CHAPTER 1648: CHAPTER 704: THE CORE OF THE CLOCK MECHANISM_3

He hurriedly adjusted the minute hand back.

The scene before him changed again, and Lin Xue and the other two reappeared, all looking at him, obviously aware of what had happened.

"It’s just like that, no need to worry, as long as you remember the original time, there won’t be any risk of getting lost," Vivian said.

As expected, the few of them would suddenly disappear every few minutes, but thanks to Vivian’s guidance, they weren’t disoriented. As soon as the jump happened, they immediately adjusted the clock back, ensuring the four of them moved together.

Thus, the issue of time jumping was easily resolved.

As for the precautions Vivian mentioned earlier... as they walked along, they were originally on guard against the Clockwork People around them, but no one dared to approach them. In fact, wherever they went, all the Clockwork People would steer clear of them.

"What’s with these people, why do they seem to be afraid of us?" Little Ya looked around, puzzled by the Clockwork People who all showed signs of fear.

"They’re not afraid of us, they’re afraid of Mu You," Vivian corrected.

"Afraid of me?" Mu You was taken aback.

"Did you forget, you’re also an ’Admin’. In the eyes of the Clockwork People, you emit the aura of a regulator just like those Smoke Beasts, so of course, they wouldn’t dare get close to you."

"I see."

Mu You hadn’t realized that the Admin identity had such an effect. No wonder Vivian insisted they stay together; having his intimidating Admin presence naturally reduced many troubles.

Having easily resolved two major issues, the journey ahead was smooth sailing. Occasionally, a Smoke Beast floated by to observe them, but it only watched from a distance. It probably realized that they were being guided and not trespassers, so it didn’t approach to cause trouble.

Their formation was Vivian leading at the front, Mu You and Little Ya in the middle, with Lin Xue a bit further back.

There was nothing unusual about this, yet as Mu You walked, he could always vaguely sense a gaze from behind.

Curious, he looked back at Lin Xue, but she turned her face away just in time. When Mu You looked back, she was gazing in another direction, seemingly focused on the distant scenery.

Mu You could only turn his head back and continue walking.

However, the moment he turned back, that gaze once again subtly landed on him.

"Uh..." Mu You’s expression became a bit odd. Even if he didn’t turn around, he could still feel that Lin Xue was secretly watching him.

But every time he wanted to turn and look back, Lin Xue would immediately avert her gaze.

Perplexed, Mu You decided to slow down a bit, waiting for Lin Xue to catch up.

As expected, when he slowed down, Lin Xue also slowed down, yet she didn’t distance herself, maintaining a few meters’ distance all along, moving in perfect sync, as if she could read minds... oh wait, she indeed could read minds!

Mu You couldn’t help it anymore and headed back towards Lin Xue, intending to ask what was really going on with her.

"What’s wrong, Little... uh..."

Before Mu You could finish, Lin Xue suddenly vanished from her spot.

The timing was coincidental as a time jump occurred just then.

Not in a hurry, Mu You waited in place for a few seconds.

Soon, Lin Xue reappeared.

But she didn’t reappear in her original position; instead, she appeared ahead beside Little Ya.

Clearly, after the time jump, she hadn’t adjusted the clock immediately but had deliberately walked a few steps forward before returning.

Now Mu You was certain that Lin Xue was intentionally avoiding him.

Why?

Mu You was puzzled, and when he thought of catching up to ask...

Lin Xue, seemingly prophetic, moved close to Little Ya’s ear, and the two began chatting about girls’ secrets. This left Mu You no room to interject.

Vivian then fluttered her wings and landed on Mu You’s shoulder, looking at Lin Xue ahead, then at Mu You.

"Did you two have a fight?"

Ironically, it wasn’t just Mu You who could feel it; even Vivian noticed the change in Lin Xue, although Little Ya, innocent at heart, hadn’t noticed anything amiss.

"I don’t think so... probably..."

Mu You shrugged, initially wanting to say confidently no, but Lin Xue’s odd behavior made him a bit uncertain.

"Usually I don’t get involved in you youngsters’ matters, and I always unconditionally support you no matter who you provoke outside. But if you bully Little Snow, I won’t stand by," Vivian said.

"I’m wronged..."

Mu You was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. He hadn’t done anything at all...