Chapter 115
It's not common to be able to immerse oneself in one's hobbies so carefree as tonight. After all, the work of the Ten Lords Bureau is tedious and heavy. Whether they are judges or underworld messengers, they rarely have time to rest. For example, the Lady Hanya in front of me, if Huo Huo remembers correctly, has been working for several years without a day off.
So Huo Huo didn't show any dissatisfaction, but obediently nodded in response. "I understand, Lady Hanya, leave it to me!"
"Yes, thank you for your trouble, but it's alright. I'll adjust your leave to a few days later, consider it a compensatory leave. Also, I've recommended to the higher authorities that your position as a messenger of the underworld be promoted to judge, and I believe we'll hear from you in the next few days."
"Hey? Judge! Can I really leave this to you!?"
These sudden words inevitably startled Huo Huo. She knew perfectly well that with her less than forty years of work experience, she was far from qualified to take on the same position as Lady Xue Yi Hanya Xue Yi. Moreover, she had many colleagues who had served as underworld officials for hundreds of years. If Huo Huo were to surpass her and become a judge, she knew without a doubt what kind of rumors and gossip she would face in private.
"It's alright. In fact, the idea of promoting you to judge was first proposed by those above. I was just making the suggestion as your direct superior."
Hanya nodded again in affirmation, and with a gentle boss's smile, reached out and ruffled the girl's hair. "The higher-ups have a visionary perspective, and I agree with their ideas, so why not try to be bolder? Believe in yourself; you have abilities far beyond what others imagine."
For Huo Huo, the first and most important recognition she ever received came from Bai Jun's encouragement, which can be described as the first ray of hope piercing through the darkness.
The recognition she received now felt more like an affirmation of her long-standing work, especially since it came from her boss and older sister who had always taken good care of her. Huo Huo was so moved that she couldn't express it. Her bright green eyes glistened with tears. She tried not to shed them, but covered half of her face with her sleeve.
"It's okay, it's okay, you're really great, I believe in you... Wait, what's that—"
Hanya gently comforted the young girl, who was more like a younger sister to her than a subordinate. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a corner of the room, and then she froze.
There are many portraits of Bai Jun, or rather, portraits of Bai Jun, and they are not poorly made at all; they are all very well drawn.
"Did you Huo Huo all of those..., Huo Huo?"
Her voice trembled slightly, whether from anger or confusion, it was hard to tell.
"Awooo~ No, it's not what Lady Hanya thinks! Let me explain!!!"
Huo Huo let out another mournful cry, characteristic of foxes.
As if recalling her experiences from a few days ago, and feeling a real threat once again, Huo Huo instantly snapped out of her emotional state and hurriedly stood in front of her door with her petite body, trying to block Hanya's view with her small frame.
However, her height was not enough to affect Hanya at all. Huo Huo even had to tilt her head back to see Hanya's expression. In the dim light of the corridor, Huo Huo could only see that Lady Hanya was so gloomy that he couldn't speak.
Feeling the shadow looming over her, Huo Huo couldn't help but close her eyes tightly in fear.
However, there was no punishment as she had imagined; Huo Huo simply felt a pair of gentle hands resting on her shoulders.
"If you don't mind, could you lend me a few paintings?"
With a slightly Hanya face, Han Ya softly made her request, her delicate and pretty face showing a complex expression of both shyness and impatience.
If this were a game, a big question mark would probably appear above Huo Huo's head.
The wind was completely silent; the whole world seemed shrouded in a silence so profound you could hear a pin drop.
A tense atmosphere permeated the surroundings, as if swords were about to be drawn.
Looking up, you can see a mountain range to the north shrouded in thin clouds.
The scenery was as usual. Stepping onto the land of Fyxestroll Garden again, Huo Huo did not feel the familiar cold atmosphere. She was still in the afterglow of the events just now and could not come back to her senses for a long time. Even now, she still had a feeling of floating unreality.
"Lady Hanya actually praised my painting, Lady Hanya actually asked to borrow my painting, Lady Hanya actually made that kind of expression..."
"Hey, we've been here for ages, you should wake up."
The Tail, seemingly unable to tolerate the idiotic aura emanating from Huo Huo, transformed into a flash of green light and delivered another rocket headbutt to her head, barely managing to wake her up.
"Right, right, we can think about those things later. I should hurry up and deal with this trouble."
Coming to her senses, Huo Huo patted her cheeks vigorously, trying to cheer herself Tail, and finally regained a somewhat reassuring attitude.
Following the route given by Lady Hanya, Huo Huo quickly found the judge in charge of the Fyxestroll Garden area in a quiet grove.
"Some villains with unclear intentions have infiltrated the Fyxestroll Garden area. They shattered the 'Furnace of Creation' of the Artisanship Commission, allowing many of the Suiyang trapped inside to escape. Now, the Judge and the Underworld Messengers must quickly deal with the escaped Suiyang while also finding the villains who caused the chaos. Both the Suiyang and the villains are formidable, making this a very troublesome situation."
The underworld official in charge of this area briefly explained the situation to Huo Huo.
"Green-haired Foxkin, with Tail burning with flames... Your name is Huo Huo, right? I've heard Hanya mention you before. She said you're quite adept at handling Suiyang. In that case, I'd like to ask you to deal with Suiyang in the northern region. The 'Furnace of Creation' in each region are severely damaged. After you've recaptured Suiyang, remember to bring it here promptly to prevent further trouble."
The judge in charge of this area suddenly recognized Huo Huo's identity. She pointed to the "Furnace of Creation" that she had temporarily brought behind her and gave the order.
The Ten Lords Bureau has clear regulations that all underworld messengers must unconditionally obey the judge's orders during the mission. Huo Huo dared not neglect this and hurriedly took the map to the northern area.
"The Suiyang in the northern area are quite strong, and there may be criminals roaming around. Please be sure to pay attention to your safety."
Just as Huo Huo was about to leave, the judge spoke up to remind her, then lowered his head to continue handling official business, not looking up again until Huo Huo's figure disappeared from sight.
"Waaah, if Lord Bai Jun were here too. Like last time, as long as I'm by Lord Bai Jun's side, everything will be solved..."
Having dealt with many troublesome Suiyang along the way, Huo Huo sighed, revealing her immense headache on her face. She was already prepared to go and complain to Lord Bai Jun after finishing her work tonight.
"What are you dreaming about? She's not your nanny, why should she be by your side every day? It's you who, when something happens, cries and begs for someone to save you. That idea is just too foolish."
Although what Tail said was sharp and unpleasant, it was also an undeniable fact that Huo Huo could not rely too much on others, and it was even less likely that she would bother Bai Jun for every little thing.
"That's true... Lord Bai Jun is usually very busy, how could he possibly take care of a fool like me?"
Just as Huo Huo was feeling dejected because of what Mr. Tail said, several wails suddenly came from not far away.
"Aaaaaaaahhhhhh, help me--!!!"
Several Buli person and men in black ran towards them, screaming in terror. Behind them followed an unbelievable number of Suiyang flames. These guys must have angered the Suiyang that had just escaped from the "Furnace of Creation".
Upon seeing Huo Huo's figure, the fleeing thugs instantly changed direction, redirecting the movement of the swarm of Suiyang towards Huo Huo.
The ray of Suiyang seemed to have sensed the "Ignamar" aura emanating from Huo Huo, and instantly shifted its target, greedily attacking Huo Huo.
Alone and helpless, Huo Huo was far too inexperienced compared to the experienced judges and was completely unable to escape this predicament. She froze in fear, not knowing what to do.
"Tch, what a hassle. You little coward, step back. I'm getting serious!"
Even its Tail, unusually, began to move seriously, preparing to use its true form to fight against this ball of Suiyang fire.
However, just as the Tail was about to appear, a sharp silver blade flashed, unleashing a terrifyingly powerful slash.
Before the enormous Suiyang could even let out a horrible final scream, its massive body was instantly cleaved in two by a strike that was impossible to detect with the naked eye.
Immediately afterwards, this ball of Suiyang energy began to dissipate at a speed that was almost Huo Huo.
Against a backdrop of countless dancing crimson flames, a white shadow—the figure etched deep into the soul—turned its head.
"Looks like I arrived just in time. Are you alright?"
The moment she was gazed upon by those deep blue eyes, Huo Huo's heart began to pound more violently than ever before.
Seeing that Huo Huo was staring blankly at him, Bai Jun sheathed his long sword, walked up to Huo Huo with a puzzled expression, thinking that she had been frightened by something, so he quickly draped his coat over Huo Huo's shoulders.
He swiftly rescued her from danger, offering immediate care and tenderness in his eyes...
The figure I'd been dreaming of descended upon my world like a hero.
Standing there dumbfounded Huo Huo wondered if she was daydreaming. However, after confirming that the young man's coat was still draped over her shoulders and feeling the coat on her shoulders, Huo Huo's face turned even redder.
Thump!
Huo Huo's heart resonated with such a sound.
The coat still seemed to retain a little warmth; the Foxkin- girl gently hugged it, her cheeks flushing crimson.
We're doomed!
There's no doubt she's completely drugged!
An ominous melody began to play in the heart of the Tail.
Hey, don't blame Huo Huo anymore, blame Bai Jun instead. After all, no woman... human, or even any living being, could withstand what's happening right now, right?
But I still want to ask you to tone it down a bit, you natural-born womanizer and arsonist!!!
Finally, Tail couldn't help but criticize Bai Jun in his heart.
Chapter 144 Huo Huo: Lord Bai Jun wants to propose to me?
It was already dark, and the outline of the full moon could be seen through the clouds.
The Exalting Sanctum used to tell time in Changletian let out a brief cry, which was then splashed into the night by the bustling city, leaving a long, lingering sound in the air.
Like countless other ordinary families, after having dinner, the television began to play in the living room.
Jiaoqiu and Moze sat opposite each other at the living room table. In front of them were platters of various fruits, cut and arranged. Although there was a certain general present, it was obvious from the back of one's head that Bai Jun had personally prepared them with such exquisite and meticulous skill.
However, the two of them had no interest in tasting the food. Instead, they stood silently and solemnly in place, like statues, occasionally exchanging glances.
"That must be it, right?"
"It must be!"
"Have some oranges, open your mouth, ah~"
"I can eat by myself, you just need to take care of yourself."
"What does it matter? Or are you just shy?"
Having been sitting silently beside Bai Jun, Merlin's Claw blinked his sapphire-blue eyes upon hearing these words. Then, without any malice or worry, he leaned closer and continued to offer Bai Jun an orange as if nothing had happened.
While steadily peeling the apple with a knife, Bai Jun awkwardly opened his mouth and ate the orange that Feixiao handed him.
She sat next to Bai Jun, supporting herself with her left side, and gently wiped the juice that had spilled from his mouth with her fingers. Then she licked her fingers clean, revealing a lovely smile like an intimate couple.
Facing General Feixiao, whose cheeks were flushed and who was addicted to the wonderful feeling of being fed for the first time, Jiaoqiu and Moze, who had been eating dog food for more than two hours since dinner, seriously gave the answer: the relationship between the two of them had definitely developed to the point of discussing marriage.
Although she didn't know why things had suddenly progressed so quickly, the two were, after all, lovers who had finally become a couple, so Jiaoqiu had already started to plan how much she should give as a wedding gift.
Money and such seem a bit vulgar. Why not just give them our ancestral mansion? It's a treasure trove nestled against the mountains and beside the water, perfect as their wedding home.
As for Moze... he took out his wallet with embarrassment, only to find that his salary over the years had either been donated to homeless children or spent as compensation for mission losses. Now it seemed that he hadn't actually saved any money at all.
Bite--
Who could it be so late?
The Jade Omen in his pocket rang at an inopportune moment, but the first to react was not Bai Jun, but Feixiao. She raised her head and rested her face on Bai Jun's shoulder, looking extremely gentle.
... if we could ignore the hand that was secretly pinching Bai Jun's waist.
Bai Jun knew the principle that if you are upright, you have nothing to fear. He handed the peeled apple to Feixiao and looked down at Jade Omen's screen with an open and honest expression.
"General of Divine Strategy (Work-Specific Version): There seems to be a problem at Fyxestroll Garden. Buli person shattered the Furnace of Creation, causing Suiyang, who was imprisoned inside, to escape. To ensure the escort process tomorrow isn't disrupted, Qing Yan, could you go and help out? I have other matters to attend to here. I'll treat you to dinner afterwards~"
"It's those same Buli person again..."
When Bai Jun and Feixiao saw these words, the same thought simultaneously came to their minds.
--This Buli person are using this method to distract themselves.
Even if Buli person's specific intentions are unknown, their audacity in spreading rumors under the moonlight must be a clever scheme.
Feixiao glanced at the thinly sliced apple and the other fruit on the plate, hesitated for a moment, then looked up:
"Do you think these Buli person are planning to kidnap Hoolay?"
"You mean, a group of Buli person dared to come to Luofu and kidnap Hoolay right under the noses of the two generals and the Cloud Cavalry?"
Bai Jun didn't even deny Feixiao's statement, and the two of them were amused by this ridiculous idea.
Trying to openly abduct Hoolay is a pipe dream. The terrain of the Prison of Deep Seclusion is complex and varied. Without the guidance of a senior judge, outsiders would only get lost among the layers of the structure. Even Bu Buli person, with his most powerful senses, would not be able to find Hoolay, who is hidden in the deepest part of the Prison of Deep Seclusion.
Moreover, the news of Feixiao and his group's arrival to escort Hoolay was kept secret. Even Jing Yuan only learned of it after their arrival. How could this Buli person have known about Hoolay's escort in advance and made preparations?
Thinking of this, Bai Jun's thoughts went blank for a moment.
However, there's no use in overthinking; we currently have too little information to make any reasonable guesses.
What happened?
Do you need our help?
"It's nothing serious, you can rest at home. I'm going out for a bit and it'll probably take me a while to get back. If it gets too late, just remember to lock the door when you leave, or you can stay at my place without any problem."
Bai Jun put away the Jade Omen, refused Jiaoqiu Moze's kindness, and slowly stood up. Just as he turned to leave, he heard light footsteps behind him.
"I can go by myself. You should rest at home."
"That won't do. I can't bear to let you leave alone."
Seeing Feixiao smile with his eyes closed and say something with ulterior motives, Bai Jun's expression was somewhat helpless, but he also knew that for Feixiao, who had made up his mind, any other explanations or advice were meaningless.
Bai Jun simply didn't say anything more and let Feixiao follow.
Actually, there was something hidden in Feixiao's heart that he didn't say aloud. It might sound funny if he said it, but it was a fox's almost keen intuition about its own kind.
Time has flowed to the present.