Late at night, the lights in Demon-Suppression Office's value room were brightly lit.
Chu Bai embraced the white fox and stepped into the gate with steady steps.
Hu Hao and Feng Qin followed closely behind, both with uncontrollable excitement on their faces.
In their view, their captain single-handedly captured Spirit Fox, who was helpless even Wu Household, in a busy urban area with complex terrain. This was not only a manifestation of strength, but also another reinforcement of Demon-Slaying Squad's reputation.
"Captain, this fox is really beautiful. It's all white and has no mottled colors. No wonder Wu Household is willing to spend such a huge sum of money."
Feng Qin rubbed his hands and looked at Fox Spirit, who was huddled motionless in Chu Bai's arms, laughing.
Chu Bai sat back down and placed the white fox on the large desk.
That Fox Spirit was extremely well-behaved, neither running away nor roaring, but just looking at Chu Bai quietly with those big wet eyes.
"Thank you for your hard work, both of you."
Chu Bai raised his head and looked at Hu Hao and Feng Qin, but concealed all the details about "Locust Elder" in his words, "This Fox Spirit did borrow Life Qi from the old locust tree Great Locust Alley to block the sensor. From now on, the patrol intensity in that downtown area can be slightly reduced."
Hu Hao was stunned for a moment and asked with some confusion, "Captain, although Fox Spirit has been captured, the area is densely populated after all. If there are any other evil spirits sneaking in..."
"Today's inspection shows that it is stable and there should be few evil spirits breeding there."
Feng Qin and Hu Hao looked at each other. Although they were curious, they already almost blindly followed Chu Bai's judgment.
They don't know that in the deep Great Locust Alley, there is already a "Alley God" of Qi Refining Late-Stage monitoring day and night, whose efficiency is far better than the patrols of dozens of Demon-Suppressing Guard.
Withdrawing manpower is not only to reduce unnecessary waste of resources, but also to give Locust Elder a relatively independent and uninterrupted growth environment, while also reducing the risk of Locust Elder being exposed.
Chu Bai watched the two people take the order and leave, the door slowly closed, and the atmosphere in the room returned to silence.
He knows very well that Edict Investiture Locust Elder this kind of "private sealing of gods" is a huge taboo under the current Great Zhou system.
Although he was doing it for peace, in the eyes of the superiors, this was tantamount to privately arming himself and intercepting incense.
Therefore, Locust Elder will be a trump card in his hand that he will not use easily.
"Edict Investiture should not be traced to me, but if Locust Elder himself is discovered by the superiors, it will be detrimental to him."
"Besides, it itself also needs to practice quietly, just keep it as your eyes and ears."
As for the Fox Spirit in front of me...
Chu Bai stretched out his hand and gently touched the soft ears of Fox Spirit with his fingertips.
"Wu Household wants you to go back, and I promised Wu Shang to save your life. Now, we should talk about where you are going."
When Bai Hu heard the word "Wu Household", his body visibly stiffened.
Although it has not yet transformed and cannot speak human words, due to the many benefits it has received from Locust Elder, its intelligence is no different from that of a teenage child.
It slowly stood up, turned around gracefully on the table, and then gently pressed its front paws on Chu Bai's official seal, making a soft "" sound.
Through Spell Power, Chu Bai, you can feel a weak Divine Sense fluctuation.
It was fear and a kind of stubbornness that would rather die than surrender.
"Are you afraid of Wu Household's method of controlling beasts?"
Chu Bai saw through its thoughts at a glance.
Fox Spirit nodded, and there was even a thin layer of mist in his eyes.
As a creature with enlightened intelligence, what it fears most is not death, but losing its freedom and becoming a plaything that only pleases its master and has no dignity.
"Kai Nature Spirit, naturally different from ordinary evil spirits."
"But the world is so big, there isn't much room for you."
"Wu Household has a very deep foundation in Anping County, and my master Daoist Zhang has an old relationship with that Wu Shang. I can't force you to stay in Demon-Suppression Office directly."
Chu Bai explained patiently, "Besides, as Nature Spirit, if you don't have a legitimate identity, sooner or later the people sent to patrol the Changliu Department will be discovered by the superiors. By then, no one can protect you."
With Nature Spirit status, naturally you are not allowed to stay in the city permanently.
Unless you have enough potential or have a bloodline, you can be valued by the superiors and get a formal status.
Fox Spirit was silent.
It lowered its head and seemed to be weighing the pros and cons.
After seeing how Chu Bai guided Locust Elder and revived dead trees, he had an almost instinctive respect and trust for the young Demon-Slaying Token.
After a while, it looked up at Chu Bai, and Divine Sense came again: It's up to you, as long as you are not a slave.
"Okay." Chu Bai's eyes flashed with approval, "Wu Household is running Spirit Pet's business. What he seeks is wealth and fame."
"Since you are so intelligent and extraordinary, I can try to find you a position as a guest."
Chu Bai immediately picked up the pen, spread out a piece of Zhang Su paper on the desk, and quickly wrote a reply.
The words in the letter were sharp and firm: Spirit Fox has been traced, but his intelligence is clear and he has a strong spirit, so he cannot be forced.
If Wu Household wants to use the secret method to enslave the fox, the fox will die and lose money; if Wu Household is willing to treat each other with courtesy, sign an equal contract, and provide resources to help him practice, then the fox can be Wu Household Guard's guest.
This letter is the step Chu Bai gives Wu Household, and it is also the way he fights for this Fox Spirit.
The next morning, Wu Household mansion.
Wu Shang held the letter sent by Chu Bai in his hand and walked into the backyard with a complicated expression.
There, Wu Ping, the contemporary owner of Wu Household, is pruning a pot of extremely old Spirit Plant with his own hands.
Wu Ping is over forty this year, and his cultivation level can reach Qi Refining Third Layer.
Ordination's cultivation level is not high, but in Anping County's merchant circle, he Wu Ping is famous for being meticulous and gentle.
"Master, Mr. Chu has responded." Wu Shang handed over the letter.
Wu Ping After reading it, he was silent for a long time, then he chuckled and put the scissors aside.
"This Mr. Chu has solved a difficult problem for us and pointed out a clear path for us."
Wu Shang said with some worry, "Master, we Wu Household have been taming animals for generations, and there has never been a precedent for equal contracts.
If this is an opening, if those Serpent Demons follow the same example in the future, will we still be able to do business?"
"Nonsense." Wu Ping shook his head, with a shrewdness unique to businessmen in his eyes, "How can those ordinary Demon Beast compare with the Fox Spirit who has developed spiritual intelligence?
Wu Shang, you have to remember that although we Wu Household made our fortune by selling pets, what we Wu Household lack most is the combat power to be able to hold the situation together."
He stood up and stood with his hands behind his back. "Then if Fox Spirit can break through Qi Refining Mid-Stage, it will be a big help. If it can stay in Wu Household willingly, even if it doesn't listen to orders, as long as it sits in our ancestral hall, who dares to look down on us Wu Household?"
"What's more..." Wu Ping pointed to the signature Chu Bai at the end of the letter, "This is what Mr. Chu means. Who among these Anping Countys doesn't know Mr. Chu's words? Sell him a face, keep a top-notch Spirit Fox, and exchange for a long-term protection. This deal is very cost-effective."
As the head of the family, he sees further.
"Don't you understand yet?" Wu Ping sighed deeply, "Chu Bai is not negotiating with us, but giving us a clear path.
How did Lu Household disappear? How did Second Squad collapse? That boy is not only a powerful figure in Demon-Suppression Office now, but there may be someone behind him."
"More importantly, what does a guardian spirit beast that has the potential of Qi Refining Mid-Stage and is personally guaranteed by Chu Bai mean to the current Wu Household?"
Wu Ping stood up and walked to the window, "This means that whoever wants to touch Wu Household in the future must first weigh Master Demon-Slaying Token behind this spiritual beast.
Although our Wu Household family in Anping County has a big business, no one in the family is an official, except for a few Serpent Demons that don't obey orders. What can we do to fight against those powerful people? This Fox Spirit is a life-saving talisman handed to us by Chu Bai."
Wu Shang was silent.
He certainly knows the current situation. Wu Household has made too much money from Spirit Pet's business, which has aroused the jealousy of many people. If he can take this opportunity to deeply connect with Chu Bai, even if he loses a little control over Fox Spirit, it will be a good deal.
"Brother, what you mean is that we agree?"
"Promise." A flash of determination flashed in Wu Ping's eyes, "Tell Lord Chu that Wu Household not only agrees, but also does it with great fanfare. Tomorrow, Lord Chu will be invited to visit in person to witness the contract!"
In the afternoon, Wu Household respectfully sent a reply.
The letter stated: Wu Household is willing to follow Lord Chu's suggestion, abolish all means of slavery, and hire Spirit Fox to be Wu Household's guardian guest. Wu Household allocates resources to spirit medicine for his practice every month, just asking that Spirit Fox can help Wu Household when his life or death is at stake.
At this point, the matter finally saw the dawn of improvement.
Wu Household's mansion is located on the east side of Anping County. It occupies a very large area and you can smell the fragrance of various plants and trees from a distance. It is a garden specially opened to support Spirit Pet.
Chu Bai was still dressed in casual clothes, holding the white fox in his arms who was already looking energetic, and arrived at the door on time.
Wu Household master Wu Ping and Lineage's elders were waiting outside the gate early. As soon as they saw Chu Bai, Wu Ping had a kind and sincere smile on his face.
"Master Chu is here in person, Wu Household is shining brightly."
Wu Ping did not show any arrogance of being superior to others. Instead, he seemed like an elder who had seen the rising star, and his tone was full of admiration.
Although his cultivation level is not high, his calm and unhurried businessman demeanor is really endearing to people.
Entering the main hall, the fragrant tea is ready.
Chu Bai was not polite and directly placed the white fox on the brocade stool aside.
Wu Ping glanced at Fox Spirit, a trace of unconcealable surprise flashed in his eyes, but he immediately restrained it.
He knew very well that from today on, this was no longer an object, but a guest who needed to be respected.
If it breaks through Qi Refining Mid-Stage, it can even be called the elder of the town clan.
Great Zhou monk Ordination's practice is all under the control of Law Net, but this Nature Spirit's natural upbringing does not have such shackles and restrictions.
As for his identity, it's easy to handle.
"Wu Household Lord, have you prepared the contract?" Chu Bai picked up the teacup and took a sip.
"It has been prepared. Please take a look, sir." Wu Ping took out two specially made spiritual snake skin scrolls from his sleeves.
Chu Bai Divine Sense Sweep.
The main content is that Wu Household promises to provide sufficient spiritual materials and independent practice Quiet Chamber, and the white fox needs to protect Wu Household when it encounters a life-or-death crisis.
This is more like a reciprocal cooperation rather than unilateral slavery.
The content of the contract is the same as what was mentioned in the letter, and Wu Household even added an additional clause: If Fox Spirit has a higher spiritual practice destination in the future, Wu Household will never force him to stay.
This sincerity cannot be said to be insufficient.
Master Wu Household looked at Chu Bai and said sincerely, "Mr. Chu, although I, Wu Household, am not from a wealthy family, I still know the truth that strong melons are not sweet. Nowadays, the world is getting chaotic and evil spirits are rampant. What I, Wu Household, seek is peace and wealth. It is a great blessing to be protected by this Spirit Fox."
Chu Bai nodded.
He could see that Wu Ping is a smart person, and this smartness is reflected in his knowing when to let go.
"Okay, since Lord Wu Household is willing, let's get started."
Chu Bai didn't talk nonsense, he signaled the white fox to jump to the case.
The contract signing process is extremely rigorous.
Under the gaze of Chu Bai, the white fox also stretched out a paw, pressed it on the cinnabar, and then stamped it heavily on the contract.
The two rays of light flashed away, and the contract took shape, turning into two streams of light, which penetrated into the eyebrows of Wu Ping and Bai Hu respectively.
The contract is concluded.
The white fox, who was still a little wary at first, finally showed a hint of peace of mind in his big and smart eyes after feeling the warmth and restraint from the contract.
It jumped off the brocade stool, bowed slightly to Wu Ping, and performed a non-standard courtesy. Then it ducked and got into the most spiritual garden in the backyard.
"Haha, good! What a spiritual fox!" Wu Ping laughed while stroking his beard, his eyes full of satisfaction.
After the business was done, Wu Ping ordered someone to fetch something.
"Master Chu, you have had a hard time on this trip. I heard that you have not purchased a house yet. Wu Household still has some property in the city. Please accept it."
It's actually a deed to a house.
Wu Ping looked at Chu Bai with sincere eyes. "Mr. Chu is busy with affairs in the department, and you have to spend some money on weekdays. Please don't refuse."
"This house is located not far away. The second step is to enter the house. No one has lived in it since it was built."
"If Mr. Chu ever needs Wu Household's services in the city in the future, whether it's looking for some rare Spirit Pet or getting some market information, just let me know."
Since Wu Household has shown sufficient sincerity and goodwill, and the matter itself has been successfully resolved, it would seem unreasonable for him to refuse further.
Chu Bai saw this and did not refuse. He reached out to take the deed of the house and asked again, "Master Wu Household, do you know any good formation masters? I just need to place a Spirit Gathering Formation in the house to increase the efficiency of cultivation."
Since entering Qi Refining Mid-Stage, Chu Bai has always felt a little dissatisfied with his desires even though he is pregnant with Perfected Level's "Origin Return Formula".
Although Demon-Suppression Office's Quiet Chamber's spiritual skills are acceptable, they are indeed a little insufficient for his increasingly sophisticated cultivation, so he wants to create a better cultivation environment in his new house.
Wu Ping heard this and said hurriedly, "The formation master is on his way, Wu Household seems to have some clues. Li Household has the inheritance of the formation in the city, and the business is very stable. I will help contact you now, and when there is time there, I will ask them to go to the mansion to find the master."
Li Household?
Chu Bai has heard about it. His family has been studying formations for several generations, so it shouldn't be difficult for Spirit Gathering Formation.
"Okay, then it's settled."