"Um… Lord Crossbridge, I have a question for you. When do you plan on leaving?"

Mist's voice held a mixture of admiration and a hint of nervousness.

Daniel was taken aback by the question. However, he quickly regained his composure and responded with an answer.

"I came to this era to find something. Once I find it, I will leave."

"Then why don't you consider staying in this era?"

As she spoke, Mist took the initiative to wrap her arms around Daniel's, leaning her delicate cheek against him.

"Think about it. All you need to do is stay here, and you can keep searching for what you need. Plus, I'll get some protection along the way."

"Of course, I'll be focusing on your matters, but if I benefit, I'm not complaining."

"The gap between your era and this one is only a few thousand years. With your long life, why not stay and take your time to search?"

Daniel could sense that Mist really didn't want him to leave. However, despite her suggestion, Daniel shook his head firmly.

It wasn't that Daniel was worried about his lifespan, but rather, by staying in this era, his strength would stagnate. Right now, his strength was far from what he desired. In fact, he was still too weak and far below his expectations.

Therefore, Daniel's plan was to find the Circle of Destiny and then advance to the Fake God rank. After completing the advancement ritual, he would continue to grow stronger. Only then could he truly protect himself in future battles.

Otherwise, with his current strength, he would be no match for a real god.

"I can't stay here."

When Mist heard Daniel's refusal, she didn't show any disappointment. She knew her request might have been a little too much.

As they were conversing, their figures finally arrived at the fourth layer of the Desire Abyss.

As for seals and such, they weren't a concern. All Daniel needed was the Universal Gauntlet to easily handle them.

He first sent a clone ahead to explore the fourth layer. After confirming there were no immediate dangers, he followed with Mist, entering the layer.

To their surprise, the fourth layer of the Desire Abyss wasn't as terrifying as the previous three. In fact, it revealed a beautiful sight.

It was an oasis in the middle of a desert, with a sapphire-like lake shining brilliantly at its center.

At that moment, in the middle of the lake, a beautiful woman was washing herself.

Daniel instinctively looked toward her. However, when his gaze landed on her flawless face, he was momentarily stunned.

[Isabella]

???

In that instant, Daniel felt a sense of shock. He never expected to encounter Isabella in the Desire Abyss. This place truly was far more dangerous than he had imagined.

On the other side, Isabella, sensing Daniel's presence, showed no signs of modesty. Instead, she walked toward him with a smile and asked, "You've seen everything, aren't you going to apologize?"

Daniel didn't have time to respond. Instead, he immediately used his abilities to seal Mist next to him.

"Mist, don't look at Isabella. Trust me."

Isabella, seeing the young girl in Daniel's arms, showed a surprised expression.

"What do you think you're doing? She's just an innocent girl!"

"Do you not feel like you're going too far with this?"

Hearing these words, Daniel's lips twitched slightly. He then looked at Isabella, saying, "It seems you don't recognize me yet."

"If you did, you wouldn't be so nervous."

As he spoke, Daniel sent Mist into his mental world to keep her safe. At this moment, Isabella had reached the Fake God level, and Mist would be no match for her here.

"Why would I recognize you?"

Daniel didn't answer immediately. Instead, he focused on Isabella and asked, "According to the rules of the Desire Abyss, only demigods are allowed to enter. How is it that a Fake God like you is here?"

Isabella smiled charmingly, but she didn't respond to his question. Instead, she waved her hand in a teasing manner.

"Don't dwell on that. Why not join me for a bath instead?"

Daniel furrowed his brow and didn't accept her invitation. Instead, he asked again, "Isabella, I'm not joking with you. I need you to give me a direct answer."

Isabella smiled, then nonchalantly continued washing herself.

"You're right. This ruin doesn't allow Fake Gods to enter, only demigods. But, what if I entered here as a demigod and my strength has since increased?"

"Stop staring at me like that, as if I owe you money. I don't like that look."

Daniel paused for a moment and then pulled his gaze away. He had already had a suspicion about Isabella's answer, but he was just here to confirm it.

However, there was something off about this Isabella. Although they looked the same, Daniel couldn't shake the feeling that the Isabella before him was different from the one he knew. This was a gut feeling with no logical explanation.

Meanwhile, Isabella continued to wash herself and speak as if it were nothing.

"Regardless, being able to enter the fourth layer of the Desire Abyss is proof that you're no slouch."

"This lake has the power to cleanse the soul. If you miss this opportunity, it would be such a waste."

"So, you really don't plan on trying it?"

At Isabella's invitation, Daniel's expression remained calm.

"Before that, are you sure you don't need to wear a coat?"

Isabella glanced at Daniel with a playful look before answering with a hint of amusement.

"But I'm bathing. Have you ever seen anyone wear a coat while bathing? How could you clean yourself like that?"

"And why are you talking so much? Do you think I'm not beautiful enough? You don't want to join me?"

"Or are you afraid of something? Afraid I'll make a move on you?"

Daniel took a moment to think. Using Mental Deduction, he performed a quick calculation. A few seconds later, he unbuttoned his shirt and stepped into the lake.

The water in the lake was indeed powerful for cleansing the soul. Almost instantly, Daniel felt all the fatigue drain from his body.

Being able to relax in such a beautiful setting with a stunning woman was, without a doubt, a rare and enjoyable experience.

However, as he enjoyed the moment, Daniel couldn't help but feel a little guilty for neglecting Mist.

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