Wen Wen greeted Jiao Xinlei and said, "We can catch up later. The priority now is..."
Before he could finish, the entire fairyland town began to shake as if an earthquake had struck.
The sky rapidly turned gray, and hexagonal ice barriers began to enclose the entire town. Red mist seeped through the gaps in the ice, making the fairyland town hazy.
Si Fuermo immediately covered his nose, while Wen Wen wore a look of deep contemplation.
This red mist bore a resemblance to his "Kuáng Qì," but its potency was far inferior. It likely needed to combine with the parasitic worms within the humans to induce madness.
Wen Wen's every cell, however, was reveling in this red mist!
A barely perceptible wisp of "Kuáng Qì" swirled around Wen Wen, rapidly growing stronger by absorbing the red mist.
Although Wen Wen noticed this change, he did not impede the expansion of his "Kuáng Qì."
This power was his own and proved very useful. Previously, his "Kuáng Qì" only had the power to influence ordinary people and offered limited self-enhancement. Now, he was overjoyed to have the opportunity to strengthen it.
Due to the similar color, Jiao Xinlei and Si Fuermo did not notice the "Kuáng Qì" around Wen Wen.
Jiao Xinlei gazed at the sky with a solemn expression. As the situation worsened, distorted phantoms began to appear in the air. This was precisely the scene she had glimpsed behind her own reflection in the mirror!
"This is what I meant by a major problem. Xinlei, find a place to hide and try not to breathe this air. 'Great Detective,' you come with me. We'll discuss the specifics on the way."
Upon seeing the mist, Wen Wen knew that further delay was unwise.
No one understood the nature of "Kuáng Qì" better than he did, and the red mist's effects were likely similar.
Initially, the inhabitants of the fairyland town, due to their enhanced abilities, were likely less affected by the mist. However, as they inhaled more of it over time, they might end up turning on each other.
The two then tacitly headed towards the 'Royal Palace.'
Si Fuermo followed Wen Wen, observing him thoughtfully. Although Wen Wen deliberately mimicked holding his breath, Si Fuermo could sense that Wen Wen seemed indifferent to the gas's potential issues.
At that moment, he harbored many other thoughts but did not voice them to Wen Wen.
...
In the past few days, Li Yan had been living in the fairyland town, experiencing the life he had always dreamed of.
He had everything he desired, with no need to lift a finger.
He knew there might be something amiss but had been actively avoiding thinking about it. For him, a truthful but painful struggle for survival was far worse than a false but joyful indulgence!
So, as long as he could continue to enjoy himself here, what did it matter if there was some conspiracy?
What he enjoyed in the fairyland town was something he couldn't afford even if he sold all his kidneys.
For instance, the woman sitting opposite him, engrossed in a game of Go, was someone he would never have had the chance to be intimate with in the outside world.
This woman was named 'Qing Ri,' a flower sprite with beautiful petal-like wings. She wore a short top and skirt with an exotic flair, and her limbs and head were adorned with fragrant flower garlands. Her chest was full and radiant, more dazzling than any celebrity on television.
They played Go, with the loser having to fulfill one request from the winner, be it doing chores, cooking, singing, dancing, or even more intimate requests.
Incidentally, Qing Ri was not very bright and therefore lost often.
At this moment, Li Yan was contemplating his next move while also considering what request to make of Qing Ri. He had grown tired of bold suggestions and now preferred something more refined.
Suddenly, Li Yan felt something was wrong. His back felt itchy, as if something was trying to emerge.
The sensation was excruciating, so he violently tore two openings in his shirt. Two appendages then extended from within his clothes, bringing him some relief.
He looked back and saw a pair of wings, resembling giant flower petals, had sprouted from his back. The shape and form of these wings were identical to Qing Ri's!
"I've grown wings! Does this mean I've finally become like little Qing Qing?"
"Did little Qing Qing keep us here forcibly so I could become like her? Perhaps this is love."
Li Yan was touched by his own thoughts and looked up at Qing Ri affectionately.
However, he was horrified to discover that Qing Ri was also undergoing a transformation, and it did not appear to be a pleasant one.
Her wings gradually withered and fell off, her moist skin became rough, her hair started to thin, her slender and graceful physique turned robust and powerful, and a beard grew on her beautiful face. She was still wearing the same clothes, and her chest had even enlarged significantly.
"You, you, you..."
Li Yan trembled with fear. Why had his dream girl suddenly transformed into such a grotesque appearance?
He was unaware that, within the flower sprite race, all individuals, regardless of gender or age, looked alike. Therefore, once their racial characteristics were lost, their final form was completely unpredictable...
Qing Ri, the flower sprite, also noticed her transformation. She covered her face and let out a piercing... no, a robust shriek.
Upon hearing the voice, Li Yan felt even more helpless. The sound further confirmed that Qing Ri was a man!
While Li Yan was falling into despair over his shattered romance, Qing Ri, the flower sprite, glared at Li Yan with hatred. She felt that Li Yan had stolen her strength.
As for her feelings for Li Yan... could a flower sprite whose true form was a foot-scrubbing dancer possibly fall for such an ugly loser?
It was merely a task forced upon her by her superiors.
Now that her strength was gone, she no longer cared, grabbing a fruit knife and stabbing at Li Yan, aiming for his heart in an attempt to deliver a fatal blow.
However, the current Li Yan was different from his past self. His mind hadn't registered the attack yet, but his body had already dodged it.
Li Yan could only flee at this moment, completely baffled as to why his "little Qing Qing," who had been so tender towards him moments ago, was now ferociously attacking him.
He had no intention of resisting, as the current Qing Ri looked terrifying, and he felt he was no match for her.
Li Yan had always been a timid person and did not know how to wield his newfound strength.
Just as Li Yan was about to be killed by Qing Ri, the sky suddenly turned gray, and the red mist entered his nostrils. He instantly stopped in his tracks, his face assuming a determined expression. He deftly dodged Qing Ri's dagger and engaged her in a struggle.