A Reasonable Identity

Su Bai stood leaning on his sword, quickly taking out an ice-blue Jade Bottle from his Storage Bag —the [Ice Soul Fire Melting Pill] that Han Yanzi had previously given him.

He uncorked the bottle, didn't even look at it, tilted his head back, and poured half a bottle of Pill into his mouth.

The Pill melts instantly upon entering the mouth.

In just a few breaths, Su Bai felt his depleted Spiritual Power begin to recover at an astonishing speed, and even his mental fatigue was reduced.

"Excellent pill!" Su Bai thought to himself.

In Magic Duel, victory or defeat often hinges on a single moment, making sustained combat ability and the speed of Spiritual Power recovery crucial.

This kind of Spirit Pills for restoring Spiritual Power is truly an essential item for Cultivator.

He was simultaneously activating the drug's effects and reviewing the battle that had just taken place.

"The Foundation Establishment Cultivator of the Holy Hall truly live up to their reputation; even among those at the Peak Foundation Establishment, their Combat Power is outstanding, and they deserve the title of Elite of the Demon Sect."

"Especially that minor leader who possesses the Resurrection Secret Technique; his methods are unpredictable, and his ability to protect himself is extremely strong. An ordinary Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator would likely be in grave danger if he were to face him."

He calmly assessed his performance, "Although I relied on my Sword Dao swordsmanship and exquisite Divine Ability abilities to kill him, my Spiritual Power at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage is ultimately a weakness."

"Taking on two opponents alone was a bit too risky and impulsive. I need to be more careful next time."

With most of the medicinal effects dissipated and his Spiritual Power more than half restored, Su Bai no longer delayed.

He recalled the Soaring Dragon Sword, Sword Flight it, and transformed into a streak of light, rushing back towards the main battlefield where Lu Ming, Dragon Daoist, and the others were located.

His astonishing feat of single-handedly killing two Holy Hall Cultivator (including one suspected to be their leader) was clearly visible on the other side, where the stalemate on the battlefield was also on full display.

The remaining three Holy Hall Cultivator were already terrified by the death of their companion. Now, seeing that this ferocious Azure Fish Hall assassin had recovered his strength so quickly and was charging back on his Sword Flight with overwhelming momentum, they dared not linger.

The three exchanged a glance, each seeing the intention to back down in the other's eyes.

The leader shouted in a low voice, "This is hopeless, retreat!"

Before the words were even finished, the three of them activated the Blood Escape Secret Method almost simultaneously. Their bodies flashed with blood-red light, transforming into Three Laws of blood-red light. Without looking back, they shot off into the vast overseas sea opposite to Heavenly Star City. Their speed was so fast that in the blink of an eye, they became three tiny specks of light.

Dragon Daoist, Lu Ming, and the other Punishment Officer were already exhausted and injured. Seeing the powerful enemy retreat, the tension in their hearts eased, and they were too weak to pursue them. They could only watch helplessly as the enemy disappeared into the night.

Their primary task is to ensure the safety of the Little Dragon.

At this moment, Su Bai arrived on his Sword Flight and landed lightly on a rock a few feet away from the three of them.

He did not sheath the Soaring Dragon Sword; the blade still emitted faint lightning, indicating that its Master had not completely let his guard down.

The gaze behind the Azure Fish Mask calmly swept over the three people on the Heavenly Punishment Platform.

Lu Ming, Dragon Daoist, and the other Punishment Officer immediately tensed up, their gazes turning to Su Bai with a mixture of wariness and complexity.

The intentions of this mysterious Assassin remain unfathomable.

Are they enemies? He just saved them.

Is he a friend? But he's clearly a member of the infamous Azure Fish Hall. What is he planning to do next?

The atmosphere became somewhat tense for a moment.

Lu Ming, being in charge of external liaison and negotiations, took a deep breath, suppressed his guard, stepped forward, and solemnly cupped his hands in a respectful bow to Su Bai, his tone sincere. "Fellow Daoist from the Azure Fish Hall, if it weren't for your help today in repelling the powerful enemies of the Holy Hall and retrieving Little Dragon, we would likely be in grave danger."

"Lu Ming will remember this kindness, and Brother Long and the others will certainly keep it in mind as well. Thank you!"

His words were carefully chosen, emphasizing only Su Bai's act of assistance while avoiding the awkward position of the Azure Fish Hall being in opposition to the Heavenly Punishment Platform, placing personal gratitude above institutional conflicts.

Upon hearing this, Su Bai did not respond immediately, but instead raised his hand and waved.

Not far away, the remaining ice crystals of the [Ice Crystal Jade Puppet] that Su Bai had temporarily covered the Little Dragon with for defense were slowly melting with a "crackling" sound.

The unconscious Little Dragon fell to the ground with a thud.

Dragon Daoist's heart tightened. Almost without thinking, he rushed forward, carefully picked up his son, and quickly retreated back to Lu Ming's side.

Su Bai ignored Long Daoren's actions and did not stop him.

Only after Dragon Daoist stepped aside did he slowly speak, "No need for thanks, I was merely carrying out a mission."

He paused, then continued, "I... just happened to accept a protection mission. The employer's requirement is to ensure that this child—" He pointed to the Little Dragon being held by the Dragon Daoist, "—remains safely in Heavenly Star City for the next three months, without being harmed or misled by external forces. The Mission Reward is substantial, so I will naturally do my best to complete it."

As he spoke, he patted the Storage Bag again, took out the large Gray Veiled Hat and Robe, and calmly draped it over his shoulders, tying it up. The wide brim hung down, completely concealing the Azure Fish Mask and his signature black robe.

This move was a clear signal he was sending.

During the mission, he would try his best to conceal his identity as a "Azure Fish Hall assassin" to avoid causing trouble for the people of Heavenly Punishment Platform in public.

"I hope that for the next three months," Su Bai's voice came from under the Veil Hat, "You will all allow me to serve as his 'guard' to ensure the successful completion of my mission. Once the mission is over, I will leave without any further entanglement."

Who? Who would spend a fortune hiring Assassin from the Azure Fish Hall for a protection mission?

Moreover, he's protecting Little Dragon, an Academy Disciple who, despite his exceptional Talent, is currently only at the Qi Refining Stage and is plagued by troubles?

Dragon Daoist frowned, several possible individuals flashing through his mind: a teacher within the Academy who valued Little Dragon? A high-ranking member of the Heavenly Star Alliance who didn't want to see talent poached by the Immortal Palace Holy Hall?

Or even... a third party with a grudge against the Holy Hall, deliberately causing trouble?

But none of these explanations seem to hold water. The protection missions of the Azure Fish Hall are expensive and rare, far exceeding the value of ordinary hiring.

However, Su Bai's actions of risking his life to snatch the Little Dragon back from the Holy Hall and ruthlessly killing two powerful enemies cannot be faked.

The Azure Fish Hall assassin always act with a clear purpose, driven by profit.

The probability that he acted out of a sense of justice or because he had a grudge against the Holy Hall is extremely low.

In contrast, the explanation of "carrying out high-value protection tasks" became the most reasonable and consistent with the logic of the Azure Fish Hall's actions.

Lu Ming and the other Punishment Officer had obviously thought of this as well, and their wariness eased slightly, but their doubts were not completely eliminated.

"Hmm..."

Just then, the Little Dragon, held in the arms of the Dragon Daoist, let out a painful groan, its eyelids twitched a few times, and it slowly opened its eyes.

The first thing that caught his eye was his father's tired face, which was filled with concern.

After a brief period of confusion, memories of the time before he was abducted flooded back, followed by intense resentment at the shattered hopes.

Little Dragon suddenly broke free from Dragon Daoist's embrace and jumped to the ground. He staggered a moment to regain his balance, and ignoring his weakness, pointed at Dragon Daoist, shouting with a face full of resentment, "It's all your fault! You're the ones who watch over me every day and stop me! Otherwise, I would have found a way to leave and join the Immortal Palace long ago! How could I have given those demonic cultivators from the Holy Hall an opportunity to take advantage of me, and almost been captured by them?!"

Looking at his son's excited face, Dragon Daoist felt a pang of heartache and deep weariness in his eyes. His voice was hoarse as he tried to explain, "Little Dragon, the Immortal Palace... that is not a benevolent place."

"Their actions are extreme, their internal competition is brutal, and although they claim to be pursuing the Great Way, how are they any different from the Demonic Path?"

"Only by staying with the Heavenly Star Alliance and the Starlight Academy can you have a stable environment and a bright future..."

"Stability? Light?"

Little Dragon scoffed, his face full of rebellion. "That's the future you imagine! The path of the Immortal Palace encompasses all things, striving for progress—that's the path truly suited to me! You keep saying you're doing this for my own good, but you're actually hindering my Dao Path! If you still consider me your son, then don't stop me! Otherwise..."

"Otherwise, when I have achieved sufficient cultivation in the future, I will definitely... I will definitely sever these worldly ties!"

I'll kill you with my own hands!

His words were harsh, and his eyes held the stubbornness unique to young people.

Upon hearing this, Dragon Daoist trembled slightly, his face drained of color, and he stretched out his hand, his lips trembling, unable to utter a word for a moment.

The imbalance between pampering and discipline seems to have finally yielded bitter results.

"Smack!"

A crisp, resounding slap abruptly broke the tense standoff between father and son.

Little Dragon felt a blur before his eyes, and an irresistible force came from his left cheek. He was spun 360 degrees in the air like a top and crashed heavily to the ground.

A metallic taste filled his mouth, and he spat out several bloody teeth. His left cheek swelled up rapidly and burned with pain.

The one who took action was Su Bai, who had been standing quietly by observing.

He had quietly stepped forward without anyone noticing, and now he slowly withdrew his hand, his Veil Hat fluttering slightly, and a soft voice drifted out. "Sorry, I couldn't help myself, I couldn't bear to watch any longer."

Dragon Daoist's heart tightened at first, and he Consciousness wanted to step forward, but he stopped himself abruptly as soon as he took a step.

He looked at his son's disheveled appearance, then at Su Bai's expressionless face (though he couldn't see it), and finally, his outstretched hand fell limply, a complex and unfathomable emotion flashing in his eyes.

Perhaps it's time for someone to teach this spoiled, arrogant brat a real lesson.

Perhaps I really was wrong.

"Who... who are you?! How dare you hit me?! I'll kill you!!"

Little Dragon covered his face, the excruciating pain and unprecedented humiliation almost driving him to madness. He struggled to his feet, staring at Su Bai with venomous eyes, his weak Lightning Spiritual Power beginning to surge uncontrollably within him.

He was only at the Qi Refining Stage, but this slap came from Foundation Establishment Cultivator. Even if it wasn't delivered with full force, it was something he couldn't easily withstand.

"Bang!"

Another muffled thud.

This time it was Lu Ming who couldn't stand it any longer. He stepped forward and kicked Little Dragon in the butt. The force wasn't too light or too heavy, but it was enough to make Little Dragon, who had just gotten up, fall flat on his face again and roll several times on the ground.

"You brat! Know your place!"

"If it weren't for this person today... By the way, how should I address you, Fellow Daoist?"

Su Bai slightly cupped his hands in greeting. "Hai Jiu."

Lu Ming continued to lecture Little Dragon: "Open your dog eyes wide and see clearly! This is Fellow Daoist Hai Jiu! If it weren't for his chivalrous act of rescuing you from the clutches of the Holy Hall Devil Cultivator and killing two demons, you would have been kidnapped to some unknown demon's lair long ago!"

"Your father, and your Uncle Chen and I, will probably all die here! What right do you have to shout and spout such nonsense? Huh?!"

Startled by the Lu Ming's roar, Little Dragon lay on the ground, looking at Su Bai with some confusion (though he could only see the Veil Hat and long robe).

He vaguely remembered seeing a man in black robes descend from the sky before he lost consciousness, followed by a violent explosion and a burst of light...

So, this was the person who saved him? And who killed the people from the Holy Hall?

The resentment in his eyes subsided slightly, but the rebellious spirit remained. He simply lowered his head, stopped shouting, covered his swollen cheek, and remained silent.

He yearned for the atmosphere of "free exploration" in the Immortal Palace, and equally abhorred the blatant violence and plunder of the Holy Hall.

Su Bai noticed the change in Little Dragon's eyes and understood.

This child's mind has become skewed, and his obsession with the Immortal Palace runs deep. It cannot be easily changed by a few words or a beating.

All I can do is try my best to keep him in Heavenly Star City and make sure he isn't taken away by the Immortal Palace or the Holy Hall before the [Immortal Talent Reflection] refreshes on the Fifth Day of the Eleventh Month.

The primary objective is to Copy his suspected Xuanhuang Tier Lightning Attribute Spell Talent.

As for whether he stays or leaves, lives or dies, that's none of my business.

At this moment, Dragon Daoist and another Officer Chen, who had remained silent, stepped forward and solemnly bowed to Su Bai.

Dragon Daoist's voice was deep. "Fellow Daoist Hai Jiu, I am deeply grateful. My son was unruly just now and offended me. I hope you will forgive him."

The Officer Chen nodded and said, "Thank you for your help, Brother Hai Jiu."

Su Bai nodded slightly, accepting their thanks, and then steered the conversation back to the main topic. "No need to be so polite. So, regarding my need to protect this boy for three months, what are your thoughts? Could you provide me with a suitable identity to facilitate my actions?"

Upon hearing this, Dragon Daoist exchanged a glance with Lu Ming and the Officer Chen.

The three of them tacitly moved to a slightly farther spot and began to discuss in hushed tones.

During this time, the Little Dragon lying on the ground rolled its eyes and, seeing that everyone's attention seemed to be elsewhere, quietly moved its body, trying to slip away into the woods.

"Laugh--!"

A thin yet incredibly sharp Sword Qi grazed his toes and shot into the ground, disappearing into the soil and leaving a bottomless hole.

Little Dragon froze, looking up in horror. He saw that Fellow Daoist Hai Jiu was still standing in the same spot, his Veil Hat seemingly unmoved, as if the warning Sword Qi from just now had nothing to do with him.

But that chilling, almost tangible killing intent made Little Dragon's hair stand on end instantly, and he dared not make any further moves, obediently lying back down in his original spot.

Before long, the three Dragon Daoist finished their discussion and returned.

The result was not unexpected for Su Bai.

Dragon Daoist is now exhausted from caring for his son, and his duties at the Heavenly Punishment Platform have almost been neglected. This cannot continue indefinitely.

Lu Ming and the others couldn't stay with him like babysitters forever; the Heavenly Punishment Platform still had a lot of affairs to handle.

The man before them, who called himself Hai Jiu, was a powerful Azure Fish Hall assassin with a clear objective (to complete his mission) and had just proven his willingness to protect others. Although his identity was sensitive, he was undoubtedly the best option to resolve the current predicament.

A powerful and free temporary bodyguard...

Dragon Daoist invited Su Bai to the other side, away from Little Dragon's sight.

With a look of struggle on his face, he took out a black Token from his pocket and handed it to Su Bai.

"Brother Hai Jiu." Dragon Daoist's voice was very low, with a hint of barely perceptible earnestness.

"This is the identification Token of a 'temporary collaborator' at the Heavenly Punishment Platform."

"With this decree, you may freely enter and exit most areas of the Starlight Academy, as well as public places within Heavenly Star City, except for a few Forbidden Grounds."

"Officially, you are Guest Elder bodyguard I hired for personal reasons to help look after my son."

He paused, looking at Su Bai with a complicated expression. "You saved my son and me today; I owe you a debt of gratitude."

"My assistance in completing this protective mission can be seen as... returning the favor, and securing temporary peace for my son."

"Three months from now, regardless of whether you complete the task, I will personally apply to revoke this Token's permissions. At that time..."

Dragon Daoist took a deep breath and said, word by word, "We have never met, and I have never seen any Assassin from the Azure Fish Hall. That's all."

For his son's sake, this usually upright and incorruptible Heavenly Punishment Platform Punishment Officer finally took a step that violated his principles, reaching a tacit agreement with an Assassin.

Su Bai reached out and steadily took the black Token.

He hung it conspicuously at his waist, then nodded slightly, his Veil Hat fluttering. "Understood, deal."

With the agreement reached, the atmosphere eased considerably.

The five of them took a short break to catch their breath and tend to their injuries.

Dragon Daoist simply stopped the bleeding and reduced the bruising for Little Dragon, who was still indignant but dared not cause any more trouble.

Then, the group took to the Sky-Flying and flew towards Heavenly Star City.

They came out in an emergency pursuit of the enemy, not hesitating to use precious Directional Teleportation Talisman.

Now that the crisis has temporarily subsided, the journey home no longer needs to be so extravagant.

No one's Spirit Stone come from thin air; save them where you can.

Before long, the five of them returned to Heavenly Star City.

With the Token at his waist, Su Bai followed the others openly through the gate of the Starlight Academy and returned to Little Dragon's courtyard.