The Key of Infinite Paths

Chapter 4: Unexpected Detainment & Revelation

Liu Jian sat quietly in the small police station, feeling a mix of worry and relief as he ate the meal the officers had given him his hunger made every bite a small pleasure. The meal was plain—just rice and steamed vegetables—but it tasted good, especially since he was so hungry. The rice was soft and had a slightly nutty flavor that spoke of its high quality, while the vegetables were fresh and crunchy, lightly seasoned with herbs and soy sauce that made them taste sweet. It wasn't much, but it was satisfying and helped calm him down a bit.

The officers had also given him a dark blue robe to wear, which was much more comfortable than his old, torn clothes. The robe was soft and warm, and as he wrapped it around himself, Liu Jian felt a little more at ease.

However, the officers had taken his Sunglasses and old leather watch for inspection. The Sunglasses, with their unusual design, seemed to puzzle them, but they didn't know how to figure them out. The watch, on the other hand, was the main focus of their attention. It was something they had never seen before, and they spent a lot of time trying to understand what it was and where it came from.

While the officers continued their investigation, they discovered some alarming news: bandits and demons had been hiding in the nearby mountains. These dangerous groups were attacking merchants traveling from faraway lands, stealing their goods, and often killing them. The bandits and demons had been using the mountains as a secret base, making it hard for anyone to find them. The officers learned this information from delivery groups that had survived these attacks and reported them afterward.

As Liu Jian listened to the officers talk about these discoveries, he felt his anxiety grow. The danger he had narrowly escaped was very real, and now he knew more about the threats lurking in the mountains. He could only hope that the officers would believe he was innocent and let him continue exploring this strange new world.

As the day turned into evening, the market outside became quieter, and the police station was no longer as busy. Liu Jian, still in the dark blue robe, sat on a simple wooden bench, feeling more nervous about his situation. Even though the robe was warm, it didn't do much to ease his worries.

One of the officers who had taken Liu Jian's Sunglasses and watch for examination walked up to him, looking concerned. "We've been talking about your situation," the officer said. "We know you're in a tough spot, especially since you don't have any money for a place to stay or food to eat."

Liu Jian looked up, clearly worried. "I don't know what to do. I have nothing left to sell or trade."

The officer nodded, understanding his dilemma. "You might want to think about auctioning your watch and Sunglasses. They're unique, and they could sell for a good price. That money could help you get a place to stay and cover your needs for now."

Liu Jian felt a bit of hope at this idea. "That sounds like a good plan. How do I go about doing that?"

"There's an auction house in town that deals with rare and unusual items," the officer explained. "You can take your things there, and they'll appraise them and sell them for you. The money you get should be enough to hire a merchant service to take you back to your hometown."

Feeling a bit more relieved, Liu Jian thanked the officer. "I'll go to the auction house as soon as I can."

That night, the officer arranged for Liu Jian to stay at the station. The room was simple, with just a bed and basic furnishings, but it was a safe place to rest. Liu Jian was thankful for the shelter, but even in the warmth of the robe, his mind kept returning to the dangers he had learned about—the bandits and the demons hiding in the mountains. The thought of these threats made it hard for him to sleep.

The next morning, Liu Jian prepared to follow the officer's advice. He would visit the auction house, sell his Sunglasses and watch, and use the money to rent a room and  a way back home. Taking a deep breath, he focused on what he needed to do, hoping each step would help solve his problems and reveal more about the new world he had found himself in.