The name 'Wu Xie' echoed in the silence that followed, adding to the mystery that seemed to surround Xu Kai.
It was clear that the man was struggling to reconcile the person he thought he knew as Wu Xie with the person standing in front of him.
And Xu Kai, caught in the middle of this confusion, could only wonder about the true identity of this Wu Xie and his connection to this strange world.
"Well," Xu Kai began, his voice filled with a resigned acceptance of the incredulity his story was likely to invoke. "You're probably not going to believe me even if I laid out the entire sequence of events for you. The truth is so fantastical, so beyond the realm of normalcy, that it would sound like a tale spun by a bard in a fantasy novel."
He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "So, for the sake of simplicity, let's just say that I've lost my memory," he proposed, his tone laced with a hint of irony.
"Oh, this is interesting," the man exclaimed, his voice laced with a newfound interest that was hard to miss.
The corners of his mouth twitched upwards in a subtle smile, his eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement.
It was as if Xu Kai's words had piqued his curiosity, transforming the mundane into something intriguing. His tone, previously flat and indifferent, was now filled with an eagerness that added a lively note to the conversation.
The change was subtle, yet it spoke volumes about his interest in Xu Kai's unusual predicament.
"Yes, it really is quite a fascinating situation," Xu Kai agreed, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and curiosity as he continued, "So, can you enlighten me about what's going on in this world?"
He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before he asked the next question, "Where exactly am I? Is this a city, a realm, or an entirely different dimension?" His gaze was earnest, seeking answers to the questions that had been plaguing him since he found himself in this strange world.
"And most importantly, who am I supposed to be in this world?" Xu Kai asked, his voice barely more than a whisper. The question hung in the air, a poignant reminder of his lost identity and the mystery surrounding his presence in this world.
In a surprising move, Xu Kai reached into his pocket and pulled out a pouch filled with coins - his share of the winnings from the card game. "You can take half of this money," he offered, extending the pouch towards the man.
His tone was sincere, a clear indication of his desperation for answers and his willingness to part with his newfound wealth in exchange for them.
"Haha, no need for that," Dan said, his laughter echoing in the quiet corner of the street.
He waved away Xu Kai's offer with a casual flick of his hand, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Your money is your own. You earned it fair and square," he added, his tone light but sincere.
"By the way," Dan continued, shifting his stance slightly as he introduced himself, "I'm Dan from the Beast Clan." The mention of the Beast Clan was casual, as if it was a common occurrence to meet a member of this mythical clan in the middle of a bustling street.
His gaze then turned serious, a stark contrast to his earlier jovial demeanor. "How about you become my gambling partner?" he proposed, his eyes meeting Xu Kai's in a silent challenge.
"In return, I'll tell you everything you want to know." His words hung in the air, a tantalizing offer that promised answers to the myriad of questions swirling in Xu Kai's mind.
The proposal was simple, yet it held the promise of a deeper connection. A partnership that could potentially unlock the mysteries of this world and reveal the truth behind Wu Xie's identity.
It was an offer that held the potential for danger, excitement, and the promise of a thrilling adventure.
And for Xu Kai, it was an offer he couldn't refuse. It was a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in mystery, a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty.
"Huh, Beast Clan?" Xu Kai echoed, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and curiosity. The term was unfamiliar, yet it held a certain intrigue.
It was as if he had stumbled upon a secret society, a hidden world that had been operating parallel to ours. "First a merman, now a beast," he continued, his voice laced with a mix of disbelief and excitement.
The events of the day were far from ordinary. Encountering a merman was one thing, but now a member of the so-called Beast Clan? It was almost too much to comprehend.
"This is getting interesting, Okay, I agree, I'll be your gambling partner," he declared, his voice steady and resolute.
"But," he added, holding up a finger for emphasis, "you need to tell me every single thing going on here."
With their agreement sealed like a pact between old friends, Dan led Xu Kai through the winding streets of the city. The houses around them were a mix of old and new, a testament to the city's rich history and its continuous evolution.
The streets were bustling with activity, the air filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter. Yet amidst the chaos, there was a sense of order, a rhythm that pulsed through the city like a heartbeat.
Eventually, they arrived at a quaint house nestled in a quiet corner of the city. It was a charming place. The house, much like its owner, was a fascinating mix of contrasts.
As they stepped inside, Xu Kai couldn't help but marvel at the interior. The house was tastefully decorated, with antique furniture and vibrant artworks adding a touch of elegance to the place. It was cozy and inviting.
They sat down in the living room. Dan settled into his chair, a look of seriousness replacing his earlier jovial demeanor. He looked at Xu Kai, his gaze steady and resolute.