Chapter 150 Avoiding the Enemy (Third Update)
"He actually ate it?" Wu Youren put away the jade pendant, and surprisingly felt a slight pulling force in his hand.
"Don't fucking break it!" Wu Youren muttered under his breath, carefully examining the contents.
If there were any real damage, the little guy would die a thousand times over and still not be enough to vent his anger.
However, newly hatched chicks have soft beaks and shouldn't be able to hurt Yu Jue. Otherwise, why would he eat so much and then try it?
However, for some reason, after examining it a few times, he felt that the jade pendant—had its precious luster been somewhat diminished?
Take a closer look; does the part that the bird's beak touched appear slightly dark?
Perhaps it was due to the moisture? Wu Youren gritted his teeth and reluctantly put away the jade pendant.
Seeing the Toad Glasses with their mouths wide open on the ground, he really wanted to kick it.
But never mind, bullying the weak isn't a skill, especially since he's an orphan—a lone bird!
He then tried using an ironwood Weird-Repelling Jue, and it seemed the young bird was somewhat interested.
At least it nibbled at me a couple of times, unlike yesterday when it completely ignored me.
Looking at Tiemu Weird-Repelling Jue, he really didn't sense any change.
Wu Youren tried again with insects and other things, but the little guy still wouldn't eat.
"I'd rather you starve to death," he said lazily, yawning without a second thought.
Just then, a voice came from outside the door, "Are you out of your mind? If you don't want to open this door, go knock on another one!"
"No rooms available," a hoarse voice replied. "This room is taken. Should I break down the door?"
Wu Youren frowned, put on his coat, and grabbed his Toad Glasses, placing them on his shoulder.
Just as the two people outside were about to turn and leave, they found the door open, and a young man appeared in front of them.
" Knight Apprentice— " A short, stocky man frowned; it was the one with the hoarse voice.
His clothes were stained with blood, and he had a terrible temper. He yelled, "Are you fucking dead?"
"Wait," the middle-aged man next to him said, patting him on the shoulder.
The middle-aged man glanced into the room, then looked at the other person's Toad Glasses on their shoulder. "Living alone?"
"It was arranged by the head instructor," Wu Youren replied expressionlessly.
The middle-aged man pondered for a moment, then tentatively asked, " Ability User?"
He gets a single room in the military camp, and he even has a little bird perched on his shoulder—the crucial point is, his cultivation level isn't even that of Knight!
Could this be an ordinary person?
Wu Youren sized the man up and down, then spoke in a deep voice, "By what right do you ask me this?"
"A subordinate of the Earl Jing'an," the middle-aged man replied solemnly, "Are you qualified?"
There's a huge difference between two earls; someone who can use the name Jing'an can't be too bad.
"I'm not Ability User," the boy shook his head and answered calmly.
"Of course I know you're not!" The middle-aged man pursed his lips speechlessly. "An intern?"
"That's enough, isn't it?" Wu Youren shook his head and calmly replied, "Please ask my instructor."
"Alright," the short, stocky man said, dissatisfied, "Get out of the way, we need to take care of the wounded."
Two martial artists from the Earl Shengming's Residence watched quietly without saying a word.
They knew this young man was someone the Earl's mansion was trying to win over, and his silence clearly indicated some kind of apprehension.
"Alright," someone spoke from afar, it was Luo Xi, "Let them have it, let's go!"
Wu Youren turned around, went to his room to pack, slung his bag over his shoulder, and left.
As he was leaving, the other party brought in two wounded men. They passed each other without exchanging a word.
When Wu Youren arrived at Red Pine's residence, he found that everyone else was also packing their bags.
Namuzha packed up the fastest. After slinging his backpack over his shoulder, he glanced at the boy and said, "Check if there's anything I've forgotten. We need to go back to Red Pine."
Wu Youren shook his head slightly, maintaining his taciturn persona.
He strongly suspected that the other party thought he was hiding something.
However, he truly had a clear conscience, having entered the Weird Domain twice, with the entire process being transparent.
Perhaps Namuzha had something on his mind that led him to offer this reminder?
Wu Youren was somewhat curious: had their journey through the Suspended Bell Mountain Weird Domain truly ended just like that?
He noticed that Manna had also put on her backpack, so he leaned over and whispered, "Are you just leaving like this?"
Namuzha watched this scene expressionlessly: Why don't you ask me questions?
Does this foreign boy really enjoy interacting with the opposite sex?
Unbeknownst to him, ever since Wu Youren was scolded by Manna yesterday, he actually felt that this person was worth getting to know.
At least they lived authentically and weren't particularly prejudiced against him, a man from the Jin. Otherwise, why would they bother to criticize him?
Manna glanced at the boy and nodded slightly. "Don't ask so many questions. The military camp just happens to be short of rooms."
"Perfectly? "Wu Youren astutely grasped this phrase and stopped asking questions.
Three or four minutes later, everyone had packed their bags and headed out of the military camp.
When asked what was going on, the discipline inspectors said it was too noisy and there weren't enough rooms in the barracks, Red Pine vacated two rooms for everyone.
However, when they reached the door, they were stopped by soldiers again, who wanted to inspect their belongings.
This time the inspection was more thorough, but the Chief Instructor Hong remained silent, simply observing coldly.
Because it lasted for a long time, other people also noticed what was happening.
Even the slightly thinner Xia'erzi appeared, walked over and glanced at Instructor Hong, "Leaving?"
He had been resting and recuperating, and thus missed the chaos in the Weird Domain, which was quite fortunate.
"Hmm," Hong Da nodded slightly.
The two sentences, totaling only three words, were considered a complete communication. To an outsider, who would guess that these two were friends?
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Jeff appeared, a playful look on his face. "Is something the matter?"
Instructor Hong glanced at him but didn't respond at all, "You think your New Army can tell me what to do with Red Pine?"
The New Army didn't pay any attention and said to himself, "Once the Bellflower Mountain stabilizes, it will remain open. Aren't you going to record any new changes?"
Hong Yan finally spoke, but her words were brief and to the point. "We have our own plans."
"Heh," Jeff scoffed, and seeing that more people were paying attention, he turned and left.
During this military inspection, even the Toad Glasses were carefully examined, but the inspection was ultimately passed smoothly.
Eleven people boarded three vehicles. The lead vehicle was occupied by Hong Da and three female Knight, while Wu Youren sat in the second vehicle.
Less than half an hour after the three cars left, seven or eight cars came from the direction of the Weird Domain, and more than twenty people jumped out.
Some were in military uniforms, others in civilian clothes. A Great Knight declared, "Seal off the barracks! No one is allowed to leave!"
Red Pine's convoy was unaware that such a thing had happened behind them.
After driving for quite a while, Luo Xi finally spoke, "Is this—because of the Hall of Extraordinary Masters?"
Wu Youren remained silent, but Namuzha spoke up, "Don't speculate, focus on driving."
After driving for four or five hours, we came to a fork in the road. The Hong Da truck turned directly onto another road.
"Wow," Luo Xi couldn't help but mutter again, "We're going to Tianjing?"
Namuzha snorted, "Hmm, it's too late to go back to Red Pine at this time, and it's not safe on the road."
Half an hour later, dilapidated factories reappeared by the roadside, scattered here and there.
Some factory chimneys were still emitting smoke, indicating they were still operating, but they looked rather desolate from the outside.
Wu Youren was a little puzzled: Rust Belt were everywhere; how long had this post-industrial era in Liang lasted?
Two hours later, as evening approached, the rust-covered area had been left behind, and sparse houses appeared.
The population grew denser, and by the time it was half dark, streetlights had already been turned on along the roadside.
After driving for about another hour, the three cars arrived at a small courtyard and turned into it.
There is a two-and-a-half-story building in the courtyard, and two rows of single-story houses.
Wu Youren already knew that this was Red Pine's base in the city, making it convenient for the instructors to handle matters.
The person in charge here has received the message that seven rooms have been vacated on the second floor, guaranteeing two people per room.
Wu Youren didn't ask for a single room this time either, and offered to share a room with Luo Xi.
As they were settling in, news spread: the military camp at Bellflower Mountain wanted them to return!
As for the specific reason, it quickly spread: the Hall of Extraordinary Masters was indeed looking for a rare treasure.
This extraordinary treasure is most likely a bead, but I'm not entirely sure.
The Hall of Extraordinary Masters quelled the disturbances in the Weird Domain. Based on the traces at the scene, it was likely that the ghostly creatures could have been released.
But somehow, I just can't find it.
The area of Suspended Bell Mountain Weird Domain is quite large, so it's normal not to find any ghostly creatures unless they are very large.
However, the Hall of Extraordinary Masters has Ability User who are skilled in perception and can pinpoint the approximate location of the strange creatures.
The previous fluctuations were too significant to be easily perceived, but things recovered somewhat afterward, and then the Ability User took action.
However, all signs indicate that the treasure has disappeared—perhaps vanished into the Weird Domain, or perhaps it was taken away by someone.
Everyone finally understood why the soldiers had conducted such a thorough inspection of the exit from the Weird Domain.
The reason why Red Pine's troops had to undergo a second inspection before leaving the camp was for this very reason.
Now, things are really messed up; the Red Pine team left ahead of time, and the other side actually wants them to go back!
The notifications eventually led them to Tianjing's hideout.
"You're sick!" That was Instructor Hong's exact words. "Found some rare treasure—how come I didn't know?"
The team that entered the Weird Domain for the second time never separated; they even came out as a team!
To prevent the misinformation from spreading, she specifically arranged for Manna to explain it to everyone.
She was in a hurry to leave with her team this time because she really didn't want to run into the people from the Hall of Extraordinary Masters.
She disliked those people because they had too much of an aura about them.
Previously, near the Red Pine, she snatched a strange object, which was eventually forcibly bought by a Ability User. Wu Youren was also present at that time.
That person wasn't directly under the jurisdiction of the Hall of Extraordinary Masters, but rather worked for the Inspectorate!
The selling price wasn't particularly bad, but the problem was that she originally wanted to keep it and trade it with the Martial Academy!
Her disobedience to the summons from the Hall of Extraordinary Masters will likely have some consequences.
She thought it wasn't a big deal and that she could just make up some excuse; the other party couldn't do anything about it.
However, leaving early can save you some trouble, and the other party won't see what you've gained.
Those people will really push to buy anything good they see.
As for why he didn't return to the Martial Academy but instead came to Red Pine's place in Tianjing, it was also a way of temporarily avoiding trouble and staying away from entanglements.
She was genuinely annoyed by the other party's actions.
Chapter 151 The Joys and Sorrows of Human Life (Fourth Update)
"A rare treasure?" The disciplinary inspector was somewhat indignant upon hearing this. "We offered our rooms voluntarily, were we wrong?"
Upon hearing this, Daiqisi glanced at the silent boy and said, "I can testify that Little Wu's temporary departure was due to being struck by a large tree."
"What does it have to do with him?" the female archer said indignantly. "This half-dead little bird, could it be a rare treasure?"
"Ignore them," Hong Da said lazily. "Let's hide away for a few days to get some peace and quiet, and see if we want to go back to Bellflower Mountain."
After the strange events in the Weird Domain, significant changes are bound to occur, and the information they previously submitted to Red Pine may no longer be of use.
Out of a sense of responsibility, they could consider returning, and perhaps even taking down another wave of monsters.
However, as everyone could imagine, the aftershocks of the strange disturbances in the Weird Domain would not subside in just a day or two.
No one objected, but Daiqisi asked again, " Hong Da, the attack from the Hall of Extraordinary Masters —was that World-Left Weapon?"
"I don't know," Instructor Hong shook her head decisively, then her expression turned serious. "Don't use that word in public again."
explain."
"But... there's no one else here, is there?" Daiqisi gave an awkward smile.
She had wanted to ask this question for a long time, and she had finally seized this opportunity. Once she missed it, she really didn't know who else she could ask.
You're wrong, there really are outsiders! Instructor Hong lowered his eyelids, deliberately avoiding looking at the Jin boy.
"I've heard something about this too," the disciplinary inspector said. "Judging from the effect this time, it seems like Ability User was involved."
"How many Ability User would that be?" a middle-aged Knight asked. He was a senior instructor at Red Pine and had experienced a lot.
Anyway, Hong Da only forbade the mention of that word, not the discussion of the matter. He was clear about this.
He said dismissively, "Those guys—they're terrified of dying."
"That's not necessarily the case," Namuzha said. " The Liang has so many Weird Domain; they might not be able to attend to them all."
"How could that be?" The disciplinary inspector shook his head but said nothing more.
World-Left Weapon —The young man from Jin, head bowed and eyes downcast, silently sorted through his day's harvest.
"Alright," Hong Da clapped his hands and spoke seriously, "These words are only for these eleven people, and must not be spread outside, understand?"
"Is that right?"
Everyone nodded in agreement. Who would be foolish enough to spread such a rumor?
"That's it for today," Instructor Hong said decisively. "Those who want to go out for a walk, remember to come back early."
These words made one of the boys shudder slightly. Should he go for a walk?
For more than eight years, he had never had such an experience. Strictly speaking, he had lost his freedom from the moment he entered Liang eight years ago.
The word "shopping" was completely foreign to him.
He did indeed leave Red Pine and wander around the Martial Academy, but that wasn't like freely strolling around the city.
So, should we go out? Of course we should!
To expand our living space, we must explore step by step, rather than simply shrinking back.
He got up and left, unnoticed by others.
But as he came out of the room and walked toward the gate, Manna stood in the yard and whistled at him.
"Squeak, where are you going?"
She looks exactly like a rebellious young lady who flirts with handsome guys.
"I took some money and plan to go shopping," Wu Youren replied seriously. "I'll be back soon."
"Hey, let's go together!" A beautiful woman suddenly appeared from the side; it was Daiqisi. "I haven't been to Tianjing for three months!"
"Well—okay," the boy hesitated for a moment, then nodded with a smile, "But I'll just wander around the neighborhood."
" Daiqisi, wait for me!" the female archer called from the second floor. "I'm changing my clothes!"
"Don't you know any manners?" a male archer suddenly appeared from the side. "I'll accompany you, don't hold up other people!"
Watching the two walk out of the courtyard gate, Manna turned back in surprise, "Master?"
This is a hostage from the Jin; are you just going to let him go like this?
"He's really feeling the pinch," Instructor Hong said calmly. "His true feelings are showing—if he tries to stay inside, we should be careful."
She was rather dismissive; previously, the boy had been able to freely enter and leave Red Pine with her warrant without any problems.
As for the possibility that the other party might take this opportunity to secretly leave Liang?
Hong Yan does not believe that this possibility exists.
The boy's previous behavior has already proven that he is a smart person!
Intelligent people rarely do foolish things; if they do, it's always because they have no other choice.
Wu Youren never expected that what he thought was a risky test would turn into a genuine expression of his feelings.
In other words, if he chooses to remain silent, he is very likely to be seen as having ulterior motives.
It's clear that many things in this world are truly beyond reason.
It was already night, and the streets of Tianjing were not particularly bustling, with all sorts of trash scattered everywhere.
However, Wu Youren didn't care. Even though the air on the road was a bit polluted, he didn't feel uncomfortable at all.
Eight years, a full eight years. He never imagined that one day he would be able to walk freely in the bustling city.
At this moment, he felt an unimaginable sense of ease, and for a moment he was even a little dazed: Was he dreaming?
The next moment, he took a deep breath and composed himself. "Instructor, you're familiar with this area, aren't you?"
Daiqisi glanced at him sideways, thought for a moment, and then asked, "Where would you like to go, a tavern?"
"Uh," Wu Youren rubbed his chin, "this arsenic—maybe I'll pass," "My family doesn't allow alcohol."
Actually, he really wanted to go to the tavern; it was where you could find the most authentic, down-to-earth atmosphere.
However, he had no idea how far Jin Garden had gone in the counterfeit liquor business, nor was he interested in finding out.
It wouldn't be appropriate to go to a pub and not drink, would it?
Is this a case of being hit by one's own boomerang?
Daiqisi casually asked, "What does your family do?"
She had always been curious about the boy's true identity, but since no one else told her, she didn't feel comfortable asking him directly.
"Just an ordinary family," Wu Youren said casually, "Alcoholism is terrible, and I don't want to drink before I advance to Knight."
"Oh," Daiqisi nodded slightly, "There are two other restaurants nearby, they should still be open."
As expected, there were no late-night roadside stalls— Wu Youren smiled and thought, "Oh well, what's the point of thinking about it?"
It's already quite impressive that they were able to come out for a stroll; people's desires are truly boundless.
The two walked to the street corner, turned the corner, and heard several whistles.
Four or five delinquent teenagers were leaning against the wall, whistling at the two of them, one of them fiddling with a dagger.
Wrong. There was also a delinquent middle-aged man with a long scar above his right eye and an ugly, deep pit in his eye socket.
He crossed his arms, glancing sideways at the two men with his single eye, a revolver on each side of his waist.
Wu Youren wasn't carrying a gun, but he had a long knife on his back and a curved knife at his waist, making him look like someone not to be trifled with.
Daiqisi not only carried a pistol, but also had a rapier tucked diagonally at her waist.
For a pair like this to dare to tease each other, I really don't know where they got the guts.
"Ignore him," Daiqisi, worried that the boy might lose his temper. "He's no good."
Helping Liang rid itself of its cancerous growth—how bored would I have to be? Wu Youren hummed in agreement, and the two left nonchalantly.
Maybe you'll get some experience points, but how many? Don't let your efforts to improve social customs cause your experience points to drop!
"A little bird, without even a feather," someone behind them exclaimed, and then the group burst into laughter.
The little bird is trembling with fear!
Wu Youren glanced at Daiqisi, "These women, really—right next to Red Pine's residence?"
"They dare not go into that street," the female instructor replied casually, "But don't underestimate them."
"We're not afraid of a head-on confrontation, but these people prefer to play dirty tricks."
Actually, I'm also good at playing dirty tricks," Wu Youren nodded again, "These small fry aren't worth it."
Daiqisi smiled, "I was worried that you hadn't quite Sha Qi your killing intent after just coming off the battlefield."
She paused, then added, "You've met that loan shark; these might be his henchmen."
"Hmm," Wu Youren realized this, "Is the current job market really that bad?"
The two chatted casually until they arrived at a restaurant.
The storefront is unassuming, but the interior is quite large, over 300 square meters, and the decor is very basic.
The huge restaurant only had four or five tables of customers; it was probably close to closing time.
The two ordered a few simple dishes, and then Wu Youren asked, "Would you like to bring some back for Hong Da?"
Daiqisi asked with a half-smile, "If you send it to her, what about sending it to Manna and that Namuzha?"
"Then bring more," Wu Youren said without hesitation, as he really didn't need the money.
"Are you treating?" Daiqisi laughed. "Waiter, bring me a jar of Jade Dew!"
Jade Dew is truly excellent wine; a jar weighs about two jin (approximately 1 kg) and costs a whopping fifteen silver dollars.
That's roughly equivalent to half a month's salary for a guard at Jin Garden.
She wasn't exactly ripping people off. Even if the boy's earnings from this trip to the Weird Domain weren't more than ten thousand, they were at least several thousand.
Daiqisi glanced at the other person sideways, "You should have some too, this liquor isn't very strong."
Wu Youren looked at the jar of Jade Dew, blinked twice, and looked at the waiter, "Do you have milk?"
"Ha," Daiqisi laughed upon hearing this, "Come to the restaurant for milk?"
"Yes," Wu Youren nodded, answering seriously, "I'm not seventeen yet."
"Yes, I know," Daiqisi nodded, then smiled. "Everyone just said you're still young."
Wu Youren looked at the other person speechlessly, then adjusted his Toad Glasses on his shoulder. "They're talking about it!"
Daiqisi, her laughter so loud it made her body tremble, but she remained silent.
"It's really grown mold!" Wu Youren shook his head. "Let's eat."
The female instructor was already stunningly beautiful, and after laughing several times, some of the guests at one table stared at her with wide eyes.
The other person noticed that the boy sitting opposite the beautiful woman was just drinking milk, so they brought over a wine glass.
She can afford to drink Jade Dew and is so beautiful; I'd feel like I'd be doing myself a disservice if I didn't strike up a conversation.
Daiqisi rolled her eyes at him, and before he could even speak, she straightened her face, took out an identity token, and slammed it on the table.
She looked at the other person calmly, "Do you recognize this?"
(4 chapters, 12,000 words. Please subscribe, vote with monthly tickets, and recommend this page.)