After they finished preparing their meal, Zixin helped her carry them to the Throne Room. Whilst on their way, Zixin commented inwardly: Sigh, this seems a bit too inefficient, but I suppose it doesn't hurt anyone. Uh… why am I even thinking too deeply about this–it's no big deal. Maybe I'm just too tired–whatever.
Not long after, they stepped into the Throne Room, meeting Fang Hau, who wore a plain expression. He waved his hand, greeting them on their return.
Zixxin gave no concern towards him, taking his seat and begging to dig in without a care for a word. Hope smiled awkwardly upon witnessing Zixin's nonchalant behavior, causing her to wonder, He really just does whatever he wants, huh? I guess I do too, but I at least appear kind–I think–hopefully.
Fang Hau, on the other hand, reacted strangely, his lips twitching at Zixin's unexpected action. Upon noticing this odd reaction, Zixin probed, "Is something the matter?"
Fang Hau returned to his seat, speaking lightly, "Nothing much, I was simply stunned by you. Ignoring my greeting only to take your seat immediately is rather rude, no?"
Zixin takes a handkerchief from his pocket, wiping his lips clean before giving a reply, "My apologies, but as you have heard previously, my stomach growled in hunger. I simply cannot ignore it, no? On the topic of consumption, can you even eat?"
The truth of the matter is–I didn't notice. My mind was so obsessed with satiating my hunger that the rest of my senses weakened, and in return, my sense of taste grew sharper. Within that short time frame, everything I ate gave me indescribable bliss. Sigh, is this how Hope views every meal? If so, I can't deny that her insatiable appetite sounds reasonable now. Zixin pondered for a moment before continuing to dig in.
Fang Hau gave him a curious look before answering, "How could a soul eat? But I suppose some possess such capabilities, but I am not one of them."
Zixin glanced at Hope, who ate with utmost attention, almost as if she were in a battlefield of her own. Zixin's eyes slightly widened as his thoughts moved alongside him: Why is she so focused? Hmm… I digress.
Fang Hau chuckled, giving a brief explanation, "From what I know, Hope is like this because of a simple philosophy of hers which states, and I quote: 'I cooked with passion so I shall eat with attention'."
That's quite heartwarming… Hope, huh? She's nice. He commented inwardly, ignoring Fang Hau's attentive gaze.
A short while later, their discussion began and continued for the rest of the night.
…
He rubbed his sleepy eyes, shaking off the drowsiness before opening them, and just as he did, the memories of the previous night's discussion awakened alongside him.
He stretched his arms before letting his thoughts wander: If I remember correctly, Fang Hau told me to try to synchronize both my minds once I'm inside the White Palace. He gave me the common steps on how to perform it properly, but… I have no clue what this 'synchronization' is. He said to do it whenever I wake up to train my mind and body and heighten my awareness. Doing this daily sounds like a pain, but it sounds fun.
He closed his eyes, preparing to split his mind. After a few seconds, he made his first attempt, creating a barrier between his thoughts–a wall that crumbled due to his thoughts' unwavering resistance.
On his second attempt, he tried to mold his thoughts into hands. Thoughts slowly gathered into two spots, but just as the last of his thoughts came over, the hands trembled, eventually falling apart–failure again.
On his third attempt, he tried to forcefully hold his thoughts off, but this was soon thwarted as nearly all his thoughts bombarded this one.
On his fourth attempt, he tried to chain his thoughts into separate parts, but just as he did, his thoughts exploded, nearly knocking him unconscious. Fortunately, a portion of his thoughts kept him conscious.
On his fifth attempt, he created a whirlpool out of his thoughts, successfully managing to split them apart.
Once inside the White Palace, he sat down just like his body. He recalled Fang Hau's words: Remember to control the flow of both of your minds.
He concentrated, attempting to calm both of his minds, but his intrusive thoughts remained unchanged–chaotic. He tried harder, but this only ended with him falling unconscious from exhaustion.
…
Several hours later, he woke up with Hope using his leg as a pillow to sleep. Zixin sighed, still feeling drained after his failed attempt.
He thought, pinching his lips: Why do I have the sudden urge to go outside? Climbing Mount Loebale and reaching its Peak sounds quite fun. But I can't wake up Hope now, I guess I'll just ponder over things while waiting for her to wake up.
But just as his thoughts came to a plan, Hope suddenly woke up. She stretched her arms nonchalantly, giving no care for the world. Her smile widened as she noticed Zixin awake and well.
Zixin voiced his slight concern, "Are you fine?"
Hope laughed it off, answering confidently, "I should be asking you that, but it doesn't matter now. I'm fine, I fell asleep while waiting for you to wake up."
She urged him, "Go eat your breakfast already."
A few moments later, he asked her while eating, "How do I reach the Peak of Mount Lorebale?"
She pondered asking in return, "Why? Do you want to go? It's kind of annoying to get there, but I can lead you there. Just remember to stay cautious of monster attacks."
Zixin replied calmly, "I don't mind, it's better than ending up lost somewhere."
He seems confident. Is this how the discussion from last night affected him? Weird. Hope commented inwardly.
After finishing his meal and taking a bath, Zixin and Hope headed to the Peak of Mount Lorebale. On the way, they spotted a pack of wolves and decided to divert their route.