Chapter 148 Really Dirty (First Update)
As the two sides were arguing, seven or eight soldiers rushed out of the Weird Domain, surrounding a Great Knight.
The Great Knight, wearing a mask, inquired about the situation, waved his hand, and indicated that they could all pass, but the spoils would be strictly inspected.
Here in Bellflower Mountain, there are very few times when we check the harvest.
Fortunately, it wasn't unprecedented, and given the unusual activity in the Weird Domain, the order was generally accepted by everyone.
Someone sneered, "What rare and strange item did they find? Didn't they find it?"
Normally, such conversations are classified and should only be discussed in private, but how many of the forces that can come here are not of sufficient importance?
Since you're in a bad mood, you should deliberately talk about it publicly.
The military had no choice but to pretend they didn't hear it, and they proceeded with the team-by-team inspections very thoroughly.
Fortunately, they only inspected the harvest and asked a few questions; they didn't forcibly take it away.
Seeing this, the resentment of the many martial artists gradually dissipated, and they could only urge the soldiers to check as soon as possible.
The students from the Red Pine Martial Academy were rather unfortunate, because even though their line was relatively complete, they were cut in line several times.
Although Instructor Hong was not one to speak easily, at most he could only roll his eyes when he saw those bloodied warriors.
They were a little late for the check, but the inspection was still very thorough.
During this process, Wu Youren gained some attention.
His backpack was full of all sorts of strange and unusual things, which made the soldiers ask him a lot of questions.
Once they realized that these were all homemade mechanical components, another question was answered.
No wonder this Knight Apprentice was able to enter the Weird Domain with the instructor.
As for the Toad Glasses on the boy's shoulder, they caused almost no controversy.
The soldiers examined the bird and, finding no Weird Qi, simply asked, "What kind of bird is this?"
The boy with the Toad Glasses stood motionless, and when he answered with "snow hawk," the soldiers immediately understood.
Whether you're raising it or eating it, this variety is worth trying.
After exiting the checkpoint and arriving at the parking area, we ran into Luo Xi driving up in a car.
He heard in the military camp that a major upheaval had occurred in the Weird Domain, with many people fleeing in panic and numerous wounded.
He was worried about his own team, and since his wristwatch couldn't reach them, he had no choice but to drive over in a hurry.
"The communication channel is congested," Daiqisi gave a professional answer. It's normal for such a situation to occur in such a big event.
In any case, Red Pine's team suffered almost no losses, which is something to be happy about.
The military camp isn't far from here; it's only a ten-minute drive.
The three vehicles returned to the military camp and found it in a state of chaos—mainly due to the treatment of the wounded, and the commotion was quite significant.
The Red Pine team reunited, and because they had taken a short rest at the exit of the Weird Domain, they weren't too tired.
Everyone began to take stock of their gains and exchange information.
Wu Youren then went through his inventory, intending to find something to eat for the Toad Glasses.
He wasn't very confident that he could keep the food alive, so he decided to try everything he had on hand.
Unfortunately, this guy is a very picky eater—or maybe he's not hungry? In any case, he won't eat anything.
Next to his room lived the people from the Earl Shengming's Residence.
That sinister Great Knight had led his men to aid the Weird Domain earlier and hadn't returned yet.
However, the others in the Earl's mansion also knew that this young Knight Apprentice was not to be underestimated and that they needed to do their best to win him over.
Seeing that he was failing to feed the birds, some people came over and started exchanging information.
While everyone else was busy rescuing people, this group was figuring out how to feed the birds—it was quite amusing.
The Earl Shengming's Residence is a business-oriented family, and it also has many good-for-nothing sons who enjoy keeping birdcages and are quite familiar with these things.
Snowy harriers are indeed rare, but someone in the Earl's mansion really knows how to raise them!
However, the Toad Glasses wouldn't eat anything; it ate a little of two kinds of food but then vomited them up.
The people at the Earl's mansion were at a loss and said they would contact the mansion again to see if there were any other suggestions.
Wu Youren tugged at the little bird and found that it was gripping his shoulder too tightly, so he simply took off his clothes.
In the Weird Domain, there are no facilities for washing clothes, and you can't even take a bath.
However, at his level of cultivation, it is still very convenient for him to cleanse the surface of his body with his internal energy.
Washing clothes is out of the question for now; the sink is full of people washing bandages and dealing with bloodstained clothes.
Wu Youren had just changed his clothes Toad Glasses started grabbing his shoes again and shakily climbing up.
"Get out of the way," he said, lightly kicking the guy away.
The next moment, Luo Xi appeared from around the corner.
His expression was a little strange. "I heard you're on good terms with Ailin, a student at Youthful Splendor?"
"We just know each other," the boy replied casually after a moment's hesitation, his expression indifferent.
"She was attacked," Luo Xi observed the other person's expression carefully.
He remembered Ailin; she was a beautiful young woman, easy to remember even without any impure thoughts.
"Oh, that's really... terrible," Wu Youren wasn't even sure what word to use to express it.
Luo Xi waited a moment before speaking, somewhat bewildered, "And then?"
The boy returned the look with astonishment, saying, "I told you, it's terrible."
"That's it?" Luo Xi was really finding it hard to believe. She was a beautiful woman, and you even knew her!
"Then—what should I do?" Wu Youren looked at him curiously. "Catching the murderer is the government's job, isn't it?"
Luo Xi shook her head. "She gave you a lot of things before she left, and this is your attitude?"
"You said it yourself, she gave it to me," the boy said, looking bewildered. "I didn't ask for it—"
Before the other person could speak again, he decisively said, "Yes, I haven't even opened it yet. I'm just waiting for her to come back and return it to her."
"You—" Luo Xi was truly speechless.
After a pause, he said, "The news came from the New Army. Whether you want to know more or not—it's up to you."
"Hmm, thanks for letting me know," the boy replied casually, then lightly kicked away the Toad Glasses that had approached again.
"You—sigh," Luo Xi shook her head, turned and left, "You have such high standards."
Wu Youren was unaffected, sketching and writing on the ground with a twig, appearing quite relaxed.
When he kicked off his Toad Glasses for the nth time, a pair of short boots, the standard uniform of the New Army, appeared in front of him.
It's not even late autumn yet, aren't you afraid of getting athlete's foot! Wu Youren raised his head, "Greetings, Commander."
"I'm not doing well at all," Jeff said, plopping down on a nearby stool with a sigh. " The New Army suffered heavy losses this time."
"Oh, that's terrible," the boy decided to treat everyone the same.
"I don't need your comfort," Jeff scoffed. "You're probably secretly pleased."
The boy shook his head; he couldn't respond to that at all.
Jeff wasn't surprised by his reaction at all, and went straight to the point, " Ailin was attacked in front of her house and turned into an idiot."
"Yes, it's a pretty bad thing," Wu Youren nodded.
Jeff scoffed, "Aren't you even a little surprised who did it?"
"Why should I even consider this?" Wu Youren asked in surprise, "It was she who was attacked, not me!"
"Heh," Jeff chuckled dryly, "She's already taken your advice, written her suggestions, and is about to send them out!"
Wu Youren remained silent for a long time before finally asking, "What does this have to do with me?"
"You started this whole thing, and now you're dragged into it!"
"Don't scare me, I'm easily frightened," the boy waved his hand dismissively, "If she's attacked, then the advice can't be submitted?"
"That's not the case. There are other people involved. That little girl has been causing quite a stir lately."
"Yes, indeed," Wu Youren nodded. "I'm just a hostage from a foreign country; I'm not even qualified to offer advice. What am I worried about?"
"It was your idea!"
"Commander, there's no point in you saying that," the young man said seriously. "I was just speaking offhand, and I have no right to offer any advice."
"If anyone wants to steal the credit for initiating the initiative, they can just do it. What does this have to do with me?"
Commander Jeff was finally stunned, and after a long while, he asked, "You believe that the person who stole the credit attacked her?"
"Otherwise what?" Wu Youren's face showed a look of being both amused and exasperated.
He felt that encountering this kind of thing was already strange enough, but now he was being pestered by it, which was really annoying.
He gritted his teeth and said, "Is it so rare to steal credit? Who doesn't want to climb the ladder?"
"Besides taking credit, someone should also take the blame. Sir—didn't you already choose me?"
"You bastard!" Jeff was genuinely speechless. "If you want to steal the credit, you can just say so. You don't even need to ask."
"What if the person who was robbed doesn't agree?" Wu Youren was speechless. "If we just want to silence them, wouldn't that be much simpler?"
"You little rascal—" Jeff pointed a finger at him, "You're really filthy!"
The fact that even the New Army, who was no saint himself, made such a comment shows how extreme the language was.
Wu Youren remained unmoved; for some people, the concept of a bottom line simply doesn't exist.
"You're getting the wrong idea," Jeff said when he didn't react. "Someone doesn't want the suggestion to be submitted."
Wu Youren blinked twice, then nodded blankly, "Oh, no wonder----"
This possibility certainly exists; he understands how ruthless political struggles can be.
But treating a girl like this, even if she's Yanzi, at least on the surface she doesn't have a job.
This job was a bit rough around the edges, which is why he prioritized the other possibility.
No wonder the other party didn't kill Ailin, only severely injured her; there was no need.
His reactions may seem slow, but the New Army will not be fooled by appearances.
He astutely grasped the key point. "No wonder?"
Wu Youren casually replied, "No wonder you came to tell me to be careful."
"That's not what you wanted to say," Jeff's intuition was right, "Was it to hide your true abilities?"
The boy looked at him with clear eyes, but did not answer.
Forget it, that's not important! For a moment, the Great Knight seemed a little disheartened. "Aren't you afraid?"
Wu Youren blinked twice and asked softly, "Will being afraid do any good?"
The New Army looked at him indifferently: Of course it's useful. As long as you join us, you'll have protection.
However, the little guy was clearly faking his madness, and he was truly exceptionally stubborn—he was incredibly inflexible.
Chapter 149 Unkind (Second Update)
Commander Jeff was too tired to think anymore. " Ailin's injuries are too severe; she probably won't recover—don't you care at all?"
"Me?" Wu Youren kicked away his Toad Glasses again and calmly replied, "I'm too busy taking care of myself."
"Hmm," the New Army snorted softly, then turned and left.
Watching his retreating figure, the boy couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "How rude."
Jeff was walking along when he heard this, and his right hand moved naturally to his waist where he kept his dagger.
He paused slightly, then lowered his hand, casually turned a corner, and disappeared.
Wu Youren shook his head and went back to his room: This adventure was satisfactory.
He wasn't addicted to courting death; rather, he wanted to expand his living space, so he had to take steps to test the waters.
Great Knight Jeff is a ruthless killer, yet he tolerated this offense today.
The suggestion must still be developing, which explains the other party's reaction.
Wu Youren sang softly, silently reminding himself: This kind of probing should only be done once, and at the very least, not too frequently.
Not long after, Manna strolled over. "Let me see your bird!"
She teased the little guy with the Toad Glasses for a while, expressing some concern that he wouldn't eat anything.
After a while, she muttered softly, "My master told me to pass on a message—behave yourself, she's not always around."
Instructor Hong had been observing the situation. She believed that Jeff hadn't intervened because of her, the head instructor, being present.
This understanding isn't necessarily wrong; many things in the world don't have just one answer.
"Please thank you on my behalf, sir," Wu Youren nodded slightly, "Will there be any consequences for her not participating this time?"
He desperately wanted to know what the Hall of Extraordinary Masters was all about, but clearly, even if others could ask, he couldn't.
The Hall of Extraordinary Masters issued a call for the Great Knight, but Hong Da did not respond. There should be more to this story.
The fact that so many martial artists appeared outside the exit of the Weird Domain during the day proves that there were more than just a few who did not respond to the orders of the Hall of Extraordinary Masters.
Not surprising, the world is never short of intelligent people!
At the time, the military did not show any abnormality; at most, they simply did not provide medical treatment, which was traditional for the Liang army.
An army is an army, and a warrior is a warrior. Anyone who wants to get rich by following the army must bear all the costs, including supplies, weapons, and casualties.
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However, the fact that the army doesn't bother with martial artists doesn't mean the Hall of Extraordinary Masters won't!
In fact, given the chaotic scene at the time, it would have been unrealistic for the military to suppress it, as that could have led to an even bigger uproar.
Now that everyone has returned to the military camp, the Hall of Extraordinary Masters is slowly starting to look for its rear, which is theoretically entirely feasible.
"We asked," Manna said, adding that many people were concerned about this, "But Master said we don't need to worry about it."
"You, on the other hand, are surprisingly kind of sensible."
"Sister, what are you saying?" Wu Youren smiled bitterly, "Have I ever done anything to wrong anyone?"
"Instructor Kaili, what do you have to say?" Manna actually pointed it out, "They waived your tuition fees, what are you reporting?"
However, Wu Youren noticed how candid she sounded, and considering that Instructor Kaili wasn't punished afterward, there must be some explanation behind it.
He coughed lightly and said earnestly, "Her actions are suspected of damaging the friendship between our two countries. Did I do something wrong?"
"Stop using those high-sounding arguments," Manna said, indicating she wasn't interested in such rhetoric. "Anyway, you're being dishonest."
Wu Youren wanted to explain, but it was simply inconvenient.
He didn't bother to say more, "What do you think about Ailin's injury?"
"I see with my own eyes," Manna replied irritably. She had previously thought highly of the couple, but now that was no longer an option.
"If she didn't know you, this wouldn't have happened."
"Why am I always the one who's wrong?" The boy decided he couldn't take it anymore. "Is it reasonable for the New Army to speak up for the students of the Youthful Splendor Martial Academy?"
"Isn't this unusual?" Manna glanced at him. " Ailin's suggestion is related to the development of the New Army!"
"As for you, you're not familiar with the Liang's official system either. Can you stop being so suspicious?"
If it were really as you say, I would have died eight hundred times over! Wu Youren gave a bitter smile, too lazy to argue.
Manna continued, "By the way, you know about the bureaucratic system, and she taught you that. Don't you feel even a little bit guilty?"
"And you even said you've never wronged anyone—how dare you say that!"
Her words were a bit harsh, or you could say they were blunt, but Wu Youren didn't respond at all.
The boy smiled and asked, "Sis, Kaili is Martial Academy instructor just like you, so why don't you stand up for her?"
Manna was speechless for a moment, as if someone had grabbed her by the neck. It took her a long time to finally say, "Her situation is rather complicated..."
miscellaneous!"
She only said this one sentence to that person.
"Yes, it is," Wu Youren nodded. He had already received the experience points, so there was no need to say more about Instructor Kaili's quality.
He spoke seriously, "Sister, if you don't want to say more, I don't want to ask more, but—it's really difficult for me!"
"She's just a bit too casual," Manna muttered, then added, "Anyway, you owe Ailin."
Unbeknownst to her, at that very moment, in an inconspicuous courtyard within Tianjing, several figures were discussing the same topic.
" Li Hu said that guy is incredibly hard-hearted and highly guarded—he completely ignores everything."
"So that means the New Army can no longer rely on the Jin's Hostage Prince Corps?"
"At least with this guy, we can forget about him for the time being. I wonder if we can make use of the other hostages from Jin?"
"I don't recommend it. Why must we consider the Jin? The people of Jin are the most difficult to cooperate with."
"Since we're already using protons, why not use protons from other countries?"
"Alright," a hoarse voice rang out, "Since that guy isn't cooperating, send out the message— Ailin's life is in danger."
"It's no use," a soft sigh rang out, though it was a clear one; it was Ailin's voice.
"He's hard-hearted and cunning; there's no need to continue."
"Princess, that's not what we meant," the hoarse voice chuckled bitterly, "We wanted to provoke the nobles!"
"If they can't resist taking risks, it's hard to explain whether the previous attackers were connected to them."
"Alright then, approved," Ailin pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke, "Are any of the people who witnessed my sneak attack still alive?"
"Two men, one woman, and a child—all were murdered—they all died violent deaths, which would easily arouse suspicion."
"Hmm," Ailin hummed softly, "From now on, try to choose Barbarian Tribe, not royal tribes."
"The princess is wise!" A hoarse voice sighed softly, " Great Liang is very fortunate!"
"Don't bring that up," Ailin said calmly. "That Anbei who gave me the advice, he probably won't live past tonight, will he?"
"I don't recommend tonight," someone said. "We've already arranged his suicide method—sixty-seven stab wounds to the back."
"But the situation at Bellflower Mountain is very serious, and everyone is paying attention. Anbei's suicide today won't attract much attention."
"I think this is perfect," Ailin said casually. "It also makes it seem like you're trying to cover something up. I suggest you consider it."
"I wonder how my elder brother, the Crown Prince, will explain this."
"But sixty-seven cuts are a bit too many, too deliberate—nineteen cuts would be better."
The hoarse voice brightened, "Your Highness is wise, but why nineteen cuts? Can you explain that to everyone?"
A clear voice replied, "I was just saying, I think I heard someone say something about 'Nineteen Cuts of the Sword,' which captivated countless people?"
"Your Highness, your suggestion is... well, I agree."
"Princess, someone asked if the Hall of Extraordinary Masters has lost anything this time?"
"Don't ask me about Ability User," Ailin scoffed. "Prepare yourself; you might have to attend my funeral in a few days."
When Wu Youren woke up, it was already broad daylight, almost noon.
He didn't even need to leave his room to know that a large number of martial artists had returned.
It was absolutely chaotic; even setting aside any communication between them, the groans and howls alone echoed throughout the entire military camp.
However, this noise did not affect his sleep; he could still fall asleep in the Weird Domain.
He was awakened by knocking on the door. "People inside, come out! There's a seriously wounded person who needs rest!"
The demands were demanding, but considering the noise outside, it wasn't entirely unexpected.
The military camp has limited housing, so people usually live in spacious quarters because a large number of martial artists are fighting in the Weird Domain.
In the military camp, only personnel on duty and those staying behind remain, so there's definitely enough room to rotate.
However, at this time, it's normal for the rooms to be full—yesterday at the exit of the Weird Domain, even the communication channels were congested.
When Wu Youren woke up, he wanted to say something, but then he realized something was wrong.
He looked down and saw that the Toad Glasses was scratching at his chest with his claws—his jade Weird-Repelling Jue was hidden there.
The little guy grabbed at it while tilting his head back and opening his mouth wide, making "chirp chirp" sounds.
Its tiny mouth opened wider than its head.
Not only is he not dead, but he's also so energetic? Wu Youren found it a bit strange.
He tried to pull the little guy down, but the tiny claws gripped his bra tightly.
He flicked the little paw lightly with his finger, and the Toad Glasses winced in pain, abruptly releasing his grip before he could throw the other man to the ground.
The knocking continued, very urgent.
However, Wu Youren didn't bother with it. In any case, with the noise around them, the other party wouldn't be able to sense what was happening inside.
He fed the baby bird a piece of dried meat, which the little guy swallowed whole, and then—spit it out.
He offered him some water, Toad Glasses drank a few drops, but then refused to drink any more.
Wu Youren thought for a moment, then took out the package in his arms, took out the jade pendant, and held it to the little guy's mouth.
The fledgling bird flapped its short, bare wings and stretched its neck desperately, clearly wanting to swallow it.
Since asking for water yesterday, it has never shown such a proactive attitude in seeking food!
"No way? "Wu Youren was taken aback and brought the jade pendant even closer.
The little guy actually grabbed it in one bite, stretched his neck, and tried to swallow it down desperately.
The size of this Weird-Repelling Jue was clearly too large for it to swallow, but the little fledgling was persistent and kept trying to swallow it.