CHAPTER 319: CHAPTER 199: TRAITOR, NO REST UNTIL DEATH

"So, it’s time to plan today’s itinerary."

"Yaguba needs to meet with the Royal Court Team along with Cezar, and... Black Cocoon has to face Mu Long."

"If Xia Pingzhou wakes up, he should question the hacker about the investigation, and at the same time, dispel the suspicions about Jack the Ripper."

In the pitch-dark detention room, Ji Minghuan closes his eyes while pondering, syncing his consciousness with the Third Body.

In another part of the world, a little Shark opens its eyes from within a Crystal Ball, raises its head, and gazes out the bedroom window.

The sky is tinged with crimson, as blood-red dusk flows over the flying fish, casting its glow on Yaguba’s face through the window.

In such a world without morning and noon, as if there is only autumn and winter among the seasons, it’s inevitable to feel a slight oppression and loneliness.

Yet much like how ants are unaware of day and night, and summer cicadas know nothing of spring and autumn, the citizens, who have never seen the outside world, naturally don’t find anything unsettling about it.

"Let me, little Shark, liberate you, and see the real blue sky and white clouds outside, children."

Yaguba nodded, unconsciously drooling.

Each morning, with the first glance upward at the whale’s belly and the moving school of fish, it would feel a surge of appetite and invigorating spirit, a burning drive for success that was even more energizing than a cup of black coffee, perhaps due to its racial genes.

"Mumbling nonsense... Time to get up, Yaguba." Cezar adjusts his collar while lightly tapping the Crystal Ball with his fingers, "Today we have to meet the Royal Court Team, Li Qingping is waiting for us outside."

"Let him pay today’s friendship fee first." Yaguba snorted, "Otherwise, little Shark won’t leave."

"Don’t be a tease, Yaguba." Cezar smiled, "Let’s meet the Royal Court Team first, then I’ll go with Li Qingping to the warehouse to get some fragments for you."

"Are you really planning to take me?" Yaguba said, "It might arouse suspicion from the Royal Court Team."

"Li Qingping said it’s better to have you there, just in case they act directly, though it’s unlikely."

Cezar ties his bow tie, dons the luxurious robe symbolizing royal power, and his white hair sways in the wind.

He closes his eyes, puts on the crown, then slowly raises his eyes from the shadows, gazing at his reflection in the mirror with an expressionless face.

Holding the Crystal Ball, Cezar turned and left the Floating Castle.

As he steps into the courtyard, he sees Li Qingping leaning against the maple tree with his eyes closed, resting. In the private realm, his hair is always loose, unlike outside where he would tie it up in a ponytail.

Upon hearing these footsteps, Li Qingping slowly opens his eyes and rises amidst the falling maple leaves swirling around.

He turns his head and asks Cezar, "Your Highness the Third Prince, are we setting off?"

Cezar nods, "Yes... to meet them."

"Then let’s go." Li Qingping nods slightly, glancing at the little Shark inside the Crystal Ball as well.

"Friendship fee."

The Shark extends its fin.

"Protection fee."

Li Qingping extends his hand.

"Trash fish."

The Shark retracts its fin.

"Green tea."

Li Qingping retracts his hand.

While they bickered, Cezar called upon the Anecdote Atlas, crushed the "Christmas Sled" in his hand, and orange light patterns shimmered briefly in the air.

A long melodious cry sounded in the sky, and two reindeer pulled the sled flying from the far end of the world, dashing across a sky clear as if washed by water.

Li Qingping boarded the crimson sled, scratching his cheek with his hand, feeling somewhat awkward with the sense of a bodyguard having the employer drive him, a little embarrassed.

Soon, the Christmas Sled stopped above a Floating Island, stirring up a flurry of snow like an unexpected and fleeting winter.

Looking out, the island was home to a palace reserved for the Royal Court Team. As the elite guard of the royal family, the Royal Court Team’s treatment was naturally extraordinary, glimpses of which were evident from the luxurious and imposing palace.

On the enormous dome were engraved lines of ochre-red crystal fish patterns, their number representing the years since the Royal Court Team’s inception.

At the edge of the island, two reindeer droop their heads and eyelids, waiting for their owner to alight.

Cezar, holding the Crystal Ball, got off the sled, casually stroked the antlers and fluffy heads of the reindeer, then moved toward the grand hall ahead.

At that moment, the six members of the Royal Court Team should be gathered in the hall, preparing to have breakfast together.

Li Qingping, however, is an exception. He has never slept in this luxurious palace, much less shared breakfast with the other members.

Like a crow among doves, its black hue starkly stands out like a sharp sword piercing the eyes.

When it was time to eat, Li Qingping preferred to return to the land of the private realm, have the Phoenix pick an island for him, and find a lively little restaurant where he could sit down, taste the island’s specialties, and chat with the local residents.

Thus, he had a good image among the citizens.

Those who understood his nature treated him as just a regular visitor to the island, hosting him as one would any guest, yet there were still those who regarded him as nobility and stayed away, bowing upon seeing him.

Of course, what Li Qingping missed most were Li Jing’s breakfasts, particularly the sticky rice wraps and black sesame soy milk.

When he was still studying outside, every morning, he and Gu Wenyu would sit down at a breakfast shop on their way to school. Usually, he would treat, as his persona was that of a rich kid.