Mutated Tao

Under the influence of alcohol, Zhao Qin shared quite a lot of things with Li Huowang; it was almost as though he was trying to dissuade Li Huowang from becoming an escort.

However, Li Huowang’s attention was drawn to a name that Zhao Qin mentioned. “Leader Zhao, what was that Surveillance Bureau that you mentioned?”

Though Li Huowang had been here for a couple of months, it was still the first time he heard of some terms. It was a good opportunity for him to learn more.

“The Surveillance Bureau is supposedly a group of highly-skilled individuals appointed by the Emperor. Whenever there are sinister affairs that the local enforcement cannot manage on their own, they are the ones that are called upon to handle it,” explained Zhao Qin.

Li Huowang was not surprised by this. Since the Si Qi dynasty was so stable, there had to be some people who could manage these sorts of strange powers.

However, he did not know if these people were specially trained by the palace, or recruited from outside.

When Zhao Qin saw that Li Huowang did not reply, he continued, “But even then, they are not always reliable. One such example was four years ago; there was a town which was completely slaughtered mysteriously.”

“Tsk, tens of thousands of people, gone in just a single night,” Zhao Qin lamented, not noticing that the fingers that Li Huowang was using to hold the cup had gone pale.

Wang Chengxing chimed in, “I heard about that incident too. It was rather tragic; some victims weren’t even left with complete bodies. How could they do such a thing? Aren’t they also birthed by their parents? They’re worse than animals.”

At this point, Li Huowang saw Jiang Yingzi approach him with a fierce expression. “Do you see how others talk about you?! What right do you have to live?! Why don’t you go and die?!”

Li Huowang’s chest heaved up and down.

Others may not have noticed this change, but Bai Lingmiao was able to sense that something was amiss. She quietly changed seats with Xiaoman and cupped Li Huowang’s trembling hands, “Senior Li, are you alright?”

Li Huowang took a deep breath and smiled at Zhao Qin, “Leader Zhao, let’s not discuss state affairs. Such matters are not something that us ordinary folk should be concerned with.”

“That’s right! Let the important people worry about them. Let’s drink! Here’s another toast to Brother Li!” said Zhao Qin.

“Cheers!” said Li Huowang as he picked up the pot of wine and poured it directly into his mouth. However, he could not handle alcohol, even more so because this was strong liquor.

That night, Li Huowang didn’t even know when he became drunk. That dazed feeling was not bad; there was no need for him to think or worry about anything.

“Li Huowang… Li Huowang!”

He woke up abruptly to a voice. When he opened his eyes, he was staring right at Jiang Yingzi’s face that was filled with hatred.

Any normal person would be startled if they woke up to see a blood-stained girl with severed limbs.

However, Li Huowang was already used to it.

After a moment, he looked at Dan Yangzi who was floating on the ceiling, and then propped himself up on the bed.

He was wearing simple clothes when he got up, but immediately sat back down while holding his head in agony.

I really can’t handle alcohol…

It was the first time Li Huowang had felt the pain of a hangover; he had a feeling that the extreme pain could perhaps be due to his heightened senses.

At that moment, the door creaked open as Bai Lingmiao carried a basin and walked in. When she saw Li Huowang sitting on the bed while holding his head with an agonized expression, she quickly approached him before placing the basin on the table.

The water splashed around as she wringed the wet handkerchief. Then, she went behind him and used one hand to support Li Huowang’s head, while lightly wiping his face.

When she was cleaning his neck, Li Huowang looked up at her face which was barely inches from his own. “Where are we?”

“We are still in the escort office. Leader Zhao told me to tell you that when you wake up, you shouldn’t hurry to leave. He has already sent people to look for the sword techniques that you requested,” replied Bai Lingmiao.

Li Huowang glanced at the two swords placed beside his red Taoist robes, and nodded.

Seeing this, Bai Lingmiao seemed to understand what Li Huowang wanted. She walked across and placed that longsword into Li Huowang’s hands.

This was the first time he was carefully examining this sword after he had obtained it.

The sword was three feet and two inches long, and about half a finger in width. It was in predominantly darker colors, and a dark-purple silk tassel that was slightly longer than an inch hung on the black hilt. The hilt had a carving of a ferocious beast with bared fangs. When he touched it, it felt as though his fingers were being cut by something sharp.

At first glance, this sword seemed very ordinary. There was nothing that made it seem like a powerful weapon.

Li Huowang thought about it for a moment, but finally decided not to draw the sword. Not because of the noise it would make, but because the feeling he got from it was different.

For some reason, this thing gave him an unsettling feeling, just like the Profound Records.

Abbess said that this sword will not be able to threaten me. Even so, I feel that it’s better to not unsheathe it if not necessary.

“Senior Li, can you walk? If not, I’ll bring your breakfast here,” asked Bai Lingmiao.

“No need, I just needed some rest. Without Dan Yangzi rushing us from behind, we can take our time,” said Li Huowang.

Just as he finished speaking, a creepy sound of three people laughing rang out from the ceiling.

Li Huowang looked up to see his Master’s three heads staring at him together, their gazes full of ridicule.

“What’re you laughing at?!” shouted Li Huowang.

“Senior… Li?” Bai Lingmiao glanced at the empty ceiling, then back toward Li Huowang, feeling uneasy.

“Nothing, let’s go eat,” said Li Huowang as he placed his right hand on her shoulder while stumbling toward the exit.

When they stepped outside, the sun was already shining brightly.

At this moment, the entire escort office, both in the front and the backyard, was quite lively.

From the looks of it, Zhao Qin had given everyone some instructions; anyone that saw Li Huowang treated him very respectfully.

Li Huowang looked past the wooden pillars on his right, toward the bustling martial arts training ground. He could see Puppy, Gao Zhijian, Chun Xiaoman, Sun Baolu and the others. They seemed to be gesticulating with some escorts.

“What are they doing?” Li Huowang was puzzled.

“Earlier, Puppy requested them to give him some pointers. In the end, the rest came over to join the party, and it became like this,” replied Bai Lingmiao.

“Ah, he really knows how to get the small advantages. Right, go to the inn and let Troupe Leader Lu know about where we are. He may think that we have left him behind if he doesn’t see any of us,” instructed Li Huowang.

“Okay, got it.”

At that moment, Li Huowang glanced toward Dan Yangzi, and then asked, “Is there any trouble with the Immortal families?”

Bai Lingmiao blinked. “No. Why do you ask, Senior Li?”

“That’s good. Let me know if there’s anything. Remember, you’re not Li Zhi. If anything happens, I’ll think of a solution,” said Li Huowang.

“Okay.”

Once the surroundings fell silent, the two of them enjoyed this rare moment of tranquility while walking slowly toward the kitchen.

Given their travels, it was hard to have moments like this.

As they walked, Bai Lingmiao slightly leaned on Li Huowang, a sweet feeling welling up in her heart.

“If there’s anything, don’t hide it from me. Even if it’s very difficult, we can think of a solution together. Moreover, right now… you’re all I have,” said Li Huowang.

“Mm…”

Chacha and Char's Thoughts

This is Bai Lingmiao as a Shaman! Though she technically is something else in this form, but close enough. Credits to 格子的乱七八糟 on douyin.

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