CHAPTER 268: CHAPTER 140 PUNCH DOMINATOR TRIAL GROUND_3

All these years, Qin Shi had been using rubies to feed the Golden Mask, but the Golden Mask’s appetite was growing larger.

At first, an ordinary one-carat ruby could satisfy it, but later, ordinary rubies could no longer quench its thirst; it required high-quality rubies.

In the past two years, only pigeon blood rubies could cool down the rubies on the Golden Mask, which is why she only accepted pigeon blood rubies as payment.

Qin Shi had thought of many ways to solve the Golden Mask’s problem and even found out the origin of the Golden Mask.

In the region where that ancient country once stood, Qin Shi heard a legend about the Princess Mask from an old man.

A woman who puts on the Princess Mask must find a man she truly loves to break the curse of the Golden Mask.

Otherwise, the Golden Mask would cling to the host until the host’s death.

Before the curse is lifted, if the Golden Mask is damaged, the host will also encounter misfortune.

Qin Shi had already experienced the misfortune brought by the Golden Mask. Not to mention damaging the mask, even abandoning it would bring about misfortune.

Now that Li Xiu had made the gemstone on the Golden Mask disappear, Qin Shi thought she was doomed.

Qin Shi wasn’t afraid of death; she was only afraid of dying before she could avenge her father.

"Don’t worry, as long as I’m here, you won’t encounter any more misfortune." Li Xiu knew very well that Qin Shi’s misfortune wasn’t due to the Golden Mask, but because of the demon spirit inside the ruby.

Now that the ruby had been swallowed by him, though it hadn’t yet been turned into a Demon Spirit Ring, it was already suppressed. Qin Shi shouldn’t be affected by it anymore.

Of course, Li Xiu wasn’t completely certain that Qin Shi was entirely free from its influence, so he planned for Qin Shi to stay by his side for a while to continue observing. After all, this ruby was the first Demon Spirit Gemstone he hadn’t directly contracted.

Upon hearing Li Xiu’s words, Qin Shi’s pale cheeks blushed slightly, clearly misunderstanding his meaning.

She had just told Li Xiu that she must find a man she truly loves to break the curse of the Golden Mask.

And now, Li Xiu had confidently assured Qin Shi that with him around, she wouldn’t encounter any more misfortune.

If that wasn’t a confession, what was it? Li Xiu was implying that he was the man Qin Shi truly loved.

"To be safe, you’ll follow me around for the time being," Li Xiu said to Qin Shi.

"Alright," Qin Shi replied, head lowered, face red and heart pounding, unable to meet Li Xiu’s gaze.

Li Xiu didn’t notice Qin Shi’s expression. Seeing her head down, he thought she was tired, so he said, "You should rest first. Tomorrow, come back with me."

"Isn’t this a bit too fast?" Qin Shi felt flustered inside. "Is it too soon to be defining our relationship? We hardly know each other... But if the curse really is lifted... it means he truly loves me... Still, it feels too fast... What if he wants something more... What should I do?"

"I can’t help it. I have many things to attend to back there, and I can’t stay here long. I can only take you back with me. The conditions there are somewhat harsh, but if you don’t mind, you can sleep in my room. The bed and furniture were left by the previous City Lord, top-quality stuff, the bed is big and soft," Li Xiu said.

"That’s impossible..." Qin Shi’s heartbeat intensified, and she felt a bit of reproach in her heart. "How could he say such things to me? Does he think I’m that kind of casual woman?"

Noticing Qin Shi’s demeanor, Li Xiu quickly realized his words might have been misunderstood. He chuckled and said, "It’s not impossible, you can sleep in my room, and I’ll take the guest room."

When Qin Shi heard this, she realized she had misunderstood and felt embarrassed. Just as she was about to say something, Li Xiu added, "Of course, if you’re not used to sleeping alone, I can stay as your companion, but I must warn you, a gentleman can only talk, no hands or feet, chatting is fine, any other requests... that would cost extra..."

"Get out!" Any trace of apology Qin Shi had felt moments ago vanished in a wave of fury, and she hurled a pillow at Li Xiu.

"Alright, I’m going. Have a good rest." Li Xiu caught the pillow and gently placed it by the bed before leaving Qin Shi’s room, closing the door behind him.

"Is this person really the one who can break the curse of the Princess Mask for me?" Qin Shi looked at the closed door with a complex expression, standing still for a long time without moving, lost in her thoughts.

Shale had prepared food and drink, waiting for Li Xiu. Kun Sha and Pa Shan were also present, and after not seeing each other for days, they fell right back into easy camaraderie, drinking, eating, and chatting boisterously.

"Li Xiu, are you interested in going to the Trial Ground with me? Recently, luck has been terrible. I’ve entered the Trial Ground over twenty times recently, yet I haven’t come across a single entry ticket. I still haven’t become a real Trial Taker," Shale said, a bit drunk, with an arm around Li Xiu.

"Which Trial Ground? The Mad Ball Trial Ground?" Curious at the mention of the Trial Ground, Li Xiu’s interest piqued. Aside from Black Death City, he hadn’t been to other Lands of Trial, and if luck favored him, he might find an entry ticket and experience another Land of Trial.

"No, the Mad Ball Trial Ground doesn’t suit me. I’m more suited for the wilder trials; recently, I’ve been going to the Punch Dominator Trial Ground. It’s much more interesting than the Mad Ball Trial Ground," Shale chuckled.

"Punch Dominator Trial Ground? Haven’t heard of it before. What are the rules?" Li Xiu hadn’t heard of this Trial Ground back when he was in Tyrone City.

"Rules? There are no rules. The only rule is whose fists are harder..." Shale’s eyes sparkled. "It’s much more fun than kicking a ball, no restrictions or limitations, just go for it."