Facing David Thompson's brazen scrutiny, Brian Thompson clearly sensed provocation. He flicked the horsetail whisk in his hand and walked up to David Thompson. “Junior Brother Li, it's really a pity you didn't become Master's medicinal guide this time.”

David Thompson couldn't be bothered to respond to his sarcastic tone, his attention entirely focused on the round jade pendant hanging from Brian Thompson's waist.

“This thing must be an antique, right? If I took it to the real world and sold it, it would definitely fetch a good price.”

“But how should I do it? Like with that piece of candy, just snatch it and put it on my chest?”

After a few words and seeing David Thompson unresponsive, Brian Thompson thought the other was scared, lifted his chin in contempt, and turned to leave the place reserved for medicinal guides.

Watching his back, David Thompson made up his mind. This jade pendant would be his next test subject for attempting teleportation.

As for how to get it, that couldn't be simpler—just steal it at night. “That jade pendant is great, but soon it'll be mine.”

A small, pale, almost reflective hand reached out from the side and gently tugged at David Thompson's coarse linen sleeve. A soft, sweet voice sounded in his ear.

“Senior Brother Li, hurry up and get to work. If we don't finish, we won't get to eat.”

David Thompson turned his head and saw it was the girl with albinism whom he had helped before.

After a moment's thought, he took out the remaining half-melted brown sugar from his pocket and placed it in her hand, then turned to his spot and picked up the pestle to start working.

For now, whether it was this place or the hospital, he decided not to do anything too outrageous.

Such shocking matters weren't suitable to tell anyone. He had to slowly figure out the rules before making any further plans.

That day's work ended amid the dull pounding of medicine. Late at night, listening to the sounds of snoring and teeth grinding around him, David Thompson slowly opened his eyes on the communal bed.

In the windowless cave, it was pitch black. David Thompson groped his way toward the entrance.

He first went to his workplace and picked up a piece of green stone he had ground himself. Its faint glow allowed David Thompson to walk through the dark cave without stumbling.

Although carrying such a stone in total darkness was a bit conspicuous, David Thompson didn't care at all.

“If someone finds me, worst case, I'll just go back to the hospital. I have a way out, so what am I afraid of?” he muttered smugly to himself as he walked alone through the cave.

This entire hallucination existed because of him—would he really be afraid of a hallucination he created himself? Even if he couldn't control it yet.

The whole cave complex was huge, and David Thompson had been here for a while, so he was very familiar with the place.

Soon, he slipped into Brian Thompson's cave. Though it was still simple, the large bed for one was enough to show the fundamental difference between him and medicinal guides like David Thompson.

But to David Thompson's surprise, Brian Thompson wasn't in the cave—his clothes were, but he wasn't. David Thompson couldn't be bothered to care, so he reached into the robe and yanked off the jade pendant.

After sneaking outside, David Thompson examined the round jade pendant under the glowstone.

The pendant was crystal clear, smooth and lustrous, with exquisitely carved cloud patterns. Even someone unfamiliar with jade could tell it was high quality.

The more David Thompson looked at it, the happier he felt. If he could really bring this thing back to the real world, it would at least cover four years of university tuition for him and Anna Harris.

“Hehehe~ Anna Harris, Anna Harris, get ready to be a little rich lady.” After saying this, David Thompson tucked the pendant into his clothes and started heading back.

Everything was going smoothly, but some things just can't go smoothly forever. Just as he was about to reach the entrance, he turned a corner on the stone steps and ran straight into a group of people.

They were boys and girls about the same age as David Thompson, their terrified faces flickering in the light of the fireboxes they held.

Both sides were startled, frozen in place for a long moment without a word.

Finally, David Thompson spoke. He pointed his glowstone at the group, and asked the linen-clad Brian Thompson in the crowd, “Senior Brother Brian Thompson, what's with your outfit? Have you been sent to the storeroom?”

Among them were not only Brian Thompson, but also other Daoist children responsible for various tasks. One of them had previously fanned the alchemy furnace.

But regardless of what they did before, now they were all dressed in coarse linen clothes and pants, carrying nothing else.

At this moment, Brian Thompson no longer had the arrogance and pride he showed during the day. His expression shifted rapidly, then he walked up to David Thompson and lowered his voice.

“Come! Come with us! We're escaping this damned place! The senior brother guarding the gate has already been bribed.”

“Escape? Oh! So you guys are—”

Before David Thompson could finish saying the word “escape,” Brian Thompson clamped a hand tightly over his mouth.

Chapter 4: The Black Cauldron

Seeing Brian Thompson cover David Thompson's mouth, the others holding fireboxes rushed over, surrounding David Thompson with hostile looks.

“Not coming, huh? Then you'll die here tonight! There's no way we'll let you tip off that mangy head!”