Rover: "?"
Am I invisible?
Lucian pinched Jianxin's plump cheeks and then asked, "Jiyan, do you know Calcharo?"
Jiyan froze for a moment. "Calcharo?"
"Why do you suddenly ask about him?"
Lucian told him about the previous Pioneer Association selection.
Jiyan pondered for a while. "I see… So you want to challenge him?"
"Unfortunately, he's not in Jinzhou right now. But he does have a residence here—though I'm not sure of the exact location."
Rover asked curiously, "Then how do you know him?"
Jiyan recalled for a moment. "We've collaborated before… Though I can't disclose the specifics."
"But given your current strength, Mr. Lucian, your chances of defeating Calcharo… are at least sixty percent."
Lucian asked curiously, "And how does he compare to you?"
Jiyan thought for a moment. "It's hard to say. He's extremely fast, with vast combat experience—especially in… killing."
Rover nodded slightly. "I heard he's a mercenary. That makes sense."
Jiyan nodded. "He is a mercenary, but not like the others. In any case, if you ever meet him, you'll understand what kind of person he truly is."
Lucian fell into thought. It seemed Calcharo was indeed a mysterious figure. Who would've thought the Pioneer Association had encountered him and even awarded him the title of "Huanglong's Strongest Resonator"?
Well, there was nothing to be done for now. Jiyan didn't know his current whereabouts either.
Rover inquired, "By the way… What's this Jinzhou Riverside Games about?"
An elderly man who had been speaking with Jiyan earlier stepped forward. "You two must be Intelligence Officer Lucian and Rover, correct?"
"That invitation was sent by me."
"Pleased to meet you. I'm the organizer of the Jinzhou Riverside Games—just call me Uncle Wen."
Rover smiled. "Uncle Wen, thank you for the invitation."
Uncle Wen chuckled warmly. "Ah, no need for thanks. If not for Jiyan's reminder, I might've forgotten to send invitations to our guests."
Jiyan: "The Riverside Games haven't been held for years. With its revival this year, Uncle Wen must be swamped with preparations. I merely offered some assistance."
"Since we have some rare leisure time today, why don't you all relax and enjoy yourselves?"
Lucian asked curiously, "What exactly does the Riverside Games entail?"
Uncle Wen explained, "It's an event for everyone to enjoy together. We've always welcomed guests to participate."
Jiyan added, "Indeed. I'm looking forward to seeing you all showcase your skills on the field."
"Only a few events require participants to be Resonators. Most have no special restrictions."
Uncle Wen laughed. "Who would've thought that after all these years without the event, Jiyan remembers the rules better than I do."
Due to the Threnodians, the Midnight Rangers could never afford to relax, so the Riverside Games had been suspended.
But now that the Threnodians had retreated, they finally had time to revive this long-dormant event.
Uncle Wen smiled nostalgically. "While preparing for the competition, I looked through old photos of past Riverside Games. It really brings back memories of passion and youth."
Lucian asked, "What kind of competitions are there?"
Jiyan chuckled. "If you're interested, why not take a stroll around the venue? Many events allow on-the-spot registration."
"Before the games begin, I should go double-check the safety arrangements. I'll take my leave for now… If you encounter any issues, you can ask Uncle Wen for help."
Uncle Wen grinned. "The competitions are about to start, so I should go oversee things too. Please feel free to explore as you like."
With that, the two left, leaving only Lucian and the others behind.
Rover stared blankly at Jianxin, who was still snuggled in Lucian's arms. "…How much longer are you planning to hug him?"
Jianxin nuzzled against Lucian's chest. "He's my master. I'll hug him as long as I want."
Rover: "?"
"Well, he's also my fiancé."
"And, strictly speaking, if Lucian is your master, then you should call me 'Shimu' (Master's Wife)."
"So what does that make you now? A rebellious disciple trying to steal her master?"
Jianxin: "?"
Lucian: "?"
Taoqi: "…This is getting complicated."
After saying that, Rover pulled Jianxin out of Lucian's embrace.
Taoqi quickly mediated. "Alright, alright, let's go take a look over there. It seems lively."
Rover snorted coldly and tightly wrapped her arms around Lucian's. Not to be outdone, Jianxin clung to his other arm.
Taoqi: "…"
Do I feel a little redundant here?
The group arrived by the riverside and noticed small clusters of people gathered in groups, seemingly discussing something.
Lucian curiously approached one of them. "What are you all talking about?"
A young man named Changfeng exclaimed in surprise, "Wow, you're Intelligence Officer Lucian and Rover, right? Are you here to participate in the Gulpuff Relay Race too?"
Lucian blinked. "Gulpuff Relay Race?"
Another young man named Hanbai explained with a smile, "The Gulpuff Relay Race is the most anticipated team event of the Riverside Games every year. Basically, teams of four compete in a relay race, maneuvering Gulpuff Echoes along the waterway."
Lucian's interest was immediately piqued. "That sounds fun!"
He turned to Rover and the others. "We happen to have four people here. Want to give it a try?"
Rover nodded slightly. "I don't mind."
Jianxin: "Whatever Master plays, I'll play."
Taoqi: "No problem. I think it sounds fun too."
Lucian declared resolutely, "Good! In that case, we're entering the competition!"
Just then, Uncle Wen and Jiyan approached from behind.
"Well said, full of spirit!" Uncle Wen praised.
Lucian asked, "During the Gulpuff race, can we interfere with others?"
Jiyan shook his head slightly. "Of course not."
Lucian sighed. "What a shame."
Originally, Lucian had wanted to try his Paralysis Technique—freezing all the other Gulpfuffs in place to secure an easy victory.
Rover deadpanned, "You think this is an item-based race or something?"
Lucian mused, "Are there any flying competitions? Like controlling Abby or something…"
Abby immediately protested, "Abby won't be controlled like some ordinary Echo!"
Uncle Wen chuckled. "Jiyan, why don't you join too?"
Jiyan froze. "Me?"
Uncle Wen nodded with a smile. "Yes. It's rare to have time to relax—might as well enjoy it to the fullest."
"Coincidentally, two of Lingyan and Ganquan's teammates can't make it. Why don't the two of us fill in?"
Lingyan and Ganquan, also members of the Midnight Rangers, walked over excitedly. "Really?! We get to team up with General Jiyan?!"
Jiyan thought for a moment. "Teammates couldn't make it? According to the rules, incomplete teams are disqualified."
"If we forfeit without even competing, that would be a great regret."
"In that case, Uncle Wen and I will form a temporary team with you two."