Xianchen chuckled awkwardly and explained, "Here's the thing—explorers from the Pioneer Association discovered a strange platform near Jinzhou a few days ago. It seems to have been there for quite some time."
"The platform is locked by mechanisms, likely the work of the Court of Savantae. The explorers tried everything but couldn't solve the puzzle."
"One of them joked, 'This isn't something human effort can solve anymore—it's all up to luck now.'"
Lucian immediately understood and said flatly, "So you had a sudden idea to include this as the grand prize, thinking only the luckiest person could draw it and solve the puzzle?"
Xianchen nodded cutely twice. "Exactly! What if you, Mr. Lucian, just happened to solve the platform's mystery by sheer luck?"
Seeing Changli's evident interest, Lucian asked, "Changli, do you want to come with me?"
Changli smiled charmingly. "Since you've invited me, of course I'll accompany you. Besides, I'm genuinely curious."
Chixia chimed in, "Don't forget to come back for the group photo under the Wishing Tree when the fireworks start. Everyone will be there."
Lucian nodded in agreement, then set off with Changli toward the location marked on the treasure map.
The spot wasn't far from Taoyuan Vale, so the two arrived quickly.
Surrounding the area were Court of Savantae-style mechanisms. Changli glanced around with interest. "Fascinating. These mechanisms differ structurally from typical Court of Savantae designs—they're nested in multiple layers."
"It's actually four interconnected mechanisms. To solve them all, you must follow a specific sequence and complete the puzzle within a set time."
Lucian scratched his head. "Even if we fail, it shouldn't be a problem, right? After all, explorers have already tried before us."
Changli nodded slightly. "True. So let's search the area for clues…"
The two scoured the surrounding Court of Savantae mechanisms and eventually found a logboard.
"...Puzzle Master D?"
Changli looked at the logboard in Lucian's hands, which bore hints left by "Puzzle Master D."
Puzzle Master D provided four clues. There were four colored Tacet Discords nearby, and they needed to defeat them in the correct order based on the clues to unlock the mechanism. Only one of the four clues was correct.
Lucian was speechless. "How is this something you solve with luck?"
Changli's eyes curved with amusement. "It seems you already know the answer?"
Lucian shrugged. "We just need to test each clue one by one. The one that fits all conditions is the right one."
With that, Lucian brainstormed for a moment before drawing the Yamato and defeating the Tacet Discords in the order of yellow, blue, purple, and red.
As the last Prism Tacet Discord fell, a chest emerged at the center of the platform.
Lucian opened it, only to find another logboard—this time with a book titled Puzzle Master D's Latest Collection of Horrifying Puzzles beneath it.
Lucian: "..."
"I feel like I've been played."
Changli covered her mouth as she laughed, then pointed to a passage written by Puzzle Master D on the logboard: "Look, Puzzle Master D wrote his life motto here: 'The true meaning of a puzzle isn't the reward, but the process of solving it. Didn't you derive joy from unraveling the mystery?'"
Lucian sighed. "Unfortunately, no."
Then he took Changli's delicate hand, interlacing their fingers. "But the experience of exploring with you made me very happy."
Changli smiled and wrapped her arm around Lucian's. "What if I hadn't come with you, and you solved this puzzle alone? What then?"
Lucian smirked coldly. "Then I'd hunt down Puzzle Master D, find out who he is, and teach him a harsh lesson."
Changli narrowed her eyes and pinched Lucian's waist. "It seems Puzzle Master D's life motto doesn't apply to everyone."
Lucian turned and kissed her cheek. "What matters isn't what we do, but who's with me while doing it..."
...
Back at the Moon-Chasing Festival, Xianchen asked eagerly, "Well? Did you find the treasure?"
Lucian handed her the puzzle book. "Here."
Xianchen stared at the cover in shock before exclaiming excitedly, "This... this is an undiscovered new work by Puzzle Master D!"
"This is incredible! I've only heard rumors about these books—I've never seen one in person!"
Lucian watched her excitement with confusion. "What, are these puzzle books famous? And from what you're saying, he's published more than just this one?"
Xianchen nodded. "Yes! Besides this one, there's Puzzle Master D's Super Cool Magic Puzzles, Puzzle Master D's Popular Social Puzzles, Puzzle Master D's Ultimate Brain-Melting Puzzles..."
Lucian clutched his head in agony. "Master, please, no more."
"Is this what they call 'quantity leading to quality'?"
Xianchen quickly waved her hands. "No, no! These books document the pinnacle of mechanism arts invented by the Court of Savantae's eccentric Puzzle Master D. In the Pioneer Association, they're incredibly valuable treasures!"
"Countless Pioneer Association engineers have tried uncovering their secrets. Who knows—they might even help explorers disarm long-lost traps."
"Mr. Lucian, could you transfer it to the Pioneer Association? Please!"
Xianchen clasped her hands in plea.
Lucian narrowed his eyes. "I could... but who's going to compensate me for the grand prize I'm missing?"
Xianchen grinned. "Don't worry, Mr. Lucian! I'll prepare generous compensation for you!"
Lucian nodded in satisfaction. "That's more like it."
Xianchen bowed deeply and left with the book.
Lucian turned to Changli. "Where do you want to go now? I'll accompany you."
Changli shook her head slightly. "Before everyone gathers under the Wishing Tree, why don't you go up there alone?"
Lucian was puzzled. "Why would I go if no one's there yet?"
Changli smiled softly and patted his shoulder. "Someone's already waiting up there. I think she'd like to see you too..."
With that, Changli walked away with a knowing smile, leaving Lucian staring at her retreating figure in confusion...