Chapter 116

As if escaping the dazzling city lights or the brilliant glow of the streetlights, the pale, eerie light of the moonlit night began to replace the artificial lights and illuminate the surroundings.

Just as Huo Huo had hoped at the beginning, with Bai Jun by her side, all the tricky things became easy to handle.

Whether it was the raging Suiyang who had just escaped from the "Furnace of Creation," or the Bai Jun Buli person. It wasn't that the other party was too weak, nor that they were bluffing, but rather that Bai Jun's strength was too great.

Bai Jun calmly dispersed all the incoming Suiyang while still finding time to locate the fleeing Buli person and assassins, as if he were out for a stroll.

Before long, most of Suiyang on the north side of Fyxestroll Garden had been cleared away. Even if some of them barely escaped the disaster, they could no longer pose any threat.

Bai Jun kept an eye on the surroundings while walking and talking with Huo Huo, who was wearing his coat.

The two were already so familiar with each other that they could chat casually without feeling awkward. They only needed a little something to keep the conversation going. Bai Jun was fine with it, and after warming up the atmosphere, Huo Huo's nervousness was noticeably relieved.

"I'm so sorry, Lord Bai Jun. Even after all this time, I'm still so immature. If it weren't for your intervention, things would have escalated to unimaginable levels today..."

As Huo Huo gradually opened up, her fox ears drooped in disappointment. Hugging the little white flag in her arms, she apologized to Bai Jun with a pitiful expression.

"No, I don't think so. Even without me, your Tail can protect you perfectly well. Besides, Huo Huo is much more mature than before, and she's gradually starting to resemble how Hanya works. If she could be a little more confident, that would be even better."

"Mature!? Don't flatter me, Lord Bai Jun! I don't actually have anything to boast about, and I'm not particularly charming..."

"That's why I said your only flaw right now is that you're too insecure. Huo Huo, you should know that normal underworld officials aren't qualified to carry out missions alone, but you've only been an underworld official for less than forty years and you've already earned that qualification. You shouldn't deny that ability."

"No, no, that's not right. I've only gotten to where I am today thanks to Mr. Tail, so all those praises are just self-satisfaction. The truth is, I don't have any real abilities... and my clumsiness always slows down Lord Bai Jun. Waaah, I'm such an ugly Foxkin..."

Bai Jun realized at this point that Huo Huo's biggest problem was her lack of self-confidence. Even though she was dozens of times better than when he first met her, she was still far from becoming a normal person.

So, Bai Jun put on a serious expression and praised, "No, Huo Huo has never caused me any trouble. In fact, I know that during the month I left Luofu, Huo Huo handled forty or fifty missions all by herself. I think that's quite an ability."

"Huo Huo isn't ugly at all, she's actually very cute," Bai Jun said with a sincere smile, then—

Her lovely face, which should have been timid and self-conscious, completely softened. As Huo Huo listened to Bai Jun's praise, it was as if her heart had melted.

And so another enthusiastic fan of Bai Jun made a dazzling appearance here.

"Even when they're delirious, they can still let their Foxkin instincts lead them to wild thoughts... Huo Huo... That's why people say the Foxkin- like race, with their obsessive love, is the most troublesome when they have an episode."

The Tail, watching the infatuated girl, couldn't help but flick its flames.

However, it's no surprise that it has ended up in its current state.

Huo Huo has never experienced romantic love; no, to be precise, she has had very little experience with even familial or platonic relationships.

Having come into contact with Tail in her childhood, she became an outcast in the eyes of others. Her family looked at her like a monster, her colleagues at the Ten Lords Bureau looked at her with discrimination, and even Huo Huo herself gradually began to look down on herself.

I despise myself for being abandoned by my family, for not being as brave as my colleagues at the Ten Lords Bureau, and even more so for not having the courage to resist...

She had never experienced the feeling of being accepted, nor did she understand the pure, uncompromising relationship between men and women.

Now, Bai Jun has received all the care and protection of a family member, the recognition and praise of a confidant, and the admiration and longing between a man and a woman. It is no exaggeration to say that Bai Jun holds an irreplaceable or unique position in Huo Huo's heart.

To put it bluntly, if Bai Jun were to propose to Huo Huo now, the first thing this young girl would probably think about is whether she has enough dowry.

"Speaking of which, Huo Huo, I'd like to ask if there are any specific rituals or customs associated with marriage proposals among you Foxkin?"

As if hearing the Tail's innermost thoughts, Bai Jun suddenly stopped, an embarrassed hesitation spreading across his handsome face.

Tail stared wide-eyed in astonishment, the blue flames flickering, while Huo Huo covered her face with her hands, her cheeks turning bright red.

Lord Bai, Lord Bai Jun wants to propose to me!?

Startled and frozen in place Huo Huo even wondered if she was dreaming. However, after confirming that Bai Jun's coat was still draped over her shoulder, Huo Huo's ears turned bright red, and her behavior became very suspicious. But Bai Jun felt like he had seen this scene before recently...

"No, no problem! Lord Bai Jun, courtship between Foxkin is actually quite simple..."

Huo Huo spoke softly, her face flushed. Although she didn't look mature, Huo Huo was still an adult and knew what she needed to know.

"Thank you, Huo Huo, you really are a good girl."

Bai Jun smiled and gently ruffled the girl's hair. Huo Huo was desperately suppressing her surging emotions. If she let them out, they might become uncontrollable. However, feeling the warm hand resting on her head, Huo Huo's shy smile became even brighter, and the suppressed emotions in her heart were about to explode.

As long as she could stay by Bai Jun's side, taking care of him as if she were him taking care of herself, Huo Huo made up her mind that she would bring Bai Jun happiness no matter what—and Huo Huo smiled as she thought this.

"Ugh, that's so slow. I've already cleaned up the south and east sides."

"Aha, sorry, the situation on the north side is a bit complicated, and I also had to take care of this child, so it took a little longer."

Feixiao, who was sitting in the pavilion at some point, waved to Bai Jun, and Bai Jun immediately waved back. In the blink of an eye, before Huo Huo could react, Fei Xiao, who was supposed to be sitting in the pavilion some Feixiao, teleported to Bai Jun's side. The speed was so fast that Huo Huo didn't even see it.

"Tell me, who is this adorable little fox sister?"

Feixiao naturally took Bai Jun's arm and intertwined their fingers intimately. Everything happened so suddenly that Huo Huo's brain hadn't had time to process what was happening before she heard Bai Jun's helpless yet doting voice.

"Isn't she cute, the junior of the Ten Lords Bureau?"

"I see, hehe, hello little sister, my husband is fortunate to have your help?"

Feixiao narrowed his eyes and simply said that.

"My husband"?

Huo Huo still didn't understand. At this moment, Feixiao said again, "Let's go. Everything here in Fyxestroll Garden has been dealt with. We can leave the remaining mess to the Ten Lords Bureau." He then took Bai Jun's arm and left.

Huo Huo didn't even respond to Bai Jun's farewell, watching helplessly as the two figures disappeared from sight.

Sure enough, am I dreaming...?

The Tail, which had hidden itself upon sensing Feixiao's aura, only dared to reappear after the aura had completely disappeared, its voice still carrying a hint of lingering fear:

"How scary! How scary! How scary! Where did that white-haired Foxkin come from? Although I can't figure out what kind of guy he is, I have a feeling that he's incredibly strong... Hey, you little coward, what's wrong with you?"

Thump thump thump thump!!

The small white flag he was holding slipped from his grasp and fell to the ground. The pale, limp flag rolled onto the stone slab, unable even to flutter in the wind.

Seeing Bai Jun and the silver-haired beauty holding hands intimately, Huo Huo's thoughts completely ceased.

Chapter 145 Fangs Revealed (Part 3)

"Why would Buli person choose to attack Fyxestroll Garden at night...?"

Jing Yuan's slightly low murmur echoed in the empty room.

The location was inside the Shence Mansion's office. Besides him, Bai Jun, who was standing at the door, was also present.

Early in the morning, the two gathered here to analyze the events of the previous night. On a piece of white paper on Jing Yuan's desk, the extent of the damage to Fyxestroll Garden and its distribution were clearly written.

--The "Furnace of Creation" used to regulate the Suiyang on the north, south, and east sides was destroyed by the Buli person, causing a large number of Suiyang to take the opportunity to riot.

Fortunately, Bai Jun and Feixiao intervened in time, preventing the "Furnace of Creation" on the west side and in the center from being damaged.

Furthermore, since Fyxestroll Garden is located in a remote and abandoned grotto-heaven, it is fortunate that the attack did not cause any innocent casualties, and the judges and underworld messengers of the Ten Lords Bureau did not suffer any major injuries or deaths.

According to the rough calculations of the Artisanship Commission, it might not take more than two days to reinstall the new "Furnace of Creation". The roaming Buli person troops were also captured by the combined efforts of the Vanguard and the Judges. Everything was developing in a positive direction.

At first glance, it might seem like good news, but Jing Yuan's furrowed brows indicated that the matter was not as simple as it seemed.

Ever since hearing about this last night, Jing Yuan has been deep in thought, trying to discern the truth hidden behind the actions.

The Buli person are by no means the ignorant and barbaric fools that outsiders imagine. On the contrary, they are people who "respect strength" and have a diverse evaluation system. They have efficient and powerful information integration capabilities. It is impossible for them to go deep behind enemy lines just to do something that is both meaningless and eye-catching.

Therefore, the only possible answer is already obvious.

"Breaking the 'Furnace of Creation' to release the Suiyang is just a ruse to divert our attention. The true purpose of this Buli person is definitely something else."

"That's what I think too. The behavior of those Buli person is too abnormal, but the question is, what exactly is their purpose? Hoolay, intelligence... or something else?"

Bai Jun nodded in agreement with Jing Yuan's words, and was troubled about what to do next.

"I don't know. We're both involved, so it's normal to feel confused."

Jing Yuan shook his head at Bai Jun, then looked at the floor with his pale golden eyes, fell silent for a moment, and then nodded as he answered:

"But no matter what, the escort this afternoon must not go wrong. Regarding the handover of Hoolay, Merlin's Claw will send his subordinates Jiaoqiu and Moze to inspect the prison conditions beforehand, in order to facilitate the subsequent escort. She herself will be stationed at the port."

Jing Yuan had long since tasted enough pessimism; his tone was devoid of confusion or gloom, even carrying a hint of mockery.

"I will deploy sufficient troops near the port and in Scalegorge Waterscape. I believe that even if Buli person has the idea of breaking into the prison, he will not cause any trouble, unless he dares to break into the Ten Lords Bureau's Prison of Deep Seclusion... But in that case, it seems like he would be walking into a trap."

"That's true. If the Buli person had the strength to directly confront the two Emanator of the Hunt, they probably would have already brought a large army and started a war."

Influenced by Jing Yuan's tone, Bai Jun's serious face also showed a faint smile.

"Alright, thank you for your help last night. Qing Yan, you're free to do as you please today. I remember you have a good relationship with Merlin's Claw and his men, so don't forget to have a good chat with your old acquaintances. After all, if nothing unexpected happens, they'll be leaving Luofu this afternoon."

After explaining the day's schedule, Jing Yuan urged Bai Jun to leave the Shence Mansion. As a general, Jing Yuan still had a lot of work to do today and couldn't rest for a moment.

Bai Jun stretched as he walked onto the street and looked up at the sky.

The weather was clear and sunny today, with only a thin layer of clouds covering the view. Bai Jun thought to himself that today was sure to be a bright and beautiful day.

Feixiao and the others were busy handling various procedures related to the escort this morning, and even if they went home, they would not be seen. With nothing to do, Bai Jun wandered aimlessly towards the street.

The city center of Exalting Sanctum was bustling with crowds, but Bai Jun spotted a familiar face in the crowd at a glance.

On the sunlit streets, people from Outworlders and the Xianzhou came and went; Yan Qing, a handsome young man dressed in a long robe and light clothes, leaned happily against the railing by the Starskiff Haven amidst the hustle and bustle of the crowd, humming a cheerful tune.

"Yan Qing?"

"Who is it... Ah! Good morning, teacher! What brings you here?"

The young Vanguard, who was lazily waiting on the street, looked up when he heard someone call his name. Upon seeing Bai Jun, Yan Qing couldn't help but be happy and waved to Bai Jun with exaggerated gestures.

"Shouldn't I be the one asking you that? Shouldn't your Vanguard be at the port and Scalegorge Waterscape today?" Bai Jun asked curiously.

Yan Qing jogged over to Bai Jun's side, and upon hearing his confusion, the handsome young man put his right hand behind his head and explained with a smile, "It's the General's order. I originally wanted to go to the port to serve as a sentry, but the General specifically instructed me last night that I don't need to act like the other Vanguard, just play it by ear."

The idea was to teach him to be adaptable, but Yan Qing felt it was just Jing Yuan made to give him a break.

Yan Qing was never one to sit still. He was on the streets of Exalting Sanctum, intending to go find Jing Yuan later, but he never expected to run into Bai Jun here.

"Really? Since you're free, why don't you come shopping with me for a bit? I have some questions for you." Bai Jun thought for a moment and then invited him.

"Yes, no problem! I'll tell the teacher everything I can."

Yan Qing naturally wouldn't refuse, especially after hearing that Bai Jun had taken the initiative to invite him. He couldn't suppress the smile on his face, so much so that he even forgot about going to see Jing Yuan.

Have you seen any trace of Buli person during this time?

"Eh? As for Buli person... I'm sorry, teacher, I haven't heard of any Buli person in Luofu territory. On the contrary, those guys from the Medicine King's Legacy are becoming increasingly rampant. In the past two weeks, I've captured quite a few people who claim to be practitioners of the Medicine King's Legacy Sect, but I haven't been able to get any useful information out of them..."

The two chatted as they strolled along the main road of Exalting Sanctum.

As Vanguard on the front lines of Luofu, Yan Qing knew far more and more comprehensive intelligence than Bai Jun, yet even so, he had not heard a single piece of information about Buli person.

The more this happened, the more uneasy Bai Jun felt.

Something's not right. Everything is just too wrong. Judging from their ability to conceal their presence, those Buli person infiltrated Luofu are definitely not nobody.

Just as the voice in his mind was about to say something else—

Bai Jun's eyebrows twitched, and he felt an awkward sensation as if a button had been fastened incorrectly. Almost subconsciously, he turned his head to look to the side.

That's a corner of the back alley after you reach the path.

Surrounded by rows of shops on both sides, in the middle of a wide street, Bai Jun stopped and stared straight into the depths of a secluded back alley.

"Teacher? What's wrong?"

When Yan Qing turned her head in confusion, Bai Jun scanned the surroundings with his sharp gaze. The first thing he felt was a malicious gaze. Even though the gaze was not directed at him, Bai Jun could still keenly sense this strangeness.

And it wasn't an ordinary gaze, but a different kind of filthy creature that had lived in darkness for a long time.

As time went on, a faint medicinal fragrance gradually filled the air...

Bai Jun had smelled this scent more than once, once in Aurum Alley, and once at the Guinaifen's concert.

Having been exposed to it so often, Bai Jun had practically memorized the name of the medicinal powder.

"The 'Soul-Returning Vitality Powder,' it's those guys from the Medicine King's Legacy again..."

Bai Jun clicked his tongue in annoyance, said only one sentence, and then walked alone into the narrow alley.

Yan Qing also sensed that something was wrong, his expression changed instantly, and he gripped his sword tightly and hurriedly followed.

It's that gloomy place again.

Jiaoqiu and Moze stood at the entrance of the Prison of Deep Seclusion, obediently raising their hands and allowing the messengers from the Ten Lords Bureau to search them.

"Please come in, both of you. However, the judge has not yet arrived. Please wait on the suspended stairs for a moment."

After the body search, the two entered the Prison of Deep Seclusion again, which they had visited the day before. They immediately felt as if they were immersed in icy water. Fortunately, they had been prepared this time and wore an extra layer of clothing, so they did not shiver from the cold.

Moze began to idly observe and analyze the structure of the Prison of Deep Seclusion.