Zhang Wei's mood had been far from pleasant recently.
Ever since he finished reading those books, he felt like precious ingredients were going extinct every day, completely cut off from him forever.
And yet, using his Illusionary Transformation technique, he had an inexhaustible supply of ingredients just within the great glaciers.
Moreover, Zhang Wei's time was already compressed to the absolute limit.
He used the high-level zone's kitchen and processing rooms to store ingredients, sneaked into underground caves at night to expend his stamina, and practiced some of his intent-based combat techniques.
During the sparse free time in between, he entered the Treasury Hall, diligently studying the several foundational broths of the Formless Art.
He also had to ensure he had enough time for his body to get sufficient rest.
His only form of entertainment was to visit the library and read magazines, illustrated guides, and popular science books.
"This is even more tiring than being 007 in my previous life!"
But as he looked at the ever-increasing variety of ingredients each day, and the continuously shrinking replication time, Zhang Wei felt incredibly satisfied.
He flipped open a book, which described ancient myths. It was said that in the culinary world, there were eight regions, each inhabited by a corresponding ruler, also known as the Eight Kings!
The ruler of the oceans was named Whale King Mu En, of the Light Illusionary Whale species. The Haruna spatial equipment was made from the stomach of a Light Illusionary Whale.
Besides the Whale King, there were also the Deer King, the Wolf King, and the Serpent Mother, and so on...
Among them, the Deer King's species was the Sky Deer. Its immense size meant that a treasure trove of the culinary world's finest ingredients, the [Food Domain Forest], grew on its head and back, where numerous ferocious beasts resided.
It possessed the skill to manipulate time, 'Inner World', which could cause trapped creatures to age to death within seconds.
"Holy crap, this time flow must be at least tens of thousands of times faster, right?"
"This is even more exaggerated than the Treasury Hall..."
"Wait a minute..."
A sudden inspiration struck Zhang Wei's mind.
"Perhaps, I don't need to reveal my cheat system."
...
...
Zhang Wei, carrying the mythological biography, entered the side hall.
Mo Du was sitting on a chair, lost in thought, her eyes empty and unfocused.
Upon seeing Zhang Wei, Mo Du immediately stood up, a strange flush on her face.
"I... I thought I would never see you again."
"Why do you say that?"
Mo Du tugged at her clothes. "You've learned the Illusionary Transformation technique, so... I'm no longer valuable."
"Do you remember the promise we made ten years ago?"
"Huh?"
"As long as you taught me the Illusionary Transformation technique, I would set you free."
Mo Du was struck as if by lightning.
Ten years. How many decades were there in a person's life?
The word "freedom" echoed repeatedly in her mind, like a tolling bell.
Zhang Wei continued, "How much do you remember of the outside world?"
Normally, humans had strong memories. Even if the details of ten years ago were unclear, the general outline should be remembered.
But Mo Du had been ravaged by time, her temperament even changed drastically. Zhang Wei had reason to suspect there was some mental issue.
As expected, Mo Du stared blankly.
Then, she immediately said, "I am Mo Du, a member of the Sky Thief Alliance. I was seriously injured during a mission... and when I woke up, I was here..."
"Do you know why I kept you here?"
"To learn the Illusionary Transformation technique."
"No!"
Zhang Wei said with a serious expression, "It was to save you!"
"Ah?"
Mo Du's expression became even more bewildered.
"Do you know Haru?"
Mo Du searched her mind, finally finding some terrifying connections deep within her memory.
"Haru... is Haru, who is invincible in Progress City?"
Zhang Wei said enigmatically, "That's right. Haru was hired by the Sky Thief Alliance to take your life and Bruce's, and complete your mission for you."
Mo Du recalled Haru's terrifying power and shivered involuntarily.
Then, as if remembering something, extreme anger appeared on her face.
"My ransom... the Sky Thief Alliance wants to embezzle my ransom!"
"I was loyal to the Sky Thief Alliance... I risked my life countless times, and was even imprisoned here for ten years..."
As an orphan adopted by the organization from a young age, Mo Du felt a great sense of belonging to the Sky Thief Alliance. Hearing this news now, it was as if her decade-long faith had instantly collapsed.
Zhang Wei continued, "To save you from Haru, I had no choice but to hide you here."
"Save me... why?"
"Because, like me, you have the bloodline of the Deer God. The people of the Deer God should support each other."
"Deer God..."
As he spoke, Zhang Wei handed the mythological biography in his hand to Mo Du.
"Sky Deer... you believe in the Sky Deer sect? But how would the Sky Deer accept the faith of mortals?"
Zhang Wei said enigmatically, "The Sky Deer bestowed upon me the 'Inner World' skill."
Mo Du's eyes widened!
The Sky Deer bestowed skills?
How was this possible? Could these kings from myths and legends actually pay attention to humble humans?
Seeing Mo Du's incredulous look, Zhang Wei added more fuel.
"In fact, you haven't been here for ten years, but for three months."
"During these three months, Haru has been relentlessly pursuing you. It wasn't until the Deer God bestowed divine power upon me that I could defeat Haru."
"Since Haru has been defeated, I can now set you free."
Mo Du's eyes widened even further: "Haru? Defeated?"
These two words simply didn't connect in Mo Du's mind.
"Haru is not dead, and the Sky Thief Alliance hasn't given up on killing you... After I grant you your freedom, don't go back to the Sky Thief Alliance."
As he spoke, the scene before them flickered.
The dim room instantly transformed into a world of ice and snow.
The intense sunlight brought tears to Mo Du's eyes, and the howling wind made her shiver.
But even so, Mo Du let out a wild, unrestrained laugh.
A roaring laugh!!
"You can go. Remember not to return to the Sky Thief Alliance. This is all I can do to help you."
After a long moment, Mo Du calmed down.
"Is what you said true?"
"Of course. You can examine the terrain here."
Mo Du leaped up abruptly. Even after ten years of inactivity, she could jump dozens of meters high.
Mid-air, she saw various pits and trenches scattered across the ground, like ugly scars.
Even the falling snow couldn't perfectly conceal them.
Mo Du jumped into a pit and carefully examined the marks...
After a long while.
"This pit was caused by a jet punch, Haru's ultimate skill... Even if someone else imitated it, they couldn't create such exaggerated depth."
And there were dozens of these giant pits, densely packed.
In other words, Haru had truly fought a fierce battle here...
Which meant...
Everything Zhang Wei had said was true!
Mo Du collapsed onto the ground, as if her soul had been lost.
"You, aren't leaving?"
"Heh, the Sky Thief Alliance wants to kill me. I have no home left. Where else can I go?"
Zhang Wei was speechless.
Mo Du suddenly turned her head, staring intently at Zhang Wei.
"Something wrong?"
"You just said, I have the bloodline of the Deer God?"
Zhang Wei let out a long sigh.
Finally, she took the bait. I'm a genius to be able to concoct such a complex story.