Chapter 118 Say No (Third Update)
Half a minute later, the boy in the back seat finally spoke, " Hong Da, could you give me some basic information about Ability User?"
"Hmm," Instructor Hong hummed, it was unclear whether he agreed or indicated that he understood.
After a long pause, she finally couldn't help but speak up, "You've changed your mind?"
"You know so many people," Wu Youren replied in a deep voice, "I need some information; you should be able to handle it."
This was just one of the reasons that prompted him to make that decision.
There's another reason, one that carries even more weight: in his private collection, there's a strange, light blue object!
He hadn't known its purpose before, but when he learned that it could shrink objects, his mind immediately became excited.
Admittedly, his understanding of the Ability User system is still somewhat lacking.
He genuinely hadn't heard of this information while on the ridge.
Otherwise, given his understanding at the time, he might have seriously considered whether or not to join the military.
Looking back now, I'm really glad he received the right information at the right time.
"I'll help you carry it?" Hong Yan scoffed. "Little guy, you're overthinking it. What you encounter in the future is your own business."
"I meant the source of the information," the boy said, indicating that he hadn't intended for the senior instructor to take the blame for him.
If the information has a legitimate source, that's sufficient.
"I will restrain my ambition to awaken—but I think it's impossible for me to awaken."
"The main reason I'm studying this information is to figure out how to help you fight off the monsters."
"You rascal—" Hong Yan paused before letting out a cold snort, "You really know how to make people happy!"
She knew very well that what the boy said might not be the whole story, but it was still very comforting.
Wu Youren remained silent; no matter how he answered the question, it wouldn't be right, so he simply kept quiet.
Before long, the motorcycle arrived at the quarantine point, where even more people greeted it.
However, this time, Chief Instructor Hong didn't even nod, heading straight for the gate of Red Pine.
This time, she took Wu Youren directly to the vicinity of the cabin.
After he got off the bus, Instructor Hong rode away on his motorcycle, leaving only the words, "Send it over within two days."
Wu Youren carried large and small bags, spent half a day settling into the room, and then came out to check on the vegetable garden behind the house.
Because no one takes care of it, the vegetable garden has long since become a complete mess.
However, it's clear that people are still coming and going; the fence is in disarray, and a lot of vegetables have been taken away.
"Really... unconscious," the boy shook his head, picked up his tools, and began to tidy up.
She got back and immediately started tending the vegetable garden, not even having time to rest. Unbelievable!
However, Wu Youren knew in his heart that the work was only physically tiring, and that he was a young man who would recover after a good night's sleep.
True relaxation comes from not having to live in constant fear or worry about potential threats. This kind of mental relaxation is what real rest is all about.
He was busy when someone nearby spoke up, "Wow, you really enjoy farming."
It turned out that the administrator had arrived.
Wu Youren had sensed his arrival long ago. Upon hearing this, he stopped what he was doing, looked at the other person, and then sighed.
You can't lose your public image. "Sigh, I haven't been back for so long, look at the state of the land."
"I even watered it for you," the caretaker said, surprisingly taking credit for the gesture. "It's autumn now; it won't be long before it's planted again."
You even helped me pick vegetables, didn't you? Wu Youren couldn't bring himself to complain; after all, he'd been gone for so long.
"I'll think about it later and see what else I can plant in winter."
"Planting in winter?" The administrator was taken aback, as there was no such tradition in Great Liang.
"Give it a try," Wu Youren replied casually. Did you really think that a talent for farming was just something you could say offhand?
Or, how about we build a greenhouse?
Plastic film is relatively scarce here, while glass is quite common, but that would be too costly and not worthwhile.
The dietary habits in Liang are still mainly based on staple foods and meat, especially among martial artists, as vegetables are not expensive.
However, since the goal is to build a persona, it seems that losing money to gain publicity is not unacceptable.
As he was pondering this, the administrator spoke up, "Alright, I'll ask around for you too, what vegetables are suitable to plant in winter."
"Huh? "Wu Youren looked at him in surprise. "You saw Hong Da bring me back?"
He nodded slightly. "Then I'll trouble you."
Sure enough, the administrator nodded. "I was saying you were being a bit too high-profile, which isn't good for you. You're alright, you haven't gotten cocky!"
This old fogey— Wu Youren chuckled, "Look at this vegetable patch, it's all reminding me: you're nothing!"
"This is something that's hard to guard against, it's unavoidable," the administrator said somewhat sheepishly.
It wasn't his job to guard the vegetable garden, so the other party couldn't blame him. But since he was in charge of managing this area, it was a bit hard to explain.
He turned and left, saying, "Now that you're back, keep a low profile. Oh, and remember the wine."
"Yes, yes," Wu Youren nodded repeatedly, "Don't worry, I'll make up for everything I owe you."
He used to curry favor with others to gain some advantages, but now—he's just sticking to his original intentions.
Even though the Liang generally believe in the power of might, becoming arrogant and complacent when they are successful is not a good quality.
In fact, his return this time caused quite a stir. To put it simply, who has ever seen a man sitting in the back seat of Hong Da?
At the quarantine site, many people witnessed this scene, but Instructor Hong didn't bother to explain and simply walked away.
As evening approached, Cynthia arrived in Luo Xi 'Knight car, with Liu Jingming also in the car.
It's truly rare that these three could actually get together, especially the son of the son-in-law, who dared to come over openly in broad daylight.
The first person Wu Youren noticed was Liu Jingming, who was actually using crutches and limping.
He learned from asking that the other person had also accepted a mission and had clashed with the Barbarian Tribe outside the mountains, suffering a cut to the leg.
But it's alright, at least he's completed this year's mandatory task.
Cynthia did not go on a mission; she was previously stationed at the mountain pass and her rating was excellent.
But what she was concerned about was, "Why would Hong Da bring you back?"
"Next time, I'll be assigned her a mission," Wu Youren said, feeling there was nothing wrong with saying it. "She wants me to rest as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this, Luo Xi couldn't help but ask, "Can I come along?"
Wu Youren glanced at him; this man's actions were indeed somewhat opportunistic!
Those who need people should be put forward, and those who don't should be put backward.
But the other party had also helped transport supplies by car, so why would he deliberately provoke them?
Given his current social standing, there's not much point in arguing with someone like that.
He nodded. "Okay, if there's a chance, I'll talk to Hong Da about it, but whether it works out or not isn't up to me."
Luo Xi said she accepted this view, and Cynthia, a little envious, said, "Include me too."
"You already have an 'excellent' assignment," Wu Youren, somewhat speechless. "Any further assignments will have to wait until next year."
What are you trying to do, get involved in this mess?
Cynthia rolled her eyes. "You even have a perfect rating!"
"Okay, we'll talk about it later," Wu Youren said, not wanting to argue with her. The four of them then started talking about recent information about Red Pine.
What Wu Youren is most concerned about is the current level of public interest in the rumors surrounding his hostage.
And you know what? It's really lost its appeal. The passion of young people is just a passing fad, it comes and goes quickly.
Recently, the ones who have been ruining his vegetable garden aren't even the students who hate him, but rather some people who like to take advantage of others.
Cynthia was at a loss. If someone just passed by and casually picked a few dates, was she supposed to chase after them?
The four chatted until late. Liu Jingming went to buy dinner, and Wu Youren also stewed a large pot of meat—which he also obtained from the mountains.
Then it became a competition to see who stayed the latest. Luo Xi left first, while Cynthia got into a fight with Liu Jingming.
In the end, the female warrior left first. Although the Great Liang did not place much importance on the separation of men and women, it still cared to some extent.
Liu Jingming, in particular, was known for selling " Spring Mood Is Good " products, and she didn't want people to gossip about her.
Wu Youren also thought that his companion was trying to urge him to deliver the goods.
However, Liu Jingming said seriously, "People from the Haicheng Martial Academy have also come. Lei Lixing wants to mend relations with you."
"The Earl's second son?" Wu Youren smiled dismissively. "How much did you take from him?"
"He wouldn't even look at me?" Liu Jingming scoffed. " Youren, it's mainly because you're doing the best right now."
"Really?" Wu Youren shook his head. "How come I didn't know?"
Even within Red Pine, few people know about his current situation—aside from those with vested interests, he has always kept a low profile.
Liu Jingming scoffed dismissively, "Do you think the Jin didn't make any preparations in the Liang?"
That's right, the Jin was only defeated, not destroyed.
"Then I disagree with repairing the relationship," Wu Youren replied without hesitation.
"I don't know if I'm doing well or not, but I want to say 'no'!"
He was really holding back; otherwise, he would have said many more unpleasant things.
But there's no need; Lei Lixing is no longer a concern for him.
Liu Jingming knew very well what kind of life Wu Youren had lived in the Jin.
Especially after Wu Youren made the list, Lei Lixing's kick at the cafeteria entrance was no secret within the Hostage Prince Corps.
He sighed, "He said he's willing to compensate you with three thousand silver dollars!"
"Three thousand, hehe," Wu Youren laughed upon hearing this, but there was no hint of amusement in his eyes.
He then let out a long sigh and said softly, "When I was in Jin Garden, I only had two silver dollars a month!"
"I only have ten dollars left, but he's different from us," Liu Jingming understood perfectly. "He's the second son of the Earl."
His stepmother wasn't unwilling to give him money; she just didn't want him to go back!
Wu Youren sneered, "You make it sound like we can go back—he's managed to amass so much wealth, and he's still picking a fight with me?"
"I doubt he can save up any money," the son of a son-in-law is still surnamed Liu, and can barely get half a foot into that circle.
He knew significantly more inside information than anyone else, "Maybe it was someone who gave him the money."
He didn't say who gave it to him, but did it even matter?
"Heh," Wu Youren sneered, "Three thousand? My knife is worth that much too."
"Who the hell is this insulting?"
Chapter 119 Sneaking Back (Fourth Update)
Liu Jingming remained silent for a while before tentatively speaking, "Do I need to pay more?"
"Add more money?" Wu Youren laughed again upon hearing this, but his eyes were filled with disdain.
He was not a magnanimous person, and Lei Lixing's previous actions could be described as an attempt to kill him.
No, that's not even as good as that. The other party completely disregarded his life and death, as if he were nothing more than an ant.
He had indeed been insignificant before, but this blatant disregard truly left him feeling resentful.
You think you can settle this score for a mere three thousand yuan? This is just insulting!
Seeing that he remained silent for a long time, Liu Jingming could only persuade him again, " Youren, we can't let the Liang laugh at us."
"Tch," Wu Youren snorted, "I'm already being considerate of the bigger picture by not causing him trouble."
Why can't he learn from Shi Linyuan and disappear from my sight completely?
Shi Linyuan was a candidate for the Red Pine with Liu Jingming. After being rebuffed by him, he wisely disappeared without a trace.
Wu Youren had a bigger grudge against this guy, but the guy's attitude was more respectful.
Or is this guy always touted as having exceptional intelligence? At the very least, he knows how to be tactful and subtle.
Liu Jingming hesitated for a moment before speaking, " Shi Linyuan is terrified of you, and he's been trying his best to get you transferred to another hospital."
The person in front of me who fell into the water back then was directly related to that guy. Even if he didn't do anything, he at least offered advice.
"Him? Transferred to another hospital?" Wu Youren scoffed dismissively, too lazy to say anything more.
Even if Shi Linyuan could find connections and was willing to spend the money, given the serious unusual situation facing Red Pine, is it possible for the students to transfer to another academy?
Liu Jingming nodded and added, " Haicheng Martial Academy is providing targeted support to Red Pine —in the fight against the Weird Race!"
"What's it to me?" Wu Youren replied bluntly, then asked, "You really didn't take any money?"
"I borrowed five hundred yuan to buy a sword," Liu Jingming replied dejectedly, "The interest-free kind."
"That's true," Wu Youren nodded, "If you go to all this trouble and still don't get paid—I'll be even angrier!"
The money was supposed to be a loan, but the fact that it was interest-free was already very kind, especially considering the situation of the Red Pine students; those who know, know.
Once the person dies, the money is completely lost.
Liu Jingming was somewhat surprised to hear this, "I secretly accepted bribes to persuade you, and you're not angry?"
We're focusing on different things, and Wu Youren didn't bother to explain. "I'm actually quite happy you didn't borrow money from me."
He doesn't mind lending money to others, but if it becomes a path dependency over time, that's not something he wants to see.
The main thing is that the son of the son-in-law has this ambition, which makes it possible to get along!
Hearing this, Liu Jingming mustered his courage and spoke up, " Youren, then name your price?"
Wu Youren thought for a moment before speaking in a deep voice, "Ten strange objects—not Resentment Qi Crystal!"
"What the heck!" Liu Jingming exclaimed in disbelief.
Although he arrived in Red Pine relatively late, his style of doing things was different from Wu Youren's, and he was also more well-off.
Especially after he started selling " Spring Mood Is Good " honey, he came into contact with many people and learned quite a bit of information.
For example, he had never traded any strange items, but he knew the market price.
"This isn't bargaining, it's more than ten times the price!"
Wu Youren snorted lightly, "I never intended to set a price anyway, as long as he gets lost!"
It wasn't that he was being unreasonable; rather, deep down, he simply disliked having contact with those people.
The increased cooperation between the Haicheng Martial Academy and Red Pine means that Lei Lixing may have to go to the battlefield.
Once their entanglement is over, there will definitely be follow-ups, and who knows what he might need to do next.
Wu Youren feels that his current life is pretty good. Although there are some unsatisfactory aspects, he can continue to work hard.
OK.
If random things get in the way, the rhythm might get out of control.
Moreover, he had some understanding of what the Hostage Prince Corps was capable of.
Therefore, his current attitude is "better not to meet than to meet," and that it's best for everyone to be well.
"You—" Liu Jingming dared not persuade him any further, for the other party was truly the most outstanding among all the hostages of Jin in the Martial Academy.
Previously, when this person was away for so long, it was always Chief Instructor Hong Yan who brought him back on his motorcycle!
The key point is that Wu Youren was quite considerate towards him, even though their relationship wasn't very deep to begin with.
He sighed. "I reckon he won't agree."
Wu Youren replied nonchalantly, "Remember to get two for yourself too—I'll buy them at a high price."
"Holy crap!" Liu Jingming was utterly speechless.
The following evening, a female Knight arrived and handed Wu Youren a small box, about the size of his palm.
She stated expressionlessly, "If you don't have any other equipment, you can connect it to your wristwatch to view the data; there are twelve sets in total."
"This thing cannot be copied, otherwise it will self-destruct. Keep it safe, I'll be taking it later—you'd better watch out!"
Portable hard drives? Wu Youren was a little confused. What level of technology was this?
He examined the box for a long time; apart from the three ports, everything else was sealed tightly.
Prying it open wouldn't be difficult, but then there'd be no way to explain it!
After thinking it over for a long time, he finally decided: Let's get down to business!
From that moment on, his life began to become regular.
Exercise, gardening, and cooking are all done in the morning, followed by a lunch break, and the afternoon is spent studying my wristwatch.
After dark, he would practice his boxing a few more times, and then rest at a set time.
If Cynthia or anyone else visits, he will see them off before dark.
This continued for ten days, Wu Youren discovered that the people behind the Life and Death Knot had not yet come to his door.
That night, a light drizzle fell, and he quietly left around midnight.
He really didn't bring much this time, not even a longsword, just a tight-fitting suit.
However, his waist was bulging with a small dagger, Weird-Exterminating Grenade, a pistol, and the like.
And that curved sword, neither too long nor too short.
He didn't leave the Martial Academy through the main gate; he climbed over the wall directly.
The wall is over three meters high, so it's not too difficult to climb over, but there are alarm bells and guards patrolling the area, so there is some risk involved.
After leaving the Red Pine, Wu Youren ran wildly towards the mountains, while keeping a close eye on his surroundings.
However, he was overthinking it. There were indeed quite a few more martial artists coming from outside now, but no one liked to be active in the rain.
Autumn has arrived, and with each autumn rain comes a chill; even the desolate wilderness at night seems a little bleak.
Such nights are also favored by the Weird Race, and many warriors from various factions are on duty there.
However, they all tend to cluster together, and those small groups of two or three will also actively move closer to the main group.
It took Wu Youren two hours to run to the foot of the mountain, and another ten minutes to tiptoe up the ridge.
He fully unleashed his senses and noticed that there were many more soldiers around him, as well as martial artists outside the military.
"That's true," he thought to himself. The increased vigilance was likely a precaution against his return to retrieve the treasure.
Of course, his guess might be wrong, but he had no intention of verifying the truth.
Fortunately, he had considered this possibility beforehand.
Still on the mountain ridge, he came to a place more than two kilometers away from the cave and took out two small discs.
This is a remote control he made himself; it's very rudimentary, but it works, and that's enough.
He lifted the small dot on the disc, then the second one.
Two explosions echoed from the distant mountains!
The sound wasn't very loud because he had only put in a small amount of medicine.
However, even on a rainy night, with the patter of rain, the two explosions could still be heard.
Immediately afterwards, at least five Knight reacted and all turned their attention to this side.
The explosion was actually a minor incident; the real issue was that the Weird Qi in the mountains had become restless!
"What's going on?" a Knight asked. "What's wrong now, in the middle of the night?"
"Who could know?" another Knight replied. "It must be a coincidence."
"It couldn't be a coincidence. The explosion wasn't loud; it wasn't Weird-Exterminating Grenade. It must have been one of those barbarians' methods."
"I'm warning you, speak properly—who the hell is the barbarian?"
"Hey, you think I'm afraid of you? Let's fight one-on-one!"
Some, more level-headed, said, "Stop fooling around. The explosive force is a bit weak, but the Weird Qi reaction is a bit too strong. What's going on?"
thing?"
"Heh, are you sure the Weird Qi fluctuations are really related to these two explosions?"
It's highly unlikely that a small explosion could have such a significant impact on the Weird Qi —it defies everyone's understanding.
However, Wu Youren, who was quietly sneaking in at that moment, said that this possibility really exists!
These two remote-controlled detonation points were mechanisms he designed specifically for this moment.
He wasn't sure if anyone would discover his deep-seated insecurity when he retrieved the treasure.
So he designed two climaxes to distract others.
However, these two plot twists are not simply about retrieving the treasure; they also need to help him fight against the Weird Race.
Wu Youren's organization rarely set up single-purpose structures, as that would be too inefficient.
His mechanisms are mostly designed to protect against people, spies, and even—his own people!
Any normal person would think he's a bit mentally disturbed.
But there's really no way around it. As a hostage, if he's not a monster, who is?
As for the Weird Qi? That's quite normal; he's put Weird-Dispelling Powder in those two small explosive devices!
The powder Weird-Dispelling Powder with the explosion; it would be strange if the Weird Qi didn't react!
Just as the guards' attention was completely drawn to this, a figure, like a ghost, silently slipped into the mountains.
About twenty minutes later, the figure quietly reappeared.
Wu Youren had already taken away the main wealth; as for the rest—it didn't matter if he discarded them.
But as he was leaving, he couldn't help but wonder: what had happened here?
If he goes back now and everything goes smoothly, there will still be plenty of time before dawn, giving him at least two hours of free time.
Why not listen to what's been happening lately?
He quietly approached a familiar aura—it was the military Knight he had dealt with many times before.
Unfortunately, it was this person's turn to speak.
He calmly stated, "We must thoroughly investigate today's events—everyone is taking the matter of the Teli Tribe to heart!"
(Continuing with 4 more chapters, 12,000 words total. Requesting monthly votes, subscriptions, and recommendations.)