Being Followed

The visitor was a Soul Saint. As soon as he entered the shop, he revealed his identity and asked to see the owner of the Heaven and Earth Commerce Association, though he did not state his purpose.

Shen Lingmin had memories containing information about Spirit Hall and knew their influence was not to be underestimated, so she did not refuse.

She merely stated that their true owner was absent, but the owner's son was in Heaven Dou City!

Naturally, the people from Spirit Hall already knew this and immediately said:

"Then please report this to him. Tell Young Master Lin that someone from Spirit Hall awaits his arrival at the Budweiser Teahouse across the street!"

As he spoke, the visitor pointed to the teahouse opposite the Heaven and Earth Commerce Association. His attitude appeared fairly friendly.

"Alright, I'll go right away!"

Shen Lingmin nodded, a smile remaining on her face, though she felt that the visitors had come with ill intent.

Although this was Heaven Dou City rather than Spirit Hall territory, Salas, the master of the local branch hall, was no good person. Backed by Spirit Hall, he was exceptionally bold!

It was obvious from the fact that they clearly knew where her Young Master lived, yet deliberately came to the shop to invite him instead!

After giving a few instructions to the employees busy in the shop, Shen Lingmin hurried toward Lin Hao's residence.

Knock, knock, knock!

The door was knocked on, and Lin Hao, who was playing a grape-eating game with Yan Lingji, frowned slightly.

He was right in the middle of enjoying himself. Why was someone interrupting him now?

Lin Hao gestured for the maid beside him to open the door. When he saw Shen Lingmin, he asked in confusion:

"Weren't you at the shop? Why did you suddenly come here?"

"Young Master, someone from Spirit Hall said they wanted to see the owner. I told them he wasn't here and that only you were in the city.

They asked me to notify you and have you meet them at the Xin Yue Teahouse. I think they have come with ill intent!"

Shen Lingmin quickly explained everything, including the visitor's behavior and her own analysis.

"People from Spirit Hall!"

Lin Hao was not particularly surprised. Whether it was Soul Tools or Soul Guidance Automobiles, the interests involved were enormous. It was only natural for Spirit Hall to take notice!

However, Dugu Bo's existence had already been exposed on his side, and Long Xiaoyao had even shown himself before Spirit Hall.

Yet they had still come knocking. That did surprise Lin Hao somewhat!

Still, he was rather displeased. Not only had they ruined his mood just now.

They had come looking for him and wanted to see him, yet they still put on airs.

They had someone notify him and tell him to go see them. That lofty attitude left him speechless!

Lin Hao was no pushover, so he naturally would not go over just like that. He immediately said:

"Go tell them I don't have time. I'm heading to the Star Dou Great Forest now, and I don't know when I'll return!"

The Heaven and Earth Commerce Association was already on the right track. Shen Lingmin was highly capable, which put Lin Hao at ease.

Blue Tyrant Academy had not begun recruiting students yet, so there was no need for him to remain in Heaven Dou City all the time!

Since he also wanted to leave Salas hanging for a while, this was the perfect chance to go out and take care of other matters!

"If they try anything, don't hold back. Dugu Bo and Aunt Lin can both make a move!"

Lin Hao gave her a reminder and added a few more instructions.

"Yes, Young Master!"

Shen Lingmin nodded, then left.

"Young Master, aren't you afraid this will provoke Salas's hostility? He isn't a particularly magnanimous person!"

Yan Lingji smiled as she gently massaged Lin Hao's shoulders.

"You said it yourself—it's Salas, not Spirit Hall. What the hell is a mere Soul Douluo?

Besides, Salas is at most here to pass on a message and test us. He's just a pawn at the front!"

Lin Hao waved his hand, utterly unconcerned, then continued:

"More importantly, I already have something serious to do. Hongshan sent word.

They've found the place Xiao Wu mentioned. I need to go take a look!"

After obtaining the Lovesick Heartbreak Red, Lin Hao immediately had someone deliver it to Xiao Wu.

With Long Xiaoyao's help, Xiao Wu used a trick to claim the Lovesick Heartbreak Red and conceal her Soul Beast aura.

She had kept her word as well. The next day, she brought Tuoba Hongshan to the Star Dou Great Forest to search for the treasure she had mentioned!

With the Lovesick Heartbreak Red concealing her aura, Lin Hao was not worried that Er Ming would suddenly appear and take Xiao Wu away. Thus, he had not asked Long Xiaoyao to follow them, though Cai Meier had been observing them from the shadows all along!

Lin Hao did not believe Xiao Wu was that innocent. He had heard plenty of examples about cunning rabbits having three burrows, let alone a rabbit that had lived for tens of thousands of years!

"That's good news. Looks like I'll have another group of colleagues!"

Yan Lingji nodded and said nothing more. She knew her Young Master was a smart man!

After the two finished their earlier game, they tidied themselves up and headed straight out.

However, before they had gone far, both Yan Lingji and Lin Hao noticed something unusual, a trace of coldness flashing through their eyes!

"Someone sent people to watch me?"

They sensed someone following behind them, but they did not strike immediately, instead pretending to know nothing.

Others had followed Lin Hao before, but after he had dealt harshly with them a few times, no one had dared to do so again.

Yet Spirit Hall had only just come looking for him today, and this happened immediately afterward. It was obvious who had sent them!

Lin Hao did not know what Spirit Hall wanted, nor did he know whether this was Salas's idea or Spirit Hall's, but either possibility disgusted him!

They'd better know when to stop, or they can't blame me for being ruthless!

Although openly opposing Spirit Hall now was not a wise choice, since he had yet to reach his peak, that did not mean he feared Spirit Hall.

Lin Hao and Yan Lingji proceeded normally to the Heaven and Earth Commerce Association headquarters, took a Soul Guidance Automobile, and drove straight out of the city!

What surprised Lin Hao slightly was that although no one stopped him as he left the city.

He keenly noticed that the City Guard paid far more attention to his Soul Guidance Automobile than before!

Whether this was an arrangement by Spirit Hall or by the Heaven Dou Empire Royal Family remained unknown!

After leaving the city, Lin Hao and Yan Lingji openly headed toward Sunset Forest.

The place was so vast, with so many Soul Beasts. It should be perfectly normal for two people to die there!

"That brat is heading toward Sunset Forest. Looks like he's going to find Dugu Bo!

That automobile is very fast. We need to use Soul Power just to keep up, and we won't be able to follow for long. Let's head back!"

The ones following Lin Hao were two middle-aged men, both trusted aides of Salas. Their purpose was simply to confirm his whereabouts.

"Don't you know our lord's temperament? Lin Hao made a fool of him today.

If we go back this quickly, you and I will probably become punching bags for his anger.

Let's wait a little longer. Maybe Lin Hao really is going to the Star Dou Great Forest and merely came this way to greet Dugu Bo first!"

The other middle-aged man refuted him, then continued:

"Besides, aren't you curious? Lin Hao may be fairly strong.

But he dared to enter Sunset Forest with only one maid. That means the maid is definitely no ordinary person!

If we can uncover that information and determine the maid's strength, we'll surely be rewarded when we return!"