Chapter 202 (1/2)

Based on her reaction, Hao Ren was pretty much certain: The woman before him was the foreign visitor they were looking for.

Since Becky was around, Hao Ren had to go in a roundabout way to hint at his motives. “We came from the village of the mountain folk. We heard of your story there. We are researchers, specialising in teleportation magic…”

That very last sentence had Hao Ren feeling guilty, so much so that he did not have the heart to face Becky, who had a puzzled look on her face. Even if she was dumber than Lily (she is not), she would have at least treated what Hao Ren said about teleportation magic with a wee bit of suspicion. But for the blonde woman, it was more than enough. She was almost about to turn and leave before Hao Ren’s words froze her in place. “You are…researching teleportation magic? What sort of level has this place reached?”

“Pretty strong I’d say. More than enough to help you out at the very least.” Hao Ren laughed drily. “Truth be told, we actually heard the details of your story from the wolves in the plains. Let’s just say your tale caught our interest and we’ve been chasing after you ever since.”

The foreigner did not actually tell anyone in the mountain village about another world, but she did share it with the wolves by accident. When Hao Ren brought up the wolves, the dots were immediately connected. However, a suspicious look still appeared across her face despite her apparent eagerness for aid. “You would just help me? What for? What’s the price?”

When the lady was that blunt, Hao Ren was relieved. She no less had the sense to not trust a stranger she just met. And of course, her suspicion of a group of strangers claiming to be masters of teleportation magic was well founded. With such bluntness, the chances of her being from another world was much higher.

Vivian gave her a warm yet confident smile. She was the most well-versed in communication among all of them. “What if I told you it’s just a researcher’s curiosity…”

The blonde woman slightly raised an eyebrow. Apparently, something within her was triggered by Vivian’s words. Seemed like this story would work.

“All of us are researching the theories of interdimensional travel,” Hao Ren quipped as he noticed Vivian’s ploy working. “Well, you could say it’s almost a niche form of study. Not only is the research itself difficult, we’ve also faced a lot of discrimination and suppression of our works. Our thesis was rejected after three hard years of writing, our lecture on the topic was banned too. Heck, our attempts to discuss it with a few other students almost got us labelled as heretics for spreading blasphemy… Research shouldn’t be this difficult…”

Hao Ren waxed lyrical at that point and the blonde lady seemed to understand where he came from. She nodded vehemently. Becky on the other hand was gawking at the “professional researchers” around her. She never though the bunch, which did not seem anything like your typical wizard would have such a tale. This probably explained why they were such a weird bunch. Hanging out with the same lot for 10 years would probably do anyone in…

After a while, Vivian found Hao Ren getting carried away and nudged him on the shoulder. “I think that’s enough…”

Hao Ren quickly regained his composure, ruing that he almost spoiled their chances by over-dramatising. “So, all in all, we’re determined to see our research through, and to us, you are a very rare specimen, provided you’re not lying. Sides, we came all the way from the plains to look for you. At the very worst, our intentions are genuine.”

The blonde woman frowned a little. It was clear that she would not have trusted anyone just from words alone, but her situation demanded that she seized any chance, however miniscule. She was alone in another world and she had yet to meet anyone capable of helping her. The place itself was foreign to her. Even her quest to the Blood Lake was based on a rumour, but it bore a chance for her to return home. Things could not get any worse for her in any case.

Desparate for help, the blonde woman nodded at Hao Ren after regaining her composure. “I can swear that what you’ve heard from the wolves, and in the village is true. If you can bring me home… I’ll pay any price… Anything. What do you need? An immortality spell? Rare gemstones? Herbs and medications? I even have some rare spices and incense from my home. You can choose any of them…”

As the lady spoke, she rummaged through her pouches for the items she had mentioned. She had probably entered this world in a hurry, and was bereft of any form of luggage. But, the items she possessed could have easily made her rich here.

However, Hao Ren was not interested in those things. “I don’t need them…”