"I think it's something they need for their sacrifices. What are we waiting for? Why don't we go destroy them together?" Xu An raised an eyebrow, motioning for Wise to come with him.
"We should gather everyone and go together, just to be safe." Wise smiled faintly.
"I've already checked those locations one by one and narrowed it down to one suspicious spot. It's probably where the Order's people are. I think we might pick up some leads if we go there."
"All right, I'll go right now," Xu An said, then turned and left.
Soon, everyone had returned to the temple.
"What? O_o? You mean you found those guys' hideout while we were out on just one trip?" Fufu looked astonished [・_・?].
"We really have you to thank... Looks like Master's judgment was pretty good." Ye Shiyuan smiled.
"That's right. Now that everything's clear, it's time to teach those guys a serious lesson!" Pan Yinhu said fiercely.
Belle sighed. "It's a shame Master can't come with us, and someone has to stay behind to look after her." Then she looked at Ye Shiyuan and continued, "Senior Brother, sorry for the trouble, but could you stay and guard Yunkui Summit? And protect Master and my brother while you're here."
"Hmm... I'd really like to teach those shameless scoundrels a lesson too, but since Junior Sister Belle has asked, of course I'll do it."
Hearing that, Xu An quietly sidled up to Belle and leaned close. "Belle, could you talk to Senior Brother Shiyuan and have him tell me everything about his younger sister's likes and stuff?"
"Ahem, Senior Brother Xu, as the temporary person in charge, I can't abuse my authority~" Belle raised an eyebrow and huffed (.-`ω´-), looking as if to say, Beg me. Even if you beg, I won't help you. Hehe~
"Oh. If your brother found out the person in your room that night wasn't me at all..."
"You dare threaten me?!"
"Hmph, if Nicole found out Anby only ended up... because of you..."
"Let's work out a proper plan~"
"I want to know Senior Sister Xiaoguang's likes, her tastes, and some of her everyday habits."
"No problem. I'll go ask Senior Brother Shiyuan."
"I also want to know, ahem, Senior Sister Xiaoguang's measurements and stuff. Ahem." Xu An actually embarrassed himself as he said it!
"What about my reputation? No. Absolutely not." Belle refused sternly.
"You even did that to Nekomata!"
Belle hurriedly covered his mouth! Stop talking! I'll help you, okay?
After their conversation, Belle went off to talk with Senior Brother Ye Shiyuan, looking as if she had nothing left to live for. Xu An even gave her an encouraging look as she left.
"What are they going to do?" Ju Fufu was a little confused. They had just been all fired up to venture into the Hollow and uphold justice, so why had the mood suddenly changed?
"It's nothing. Belle just wants to do me a little favor."
Not long afterward, Xu An, Belle, Ju Fufu, and Pan Yinhu entered the Hollow together and began their operation.
"The analysis of the anomalous data indicates that the Order's base is very likely nearby.
"Be careful, everyone. There could be an ambush in the area," Wise warned.
Hearing that, Xu An scanned their surroundings with his senses. He wasn't worried afterward, his expression utterly unconcerned.
"Let's hurry up, finish this, and get back. Once we're through this busy stretch, I'm definitely taking a proper break."
Xu An urged them on.
"Don't worry, Junior Brother Wise. We have the initiative this time! It's time to get rid of those evildoers!
"Junior Brother Yinhu! Let's coordinate when the time comes. We can't let a single one slip through!"
"Don't worry, Senior Sister. Leave it to me!" Pan Yinhu vowed confidently.
The two charged ahead, leading Xu An and Belle onward under Wise's remote guidance.
They took care of every Ethereal along the way themselves. It seemed the two of them were really angry this time.
Xu An and Belle walked behind them, with Xu An thinking about how to get more attribute points.
Belle, meanwhile, wondered why Xu An wanted all that information about their little senior sister. Could he like her? He definitely does.
[Ding, Belle resents you. Attribute points +10]
O_o?
Xu An really didn't understand. He just couldn't figure it out.
He then had the system turn off its notification sounds and hummed a little tune.
"The bashful moon~
"Hurried off the stage~
"Hid inside a cloud
"Waiting bitterly for the break of day~
Belle walked beside him, listening quietly, her thoughts unknown.
"I'll never forget you running toward me
"Like a flame about to shatter
..."
"Senior Brother? Who wrote that song? It sounds pretty good."
"Heh heh. Far over the horizon, yet right before your eyes."
Xu An planted his hands on his hips and showed off.
Belle's mouth twitched. This guy really never passes up a chance to show off, huh...
"You're pretty impressive, then. Why not try recording a song?" Belle suggested after a moment's thought.
"I don't have time," Xu An replied halfheartedly.
"You could make a lot of money!" Belle reminded him.
"But then again, when it comes to time, you can always find some if you squeeze a little." Xu An instantly changed his tune.
"Senior Brother Xu, I have a friend who's a celebrity. Astra Yao. Have you heard of her?"
"Yeah. What about her?" Xu An asked. "What, you want to ask her for help?"
Belle nodded to say that was an option.
"She and I are really close!" Belle raised her eyebrows and started showing off too. See how awesome I am?
Xu An: O_o.
"Oh, you're close to her. That doesn't mean she's close to me.
"Besides, I was just humming for fun. There's no need."
Xu An cut off Belle's idea as he spoke.
Then he continued walking.
"Then how about I introduce you two when we have time?" Belle said.
"Is she pretty?" Xu An asked. The subject seemed to have taken quite a leap, though. They had just been talking about music, so how had they ended up talking about beautiful women?
"Of course! She's a singing star in New Eridu! Her looks are top-notch." Belle patted her chest in assurance.
"So why are you introducing me to a female friend?" Xu An asked, puzzled.
"Huh? I see you on your own every day, Senior Brother, so I wanted you to make some more friends and stuff," Belle said a little awkwardly.
O_o "Belle, my heart already belongs to someone. But~ then again, making friends is still fine."
"Our little senior sister?" Belle suddenly asked.
"OAO? Isn't it obvious?" Xu An asked back.
"Oh..." Belle felt a little dejected. Why isn't it me? Sigh, can't this guy see I like him?
[Ding, Belle is feeling dejected. Attribute points +3+3+3...]
"Belle, do you like me?" Xu An asked, puzzled.
"Huh?" Belle was a little surprised that he would suddenly ask that. "Yeah, I like you. But since you like our little senior sister, I can only wish you two the best." Though her words sounded carefree, the dejection in her voice was hard to hide.
Xu An said nothing, only nodding lightly to show he understood.
"But Belle, why didn't you introduce yourself instead of Astra Yao?" Xu An suddenly asked her.
Though he had long since prepared himself to be a scumbag and all, he would wait until he won over his senior sister before considering anything else. After all, his brain was full of Xiaoguang right now.
As for whether he would become one later, heh heh (.-`ω´-), that was anyone's guess.