The Howling Celestial Dog came again two days later.
This time, he chose a time when Fang Qingqin was at the shop.
When he entered, Fang Qingqin was crouching in the courtyard, helping Lu Ming blow-dry a rabbit's fur. She glanced up at the footsteps, saw a young man with silvery-white hair, and thought nothing of it. She lowered her head and went on with her work.
The Howling Celestial Dog fussed over Big Yellow for a while, then casually wandered toward the courtyard.
He crouched down, pretending to play with the rabbit, and sniffed a few times without drawing attention. Then he leaned closer to sniff Fang Qingqin's jacket, which was draped over the back of a chair.
It took only a few seconds. He stood, brushed the bits of grass off his hands, and turned back into the shop.
Wen Ning was organizing the shelves behind the counter.
The Howling Celestial Dog walked over and tapped the countertop twice. Wen Ning understood, put down what he was holding, and followed him to the small storeroom in the back courtyard.
As soon as the door closed, the grin vanished from the Howling Celestial Dog's face.
"I picked up the scent."
He leaned against the wall with his arms folded, keeping his voice low.
"The demonic aura on her is a lot like something I've encountered down south."
Wen Ning watched him without rushing to respond.
"A vicious creature that was once sealed away."
The Howling Celestial Dog's brow furrowed deeply as he said those words.
"It carries a lingering malice left by the seal. Either someone released it from a seal, or it broke free on its own. Either way, it's not something to mess with."
Wen Ning was silent for a few seconds before asking,
"Can you tell