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Phoenix glanced at Ethan expressionlessly and said in a flat voice, "I just think you'll expose our identities this way. The waiter just now had traces left by long-term contact with Beyonder matters. He, or rather, this tavern, is most likely a place where the Church of the Lord of Storms collects information."
Ethan leaned forward against the bar counter and replied calmly, "Our identities are already suspicious. Whatever we do, it will be the same. We might as well be more casual and uninhibited."
"We aren't some ferocious beasts. With the continuous incidents at sea recently, the Church of the Lord of Storms doesn't have that much energy to investigate us."
Phoenix rubbed the black ring with an emerald embedded in it on his thumb with his right index finger and said nothing more.
Ethan briefly looked around, his gaze finally falling on Leyton. He said casually, "How are your preparations for the investment in the Southern Continent coming along?"
"Are you sure you want to discuss it here?" Leyton asked in a flat voice, glancing sideways at Ethan.
"Why not here? It's not some shady deal," Ethan's voice was lowered, but it certainly couldn't escape the Beyonders in the tavern.
He intentionally brought up these matters here. For normal business dealings, even smuggling, the Church of the Lord of Storms would at most pay some attention and wouldn't care too much. He was very experienced, a veteran at handling these things. No wonder Mr. Pulak would send the two of them. This more introverted Phoenix was mostly for Ethan's protection.
As thoughts floated, Leyton quickly analyzed in his mind.
Then, he slightly lowered his voice and said, "I've already sent the fleet to Feynapotter, and the goods will be sent to the Southern Continent soon."
"Discussing business in a tavern is not my way of hospitality. Let's go. I'll treat you to some specialty delicacies of the Rorsted Archipelago."
After speaking, he drained the remaining wine in his glass, then stood up and walked out of the tavern.
Phoenix, who had been quiet and rarely spoke, also finished the remaining "Golden Lemon" in his glass, stood up, and followed Leyton.
Ethan looked helplessly at the almost untouched wine in his glass, half-raised the glass, then put it down, and simply turned and left his seat.
After Ethan left, the waiter behind the bar went to clear the two empty glasses and Ethan's almost untouched wine.
His gaze met that of a middle-aged man dressed as a Sailor in the corner of the tavern, then quickly moved away.
On the street outside the Red Maple Leaf Bar, after Ethan caught up, Leyton casually hailed a carriage and headed to Old John's Restaurant.
This was a local famous restaurant Leyton had heard some tourists discussing while at the bar earlier.
After getting into the carriage, Phoenix sat back in the carriage with his eyes half-closed. A moment later, he said in a cold voice, "Someone followed us, someone from that bar."
Ethan chuckled, his words showing no concern for the people following them: "Don't worry about them. We're just going to eat."
"If we truly cared about them, it would make us seem suspicious. We just need to shield them when necessary."
Phoenix nodded lightly, then leaned against the carriage and dozed off.
Ethan turned to Leyton, his voice much lower, seemingly not wanting to disturb the dozing Phoenix: "His personality is introverted, you don't need to pay too much attention to him."
Leyton nodded lightly, restraining his impulse to observe the other party using his Eyes of Mystery Prying. He felt that Phoenix's condition seemed not too good. The so-called introverted personality was only one of the reasons.
Soon, the three arrived at Old John's Restaurant by carriage.
It was peak dining time, and the food was served quickly. After ordering grilled fish and drinks, in less than a quarter of an hour, the waiter brought two grilled fish and a local specialty, Tejana juice.
"This is a local restaurant famous for its spiced grilled thorn fish, quite popular among tourists in Bayam. You can try it."
As he spoke, Leyton leaned back against the chair, waving his right hand, scattering specks of starlight. These starlight quickly converged into a barrier that isolated the inside from the outside, and then faded and became Concealment.
Ethan gazed at the starlight Leyton scattered, his eyes subtly moving. His tone of voice changed slightly: "A Constellations Master? Or an Astronomer?"
Leyton tilted his head slightly, purple light flowing in his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Phoenix and Ethan.
He saw the Concealment problem on Phoenix: on his exposed skin, greenish-black scales subtly appeared. This seemed to be an effect from residual potion. He should be a Gatekeeper. Was there a problem with the characteristic he used during his advancement?
Behind Ethan, there was a pair of eyes Leyton was very familiar with: cold, indifferent eyes without eyelashes, containing countless brilliant stars.
Leyton met those eyes, and he saw some unexpected information. A Servant? A Servant of the Hidden Sage, or a Servant of the Knowledge Moor? Is he His backup plan?
Leyton's gaze paused slightly, then he expressionlessly withdrew his gaze and looked at Phoenix, saying, "Was there a problem with the characteristic you used during your advancement?"
Phoenix shook his head slightly, his voice rather low: "I haven't advanced."
Haven't advanced? Then it's... the characteristic Mr. Pulak separated for him back then had a problem. So he really is using having children to solve the problem of losing control!
As thoughts floated, Leyton's tone softened slightly and he said, "You have completely mastered the characteristic on you. That residual problem can be resolved after advancing to Undying."
Phoenix didn't seem to care much about this issue, and casually retorted, "Aren't you from the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom? Why are you a Constellations Master?"
Leyton was slightly stunned. This was the first time he had been asked this question. After a slight hesitation, he casually said, "This Pathway is closer to knowledge."
"Closer to knowledge? Then, Mr. Tines, what is your view on knowledge?" Ethan asked, following Leyton's words.
How did the topic get so off track... Leyton mumbled to himself, then said with a smile, "From my personal understanding, knowledge is the result of all intelligent beings understanding the world through practice."
Ethan's eyes lit up, seemingly very satisfied with this answer. A slight curve slowly appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Cough~" Phoenix lightly coughed.
Ethan then composed his expression and brought the topic back on track: "Mr. Tines, what is the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom's attitude towards the Southern Continent?"
Phew~ Leyton breathed a slight sigh of relief. Ethan's state just now seemed like he was excited and wanted to talk all night with him.
What a good prospect for the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom... Leyton sighed inwardly, then slightly composed his expression and said calmly, "The Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom has only one goal: to spread knowledge and wisdom. As for faith, we believe it should be free and heartfelt."
The Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom only wants smart people; those who fail the exams will be eliminated, like that strongest Hunter.
Ethan continued to press, his expression showing no emotion: "So, as long as knowledge can be successfully spread, the Church of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom will not interfere too much in the conflicts of the Southern Continent?"
"That can be understood that way." Leyton nodded lightly. Before Ethan could ask another question, he took the initiative and asked, "What's the current situation in the Southern Continent?"
Ethan's expression became solemn for a moment, then he sighed and said, "Warlord separatism, various colonial powers..."
"The Seven Churches have always been spreading their faith in the Southern Continent. There are also various large and small cults and organizations locally. The most influential Numinous Episcopate is almost just a name, completely split internally."
"It's even more chaotic than the strange concoctions brewed by those village shamans."
Phoenix nodded slightly, then added, "Recently, a new Hidden organization has been active frequently in West Balam. Their target is the common people, and they have already gained some influence over the Southern Continent's situation."
"Most of their members are from the Secrets Supplicant Pathway. I suspect they are related to the Aurora Order."
Ethan looked at Phoenix with slight shock. In his impression, Phoenix had always been introverted, disliked going out to socialize, and didn't care about his surroundings. When did he start paying attention to these things?
Leyton noticed Ethan's actions and micro-expressions, but he didn't know these two well and didn't pay much attention. His attention was on the force Phoenix mentioned, suspected to be the Aurora Order.
He showed a somewhat curious expression and asked, "What does this new Concealment force mainly do?"
Phoenix tasted a sip of Tejana juice, then leaned back against the chair, recalling and saying, "What they've shown so far seems to be helping the common people acquire some life skills, assisting them in finding jobs, and protecting their rights."
"In West Balam, they have already secretly gained the support of many people."
Leyton nodded slightly, no longer focusing on this question. Instead, he said, "When I was in Backlund, I heard Mr. Pulak say that he hoped to develop the Southern Continent and free it from its current state of being divided and colonized by various parties."
"Based on this goal, are you interested in accepting some help provided by me personally?"
"Personally?"
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