My mom is waiting for treatment, and you're summoning me to be a hero?

After informing the guards of the city lord's mansion, Lin Mo was politely led into the reception room almost without waiting.

Lord Bart appeared soon after.

He was a man who looked to be about thirty years old, thin, even sickly thin.

His face was pale from years of not seeing the sun, and he wore a light green robe of ordinary material but well-tailored.

When Lin Mo explained his purpose and mentioned Liu Yishou's name, Bart's eyes immediately lit up with genuine surprise.

"Teacher Liu Yishou! It's been so long! It's been ten years since I started learning the basics of alchemy from him!"

Bart's voice was filled with reminiscence and gratitude.

"How is his health now? Is he still diligently researching those miraculous potions?"

He spoke warmly with Lin Mo.

The conversation revolved around Liu Yishou's recent situation, interesting anecdotes about alchemy, and even inquired about Lin Mo's journey.

His words were sincere, and his attitude was natural; he was the epitome of a respectful, gentle, and friendly scholar.

Lin Mo maintained basic courtesy and responded briefly.

At the same time, observe discreetly.

He instantly sensed Bart's level.

He's only level 20, which is comparable to that minor city lord of Ancient Wood City.

This further confirms that Orl is just a small town in a remote corner, mainly engaged in the cultivation and primary processing of medicinal herbs.

There's no threat, which is why it seems so... peaceful?

Bart didn’t seem to mind Lin Mo’s taciturnity.

After carefully reviewing the list of medicinal herbs written by Liu Yishou, he immediately gave the order.

In a short while, several servants brought over several exquisite jade boxes and well-sealed medicine pouches.

Inside were the rarest medicinal herbs on the list.

And the quality all looks pretty good.

"I will do my best to help you with whatever you need. Please take these medicinal herbs; I hope they will be of assistance to you."

Bart handed the medicinal herbs to Lin Mo, his smile remaining gentle.

They even gave us some incense herbs that were a specialty of Orl City as a bonus.

"You have come from afar, and your journey must have been tiring. Please accept these small gifts."

The whole process went more smoothly than I had imagined.

Lin Mo took the medicinal herbs, checked them for accuracy, put them away, thanked Bart, and then took his leave.

Bart personally escorted him to the gate of the mansion and watched him leave with Little Red in his hand, his face always bearing that impeccable gentle smile.

As Lin Mo walked out of the city lord's mansion and strolled along the streets still filled with happy smiles, he felt that something was amiss.

But he couldn't quite put his finger on what was wrong.

Thinking this, he checked the space ring he used to store the medicinal herbs.

The medicinal herbs inside were arranged neatly and without any errors.

Perhaps... I'm just overthinking it?

Is there really no problem with this city?

He shook his head, suppressing his doubts.

The most urgent task is to send these medicinal herbs back to Mingbei City as soon as possible so that Liu Yishou can begin developing new drugs.

Then, he had to rush to the capital immediately to prepare for the Imperial New Star Competition.

He found a secluded corner and tied the spatial ring containing rare medicinal herbs around Xiao Hong's neck.

"Xiao Hong, go to Mingbei City first and deliver these medicinal herbs and the list of necessary preparations safely to the city lord."

Lin Mo patted Xiao Hong's neck and gave the order in a deep voice.

Little Red snorted and blinked her blood-red eyes, as if she understood.

It nuzzled Lin Mo with its head, then its four hooves flashed with a faint bloody light.

With a "whoosh," it disappeared from its original spot, turning into an almost invisible red line on the horizon, speeding towards Mingbei City.

Xiao Hong is currently unable to use her skills, and her speed has been greatly reduced.

I took this opportunity to return to Mingbei City to deliver the letter.

Once he recovers, let Yin Xue summon him directly and head straight to the capital.

As for the few days during this period, Lin Mo did not plan to rest. He hired a carriage and slowly headed towards the capital.

……

The carriage slowly drove out of Orléans.

The carriage bumped along the official road, its speed naturally unable to compare with Xiao Hong's, but it had the advantage of being stable and located in the heart of the empire, so it was safe and sound.

Lin Mo closed his eyes to rest, but in reality, he was still silently familiarizing himself with his newly acquired power and [Evolution] skill.

Yin Xue crawled out from Lin Mo's collar, sat on the velvet cushion in the carriage, and stretched out a big yawn.

His blood-red eyes gazed at the rapidly receding scenery outside the window, and he suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of amusement and inquiry:

"That Bart... is not simple."

Mianmian, who was dozing on Lin Mo's lap, also raised her head and nodded her little head.

A hint of humanistic approval flashed in his eyes.

Lin Mo opened his eyes and looked at Yin Xue and Mianmian.

"You guys think so too?"

His sense of unease was confirmed by his companions.

"It's more than just a feeling."

Yin Xue swung her legs, her tone becoming serious.

"Don't let that guy's level of 20 fool you; he looks like a weak scholar who can't even kill a chicken... but he has the aura of a divine guide on him."

The Guide of Gods?

Lin Mo's eyes narrowed slightly.

A level 20 Divine Guide City Lord?

This combination is indeed odd.

The abilities of the Divine Guides are varied and unpredictable, and may not directly enhance combat power.

But it often has incredible effects in certain aspects.

Yin Xue continued his analysis, a cold glint flashing in his blood-red eyes.

"Moreover, there's something wrong with his aura... That gentle, scholarly air seems like a disguise. I sensed a hint of malevolence on him... That's not the kind of aura one would cultivate in an alchemy academy or a respectable noble family. It's more like... the kind of thugs who roam the underworld."

She looked at Lin Mo, a half-joking expression on her face.

"These kinds of people are experts at stealing. Lin Mo, check yourself to see if anything... has disappeared without you noticing?"

Lin Mo couldn't help but chuckle upon hearing this.

His mental strength far surpassed that of Bart, making it difficult for him to detect even the slightest movement of the opponent.

There is absolutely no way the other party could steal something from you right under your nose.

But Yin Xue's reminder still made him subconsciously start checking his belongings.

The black sword is there.

Gold coins, there.

The essence has not been lost.

……

He paused suddenly as his hand reached for a hidden inner pocket at his waist.

The area I could reach was completely empty!

Lin Mo's movements froze instantly!

The pupils suddenly contracted!

"My spatial ring... is gone."

His voice was terrifyingly low.

Yin Xue also noticed that something was wrong with Lin Mo and blinked.

"Your spatial ring? It's not worn on your hand... Oh!"

She suddenly realized what was happening, her bloodshot eyes widening.

"You mean... that ring you always kept separately in your waist pouch? The one with your mother's lab reports?!"

"That's right."

Lin Mo slowly withdrew his hand.

The ring itself was not valuable.

The only thing inside was my mother's lab report, which I brought with me when I was summoned!

That was the source that reminded him of his original goal and the source he must never forget when he was fighting in another world!

Its value far exceeds any wealth or equipment!

Surprisingly... even with his mental strength completely overwhelming his opponent.

It was stolen silently by that level 20 Bart?!