After You Tanzhi knelt down, his forehead was on the verge of touching the floor.
In the next moment, an unusual force lifted his body, straightening him up.
"Sigh... You should reconsider your habit of kneeling every time you encounter someone," Lucoa sighed helplessly.
"Please, don't hesitate to guide me!" You Tanzhi sat down again, his voice tinged with pleading.
He had endured enough of this. If only Lucoa could alter her connection with Azi, even just a bit, You Tanzhi would do anything for both Ron and Lucoa.
Lucoa smiled and remarked, "It might be challenging to change your current demeanor. And from now on, don't unquestioningly follow Azi's instructions."
Earlier, Lucoa had delved into You Tanzhi's memories using magic to find a way to bring balance and potentially transform the relationship between Azi and You Tanzhi.
Upon hearing these words, You Tanzhi appeared troubled, finding the prospect too daunting. It wasn't that he lacked the will to change, but rather, he couldn't bring himself to refuse any of Azi's requests. Each request from Azi felt like an imperial decree and served as the driving force for You Tanzhi's survival.
"Changing kings and mountains is easy, but altering one's nature is a formidable task. Your approach may not be effective," Ron sighed softly.
"In that case..." Lucoa paused briefly, a subtle smile appearing on her lips.
"There's actually a simpler way. Just eliminate your romantic rival, and you'll naturally be free to pursue the one you desire."
Ron's expression darkened abruptly. Was she truly suggesting that You Tanzhi's demise would resolve matters swiftly enough? If "Xiao Feng" perished, Azi would succumb to love's grief...
So, You Tanzhi still refrained from banging his head against the wall.
"Well, forget it. At least I get to see Ah Zi every day," You Tanzhi sighed bitterly and took a sip of wine. Despite his burning desire to avenge his family, the presence of Ah Zi prevented any decisive action.
In the ensuing time, You Tanzhi downed glass after glass of strong liquor, consuming it as if it were water. There was no break in between, as if he were releasing pent-up frustration. The eyes beneath his mask flickered with pain. In this moment, You Tanzhi could picture himself—vulnerable, humiliated, akin to a bereaved dog.
After finishing the third bottle of wine, without requesting more, You Tanzhi set down a gold coin and spoke slowly, "It's time for me to go back. Azi might worry if she can't find me. Let's have another drink another day."
As he prepared to leave the tavern, he turned to look at Lucoa. With a determined expression, he said in a deep voice, "I will consider your advice. Thank you."
Having said that, You Tanzhi walked out of the tavern, his posture rigid, yet conveying a sense of inner turmoil.
"He's a pitiable man," Tohru whispered, his tone somber. "During my travels, I've encountered many who struggle to find love. However, this is the first time I've witnessed such a peculiar form of sadomasochism."
Ron touched her head gently and murmured, "You'll encounter various things and people here, so take your time and learn from the experiences."
"Yeah," Tohru responded, not only not avoiding Ron's touch but actually seeming to enjoy it.
Suddenly, a mechanical beep from the system resonated in Ron's mind:
[Ding, customer You Tanzhi has finished confiding.]
[You Tanzhi: Combat experience, Ice Silkworm Poison Palm. Host can choose one of the abilities.]
Ron spoke softly, "Choose the Ice Silkworm Poison Palm, create a skill book, and place it in the system warehouse."
Due to the Ice Teigu, fusing the Ice Silkworm Poison Palm seemed unappealingly bland. Instead, it was decided to retain it and potentially exchange it with other patrons of the tavern.
[Ding, the system warehouse has been updated.]
As the announcement echoed, a red light emanated from the system warehouse.
After You Tanzhi's departure, the tavern remained devoid of customers until lunchtime. The meal spread was lavish—turtle soup, abalone in sauce, sashimi—yet the solitude lingered.
Just as Ron was preparing to serve dinner, the tavern's door swung open with a resounding kick. In swaggered Rayleigh, clutching a money bag that hinted at another night of successful "acquisitions."
"Never wait for an old man when food's ready," he declared, plopping down next to Ron.
Ron was about to reprimand him for his shamelessness when Rayleigh presented two wooden boxes. Opening them revealed two fruits adorned with peculiar patterns.
Ron immediately extinguished the flames and requested the system's analysis of the fruits.
[Ding, detected as Cat Cat fruit·Tiger form.]
[As well as the Bug Bug fruit. Beetle form!]
Although acquiring two Zoan fruits could be considered a small gain, Ron closed the box somewhat disappointedly. Seizing the opportunity, he also reclaimed the pot of soft-shelled turtle soup from Rayleigh.
"Little devil, you're heartless!" complained Rayleigh.
Ron shot him a glance. "You don't deserve it; I fear you might not survive it."
A lively exchange ensued at the dinner table, with neither willing to back down. Rem, Tohru, and the others nearby watched with amused helplessness.
After a satisfying lunch, Rayleigh sipped on tiger penis wine to vent his dissatisfaction. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, and the door swung open to reveal a white-haired, bearded old man entering the tavern.
Jingle...
The old man wore a dark red robe and exuded a serious demeanor despite his slightly shorter stature. His presence commanded respect and gave off an intimidating aura. As he scanned the tavern, his gaze fixed on Lucoa and Tohru.
Simultaneously, Tohru and Lucoa turned their attention toward the newcomer, locking eyes before saying in unison, "Damocles?"
"Father?"
The visitor was none other than Tohru's father, the leader of the chaotic dragon clan, Democles.
A colossal red dragon served as Democles's true form.
"Come back with me; we cannot interfere in this world," Democles intoned deeply.
"I want to stay here; this is where I belong," Tohru replied, lowering her head as a conflicted expression flickered in her eyes. She cherished the tavern and the companions within—the funny drinker, the twin maids, the black cat, and Ron—all of whom she missed.
Unlike the dragon clan, who lived a life dominated by warfare, Tohru found solace and joy in this world.
"Now is not the time for you to be willful," Democles's face grew darker, mirroring the ominous shift in the clear sky outside.
Before Tohru could respond, Rayleigh, for reasons unknown, stood up and slapped Damocles on the shoulder with his large hand. "If the child likes it, just let her stay here. Also, don't put on a straight face; just smile."
With that, Rayleigh even playfully tugged at Yandi's wrinkled old face.
Tohru: "!!!"