As usual, after explaining yesterday's events to Nicole, Sam Li headed to Sixth Street alone, carrying a birdcage.
But unlike before, he wasn't just carrying the birdcage today—he also brought along a teapot.
He arrived at Master Tingman's coffee shop. Just as he sat down, Master Tingman walked over. His eyes clearly showed curiosity when he noticed the teapot on the table.
"Mr. Sam Li, what would you like to drink today?"
"A cup of New Eridu Special Blend," Sam Li replied calmly.
Then, he brought out a set of tea utensils and sat outside the shop, savoring the refreshing aroma of Shen Yu Xian Ming.
Before long, Master Tingman returned with a cup of coffee. Seeing Sam Li already sipping tea, he simply placed the coffee on the table.
"Mr. Sam Li, have you become a tea lover lately?"
Sam Li smiled faintly. "I happened to come across some tea leaves. Master Tingman, care to join me?"
Master Tingman quickly waved his hands. "Don't put me on the spot. When it comes to coffee, I know my stuff. But tea? I'm completely clueless…"
Then he added, "Mr. Sam Li, have you heard about the god statue? Over in the Federer District, where the Hollow disaster broke out, they say a golden statue appeared—and it's said to be miraculous. Pray to it, and all your wishes will come true…"
"Oh?" Sam Li replied slowly. "Is it really that effective?"
He himself had no idea that the Statue of the Seven could fulfill all wishes.
Master Tingman nodded. "I heard people prayed for marriage, children, promotions, even lottery wins. Someone wished to hit the jackpot and actually won 100,000 Dennies..."
After Master Tingman left, Sam Li continued sipping his tea outside the shop. He pulled out his phone and opened the forum.
Just as Tingman had said, the forum was filled with posts about the Hollow disaster in the Federer District, massive Ethereal statues, and the golden god statue.
News about the golden statue dominated the top four trending posts.
[The Golden God Descends—Divine Blessing or New Calamity?]
[Shock! That Thing Appears in Central Federer—Defense Commander Stunned, Security Chief Terrified, Unit 6's Hoshimi Star Can't Get Enough…]
[Unbelievable! A Man Knelt for an Hour and His Ether Corrosion Was Suddenly Cured!]
[Compilation: 100 Uses for the Golden Statue…]
...
More than half of the forum's trending topics were about the statue.
Sam Li casually tapped on [Compilation: 100 Uses for the Statue…] and saw that the blogger had really listed all one hundred uses.
He skimmed through it—and was speechless.
Some uses were legit, like healing and faster stamina recovery—those had already made the rounds. But others?
Praying for a child, matchmaking, getting any wish granted, receiving a hundred million Dennies...
Complete nonsense.
Even Sam Li had no idea the statue supposedly had such bizarre powers.
Still, as he scrolled through the comments, he found many people actually believed it. Quite a few had rushed to the Federer District as soon as the Hollow threat faded, praying for strength at the statue.
The comments were buzzing.
"Did you hear? That rookie at the Public Security Bureau got power from the god statue…"
"I tried offering one Denny. Maybe it was too little—got rejected…"
"Great god, please help me find a girlfriend…"
"Seriously? You believe it can match people up?"
"Look over there—people are even praying to the Ethereal statue. They've gone nuts."
Then someone posted a few photos.
The images showed the vine-type Ethereal Sam Li had defeated and turned to stone, now sitting in the middle of Central Federer as a statue.
Not only were people kneeling before the golden statue, some were even worshipping the petrified Ethereal, praying for its blessing.
Sam Li was utterly speechless.
People in New Eridu had truly lost it—actually treating Ethereals as gods.
Just as he was scrolling through more statue-related posts...
A Public Security patrol car slowly pulled up in front of the coffee shop.
Out stepped two familiar officers—a tall one and a short one.
It was Zhu Yuan and Qingyi, who often patrolled Sixth Street.
Zhu Yuan eagerly walked up. Seeing the teapot and tea set in front of Sam Li, she paused. "Mr. Sam Li, since when did you get into tea like Senior Qingyi?"
Qingyi caught the scent and her eyes lit up. "Rich and floral, sweet like fruit… this is excellent tea!"
Sam Li gave a light smile. "Would you two like to join me?"
Qingyi nodded with a smile. "Of course—"
Zhu Yuan hesitated. "I'll try a cup…"
Truth be told, she wasn't used to drinking tea.
Soon, Sam Li handed them both a cup.
Qingyi took a small sip, then brightened instantly. "This is amazing! What's it called?"
"Shen Yu Xian Ming," Sam Li replied casually.
Qingyi was intrigued. "Is it a new release? I have to get some once I'm done with work."
Sam Li simply smiled without answering.
Beside her, Zhu Yuan's face also lit up after tasting the tea. She felt instantly refreshed—her fatigue gone without a trace. It was that magical.
No wonder Qingyi liked tea so much.
Of course, Zhu Yuan and Qingyi hadn't come just to drink tea or coffee.
They were there on behalf of the Public Security Bureau to thank Sam Li.
Zhu Yuan set her teacup down and said earnestly, "Mr. Sam Li, thank you for helping resolve the Hollow incident. I've already discussed it with the Bureau Chief—we're planning to hold an award ceremony for you tomorrow…"
An award ceremony?
That usually meant reporters.
Sam Li disliked being surrounded by them. "No need. If there's an award, just send it to Hare's House."
Zhu Yuan started to speak. "But—"
Qingyi quickly cut in with a smile. "Let's do as Sam Li said. Just send the Dennies, the medal, and the honorary security officer certificate to Hare's House."
Then she added with a laugh, "I heard it's not just our bureau. The Defense Army, the Hollows Special Ops, and the Hollow Investigation Association all want to award Sam Li. If each one holds a ceremony, he'll be run ragged."