Chen Luo couldn't fathom what was going through the girl's mind as he meticulously performed the massage technique to invigorate blood circulation and alleviate stiffness. He had learned this technique from an elderly man at the hospital, who had recognized Chen Luo's aptitude but Chen Luo had politely declined the elder's offer to learn more.
Though Chen Luo couldn't read her thoughts, he sensed the depth of her emotions from the rapidly shifting expressions on her face. He knew disturbing her now would be unwise, especially with swords still pointed at him. Nevertheless...
"Um, miss, could you please lower these swords? This position is really uncomfortable," Chen Luo ventured cautiously, his body trembling slightly.
"You've disrupted my train of thought," the Law-Knower retorted sharply, raising her head with a piercing stare that sent shivers down Chen Luo's spine.
"!!!" Chen Luo's scalp tingled under her intense gaze. This girl was truly dangerous!
Once again, Chen Luo realized this stark reality. Why was this seemingly straightforward task, valued at 600 original stones, turning out to be so incredibly challenging?
It didn't make any sense!
"As a token of gratitude, I've commandeered your residence. Consider it my thanks for not harming me. After all, touching the body of an immortal isn't something to be taken lightly," the Law-Knower stated with a nod, seemingly satisfied with her magnanimous decision.
"Huh?" Chen Luo tilted his head in confusion, nearly bumping into one of the swords.
"What do you mean? Simply put, starting today, I'll be residing in your home. It seems I've suddenly found myself homeless," the Law-Knower explained matter-of-factly.
Chen Luo was instantly perplexed. "Wait, why do you want to live in my house?"
"Huh? Don't you welcome me?" The Law-Knower's eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment.
"Oh, no, don't misunderstand. I do welcome you," Chen Luo hastily assured her.
He couldn't afford to lose those 600 original stones, no matter what!
"???" Now it was the Law-Knower's turn to be puzzled. She had expected to impress him with her acting skills, but Chen Luo's response diverged drastically from her script.
The Law-Knower's ability indicated that Chen Luo genuinely welcomed her into his home without any ulterior motives—just pure joy at her arrival.
Was this person a bit peculiar?
Should she use her abilities to adjust his mindset?
No, she couldn't risk it. What if she adjusted his mindset and he no longer wanted her to stay?
The Law-Knower shook her head. "Why did you allow me to move in?" she asked, echoing Chen Luo's earlier query.
"Well, you see, my house is quite spacious, and I live alone—abandoned by my parents..." Chen Luo began, nodding emphatically.
"I won't let you escape, 600 original stones! Even if Jesus comes, they're staying put!"
"Huh, your parents abandoned you too?" the Law-Knower inquired, raising her head.
"Wait, why do you sound pleased? Isn't that a strange question?" Chen Luo realized, quickly explaining.
Only after seeing the swords retract did Chen Luo breathe a sigh of relief and lean against the bedside table.
"No, I'm actually quite sad," the Law-Knower countered.
"You seem rather happy," Chen Luo retorted, unconvinced.
"I adjusted your consciousness. Now you think I'm quite sad," the Law-Knower declared after a moment of silence, staring directly into Chen Luo's eyes.
"... You are indeed very sad," Chen Luo reluctantly conceded after a moment of contemplation. Though he felt his consciousness hadn't been altered, the Law-Knower's title implied her ability might involve mental manipulation.
"But sometimes, you just have to admit defeat."
"So, your parents abandoned you as well?" the Law-Knower probed again.
"No, that's not it. They're archaeologists. After I started high school and they saw me tirelessly helping others every day, they thought I had developed the right outlook on life and the world. So they focused on their careers. Apart from the bizarre items they mail back weekly, they only return home once a month."
"They claim it's to see me, but I suspect they're just tired from their adventures and want to rest at home for a few days," Chen Luo continued, finding himself sharing more than he intended. Having someone to listen was unexpectedly comforting, especially someone from another world.
"Stop, stop, stop. I understand now. There's no need to say more," the Law-Knower interjected, sensing the harmonious relationship between Chen Luo and his parents.
The Law-Knower felt a pang of melancholy. Was this the disparity between people?
"Um, even though they haven't abandoned me, it sometimes feels like they have," Chen Luo mused, shifting his tone and approach to the conversation.
"Let's put it this way: you and I seem to share a special connection, a destined bond. So from today onward, I'll reside in your home, even if it's just to accompany you, this lonely... um, solitary young man," the Law-Knower suggested, sensing Chen Luo's effort to uplift her spirits.
"What loneliness? I'm just a lonely young man," Chen Luo muttered weakly. Since when did he become lonely? Did he actually want something, then project the reason onto others?
"Just call me the Law-Knower," the Law-Knower stated simply.
\[Ding! Task completed!\]
"...Yes, I'm just a lonely young man."
\[Ding! Please confirm family relationship immediately to receive full reward.\]
"Huh? I still have to confirm a family relationship?" Upon careful consideration, it made sense. Since they were now family, confirming their relationship seemed appropriate.
"Father and daughter," Chen Luo tentatively answered in his mind after a moment of reflection.
Though the relationship sounded far-fetched and unlikely to succeed, it was worth a try.