Chapter 154 Favors (Third Update)
Wu Youren frowned, and replied with a wry smile, "The problem is, we can't afford to raise them."
The Weird Lure Instructor Hong just took out was just for testing, and she took it back.
He knew that Hong Da might not necessarily be stingy; the Weird Lure itself was an extremely dangerous substance that could easily trigger social unrest.
How could such resources fall into the hands of foreign hostages?
The middle-aged Knight sighed and shook his head. "What a pity, a cub that has recognized its master, at this price—"
"What are you saying?" Daiqisi gave him a disapproving look. "Isn't this fine? He's not selling!"
"That's true," the middle-aged Knight nodded slightly, but his expression was dismissive.
A fledgling bird that recognizes its master and has the potential to develop into a spirit is a great thing for its owner, but—what's the price?
The other person looked very young, and their cultivation level was only that of Knight Apprentice. With several hundred gold coins slung over their shoulder, what would others think?
Let alone a teenager, even a middle-aged Knight like him would be on tenterhooks if he carried this little guy on his shoulder when he went out.
The fact that it might attract Weird Transformation creatures is secondary; the main issue is people's hearts!
What he could think of, the ancient magic lamp could naturally think of as well.
The boy gave a wry smile. "Let's pool our money to raise it. Whoever can feed it ten times will get at least one free mission once it grows up!"
"That works! Spirits can recognize people too," Daiqisi said decisively. "There are ten of us in the know, no more than that."
Spirits do possess intelligence; at this moment, the little fellow only recognizes the boy, but after being fed a few more times, won't he become familiar with him?
Wu Youren secretly gave himself a thumbs up; he hadn't given up the reward for nothing tonight!
Asking others to keep it a secret is unrealistic. Even if Hong Da himself gave the order, it might not have much effect, let alone if he asked.
He invited everyone to participate in feeding the animals, ostensibly because of poverty, but his real purpose was to create a bond of mutual benefit.
The old man once said that you must make as many friends as possible.
Therefore, Daiqisi's two remarks can be described as a divine assist.
This was his prepared line, intended to be spoken at the right moment, so that an outsider would say it voluntarily, which would have a better effect.
"I support it," Luo Xi nodded first. "Ten times—one Resentment Qi Crystal is enough. It's worth the gamble."
"Count me in too," the middle-aged Knight laughed. "Don't underestimate this little guy; he'll grow very fast."
"When they reach a certain age, their appetite will be astonishing."
"At least we can tell if they have the potential to become spirits or monsters," the female archer said casually, seemingly quite well-off.
"Rest," a hoarse, smoky voice came from behind him. "Make sure you're well-rested; the City Guard Bureau might still have things to attend to."
Upon hearing this, everyone returned to their rooms, except for Wu Youren, who leaned against the second-floor railing, staring blankly at the night-shrouded Tianjing.
His Toad Glasses rested on his left shoulder, and his head was nodding off, as if he were dozing off.
"Let's go back inside!" Luo Xi walked over and patted his right shoulder. "With this guy around, you'll have to sleep with one eye open."
"I really want to sell it," Wu Youren sighed softly, "Two hundred gold coins will do."
He has never liked being in the spotlight. The little guy's developmental prospects are very promising, but right now, he can't handle this kind of attention.
Just then, a faint voice appeared in his ear, "Fool, having this is your means of survival."
The familiar husky voice, combined with Hong Da —could it also transmit sound secretly?
I know! The boy knew very well that if he raised a spirit that could sense Weird Qi, his situation would be much better.
But the problem is—sigh, he sighed inwardly, then nodded, "Alright, let's go inside!"
The other rooms were not peaceful either.
The middle-aged Knight finished washing up and went to bed, only to find his roommate Namuzha, tapping on his wristwatch. "Aren't you going to sleep yet?" he asked.
"Right away," Namuzha replied casually, "I'll come to the city and see if I can bring something for someone."
"Get some rest," the middle-aged Knight said lazily, yawning without suspicion. " Knight must know self-discipline."
"Hmm," Namuzha hummed softly, staring blankly at the line of text that appeared on his wristwatch.
"The strange creature cannot be alive; at least, it hasn't appeared in any of our known information."
He stood there stunned for a while, somewhat unwilling to give up, then typed another line. "A very powerful monster, huh?"
"That's impossible," the reply from the other side was very certain. "Powerful supernatural creatures can possess a touch of sentience, Great Ability User like that."
A line of gibberish appeared on the watch, followed by a small pop-up window.
"Confidential information - We are currently identifying the watch's owner."
"Mid-level Martial Academy Assistant Instructor, currently unlocking. Must not mention classified information more than three times per day."
"Tsk," Namuzha lay down on the bed and sighed softly.
He also thought that the fledgling the boy brought out of the Weird Domain might be the very strange creature that the Hall of Extraordinary Masters was looking for.
Now all hopes are dashed, and a huge reward that was within reach has vanished just like that.
Nothing happened overnight, but early the next morning, a full beard appeared.
His eyes were bloodshot, but he was very excited. " Little Hong, you've learned a lot! Thank you so much, senior!"
"This is... using people to advance?" Instructor Hong sneered. "Got it, don't even think about it anymore!"
"Haha, Sister Yan, just kidding," the bearded man laughed. "Where are we going for lunch today? It's on me!"
"I won't miss your meal," Instructor Hong waved his hand, "Go back to sleep."
"The interrogation has been arranged," the man continued with a smile, "My task today is to keep you company—Lucky Star!"
"Get to the point," Hong Yan said, unmoved by his words. "If you have nothing else to say, then get out of here!"
" Daiqisi, I've already submitted the report," the bearded man replied casually.
"And you, you also assisted on-site—you can name a few others, they're guaranteed a reward."
He paused, then asked, "By the way, is the Hall of Extraordinary Masters looking for you?"
"I don't need to be ordered around by them!" Hong Yan said calmly. "If you're not satisfied, come find me at Red Pine. I'll be waiting."
The Hall of Extraordinary Masters holds a prestigious position in Great Liang, but its eccentric behavior has drawn criticism from many, which is indeed true.
Just like the New Army, who dared to openly court a foreign hostage—didn't Jeff realize that this involved a major matter concerning both countries?
When it comes to specific interests, there is no absolute strength or weakness.
The bearded man, knowing Instructor Hong's sore spot, spoke seriously, " The Hall of Extraordinary Masters has also sent people to Suotu Town."
"Don't tell me about something so highly classified," Hong Yan waved her hand again.
But in the end, she couldn't help but sneer, "They're going to attack the monsters, not kill them, you think?"
"That way, you can manage both without neglecting either," the bearded man chuckled dryly.
Then his expression turned serious. "It's alright, you can just stay here. If they dare to cause trouble in Tianjing, I'll take care of it for you!"
That's a bit of boasting. A mere City Guard Bureau dares to challenge the Hall of Extraordinary Masters?
However, this is not just empty talk. The Great Liang, the most important place, can it be compared with the City Guard Bureau in other places?
Even if they can't withstand the Hall of Extraordinary Masters, they are still under the current jurisdiction, and the other side has to consider whether the capital City Guard Bureau will attract any trouble.
god.
"I can handle it myself," Hong Yan said, showing real responsibility. The main reason was that she didn't want to owe anyone a favor for no reason.
"Fine, I know you're something else. Anyway, that's what I said," the bearded man said, clearly understanding the kind of person he was talking to.
His expression hardened. "Enough with the small talk, how did you realize something was wrong?"
This was his real purpose in coming here. Gratitude and such were necessary; he couldn't possibly take credit for Instructor Hong's contributions for nothing.
But the other party only gave him fish, not taught him how to fish, and he was itching to try it himself.
Making meritorious contributions is a good thing, but he hopes to make meritorious contributions frequently.
"It's because Instructor Red Pine is more skilled," Hong Yan replied seriously. "You come from Red Pine, don't you know that?"
"Stop talking nonsense," the bearded man waved his hand, "Seriously, we need to write a report."
"It's not like I'm writing the report," Instructor Hong casually remarked. "Isn't this a coincidence enough?"
"Stop joking," the bearded man said seriously. "I'm begging you, Sister Yan, the entire Tianjing is under strict investigation lately."
"That's none of my business!" Instructor Hong said, straightening his face. "Let the Hall of Extraordinary Masters come and assist us!"
"When searching for strange objects, when it comes to sending out Ability User to sense and search for Weird Qi —everyone's incredibly busy?"
"Fine, I won't say anything more, okay?" The bearded man could only manage a wry smile. "I didn't expect you to have such a strong opinion about them."
"Just a favor," Instructor Hong casually retorted. "And there's been a lot of strange happening in the city lately?"
The bearded man casually replied, " With Bellflower Mountain and Suotu causing so much trouble, how could the city not be affected?"
He paused, then added, "However, the authorities believe that the Fallen One and are stirring up trouble are also a very important factor."
Instructor Hong asked again, "Did the Hall of Extraordinary Masters say how long it will take for the Suspended Bell Mountain Weird Domain to recover?"
The bearded man laughed upon hearing this, "How could I possibly know what those people are thinking?"
"You can find out," Instructor Hong said confidently, "Don't try to fool me."
However, the bearded man really didn't want to talk about this, and simply replied with a smile, "You really don't want to go back to Red Pine?"
"Then let's stay in the city for a few days. The City Guard Bureau can just send an invitation to the Martial Academy for assistance. Ten days to half a month shouldn't be a problem."
Yesterday, the Hall of Extraordinary Masters did indeed mention the various groups that left the military camp, including the eleven members of the Red Pine.
However, the actual operation was carried out by the military; the former only mentioned it briefly, and the latter had little incentive to take action.
At this point, if the City Guard Bureau intervenes without much consequence, there won't be any major repercussions.
The bearded man was still willing to take care of them, saying, "I won't force you to do anything, but if you want some subsidies, you'll have to work a little harder."
"It's not a problem if it costs a little money," Instructor Hong nodded. "Then let's get one. It'll be convenient to come and go."
The City Guard Bureau is a powerful department in Tianjing, and it is not common for them to issue such a flexible invitation.
This favor only comes when both parties are of high enough status and the other party is willing to show goodwill; otherwise, even spending money might not be enough to achieve this.
Chapter 155 Second Visit to Tianjing (Fourth Update)
After arranging the invitation for assistance, the bearded man returned to the original topic. He still wanted to know how Red Pine had discovered the hidden Weird Qi.
While the two were talking, martial artists from Red Pine were passing by, but they didn't seem to mind.
Daiqisi came, thanked the bearded man, and then turned to find the young man.
She beamed and said, " The City Guard Bureau has a lot of jobs like this. You're going to be rich!"
I knew it! The boy nodded slowly, forcing a smile.
"Yes, we can't let them get away with this too easily—if word gets out, we're finished."
What Hong Da whispered about last night, "making a living," must have been this.
If the Toad Glasses still possess this perceptive ability when they grow up, their owner will naturally reap the benefits.
This kind of rare method is something that ordinary people can't imitate, so what if someone is a hostage from another country?
He can help Liang maintain social order; this is a genuine ability.
Wu Youren was aware of this, but in his view, that situation might not be much better.
But that's a story for later. Right now, the most pressing issue is that he needs time to develop!
Then he needed to make it clear: the information must not be leaked, we still need to earn rewards!
"I know," Daiqisi paused for a moment, then nodded, "One full meal is not the same as every full meal."
Then her pretty face changed, "Unfortunately, quite a few people still know about it."
Wu Youren looked at her, both amused and exasperated, "You got the reward, but everyone else hasn't."
"Then I'll have to inform them," Daiqisi said, adding that she knew how to handle people, "So that no one doesn't think of it."
Seeing her turn to leave, Luo Xi reminded her, "You need to be moderate with the rewards; doing it too often will ruin the market."
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"Okay, I understand," the female instructor said hurriedly and left.
In the end, the bearded man still couldn't get any definite information.
It doesn't matter, as long as he has the right attitude, if he gets a pleasant surprise the first time, he can get one a second time.
It's uncertain whether Hong Yan has any hidden methods, given his bushy beard.
But that's not the most important thing. What he values most is the effectiveness of the model!
He left before noon, and before leaving, he arranged for someone to order a table of food and drinks and have it delivered as soon as possible.
Wu Youren was originally hiding inside the house, but in this situation, he couldn't be too unconventional, so he chose to quietly mooch a meal.
His Toad Glasses on his shoulders made him stand out even more this time.
Fortunately, with Daiqisi acting as a messenger, no one stared intently at the baby bird.
Everyone deliberately avoided eye contact, but every now and then, a fleeting glance would catch their eye.
When they had almost finished eating, Manna finally spoke up, "Its eyes—it seems to have opened a little?"
I really couldn't resist, but she was Hong Da's apprentice, so I was less hesitant because of that.
"Hmm," the boy nodded, resolutely refusing to say another word.
As it turns out, even the middle-aged Knight couldn't help but think, "We should give it a name so it'll be easier to train."
Namuzha glanced at him, seemingly unintentionally, his gaze somewhat complicated.
"I've made up my mind," Wu Youren answered decisively, " Little Ha."
As is customary, he didn't explain why—there doesn't seem to be such a thing as "Toad Glasses" in this world!
"What kind of name is this?" Manna wrinkled her nose. "Such a beautiful snow hawk—you could at least give it a name that sounds delicious."
"That's good," surprisingly, Instructor Hong spoke up, "It's easy to pronounce with an open vowel."
After returning to his room, Wu Youren was still thinking about that one glance at the Namuzha.
Are you concerned about naming rights—do you mind if I designate myself as the chick's owner? Once you have a name, is it difficult to train it after you forcibly take it?
This is no longer just inexplicable hatred; at the very least, greed plays a major role.
Fortunately, the City Guard Bureau's invitation to assist in the investigation had no mandatory requirements, so he could stay in his room and not go out.
The boy stayed home, and everyone else had their own things to do, so they took the opportunity to use the pretext of assisting in the investigation to take a vacation.
Later in the afternoon, a light drizzle began to fall.
At times like these, Wu Youren couldn't help but feel restless. He made up his mind: Fine, I'll go for a walk.
As they entered the courtyard, a chilly drizzle fell on him and Little Ha.
The Toad Glasses shrank his neck and moved closer to his neck, probably feeling a bit cold.
Wu Youren walked around the yard twice and found that Little Ha wasn't particularly averse to rain, so he stepped towards the gate.
"Where are you going?" the disciplinary inspector asked from behind him.
His job means he doesn't have many friends, and he has a lot of free time, often coming to the city center, so he didn't go out this time.
"Just taking a walk," Wu Youren said, not being a man of many words to begin with, and he rarely spoke to this man either.
"Hey, count me in!" Manna called from the second floor, "Wait for me to get an umbrella."
"I won't use an umbrella," the boy shook his head, "I'll just take a walk around here."
"Wait for me," Manna called out, then muttered softly, "What if?"
Heh, Wu Youren sneered inwardly, "There's absolutely no chance!"
He's such a grown man, and I made myself perfectly clear this morning, yet he's still thinking about the government's reward.
Human greed originates from within and is truly difficult to control through cognition alone.
The discipline inspector couldn't help but speak up, "Count me in?"
He was also aware that his relationship with the boy wasn't quite there yet, so he offered, "I'll cover the birdseed for the next two days, consider it a favor."
"You!" Manna glared down at her, then stormed downstairs, angrily demanding, "What do you mean?"
"I'm the bodyguard," the disciplinary inspector replied casually. "Any good thing comes your way, I won't share, okay?"
He's genuinely not in a hurry; his primary goal right now is to mend his relationship with the boy.
"What good could come of it?" Manna muttered softly. "Never mind, I'll just take a walk along the roadside."
The three walked down the street. Most people around them were in a hurry, and there weren't many people like them who strolled leisurely without rain gear.
After walking for a while, Wu Youren finally understood that the real name of the discipline inspector was Ranxue, not a nickname.
He enjoys walking in the rain, appreciating the leisure and coolness, including the white noise.
Having two ghosts in shackles by his side didn't prevent him from relaxing, but it made him even quieter.
Ranxue and Manna chatted casually, and gradually they realized that the boy rarely spoke.
The two exchanged a glance, and the former asked in a low voice, "Has he always been like this?"
"It can't be that bad," Manna replied uncertainly, "He talks a lot when it comes to mechanisms—"
If it weren't for this, it's unlikely that the New Army would have paid any attention!
Seeing that she remained silent, Ranxue gave her a look, "Just cooperate."
Manna knew exactly what those words meant; what if the boy was sensing something unusual about his surroundings?
In this kind of weather, there are still some homeless people on the street, hiding under the eaves, and some people setting up simple tents.
However, no one dared to make a move against these three. The young man was one thing, but the other two were protected by their Battle Qi, and the rain naturally slid off their sides.
Who's got the nerve to cause trouble for two Knight?
After walking for more than an hour, I passed by some shopping malls and shops, some of which were quite large.
Manna was a little puzzled; the boy had no interest in going inside—weren't you always confined to the hostage residence?
The three of them went around in circles and turned back in another direction. Wu Youren finally stopped at a cooked meat shop, wanting to buy some food.
"This place isn't safe," Ranxue finally seized the opportunity to speak up, "There are a lot of counterfeit and substandard products here."
The boy paused for a moment, then slowly nodded. Was he allowed to sell fake alcohol and fake honey, but others weren't allowed to sell substandard meat?
That makes sense.
The shop owner was a burly middle-aged man with a big head and a thick neck; judging from his appearance alone, he seemed like someone who sold meat.
Upon hearing this, he glared fiercely at Ranxue, "Get out of here!"
The discipline inspector's face darkened. "What did you say?"
"Get the hell out of here!" The boss grabbed a large meat cleaver, his eyes blazing with fury. "Who the hell isn't a Knight!"
"Die!" Ranxue wasn't exactly known for his good temper either; he raised his hand and threw a punch. "What trash!"
Liang really do have this kind of personality; they might start a fight at the slightest disagreement.
However, the disciplinary patrol did not use weapons—street fighting is not worth it!
The shop owner also put down his knife and started fighting with the other party.
The current intensity of the war has not yet reached the point of resorting to weapons, let alone the presence of a female Knight on the other side.
Manna did not join the battle, but instead placed her hands on the dagger and pistol at her waist, silently surveying her surroundings.
It would be a joke if the discipline inspectors of the Martial Academy couldn't beat a butcher.
What she was wary of was the possibility that the other party might have accomplices in the vicinity.
Sure enough, someone from a nearby shop immediately rushed over, shouting, "Stop fighting! Stop fighting! It's raining so hard, calm down!"
"Back off!" Manna drew her dagger, speaking coldly, the blade gleaming with Battle Qi. "Don't be courting death!"
"Where did these two idiots come from?" someone sneered. "Did they even check whose territory this is?"
The scene was lively, and Wu Youren even gave up on enjoying the rain, observing the scene with a detached eye.
This is truly eye-opening! Everyone says that the Liang have fiery tempers, and that's absolutely true!
Just then, he sensed someone approaching from behind and turned around coldly for a glance.
He wasn't even fighting; he was standing far away, just a bystander—was he trying to take advantage of my presence while I was watching the spectacle?
However, after glancing over them, he was slightly taken aback: they had actually met once before!
The other party was none other than the middle-aged one-eyed man from yesterday, who was quite unambiguous when facing him and Daiqisi.
But later, he was trampled underfoot by Hong Da and then disciplined by Namuzha.
What impressed Wu Youren the most was that this guy planned to use those thugs as food for the winter.
Thinking of this, a deep sense of disgust welled up inside him. He frowned, and hissed in a low voice, "Get out!"
The opponent exuded the aura of a strong Knight Apprentice, and might even be a former Knight, but he was truly unafraid.
Unexpectedly, the one-eyed middle-aged man not only didn't get angry, but instead revealed a strange smile, showing his incomplete teeth.
He spoke in a low voice, "You really do have Jin accent—it wasn't a waste of time waiting for you."
(4 chapters, 12,000 words. Please subscribe, vote with monthly tickets, and recommend this page.)