to escape.

As expected of a man as majestic as an eagle, Simmons slowly regained his composure and forced a smile. "Of course I'm happy to see you again, Brother Li. Come, sit down, let's have something to eat together. This restaurant has some unique dishes."

?

"You guys eat, I haven't finished my work yet. After you're done eating, wait for me in my room. It's rare to run into an old friend like you, I've missed you for so long," Li Xin said.

"Okay, okay, you're busy," Simmons said, his tone suggesting he wasn't going to kill him, at least not immediately.

Daenerys Targaryen, standing to the side, was dumbfounded and didn't know what to say. This... seemed like the two of them were quite familiar with each other?
Daenerys didn't dare ask any more questions, and Simmons naturally ignored her. After finishing their meal, they went with Daenerys to Li Xin's room.

Daenerys was too afraid to keep her eagle-like son waiting. She rushed downstairs and into the kitchen like a nimble fat cat. "Little... Ah Xin, stop busying yourself. Come wash your hands and go see Master Simmons. I never expected you two to be friends. It's fate that brings you together."

Just leave all the work at noon to Ma Liu, since he's already learned most of it by secret means.

"Mother Dragon, this isn't me skipping work, you can't take less pay."

“No, no, you should add more. Daenerys is never a stingy person!” Daenerys’ smile widened even more.

Meanwhile, Simmons, in his upper room at the inn, had calmed down. He had a strong heart and was worldly-wise. First of all, his noble status couldn't suppress the chief tester of the secret fortress. Even without the incident in Tianjing, these monsters were unscrupulous. Thinking about it from another perspective, if he wanted to silence him, he probably couldn't leave Tianjing at all. So, perhaps his coming to Heldan really wasn't for himself...

...?
Damn, what is he trying to do?!
Thinking about the situation in Tianjing... no, what am I afraid of? This is Heldan, the pearl of the Dao Yuan Continent, a powerful kingdom ruled by the just King Aura. How can Tianjing compare? Here, there is the powerful Earth Mother Goddess Church that can make demons bow down, the Deadwood Monastery, one of the five holy lands, the Heavenly Principle School with demigods, the royal court is full of experts, and there are countless hidden forces. This is a capital city that has stood for thousands of years. Dragons must coil and tigers must lie low. What am I afraid of?

Don't be afraid!
Don't overthink it. This has nothing to do with me or Heldan. Don't know things you shouldn't know. Damn curiosity really hurts. If only I hadn't tried to pull off his clothes back then.

Simmons sent Lancer back first. Having him around was pointless; in fact, it was inconvenient. Sitting in his chair, Simmons didn't dare to move. Who knew if Li Xin was doing it on purpose?

The room was simple, filled with cheap things. He couldn't figure out what Li Xin was up to. Those who could go to the secret castle must be people of status, just because of the extreme rarity of talent. But he didn't want to know Li Xin's identity at all. He didn't care about the person, and if he knew more, he felt like he would really be gone. He looked around, but his gaze was still drawn to a small harp placed on the bedside table.

The harp is exquisite, reflecting the impeccable taste of an old aristocratic family. The patterns are clearly from the traditional classical school, a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The small grooves at the curves are details that only an old family would pay attention to.

?

The next second, Simmons' pupils contracted sharply. He rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was hallucinating. What the heck?

what is this?
A harp made from a single piece of the Wood of Life?

Is there no justice or law left?!
As a scion of an old noble family, Simmons immediately recognized the material of the harp as the most precious wood of life. He just couldn't believe it subconsciously. How big of a piece of wood would it take to make a harp?
Even a tiny bit is priceless. The Wood of Life can be used in potions and is a core ingredient in many high-level potions. It can save lives. A little bit of powder burned as incense can ward off evil spirits, calm the mind, and ward off evil. More importantly, the Wood of Life is the symbol of Montecristo. Only royalty, nobles who have made meritorious contributions, and heroes can use it. As long as you use psionic energy input, it will produce a life-soothing effect.

The George family also has a long history of inheritance. Their ancestors made great contributions and were bestowed with a piece by His Majesty the King at the time, which was then inlaid on the patriarch's token. It was a bead only the size of a thumb.

Is this harp, made entirely of the Wood of Life, just lying there to the side like that?
He knew very well that a mysterious figure like Li Xin was unfathomable and could access unexpected and secret objects, but this was just too deep.

Without realizing it, Simmons straightened his posture a bit. Some inappropriate thoughts kept sprouting like vines. Li Xin was probably going to do something big. Could it be related to Heldan? Simmons was torn by a fierce internal conflict. As a loyal knight of the kingdom, it was his duty to defend the kingdom. But investigating such secrets was dangerous and deadly. He was afraid that if he revealed even the slightest clue, he would be silenced. The last time he had a blackout was still fresh in his mind.

How to do this?
Just as Simmons was confused and torn between two options, Li Xin returned and was overjoyed to see him. "Young Master Simmons, who is as majestic as an eagle, you didn't expect to see him again so soon, did you?"

Simmons stood up, a wry smile on his face. "Brother Li, please stop teasing me. What brings you to Heldan?"

Simmons felt that no matter what tricks he used, it would be useless. Anyone who could survive a hellish place like a castle was no saint, let alone this guy. Instead of playing mind games, he might as well be direct. Whether he sticks his neck out or not, he'll get stabbed anyway.

“There’s been a little trouble in Tianjing, and I was just thinking of traveling around. I didn’t expect to find a friend like you in Heldan, so I came here. I remember you said you were happy to welcome me?” Li Xin said with a smile. “Would you like something to drink? I only have water here.”

Simmons pursed his lips. He couldn't remember saying anything at all. Did he even say it? Did he count as just being polite? Tianjing was in such a state, was it really a minor situation? He heard that even the cardinals of the Lunar Church had gone there, but he was acting like nothing had happened.

"Ha, haha, of course, you're welcome." Simmons forced a smile. "Ahem, Brother Li, we're old acquaintances. So, what's your purpose in coming to Heldan? Just tell me directly, and I'll do my best to help if I can, saving you time."

Li Xin laughed, "You said it yourself."

Simmons's lips twitched, and he wanted to slap himself.

“It’s nothing much. The incident in Tianjing is related to the singer of Hellsong. Her nickname is the Nun. I want to find her. Also, I want to find a way to enter the Holy Land. Your George family is an old family, so you should know quite a bit.” Li Xin continued. He felt that Simmons knew a lot last time, and Casey also mentioned that old families like the Montaletta family have the most secret knowledge.

“The Singers of Hellsong?” Simmons frowned. “This is the most dangerous and mysterious group on the Dao Yuan Continent. All members are elusive, the singers are of very high rank, each possessing immense power and acting with impunity. Their leader is even a legendary figure comparable to the Pope.”

Small countries generally don't dare to provoke them, and even powerful nations like the four major powers have to be careful. They're not afraid of a direct confrontation, but they won't fight you head-on.

"It's alright. Just help me find clues about her. We can negotiate any terms. Debts must be repaid; no amount of connections will help," Li Xin said calmly.

"Domineering, ruthless, these kinds of conflicts between monsters have nothing to do with him," Simmons thought to himself. "As long as the target isn't Heldan, it's fine." "Alright, I'll try to find out, but it will take some time."

“I’ve been in Heldan lately. If you want to find me, just come to Carp Dragon. My skills are pretty good, right?” Li Xin said. “Also, I want to go to the Holy Land. Can you help me figure out a way?”

Li Xin was quite smug, able to make a living anywhere.

Unfortunately, Simmons didn't sense this smugness. "Brother Li, the Sacred Land only requires the Gate of Truth. This should be a piece of cake for you, right?"

Li Xin shrugged helplessly. "It seems to be working against me. There's no problem with the Gate of Truth, but the Sacred Land won't let me in."

Simmons' eyes widened. "Is this for real?"
"I don't think I can do anything about this either."

"I've heard that the Gate of Truth can be shared. When the time is right, can you take me in to see it?" Li Xin asked.

Simmons opened his mouth, then froze... He wasn't quite sure what being shut out of the sacred place meant, but something was definitely amiss. Could he handle taking him in?

"Brother Li, this matter is extremely dangerous. Please allow me to consider it."

"Haha, of course. Even close brothers should keep clear accounts. Just tell me if you need anything from me, and we can help each other out." Li Xin didn't intend to force him to come. There were still many things he needed Simmons' help with. There's a saying in his past life: "When you're out in the world, you rely on your friends." It was rare to catch Simmons, this sheep, in this unfamiliar place... He couldn't let this friend go bald all at once.

Upon hearing this, Simmons' expression relaxed considerably. Being willing to talk showed his attitude, indicating that he wouldn't back down anytime soon.

(End of this chapter)