Chapter 100: Very Hard to Provoke

The crowd watching also let out a gasp of cold air.

Just as the metal ring was about to hit Bai Hang, Bai Hang stood still, neither flashing nor dodging—only they themselves could feel a slight ripple in the invisible shield surrounding them.

The metal ring struck an invisible wall just under an inch from their nose, emitting a faint "clang" before falling powerless to the ground.

Although the danger had passed, Gui Naifen was already pale with fright.

She hurried forward, bowing repeatedly to apologize: "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, miss! It's my fault for lacking skill and slipping up! Are you… are you unharmed?"

She anxiously examined Bai Hang and only then noticed their distinctive aura—a finely crafted Xianzhou outfit, a special Eye Mask covering half the face, snow‑white long hair and fox‑tribe traits that, even when deliberately restrained, still hinted at their nature—exuding mystery, appearing…

Very hard to provoke.

(Oh no, no way, could it be that I've run into big trouble just after arriving at Luofu?)

Gui Naifen's heart pounded, and she couldn't help swallowing.

Bai Hang looked at the girl before them, who a moment ago was radiant but now trembled like a small animal that had erred, and felt a faint smile.

They waved a hand, voice calm and neutral: "No problem, just a false alarm. Your skill is superb; just be more careful next time. Continue your performance."

Although Bai Hang said they wouldn't hold it against her, during the rest of the performance Gui Naifen remained uneasy, her gaze occasionally drifting apologetically toward Bai Hang.

When the performance ended, she immediately packed her belongings and hurried to the Bai Hang who had been standing silently nearby.

"Miss!"

Gui Naifen wore a sincere yet slightly ingratiating smile: "I truly apologize for scaring you earlier. To make amends, I… I'd like to treat you to a meal! I know a decent eatery on the corner, authentic food and reasonable prices!"

She calculated that spending money would ward off disaster, and resolved to be courteous, hoping to soothe any displeasure from this seemingly mysterious "benefactor."

"Do you think… it's okay? I hope you can forgive my oversight this time."

Bai Hang felt a stir; this was a perfect opportunity to carry out the Task.

"Your generous invitation, but I must decline. It's only a passing meeting; having you spend money makes me uneasy."

"No, no, it's proper, it's proper!"

Seeing Bai Hang not blame but agree, Gui Naifen felt as if pardoned, her smile instantly brightening, and she hurriedly led Bai Hang toward the eatery she mentioned.

Sitting at a window-side elegant table in the eatery, after ordering a few Luofu specialty dishes, Gui Naifen's lively nature returned and she introduced herself: "Miss, I'm Gui Naifen, my real name is Genie‑Viel! I haven't been at Luofu long, making a living with a few tricks. How should I address you, sister? You have an extraordinary aura; you must be an impressive figure."

"Call me Bai Xing."

Bai Hang replied gently, sidestepping the latter question: "Your performance was entertaining; I can see the hard work you put in."

"Hehe, just making a living."

Gui Naifen scratched her head shyly: "By the way, Miss Bai Xing, that ring earlier… are you really okay? It flew so fast…"

She still felt a bit uneasy.

"Really, no problem."

Bai Hang affirmed again, then as if recalling something, reached into the embroidered silk pouch they carried and produced a delicately woven pendant bearing a tiny jade stone that emitted a faint glimmer.

"Our meeting is fate, perhaps."

Bai Hang handed the pendant over, tone naturally friendly: "This item I give you as a memento of our acquaintance. Perhaps… it can protect your performance, fewer accidents."

Gui Naifen's eyes lit up as she looked at the exquisite yet elegant pendant.

Being straightforward by nature, seeing Bai Hang not only refrain from blame but also give a gift filled her heart with gratitude and surprise.

"This… this is too valuable! Miss Bai Xing, how could I accept…"

She declined verbally, yet her gaze was already firmly fixed on the pendant.

"Take it."

Bai Hang said, "The purpose of an object lies in its proper place. In your hands, perhaps it can reflect brilliance more than it would beside my dim‑colored self."

(Take it quickly, little auntie, this Task's first step is complete.)

"Then I won't be modest! Thank you, Miss Bai Xing!"

From now on, if you need any help in Luofu, feel free to ask me, Gui Naifen!

Perspective shift.

Xing felt as if all strength had been drained, each step feeling like walking on cotton.

Black Tower Lady's "great kindness"—several days of sleepless, high‑intensity Simulation Universe Test had nearly reduced her to an empty shell.

At this moment, her sole thought was to collapse onto a soft bed and let her consciousness fully sink.

However, a pang of hunger in her stomach, as if an invisible hand were gripping it, reminded her that this humble wish could not be fulfilled immediately.

Looking around, the train corridor was silent; it was the regular rest period, and Pam was probably already asleep.

She could not bear it, nor dare to disturb any companion.

"…let's try our luck in the Party Carriage."

A hazy thought drifted through Xing's mind: "Maybe the bar area… might have some leftovers to eat…"

She almost instinctively dragged legs that felt not her own, wobbling slowly toward the Party Carriage entrance.

The sound of the door sliding open rang especially clear in the silence.

Inside the carriage, only a few dim ambient lights glowed, a stark contrast to the usual bustle.

In that hazy light, Xing caught a glimpse of a familiar silhouette by the bar—a delicate profile…

"San… Yue?"

Xing muttered subconsciously, the voice hoarse like rusted gears grinding.

She thought she was probably exhausted and hallucinating; how could San Yue Qi be here alone at this hour, and… wearing an outfit she had never seen before?

Hearing the voice, the figure turned its head.

By the dim light, Xing finally saw the other's appearance.

It was indeed San Yue Qi's facial outline, yet upon closer inspection, differences appeared everywhere.

The hair color was deeper, as if dyed by night, and the eyes glowed ember‑red rather than San Yue Qi's clear blue.

A black-and-red dress lent her a hint of mystery and... an indescribable dangerous aura.

A flicker of extreme surprise crossed the other's face, but it was quickly replaced by an elusive Calm.

Xing rubbed her dry, sore eyes, swaying as she moved closer, her tone tinged with admiration: "San Yue? You changed your outfit? You look... pretty handsome!"

Her exhausted brain couldn't process more complex information, so she simply categorized it as a companion's image update.