A genius, it is often said, is merely another name for a lunatic. Dr. Rassel, being a leading scholar of Orb Power, must therefore, according to that adage, also be a lunatic. However, his nerves and sanity were perfectly sound; he was simply a rather eccentric old man.

Upon seeing his granddaughter bring a strange man home, Dr. Rassel was unimpressed. It was only when he learned that Tita had been transported away because of Lin Luo that his interest was truly piqued. He immediately urged Lin Luo to produce the true Shikon Jewel so he could examine it.

To prevent her grandfather from worrying unnecessarily, Tita chose not to mention her narrow escape from the jaws of a wolf, saying only that she had met Lin Luo immediately upon being transported there.

Since she didn't wish to elaborate, Lin Luo certainly wouldn't pry. His original intention was for Dr. Rassel to analyze the true Shikon Jewel, so upon hearing the request, he immediately handed over the four fragments.

“This thing seems to have quite the pedigree,” Dr. Rassel murmured, holding the four fragments carefully in his hands for a moment. Yet, even with his profound abilities, he could discern nothing of the fragments' true nature, and a serious expression crossed his face as he stated in a low voice.

Of course it has a pedigree—it belongs to a Quasi-Heaven Rank expert, Lin Luo thought with an internal scoff. Still, he knew his own worldview held no purchase on this true Shikon Jewel. So, he offered a half-truth: “I discovered these four fragments accidentally inside an ancient device while exploring the Four-Wheel Tower. I sensed a very mysterious power within them, but I couldn't identify it, so I tried to reassemble them—and that’s when Tita was drawn over.”

“The Four-Wheel Tower? That’s a relic from the Goddess Era; finding something like that there isn't entirely surprising,” Dr. Rassel nodded, though a hint of confusion followed. “However, I’ve visited the Four-Wheel Tower several times before, and the Bracer Guild and the military have too. Why haven’t they discovered this thing?” “Heh, discovering what others overlook is one of my special abilities.” Lin Luo knew what was puzzling him and answered vaguely.

“Never mind that; let’s focus on studying these fragments first.” Seeing that Lin Luo didn't wish to pursue the matter further, Rassel didn't press for details, waving a dismissive hand. Compared to Lin Luo’s background, he cared far more about the fragments.

“Tita, come help me.” As he spoke, he beckoned Tita toward his workshop.

“Hehe, then I’m off to work, Brother Lin Luo,” Tita said with a shy smile. After receiving a nod from Lin Luo, she scampered into her grandfather’s workshop with quick, light steps.

Lin Luo felt somewhat adrift with nothing to do. Before darkness fell, he spent some time wandering the streets, taking in the sights of the famous industrial city and sampling various street foods—a small form of relaxation, perhaps.

When the city was completely swallowed by night, Lin Luo returned to Tita’s house only to find the old man and his granddaughter still engrossed in work in the Orb Power workshop. They hadn't even stopped for dinner, nor did they notice his entry; they were busy and bustling.

Lin Luo tried calling out a few times, but neither paid him any mind, so he gave up. This family: the grandfather was a grand genius, the granddaughter a little genius; the grandfather was an old machinery fanatic, and the granddaughter a young one. The two genius mechanics were deeply immersed in studying something marvelous, leaving him, an ordinary person, standing on the sidelines.

Since he wouldn't understand the theoretical knowledge they were researching anyway, Lin Luo didn't disturb them. He retrieved two meals from his storage space, kept them warm appropriately, set them on a nearby table, and then retired to the guest room to sleep.

Lying on the sofa, Lin Luo felt that choosing not to bring Huangquan and the others over had been the right decision; otherwise, facing this situation would have been dreadfully boring... Wait—if they weren't here, he was dreadfully bored!

Lin Luo stayed at Tita’s home for two days and three nights. Tita and her grandfather worked exhaustingly during this period, while he was profoundly bored. He either went outside the city to fight monsters or wandered around town, occasionally heading to the Erebonia Bracer Guild to tease Miss Irisvale, the person in charge… though the ice queen remained entirely unmoved.

Dr. Rassel proved himself the world’s foremost scholar of Orb Power; in such a short time, he had actually managed to reassemble the true Shikon Jewel. On the morning of the third day, when Tita excitedly informed him of the news and, under her guidance, he saw the complete true Shikon Jewel, he couldn't quite believe it.

After all, this object belonged to a Quasi-Heaven Rank powerhouse, even if it was only relevant within the current world's context.

Seeing Lin Luo’s expression of astonishment, Rassel showed a faint glimmer of pride. Of course, his pride wasn't boastful, merely an inherent manifestation of genius. However, he immediately added, “Although I’ve reassembled this jewel, it’s still not complete.”

“Not complete?” Lin Luo took the true Shikon Jewel into his hand, examining it closely. Even after reassembly, it still repelled his power, but he could now manipulate energy on its surface, and he couldn't detect any missing sections.

“Tita, bring that thing here.” Dr. Rassel beckoned his granddaughter.

“Um... um,”

Lin Luo looked at her. Tita hesitated for a moment before taking a pendant from around her neck and handing it to Dr. Rassel. A subtle unwillingness flickered in her eyes.

Before Lin Luo could guess what she felt reluctant about, Rassel detached a bead from the pendant and held it seriously. “This bead is something Tita’s parents found three years ago while conducting research abroad. They later fashioned it into a pendant and sent it to Tita as a birthday gift. At the time, although I thought the material of this bead was unusual, I didn't pay it much attention. It wasn't until you gave me the Shikon Jewel and then told me Tita had been transported that I truly realized how extraordinary this bead was. You might still be wondering why Tita was transported; you will understand once you see this.”

As he spoke, he took the true Shikon Jewel from Lin Luo’s hand, then, holding Tita’s bead in his other hand, slowly brought the two closer. Then, the incredible happened.

The true Shikon Jewel, which had appeared seamless, suddenly developed a small, round aperture when the bead came within three centimeters, emitting a faint light from the opening. Tita’s bead automatically detached itself from Rassel and slotted perfectly into the aperture of the true Shikon Jewel, combining flawlessly!

“What is this?!” Even Lin Luo couldn't help but be astonished by the sight.

Rassel explained, “From my understanding, this jewel should be a container, and that bead is the lid that seals the container and the key that opens it; they are intrinsically linked. As for what this container actually holds, that remains unknown.”

Lin Luo suddenly understood. If viewed this way, it explained why Tita was transported. Since the jewel and the bead were a single entity, when he reassembled the Shikon Jewel, although his power was inert, the true Shikon Jewel activated autonomously due to the reconstruction, thereby affecting the bead on Tita. Drawn by mutual attraction, Tita was transported.

Of course, since the Shikon Jewel shattered quickly afterward and could not reactivate, Tita wasn't transported directly to them. As for what the true Shikon Jewel contained, Lin Luo could only conceive of one possibility: souls! It contained the souls of living beings!

“This object is too mysterious. Even with my knowledge, I can only confirm it’s a container. I sense it’s something that shouldn’t exist in this world. In any case, it’s yours now, so I’ll return it to you.” With that, he handed the Shikon Jewel back to Lin Luo.

Lin Luo held the Shikon Jewel, examining it for a moment, and then frowned. “That bead just now…”

“Oh, that has already fused; it cannot be removed,” Rassel replied casually. “Eh!” Lin Luo blinked, immediately looking toward the little girl beside him. “Is this alright, Tita?” He finally understood the look of reluctance in Tita’s eyes earlier; she had known the outcome of the bead fusing with the Shikon Jewel, and that bead was a gift from her parents. Her parents were abroad researching most of the year and rarely came home; to her, that bead had become a symbol of missing them.

Tita just giggled. “It’s fine. I know that jewel is very important to Brother. I’m happy I could help you. Mom and Dad probably won't blame me.” Lin Luo saw that although she felt a twinge of loss, giving the bead to him wasn't against her will. He didn't refuse it any further; as Tita said, this true Shikon Jewel held extremely important significance for him… related not only to Hatsune but also to souls!

“Tita is truly a good girl; thank you, Brother,” Lin Luo said with a smile, gently stroking her head. Then, he pulled out a colorful pendant from his pocket. “This is an ornament I made in my spare time these past two days. I originally intended it as a farewell gift, but now, let’s consider it an exchange between us.” As he spoke, Lin Luo placed the pendant in Tita’s hands.

“It’s so beautiful! But such a precious thing…” Tita was immediately captivated by the kaleidoscopic halo of colors, but unlike Annie the Lass, she wasn't defenseless against cute things. Knowing this pendant must be extremely valuable, she hesitated to accept it.

“Compared to your bead, this pendant is quite cheap; please accept it without worry. Besides, you call me Brother, and it’s natural for a brother to give his sister a gift,” Lin Luo smiled gently.

Tita was still hesitant, looking up at her grandfather. Seeing him nod, and then looking at Lin Luo’s kind smile, she finally tucked the pendant away, revealing an innocent, pure smile.

“Thank you, Brother.”