《My Boyfriend Is A Dragon》


 Chapter 1 - Stepfather

    <h4>Chapter 1: Stepfather</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Like a sharp knife, the cold wind shed across pedestrians¡¯ faces, beckoning them to hasten their footsteps. In the midst of such bone-chilling weather, no one was willing to spare the slightest sympathy for those around them.


    Suitcase in hand, Xu Lan collided head-first into a person rushing to work. Thetter cursed while gently massaging his shoulder as he turned his body, ready to give a piece of his mind to Xu Lan who had just bumped into him.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    Xu Lan ¨C bent over while gathering documents strewn all across the floor ¨C looked up after being shouted at. His face was nk.


    ¡°Watch your step! Next time we meet, I might not let you off the hook so easily!¡± Having caught sight of Xu Lan¡¯s trembling expression, the man said those words rather reluctantly, though the tone of his voice was certainly no less fierce.


    Xu Lan stared at his phone. Itid there broken and shattered on the ground. He then looked at the silent silhouette of a person and smiled cynically. Nowadays, it did not matter whether he consulted the Yellow Calendar[2] before leaving home, his days were still exhausting. Moments ago, he had just been friend-zoned by his dream girl, after which the bureau chief had suspended him from his duties. Then, he received a call from hisndy[3] along the road and to make matters worse, he dropped his phone and broke it.


    Along with red, dry, and heavy eyes, his despondent self had only one goal in mind ¡ª to reach home. Like all the days before, he once again resembled a puppet as he walked mechanically with a suitcase in his hand.


    ¡°Somebody! Help! Someone¡¯s drowning! Someone¡¯s drowning!¡± a voice shouted from the bridge up ahead, and in a short moment, the crowd made passing through the area almost impossible.


    ¡°It¡¯s a child! How did it fall in there?¡±


    ¡°No idea. I don¡¯t know how to swim.¡±


    People were talking amongst themselves, asionally extending their heads over the bridge to look at the iling child. Since the frozen surface of the ice was thin, the movements of the child shattered the ice, and the child began to sink. Soon, the child ¨C now weak from constantly iling ¨C no longer had the strength to stay afloat.


    As soon as Xu Lan reached the bridge and saw the situation, he immediately dropped his suitcase and removed his cotton-padded jacket. Without a second thought, he dove right into the icy river.


    It did not matter that the ice-cold river water treated his body like a pincushion and pierced deep into his bones. Xu Lan thought nothing of it and merely clenched his teeth while swimming toward the child. During winter, the cold river water rapidly deprived the body of its warmth, causing limbs to stiffen and be numb. There was no way of knowing what condition the child was in, but one thing was for sure ¡ª the iling sounds were nowhere to be heard.


    With directions from the city people, Xu Lan was able to save the child and a huge crowd soon surrounded him. Many showered him with praise, while others made phone calls to local television stations. There was no doubt that this was big news.


    Shivering from the cold, Xu Lan wore his cotton-padded jacket and hugged the child. He frantically asked, ¡°Where¡¯s the one-twenty[4]? Is it not here yet?¡±


    People looked at each other in dismay, then looked back at Xu Lan. The knife scar above Xu Lan¡¯s eyebrow appeared threatening, and the heat from his breath generated a thinyer of austerity in contrast to his cold and stiff expression which was slowly bing somber. Underneath the jacket, Xu Lan¡¯s well-built figure and tan skin seemed dour.


    ¡°Move away!¡± The responses of the onlookers clearly struck Xu Lan¡¯s nerve. He hugged the child and barged out of the crowd, rushing toward the city¡¯s nearest hospital.


    ¡°Hey, that guy just now, was he a gang member or something?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but he sure looked like it,¡± the crowd was muttering amongst themselves.


    Snow that fell for thousands of miles covered footprints left behind by pedestrians, erasing all traces of where they came from. No one remembered the child who fell into the water, much less the resolute man who saved that child.


    Xu Lan sat on the corridor of the city hospital. The cold naturally got to him, and he shivered while chattering his teeth.


    The door to the operation room creaked open. Xu Lan, stumbling, rushed in to stop the doctor.


    ¡°Doctor, how¡¯s the child?¡±


    After squinting and casting a nce at Xu Lan, the young and handsome doctor impassively said, ¡°At the moment, we¡¯ve averted all immediate and life-threatening dangers. With that said, hospitalization is required as we will need to monitor the situation closely.¡±


    At that moment, Xu Lan breathed a sigh of relief and thought, ¡°Thank God he¡¯s alright, thank God he¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°In that case, can I go and see him now?¡±


    ¡°The patient is asleep.¡± The young doctor seemed unwilling to continue dealing with Xu Lan as he pulled his mask off and handed it over to his assistant. The doctor promptly left, leaving a bewildered Xu Lan standing in the corridor.


    The assistant followed suit, but turned back after walking halfway and pointed a finger at Xu Lan¡¯s face. Driven by emotion, the assistant had some strong words to say, ¡°You. What kind of a father are you? Surely no parent, bad or good, will ever treat their child like how you did. Do you have any idea how close to death he was? If you were so much aste by two minutes, he would have been chatting with Yama[5]!¡±


    ¡°What? He isn¡¯t my-¡±


    ¡°What do you mean he isn¡¯t your child? Have you taken a DNA test yet? My God, the youngsters nowadays...¡±


    A flurry of sidelong nces were cast immediately after Xu Lan was publicly denounced. Most of those looks were directed at Xu Lan. Murmurs began surfacing, all of them simrly denouncing him. They said that he was irresponsible and a deplorable parent, amongst other things.


    ¡°Fine then, go in and have a look at the child. Next time, please don¡¯t make light of a child¡¯s life!¡± said the assistant. He had seen how terrified Xu Lan was after being reprimanded. Coupled with the Xu Lan¡¯s embarrassment and unease, the assistant suddenly realized that his words were rather excessive so he let Xu Lan into the ward.


    Feeling as though he had just received a decree of special pardon, he dly entered the ward. At that time, he still remained fearful of a scenario where everyone would judge and find fault in him. There were a few asions where he dreamt about it in his sleep, causing him to wake up dripping in sweat and distraught with anxiety.


    During that frantic moment of rescuing the child, Xu Lan did not manage to take a closer look at the boy but he could now see that the kid was about three or four years old. Bruises and scars adorned the boy¡¯s pale face. It was evident that the kid was in pain as his eyebrows were tightly creased, and his frail unsettled hands were gripping tightly at the bedsheet.


    ¡°Hey, there little guy. Time to wake up.¡± Xu Lan truly could not bear to see the child suffer so he woke the boy up. Perhaps, the sleeping child was having a nightmare.


    The boy disconcertingly opened his eyes, took one look at Xu Lan and fainted out of sheer fear.


    Xu Lan, who could not quite pick up on what had happened merely stood there at the edge of the bed. For a few moments, he was clueless as to what had happened. Xu Lan turned around to see the neighboring patient staring at him in horror as though he had just witnessed a homicide happen right before his eyes.


    The patient nervously pressed the call button and the doctor soon rushed in with a bunch of medical interns. They stood in front of him in an overbearing manner.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°He... uh... fainted,¡± said an embarrassed Xu Lan while scratching his head.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you that the patient was sleeping? Who let you in?¡± asked the doctor as he was checking on the boy. He did not look too happy.


    ¡°When I came in earlier, he looked like he was having a bad dream so I woke him up,¡± Xu Lan hastily exined. Although he felt there was no real need to exin himself, there were too many people in the area who were looking at him with disdain.


    ¡°How did the patient copse?¡±


    Realistically speaking, if Xu Lan repeated the same thing again, it would only make matters worse for him. This was especially so since the crowd had already formed a negative impression of him.


    ¡°Shh... little fe. Are you awake?¡±


    The boy nkly opened his ruby-like eyes and darted them across the area. His gaze finally stopped on Xu Lan but secondster, he turned toward the young doctor.


    ¡°Hello, mister.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re such a good boy. Are you feeling pain anywhere?¡± The boy shook his head.


    Xu Lan had a lingering feeling that the boy¡¯s look was unbearably terrifying. When the boy looked at him, he felt as though the child was staring into the depths of his soul. It was not the kind of look a three or four-year-old would possess.


    ¡°Doctor, since the boy¡¯s awake, I¡¯ll get going. I need to find a job,¡± said Xu Lan to the doctor, without looking at the boy.


    ¡°Excuse me? Which is more important, the child or your work? Are you thinking about making a run for it and just leaving your child here?¡± questioned the assistant who previously chastised Xu Lan in front of everyone.


    ¡°No, of course not! This child isn¡¯t mine. I saved him from the Sanhe[6] Bridge just this morning,¡± Xu Lan briskly exined.


    Xu Lan received a look of contempt from the young doctor, who said, ¡°Whatever the case may be, you should first settle all the medical bills.¡±


    ¡°What?! But doctor, I have no money. You should get in touch with the child¡¯s parents instead of extorting money from me. They are the ones who should be paying for his expenses!¡± As soon as Xu Lan was asked to foot the bill, he got angry. He was already behind on rent by three months, and in the morning hisndy had just informed him that he would have to pack his bags and leave if the rent was not settled!


    Xu Lan¡¯s voice naturally had a powerful tone. If he raised it by even eight degrees, those who were ready to fight him would simply hiss and keep quiet.


    ¡°We saved the boy. Then, at the final moment when we kindly ask that you settle the expenses, you turn around and say the boy isn¡¯t yours and that you have no money? Do we look like a charity to you?¡± the doctor calmly remarked even as he was faced with Xu Lan. Though he was a young chief physician, he was experienced and had seen countless antics by hard-headed people.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t even...¡±


    ¡°Papa!¡± eximed the boy, with his misty eyes fixated on Xu Lan. As he heard the boy¡¯s crisp voice call out, Xu Lan¡¯s jaw almost fell to the ground. What was that trickery? When people spoke of being a ¡®stepfather[1]¡¯, were they referring to this?


    ¡°Young man, you must be responsible for what you say! I am not your father, and I have no money to pay for the medical bills!¡± Xu Lan could no longer bear the various weird looks ¨C mostly of disdain ¨C that were thrown at him. He simply shrugged it off, closed his eyes, and headed for the exit.


    ¡°Papa doesn¡¯t want me anymore?¡±


    Xu Lan¡¯s hand swiftly reached for the door, butnded on it with a thump, shocking the doctor who had just came in to check on the patients.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu? Why are you here? Are you injured again today?¡± asked the squinty-eyed doctor. Whileposing himself, he checked the medical records which he held close to his chest.


    ¡°Ah, old friend, finally I found someone who can speak on my behalf. Pleasee with me and try to reason for me!¡± Xu Lan appeared to be holding on to thest de of grass as he grabbed and led the squinty-eyed doctor into the ward, in hopes that the doctor could rectify things for him.


    ¡°Hehe... what¡¯s this all about? This is Sergeant Xu from the public security bureau. Don¡¯t let his buff looks fool you, he¡¯s a real expert when ites to handling cases. Not to mention his honesty! Every time there¡¯s a case, he puts himself in the front line and suffers plenty of injuries. Just look!¡± The squinty-eyed doctor pulled Xu Lan over and pointed at the scar above thetter¡¯s eyebrow. ¡°I personally stitched this wound for Sergeant Xu! At the time, his supraorbital ridge was broken, and seven stitches were needed. After only half a month, he was back at work again¨C¡±


    ¡°Papa!¡± came a soft voice, cutting off the doctor¡¯s train of thought and non-stop babbling.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! Your son¡¯s a big boy now? My my, you never said anything about him,¡± the squinty-eyed doctor teased, causing Xu Lan to fly into a fit of rage.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already said, he¡¯s not my son!¡± Xu Lan trembled in anger. He looked at the group of doctors and noticed that their expressions changed again.


    ¡°Papa doesn¡¯t want me anymore, again?¡± said the child in a shy and whimpering tone.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, I used to have a lot of respect for you, but don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a little un-ssy to do this sort of thing?¡± asked the squinty-eyed doctor as he looked at the group of physicians. Immediately afterward, some of them went along with his statement and started criticizing Xu Lan.


    ¡°Alright, alright, alright! I¡¯ll pay the damn bills. But I want to leave the hospital now, and I mean right now!¡± Xu Lan simply could not ignore how the others looked at him. He forced himself to cough up the money to pay the medical bills, then took the kid and rushed out of the hospital. He did not want to stay at the hospital for a second longer!


    ¡®Child? A child?!¡¯ Xu Lan looked down and saw that the young boy¡¯s bright eyes were looking back at him. Thankfully, Xu Lan was from the public security bureau; the parents of such a cute kid must be terribly anxious.


    He thought about how he was just suspended from duties by the bureau chief that morning, but fast forward toter in the day, he was rushing back to his workce to settle another mess. He seemed unwilling to ept how the whole issue turned out and deep down, he truly did not wee what was happening. He thought about it for a moment and decided, ¡®Perhaps it would be better to deal with it tomorrow and head home first?¡¯


    As that thought surfaced and he began heading home, Xu Lan abruptly pped himself on the thigh.


    ¡®Bloody hell, how could I have forgotten?¡¯


    Trantor¡¯s note:


    [1] ϲµ±µù¨C tranted as ¡®stepfather¡¯, although this does not quite epass the meaning of the word, but is the closest trantion without needing to exin the term in its entirety; this phrase actually has a very curious origin, based on etymology searches, two of which seem relevant to Xu Lan¡¯s scenario. The first is described as ¡°a cynical term coined by the intemunity to describe a situation where a man hooks up with a woman and bes the father of her unborn child. The child is fathered by someone else obviously.¡± The other is where ¡°A guy with mediocre credentials and limited means won the girl of his heart, but realizedter on it went so easy because she was pregnant with someone else¡¯s child and desperately needed someone to assume the paternal responsibilities.¡± The gist of it is that a man now bes a father, but is not the actual father of the child, and does not seem to be too happy about having the child (thus ruling out the use of the word ¡®adoptive¡¯ to describe the term).


    [2] »ÆÀú¨C tranted as the ¡®Yellow Calendar¡¯. This is said to be the origin of ͨ„Ù (Tung Shing) which is a Chinese divination guide and almanac; it is a calendar based on the Chinese Lunar Year. It tells you what the most suitable activity is for any given day.


    [3] While at this point of time the author did not specify the reason for thendy¡¯s call, it ister revealed that he was two months behind his rent.


    [4] 120 ¨C the telephone number for medical services in China; Xu Lan here was asking why medical services had yet to arrive.


    [5] ÑÖÍõ¨C tranted as Yama, who is also known as the King of Hell. With this tidbit of information, you may wonder why the child would be meeting with the King of Hell after dying: after all, children are innocent and hell should be thest ce for them to go. Well, in Chinese mythology, Yama is not only the literal King of Hell, but he is also the one who passes judgment on those who are dead. The dead spirits ¨C be it children or adults ¨C will have to undergo judgment by Yama, after which they are supposed to either pass through a term of enjoyment in a region midway between earth and the heaven of gods or to undergo their measure of punishment in theherworld. So rest assured, the doctor did not mean that the children would be sent to hell.


    [6] ÈýºÓ¨C tranted to Sanhe, which means Three Rivers; this is likely the Sanhe Province in Beijing, China.

 Chapter 2 - Stepfather (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2: Stepfather (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan stopped in his tracks. The boy in his arms and him stared nkly at each other. Oh, how he wished to leave the child there and then! As if things could not get worse, he left the suitcase he was bringing home at Sanhe Bridge which contained case information he had secretly copied!


    ¡°What¡¯s your name, little boy?¡±


    ¡°Bai Wu,¡± the boy replied meekly. Sensing that Xu Lan was in an intensely foul mood based on the aura he emitted, Bai Wu tensely tucked himself back into Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Where are your parents? I¡¯ll bring you to them!¡± The Xu Lan who had lost his documents had a menacing and murderous look. Coupled with his unsympathetic tone, people were made to feel even more terrified of him.


    Bai Wu¡¯s tears burst forth like mountain spring, ceaseless and without warning. Bean-like beads of teardrops slid down his plump cheeks as he mumbled, ¡°I don¡¯t have any parents.¡±


    Xu Lan felt like screaming until he saw Bai Wu¡¯s pitiable look, which immediately retracted every single profanity that had been itching to escape his mouth.


    ¡°So why did you call me ¡®papa¡¯?¡±


    Lifting his tear-stained face to look at Xu Lan, Bai Wu shed a smile and said, ¡°I know you saved me.¡±


    Xu Lan made noment. Throughout his life, he had saved a lot of people, too many even for him to keep track of. Bai Wu was merely one out of many individuals. Xu Lan propped the child by the buttocks so the both of them were closer, then tightly wrapped his overcoat around the boy.


    ¡°You are a good person.¡±


    Boom! Xu Lan felt as though a stream of lightning suddenly struck him, burning his exterior to a crisp while the insides remained tender. Just a few hours ago, his dream girl had friend-zoned him, and it was the child¡¯s turn to tell him he was just a ¡®nice guy¡¯.


    In twenty-eight years of his glorious life, he had never tasted a girl¡¯s lips. His only girlfriend? A blow-up doll. How inconceivable it was for him that he looked set to be a stepfather!


    ¡°Get down from me! Walk on your own! I¡¯ll bring you to the public security bureau tomorrow morning. Good person? Well let me tell you this, I only give the impression that I¡¯m a good person,¡± Xu Lan eximed bitterly.


    The afternoon temperature seemed to have dropped significantly. Even in his cotton-padded jacket, he was shuddering. At that time, he wanted to head back to Sanhe Bridge to see if all his stuff was still there. His payroll card, keys, handphone, and thumb drives were all in the suitcase and he hoped that he would still be able to find it.


    ¡°Papa...¡± called the little boy as he stretched his hands around Xu Lan¡¯s neck and innocently blinked his misty pair of eyes.


    ...


    After locking eyes for a couple of seconds, Xu Lan gave in. He lightly pped himself on the forehead and grudgingly lifted the boy up so thetter would be morefortable.


    ¡®If I had somewhere to sow my seeds of love, I might not have found the boy to be so adorable! Surely it was because of that!¡¯ nagged Xu Lan¡¯s thoughts as he carried the sleeping boy in his arms.


    When they arrived at the bridge, the sun had long set. Xu Lanid himself on the ground while still hugging the child. He searched for his payroll card and handphone. With determined eyes, he scoured the area but it was all in vain. Even the cleanerdy had not seen anything. She exined that they worked in shifts and that it was not her duty to oversee the area in the morning.


    There was nothing Xu Lan could do except to dejectedly return to his rented ce. He had an earful from thendy, who asked him to settle his rent.


    ¡°Mister Xu, if you don¡¯t pay the rent by this month, you¡¯ll be making friends with the head hobo who lives under the bridge!¡±


    By then, the boy was already sound asleep. Xu Lan ced the boy onto his bed and tucked him in. Rent? All the money he had left was used to settle the boy¡¯s medical fees. Thendy thought too highly of him; the head hobo might even get along better with her. Xu Lan mustered a tiny smile, but could just about taste the bitterness at the edge of his lips.


    He stepped foot into the cramped toilet, wanting to take a hot bath and ease away the chilliness he had been facing the whole day. Throughout the day, his underwear had dried up, and his member was so cold that he lost all sensitivity down there. If the cold had damaged it, it would be very unfortunate for him indeed!


    It took the hiss of piping hot water and it sshing on Xu Lan¡¯s body to jolt him back to life again. He took a deep breath and cupped his member in his hands. If life were a world of feathers, he wanted to make sure it was the most beautiful feather duster ever!


    ¡°Papa...¡± the little boy suddenly said, shocking Xu Lan into a swift defensive pose as he turned his back and looked at the child.


    Aical scene ensued: a hazy-eyed child standing at the bathroom entrance and strangely looking at the man inside, while the bbergasted man hurriedly grabbed a bath towel to cover up his private parts. It was quite an odd contrast to see a well-built man making such frantic scrambling movements.


    Xu Lan was the kind of man who looked slim in clothes, but not-so-slim when the clothes came off. For the past few years, he had been going to the gym four times a week, bringing with him a frightening amount of self-discipline.


    ¡°Papa...¡±


    ¡°Why are you awake, hm?¡± Now that he saw the child, Xu Lanughed at himself and turned off the shower. He walked over to the boy and bent down. ¡°Are you cold? Do you want to have a little bath?¡±


    ¡°Papa...hug me. I¡¯m scared,¡± the child mumbled softly while stretching both arms toward Xu Lan.


    It melted Xu Lan¡¯s heart. He carried the child and briskly took off the boy¡¯s clothes. Soon they were ying bubbles in the water.


    ¡®Perhaps God gave me this to provide me with a sense offort,¡¯ he thought. All that had happened in the past few days had practically caused the valiant man to feel defeated, and yet, on that very day, he met that young boy ¡ª a boy with no ce to go, and nowhere to call home.


    ¡°Papa, will you abandon me?¡± asked the boy as he sat on Xu Lan¡¯s thigh andthered himself with soap.


    ¡°Hmm, I guess we¡¯ll have to see if you behave. I have no money. I can¡¯t possibly take care of you,¡± Xu Lan said in all seriousness. Out of all the people, he was probably the most concerned right now!


    ¡°I don¡¯t eat much. Last time, my uncle and auntie gave me one steamed bun a day. Butter, they couldn¡¯t give me anymore steamed buns, so they threw me into the river...¡± said the little boy as sobs began to choke him. ¡°If papa is poor, papa can give me half a steamed bun a day. I¡¯ll be a good boy. Papa, please don¡¯t throw me away...¡±


    Xu Lan looked down at him. The boy¡¯s eyes were already red and teary, but he fervently bit his lip to refrain from bursting into tears. Almost immediately, Xu Lan felt a tug in his heartstrings. After all, Bai Wu was still a small boy. How can someone be so heartless? The child was the one who suffered!


    ¡°Okay. If you are a good boy, I will not throw you away.¡±


    Xu Lan held up the handheld showerhead and washed the boy clean, but when he ushered the boy out, the little one adamantly refused to do so, afraid of never seeing Xu Lan again. He had no other choice but to hoist the boy onto his shoulders, take a simple bath, then go out together.


    It was even more awkward when bedtime came. Xu Lan¡¯s original n was to take the sofa and let the kid sleep on the bed, but the boy stubbornly refused to sleep alone. Unfortunately, the loft bed that Xu Lan bought just to save a bit of space could only fit the boy if he was on top of Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    The simple-minded boy slept so soundly that saliva continuously dribbled out from his mouth. Xu Lan, however, did not have a pleasant time. The child was like an immovable boulder. If Xu Lan so much as gently shifted position, he would wake up crying and tossing from side to side. He knew exactly where Xu Lan¡¯s weak points were: Xu Lan would never throw him out. If it were the previous family, the boy would not even dare to act like that.


    It was already good enough that the boy had a bed to sleep for the night, how dare he be so unbridled!


    Throughout the night, Xu Lan did not get any sleep. His eyelids only began to close when the sun started emerging from the horizon. Just as he fell asleep, he saw himself being wrapped up in the clutches of a white dragon, shocking him into taking slower steps before running away.


    He was certain that it was daybreak, yet at that moment, it waspletely pitch ck. He could only hear a peaceful breathing sound, but as peaceful as it was, it did not sound human. It was rougher, just like that of the dragon¡¯s moments before!


    In that short span of time, Xu Lan was unable to collect his thoughts. He groped around in the dark while following the direction of the breathing sound toward the dragon. Relying on the short glimpse of the dragon a while ago, he could tell that it was no less than three meters in length and two meters tall. Those figures would surely be muchrger if it stood up.


    It seemed to have sensed Xu Lan and promptly woke up. In a daze, it lifted its head and opened his mouth, unfolding a tongue which then began to lick Xu Lan, leaving him wet and sticky all over.


    Xu Lan wanted to ask what exactly was happening, but before he could do so, the sky suddenly turned bright. A delegation of tough-looking and formidable dragons, exactly the same as the white one, fiercely walked over.


    ¡°Leader, the execution tform is up and running, it is waiting for you to carry out the sentence.¡±


    ¡°Mm...¡± The white dragon rose from the ground. With its mouth, it carried Xu Lan by his clothes. Then it tossed him behind. Xu Lan firmlynded on the dragon¡¯s broad back.


    ¡®What the hell? Wings? This isn¡¯t our Chinese dragons for sure,¡¯ said Xu Lan in his heart.


    In a sh, the scene changed and Xu Lan was now at a deste and out-of-town mountainous in. Curiously though, there were sounds of young women frolicking around. Xu Lan was following sounds once again. He walked to where the voices wereing from and reached the edge of a river. The sight rendered him somewhat unable to control himself.


    All the girls in the river had dainty facial features and ridiculously sexy bodies. Their clothes were soaked and sticking to their bodies, faintly revealing their figure. Those perky breasts, their full and oh-so-graspable waist, and then a little further down...


    Ahh!


    Someone shouted, causing all the horrified girls to turn their heads and look at Xu Lan. The river started to be red and the strong smell of iron began to pierce his nostrils.


    Xu Lan only realized that the scene was turning ck, but he did not make anything out of it. When he woke up, he found himself on his own bed. His dream girl, Song Xi, was tidying up his room. As she fished out a dirty stinking sock, she scolded him for being an unsanitary person.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake? Good. Now get off the bed, don¡¯t just lie there like a dead pig.¡± Even as she scolded him, Xu Lan felt so warm hearing her voice. The air was filled with Song Xi¡¯s unique scent.


    ¡®How is this even happening? Didn¡¯t she just reject me yesterday? Why is that she came all the way here?¡¯ Xu Lan took in a deep breath and savored her delicious scent. An eyeful of her rocking waist and his member needed no extra effort to get up.


    ¡°You!¡± Song Xi was mopping the floor when she turned around and saw Xu Lan. He was redder than the crimson bedding on a matrimonial bed, and he bit his lips so hard that blood almost started flowing.


    ¡°How shameless of you!¡± She stamped her foot and scolded him. Xu Lan pulled her closer. She became even shyer, lowering her head and avoiding his gaze, while rapidly fluttering her eyshes.


    ¡°Song Xi!¡± Xu Lan grasped her. Then came a p. His ears buzzed and his face became numb.


    p! Another one came.


    ¡°Papa, wake up quick papa...¡± A terrified Bai Wu was so scared that he took a fist at Xu Lan, solidly waking the man from his sweet dream.


    ¡°Damn...¡± Xu Lan groaned. Before he could react and realize what had happened, he was startled by the child¡¯s streams of tears.


    ¡°Hey, what is it? Why are you crying again? Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry, I¡¯m still here,¡± said Xu Lan as he clutched the child close to his chest and beganforting the boy with a few pats on the back.


    ¡°Papa, a long hard stick keeps chasing me. Papa, I¡¯ll be a good boy. Please don¡¯t beat me. Huhu...¡± Bai Wu cried out and hugged Xu Lan by the neck.


    ¡°...I won¡¯t, I won¡¯t. How could I beat you when you are so adorable?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s expression clearly showed that he was rueing the buzzkill, but even so, he stillforted the boy. He lifted the covers and saw his throbbing member taking all the credit for it.


    ¡®What a sin, may the Lord Buddha preserve me,¡¯ he thought. Then he lifted the child up. Only after repeatedly telling the boy that he would neither throw nor beat him did the crying stop.


    ¡°Papa!¡±


    ¡°Mm?¡± Xu Lan was still not used to Bai Wu calling him so suddenly and earnestly.


    ¡°Is it true? That you won¡¯t leave me or hit me?¡±


    Looking up at the ceiling, Xu Lan thought for a moment and said, ¡°I won¡¯t leave you, but if you don¡¯t behave, I might still beat you.¡±


    Bai Wu cast aside the guilt-inducing look and mumbled to himself, ¡°I¡¯ll never misbehave.¡± Even Xu Lan was amused. That kid really was a gift from heaven.


    ¡°Room two zero three! Someone¡¯s here for you!¡± shouted thendy from the patio.


    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ming.¡±

 Chapter 3 - Borrowing Money

    <h4>Chapter 3: Borrowing Money</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan shouted back and started walking out the door after motioning for the boy to stay inside. Only one person could locate him, this was his partner, Wang Hao.


    ¡°Papa, where are you going?¡± The little one had a terrified look on his face. He pulled at the edge of Xu Lan¡¯s shirt and did not let go.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be going down for a while, then I¡¯ll be back.¡± The boy still did not let go, because he remembered that a sister said the same thing once, but after waiting for ages, the sister never came back.


    After seeing the boy¡¯s worried expression, Xu Lan sighed. He opened the door and shouted, ¡°Wang Hao,e up by yourself.¡±


    As of then, Xu Lan still had reservations about bringing the child out. If thendy knew, it would be all: ¡®Where are the two months rental?¡±You can¡¯t even raise yourself and you want to raise a child?¡±You can¡¯t even pay the rent, and you need to pay the water and electricity fees¡¯. The past two months had brought about a nasty change of character in thendy, and almost every single time that they met, she just had to scold him. Only then did she feel better.


    Wang Hao was a slender, experienced guy. He was frequently on assignments, which was why his skin was tanned just as dark as Xu Lan¡¯s. From the moment he entered, his eyes were fixed on the little boy. A frightened Bai Wu immediately ran over to his protector, Xu Lan, and gave him a tight hug.


    ¡°Papa!¡±


    ¡°Eh? Sergeant Xu, since when did you have this child? He¡¯s already so big,¡± came Wang Hao¡¯s loud voice. He could be silent for half a day, but when he spoke he could scare the hell out of people.


    ¡°I said he¡¯s not my son.¡±


    ¡°Papa...¡± said Bai Wu in between sobs, and once again Xu Lan¡¯s heart melted.


    Xu Lan coughed and told the boy, ¡°Can youe down and sit here for a minute? I have some things to talk about with Uncle Wang.¡± He put the boy down. Bai Wu was reluctant but still sat beside Xu Lan. asionally, the little boy would stare at Wang Hao.


    Wang Hao was amused by the kid. Never would he have thought that the Sergeant Xu of indomitable spirit would be so consumed by a toddler. He could not resist poking fun at the boy.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name, little fe?¡±


    ¡°Bai Wu.¡±


    ¡°How old are you?¡±


    ¡°Three and a half.¡±


    ¡°Is there anything you like?¡±


    ¡°I like my papa!¡± The boy had been answering the questions coldly throughout, but when it came to that question, he shyly threw himself into Xu Lan¡¯s embrace.


    Patting the child¡¯s back, Xu Lan earnestly said, ¡°Let him be, Wang Hao. Let¡¯s cut to the chase.¡± Wang Hao would not simply look for him without any good reason.


    Immediately after hearing those words, Wang Hao straightened his body, sat upright and still, then looked at Xu Lan. It was quiet for a while. Just when Bai Wu thought that the ck uncle would raise a hand or something, a low voice suddenly echoed from the cramped room.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu. Regarding this matter, I can no longer face you.¡±


    ¡°Ay, what are you talking about?¡± Xu Lan waited for what seemed like half a day. The pent-up anxiousness surrounding the atmosphere was thus broken by his question, and he almost felt like punching Wang Hao. Fortunately for thetter, he had known Xu Lan for a few years now, and he sort of understood Xu Lan¡¯s temper, so he quickly switched to the intended topic.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, after you left, the bureau chief assigned this matter to Meng Chengjun and his group to investigate. Just this morning, before I came here, they set off with the police car. I heard that there was another murder at Wangfujing <sup>1</sup> . The MO <sup>2</sup> looked simr to the previous ones. I suspect that we might have a serial killer in our hands.¡±


    When Wang Hao spoke, he tends to look a person directly in the eye. For criminal investigators such as himself, doing so had advantages as well as drawbacks. It was a good thing because one can then observe the suspect¡¯s expression during questioning; no detail would be left unnoticed. On the flip side, such methods were too overbearing; for hardened criminals and psychopaths, it waspletely useless, maybe even detrimental, since it had the potential to expose the investigator.


    Perceptions were a double-edged sword.


    ¡°Another one?¡± Xu Lan dug out his ¡® Yunyan Special titbit soft <sup>3</sup> ¡® and prepared to light it up. Then he saw Bai Wu¡¯s protruding bottom as the boy was digging something out from the sofa. He took out two tar filters and ced them in boy¡¯s ears, before embracing the boy in his arms.


    ¡°This sofa is thest piece of furniture I have. If you keep digging and spoil it, I have no money to buy another one,¡± said Xu Lan, who then hinted at Wang Hao to continue.


    ¡°I have a rough idea of the things that you asked me to investigate.¡±


    ¡°Well look at you! It never crossed my mind that a joker like you would be so reliable, uncovering events that happened some ten plus years ago.¡± After hearing what Wang Hao said, Xu Lan was so excited that his lips began to dry. His moistened them and waited to hear the rest of it from Wang Hao.


    Wang Hao scratched his head in slight embarrassment after hearing Xu Lan¡¯s words of praise. Then he proceeded. ¡°Eight years ago, when Chengdu underwent that massive relocation, the family was one of those householders who made a big fuss and refused to vacate their home despite pressure from property developers. They managed to leave a message. Without it, I could be plunging my head into a grave for all we know, and stille up empty-handed and clueless.¡±


    ¡°And then?¡±


    ¡°And then the son suddenly fell sick and died. The whole family went mad. During the year beforest, their old man passed away in a mental institution, and after that, the crazy old woman was never found again. I¡¯m curious, Sergeant Xu, why did you ask me to find out about all this? No matter how you look at it, there is no connection to the present homicide, at all.¡±


    Wang Hao finally spilled the doubts he had in his heart and asked that question. Although he may have known Xu Lan for a good few years, thetter¡¯s way of handling cases was exactly the same as the man himself: unpredictable.


    Frankly speaking, which government official woulde to work with a sinister scar on their forehead? People on the street would be scared out of their pants, yet he wore a smile on his face and handled his cases. He was just like Meng Chengjun: constantly beaming with smiles, and absolutely worthy of trust.


    ¡°Who said they were connected?¡±


    ¡°And you wasted so much energy, asking me to investigate it?¡± asked a dumbfounded Wang Hao. Xu Lan¡¯s response left him stunned. If Xu Lan did not ask Wang Hao to investigate, no one would defend Xu Lan and discover why he was suspended from duty.


    ¡°Haha... when I browsed over the dossiersst month, I noticed something fishy about the family. So I asked you to find out what you can. I never thought that you would discover all these things,¡± replied Xu Lan. He cheerfully patted Wang Hao on the shoulder and went to pour a ss of water for his partner to drink.


    All the time, Bai Wu was staring at Wang Hao as if thetter had snatched away Xu Lan.


    ¡°My boy, you don¡¯t need to get involved in this matter at the moment. Since the director has assigned it to Meng Chengjun and his group, don¡¯t take part and don¡¯t go along with them. Otherwise, when the investigation leads nowhere, they¡¯ll bite back and say that you obstructed their case. If that happens, who knows if you will be the one to plunge into Huangpu River.¡± Xu Lan passed the ss of water over to Wang Hao.


    The sky was clear that day. A rarity, given that it was wintertime. Looking out the window, one could see the bare tree branches trembling amongst the buildings. The trees sought warmth, too.


    Looking at Xu Lan¡¯s tall figure, Wang Hao felt an indescribable shame: after years of being partners, not only did he not learn anything, he even caused Xu Lan to worry about him. However, when he thought about it, he realized he felt safe knowing that Xu Lan was watching out for him.


    ¡°Papa...¡± the young boy cried out, unable to bear the solemn atmosphere.


    Xu Lan tenderly carried the boy up and sat on the sofa. Then, with a serious expression, he turned to Wang Hao.


    ¡°I understand, Sergeant Xu,¡± came the hurried reply, thinking that Xu Lan was waiting for him to dere his stand.


    ¡°Wang Hao!¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sergeant Xu!¡± The sudden sternness caused Wang Hao to jump out of the chair and spring to his feet, after which he turned to Xu Lan and bowed out of respect.


    ¡°Can you borrow me some money?¡± asked Xu Lan. It was as if his scar was smiling back at Wang Hao.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Wang Hao absent-mindedly muttered. His jaw dropped faster than his arm could rx.


    While carrying the boy, Xu Lan bashfully said, ¡°Come on, you know I¡¯m spent. Then there¡¯s this boy. Things are a little tight.¡±


    As he uttered those words, he felt like his tongue tied itself up in a knot. It was winter, but the man was sweating like hell.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! Just tell me how much you need!¡± It was the first time that Wang Hao saw how poor Xu Lan was. It wrung his heart to see a slim, young, and capable man looking at him with reddened eyes.


    ¡°A thousand? Or if it¡¯s too much, five hundred will do,¡± Xu Lan said as he nervously licked his lips and ventured for his cigarette.


    ¡°Make it two thousand! Wait for a bit, I¡¯ll head to the bank and withdraw the money.¡± Wang Hao did not expect that Xu Lan had endured hardship to such a level. The two thousand was the Wang Hao¡¯s own suggestion.


    In retrospect, Xu Lan wished he could rip out his big mouth. Aside from no one covering for him, he lost another hundred thousand, and his case was transferred to someone else!


    ¡°Alright! Such brotherly spirit!¡± Xu Lan rose up from the sofa and patted the generous man on his shoulder, and with a stagger, Wang Hao was t on the floor.


    ¡°Boss, can you like, give me a bit of time to mentally prepare myself next time?¡± asked Wang Hao. After his request to lend money was agreed, Xu Lan¡¯s listless lips became lively again, and damn did his figure and strength match!


    ¡°Oh, sorry about that, sorry. I got too excited for a moment there, couldn¡¯t control myself,¡± apologized Xu Lan as he helped his friend up. At that point, Wang Hao regretted letting his emotions get the better of him, because after that, Xu Lan wasughing, of all things!


    With thatugh, would you say he was conscientious?


    ¡°I¡¯ll get going then.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Oh, one more thing, my phone is broken. Do you have any old ones? Would it be okay if I borrowed it?¡±


    ¡°I have a Nokia. I¡¯ll bring it over tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Xu Lan¡¯s eyes saw Wang Hao out, who then said his goodbye to thendy.


    She lifted her head and saw Xu Lan. Then she started muttering to him about his rental. In actual fact, thendy was still a good person. No matter how much she scolded him during the two months, she has not acted on her intention to drive him out.


    Xu Lan thought, ¡®Good people still exist in the world. I¡¯m one of them. I mean, just yesterday, didn¡¯t I take a child under my care?¡¯


    He woke the soundly sleeping Bai Wu. ¡°Hey, time to wake up. Let¡¯s get something to eat.¡±


    They had not eaten breakfast and it was almost lunchtime already. Xu Lan did not mind not eating, but the boy was still young and must be treated as such.


    Who knows how much pain the boy suffered in the past? Even if he was hungry, he might have quietly slept through the hunger. When Xu Lan bathed the boy yesterday, he noticed many old and new scars on the child¡¯s body. Just looking at it made Xu Lan worried.


    ¡°Oh. Papa, you¡¯re done with work? Did the ck uncle leave?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll get some lunch,¡± replied Xu Lan as he took the overcoat from the back of the door and wore it while waiting for the little one.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you moving? You¡¯re not hungry?¡±


    ¡°I am...but, papa said, we¡¯re poor...¡± The young boy hugged his own thighs and buried his head in them.


    ¡°Oh dear, even a kid knows to tell me to save money. How then? It¡¯s not only good food that I want to eat, I want to buy some new clothes too. If you don¡¯t go, then I don¡¯t wanna buy them already.¡± Xu Lan picked him up and used a handkerchief to wipe his hands, then wrapped the boy inside his overcoat.


    ¡°Papa, if one day, we have nothing to eat, will you leave me?¡± asked the boy, who nestled himself in Xu Lan¡¯s chest and was on the verge of tears. He dared not look up.


    ¡°Why would I do that? After we finish our meal, we¡¯ll get the papers done, so next time you can¡¯t even run away and you won¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    ¡°Really?!¡± asked the boy as he looked up, with those deep blue eyes that blinked at Xu Lan.


    ¡°Yes, really. Cross my heart.¡±


    ¡°Papa, I like you the most,¡± Bai Wu said as he kissed Xu Lan on the cheek, with no apparent sense of fear whatsoever.


    ¡°Come, let¡¯s go and eat.¡± Xu Lan happily carried the boy and went out.

 Chapter 4 - Adoption Certificate

    <h4>Chapter 4: Adoption Certificate</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The young boy¡¯s table manners simply left Xu Lan heartbroken. For a child to understand such things at a young age, what kind of experience must he have gone through to be like this?


    ¡°Papa, you¡¯re not eating?¡± asked the greasy-lipped boy.


    ¡°I¡¯m full. Eat slowly okay? No one¡¯s gonna take it from you,¡± Xu Lan said absent-mindedly as he sipped a mouthful of tea. He did not expect that the child would put down his chopsticks lightly and sit on the stool quietly.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating? Are you full?¡±


    ¡°If Papa¡¯s not eating, I¡¯m not eating.¡± With tearful, reddened, and gleaming eyes, the boy fixated his gaze on Xu Lan. The man had no choice but to apany the boy and have some Dim sum, only stopping once the boy had ced his chopsticks down.


    They say the Yellow Calendar <sup>1</sup> would never be wrong if you looked at it before going out, but as a matter of fact, when Xu Lan went to pay for the meal, he unexpectedly met with his dream girl: Song Xi. The day before, she had just rejected him, and a dayter, he somehow found himself in front of her. He looked just like a stalker, and cursed at not being able to slip through the cracks.


    ¡°Xu Lan?¡± As if nothing had happened between them, Song Xi greeted him with her rippling voice.


    ¡°Hey...¡± Recalling the unreal dream he had that morning, Xu Lan felt as though his face was getting flushed with bashfulness. He dared not turn his head to look at her.


    Song Xi was a famous civilwyer from Whitehorse. She was tall, fair, pretty, and had a good temper. Everyone wanted to be her ¡® ck knight <sup>2</sup> ¡®; Xu Lan was merely one out of many.


    ¡°Papa!¡± the na?ve little boy called out. He was clueless as to why his glowingly-spirited Papa suddenly became so dispirited all of a sudden.


    ¡°Papa?¡±


    ¡°Mm... Mm...¡± Xu Lan suddenly lifted his head and saw Song Xi looking at him in the most inconceivable manner. ¡°Uh, Song Xi, it¡¯s not what you think. I-¡±


    Before he could finish, a tall man walked over to Song Xi and worriedly asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, I just bumped into an old friend, let¡¯s go.¡± She shook her head and urged the man to leave. Just like needles pricking on his body, the expression hurt Xu Lan. He did not even manage to notice the vignt eyes of Song Xi¡¯s man.


    ¡°Papa, did I do something wrong?¡± the little guy timidly asked.


    Looking up at him with eyes so red and ready to burst into tears anytime, how could Xu Lan have the heart to me the small child?


    How could he me the boy for being homeless, when it was Xu Lan himself that brought the child home? As for the boy constantly calling him ¡®Papa¡¯, how could Xu Lan me the kid when it was Xu Lan himself who failed to curb that from the very beginning? The only person to me was Xu Lan himself: he was nearing thirty years of age and still had not achieved anything. He lived his life as though he was a good-for-nothing!


    ¡°... It¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s go.¡± There was something important to be taken care of that day: the paperwork regarding the child. It was a given fact that he could not just bring the boy home based on the one-sided story of what the boy had told him, he had to check if anyone had lodged a report. If there were none, then he would proceed with the adoption paperwork.


    In the event that he was really a homeless boy, matters could be settled fairly easily, but with all the scars on Bai Wu¡¯s body, perhaps it was a case of abuse. The boy might have had enough and ran away from home. If that were the case, then Xu Lan had to find out more details.


    ¡°Hey, Sergeant Xu! You¡¯re here,¡± eximed the sharp-eyed and cheerful Xiao Zhang <sup>3</sup> .


    Xiao Zhang and Wang Hao were both brought up at the same time by Xu Lan. At a young age, Xiao Zhang had received quite the attention of the leader. Still, he was a bit of a dimwit! Xu Lan was suspended and yet Xiao Zhang called out to him with such a loud tone, as if he was worried no one would know of his return. What would Meng Chengjun think of it if he heard it?


    ¡°You¡¯re on duty today?¡±


    Xu Lan inwardly face-palmed. Although he knew of Xiao Zhang¡¯s character, he still did not readily ept it.


    ¡°Mm, it¡¯s not like there¡¯s anything going on right now. Plus the rest are all out. So, what¡¯s up Sergeant Xu? Hey, who¡¯s the boy? He¡¯s adorable.¡± It was only when Xiao Zhang came out of the shift room did he spot Bai Wu. The former squatted down and lightly pinched the boy¡¯s cheeks. Bai Wu did not look too pleased.


    ¡°I saved him from the river yesterday. I came here to check if anyone made a report.¡±


    ¡°WAAAAAAAA. Papa, you said you won¡¯t throw me away! Why did youe here! I don¡¯t wanna be here! WAAAAA! Papa...¡±


    Bai Wu¡¯s shouts startled Xiao Zhang so much so that thetter jumped up and stumbled a few steps before falling bottom-first onto the ground. ¡°Sergeant Xu, he¡¯s a screamer.¡±


    Xu Lan sneered at Xiao Zhang and ignored his nonsense. The man carried Bai Wu up to his chest and started to softlyfort the boy. Oh, how the scene shocked Xiao Zhang, whose eyes opened so wide they appeared to almost pop out of their sockets!


    Was it really the shrewd and experienced, swift and decisive Sergeant Xu that he knew?


    ¡°What are you doing! Didn¡¯t I tell you to check the status of reports for the past two days?¡± Xu Lan shouted after spotting Xiao Zhang staring nkly at him.


    ¡°Ah, oh yes! I¡¯ll do that right now.¡± He immediately rushed to it after being shouted at. While he was doing the searches, he mumbled to himself, ¡°Now that¡¯s the Sergeant Xu we know! Can¡¯t believe a kid got him so engrossed.¡±


    After quite some time, Xiao Zhang came out of the shift room with a calm mood and a ss of water. ¡°We didn¡¯t receive any missing child report since yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡± Xu Lan took the ss and gave it to Bai Wu. At that moment, the child neither cried nor made noise; he simply sat quietly in Xu Lan¡¯s embrace. He was pouting guiltily and his ruby-like eyes were covered by his longshes.


    ¡°Xiao Zhang, any normal parent who loses their child would be worried sick. They¡¯d hope for a quick reunion. It¡¯s been more than twenty-four hours since I saved him, and yet no one lodged a police report? Doesn¡¯t that seem odd to you?¡± Without waiting for a reply, Xu Lan continued, ¡°Also, he¡¯s said it himself that he has no parents, so I want to adopt him. Find out the procedures. Then I¡¯ll go and deal with what¡¯s necessary.¡±


    Having heard all that, the tenseness in Bai Wu¡¯s face started to fade and he gulped the water down.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, you¡¯re not in a rtionship, are you?¡± Xiao Zhang mustered up the courage to ask. ¡°I mean, sooner orter, with the child always at your side ¨C¡±


    ¡°Quit your nonsense, didn¡¯t I give you something to do?!¡± he screamed at Xiao Zhang, clearly unappreciative of thetter¡¯s so-called ¡®concern¡¯. It was not like he never thought about it, but in his situation, who would take a liking to him? If any woman that he met could not understand the situation, Xu Lan would definitely be ipatible with them, so why should the child be med for it?


    ¡°Oh! Yes, I¡¯ll get to it right away!¡± Xiao Zhang eximed as he dashed into the information room to do some research.


    The might and dignity that Xu Lan umted throughout the years meant that the people under his wing looked up and revered him. Adding to that was a scrupulous abiding of self-discipline and his penchant for demanding strictpliance when handling matters. Even if the matter at hand was dealt with in a peaceful manner, people would still feel somewhat ruffled, what more if he suddenly berated a person in a simr manner as with Xiao Zhang?


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, how old are you? Here it says you have to be thirty, and you must have no children, and you have to have a certain amount of financial stability.¡±


    ¡°... Based on my identification card, it says I reached thirty, two months ago,¡± he hesitated for a moment before replying. For once he was rejoicing the fact that his own father could not remember his exact date of birth. He smiled grimly.


    ¡°Great. In that case, you should go back and gather up your stuff. Come back here next month. You know, it¡¯s all so sudden, can¡¯t believe Sergeant Xu has a son now.¡± Xiao Zhang looked at the both of them seated on the chair and sighed. Even he was not sure whether that sigh was meant for himself, or for Xu Lan.


    ¡°Right, I¡¯ll be going now.¡± Xu Lan carried the boy and headed outside. It was then that Bai Wu shed the very first smile sinceing into that ce.


    On the way home, they stopped by the mall and got some new clothes, and then to the supermarket to buy some toiletries and foodstuff. Growing children require extra attention in terms of food and drinks, unlike adults.


    He had originally nned to stop by IKEA and see if he could get a small bed, but he decided against it, recalling the young boy¡¯s vignce as well as everything that transpired the night before. He felt that it would be a waste to buy one. Fortunately, it was winter, but when summer came, Xu Lan might find himself unable to bear with it.


    ¡°Papa.¡±


    ¡°Mm?¡± At that moment Xu Lan was holding many items in his hands, and so could not carry the boy; up until then, Bai Wu had been silently grasping at the edge of Xu Lan¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°Papa, will you really take care of me?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Didn¡¯t you see that today?¡± How could it have been fake when all the information was already at hand? After a few days, the confirmation would have been made, and once he went to the public security bureau and put a lid on that chapter, he would have a son. As soon as he thought about that, Xu Lan felt a feeling that was hard to exin.


    ¡°They never said it. Even if they did, they never really meant it,¡± said Bai Wu in a muffled voice.


    ¡°Heh, you already said ¡®they¡¯. Or are you regretting it and don¡¯t want to call me Papa anymore?¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Bai Wu hurriedly hung tight to Xu Lan and stared at him, as if he said something exceedingly disastrous.


    ¡°I¡¯m kidding. Why are you still so worried?¡±


    After a long silence and the boy¡¯s apparent disinterest in continuing to walk, Xu Lan ¨C who was carrying a handful of things ¨C did not find it too convenient to look at the child, but he could not help himself and did so anyway. The boy was raising his head up and looking at Xu Lan while shedding tears. The boy¡¯s round face was stained with tears, and still he was bit his lip, forcing himself to be quiet despite his lightly twitching body.


    ¡°Oh dear...¡± Xu Lan helplessly ced everything down and ced the boy on his shoulders, before once again carrying everything and continuing the journey. Having a soft heart was not always necessarily a good thing.


    ¡°I¡¯ve gotten you shampoo, don¡¯t tell me you want to wash my hair?¡± Since the boy rested his jaw on Xu Lan¡¯s head, beads and beads of tears rolled down his cheek and into the man¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Papa...thank you Papa...¡± Bai Wu¡¯s almost lost his meek voice after crying so much, and whenyered together, the voice had a sentimental quality to it, almost like a tantrum.


    Momentarily, Xu Lan heart was filled with an unfathomable feeling; all of a sudden, he understood why so many men were willing to be ves to their daughters. Even though the child he picked up was a boy, but when the tantrum came, he was no different than a girl. Worse, even.


    In deciding to raise the child, Xu Lan knew for certain that his world would be turned upside down. If he called home right that moment, his old man would reproach him: thebel of an ¡®unfilial child¡¯ would be hung over his head all the more prominently.


    It was a good thing then, that Wang Hao did not have the time to send the cell phone over, and because of that, there was no rush to phone home and exin everything. Even so, was Xu Lan not prepared to ept all those changes?


    He had the time to prepare and slowly get used to everything else, but it was the issue of sleep that he did not have any time to adjust. He just had to suffer and ept it. On that night, the boy wanted the same thing as the night before: to sleep on his chest!


    ¡°No! I can¡¯t sleep like this!¡± Xu Lan firmly opposed it, for he only managed to fall asleep in the wee hours of the morning! Not just that, he even dreamt some really weird dreams, which, if not for them, would not have caused him to feel so ashamed toward Song Xi!


    Furthermore, the dream was too real, so much so that it scared him. Especially the one where the dragon licked him. He almost puked from that.


    ¡°But, but... I¡¯m scared,¡± Bai Wu said in a deadlocked manner while seated in front of Xu Lan.


    With a softened voice, Xu Lan replied, ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be scared of. You¡¯ll sleep beside me. This is my home, I won¡¯t run away.¡± Then he patted the empty space on his left and hinted for the boy toe there.


    Bai Wu thought about it for a moment, then crawled into the space of the bed closest to Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°There we go,¡± came the delighted response. Then Xu Lan reached to switch the lights off.


    ¡°Good night, Papa.¡± At that instant, the kid lifted his head and kissed Xu Lan¡¯s lower jaw, startling thetter into suddenly flicking the switch. He thought, ¡®Did I shave today? Did the boy find it painful?¡¯


    ¡°Good night,¡± he replied. Looks like he would have to shave more carefully next time. He would not want the kid to have a bad impression. After thinking about it, he drifted into sleep. He nned to tell Bai Wu not to be so scared but forgot because of the tiredness.


    Hepletely failed to notice a beam of light sh by his pitch-ck house, as well as the appearance of a hole that looked like a ball of sticine.

 Chapter 5 - Real-Life Shunga

    <h4>Chapter 5: Real-Life Shunga</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Real-Life Shunga <sup>1</sup>


    ¡°Argh!¡±


    Xu Lan suddenly felt as though something swallowed him whole, simr to how a python would swallow a person whole. It was damp and dark, and along with the slowly subsiding peristalsis of the intestine, its dense inner cavity constricted around him and squeezed out every single bit of air that remained in his lungs.


    At that moment, Xu Lan abruptly remembered the boy who was sleeping right beside him!


    The inner cavity was sticking to him like ayer of loose fat. He was unable to move, but he exerted all of his strength to retract his arms and find out if the child was doing alright.


    ¡°Little buddy?¡± He forced out a sentence, and with great effort, he continued to feel for the child. No answer. Could it be yet another dream? The sensation seemed too real, and with the feeling of suffocation, it felt as though the God of Death was waving at him.


    Suddenly, the boy ¨C who was in Xu Lan¡¯s embrace ¨C moved. The kid did not appear to be sleeping soundly. He mumbled a few incoherent words and eased himself into afortable position ¨C one where he could hug Xu Lan ¨C and continued sleeping.


    ¡®Thank God, thank God. It was only just a dream,¡¯ Xu Lan thought. With that, his consciousness began rxing once more, but then the surrounding appeared to pick up on hisck of alertness. In a much more violent manner than before, the pressure immediately swept him on his feet.


    Impossible! Xu Lan opened his eyes wide! It was not a dream! He could not help but vividly feel that suffocating pain. He could even feel Bai Wu¡¯s body warmth, not to mention the urgent and sufferable breathing sounds made by the boy!


    With the power akin to that of an infant sucking milk out of its mother¡¯s breast <sup>2</sup> , Xu Lan embraced the child and vigorously fended himself. If the situation remained out of his control, he could die there. Whatever it was that exerted pressure the on him seemed to be a living thing, capable of feeling Xu Lan¡¯s resistance. First, the thing rxed, but immediately after that it went berserk and starteding onto him with all its might.


    Its strength was not something a mortal body could endure, for it was like thebination of lightning and thirty thousand catties worth of force. Xu Lan used all his might to turn his body so that the boy would be protected. Like a mantis trying to stop a chariot <sup>3</sup> , Xu Lan simply wanted to give the boy a chance at reprieve from death.


    After all, Bai Wu was still a kid.


    Then came a loud thud as theynded on the floor. While still hugging the boy, Xu Lan did not expect that the inner cavity would expel them out, as if they were an indigestible piece of stone.


    Pressure from the surroundings started to dissipate and Xu Lan¡¯s lungs began to expand once again. He felt like a fish taking huge breaths of air after being thrown back into the water. His breaths were so deep they produced bellow-like sounds. Aside from clutching the child, he did not dare to move ¨C not even the tip of his finger.


    Oh, the pain! It was like a heart-piercing, bone-chilling pain! It was equivalent to being crushed by a steamroller. It felt like all of his bones had shattered, brittle to the point where the wind could shatter them if not for the skin that held everything together.


    ¡°Hey, little buddy! Little buddy, wake up!¡± Xu Lan wanted to make sure the boy was okay. Despite the vigorous events that had happened, the boy was still sound asleep. If Xu Lan was not panting, he might have thought that the boy had...


    ¡°Ugh... Papa?¡± The boy finally spoke, albeit with a nk and blurry expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Then the room became deathly silent, so much so that Xu Lan wondered if the exchange he had with Bai Wu was merely an illusion.


    Bai Wu suddenly leaped up and tightly hugged Xu Lan¡¯s neck, burying his head just under Xu Lan¡¯s jaw. Beads of tears collected on the Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder and beneath his neck.


    ¡°Haha, what¡¯s the matter? Why is our strong little man crying like this, hm?¡± asked Xu Lan. He pretended to be rxed, but the truth of the matter was that he could not even bring himself to stretch his hand andfort Bai Wu.


    ¡°I thought...I thought I was left all alone again, and I couldn¡¯t find ¨C¡±


    He was cut off by the sound of a lovely voice in the midst of yful protest.


    ¡°Oh damn, stop it! What are you doing?¡±


    Xu Lan immediately covered Bai Wu¡¯s mouth and hugged the boy, carrying him to the corner of the room. After swiftly doing that, he copsed against the wall and scanned the ce.


    It was a living room that seemed pretty normal despite it¡¯s messiness. There were clothes, shoes, and junk food all around the ce. It could be deduced that the ce belonged to a woman. Two sofas and an LCD TV were present, in addition to some indoor nts. A toffee chair managed to hide Xu Lan¡¯s figure just nicely. In the spirit of ¡® I would rather rip off the roof of ten temples than break a marriage <sup>4</sup> ¡®, Xu Lan drew the child close to himself.


    ¡°F*ck you!¡± The woman¡¯s parched mocking voice melded with the urgent sound of her delicateughter.


    Soon after, wet kissing sounds ¨C obviously unsuitable for a child¡¯s ears ¨C could be hearding from the entrance hall. A mortified Xu Lan was left fumbling, unsure if he should use his hands to cover Bai Wu¡¯s eyes or ears.


    The ck of heelsnding on the floor as they were taken off, the muffled grunts reverbing from bodies against the wall, the overcautious and trembling voices ¨C a pair of nervous yet excited sweethearts with their staggers and stumbles left nothing to the imagination. Under the cover of darkness, their stimted mental state became all the clearer.


    Though Xu Lan was an adult man, he had never seen such a scenario before. It was apletely different experience from sitting on his sofa and watching those kinds of films! He felt a lump forming in his throat, while by then his face was already flushed.


    Those wet smooches were interspersed with the sound of clothesing off, followed by a swoosh as those garments hitting the floor. Then came the sound of two bodies colliding with one another. Xu Lan may have regarded his hearing as lousy, but on that asion, the slightest movement could be heard with utmost rity.


    His ears picked up on each sound: the naughty giggles, the controlled disy of masculinity, and the resounding tones of passion. Xu Lan deduced that from the looks of it, the couple could have been in a long-distance rtionship. After all, absence does make the heart grow fonder. In the midst of everything that was happening, making deductions was all Xu Lan could do to distract himself.


    To spare the child from suffering, Xu Lan covered the boy¡¯s ears. The air seemed to have turned sickly sweet as a result of the passionate sounds that were being produced. Xu Lan¡¯s whole body began to heat up. Xu Lan was a man after all, so one could only imagine the ordeal he had to go through!


    Xu Lan then thought, ¡®If it were me, would I have done the same? Would I have dived right in and immediately got down to business?¡¯ Ever since that man entered the ce, only one sentence was spoken. The rest were softly produced grunts and groans that struggled to be controlled.


    Bit by bit, Xu Lan¡¯s strength began to recover, but even if the couple were in the midst of passion, he might not be able to leave the area. With ears constantly covered by a pair of hands, the uneasy Bai Wu leaned himself against Xu Lan¡¯s body, and since the Xu Lan¡¯s hands were upied, there was no way to pat the boy andfort him. The only recourse was to lower his head near to the boy¡¯s ears and utter soft words of reassurance.


    ¡°AHHH!¡±


    ¡°MMMM!¡±


    After having a blissful release, they became quiet. Xu Lan missed the best opportunity to leave and had no choice but to wait until the couple fell asleep.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked the puzzled woman. Her voice wasnguid and hoarse by then.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting something from outside.¡± The man¡¯s steady voice sounded from behind Xu Lan. His tone seems to mask the fact that he had just finished making love.


    The woman did not respond. Soon the door opened, and with a flick of a switch, the whole room lit up as if it was daytime!


    Things were getting worse! Xu Lan reached out to cover Bai Wu¡¯s eyes, proceeding to curl up as much as he can. If he was found out, no amount of mouths could exin and alleviate the situation he was in!


    Fortunately, the man did not go to where Xu Lan was but headed to the entrance instead. After getting God-knows-what, the lights were switched off again and the man entered the bedroom. Xu Lan breathed a sigh of relief; he thought that as heforted the boy, he had been found out.


    ¡°Hey! HEY! What the f*ck are you doing?¡± came the woman¡¯s surprised and trembling voice. Xu Lan sneered and raised his eyebrows. The couple sure had a lot of energy.


    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t be scared. It¡¯s not going to be painful. Trust me.¡± Did Xu Lan just hear a touch of excitement in that man¡¯s repressed voice?


    ¡°NO NO! Don¡¯te closer! Don¡¯t you daree any closer!¡± Surprise quickly turned into fear. Her voice broke off slightly at the end. All the flirtatious and sentimental tones had quickly vanished.


    Thump! ¡®The girl must have fallen out the bed,¡¯ Xu Lan thought. He could not help but wonder what exactly the man was holding, to be able to strike such fear into the woman.


    His train of thought drifted to that of his usual walks back home, where he would always pass by an unmanned vending machine in one corner. The machine was filled with all kinds of sex toys. He then remembered the one time he arrested a filthy old pervert. The geezer was old and weak, and yet he was capable of using a variety of toys to inhumanely torment a young girl.


    At the mere thought of all that, Xu Lan¡¯s face looked as though it had been painfully scalded with boiling water! Every cell in his body was riled up to an even greater extent than before!


    ¡°Hey, I said don¡¯t be scared!¡± The man grudgingly picked up his partner and dumped her on the bed.


    ¡°No! You¡¯re crazy! Let go of me! I¡¯ll call the police! I swear I¡¯ll do it! Don¡¯t touch me!¡± It was likely that she had been tied up. She would shout, and then her mouth would be covered. The word police seemed to have given her some strength.


    ¡°Ah! Ngg...nggg...ng¡± The man stuffed her mouth with something and ignored her cries.


    ¡°So beautiful.¡± Excitement to the point of delirium could be sensed in the man¡¯s voice. Xu Lan was fuming up inside. Nevertheless, he had to keep himself in control.


    ¡°Ng...nggggg....¡±


    ¡°Look at these beautiful eyes. These red lips. This sexy corbone, hehe...¡± Xu Lan could feel the man¡¯s fingers touching the woman. First her mesmerizing eyes, then brushing over her vermillion lips, and toward her delicate corbone.


    Shifting his gaze down, Xu Lan¡¯s eyes were reddened. Shifting downward a bit more, he could feel his whole body burning!


    All of a sudden, he faintly caught a whiff of what smelled like blood. It wasing out from the crack of the door. Why was there the stench of blood?


    Xu Lan then came to the realization: since when did the youngdy be so quiet? What if the guy¡¯s hobby was the same as that perverted old man!


    As he slowly stood up, the smell of blood in the house became stronger and stronger. It was too hard to bear and he stumbled as a result.


    ¡°Papa!¡± called out a nervous Bai Wu.


    F*ck!


    ¡°Who¡¯s there!¡± The man kicked the door and walked out once he heard the boy¡¯s soft voice. He reached for the light switch.


    With the light now shining bright, a dizzy Xu Lan tried his best to open his eyes. A crisp pair of suit pants was the first thing to be seen. Then, he saw the man who wore those pants, whose right-hand held a bloody scalpel!


    Just when Xu Lan had wanted to lift his head up to see who was so brave and utterly heartless to do such a thing, a shirt immediately covered his head.


    ¡°Heh? Buy one, get one free? This is a good deal,¡± said the man in a low cold voice.


    ¡°HAH! My friend, you seem really confident!¡± The hand that Xu Lan previously used to hug the child secretly held the shirt and swiped it off. He then threw it toward the man and caught the man off guard. Xu Lan¡¯s robust figure followed suit immediately after.


    A loud bang was all that could be heard. Beneath Xu Lan¡¯s feet was a pile of newspaper, and the child fell t on the floor. For some reason, the scene changed ¨C Xu Lan fell into an icehouse that was pratingly cold. It was ice-cold water all around him, and the temperature pierced through muscle and bone.


    Xu Lan went mental! He did not know how or why such a scenario would appear! Moments before, it was clearly a small room. How then, could he find himself in an icehouse simply because he slipped?! The cold reached his muscles and rapidly lowered his body temperature. A chaotic numbness began to set in.


    ¡°Papa...¡± At that point, the little one cried out and frantically went to hug Xu Lan. His previously stirred-up brain rapidly regained consciousness!


    No! He was not in the best condition at that time, and adding to that was a child that he needed to take care of.


    He did his best to find a way out, and as he was doing so, he faintly heard the boy say: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Papa.¡±

 Chapter 6 - Through The Wormhole

    <h4>Chapter 6: Through The Wormhole</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Papa, Papa, wake up Papa, it¡¯s all because of me!¡± Bai Wu cried and shouted while shaking Xu Lan.


    A huge gasp escaped Xu Lan¡¯s mouth and he coughed a few times.


    Breaking free from the river¡¯s current, he plopped himself on the shore and was awoken by Bai Wu¡¯s tiny fist energetically punching him.


    ¡°Little buddy, are you alright?¡± He was so tired that his eyes could hardly stay open, but he could not be at ease until he asked if the boy was alright.


    ¡°I...I¡¯m okay. Papa, I¡¯m sorry, Papa. Don¡¯t sleep Papa, I¡¯m scared.¡± Like the mountain springs, his tears instantly started flowing after hearing Xu Lan¡¯s voice.


    The boy knelt guiltily beside Xu Lan. The child wiped off his tears with one hand, while the other held onto Xu Lan¡¯s thick broad hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m here okay? I¡¯m too tired, I need to rest for a bit.¡± Xu Lan strenuously stretched out his hand and pat the boy¡¯s back.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired?¡± he asked. He moved his left hand away to create an empty space and patted the area, beckoning the boy toe and sleep there.


    ¡°No, Papa! We can¡¯t sleep here!¡± Bai Wu firmly tried to lift Xu Lan up to find somece else to go.


    There was only one thing in his mind: they could not continue to stay there. As long as his Papa fell asleep, no one knew where they would end up once he awakens.


    Xu Lan walked and staggered behind Bai Wu¡¯s back. They had been walking for quite some time. Looking at the boy¡¯s thin figure from behind, seeing how difficult it was for Bai Wu to find a way out, Xu Lan wanted to ce the boy on his shoulders and walk with greater strides. However, thest strand of strength from his body had disappeared after being soaked in the cold river water. To top it off, his pajamas had been given to Bai Wu, for he feared that Bai Wu would be too cold.


    Bai Wu cried as he walked and apologized profusely to Xu Lan. The boy fell a few times, causing Xu Lan¡¯s heart to feel an unexinable sense ofpassion. He promptly carried the child in his arms.


    ¡°Papa...¡±


    ¡°Mm?¡± When the boy was in his arms, he was already panting, trying to catch a breath. He sat on the ground and waited for his energy to recover.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking a break, I won¡¯t sleep,¡± Xu Lan said, thinking that the boy was afraid he would fall asleep.


    Bai Wu bit his own lip andid against Xu Lan¡¯s chest, thinking. Having thought for a while, he finally asked a question in a decisive manner.


    ¡°Papa, when we were in theke, why didn¡¯t you let go of me? I must be heavy, that¡¯s why you used a lot of energy.¡±


    As he said that, Bai Wu buried himself in Xu Lan¡¯s chest. Hearing that low muffled voice, Xu Lan immediately felt a gush of warmth in his heart.


    ¡°Hey, what are you saying? You¡¯re an adorable little kid. Why would I want to let you go? I can¡¯t even lift you up high, how could I throw you away?¡±


    Xu Lan instinctively thought of the boy¡¯s scars. Such a smart and obedient boy. Surely the attitude was a direct result from the treatment that he had suffered from back then. Only God knows how much beating he had endured, and how much suffering he had to go through.


    ¡°But, if Papa does that, Papa will die.¡± Bai Wu lifted his head and said guiltily. Tears were still flowing from his eyes.


    ¡°Haha, how can that be? I ¡®m feeling good right now! Everything I eat will taste good too <sup>1</sup> !¡±


    Following a heartyugh, Xu Lan stood up and looked at the riverside, which stretched as far as the eyes could see. The scene in his dreams was slowly ovepping with the scene in the river. The corner of his lips curled up <sup>2</sup> more so than before, and remained in that position from then onward.


    He kept thinking of ways to wake up. The dream felt too real! It was practically causing him to go mad! He wondered if it was because of the mental stress that he suffered during the past few months.


    ¡°Papa, this isn¡¯t a dream,¡± said an apologetic Bai Wu after seeing Xu Lan¡¯s demeanor.


    The boy then lightly bit on Xu Lan¡¯s chest. Numbness immediately set in Xu Lan¡¯s brain, rendering him unable to continue thinking.


    ¡°One more time. Harder,¡± he said as he pressed on Bai Wu¡¯s head. It was only until the moment when he felt a sharp pain did his mind begin to clear. Finally, he believed that it was not a dream! In that case, what about the murder that happened the night before?


    He ced the boy down and looked at thetter with a never-before-seen solemn expression.


    ¡°What¡¯s it all about? And how do you know that?¡±


    ¡°Because...because it was all my fault,¡± said a scared Bai Wu. His voice was soft and he was looking down.


    ¡°Continue.¡± Xu Lan¡¯s brows creased, and the scar looked menacingly at the boy.


    ¡°Papa, if I tell you the truth, you don¡¯t want me anymore, right?¡± Bai Wu lifted his head up, and tears began to well in his eyes.


    With a sigh, Xu Lan squatted down and rubbed the boy¡¯s head, saying, ¡°Whatever it is, you still have to let me know.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because...because I bring people to other ces ever since I was young. And all those ces are dangerous, but I don¡¯t know where those ces are. Likest night, I saw Papa in danger, and I only wanted to bring Papa away. I didn¡¯t think we¡¯d fall down in the river.¡±


    Immediately after he finished, Bai Wu looked up to see Xu Lan¡¯s response. He was afraid that surprise and fear would emerge from the man¡¯s eyes. Up till then, Bai Wu had seen too many people with that kind of expression, after which they would beat, scold, and persecute him before throwing him away.


    It jolted Xu Lan¡¯s mind, and his speechlessness was a clear indicator of his shocked feelings. Then, he noticed the rapid contraction of Bai Wu¡¯s pupils. The boy hastily started backing off and fell bottom-first onto the ground.


    Xu Lan immediately looked over his shoulder but found nothing. At that point, he realized that the boy was afraid of Xu Lan himself! He could not help but let out a chuckle.


    ¡°You¡¯re still scared even though you have such a skill? I can¡¯t believe it.¡± He stretched his hand and picked the boy up, then patted away the soil on the child¡¯s body.


    ¡°Papa! You said you¡¯d never hit me!¡± Bai Wu was practically roaring. His eyes were shut tightly and he was shivering with cold.


    ¡°Did I say that I wanted to beat you now? And, didn¡¯t I say that if you behave, I won¡¯t beat you? If you keep throwing a tantrum, don¡¯t you think I should teach you a lesson?¡±


    Xu Lan chuckled and smiled. To Bai Wu, those actions seemed to be as radiant as the sun, rendering the boy unable to open his eyes.


    ¡°Papa, aren¡¯t you scared of me?¡± he cautiously asked while holding Xu Lan¡¯s pinky finger.


    ¡°Scared? Well, if what happenedst night was real, then yes, I¡¯m really scared,¡± Xu Lan said solemnly as he squatted down and held the boy¡¯s cold hands in his own.


    In reality, he had suspected that the problem was with Bai Wu, that the boy could see things normal people could not. He never thought that the truth was far worse than simply seeing things.


    ¡°Even so, I now have a cute little kid and I¡¯m still happy because of it.¡±


    Before Bai Wu could even cry, he was promptly lifted up by Xu Lan.


    After that, he began walking along the river¡¯s edge to find a way out.


    If it was not a dream, then they might as well stay there and make the best of it.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know where we are?¡± It was all water before Xu Lan and mountains facing his back. The ce was incredibly remote. Where was that ce? Would they even find a way out?


    Bai Wu meekly shook his head. He noticed that Xu Lan did not see it, so he gently responded with an ¡®mm¡¯.


    ¡°In that case, we¡¯ll just continue walking along the river. Surely we¡¯ll bump into someone,¡± Xu Lan thought.


    On that cold winter day, the sun was warmly suspended in the sky. A pair of pajama pants, made dry by the heat of his body temperature, was all that Xu Lan had on him. He could only rely on his mortal body to resist the cold.


    ¡°Little buddy, when did you start having this power?¡± Though he was a skeptic, Xu Lan was still curious about Bai Wu¡¯s ability.


    ¡°...since I was one,¡± Bai Wu softly and hesitantly said.


    ¡°And you¡¯ve always had the same experiences like the onest night?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s brows were now tightly creased as he kept his tone of voice low.


    ¡°Mm,¡± replied the boy in an even softer tone, so much so that Xu Lan felt as though the child had not even said anything.


    The man¡¯s heart thumped for a moment as he unknowingly tightened his grip on the boy¡¯s hand. To think that the child had always been in such a predicament. No wonder...


    ¡°Haha! Can you say ¡®Papa¡¯?¡± asked Xu Lan in a rxed manner.


    ¡°Papa...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too soft! I can¡¯t hear you.¡± He said after hearing the mosquito-hum of a voice.


    ¡°Papa.¡±


    ¡°Louder!¡±


    ¡°Papa!¡± With all his might, Bai Wu faced Xu Lan¡¯s ears and shouted.


    ¡°Ayyy ¨C¡± Xu Lan responded while holding in a chuckle. It marked the first time he positively responded to Bai Wu.


    The boy was clearly stumped. His tears then streamed down Xu Lan¡¯s hair, all the way to Xu Lan¡¯s neck and chest.


    During the time Xu Lan had just be a stepfather, he did not dabble in the popr knowledge of being a stay-at-home dad. He did not know the real reason behind the boy¡¯s tears, which far surpassed that of a girl¡¯s. He recalled having cried much lesser when he himself was still a kid.


    If any other boy on the street was bawling his eyes out, Xu Lan would have felt annoyed. With Bai Wu, it was different: those tears made his heart twinge. It was as if those tears denounced Xu Lan for not being a good protector.


    While he was thinking of all that, he suddenly realized he spotted someone!


    ¡°Hey! My brother, wait up! There are people here, there are people!¡± shouted Xu Lan the moment he spotted a person pushing a boat. He was afraid that Bai Wu would fall, so he took the boy down from the shoulders and held the kid in his arms, letting the boy hug him by the neck. Xu Lan was doing three things at once: running, waving, and shouting.


    After huffing from being out of breath, he said, ¡°Thanks, uncle.¡±


    Xu Lan held the boy by the thighs and panted by the side of the river. Lifting his head up, he saw an old uncle with ash-grey hair covering the temples. The old man looked at him as if he was a madman.


    ¡°Uncle, where are you going? Can you bring us along?¡± Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°This is a ferry. I can only go to the other side.¡± The uncle stared at the bare-chested Xu Lan and pointed to the other side.


    Why then, did Xu Lan run like his life depended on it?


    ¡°Hehe, that¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll go to the other side.¡± Xu Lan embarrassingly chuckled and scratched his head.


    ¡°Five bucks.¡± Then the uncle looked at the child and said, ¡°Kids ride free.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    An awkward Xu Lan looked at his own pair of creased pajama pants. There was no money on him.


    ¡°Do you want to go or not? If not, I¡¯ll be starting the engine. Other people are waiting.¡±


    Xu Lan then stared into the old uncle¡¯s eyes. A pair of down-to-earth eyes stared back at him, causing his hairs to stand on end.


    There was no other choice, so Xu Lan finally let the boy ride on the boat, while he himself swam to the other side. The old man looked at him suspiciously, and that look could be tranted as: do people still do this kind of thing?


    It was only when both of them were reunited at the other shore did Xu Lan felt his energy return. The kind of deep mountainous forest where no human traces existed was truly frightening.


    Soon after, Xu Lan once again sank into despair. Regardless of how he asked them, the people knew nothing of China or the twenty-three provinces.


    Their country was called Huaxia, was it?


    As he held Bai Wu¡¯s hand, he did not say a word. His expression though, betrayed his thoughts: who am I? Where am I? What should I do?


    Then a growling sound came.


    Of all times, why did his stomach have to sound at that moment?


    ¡°Papa, let¡¯s go and get something to eat,¡± said the boy. He saw how blurry Xu Lan was, and immediately held the man by his hand and headed toward a nearby coffee shop.


    ¡°But, buddy, I don¡¯t have any money.¡± Feeling embarrassed, he looked at Bai Wu. Whiffing the smell of steamed buns, the man¡¯s belly began growling even more excitedly.


    ¡°When I was on the boat, an uncle and auntie pitied me and gave me some.¡±


    Bai Wu fished out the money from Xu Lan¡¯s pajama shirt and handed it over.


    ¡°Haha! Good boy! Now say ¡®Papa¡¯.¡± Xu Lan carried the boy, gave a tiny kiss, then headed into the coffee shop.


    In a quiet and muffled tone, Bai Wu tucked himself into Xu Lan¡¯s chest and said, ¡°Papa...¡±

 Chapter 7 - A Murder Case

    <h4>Chapter 7: A Murder Case</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡± Boss <sup>1</sup> , these buns are the best, I tell you.¡±


    Xu Lan stuffed the buns in his mouth as well as Bai Wu¡¯s. Mouthfuls of steamed buns and swelled-up cheeks did not deter him fromvishing praise on the shop owner.


    ¡°Come on Sergeant Xu, you say that every single time youe here. You¡¯re too kind,¡± replied the boss, whose eyes gazed at the plethora of age groups that made up a beautifully warm scene in his shop.


    ¡°Eh? You ¨C¡±


    Xu Lan had wanted to ask how the shop owner knew his name, and why he was called ¡®Sergeant Xu¡¯, but before he could do so, the news on TV had distracted him.


    ¡°And now, the news. At eight this morning police received a report regarding a set of murders that happened in the small district of Jingxinyuan <sup>2</sup> . This is the second time in our city whereby the modus operandi of a crime is identical. We urge all young women to refrain from going out at night or alone.¡±


    Why did Xu Lan feel as though it was d¨¦j¨¤ vu? Not to mention that Jingxinyuan ce. Did he not pass by there every single time he took public transport?


    Most importantly though, there was another psychopathic murderer on the loose.


    ¡°Little buddy, are you full?¡±


    Xu Lan had so many questions for which he was anxious to know the answers to.


    ¡°I¡¯m full.¡± The boy wiped his mouth.


    ¡°Alright, boss, how much for all this?¡±


    After that, Xu Lan managed to find a clothing store, where he bought some clothes. Walking around half-naked on the streets would certainly have drawn quite a bit of k from onlookers.


    ¡°Papa, carry me.¡±


    When Xu Lan walked out of the store with an air of confidence, Bai Wu acted bashfully and coquettishly toward him.


    Xu Lan was exactly 180 cm in height. Clothes that were supposed to be loose and baggy fitted him tightly instead. A slight torpidity was present in his vigor, and at a nce, he gave off the impression of being a presentable man.


    His mind went nk for a moment, after which an indescribable emotion overcame him. The more he looked at Bai Wu, the cuter the boy seemed.


    So be it then if he built a bank <sup>3</sup> ! If worse came to worse, he would just have to endure whatever hardship that maye in the future. As he thought of that, his heart felt warm.


    ¡°Come here,¡± said Xu Lan as he squatted down and opened his arms.


    Bai Wu¡¯s long eyshes covered the redness in his eyes, and like a little bird returning to its nest, he threw himself into Xu Lan¡¯s arms.


    ¡°Papa,¡± came the boy¡¯s soft purr-like voice. It was weing and warm.


    ¡°Mm?¡±


    ¡°Papa, looks good.¡±


    ¡°Wow little buddy, can¡¯t believe you know what¡¯s handsome and what¡¯s not. Come on, let¡¯s go to the police station.¡±


    An unexpected scene greeted Xu Lan there. Someone was crying at the entrance of the police station. City folk, who were prepared to give their statements, gathered all around the area and watched the scene unfold.


    ¡°Officer! You have to catch that sicko murderer! My daughter was only eighteen. She was still young. This...however you put it, she¡¯s gone now!¡± cried out a forty-five-year-old worker as he held on to a slender young man.


    His hair was grey, his skin was coarse, and he was wearing a shirt that had been discolored from repeated washing. Undoubtedly, the death of his daughter was a testament to the hardships of his life.


    What a pity for all the parents out there, for they were the ones who gave birth to their children. Surely it was unbearable to have such a tragedy befall them.


    ¡°Sir, sir. Please get up. We will use all our resources to bring this criminal to justice. Please give us some time. We kindly ask everyone to leave. Everyone, you may leave.¡±


    The young man slowly lifted the crying man up as the former motioned for the crowd to leave.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, everyone break up the crowd,¡± said Xu Lan as he stood in the middle of a sea of bodies.


    As he spoke, an unexpected situation unfolded. The crowd immediately opened up a path. The slender young man then promptly let go of the forty-five-year-old man and rushed up to Xu Lan. The young man then pulled him into the building.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! Why are you only here now? I tried calling you but couldn¡¯t get through. Lao Hu <sup>4</sup> ¡®s going crazy! Break it up everyone, break it up!¡±


    In betweenints and grumbles, the young man pushed people into the police station. As he did that, he beckoned the victim¡¯s father to go in as well.


    When Xu Lan entered, everyone in the police station had more or less the same reactions as the young man. They were allining as to why Xu Lan hade sote.


    ¡°What in the world is going on?¡± Xu Lan looked down and asked Bai Wu.


    What Xu Lan had meant to ask was why the people in that world recognized him.


    ¡°I...I don¡¯t know. They never appeared with me in other worldsst time.¡±


    Having finished that sentence, his ruby pupils appeared to dye his eyes red.


    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t cry. A big boy like you shouldn¡¯t cry so much. Aren¡¯t you ashamed?¡±


    Xu Lan could never stand Bai Wu¡¯s tears. Every tear that dropped on his heart felt like a stone that was pounding against his chest. It was unbearable.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, pleasee in and see Lao Hu. He hasn¡¯t had a sip of water since morning.¡±


    The young man¡¯s eyes directed Xu Lan to where this so-called ¡®Lao Hu¡¯ was. Those eyes hinted that something foreboding was in store for Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan took a deep breath, knocked on Lao Hu¡¯s door, and entered.


    As soon as he opened the door, an electronic cigarette came flying in his direction. He immediately shielded the child from it.


    ¡°Oh, so you do know toe back? Tell me! Where the hell have you been for the past few days?¡±


    This Lao Hu was about fifty. His skin was a shiny yellow and his teeth were more or less the same color as a result of the nicotine in tobo. He looked sickly, and yet the eyes which looked at Xu Lan were sharp, like a shiny steel knife.


    The room reeked of freshly smoked tobo while his desk was littered with files. To his side, there was a que that said: Director General of the Police Bureau Hu Cheng.


    ¡°Lao Hu, I¡¯ll hold you responsible if you scare my son. Didn¡¯t I tell you I went home to fetch him?¡±


    Xu Lan picked up the electronic cigarette and gave it to the Lao Hu. Xu Lan then went to an empty part of the room and ced Bai Wu down, then led the boy to Hu Cheng.


    ¡°Come and say hi to uncle.¡±


    ¡°Hello, uncle,¡± Bai Wu crisply said. Hu Cheng was so happy that his smile grew wider, disying even more of his stained teeth.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you still single ¨C¡± Hu Cheng¡¯s mind then went nk. ¡°Hey there kid, you¡¯re a good boy, aren¡¯t you? So smart. Let me hug you.¡± Hu Cheng waspletely mesmerized by the boy that he forgot what he wanted to say. He simply stretched out his arms to carry the child.


    Noticing that the boy kept hiding beside him, Xu Lan saw Hu Cheng¡¯s thin yellow hands. Xu Lan carried the boy up and said,¡±Hey, Lao Hu, my son just came here from the vige. He¡¯s still a bit shy with strangers, so don¡¯t frighten him.¡±


    ¡°...ah well, as long as you¡¯re back. How much do you know about the murder that happened in Jingxinyuan? There¡¯s some information here, bring Xiao Li <sup>5</sup> to the crime scene and have a brief lookter on.¡±


    Looking at the trembling child, Hu Cheng embarrassedly retracted his hands before fishing out a file from his disorderly desk and handing it over to Xu Lan.


    ¡°Right. I¡¯ll bring Xiao Li over there in a bit.¡± Xu Lan took the file, carried Bai Wu, and left the office.


    Xu Lan felt a peace of mind after the short exchange with Hu Cheng. Though the Lao Hu was a heavy smoker, every one of his movements fully showcased him as a man who took responsibility and cared little about trifling matters.


    Especially those eyes. They were as sharp as an eagle¡¯s. Even Xu Lan did not dare to look at directly at them.


    Hu Cheng was a total upgrade from the big fat baldy at his previous workce!

 Chapter 8 - Jingxinyuan

    <h4>Chapter 8: Jingxinyuan</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Just when everyone was betting on whether Xu Lan would or would note out unscathed, he burst out of the door with a swagger and presented himself in front of everyone.


    ¡°Xiao Li!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± The slender young man from before immediately stood up after hearing his name being called out. Under Xu Lan¡¯s direct gaze, the young man awkwardly massaged his own nose.


    ¡°Get your things in order. You¡¯ll follow me to Jingxinyuan and have a look at the scene,¡± the no-nonsense Xu Lan immediately directed.


    ¡°Yes!¡± The moment Xiao Li realized it was serious business, he became extremely excited and immediately went to start the car.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, where have you been? Why is it that you have a kid with you all of a sudden?¡± asked ady in a ponytail.


    ¡°Oh, this is my son. I was absent cause I went back to fetch him,¡± he replied, after which he ced Bai Wu down and nudged him to greet everyone.


    The child had always been worried that Xu Lan would not want him someday, but at that time, the man¡¯s actions proimed to the world that Bai Wu was his son. Even if the boy himself wanted to run away, he could not!


    ¡°Come here, say hi to all these big brothers and big sisters,¡± Xu Lan squatted down and ced both hands on Bai Wu¡¯s shoulders so that the boy would feel at ease.


    ¡°Hello everyone. My name is Bai Wu. I¡¯m three and a half years old. This is my papa.¡±


    Thatst sentence was said while looking at Xu Lan, and once again, tears started forming in those eyes. He tried hard to fight them back.


    ¡°Alright, alright, don¡¯t cry. I¡¯ll be going out with Xiao Li for a bit. You wait for me here. I¡¯lle back and pick you up again, okay?¡±


    Xu Lan reassured Bai Wu while stroking the boy¡¯s cheeks.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for Papa!¡± Bai Wu replied determinedly.


    Everyone in the police station got word that Sergeant Xu had brought back a cute little son, and they were all enchanted by the boy. They surrounded him and made him happy.


    Having set off with Xiao Li, Xu Lan first requested to be sent to his rented room so he could take a look at it, after which they would go to Jingxinyuan. The room was an important detail, for it would be a big problem if he had nowhere to stay for the night.


    ¡°Xiao Li, the files say that the perpetrator first rapes his female victims, then he¡¯ll slice off the victim¡¯s breasts and sew her private parts shut?¡±


    Xu Lan could not help but ask after seeing the information in his hands.


    ¡°Exactly, such a perverse character. Such madmen should be caught and locked up in prison. The sooner the better! The way they go out and harm people, it scares me just to think of it!¡±


    A cold shiver came over Xiao Li as he replied Xu Lan. Earlier that morning, the young man had apanied old man Hu to the crime scene. It was a spectacle too horrible to endure.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    That was all that Xu Lan responded with. He then diligently studied the case files, stopping only when Xiao Li told him that they had arrived.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu. You better prepare yourself.¡± The young man could not help but voice out another reminder as they stood outside the third floor entrance.


    By then, the ce had already been fenced off by police tape. As soon as the door was opened, the stench of blood came crashing toward them. Something caught their eyes. It was a pair of high heels thaty t in the middle of the entrance.


    Further down, there was a living room,plete with two sofas and an LCD television. There were also some nts and arge toffee chair!


    Xu Lan¡¯s pupils immediately contracted; then his eyes scanned across the room. His eyesight was better than it was the previous night, and yet, he realized that everything he saw the night prior was exactly the same as what he was seeing then!


    In other words, he had witnessed a murder and let the criminal escape!


    He smashed a fist into the sofa, and the bang gave Xiao Li a fright.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, what is it? What did you notice?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, let¡¯s go in and see,¡± Xu Lan said weakly.


    The scene in thedy¡¯s bedroom was even more gruesome, making their hair stand on end. Fresh blood stained the whole bed, soaked the mattress, and dripped to the floor: it was everywhere.


    Naked on the bed was a youngdy. Her legs were tied to the bed and spread open. Her once-bouncy chest was now t ¨C those voluptuous breasts had been cleanly sliced off by a sharp knife.


    Xu Lan recalled the bloody scalpel. He was so near to the perpetrator.


    If only he had been more alert, or maybe slightly braver, would the girl not still be alive?


    He could almost see the girl¡¯s grudging expression looking back at him and hear her extreme anguished wailing.


    ¡°...sergeant, Sergeant Xu! Are you alright?¡±


    Xiao Li saw Xu Lan¡¯s increasingly pale face and immediately called out to thetter.


    ¡°Yes, yes. Search carefully for any traces that were left behind,¡± he responded while massaging his temples.


    ¡°There were none. We went through everything this morning, not a single trace was left behind. The suspect¡¯s no beginner. He¡¯s really good at covering his tracks. Just when we thought we had a lead, he¡¯d disappear, which is why we still couldn¡¯t get to him, even now.¡±


    Xiao Li held up his phone, mouthed a silent ¡® Namo Amitabha <sup>1</sup> ¡®, then took a few snaps of the woman. He carefully took pictures of each angle, for this was the only way to find the tiniest traces of evidence.


    ¡°Eighteen this year. She works at a bar,¡± Xiao Li said.


    Xu Lan tried hard to remember the previous night¡¯s scene. The love-hungry look that she had was simply not something any eighteen-year-old would rightly have.


    ¡°Xiao Li, go and find out if the victim had any boyfriends. This could be our breakthrough. The files made no mention of this information.¡±


    Xu Lan said, though he sped his hands behind his back and thought about it for a moment before making the remark.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Then, Xu Lan went into the living room. His prints would no doubt be present on the toffee chair and window curtains. The man¡¯s soft groans and the woman¡¯s soft breathing lingered on in his ears. Now, however, she had be a cold dead body.


    Wait a second!


    He remembered the man switching on the light, what if he could lift some prints from it?


    ¡°Call our colleagues from forensics <sup>2</sup> over here!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Once Xu Lan entered into work mode, his serious attitude earned him much respect from others, who found themselves involuntarily obeying his every order.


    Forensics rushed over immediately. They collected samples, and under Xu Lan¡¯s orders, were made to focus their attention on certain ces. Of particr importance was the entrance ¨C it was ssified as the main area of interest.


    The night before, his sudden appearance would more or less have caused the murderer to make a mistake. If, considering all that had happened, a breakthrough could not be made, then...


    It was something he dared not imagine. How could a meticulous, calm, and level-headed person still be able to preserve the perfection of a crime scene despite being suddenly discovered? It was like, their criminal artistry was simr. Yes! That must be it! The artistry of the crime was simr!


    ¡°Xiao Li, find out if the boyfriend had any history of mental or psychological illness.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up with you, sergeant?¡±


    Naturally, Xiao Li was puzzled as to Xu Lan¡¯s conclusions. After all, Xiao Li was not at the scene of the crime when it happened.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, we¡¯ll head back first. When the resultse out, we¡¯ll be in touch,¡± said forensics toward Xu Lan, who was deeply immersed in his thoughts.


    Having gathered all the necessary samples, forensics were off.


    ¡°Right, apologies for the trouble. Xiao Li, we should get going too.¡±


    ¡°Eh? But Sergeant Xu, we were only here for a short while and you already want to leave?¡± asked a puzzled Xiao Li. He looked shocked at Xu Lan¡¯s decision.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go back and check the surveince footage.¡±


    Xu Lan turned back, saw a stumped Xiao Li, and found it hard to restrain hisughter. Youth was a blessing at times, but in other situations, it may be a curse.


    Besides, he was no longer alone. A small boy was waiting for him to return.


    ¡°Ah, okay. The surveince footage has been retrieved. It¡¯s waiting for you to take a look at it.¡±


    Xiao Li massaged his nose and together with Xu Lan, they left Jingxinyuan.

 Chapter 9 - A Dragon’s Transformation

    <h4>Chapter 9: A Dragon¡¯s Transformation</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan saw a group of people surrounding Bai Wu when he returned to the police station, like admirers crowding around someone deemed prestigious to them.


    ¡°Papa, you¡¯re back!¡±


    Bai Wu was the first to notice Xu Lan enter the police station since his eyes were fixated on the hallway. He got down clumsily from the chair and ran over to the man the second she potted Xu Lan.


    ¡°Mm, how¡¯re things? Did you trouble anyone here?¡±


    Xu Lan carried Bai Wuand touched the boy¡¯s tender cheek.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, I didn¡¯t know you have such a big boy. He¡¯s too cute! Even Lao Hu couldn¡¯t resist ying with him.¡±


    Xu Lan furrowed his brows at the thought of Hu Cheng¡¯s bony and yellow hands.


    ¡°Are you not afraid anymore?¡±


    ¡°I am, but I know they¡¯re all good people, and papa¡¯s here too. So...¡±


    Good people? It was because of Xu Lan¡¯s ¡®good¡¯ nature that he adopted the child. If the police station was full of ¡®good people¡¯, did it not mean that he was merely one out of the many ¡®papas¡¯ and ¡®mamas¡¯ out there?


    As he thought of that, his expression became increasingly sullen, scaring Bai Wu into silence. The boy looked down and buried his head in Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Oh no Sergeant Xu, you¡¯ll scare him like that,¡± Xiao Li said while scratching his head and massaging his nose.


    If the young man felt uneasy seeing Xu Lan¡¯s expression, surely a three and a half year old would feel even more terrified of it.


    Xu Lan was nk for a moment, but when he realized everyone around him worrying about the child, he suddenly let out augh. Then he passed the boy over to Xiao Li and walked into Hu Cheng¡¯s office.


    Realizing his unexpected anger over the child¡¯s poprity among the crowd, heughed at himself. Was it not something to be happy about? He felt weird about himself, so he slipped away from the crowd by heading over to Hu Cheng to report his findings.


    ¡°Lao Hu, are you trying to achieve immortality through death? Your office is filled with smoke,¡± he said following some coughs.


    Upon pushing the door open, smoke came billowing out. It almost choked him, and he could not help butin.


    ¡°You want a puff?¡± Hu Cheng shed his yellow teeth through a rather forced smile.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll smoke with you for a bit.¡±


    Xu Lan found a nice corner amidst the messy office and sat down, then took the tobo pipe that Hu Cheng rolled for him.


    ¡°So, have you checked the surveince footage? Is there anything wrong with it?¡± Xu Lan asked in between coughs. He found the tobo a bit harsh on his throat.


    ¡°The footage is spoiled. The girl¡¯s a hostess from a bar, while the man¡¯s someone she brought home of her own ord. We don¡¯t have a single lead. It¡¯s a thorny situation.¡± Hu Cheng¡¯s expression was veiled by the haziness of the smoke.


    ¡°Why not expand the area? Maybe we¡¯ll notice something.¡±


    Xu Lan also felt that the situation this time wasplex. It was exactly the same situation as of that in the real world, where Meng Chengjun snatched the case away from him without so much as leaving him a clue.


    ¡°It¡¯s not urgent. We¡¯ll make things worse if we hurry. I haven¡¯t had lunch, so it¡¯ll be two meals in one for me. How about you treat me and the kid to dinner?¡± asked Xu Lan. He then took a deep puff of the cigarette and threw it onto the floor, then crushed it with his foot.


    ¡°No problem! Let¡¯s go.¡± He tapped on the tobo pipe then stood up.


    Once Bai Wu saw Xu Lan step out of the office, the pitiful boy ran to Xu Lan, hugged his thighs and stared at him with red eyes.


    ¡®It¡¯s foul y, simple as that!¡¯ Xu Lan thought. He picked the boy up grudgingly.


    It was not a very pleasant dinner. On one hand, it was because of that casecking any leads, and on the other, the victim¡¯s father was constantly breathing down their neck. The whole ruckus led to a reportering over, with the intention of conducting an interview to do the situation justice.


    Xu Lan sneered. Was an interview going to bring the murderer to justice? Words can be manipted to portray something right as wrong. It was no different than stabbing someone in the back, and he simply detested such people.


    When he saw that Bai Wu had just about enough, he carried the boy and left for home, but before that, he asked Xiao Li for an old phone.


    At the end of the day, this world was no different from the world where Xu Lan came from. It even reached a point where Xu Lan felt as though he was back home in China, instead of being transported to Huaxia.


    ¡°Papa, are you angry at me?¡± The little boy saw that Xu Lan was unwilling to speak to him, and so looked at the man with teary eyes.


    ¡°Eh, why would I be? Let¡¯s go bathe and sleep. I¡¯m a bit tired today.¡±


    After bathing the boy, Xu Lan took a quick one himself and lied down on the bed, falling asleep almost instantly.


    So many things happened in that one day. Aside from witnessing the homicide, he was transported to an unknown ce. He was too tired and all he hoped for was that everything was a dream, and when he woke up from it, he would be lying in his own rented room with the boy he picked up sleeping soundly by his side.


    A white me flickered in the air. It wrapped around Xu Lan and started pulsating as if to confirm that he was truly asleep. Soon, a void appeared in the darkness, and like a demon from hell, it suddenly opened its mouth to swallow him whole.


    Xu Lan however, was sleeping too soundly. He was oblivious to the dangerous aura that was slowly drawing near.


    It was Bai Wu instead who sensed the oing danger. He opened his eyes, which were filled with bewilderment at this point, staring intently into the empty void ahead.


    The void could sense Bai Wu¡¯s hostility. It probed around a few times in a flickering manner. Finally, it settled down at the furthest part of the room and entered a deadlock with Bai Wu. Knowing full well it had reinforcements, it stayed there and looked at him.


    ¡°Sleep properly,¡± Xu Lan muttered after he felt a creeping coldness, thinking that Bai Wu took the sheets. He muttered some more words and reached for Bai Wu, bringing the boy back into his embrace.


    Immediately after Bai Wu¡¯s energy was covered up, the void ran wild and leaped over to swallow Xu Lan.


    ¡°Leave!¡±


    Bai Wu¡¯s vermillion pupils lit up like a raging fire, illuminating the whole room as if it was daytime. He gently pushed Xu Lan away and stood at the edge of the bed snarling at the void.


    A terrifyingly evilugh came from the empty void, startling him from head to toe and giving him goosebumps.


    When the void noticed the boy standing angrily in front of it, its sinisterughter became even more confident, and it inched even closer to Xu Lan!


    ¡°Shoo!¡±


    Bai Wu fiercely jumped down the bed, and the fiery-red color from his eyes rapidly enveloped his body like a stream of light, illuminating the whole room. Once the light subsided, his body was filled with ayer of grey scales, and by then, a tail had appeared.


    ¡°Go away!¡±


    His hoarse, ire-filled cry was far from sounding anything like a child.


    The energy within his body changed suddenly, turning into what appeared to be an innate domineering aggressiveness. The aggressiveness melded along with the simultaneously fire-like and ice-like energy on him ¨C he was in his natural form. That energy spread out like a vine and suppressed the void, causing it to slowly shrink.


    When he saw that the void was gradually disappearing, he breathed a sigh of relief. The stream of light reverted back, but not before illuminating the entire room once again. When the room finally went dark again, he was back to being the adorable little crybaby Bai Wu.


    He tiptoed to the bed and lifted the covers, then crept into Xu Lan¡¯s embrace. As soon as he found afortable position, he set his mind to rest and slept.


    ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±


    All of a sudden, an icy-cold voice resounded from the pitch-ck room and reached Bai Wu¡¯s ears crystal clear. The boy froze immediately and dared not let out a single breath.

 Chapter 10 - The Honest Dragon

    <h4>Chapter 10: The Honest Dragon</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°What the hell are you?¡±


    The cold, gloomy voice asked once again. On that dark and cold winter¡¯s night, that voice was far more terrifying to Bai Wu than the icyughter that came from the void.


    He gently raised his head, calling Xu Lan softly.


    Xu Lan lifted the covers and switched on the light. Bai Wu¡¯s white scales and tail had yet to disappear. The boy¡¯s conspicuous shine caused the man¡¯s eyes to feel sore.


    Smack!


    Xu Lan pped himself across the face in disbelief. Bai Wu ran over to him immediately and hugged his other arm.


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Bai Wu did not know where to start. His lips quivered yet he could not bring himself to say anything. In the end, he just plopped himself onto Xu Lan¡¯s chest and cried.


    ¡°A monster?¡± Xu Lan did not notice the tremble in his own voice. Those two words were spoken as if it took him a great deal of energy.


    ¡°NO! PAPA, I¡¯M NOT! I¡¯M NOT A MONSTER!¡±


    The boy instantly lost his mind. ¡®Monster¡¯ was a word that had been used on him by countless people, but since this was the first time that it came from Xu Lan¡¯s mouth, Bai Wu was immediately sent into a frenzy.


    ¡°No? Then what¡¯s all this? Who were you talking to just now?¡± Xu Lan hoisted the boy up by the tail.


    ¡°NO, I¡¯M NOT A MONSTER! PAPA, I¡¯M NOT A MONSTER! PAPA... Hic...¡±


    Still in an inverted position, the boy cried and shouted. He wanted to hug Xu Lan. The boy¡¯s continuous hupping was a result of the energy that could not revert back in him.


    Seeing the child in aplete crying mess, Xu Lan took a deep breath and set the boy on the bed. He went to get a stool, for he had too many questions to ask.


    Thinking that Xu Lan wanted to leave, Bai Wu jumped off the bed and hugged the man¡¯s thigh.


    ¡°PAPA, I¡¯M NOT A MONSTER, DON¡¯T LEAVE ME. I¡¯M REALLY NOT A MONSTER! PAPA...¡±


    The word ¡®Papa¡¯ sent Xu Lan¡¯s heart into turmoil. He picked Bai Wu up and ced the boy back on the bed, then poured himself a ss of water and sat on the stool.


    ¡°Then tell me. What¡¯s all this? Hm?¡±


    Bai Wu sat on the bed with tearful eyes and looked at the man. Xu Lan was sitting on the stool, frowning and staring at the kid.


    ¡°My true form is a dragon,¡± Bai Wu said while hugging his tail. He mustered the courage and said what he thought was most important. He knew that this exnation was inevitable, otherwise who knows what would happen?


    As soon as he thought about Xu Lan leaving him, his tears flowed uncontrobly out of his eyes. Tears used to be a tool for him get sympathy, but after meeting Xu Lan, most of his tears were shed because of unrestrained emotions.


    ¡°I used to be a big, big dragon,¡± Bai Wu said as he extended both his chubby arms to the side and gestured. ¡°But my subordinates framed me, and I lost mymanding position. So they sent me down to earth.


    Due to my injuries, my body shrank to be what Papa is seeing now. Also, because I¡¯m not from this world, it created cracks in space and time. This is why Papa ended up in this world.


    But I¡¯m not a monster. This is how I look like when I¡¯m small. Back in our ce, every dragon would look the same.¡±


    Bai Wu finished his sentence guiltily, without looking at Xu Lan. He gazed down and yed with his tail. Some of his scales left indentations on his skin as a result of Xu Lan¡¯s rather forceful grip. It was slightly painful.


    ¡°That¡¯s all? What about the murder here? Does it have anything to do with you?¡± Xu Lan asked coldly with a poker face.


    ¡°NO! I had nothing to do with it! I didn¡¯t know that we¡¯d end up here. It¡¯s because of the other night when I was toofortable with Papa and identally fell asleep. I didn¡¯t know. I¡¯m sorry Papa, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s all my fault.¡±


    Bai Wu let go of his tail and crawled over to Xu Lan, wanting to be held in the man¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Papa, please don¡¯t leave me, I¡¯ll be a good boy, I can protect you, Papa. Papa¡¯s the only one who knows I¡¯m trouble but is still willing to ept me. Papa, can you...¡± The sentences were interspersed with bouts of hupping.


    The boy¡¯s tears felt as though they flowed out from a boiling hot pair of eyes. Xu Lan could feel its burn even through his shirt.


    Having received no response from Xu Lan, Bai Wu¡¯s body immediately became cold, much colder than the night he fell into the ice-cold river. Back then, Xu Lan was constantly worried about the boy¡¯s safety, but tonight, he seemed unwilling to even stretch out his hand and hug the kid.


    Bai Wu knew such a thing would happen from the start! That was why he dared not tell everything to Xu Lan! He had experienced it before too many times, and this time was no different. Was Xu Lan¡¯s eptance all a delusion for Bai Wu?


    No one would ept a monster and a bane so willingly!


    The boy slowly backed away from Xu Lan¡¯s grasp, then sat on the bed and looked at the man. Bai Wu wanted to etch every detail of Xu Lan¡¯s expressions in his mind, fearing that he might never get to see Xu Lan again or even get to meet someone like him.


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Wiping his tears away, Bai Wu made his way down from the warm bed and very solemnly knelt down in front of Xu Lan.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    The boy kowtowed, three times in total ¨C no more, no less. Each kowtow was like a stone that weighed a ton, striking Xu Lan¡¯s body, eyes, and heart.


    After that, he stood up, opened his tender arms wide and asked, ¡°Papa, can I hug you again?¡±


    No longer able to keep a straight face, Xu Lan abruptly picked the boy up from the cold hard floor and hugged him, rubbing the stubbles on his chin against the boy¡¯s head.


    ¡°Fine. Show me how you look like as a dragon. I didn¡¯t manage to see it when it was dark just now.¡±


    Xu Lan carried Bai Wu by the boy¡¯s icy pair of thighs and went into the bathroom. Those tear-soaked clothes were sticking ufortably to his body, so a shower was in order.


    ¡°Papa?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s big round eyes stared at the man,plete with a look of inconceivability.


    ¡°Mm?¡±


    ¡°Papa, does this mean you still want me?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s trembling voice sounded simultaneously excited and scared.


    ¡°Since when did say that I didn¡¯t want you? I only wanted you to scare you and make you feel insecure for a while.¡± Xu Lan turned on the shower head, fogging up the whole bathroom in an instant. Not only did Bai Wu¡¯s body be warm, but the cier within his heart also melted.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to hide anything from me and carry your burdens on your own next time, understand?¡± warned Xu Lan.


    ¡°Mm! I understand!¡±


    Bai Wu¡¯s eyes became as misty as the bathroom. He nodded repeatedly and hugged Xu Lan tightly.


    If Xu Lan knew what Bai Wu had been through, he would surely be unable to bring himself to scare the boy. At that moment, Bai Wu finally believed that Xu Lan meant every word when the man said he will not abandon Bai Wu. Therefore, the boy chose to forgive Xu Lan¡¯s act of frightening him.


    ¡°Stand up properly! Why are you such a crybaby, always bawling your eyes out?¡±


    Despite saying such words, Xu Lan did not remove Bai Wu from the embrace. He waited until the boy¡¯s emotions stabilized, and could stand up by himself.


    ¡°Turn into a dragon for me. My whole life, I¡¯ve never seen a real dragon.¡±


    There was clearly a hint of excitement in Xu Lan¡¯s voice.

 Chapter 11 - Challenge

    <h4>Chapter 11: Challenge</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The dragon before Xu Lan¡¯s eyes was more beautiful than any other dragon he saw in books or drawings. It was stunning and utterly wless.


    Silver-white scales densely covered its whole body, and two scarlet-red horns protruded from its head. A pair of small wings, covered simrly with the silver-white scales, adorned its back. Its eyes seemed tearful, as they were a simr shade of red to its horns. At a nce, it was theplete opposite of the crying boy, yet it was also extremely adorable.


    ¡°Papa, do I look ugly?¡± asked a concerned Bai Wu, after seeing how Xu Lan kept quiet while trying to hold backughter.


    He was unsure how his state would look in Xu Lan¡¯s eyes, but in the dragon realm, he could be considered the best looking.


    ¡°No, you look cute. Come here and get dressed, wouldn¡¯t want you to catch a cold.¡± A smile crept across the edge of Xu Lan¡¯s lips as he called the boy over. Even the scar above his eyebrow seemed so much less threatening.


    This time, Bai Wu slept peacefully in Xu Lan¡¯s arms, because he knew that no matter what happened, Xu Lan would not leave him.


    Xiao Li¡¯s repeated phone calls woke Xu Lan up. Xu Lan had been tossing and turning around all night. It felt as though Xiao Li patiently waited for Xu Lan¡¯s head to hit the pillow before making those calls.


    ¡°Yes! What is it?!¡± Xu Lan yawned and spoke in a less-than-favorable tone.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! Something¡¯s happened. Come quickly to the red light district in Lanshan <sup>1</sup> . Someone just made a report, another murder happened there, and the MO is exactly the same as ¨C¡±


    Without waiting for him to finish, Xu Lan hung up. He put on an overcoat, carried Bai Wu, and went out.


    The gush of cold wind woke Bai Wu up. He checked to see that he was still in Xu Lan¡¯s arms, then dropped his head back into the man¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Papa, what is it?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, go back to sleep. We¡¯ll get an early breakfast.¡± Xu Lan tightened his overcoat, started the car, then headed to Lanshan.


    Alongside Xiao Li was Hu Cheng, with his electronic cigarette in his mouth. Despite his tired-looking face, Hu Cheng¡¯s eyes were still as sharp as an eagle¡¯s.


    ¡°Why¡¯d you bring the kid?¡± asked Hu Cheng while holding in his anger. His frown was so tense his furrowed eyebrows looked capable of crushing a fly to death.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feelfortable leaving the boy at home. You and I will go in soon, while Xiao Li will stay out here,¡± Xu Lan replied calmly.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Hu Cheng said after some hesitance.


    Seeing the boy in Xu Lan¡¯s arms, Xiao Li pouted an expression of disapproval at the decision. Everyone knew that Sergeant Xu was an irritable workaholic, so who would have expected the man to immediately be such a stay-at-home dad as soon as he had the child?


    Xiao Li himself wanted to take a look at the situation inside. As the young man was grumbling to himself, Hu Cheng roughly briefed Xu Lan on what had happened.


    This time, the incident happened in one of the red light district¡¯s rental rooms. The victim¡¯s blood seeped out of the house. That morning, someone noticed it and lodged a police report.


    Xu Lan passed the boy over to Xiao Li and followed Hu Cheng into the room, which had a metallic and pungent smell in the air.


    The scene was no different from Jingxinyuan. At most, it was about five or six square meters. Bits and bobs of stuff were piled up everywhere, while blood covered almost every inch of the ce.


    On the bedid the victim¡¯s naked body. Her left breast had already been sliced off, and both her legs were bent into a provocative position.


    ¡°What did forensics say?¡±


    ¡°This incident is more or less the same as the previous two incidents, but the difference is that this time, the victim was meticulously disyed in such a position. When I observed the ce just now, there was no surveince equipment at all!¡±


    Hu Cheng said this while he touched his electronic cigarette. Whenever he was anxious or in deep thought, the urge to smoke would creep in. For the sake of preserving the situation of the crime scene, however, all he could do was fiddle with it to relieve his anxiety.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then perhaps someone might have seen the news and intended to make someone else their scapegoat. Let¡¯s look closer and see if we can get any clues.¡±


    Xu Lan folded his arms and took a quick nce at the deceased. On the surface, everything seemed uniform ¨C there was virtually no discrepancy to the incident at Jingxinyuan. Even the sewing technique was simr. If the DNA was a match, then...


    His heart sank immediately, and in that moment he felt it go cold.


    There was another possibility: what if the killer mistook Xu Lan for a policeman that intended to arrest him? The woman¡¯s posture could be an initial show of strength, forcing Xu Lan to show himself. It could be that a challenge was aimed at Xu Lan!


    Xu Lan put on some gloves and tried to bend the victim¡¯s legs down. Rigor mortis had set in and it was impossible to stretch the limb; instead, the body fell to the side. The outer side of the victim¡¯s thigh ¨C which was against the wall ¨C revealed two words: ¡®Having fun?¡¯


    The man¡¯s brain felt like it was exploding that very instant, but he squinted his eyes and did his best to keep himself calm. With his hand, he gestured for Hu Cheng toe closer.


    ¡°Shameless. How shameless! To think that someone out there, someone who walks this earth, could take a person¡¯s life as a joke! I...I swear I¡¯ll catch this person and let him rot in prison!¡± Hu Cheng shouted then coughed.


    He was fuming. ughtering a young girl, and to what end? Just to write down a couple of words? Furthermore, it was the second consecutive day that a killing urred. Such savagery simply showed how little the killer cared about the police!


    ¡°Please stay calm. Since we are faced with someone so brazen, it¡¯s certain that our murderer is not your average bold killer, but a scheming one. Everything is moreplex than it seems, we should first go back to the station and thoroughly discuss the situation.¡±


    With his long eyshes concealing the emotions in his eyes, Xu Lan tried to cate Hu Cheng.


    ¡°...three consecutive murders! With such vile methods! I will personally report this matter to our superiors! Make sure the leads are in order within the next few days. If there is any news, you are to report to me immediately!¡±


    Hu Cheng walked out and fished the electronic cigarette from his pocket. He rapped it against the railing and took out a few strands of tobo, then pressed it into his tobo pipe.


    ¡°You can leave, I¡¯ll be here.¡±


    Xu Lan wanted to ascertain a few more things. Now that Hu Cheng had left, he need not verify those suspicions surreptitiously. Hu Cheng was too sharp, and Xu Lan was afraid of getting into trouble if the case came to a dead end.


    After all, no one would have predicted that the crack in space and time would lead them to the scene of a crime, and he certainly did not want for Bai Wu to be sent to theboratory, lying down on the cold bed for scientists to experiment with!


    ¡°Lao Hu, tell me, what was your impression of me back then?¡±


    Seizing Hu Cheng in his fretful moment, Xu Lan asked that question. Although everyone in that world seemed to know him, sooner orter the truth mighte out.


    Bai Wu said it before: he was able to create cracks in space and time, but he could not interfere with anything that was happening.


    So where did that world¡¯s Xu Lan go, and how was he like?


    ¡°You? They all say that you¡¯re a workaholic. The way you go about cases? It¡¯s like you don¡¯t have a life.¡± Hu Cheng breathed out a puff of smoke and looked at Xu Lan, then passed a freshly rolled cigarette to him.


    ¡°And you?¡±


    Through the hazy smoke, Hu Cheng saw in Xu Lan a cold and rigid man, with limpid yet abstruse eyes that Hu Cheng had never seen in anyone else before.


    ¡°You went to pick up your kid and got yourself a scar in the process?¡±


    Midway reaching for the cigarette, Xu Lan¡¯s hand momentarily stopped, then continued its journey stiffly. Those eyes: they were sharp for sure!


    He took a puff abruptly and saw Xiao Li waving at him while carrying Bai Wu.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry, I won¡¯t go anywhere!¡± Bloody hell, why did he feel so relieved all of a sudden?

 Chapter 12 - The Female Reporter

    <h4>Chapter 12: The Female Reporter</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Immediately after Xu Lan stepped out of the building, Bai Wu ran over to him excitedly.


    ¡°Papa, big brother brought me to eat some really nice food earlier,¡± the boy pointed to Xiao Li and said. ¡°I saved some for you, Papa. Do you wanna eat?¡±


    The little boy took a bag of steamed buns and presented it to Xu Lan like it was a precious treasure. His eyes were shining bright, which clearly meant that he was waiting to be praised.


    ¡°Of course I¡¯ll eat! You even remembered to save some for me. Not bad, little guy!¡± replied Xu Lan as he took the buns and patted Bai Wu¡¯s head.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, did you find anything?¡± Xiao Li walked over to Xu Lan and asked impatiently.


    ¡°None at the moment. We¡¯ll head back first.¡± Xu Lan bit into the steamed bun and patted the young man¡¯s shoulder, hinting for Xiao Li to cease his worries. When ites to matters such as this, the more one worried, the more difficult it would be to make head or tail out of the situation.


    Xu Lan had no intention of discussing this matter at length, and Xiao Li did not press on. The young man started the car and drove back to the police station. They did not expect the victim¡¯s family to bring along a few news reporters, gathered with a crowd, to make a fuss in front of the police station.


    This time, the size of the crowd doubled that of the previous day, and all of them were there to provide their opinion. Xu Lan could not help butugh.


    Were the people of this world really so irascible? Why would they not go back home and think about the funeral arrangements instead of causing a scene at the police station?


    ¡°Hello, may I ask if you are the Director General of this station?¡±


    The crowd surrounded Xu Lan and Xiao Li as soon as the both of them got out of the car. A pretty reporterdy in ponytails shoved the microphone in front of Xu Lan and asked if he was the head of the station.


    ¡°No.¡± Xu Lan passed Bai Wu over to Xiao Li and stood in the front. He wanted to know how exactly such a tragedy would be dealt with in this ¡®other world¡¯.


    ¡°In that case, may I ask if you are aware that the murder that happened today was the same as that which happened yesterday?¡± When the crowd heard the reporter drop that bombshell, they all kept quiet and waited to hear what Xu Lan had to say.


    ¡°Sure I do, but my question is, how did you know about it?¡± His tone turned cold rapidly as he squinted at the reporter.


    ¡°We received a tip-off saying that another murder urred in Lanshan, and one of our colleagues from that area sent us a report.¡± So it seemed that the absence of consent from the police regarding reportable matters was within the legal framework.


    Xu Lan felt his pocket and realized there were no cigarettes on him. His mouth twitched, then he grabbed the microphone from the reporter.


    ¡°This is an ongoing case and the police will do their best to arrest the killer. When the timees, we will request the cooperation of every single one of you, as the energetic city folk that you are, to help us catch this person. Of course, if you were to ask about the particrs of the case, forgive me for not being at liberty to say. After all, such leads and details must be kept confidential. Making them public will be tantamount to informing the murderer of our progress in capturing him. The criminal will then get further ahead of us, which is a disadvantage to the investigation. Wouldn¡¯t you agree, beautiful?¡±


    All those words that were kept in Xu Lan¡¯s heart were spat out in one breath. He had been holding those thoughts in since hisst meal and the chance to express them did note quick enough.


    ¡°Er...yes...yes, you¡¯re right,¡± she stammered, momentarily dumbfounded. It was the first time that the police openly answered a question regarding the case.


    ¡°As for you, sir, please realize that we are all deeply saddened by what has happened, but aside from bringing the criminal to justice, we have no way of bringing your daughter back to life. So please, restrain your grief and embrace fate <sup>1</sup> .¡±


    It was the same parent who was present the previous day, with the same construction clothes on him, as if he went there straight after work. He had messy hair, a soiled face, and was extremely thin.


    At first, Xu Lan had a bit of sympathy for him, but when the parent brought a crowd to kick up a fuss at the police station, and for two days in a row, what little sympathy that Xu Lan had quickly turned into distrust.


    ¡°Er, but officer, they said that another girl was killed today. Are you going to catch this morning¡¯s killer first? Officer, my daughter died in the most horrible way. She was still young, you must bring the killer to justice for me,¡± the man shouted as he wept and kowtowed on the ground.


    Back when they called him in for questioning, his artiction was not quite as nimble.


    ¡°Sir, let it be known that there is no such policy. We have arge team, and the cases will more or less be ongoing at the same time. If it¡¯s possible, would you mind helping us out with the investigation? We would like to know a few things about the deceased when she was still alive.¡±


    Xu Lan nced at Xiao Li, who then invited the parent in respectfully.


    ¡°If anyone has any information, you are wee to provide the station with it.¡± Xu Lan took the mike and announced to the crowd with a fake smile.


    After seeing that the victim¡¯s family member was ushered into the station, everyone dispersed as if avoiding a gue. Only the reporterdy remained standing in front of Xu Lan.


    The attitude of those people toward police and the police station were downright odd. Xu Lan could not help but feel around in his own pocket. Seeing Hu Cheng smoke induced his desire to take a puff as well.


    ¡°Why are you still here?¡± he asked. Noticing that the reporter bore some resemnce to Song Xi, he ced his hands in his pocket and prepared to leave.


    ¡°You, you can¡¯t leave.¡± She grabbed a hold of his arm as he turned.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I? Do I owe you anything?¡±


    When he thought about how hisst meeting with Song Xi ended up in a misunderstanding and that she had found herself a man, Xu Lan felt unease and spoke in a direct manner.


    ¡°I wanted to ask if it¡¯s possible for me to use this incident to conduct an interview on you and the station regarding a special topic. You saw it yourself just now, the general perception toward police stations isn¡¯t all that good.¡±


    She let out everything that she wanted to say and waited for a response.


    ¡°Like I told you, every bit of information about the case must be kept confidential.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not talking about reporting on the case, I want to write about the station¡¯s attitude and work ethic in dealing with the case,¡± the reporterdy exined hurriedly, seemingly regretful of her previous misdeeds toward the police force.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Xu Lan raised an eyebrow. The attitude shown by the people here towards their policemen was far different from what he had previously experienced.


    ¡°So report about it then, you didn¡¯t have to grab my arm like that. People might think that I¡¯m being confronted by some youngdy that I dumped.¡±


    Those words were apanied by his gaze directed at the female reporter¡¯s arm. She was still holding onto him, but his stare startled her into releasing her grip. Her face turned red as she red at him.


    Xu Lan thought, ¡®Stare, stare, stare! Stare all you want! You¡¯re not Song Xi, I¡¯m not scared of you.¡¯


    Unconcerned with the embarrassed and fuming reporter, he started walking to the station.


    ¡°Why are you zoning out? Didn¡¯t you say that you want to interview us?¡±


    ¡°Huh? N-now?¡± she asked, surprised.


    ¡°When else, then?¡±


    ¡°Okay, now it is!¡±


    She quickly caught up to Xu Lan and entered the station. As soon as she stepped in, a pair of red pupils stared at her, and as she stared back she realized it was a small kid.


    ¡®I must be imagining things,¡¯ she thought, ¡®how could such a cute boy be waiting for me? It¡¯s just my imagination.¡¯

 Chapter 13 - Back To Square One

    <h4>Chapter 13: Back To Square One</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Chief Xu, why did you let the reporter in?¡± Xiao Li walked towards Xu Lan and handed Bai Wu over to him. Coincidentally, he was blocking the female reporter¡¯s way.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t the reportere in? She is not a disastrous beast. Besides, where can you find such a beautiful creature?¡± Xu Lan saidughingly, as if he heard something really amusing.


    His words left Xiao Li speechless, whose lips moved but could not refute. The reporter also blushed at thements and did not dare to lift her head up. If she did, she would have seen the pair of fire-zed eyes staring at her like X-rays.


    Bai Wu had met Song Xi once. He also heard Song Xi¡¯s name when Xu Lan was hard on. The woman in front shared some resemnce with Song Xi. His heart that had already settled down was left hanging again when he saw the female reporter.


    ¡°Papa can only belong to me! No one can share him!¡± he thought to himself.


    ¡°You can go in and have a sit in the lobby first, don¡¯t go anywhere. Wait for me toe out and I¡¯ll take you to observe how they work.¡± Xu Lan made eye contact with Xiao Li and hinted for him to go ahead. He then turned to the female reporter and said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right. What is your name?¡± Xu Lan returned and asked, after realizing that he did not get her name while he was walking away.


    ¡± Wu Wendi <sup>1</sup> , ¡®Wu¡¯ with a ¡®mouth¡¯ and ¡®sky¡¯ and ¡®Di¡¯ representing the Amur silvergrass flower.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s a good name. Xiao Li, please entertain her while I head to forensics.¡± Xu Lan left Bai Wu in the lobby and called out to Xiao Li after drinking a mouthful of water.


    ¡°Why is it me...¡± Xiao Li immediately shut up after he saw des darting out from Xu Lan¡¯s eyes at him.


    Xiao Li had suffered quite a bit ever since he followed Xu Lan. For instance, he had to be a stay-at-home dad, serve others, and solve a case all at once. At this rate, Xu Lan would have trained him to be ready for a decathlon. However, this young man could not understand Xu Lan¡¯s efforts. He groaned inwardly while looking at the reporter in front of him.


    Xiao Li carried Bai Wu to the reception counter where Zhu Jing was and said, ¡°Xiao Jing, please handle that female reporter.¡±


    ¡°Why? This was personally instructed towards you by Chief Xu, I don¡¯t want to get into trouble.¡±


    Zhu Jing was a very straightforward girl. Her speech was always forthright without any excessive vagueness.


    ¡°If you go over, I will let you carry Bai Wu for today.¡± Xiao Li had already nned this in mind and blurted it out without giving much of a thought.


    ¡°Deal!¡± Zhu Jing looked at Bai Wu with gleaming eyes. She had always wanted to pinch his egg-like cheeks, but Chief Xu treasured him so much that either he was always around, or he would hand Bai Wu over to Xiao Li to care for.


    ¡°Brother Xiao Li, Papa will be unhappy if he knew about this.¡±


    Bai Wu thought about yesterday when he let everybody pinched his cheeks, and mentioned that all of them were good guys, but Papa did not seem too happy.


    ¡°Eh, if you don¡¯t tell Chief Xu, he will not know. We will let her leave before Chief Xues out. I cannot deal with reporters. I don¡¯t even know why Chief Xu let her in,¡± said Xiao Li while he appeased Bai Wu.


    The little guy rolled his eyes and walked over to hold Zhu Jing¡¯s hands. He then turned his head and told Xiao Li, ¡°I will not tell Papa, don¡¯t you worry.¡±


    Xiao Li¡¯s eyelids twitched for a second. He felt a deep sense of insecurity. Did he do things without thinking over or did he speak without consideration?


    On the other side, Xu Lan had found the colleague in forensics and asked, ¡°How was it? Are the results out yet?¡±


    He leaned impolitely on the table and looked at the busy workers.


    ¡°The results of the DNA profiling is ready. The first and second killer is the same person. This morning¡¯s case is still under investigation. The autopsy results were also simr, both victims were raped and died due to excessive bleeding. Afterparing it to the DNA Encoded Library, there was no simr match to the suspect.¡± The chief forensic officer, Sun Fei told Xu Lan while passing the documents over to him.


    ¡°In other words, this will be his first crime?¡±


    Xu Lan could not fathom how can this person be so well-versed in counter-reconnaissance when he had no prior engagement with the police force. His methods were diabolically skillful even without a criminal record. Moreover, he was daring enough to leave his semen inside of the victim¡¯s body!


    ¡°This is difficult to judge because those crimesmitted more than twenty years ago did not have DNA collection, thus they will not exist in the DNA Encoded Library,¡± Sun Fei said after giving it a thought.


    ¡°What about the oue of the fingerprint analysis?¡± Xu Lan asked as he squinted his eyes, unconsciously reaching for his Yunyan Special titbit Soft.


    ¡°All of them were from the victims...¡±


    Suddenly, a ¡®pang¡¯ sound was heard. Xu Lan had thrown his fist towards the instrument he was leaning on.


    ¡°Hey! Hey, boss! Please calm down, this thing cost tens of thousands. I cannot afford topensate it if it¡¯s broken!¡± Sun Fei fended off Xu Lan immediately and went to check on that piece of metal in pain.


    ¡°What should we do now! There is no surveince or fingerprints. We finally got hold of the DNA but there¡¯s still no suspect. Also, I can¡¯t imprison everyone in the city just topare their DNA.¡±


    Xu Lan felt an unprecedented amount of frustration creeping towards him, engulfing him within this case and leaving him breathless. His thoughts went back to this morning when he saw the two words on the victim¡¯s legs, ¡®So fun!¡¯


    As if life was like child¡¯s y in his eyes. This kind of person was no different from Ted Bundy, the typical perverted serial killer.


    ¡°If you do this, you will tire the whole forensics department.¡± Sun Fei organized the disrupted documents and kept them in the data cab.


    ¡°So it¡¯s back to square one like thest case?¡± Xu Lan asked dejectedly.


    ¡°I guess so if it was done by the same person,¡± Sun Fei answered in a nonmittal tone.


    ¡°Do you have cigarettes?¡± Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°This ce is a smoke-free zone.¡± Sun Fei shrugged his shoulders as a sign of helplessness.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head out to smoke. I would like to review the information regarding the first case with you. It was quite some time ago, I can¡¯t remember well,¡± Xu Lan said while walking out.


    Actually, he wanted to find the intersecting point of these three cases, themonality that was neglected by the killer.


    Although the killer deliberately lowered his voice on that night, his mannerism made it clear that he was not an old man. Furthermore, the escortdy from the bar would not show such passion towards an elderly.


    ¡°I also heard that you invited the family members of Ms. Lee?¡± Sun Fei came after Xu Lan and walked out of the room, leaning against the railing while he waited for Xu Lan to pass him the cigarettes.


    ¡°Hmph, you were so restrained back in the police station, never knew you can be so ostentatious outside.¡± Xu Lan snickered and also waited for Sun Fei to give him the cigarettes.


    ¡°Eh, howe you are still unustomed to it after such a long time. You even invited a reporter in here. Let¡¯s see how will Lao Hu treat you when he returns.¡± Sun Fei elbowed Xu Lan and motioned to show that his mouth is still empty.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have cigarettes?¡± Xu Lan looked at Sun Fei puzzledly.


    ¡°I told you this is a smoke-free zone, how can I have any cigarettes!¡±


    ¡°F*ck, I thought you just don¡¯t smoke inside. You should have told me you don¡¯t have them. I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Xu Lan stood up and walked down the stairs. If it was not for Bai Wu, he would not have thought of giving up smoking. If he did not quit smoking, there would be cigarettes in his pockets.


    ¡°F*ck! Everything seems to be going wrong today!¡± This thought made his mouth itch, which worsened his cravings to smoke.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring you a packter.¡±


    Xu Lan turned back and waved at Sun Fei before walking downstairs.

 Chapter 14 - Stirring Up Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 14: Stirring Up Trouble</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Drink some water.¡± Zhu Jing handed over the cup half-heartedly. Her obvious expression had put Wu Wendi in an awkward position.


    ¡°Just call me Wendi, I only joined the press this year.¡±


    She could not understand why the rtionship between the police and the press was so tense. That was why she hoped to aplish something to get their approval. This was also the reason why she joined the press.


    ¡°Ms. Wu, we manage criminal cases, not employment allocation.¡±


    Wu Wendi took out a lollipop from her purse and gave it to Bai Wu. The little guy looked at her innocently with two big googly eyes, melting everyone¡¯s hearts.


    ¡°Papa says do not ept candies from strangers.¡±


    Bai Wu held hands with Zhu Jing while he looked at the person on the chair with his reddened eyes. He deliberately emphasized the word ¡®Papa¡¯ when he said it and did not reach out to receive it. Wu Wendi scoffed and put it back into her purse stiffly.


    ¡°Ms. Wu, what did you tell Chief Xu for him to let you in? Since you just joined the press recently, you probably don¡¯t know that there has always been bad blood between our departments. It would be quite embarrassing if the chiefes out to chase you awayter.¡±


    Zhu Jing did not beat around the bush with Wu Wendi, clearly indicating her to leave.


    Of course, she did not look down on these reporters, but there were already two lives dragged into this. Since then, the press was hostile towards the police and rarely exchanged correspondences.


    ¡°I met Chief Xu today and felt that he was different from the image he used to have. That¡¯s why I wanted to give a special coverage about the police, to let everyone understand how the police really work. So...¡±


    ¡°Oh right, everything used to be quite well. The citizens are reacting this way all thanks to you guys.¡± Zhu Jing could not bear her anger and gave her a piece of her mind.


    ¡°I...¡± Wu Wendi did not know what to say, what more to refute her.


    ¡°Xiao Li, help me buy a pack of cigarettes and send it to the forensics department upstairs.¡±


    When Xu Lan was walking down the stairs, he overheard Zhu Jing aggravating Wu Wendi, leaving her speechless. He made a clicking sound and sent Xiao Li off to buy cigarettes.


    ¡°Ms. Wu..., how is your observation going along?¡±


    All of a sudden, Xu Lan could not remember her name. He knocked on his forehead and asked. Bai Wu saw him came down, immediately released Zhu Jing and ran towards him. He opened both his arms wide and waited for the man to carry him.


    ¡°Papa¡ª¡± He dragged the word coquettishly as if he was dering dominance.


    Xu Lan smiled understandingly and held his hands. He then walked towards Wu Wendi.


    ¡°I am going to ask the victim¡¯s family members some questions. Do you want to go together?¡± He could not let her return empty-handed, Xu Lan thought to himself.


    ¡°Yes! If it does not bother you guys!¡± Wu Wendi stood up enthusiastically but sat back down with blushed cheeks.


    The indoor temperature of the police station was maintained at 26¡ãC. Xu Lan had removed his jacket the moment he came in, leaving only a white shirt. He had a height of 1.82m. When Wu Wendi stood up with her head lowered, she could see right at his well-built pectoral muscles.


    ¡°Sure, we will head over once Xiao Li returns.¡±


    Xu Lan did not notice the peculiarity of the female reporter. He thought that he had blocked her way. So, he tugged Bai Wu towards him and stepped aside.


    ¡°Papa, carry me,¡± Bai Wu said with coquetry, concealing his anger in his fire-red eyes.


    ¡°Let sister Xiao Jing carry you first, Papa has to leave in a while,¡± said Xu Lan, as he had prepared to pay Jingxinyuan a visit after meeting with the family member.


    ¡°Lucky!¡± Zhu Jing heard what Xu Lan had said, her eyes lighted up again. This overprotective dad was willing to leave his son. Yesterday, his face expression changed the moment Bai Wu praised that everyone was a good person.


    Bai Wu¡¯s eyes started to fog immediately, on the verge of crying. Then, he slowly retracted his tiny hand and used his index finger to hook on Xu Lan, choked and said, ¡°Where are you going, Papa? Are you going out with her?¡±


    Looking at the situation, Zhu Jing swallowed her saliva and went back to her duty station. With this looking from the little guy, it would be a wonder if his dad was willing to leave!


    ¡°Papa, are you going out with her like how my brother used to go out with the youngdy. Are you going to abandon and leave me for good?¡±


    As predicted, Xu Lan bent down and wrapped him in his arms after hearing the change in Bai Wu¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I am not leaving. It¡¯s just that Papa has a case to follow up with so I cannot apany you. Thisdy came to visit all of us, she¡¯s not going anywhere.¡±


    Xu Lanforted Bai Wu by gently patting his back. He shrugged his shoulders and signaled Wu Wendi with his eyes either she could leave first, or she could wait. This was definitely not the time for it. His son was most important to him, not even the heavens and earth couldpare.


    Xu Lan carried the child and headed to his office.

 Chapter 15 - Expressing Feelings

    <h4>Chapter 15: Expressing Feelings</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan ced the child on the table and poured a ss of water before sitting in front of him. He had so many uncertainties towards this child, but he did not have a choice.


    ¡°Bai Wu, lift up your head and look at me,¡± he instructed.


    The child lifted his head up in astonishment, looking at him terrified as always. This was the first time he called out his name directly. However, under the circumstances, Bai Wu did not know whether he should be excited or worried.


    ¡°I told you, I will never abandon you. Do not mention it so easily ever again, do you hear me?¡±


    Bai Wu paused for a second and nodded his headpliantly.


    Xu Lan¡¯s interrogative voice was not very amicable. The cattail leaf fan-like eyshes still had teardrops on it, entuating his fire-zed eyes, making them appear crystal clear.


    ¡°I heard you,¡± Bai Wu answered with a pouty mouth.


    After they went through so much and he confessed his true identity, he knew that this man would not abandon him. He just did not want the man to be around the female reporter who looked like Song Xi.


    ¡°Also, don¡¯t shed tears so frequently. You¡¯re like a little girl. At your age, I was already the leader of the children from the whole vige. I could punch whoever I want.¡±


    Whenever he saw Bai Wu¡¯s tears, he had a weird feeling in his heart and felt a little ufortable. Also, his senses abandoned him mercilessly just now, like how it deserted fools.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Bai Wu was still pouting his mouth, clearly showing his unhappiness.


    Xu Lan felt annoyed. It was this young kid that started crying unreasonably, and he also assured him that he would not leave. Howe he still had the expression on him as if he was seeking for sce? As if it was Xu Lan himself that made a mistake?


    ¡°You dislike thedy from this morning?¡±


    Xu Lan asked this question without context. This little guy was always abandoned by others. The situation just now had probably urred in the past, that was why he called out to him anxiously.


    ¡°Papa, do you like thatdy?¡±


    Bai Wu did not answer Xu Lan directly and asked him with a baby voice instead. A pair of eyes staring at him suddenly, desperate for answers.


    ¡°Ah? What?¡± Xu Lan was startled, scratched his ears and asked nkly.


    ¡°Papa likes thatdy.¡±


    This is not a question, but rather a statement. Bai Wu¡¯s voice suddenly turned cold. He was angry at himself for stating the obvious truth.


    ¡°If Papa likes thatdy, you will not like Bai Wu as much, but Bai Wu only likes Papa and will continue forever. Bai Wu likes Papa very very much.¡±


    Xu Lan was thirty years old. He had everything and would have a child of his own in the future. He, on the other hand, was only three years old and had nothing. He only had Xu Lan!


    When he spoke, his heart felt a strong sensation of sourness. He looked up at the man. Although his fiery eyes had already been covered by ayer of fog, his tears were held back by pure stubbornness, not letting them fall out.


    ¡°No, we just met for the first time today. How can I like her? What are you thinking in that mind of yours?¡±


    His words made Xu Lan confused and puzzled as if he had to touch the head of a ten-feet monk ¡ª no one could reach it. He smilingly grazed Bai Wu¡¯s nose with his hand and said it in a pampering manner.


    It turned out to be that this little guy was worried that his status in Xu Lan¡¯s heart might be demoted by others. The man felt so heart-warming from this little guy¡¯s actions. This was the first time ever that he heard someone mentioned that they liked him. Moreover, it was his very own son.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu took Xu Lan¡¯s hand and threw himself into his arms.


    ¡°Papa, can you only like me? I do not want a mother, brother or sister. I just want Papa and to always be with you. I will only like Papa alone, so can Papa only like me as well?¡±


    The little guy wrapped around his neck and asked softly in his ears.


    ¡°...¡± Xu Lan¡¯s eyebrows wrinkled upon this request while he gently tapped on Bai Wu¡¯s bottom.


    ¡°Papa! I want Papa to be with me! Only me! Papa, I like you.¡± Bai Wu sobbed and buried himself into Xu Lan¡¯s neck, burning tears dropped into the notch on his neck.


    He knew that his request was very unreasonable. However, whenever he thought of this man treating other women or children as nicely as he treated him or even more, he felt so sour. His tears also streamed down uncontrobly.


    ¡°Bai Wu, I cannot promise you this. You are still young...¡±


    ¡°Waaahhh!¡±


    Bai Wu cried out after hearing this. In the past, he only shed huge droplets of tears quietly in an enamoring manner. This was Xu Lan¡¯s first time hearing this child cry out loud. He immediately started to panic.


    ¡°Bai Wu, Bai Wu, don¡¯t cry. Listen to me first...¡±


    Xu Lan looked at Bai Wu, his heartbreaking cries made his heart ache. He used to feel annoyed at children¡¯s cries, but his whole heart was left hanging upon hearing his cries.


    ¡°No! Hmph, Papa can only want me! Papa can only want me!¡± Bai Wu had a death grip on Xu Lan¡¯s neck, repeating the words as he cried.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Stop messing around with these things. Shh¡ª¡± Xu Lan tried to talk some sense into the child while stroking his back.


    Seeing that the man did not agree with him, Bai Wu bit into his neck angrily. The man went into silence after a muted groan. Not before long, his mouth was filled with the taste of iron. It was the same iron taste that came from the house that night.


    Bai Wu released him immediately and called out fearfully, ¡°Papa.¡±


    ¡°Have you cooled down?¡± Xu Lan asked after giving a long sigh. He looked helplessly at the child that had bowed down and admitted to his mistakes but still trying very hard to nce at him.


    ¡°...Papa, can¡¯t you just like Bai Wu?¡±


    Bai Wu asked with such grievances. He saw blood was seeping out from the bite marks, bent down and used his tongue to lick around gently to clean it.


    A jet of electricity struck downwards from the man¡¯s neck and to his whole body, finally converging back to the area Bai Wu licked. Xu Lan suppressed the urge to press the child¡¯s head further into the notch on his neck, took a deep breath, and said, ¡°Child, Papa cannot promise you things like this. You have a long time to live. You will also experience many other things. Not only you but for me as well. We cannot be certain of anything. Nheless, I can promise you that Papa will always like you, love you, okay?¡±


    When Xu Lan spoke, he could not imagine the mental image of his wife and son ying together. He could only feel the pain when he imagined how Bai Wu will leave him one day when he found his partner.


    Oh right, he was still young. How could he tie him down around him? Xu Lanughed bitterly, his face ravaged with grief.


    Bai Wu stayed motionless in his embrace, tears streaming silently again. In the end, he apologized in a muffled voice while holding on to the corner of his sleeves.


    ¡°Sorry, Papa,¡± he apologized for biting the man. He did not think that his request was excessive. On the contrary, he was still mad at the man.


    ¡°Okay, why did you cry again? We just agreed not to,¡± Xu Lan said dearly as he took out tissues to wipe away the tear stains on the child¡¯s face.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t cry, can Papa only like Bai Wu?¡± The child bit down his lips, popped his eyes open and went back to the same question.


    ¡°...¡± Xu Lan reached out to his pocket unconsciously. Xiao Li had not bought the cigarettes when he came in, the emptiness of the pocket made his heart felt empty as well.


    ¡°Papa, let¡¯s go out. You still have things to do with thatdy, right?¡± Bai Wu slid down from the table, opened the office door and walked out before Xu Lan could even register what was happening.

 Chapter 16 - Get Down to Business

    <h4>Chapter 16: Get Down to Business</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Hey! Good day, Chief Xu! What happened just now?¡±


    Once Bai Wu opened the door, Zhu Jing she was instantly pushed into the office by a bunch of rubberneckers outside before she could even bnce herself. She scratched her head and asked Xu Lan awkwardly. Her eyes nced towards Bai Wu while she asked about the incident where he cried.


    ¡°What about it, don¡¯t you guys have work to do? Why are you guys crowding here to watch? Where¡¯s Xiao Li? Did he go out of the sr system to buy a pack of cigarettes?¡±


    Xu Lan was not angry. Instead, he found it funny. In a matter of two days, this little guy had bought over everybody in the police station. He did not know that Bai Wu was this capable.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, Chief Xu. I was back for quite some time.¡± Xiao Li emerged from the crowd when he heard Xu Lan called out his name.


    ¡°Come here.¡± Xu Lan gestured to him by curling his fingers with his palm facing downwards. After Xiao Li reached forward to him, both of them stared at each other for two seconds.


    ¡°Where¡¯re the cigarettes?¡±


    ¡°I gave it to Chief Sun Fei.¡±


    ¡°My G*d, did you just buy a pack?!¡± Xu Lan kicked Xiao Li on the calf and said, ¡°Go back to work. There is still no lead in this case. Do all of you want to work overtime together with me?¡±


    Xiao Li stood aside in pain, while he watched everyone leave gloating over his situation. He sulked and waited for his punishment. Zhu Jing was the one who came in first, why did he end up with the consequences.


    ¡°Is the reporter still there?¡± Xu Lan cleared his mouth and drank another sip of water.


    ¡°Yes, yes she is,¡± Xiao Li answered immediately.


    ¡°Go and invite her to the interrogation room, we¡¯ll head over to interview the parent. Who did we talk to yesterday? Bring the person over as well.¡±


    Bai Wu already left together with Zhu Jing. What an ungrateful little rascal. He just mentioned that he only liked him, but he was involved with everyone in this police station.


    ¡°Huh, are we really bringing her along?¡± Xiao Li looked at Xu Lan nkly, his face was so emaciated that his cheeks looked like there were two ck grapes mounted on it.


    ¡°What about bringing her along?¡±


    Xu Lan was already suppressing his anger. When he heard what Xiao Li said, he kicked on his calf again. Although he kicked it gently, his foot settled on the previous footmark, leaving Xiao Li in a lot of pain.


    ¡°No, nothing. I shall go and invite the female reporter to the interrogation room at once!¡±


    Xiao Li ran out of Xu Lan¡¯s office like fire rockets and went to call Wu Wendi. Xu Lan brought along the case files of the Jingxinyuan victim, Li, and walked towards the interrogation room.


    The case files indicated that the father of the victim was forty-nine years old this year, named Li Kui. He was an honest construction worker. At the moment, he was sitting anxiously inside the interrogation room. His body was very darkly tanned by the sun. This man who was rubbing his hands together matched the description in the case files.


    Nevertheless, it was him, a simple worker who blocked the entrance of the police station for two days and asked for justice to be served.


    Certainly, his intention was not to make things difficult for the police. Xu Lan let him into the station, just because this person had not approached them to contact his daughter since the incident. Instead, he chose to make a scene in front of the station after the news release.


    ¡°Are you Mr. Li? Please, have a seat. My name is Xu Lan, and I am the one in charge of this case,¡± Xu Lan said. Li Kui stood up hastily after he saw Xu Lan enter with the documents.


    ¡°Hi, Officer Xu. Please, you have to help my daughter! She, her death was tragic!¡± Li Kui said grieve-strickenly while he held onto Xu Lan¡¯s left hand.


    ¡°I can assure you, we will try our very best to bring the killer to justice.¡±


    Xu Lanughed dryly and retracted his hand from Li Kui. Shortly after, Xiao Li brought Wu Wendi and the police officer from yesterday, Xiao Xu, along.


    Li Kui¡¯s expression turned green after seeing Xiao Xu.


    ¡°What are you insinuating, Chief Xu? I am here for my daughter¡¯s innocence. You brought people over to interrogate me, are you suspecting that it was me who killed my daughter!¡±


    ¡°Aha, you have misunderstood us, Mr. Li. We just wanted to know more about your daughter¡¯s circumstances. We are not going to interrogate you. Look, I even brought the guy to apologize to you. Please calm down.¡±


    Xu Lan perceived Li Kui¡¯s reaction very clearly. He then pouted his lips to signal Xiao Xu to make an apology.


    ¡°I am sorry, Mr. Li. Yesterday, my attitude was not very decent. Please do not take any offense.¡± Xiao Xu was fuming inside, but he still followed orders and apologized to Li Kui. He even served him a cup of tea after apologizing.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s alright, no worries. I, you guys don¡¯t have to be so courteous.¡± Li Kui received the cup of tea from Xiao Xu hurriedly and ced it on the table. He mumbled something with his lips and whispered inaudibly.


    ¡°Mr. Li, do you want to look at your daughter?¡± Xu Lan asked all of a sudden.


    ¡°Uh, this... I thought I am not allowed to do so for the time being?¡± Li Kui answered sheepishly while he rubbed his hands.


    Xu Lan narrowed his eyes and scrutinized Li Kui from head to toe, while his expressions remained neutral.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. You can have a look together with me.¡±


    Yesterday, when the victim was still at Jingxinyuan, Li Kui chose to seek for redress at the police station instead of going over to find his child. Up until this moment, he also did not initiate any request to see his daughter. After hearing Xu Lan¡¯s suggestion, he had to think for a moment before answering.


    ¡°We do not allow any photography here. Reporting of any information rted to this case is also strictly prohibited. Do you understand?¡± Xu Lan gave Wu Wendi a warning look and asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Wu Wendi nodded.


    Then, Xu Lan led both of them to forensics on the second floor. In the meantime, Sun Fei was found leaning against the stairs while smoking!


    ¡°Ah, I brought Li¡¯s family member to see her.¡± Xu Lan took the cigarette bud from Sun Fei¡¯s hands and gave it a smoke before putting it out.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Sun Fei met with Xu Lan¡¯s nce and proceeded to guide them inside. When they passed by the filing cab, he retrieved a stack of photos and handed them over.


    ¡°This mighte to you as a shock, Mr. ...¡± Sun Fei stopped when Wu Wendi bumped against Xu Lan that was in front of her with a terrified expression after ncing briefly at the photos.


    ¡°You can stay outside for a while. This is not really suited for girls,¡± Xu Lan said with knitted brows.


    Li Kui revealed a terrified and agonizing expression after he got the pictures. He was so shaken up that he could not even stand still.


    ¡°Officer, this, my daughter, please, you¡¯ll have to punish the murderer severely! Who is that conscienceless!¡± he howled in anguish.


    ¡°Definitely, we will.¡± Xu Lan signaled Xiao Li to hoist him up and followed Sun Fei inside.


    ¡°Nan Nan! Please get up and look at me, I¡¯m your dad...¡± Li Kui threw himself in front of victim Li, filled with grievances and sorrow. He kneeled on the floor and called out his daughter¡¯s nickname.


    He cursed the murderous killer and cried for his daughter to be brought back to life and not to leave him all alone at the same time.


    Xu Lan and Sun Fei exchanged nces and called Xiao Li to leave together.


    ¡°What a f*cking lowlife!¡± Sun Fei spat onto the ground.


    ¡°Looks like this pack of cigarettes was quite worthwhile!¡± Xu Lan blew a loud whistle.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Wu Wendi ran over and asked after she saw them came out shortly after they went in. Xiao Li looked at them like a fool, not knowing what was going on.


    ¡°Right. Chief Xu, what happened?¡± Xu Lan thought to himself, it would be an overstatement to say that Xiao Li¡¯s eyes looked like ck grapes.


    ¡°You¡¯ll know after seeing the monitors,¡± Sun Fei could not help but mention. His face drooped after looking at Xu Lan.

 Chapter 17 - Breakthrough

    <h4>Chapter 17: Breakthrough</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The four of them sat in the surveince room and watched as Li Kui wailed and muttered to himself. Xiao Li and Wu Wendi were fully concentrated on theputer screen. They watched it for half a day and did not find anything out of the ordinary. Nevertheless, they did not dare to ask Xu Lan what was happening.


    ¡°Section-Chief Sun, stop keeping us in suspense. Just tell me what¡¯s going on already!¡± Xiao Li impatiently asked Sun Fei.


    ¡°None of you seem to be afraid that the guy might faint after crying so much. Isn¡¯t that a bit hical?¡± Sun Fei said with his eyes directed at Xu Lan.


    After all, it was Xu Lan who sought tobine efforts with Sun Fei. Not only was there progress in the case, but Sun Fei also received a pack of cigarettes.


    ¡°Are we going there to expose him now?¡± Sun Fei asked again.


    ¡°Yes. Bring the tapes. We¡¯ll go there now,¡± said Xu Lan. He could finally rx his furrowed brows and breathe a sigh of relief.


    At longst, there was a breakthrough in the case.


    ¡°Will do.¡±


    Sun Fei nudged Xiao Li with an elbow, hinting at him to examine the recording and be the first to head back to forensics on the second floor.


    ¡°Chief Xu, stop being coy and tell me what¡¯s happening,¡± Xiao Li asked while trying to suppress his exasperation. He was annoyed was partly due to not being able to see anything worthwhile after half a day, and partly because Xu Lan did not seem to understand him at all despite having worked with him for so long.


    ¡°Sun Fei did not lift up the white cloth.¡± In Xu Lan¡¯s eyes, Xiao Li was too honest. Along with the exnation, a helpless look was all that Xu Lan could give to the young man. Perhaps Xu Lan kind-heartedly exined that to Xiao Li because the young man felt guilty toward the parent, and had an expression simr to that of Bai Wu¡¯s.


    ¡°What?¡± Xiao Li¡¯s jaw nearly dropped to the floor in response to Xu Lan¡¯s words. He blinked, then stared at the screen for three seconds.


    ¡°So who¡¯s the person in front of him?¡±


    Xiao Li would not have been assigned as Chief Xu¡¯s assistant if not for the young man¡¯s worthy talent. After a short moment, he understood. Xu Lan then patted his shoulder with a smile and allowed him to follow them up.


    A distracted Wu Wendi was following behind them, but could not understand the hidden meanings behind their sentences.


    ¡°Myrade Xiao Li, what did you mean by those words?¡± she asked.


    Her question was met by a re by Xiao Li, who did not understand why Chief Xu wanted her to tag along.


    ¡°The person isn¡¯t his daughter. Section-Chief Sun did not lift up the white cloth, and neither did Li Kui. Without even seeing who was under the cloth, the man just broke into tears.¡±


    Xiao Li quickly got her up to speed and urged her to walk faster, lest they miss anything exciting.


    ¡°Ah, sorry, my bad.¡± Sun Fei walked in, cupped his palms together near his chest and sincerely bowed toward the freezer chambers, then walked over to Li Kui and apologized.


    At just the right time, Xu Lan walked over and helped Li Kui up, after which Sun Fei pushed the exposed chamber back in, and pulled out another one.


    The new one did not have a white cloth covering it. In full disy before Li Kui was the victim ¨C his daughter.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I thought you were the parent of this morning¡¯s victim, so...please forgive me.¡± Sun Fei first bowed respectfully to the chamber he had just pushed in, then cordially apologized to the man.


    Li Kui became motionless and tongue-tied. Even though almost half a day had passed, he still did not say a word.


    ¡°How about we take a step back?¡± Xu Lan considerately asked.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s alright.¡± The three-word reply took enormous effort to utter through his pale white lips.


    Step back? To what end? Hugging the daughter while crying? Or to shout and curse? It was clear that those things could not be done anymore.


    When he came in, he did not rify his identity. Furthermore, there was a murder which happened earlier that morning, so the officers could not wholly be med for assuming he was that person¡¯s family member.


    ¡°Alright then. Let¡¯s go down.¡±


    Xu Lan appeared as though he had never experienced such an unexpected mishap before, and was unsure as to how tofort Li Kui. However, when he looked up at Sun Fei, they exchanged nces with hints of jubtion.


    With utmost courtesy, Li Kui was ushered into the interrogation room. Seated in front of him was Xiao Xu from the day before. The difference was that this seemed more like a conference, and Xiao Xu even handed him a cup of tea.


    ¡°Mister Li, we are truly sorry for what happened earlier. This is my mistake,¡± Xu Lan said apologetically as he sat beside Xiao Xu.


    Li Kui drank some tea, and for quite some time, he felt uneasy.


    ¡°The deceased cannot be brought back to life. Please restrain your grief and ept fate, and do not be too saddened. For the sake of helping us catch this killer as soon as possible, would it be alright for you to cooperate with us and answer a few of our questions?¡±


    There was no painful sorrow in Li Kui¡¯s countenance as Xu Lan asked that question; instead, his expression showed dense unease and fear. After realizing that Xu Lan wanted to question him, Li Kui¡¯s eyes immediately exhibited dread. His arms began trembling, causing the hot tea to onto his hands.


    ¡°ARGH!¡±


    ¡°Mister Li, is everything okay? Xiao Li, get me the first-aid kit,¡± instructed Xu Lan.


    ¡°Mister Li, are you alright?¡± A worried Wu Wendi asked upon seeing his reddened hands.


    ¡°I¡¯m scalded!¡±


    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s happening? What¡¯s all the ruckus?¡± Hu Cheng asked curiously as he leaned against the door frame and watched the situation inside.


    ¡°Lao Hu, you¡¯re back so soon?¡± Hearing the old man¡¯s voice, a startled Xu Lan immediately looked behind.


    Then, his attention shifted to a man standing right behind Hu Cheng.

 Chapter 18 - A New Colleague

    <h4>Chapter 18: A New Colleague</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Catching Xu Lan¡¯s nces at him, the man shed a smile.


    He then cleared his throat to draw the attention of everyone who was there.


    ¡°Let¡¯s all introduce ourselves. This is Li Xiu, or Officer Li, who was sent by the province to help us in investigating this case.¡±


    Hu Cheng moved aside and let the man forward. He was about one hundred eighty-five centimeters tall, wore golden sses, had pale skin, and looked sickly sullen.


    ¡°Hello everyone, from today onward I¡¯ll be working with together with you. I look forward to learning from everyone.¡±


    Gentleness was not only present in his looks, but also prevalent in his manner and tone of voice, which portrayed him as a courteous fellow. It was possible that he came from a literary family, for Xu Lan felt that the man exuded a certain schrly appearance.


    ¡°Wee, wee, we¡¯ll be helping each other out, of course. Ourmon goal is to capture the murderer as soon as possible,¡± Xu Lan said as he formally went over to Li Xiu, smiled, and shook his hands.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Officer Li. My name is Xu Renyi, but they all call me Xiao Xu.¡± A respectful bow followed Xiao Xu¡¯s self-introduction.


    ¡°Pleased to meet you.¡±


    In such a situation, Wu Wendi felt as though it would be discourteous if she did not introduce herself.


    She finally decided to walk up and introduce herself after Xiao Xu was done. ¡°Pleasure to meet you, I¡¯m Wu Wendi, a reporter for the newspaperpany,¡± she said bashfully.


    As the two of them were about to shake hands, Li Xiu was distracted by the reporter¡¯s voice. He heard about the case between the newspany and the police which went viral two years ago. Through his refined golden sses, he sized up the attractive reporter.


    ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± In a sh, Li Xiu put on an intimate smile.


    Xu Lan was observing Hu Cheng¡¯s expressions. Thetter had been wearing a somewhat forced smile ever sinceing in. As soon as he heard Wu Wendi¡¯s introduction, the smile instantly turned upside down.


    ¡°Alright Officer Li, we¡¯ll continue your little weing partyter. We were just about to ask the victim¡¯s father a few questions, so...¡±


    Shrugging his shoulders, Xu Lan indicated that Li Xiu¡¯s arrival was not very timely since it wasborious just to get Li Kui to speak up. The oue of the investigation would be less favorable the longer it dragged on.


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Li Xiu said, then coughed some more. It was only then that he noticed Li Kui sitting at the other end of the table with his red and swollen hand. By then, Li Kui was losing his mind out of fear.


    ¡°Officer Li, let¡¯s leave.¡± After hearing what Xu Lan said, Hu Cheng strained to curl his lips into a smile which revealed his yellowed teeth.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll leave you to your business.¡± Li Xiu was aware that he had interrupted Xu Lan and awkwardly begged pardon, after which he left the interrogation room with Hu Cheng.


    ¡°Sorry about that, Mister Li. Let¡¯s start again, shall we? We hope you will take the initiative to cooperate with us. We want to catch the killer sooner rather thanter.¡± Xiao Xu immediately went into character after sitting down.


    ¡°I...I will definitely cooperate.¡± Trembling as a result of Xiao Xu¡¯s words, Li Kui nervously grasped his own hand then immediately let out a painful cry.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t Xiao Li here yet?¡± Anger was prevalent in Xu Lan¡¯s voice.


    If that young man messed things up, he would definitely experience the irritable workaholic side of Xu Lan. Back in Xu Lan¡¯s original workce, everyone ¨C save for Meng Chengjun ¨C was afraid of him, owing to his unobstructable Yama-like demeanor whenever his temper red up.


    ¡°I¡¯m here! Chief Xu, I¡¯m here. I met Lao Hu and officer Li just now, so I was held back for a while,¡± panted Xiao Li, leaning against the door frame.


    ¡°Give Mister Li a coldpress. He¡¯ll be sent to the hospital soon,¡± directed Xu Lan, whose expression softened slightly.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Mister Li, we¡¯ll ask you a few questions in the meantime,¡± Xu Lan said while opening a booklet and watching Xiao Li¡¯s careful application of thepress on Li Kui¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Yes, alright.¡±


    ¡°May I ask how old was your daughter?¡±


    ¡°She turned neen on the twenty-third of March. Oh, my unfortunate daughter!¡± This well-built grown man began to weep at the slightest mention of his daughter.


    ¡°May I ask how long has she been working? What was her highest level of education?¡±


    ¡°We were poor. Nan Nan dropped out immediately after she graduated junior high. She couldn¡¯t be persuaded to continue studying. She insisted on earning money to support the family.¡±


    ¡°I see, may I ask then, whether you know what line of work she was in?¡±


    ¡°She...she always changed jobs. I didn¡¯t know what she was up to.¡± A flicker came over Li Kui¡¯s expression. He wanted to reach for the cup of tea but remembered the presence of thepress.


    ¡°From what we found out, your daughter took up six or seven different jobs after dropping out of school. First, she worked at an inte caf¨¦, then she sold clothes and phones, and she also became a waitress at a bar, but she resigned because of the low wages. At the time of death, she was working at Lanshan.¡±


    ¡°What?! Her? Nan Nan?!¡± In the heat of the moment, Li Kui abruptly stood up. Xiao Li was startled and could only stare nkly at Li Kui.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s impossible! Nan Nan is still young, how could she...¡±


    All of a sudden, his voice grew weak as he dispiritedly plopped himself on the table, ignoring the pain in his hand.


    ¡°However, from what we understand, the deceased went to your construction site every week to give you some money. How much do you think an eighteen-year-old can earn in a week?¡±


    Xu Lan paused and twiddled a ballpoint pen in his hand, saying, ¡°Mister Li, everyone at your workce knows that your daughter works at Lanshan. How can you, as her father, bepletely unaware of this?¡±


    ¡°I...¡±


    Xu Lan¡¯s professionalism andck of expression made it seem like he was interrogating a criminal. Faced with the chilly demeanor and robust physique, Li Kui felt afraid and lost all rationality that had been present when he was being questioned by Xiao Xu the previous day.


    ¡°So it seems that you¡¯re not at all that concerned about your daughter, Mister Li. You didn¡¯t even lift up the white cloth to check.¡± Xu Lan continued with a cold smile and stared calmly at Li Kui.


    ¡°I...¡± With quivering lips, Li Kui looked like he wanted to exin himself. The room then erupted with the sorrowful wails that came over him when he was at the forensicsb earlier that morning.


    ¡°WHO! Who was it that asked you to do this? You clearly don¡¯t care about your daughter, but you brought a crowd of people to the station just to cause trouble?¡± Xu Lan abruptly pped the table and stood up.


    The smacking sound left Li Kui shaking like a leaf.


    Everyone else in the room was just as shocked that Xu Lan did such a thing.


    In the surveince room, Hu Cheng and Li Xiu watched the situation intently through theputer screen.


    ¡°Chief Xu has a good grasp of a person¡¯s psyche. Startling the man like that to the point of causing panic, perhaps the chief may be able to get something out of him now.¡± Li Xiu adjusted his sses, then smiled at Hu Cheng.


    ¡°He¡¯s an unconventional one,¡± chuckled Hu Cheng.


    Within the interrogation room¡¯s confines, any sensibleness that Li Kui had was pushed to the edge by Xu Lan. Without letting Li Kui catch his breath, Xu Lan immediately took out two photographs and ced them in front of him.


    One of them was shown to Li Kui earlier by Sun Fei, while the other was a picture of a Li Kui meeting the scantily-d deceased at her workce.


    Li Kui trembled as he took the photos and looked at them. He had a dejected look and his lips were pale. With a thump, he sat back down on the chair.


    ¡°I...I¡¯ll tell you.¡±

 Chapter 19 - The Scent of Blood

    <h4>Chapter 19: The Scent of Blood</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°I¡¯ll exin,¡± he said as he grasped firmly on one of the pictures. ¡°I wasn¡¯t on good terms with my daughter.¡±


    It was a photograph capturing the moment when Li Kui was sitting inside the bar, surrounded by red lights and emerald-green bottles. Beside him was the deceased, Li Xinyi, who was passing money over to him.


    ¡°I knew that she was working in Lanshan.¡± With the truth in full view, denial was not an option.


    Three days ago, they met at the bar. Li Xinyi gave him three thousand dors. It was thest time Li Kui saw Xinyi. Her thick makeup and the way she dressed made her almost unrecognizable to her father.


    ¡°After news broke out, any normal person woulde to the police station as you did. However, in your case, it did not seem to be out of concern for your daughter, but purely to cause amotion. Why is that so?¡±


    Xu Lan¡¯s dark eyes stared at Li Kui. The former could breathe a sigh of relief now that a breakthrough had been found.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s because of a letter. Someone sent a letter to me saying that if I make a big fuss in front of the police station, they would give me a lot of money. Officer, I know I...¡±


    Ashamed, Li Kui looked down and rubbed his hands nervously.


    Xiao Li suddenly took thepress and flung it onto the table. He looked at Li Kui with angry eyes, and said, ¡°I need to take a piss.¡±


    To think that there were still such people in the world. The man did not care about his own daughter and chose instead to bring a mob to cause unrest at the station just for the sake of money.


    His daughter had been working since she was fifteen. Her whole life was dedicated to earning money for him, but he simply squandered them away. He did not even have the decency to say no to the money he was offered and instead stripped all remaining dignity from the deceased.


    ¡°My only shoring is that I love gambling. That¡¯s all. At the time of her death, my wages were not paid yet. That¡¯s why I followed the letter¡¯s instructions. I rushed here without thinking too much about it.¡±


    ¡°So whye this morning? What was that all about?¡± Xu Lan asked after taking a sip of tea.


    ¡°Another letter. When I woke up, there was another letter at my door, asking me toe here.¡±


    ¡°Do you still have it? The letter?¡± Xu Lan raised a brow and asked delightedly.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s in my room,¡± he replied instantly.


    ¡°Onest question. Have you met the person who sent the letter?¡± Xu Lan ced the crucifix down on the table and looked at Li Kui, wondering if the odds were good enough that a surveince camera might be present in the construction workers¡¯ hostel.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ve never met the person. Both times I found the letter at my doorstep. I don¡¯t know who put it there. My colleagues have never seen the person either.¡±


    Li Kui waited uneasily for the interrogation to end. The letter had directed him to act with much vigor outside the station, but it failed to instruct him on how to maintain a level head inside of it.


    ¡°Officer, am I guilty of anything?¡± he asked cautiously.


    Before he got addicted to gambling, he was a well-behaved construction worker. Cards turned him into a cold-hearted degenerate gambler.


    ¡°Do you think what you did was right?¡± Xu Lan scoffed. ¡°I¡¯ll let Xiao Xu lecture you soon. Go home and reflect on yourself. Your daughter was never enough for you.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, yes! I will! I will reflect on what I¡¯ve done.¡± A wretched smile unfolded rapidly over his tanned face.


    Xu Lan squinted and left the room with the files in hand. Xiao Li was standing outside the door while stomping his feet angrily. As soon as he spotted Xu Lan, he rushed over.


    ¡°Chief Xu, you¡¯re letting him go just like that?¡±


    ¡°Well, what else are we supposed to do with him? It¡¯s not like he¡¯s the killer. Why are you so worked up? Do you want to lock him up?¡± An amused Xu Lan stared at the furious Xiao Li.


    ¡°A person as heartless as he is should be locked up! The man was willing to let his daughter prostitute herself for the sake of money! And now she¡¯s dead! Li Xinyi¡¯s dead and he¡¯s still using her!¡± came Xiao Li¡¯s aggrieved scolding.


    A sigh was all that Xu Lan could muster. He shook his head helplessly and continued walking to Hu Cheng¡¯s office. Yes, what Li Kui did was despicable, but in the absence ofwful wrong, there was nothing the officers could do.


    Hu Cheng and Li Xiu were already in the office. They left the surveince room because the Hu Cheng knew Xu Lan would soon be reporting any findings.


    Before Hu Cheng left, Xu Lan gave him some assurance. Not only did Xu Lanplete his duties without fleeing from responsibility, he even made good progress on the case. It exceeded Hu Cheng¡¯s expectations. If the same case happened earlier, it would have already been put on the shelves for a month.


    There were a couple of knocks the door.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    As always, Hu Cheng was seated at his work desk smoking his tobo, filling the whole room with smoke. Li Xiu ¨C who coughed uncontrobly ¨C was seated at the farthest end, away from Hu Cheng.


    ¡°Did you see it, Lao Hu?¡±


    Through the midst of the thick smoke, Xu Lan asked, for he knew that Hu Cheng just came back from the surveince room. The fact that their superiors sent over amissioner showed just how important the case was.


    ¡°Not bad.¡± Hu Cheng nodded and took another puff.


    The scent of the smoke instigated Xu Lan¡¯s desire to smoke as well. He subconsciously felt around in his pocket. It was empty, and his lips curled slightly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll have a meetingter and see what the others have to say. It¡¯ll also be a good time to get Officer Li up to speed with the case,¡± said Hu Cheng with another forced smile.


    The meeting was also Li Xiu¡¯s formal introduction to the rest of the station, and in Xu Lan¡¯s mind, Li Xiu¡¯s influence was no small matter.


    Another door-knock sounded.


    ¡°Yes,e in.¡±


    ¡°Uncle Hu, I heard you¡¯re back, I wannae and say hi.¡±


    Bai Wu said meekly as he pushed the door open, attracting the attention of everyone in the office.


    ¡°Oh, even the kid knows how to greet me? Lao Xu, your son is bing cuter and cuter!¡± Hu Cheng was all smiles as he rapped the electronic cigarette.


    Xu Lan did not expect Bai Wu to enter the office. The man was happy, and wanted to hug him but surprisingly, Bai Wu did not even look at him! The boy simply went over to Hu Cheng and climbed up the old man¡¯s knee.


    With pursed lips, Xu Lan¡¯s gaze was fixed on Bai Wu, yet not once did the boy¡¯s fiery eyes turn to look at him.


    ¡°Whose boy is this? He¡¯s so adorable.¡± Li Xiu¡¯s eyes flickered radiantly as he looked at the boy.


    ¡°Ah, he belongs to this man. Lao Xu, did you make him angry? The boy looks like he¡¯s avoiding you.¡± Hu Cheng teased.


    Xu Lan¡¯s expression seemed to be that of a man who was facing his greatest enemy. Upon seeing that look on his face, Hu Chengughed.


    ¡°My young friend, what¡¯s your name?¡± Simrly, Li Xiu could not help but go closer. He wanted to hug the boy too.


    By then, Lao Hu had ceased smoking.


    ¡°Bai Wu.¡±


    The boy looked at Li Xiu¡¯s sickly features. A gust of wind seemed sufficient to topple the man over. Bai Wu then turned to look at Xu Lan. His papa was still the most handsome.


    Xu Lan was the best: thick eyebrows, big eyes, a gentle attentiveness, well-built, and he was never bothered over small matters. Tanned skin was more attractive than pale, sickly-looking skin.


    ¡°Can I hug you, little Wu?¡± Li Xiu went closer and asked softly.


    Bai Wu sized up the man and all of a sudden, the faint smell of blood permeated through the air. The boy¡¯s eyes immediately became alert.

 Chapter 20 - Sad Heart

    <h4>Chapter 20: Sad Heart</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu retracted into Hu Cheng¡¯s embrace and looked shyly at Li Xiu.


    ¡°Ah, the kid¡¯s a bit shy with strangers.¡± Hu Cheng happily diffused the situation. He was rather pleased when Li Xiu was shunned by the boy.


    ¡°Mm, it¡¯s alright.¡± He smiled at the boy and retracted his hands as if nothing happened.


    ¡°Chief Officer, what time¡¯s the meeting?¡± Xu Lan asked.


    Up until then, Bai Wu had yet to look at him; the child was angry at him for not agreeing to the promise. Xu Lan helplessly shook his head, ridding his mind of any unnecessary emotions by asking about the meeting.


    ¡°Hm, there¡¯s no rush. We¡¯ll have lunch first. Officer Li rushed here without even having breakfast,¡± Hu Cheng replied after a moment of thought.


    It was expected that their superiors would follow the case closely, but not with such importance. Earlier that day, Hu Cheng was prepared to head down to the provincial government department and report to them but was stopped halfway by a phone call.


    The head of the provincial department was highly critical of the vile savagery shown by the killer. Following that, they sent down amissioner to work with the station and convey any findings. A deadline was set ¨C the case must be solved within a month.


    ¡°Lao Hu, we¡¯re not the only ones following the case.¡±


    Finally, the department head reminded Hu Cheng that he should be the one to capture the killer and resolve the case as neatly and as clear-cut as possible.


    Just like that, Hu Cheng ¨C who was on the highway at the time ¨C headed back to the station in order to greet themissioner. If not for that, the old man would not have returned so early.


    ¡°...uncle Hu, are we going to eat lunch?¡± Bai Wu happily smiled and asked.


    ¡°Why yes! What do you want to eat, kid?¡± Children were not a frequent sight in the station, and because he was childless himself, Hu Cheng was exceptionally happy about Bai Wu¡¯s unexpected presence.


    ¡°Bai Wu,e down,¡± Xu Lan coldly ordered.


    Biting his lips, the boy stared back at the man. He neither responded, nor went down from Hu Cheng¡¯sp.


    ¡°You ¨C¡±


    ¡°Come on, Lao Xu. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re stopping the boy from being close to me for a bit?¡± Hu Cheng interrupted Xu Lan¡¯s sentence. The old man motioned for Li Xiu to head out the door, then carried Bai Wu and went out of the office.


    Xu Lan was thest to leave the room. Bai Wu¡¯s head was nestled on Hu Cheng¡¯s shoulder, and the boy was looking intently at the forbearing Xu Lan as if warning him not to overstep the limit.


    Bai Wu had clearly said he would only like Xu Lan and Xu Lan alone, so why was the man unwilling to agree to the same conditions? The boy could not wrap his head around it. Many people within the Dragon n would dreamily yearn for Bai Wu¡¯smitment, but Xu Lan had simply rejected it.


    Bitter and aggrieved, the boy felt hard done by. Originally, he waited for Xu Lan toe back, but after finishing big sister Xiao Jing¡¯s lollipop, even uncle Hu came back, while Xu Lan still did not return.


    He became increasingly angry and even more fidgety. A thought then surfaced in Bai Wu¡¯s mind: he remembered the reporter who stood behind Xu Lan. Was she always following Xu Lan after they went out?


    No longer able to sit still, Bai Wu jumped off the chair and went around looking for him. While doing so, the boy saw big brother Xiao Li standing in front of uncle Hu¡¯s office. Xiao Li told him that his papa was inside.


    ¡°Papa...¡± he silently mouthed.


    He was convinced that Xu Lan saw him since the man¡¯s bodynguage was obviously distracted by him. However, instead of a reply, the response was a tense look.


    ¡°Officer Li, what do you like to eat? Is there any food that you abstain from?¡± Hu Cheng asked, and at the same time, his hand was patting the unsettled Bai Wu.


    ¡°Nothing in particr that I can¡¯t eat, but because of my condition, the doctor advised me not to have anything too heavy or greasy.¡± Li Xiu turned back to walk beside Hu Cheng.


    Li Xiu cleared his throat and said, ¡°Chief Officer Hu, you don¡¯t need to be so formal, you can just call me Xiao Li.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t do that. We already have our own Xiao Li. Wouldn¡¯t it be confusing to have two? Officer Li sounds good to me,¡± he responded.


    Li Xiu went nk, for he did not expect his initiative of friendliness to be shrugged off like that. Thinking back, he remembered that Xiao Li was the one they met on the way to the surveince room. That Xiao Li was a lean young man, and from the looks of it, his energy appeared to know no bounds.


    ¡°You¡¯re young, Officer Li. Calling you Lao Li will make you sound old. Haha, calling you Officer Li sounds much more energetic. You may call me Lao Hu, and the one at the back, just call him Lao Xu. No need for unnecessary formality.¡± Glee could be heard in Hu Cheng¡¯s sentences withughter in between.


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯re right, chief,¡± Li Xiu alsoughed, albeit without enthusiasm.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get some Cantonese cuisine, I know a good ce,¡± suggested Hu Cheng.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Li Xiu then posed a question to Xu Lan, ¡°Chief Xu, how long have you been working here?¡±


    ¡°Uh, six or seven.¡± Xu Lan did not know whether to answer based on his own employment duration or the duration of the ¡®other Xu Lan¡¯ in that world, but his logic was that the ¡®other Xu Lan¡¯ should be around the same age as him.


    ¡°No wonder you exude a certain calmness in the face of a storm, Chief Xu.¡±


    In terms of appearance, Xu Lan was nothing to shout about. However, the energy on him was an honest and steady one. The more one got to know him, the more one would feel attracted.


    It was that energy which led Bai Wu to fixate on Xu Lan.


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s too kind of you. Please, just call me Lao Xu.¡± Xu Lan blushed. It was not often that Xu Lan got heaped with such praise.


    ¡°Papa!¡± the quiet Bai Wu shouted out of the blue while still in Hu Cheng¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°I want a hug!¡±

 Chapter 21 - Animosity

    <h4>Chapter 21: Animosity</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Winter sunlight shone brightly on the ground, in a way that would effectuate a sense ofziness in a person. Bai Wu¡¯s voice, however, was filled with enthusiasm.


    ¡°Papa, I want a hug.¡±


    Bai Wu called out demurely. Both his arms were extended out widely as he sought a hug.


    The boy sessfully managed to draw Xu Lan¡¯s attention to him and away from Li Xiu¡¯s question. The faintly indiscernible smell of blood was an instinctive defense, preventing Li Xiu and Xu Lan froming into contact.


    Xu Lan stopped, confused about what was going on in the child¡¯s mind. It was obvious that the boy was avoiding him just moments ago, yet he suddenly sought to be pampered.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Seeing that Xu Lan did not respond, he called out again while batting his eyshes and biting his lips.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve only been carrying you for a while, and you¡¯re already fed up with me? You want your father to carry you now?¡± A hint of cheerlessness could be heard underneath Hu Cheng¡¯s teasing, after which he passed the boy over to Xu Lan.


    ¡°Let¡¯s call it a truce, papa,¡± Bai Wu whispered by Xu Lan¡¯s ear and hugged him tightly.


    ¡°Damn, why does it sound like a married couple¡¯s conversation? Do you want me and Officer Li to leave you both alone?¡± Hu Cheng was standing fairly close, and so heard Bai Wu¡¯s sentence. The boy¡¯s face turned red upon hearing Hu Cheng¡¯s response.


    ¡°I¡¯m embarrassing myself in front of Officer Li. Let¡¯s go and have our meal,¡± Xu Lan remarked apologetically to Li Xiu while hoisting Bai Wu up by the buttocks, which made the boy¡¯s face even redder, to the point where it looked like blood was about to ooze out.


    Adjusting his sses ever so slightly, Li Xiu assured him that it was not a big deal.


    Everyone there formed their own conclusions regarding the matter at the sight of the muscr man carrying the meek little boy. Hu Cheng sighed and walked ahead. He was the first to enter the Cantonese restaurant.


    ¡°Lao Xu, what happened to your neck?¡± Hu Cheng questioned Xu Lan suspiciously as soon as he took his overcoat off. The location of the mark implicated a hint of flirtatiousness. He knew that he had a child, but Xu Lan never mentioned a wife. Could it be from the female reporter that was present at the station?


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    It took a while for Xu Lan to realize that the mark was a bite from when Bai Wu was angry! Do all dragons bite when they are mad? Bai Wu had a knack for leaving bite marks all over his body. A few days ago it was on his chest, now it was on his neck.


    Are these the kind of characteristics that dragons have? It seemed more like something a dog would do. It was as if Bai Wu was making a sovereign vow...


    Xu Lan¡¯s temples pulsated and he quickly ced Bai Wu down on the chair as if the boy was a hot object.


    ¡°It was a mosquito,¡± he panicked and said.


    ¡°Ah, mosquitoes seem to be more heat-resistant nowadays. Haha....Officer Li, go ahead and order,¡± Hu Cheng chuckled then changed the subject and stopped teasing Xu Lan.


    Hearing the conversation, Bai Wu became terribly flustered, and his face alternated between being flush and pale. He clenched his fist and bit his lips to the point of almost wounding them.


    ¡°Why¡¯re you not eating? What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    Noticing that Bai Wu kept quiet for a long time, Xu Lan took a piece of steamed chicken and gave it to him. Xu Lan¡¯s warm breath upon the boy¡¯s ears enveloped the child in a majestic energy.


    ¡°Ah, nothing!¡±


    The panic-stricken boy simultaneously knocked over a bowl of soup and lifted his head abruptly, knocking Xu Lan¡¯s jaw which almost brought the man to tears.


    ¡°How are you? Are you scalded?¡± Without even tending to himself, Xu Lan carried Bai Wu to check on the boy.


    ¡°Why are you so clumsy?¡± When he looked down, Xu Lan¡¯s gaze was met with a pair of eyes that were streaming with tears. ¡°Never mind,¡± he added.


    ¡°Is he alright?¡± Hu Cheng asked in a worried tone and stood up to check.


    As amissioner that was sent by the higher-ups, it was the first time that Li Xiu waspletely ignored. Suffice to say, the boy¡¯s position in everyone¡¯s hearts were clear. Li Xiu did not get angry, he simply sat quietly and observed the two unsettled men tending to the boy.


    ¡°Would you like to go back to get a change of clothes? I¡¯m worried he¡¯ll catch a cold,¡± Li Xiu asked courteously as his gaze focused on Xu Lan.


    ¡°But...¡± It was an unspoken fact that Li Xiu was the main character of the day. Xu Lan was well aware of that, and yet everything was aplete mess because of Bai Wu.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, you should bring him home. We¡¯ll have plenty of time to discuss the case after that. You wouldn¡¯t want the kid to catch a cold. You should head back first.¡±


    Finishing his sentence, Li Xiu undid the top button of his shirt. Just as expected, a cold nce was shot at him. ¡®What an interesting child,¡¯ Li Xiu smiled and thought.


    ¡°He¡¯s right, Lao Xu. You should go back home and get him changed, he mustn¡¯t stay wet like this.¡± With a p of the thigh, Hu Cheng urged Xu Lan out.

 Chapter 22 - Gorgeous Young Man

    <h4>Chapter 22: Gorgeous Young Man</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    After Xu Lan was done bathing, he got caught up in a tricky situation. There were no clothes in this room for the little guy to wear. The man had no choice but to put on a T-shirt over the child. It was so big that it was dragging on the floor simr to those Chinese Opera costumes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go and buy a few items of clothing afterward,¡± Xu Lan said while he dried the child¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Fine,¡± the little guy answered in a muffled tone as soft as the noises made by flying insects. Since Bai Wu exited the restaurant, he kept his head down and his face was bright red.


    ¡°Why? Are you not feeling well?¡± Xu Lan, who was drying the child¡¯s hair with the towel in his hand, separated his hair and moved closer to press their foreheads together.


    Bai Wu¡¯s face became a shade redder immediately, and the temperature of his face went up by a few degrees.


    ¡°It¡¯s little warm? You are too weak,¡± Xu Lan said worriedly, but in a dismissive matter. It had been a year or two since he had caught a cold.


    ¡°Papa, can you leave for a moment?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s soft voice suddenly became husky, vaguely revealing a sense of urgency.


    ¡°Haha, do you want to pee? There¡¯s nothing to be...¡±Xu Lan said jokingly.


    Then, his gaze was suddenly fixated on the bulge of the T-shirt behind Bai Wu¡¯s bottom and he forgotten what he intended to say.


    A long silver tail emerged underneath the white T-shirt and gleamed into Xu Lan¡¯s sight.


    This tail was muchrger and longer than the previous one. Its silver shine was also purer. The previous tail was still greyish white. This time, it was glistening with a silverish metallic luster.


    ¡°You, why did you transform?¡± Xu Lan asked surprisedly. He was delighted but bewildered at the same time.


    ¡°I... I don¡¯t know either. It was not my intention to transform this time.¡±


    Bai Wu was unwilling to actively transform in front of the man because he was afraid that Xu Lan would loathe him. However, it was very odd this time because he had transformed uncontrobly. He could feel there were some subtle changes happening indistinctly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head out first.¡± Xu Lan dried his hair hastily and carried him. ¡°Humph!¡±


    The man gave a silent ¡®humph¡¯. This extra tail weighed almost the same as this child. He was not mentally prepared and almost fell over. Furthermore, the child was getting heavier and heavier as he walked from the bathroom to the bedroom.


    Xu Lan copsed on the bed and gasped for air. It was as if he had carried a chunk of cast iron. It felt as heavy as when Sun Wukong had to carry the Great King of Golden Horn on his back.


    ¡°Are you okay, Papa?¡±


    Bai Wu crawled towards Xu Lan and asked. He wanted Xu Lan to see that he had already hidden the tail under his clothes.


    ¡°Yes ¡ª¡± Xu Lan answered in a stifled tone. He needed more exercise.


    ¡°Papa, please open your eyes and look at me.¡±


    Bai Wu was so anxious that he almost cried. He kneeled beside Xu Lan tearfully. On one hand, he was afraid that Xu Lan would see this ugly side of him. On the other hand, he hoped that Xu Lan would like his appearance and ept him.


    After all, this was his real body.


    ¡°Huh?¡± From the little guy¡¯s voice, it seemed that he was going to cry again. He could not fathom how he could be weepier than girls?


    Xu Lan squinted his eyes and turned over. He grabbed the child into his arms with hisrge hands. Then, he pushed Bai Wu away, sat up abruptly, and stared at the person on the bed. He took in a deep breath and closed his eyes, before releasing his breath slowly while he opened his eyes.


    Bai Wu was shocked by the man¡¯s reaction. He dare not breathe and remained motionless.


    The first thing that came into sight was the silverish white tail. The T-shirt was scrunched to his waist, covering nothing. Then, concealed between the T-shirt and the shadows of his thighs was a pink thing, followed by the waist and pale corbones.


    Finally, Xu Lan¡¯s gaze fell upon that brilliant face of his.


    This was not the cute, chubby little face from Xu Lan¡¯s memory that he was all so familiar with. It was the face of an eleven to twelve-year-old Young Pioneer which consist of three parts of naivety and seven parts of childishness. It had delicate features with a translucent and fair skin tone.


    He had silverish hair, curved eyebrows, and a straight nose. Under the left side of his face was an unnoticeable mole and a pair of cinnabar-red eyes gazing fondly at Xu Lan.


    The only thing Xu Lan had that could match with Bai Wu, was his pair of crimson-red, golden eyes.

 Chapter 23 - Tail Touching

    <h4>Chapter 23: Tail Touching</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Bai Wu?¡± Xu Lan called out in uncertainty. He could not believe what he saw and the person in front of him.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu uttered nervously while he moved towards him.


    ¡°Do you want to look at the mirror first?¡±


    Xu Lan frowned. He could not find the words to describe his feelings. It was as if something of his was stolen without warning. Suddenly, Bai Wu was no longer his.


    Bai Wu lowered his head. When he first arrived, he knew that he did not belong in this world. Everyone was terrified when he revealed his true self, which deprived him of love and affection.


    He learned to hide himself and to mask his true identity. He started to despise his dragon form until Xu Lan stepped into his life.


    However, Xu Lan had instructed him to look at the mirror! Although he was reluctant to do it, he still got down from the bed and walked towards the bathroom obediently.


    He was double the height of his three-year-old self. Pushed aside by his tail, the oversized T-shirt barely covered his bottom. The silverish tail swayed gently from side to side as if it was seeking for a person¡¯s touch. His rosy buttocks came into his sight.


    ¡°Ahh! Papa!¡± Bai Wu screamed loudly from the bathroom. He then rushed towards the bed like a specter and hid in Xu Lan¡¯s arms.


    He was not pushed aside by the warm and strong embrace but instead, it held him lightly. After quite some time, Bai Wu finally settled down. He stared at Xu Lan adorably with his pair of cinnabar-red eyes.


    ¡°Papa, have I grown?¡±


    ¡°... It appears so,¡± Xu Lan answered Bai Wu in agony.


    Bai Wu rushed to the bathroom and looked into the mirror. He was so surprised by the young man that appeared in the mirror that he did not take a good look at himself.


    The one in the mirror was still as youthful and vigorous as his old self, filled with righteousness.


    He then looked at his tail and shook his head disappointingly. It had not returned to normal, and the color was not pure enough. He wondered how long would it take to restore into its original appearance.


    Nheless, this was the first time that he encountered this form. Besides from the tail, he was still in a human form for every other body part. He tried to transform into his dragon form but failed. It was as if something was restraining his transformation. On top of that, he could not totally transform into a human either.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu called out anxiously from the bathroom.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Xu Lan rushed over almost instantly. What came into his view was aplete fair-skinned body.


    ¡°I can¡¯t transform back!¡± The worried child ran over and hugged Xu Lan, seeking forfort.


    ¡°Which way?¡± Xu Lan was uncharacteristically calm with the child¡¯s transformation this time. This made Bai Wu felt really insecure. He made a few attempts to make the man hug him. He even removed his clothes in order to transform, but his whole body was shivering then.


    ¡°... I can¡¯t do it either way. I¡¯ve tried,¡± while biting his lips, Bai Wu put his arms around the man¡¯s waist and used his face to rub against Xu Lan lovingly.


    ¡°Put on your clothes first, or else you¡¯ll catch a cold,¡± said Xu Lan.


    Bai Wu looked at the man with his pouting lips, and with a unique raspiness in his young voice, he said, ¡°Papa, aren¡¯t you afraid?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡± Xu Lan was baffled by his question. He walked over and picked up the shirt and covered Bai Wu¡¯s body. However, it was a little wet. He then gave up and shoved Bai Wu towards outside.


    The bathroom is never a good ce for discussions.


    ¡°Afraid of me, with this look.¡± Although he had a body of a thirteen-year-old, his mind remained as a kid of three to four years old. Or in other words, Bai Wu cared too much about Xu Lan¡¯s inner thoughts and seemed unnecessarily cautious.


    ¡°What are you trying to say? You¡¯re not happy that I did not run away?¡± Xu Lan mockingly taunted Xu Lan and smacked his head while he prepared a fresh set of clothing for him.


    At this height, the T-shirt would fit just right. It would neither be seen as a dress or a costume. Instead, there was a teasing cuteness when he wore it. Then, he took out a pair of jeans and threw it on him.


    ¡°Papa, what about my tail?¡± Bai Wu could not help but ask worriedly after putting on the shirt.


    ¡°Oh, I totally forgot about that.¡±


    Xu Lan reached into his cab and retrieved his boxers that he bought yesterday. Although the size was too big, he had to make do with it and head out to buy moreter.


    ¡°Come over here and try this, see if it fits.¡±


    Xu Lan had not adapted to the situation where his son had undergone a sudden growth spurt. He was heavily whipped by the child¡¯s tail while carrying him, prompting him to let out a muffled groan as it was incredibly painful.


    ¡°Hey, this little guy here is quite cute,¡± Xu Lan pecked at Bai Wu¡¯s wiener. He let the child hold on his shoulders while he helped him with the pants.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu shouted out ashamedly and bit into his shoulders.


    ¡°Hiss! You can be considered to be born in the year of Dog,¡± Xu Lan smacked Bai Wu¡¯s buttock satisfyingly. The trousers were lifted below the tail, leaving the metallic luster outside.


    Xu Lan reached out and touch it unconsciously. It was ice-cold, as reflected in its color. Furthermore, his hand could feel its actual weight and throbbing pulse.


    ¡°Amazing!¡± Xu Lan eximed in a heartfelt manner as if he was admiring an exquisite porcin.


    ¡°Papa, don¡¯t touch my tail! It¡ª It¡¯s very weird!¡± Bai Wu mentioned as he forbore his mortification and held onto Xu Lan.

 Chapter 24 - The First Time

    <h4>Chapter 24: The First Time</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Papa, this is weird,¡± he called out to Xu Lan in dismay. His body was curled against the man, and he was so tense that not a single muscle on his body moved.


    Xu Lan stopped teasing his tail and helped him stand up.


    ¡°What happened?¡± It would appear that the child was having a fever. His face was as red as fresh blood, and his fine, translucent facial hairs could be seen. His body temperature had also increased considerably.


    Bai Wu arched his body and remained silent. This sent Xu Lan over the edge, he immediately stood up and prepared to make calls to borrow money. The child¡¯s body was quite feeble. It may lead to disastrous consequences if neglected.


    The moment he stood up, Bai Wu held onto his hand and still kept his head downwards. What came after was Bai Wu gently lifting up the corner of his shirt, revealing an engorging erection.


    Boom! It was as if Xu Lan was struck by a dull thunder, leaving him charred on the outside but mushy on the inside. He choked on a mouthful of saliva, not knowing what to do next.


    ¡°Papa, it feels so weird. It, it¡¯s growing bigger!¡±


    Bai Wu was so worried that he almost cried out after ncing at the hem of his shirt. He held onto Xu Lan and did not want to let go of his hand. He too did not know what to do next.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry, rx. This is nothing serious, in fact, it¡¯s a normal phenomenon. Don¡¯t cry...¡±


    Xu Lan secretly wiped away his cold sweat and pulled himself together tofort Bai Wu.


    Within a few days, he evolved from a bachelor to a stay-at-home dad. From adolescence to puberty, the transformation of roles happened all to fast. Xu Lan just hoped that his heart was still hanging on.


    ¡°But, why is it like this? Last time...¡±


    Xu Lan sat down on the floor to meet Bai Wu at the eye-level. At the same time, his warm hands held onto the child¡¯s, releasing his grip on the hem of the shirt to calm his nerves.


    ¡°Do you know how old are you in this instance?¡± He asked softly, while he cupped Bai Wu¡¯s face and gently wiped away his tear marks.


    ¡°Three years old,¡± he paused for a moment to think and answered, ¡°About fourteen years old.¡±


    Fourteen years old? Xu Lan was stunned. Due to his youthful appearance, he thought that the kid in front of him was only twelve to thirteen years old.


    Came to think of it, Xu Lan had his first wet dream when he was fourteen years old. It was also the first time where his ssmates pulled on his p*nis. However, something like this ¡ª Xu Lan scrunched his face discreetly so that he would not frighten the child.


    ¡°You¡¯re already fourteen years old. Don¡¯t be nervous, this is a normal reaction. Did you not have any experience with this in the past?¡± He was told that Bai Wu was the leader of the dragon world. How could he not know about this?


    Bai Wu was having difficulties breathing and his throat was itching as if something had sucked all the air out. After hearing what Xu Lan had said, he shook his head innocently to indicate he had no prior knowledge regarding this matter.


    ¡°You can turn around if you feel embarrassed. I¡¯ll teach you how to...¡±


    Xu Lan was tongue-tied. His anxiety and anxiousness were no less than Bai Wu. He went to boarding school, and his old man had no idea of when he encountered any situation of this sort, what is more to teach him what to do.


    Also, Xu Lan did not know if he was doing the right thing, or if the child would me him in the future. More importantly, this problem had already surfaced, like an arrow on the bow, it had to be dealt with!

 Chapter 25 - Words and Deeds

    <h4>Chapter 25: Words and Deeds</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t see you then ¡ª I¡¯m scared,¡± Bai Wu said in a shuddering voice. He rejected Xu Lan¡¯s request weakly and stared at Xu Lan with goggled-eyes.


    He hoped that this peculiar feeling would go away sooner. He never felt this way before. It was as if the whole body¡¯s blood supply consolidated at one part, which was worrisome.


    ¡°... Bai Wu, you have to understand that this is neither a sickness, nor it is something weird. Even though it feels weird, this is a very normal thing, okay?¡±


    Bai Wu nodded his head miserably. The tightness that he was feeling kept bothering him, encouraging his desire to rub against Xu Lan. However, he was fastened to the ground by a pair of huge hands.


    Xu Lan¡¯s original intention was to exin about the whole process in all seriousness. Nevertheless, he found that it was still too early for this, and therefore, he just passed it off casually. He then thought to himself whether he should retrieve his popr collection of videotapes for him to watch, but he quickly dismissed this horrendous thought.


    ¡°You... use both of your hands to hold it and then try to move a little,¡± Xu Lan said to him awkwardly. There were no simpler words to describe this.


    Bai Wu and Xu Lan looked at each other with an affirming nce, before lowering his head to follow Xu Lan¡¯s instructions. The phallic object jolted upon stimtion. Bai Wu was so startled that he released it immediately and threw himself into Xu Lan¡¯s arms. He nced at Xu Lan pitifully, as if he was trying to say that this is not what he expected!


    ¡°Papa, it¡¯s getting worse!¡± He had tears in his eyes as if it was going to extinguish the me in his eyes at any second.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, just touch it lightly. It was probably anticipating you to do that,¡± Xu Lan said patiently, while he stiffened his neck and tried not to look at Bai Wu¡¯s expression at that moment.


    Bai Wu put his head against Xu Lan¡¯s chest and reached out his hands in a tentative manner.


    ¡°Oh...¡±


    A muffled groan was let out from his throat and echoed from the chest region, which made Xu Lan shudder. Not only he felt that there was a heat radiating from the area where the child leaned against him, but the temperature of the entire room was rising as well.


    This made his throat dry and his voice became coarse. Every single nerve in his body became tense. What a sin! He chanted the Amitabha mantra while he guided Bai Wu with patience.


    ¡°Papa, papa, it hurts. Can you help me?¡±


    Bai Wu tried to grab his hand while he asked. Xu Lan did not know how to respond, while he stood there like aputer that had crashed. It was not until he came into contact with the boiling heat source that he stood up immediately as if he had an electric shock.


    ¡°I, I... You just use the method that I told you just now. I...¡± Xu Lan¡¯s tongue went numb and could not even speak clearly. He should not allow Bai Wu to lead him by the nose. This was not what a father should do.


    He looked around ufortably and prepared to leave.


    ¡°Papa, it hurts so much!¡±


    Bai Wu did not let go of his hands. Xu Lan only looked at Bai Wu when he felt a sensation of cold hard steel on his hands.


    Not knowing when it happened but it seemed that Bai Wu had grown bigger, and his tail becamerger and longer. His hands were also covered in silverish scales, simr to an armor.


    Not only did he grew up, but he had also turned into a dragon. Only his face remained in the human form. No wonder he was in pain!


    ¡°Papa, this is all your fault! If you hadn¡¯t touched my tail, this would not have happened. Moreover, you want to abandon me and walk away at this moment. Papa, do you feel disgusted by my appearance? Is it dreadful? I don¡¯t want to do it anymore! I don¡¯t want to! Waa... waaa...¡±


    Suddenly, Bai Wu started bawling and threw a tantrum. He threw a few punches towards Xu Lan but was afraid that he would hurt him with his dragon form so he sat on the cold hard floor, disheartened like a discarded doll.


    He looked so pitiful¨C


    ¡°Pfft¨C¡± Xu Lan burst intoughter after Bai Wu¡¯s unexpected temper. He carried him to the bed carefully and sat beside him as if he had surrendered to fate.


    There was nothing he could do with Bai Wu¡¯s situation. Nheless, he could not leave it either. Although this would be an ill-considered method, there was no other way.


    Bai Wu stared wide-eyed while Xu Lan crouched downwards. His gaze oscited between the pair of hands and a helpless but pampering face.


    In an instant, the heat source throbbed for a few times.


    Xu Lan lifted his head in astonishment. On top of the bed was a young man aged around seventeen or eighteen years old. A pair of bloodthirsty, crimson-red eyes was staring at him. The silver shine of the scutum on his body was so bright that it blinded his eyes.


    ¡®Was this his mature form?¡¯ Xu Lan could not help but exim.


    His ears were covered in a thickyer of scales. The horns on his forehead were silverish white with a bright red shade, like his cheeks at that moment. There was an inexplicable cuteness to it.


    ¡°Papa¨C although this is weird...¡± Bai Wu blushed and lowered his head, burying it against Xu Lan¡¯s chest while he embraced him. He dragged his tone longer. In his raspy voice was a tinge of sweet dependence.


    At this moment, the thing in Xu Lan¡¯s hand was burning his hand like the embers of coal. However, he could not bear to leave.


    He took in a deep breath, while he toyed with the article in his hands gently yet skillfully, hoping that this dragon would faster take its leave.


    From not onwards, he could not look at him the same way as Bai Wu. Before this, he still had seven parts of naiveness, but it had turned into three parts youth and four parts manliness.


    Due to his transformation, he had upied all of the space. It was as if the house would crumble under a single footstep of his. Xu Lan seemed to be extremely vulnerable inparison to his enormous physique.


    The silverish tail swayed back and forth, rubbing against the sheets. It writhed towards Xu Lan secretly and caught himpletely off guard, finally wrapping around his body, worried that he would escape unguarded.


    ¡°Papa¡ª¡± Bai Wu called him with a lowered voice, while he lifted his head to stare at Xu Lan with a red-up face. His breath also affected Xu Lan, which made him feel feverish and elerated the movements of his hands.


    ¡°Mmm¨C¡± Bai Wu moaned with pleasure. The sweet sounds of whimper echoed within the room, like the houses on Cake Ind.


    Bai Wu copsed into the arms of Xu Lan, the scales on his body was disappearing at a rate visible to the human eye. His body started to shrink, and his tail also vanished in the end. Like a deted balloon, Bai Wu transformed back to his three-year-old self. He hugged Xu Lan¡¯s waist and fell into deep slumber.


    Xu Lan witnessed everything that had happened in front of him andughed after contemting repeatedly. What had just happened?


    He carried Bai Wu into the bathroom. The temperature rise in the room had made him sweat in this piercing cold winter. Not just his hands, but his whole body was also sticky.

 Chapter 26 - Getting into Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 26: Getting into Trouble</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan applied for leave from Hu Cheng, iming that the child caught a cold on his way back and needed immediate medical attention. In reality, Xu Lan was reluctant to let Bai Wu head out ¡ª what if he grew a tail out of nowhere! At the same time, this would be a good chance for him to catch up on sleep as he had been sleep-deprived for the past two nights.


    Xu Lan rested in bed as he observed the little boy. His thick brows seemed to have lightened in color and hisshes were long as usual. Upon closer inspection, he noticed the small tear mole on the corner of the boy¡¯s left eye.


    ¡®He¡¯s always been adorable as a kid,¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    He had always adored children and had a soft spot for their round faces and red lips. Furthermore, Xu Lan found Bai Wu¡¯s adorable tone and clingy demeanor hard to resist. He was amazed and slightly saddened by how the little boy had grown so much in such a brief period of time.


    Xu Lanbed his fingers through Bai Wu¡¯s hair and wondered if his hair color too, had lightened up.


    Due to the circumstance, Xu Lan did not manage to take a good look at Bai Wu earlier. Even then, he could tell that Bai Wu had handsome features and great charisma. Him being a dragon might be why Xu Lan felt repressed.


    ¡°Papa, why can¡¯t you just love me and me only? Humph...¡± Bai Wu murmured in his sleep as he turned around and fumbled into Xu Lan¡¯s embrace.


    Xu Lan smiled and gave his fleshy cheeks a few gentle pokes. The little boy must still be bothered by the issue, which exined why he was dreaming about it.


    ¡®Unfortunately, Papa couldn¡¯t lie to you! Life is a long journey. One day, there might be someone who waltzes into Papa¡¯s heart,¡¯ he thought.


    The man rolled over andy face up on the bed ¡ª how wonderful emotional ties were! He barely knew the child, yet, he felt as though the child was an integral part of his life.


    It pained him to even think about Bai Wu growing up and starting a family with a special someone. Seeing Bai Wu in his teenage form heightened up the tension. Being forced to face the reality that Bai Wu might leave one day, he was unsure what to feel about it.


    ¡®Time flies, and how much time do we still have? Perhaps, Bai Wu would return to where he came from?¡¯ As he ran through his thought process, Xu Lan flipped over and sat up on his bed.


    If that was the case, they did not have much time left. He decided to travel around with the child after the case closed. They would make unforgettable memories, fun times that Bai Wu could reminisce upon. Hopefully, this would remind Bai Wu of himself.


    Xu Lan decided to make use of Bai Wu¡¯s capability to travel through different spaces in order to leave behind footprints that will remind Bai Wu of him.


    All set!


    Xu Lan fell asleep with a smile on his face and Bai Wu in his arms.


    Little did he know, this incident would haunt him in the foreseeable future. Moreover, this incident catalyzed Bai Wu¡¯s growth and fostered an emotional attachment that went beyond possessiveness.


    After a short while, Bai Wu licked the corner of his lips as he pulled the escapee back into bed.


    ¡°Papa, did you mean it when you said you regret your decision to help me?¡± His threatening words turned out to be strangely seductive.


    Xu Lan was fuming and found himself at a loss for words. He knew that the oue would be the same regardless of his answer.


    Though, this would be a story forter.


    As Xu Lan fell into a deep slumber, something huge happened in the police station. Not only was it covered by the news and media, but it also alerted his higher-ups.

 Chapter 27 - Incurring Public Wrath

    <h4>Chapter 27: Incurring Public Wrath</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Hu Cheng was reluctant to summon Xu Lan over in the middle of the night, but he had no choice as words about the incident had gotten out on the inte.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Xu Lan came over alone this time. He felt uneasy leaving the child alone, but he knew better than bringing him along. If he were to transform here in public, he would find himself locked up in aboratory before the sun came up.


    ¡°So this is what happened. After spending half a day trying to talk sense into Li Kui, Xiao Xu was getting ready to let him go. On their way out, they ran into Officer Li. Officer Li who was feeling unwell and was searching for medicine ended up colliding into Li Kui,¡± Xiao Li offered an exnation after noticing how worked up Hu Cheng was.


    ¡°And? What happened next?¡± Xu Lan was unhappy with the young man¡¯s habit of offering unnecessary details instead of cutting to the chase.


    ¡°Li Kuiy on the floor and refused to get up. He used us of bias and physical violence. A few passers-by who happened to be at the entrance took videos of the incident and uploaded it to the inte. The video clips are all over the inte now and the incident is widely reported in the news. Allegations of abuse of power and position have been directed at us.¡±


    ¡°Ridiculous! Hasn¡¯t anyone gone and rified the matter with the public and the media? What about the surveince footage at the entrance of the police station? Can¡¯t we let the facts speak for us?¡± To think that something so ridiculous could happen, Xu Lan finally understood why Xiao Li refused to have dealings with those who were in the news industry!


    Distorting the facts by reporting selected parts of the story was something that should not be practiced by the news industry. He was d that he grew up in a peaceful time where the news industry practiced responsible journalism.


    ¡°... People chose to believe in whatever they thought was true, there is no point exining to them. The provincial leader ordered us to close the case within ten days. Failing which, the person in charge will have to resign,¡± Hu Cheng exined while smoking tobo.


    ¡°What!¡± Xu Lan could not believe what he just heard. How could this be happening in aw enforcement unit?


    ¡°Cough cough. I¡¯m so sorry. Seeing how I single-handedly caused the whole incident to happen, I will talk to the higher-ups and take the me. I shall try my best to keep everyone out of it.¡± Li Xiu was coughing as he walked through the door. His face seemed pale when juxtaposed against his oversized golden frame sses. He was supported by a burly man from behind.


    ¡°Officer Li, how could you say that? We are the officers in charge of this case. What more, the man wasshing out randomly at the first person he saw. This had happened twice before and even if it wasn¡¯t you, it could just be any one of us here,¡± Hu Cheng spoke as he cleared his tobo pipe.


    Despite that he did not hold themissioner in high regard, he was not someone to shriek away from his responsibilities. After all, he was a man who was fit to be the director general.


    ¡°Director General, you¡¯re right!¡± Zhu Jing voiced her support. This time around, the media overstepped their boundaries.


    ¡°Tonight, I¡¯ve gathered all of you here to seek your opinion. Let¡¯s find a way to solve thispletely clueless case within the next ten days.¡±


    ¡°Alright!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this!¡±


    ¡°With all of us working together, there is no way that we cannot solve this case!¡± All the attendees responded enthusiastically.


    ¡°Knock knock!¡±


    The knock on the door drew everyone¡¯s attention. All heads turned to find out who was knocking politely at this ungodly hour.


    When they realized who the person was, most of them were seething with rage.


    ¡°What are you doing here!¡± Zhu Jing stormed out and questioned loudly.

 Chapter 28 - Sorting Out the Facts

    <h4>Chapter 28: Sorting Out the Facts</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The young and adorable female reporter stood outside of the ss door, facing Zhu Jing¡¯s wrath directly.


    ¡°I, I think the media is being unfair! I¡¯ve decided to join forces with everyone to uncover the truth behind this incident!¡±


    Wu Wendi spoke with determination and waspletely unshaken by the angry gazes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that we are going to let you off the hook just because of what you¡¯ve said, someone like you...¡±


    ¡°Xiao Jing, let her in.¡± Zhu Jing was nning to shoo her away. She did not expect Hu Cheng to invite her in. Could it be the director general had forgotten about that incident?


    Zhu Jing turned and looked at Hu Cheng with an incredulous expression, the people around her had a simr expression on their faces. No one could believe that those words came from Hu Cheng¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Let her in,¡± Hu Cheng continued, ¡°We need to sort this out sooner orter. Since she made the first move, why can¡¯t we take a step back and hear her out?¡±


    As an attempt to be more convincing, he tried to smile. However, he found it hard to lift the corner of his mouth.


    Xu Lan went over and pet him on his shoulder as a sign of constion. Even though he was unsure of what happened between the police station and the media, it definitely had something to do with Hu Cheng, who was still suffering from the consequences to date.


    Zhu Jing nced at Hu Cheng worriedly before deciding to obey his order and let Wu Wendi in.


    ¡°Hello everyone, nice to meet you. I¡¯m Wu Wendi from the press. Even though I¡¯m a reporter, I¡¯vee out of my own ord and this has nothing to do with the press. I would like to contribute in whatever way I can.¡±


    Wu Wendi walked in and announced with determination.


    ¡°Haha, we could always use an extra pair of hands. Lao Xu, what do you think?¡±


    Hu Cheng smiled and bared his mouthful of yellow teeth. He tapped Xu Lan on his shoulder and walked into the conference room. Although he did not want to deal with someone from the press, Hu Cheng agreed to Wu Wendi¡¯s proposal. Hu Cheng trusted Xu Lan, knowing that he would not bring just anyone to the station.


    This time around, Hu Cheng might have overestimated him on trusting the female reporter. Only Bai Wu saw through Xu Lan¡¯s true intention ¨C it was to get closer to her. On the other hand, he also wanted to know the story behind the strained rtionship between the media and the police.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing much for now. You can join us at our meeting. As you¡¯ve run into Li Kui earlier today, maybe you cane up with a few suggestions,¡± said Xu Lan as he rubbed his neck.


    Meanwhile, in the conference room, Xiao Xu and Sun Fei worked together to set up the projector. They had also arranged the information they possessed across the ckboard.


    ¡°Director General,¡± Xiao Xu said calmly as Hu Cheng walked into the room.


    ¡°Hmm, is everything ready?¡± His question was directed at Sun Fei.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s look at these few cases. Combining information such as the perpetrator¡¯s modus operandi, the victim¡¯s upation, and the time of crime, we are sure that the perpetrator in all three cases is the same person.¡±


    Sun Fei let everyone take a seat before borating on the aforementioned issues with his PowerPoint presentation.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Upon seeing the photo of the victim being projected on the screen, Wu Wendi let out a loud gasp and bumped into Xiao Li who was behind of her.


    ¡°Why are you here again? Is this something fit to be seen by a girl like you?¡± Xiao Li voiced his thoughts subconsciously.


    ¡°Li Fei! How could you say such things? Why can¡¯t a girl look at it? How am I different from her? There¡¯s Qingyan from forensics.¡±


    Zhu Jing was being her usual hot-headed self as she voiced her displeasure.


    ¡°Uh, we¡¯re bros, right? Let¡¯s not bother with menial remarks,¡± Xiao Li mumbled under his breath unhappily.


    ¡°You!¡± Zhu Jing was infuriated. She stamped her feet as she found herself at a loss for words.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get back to business. Sun Fei, please continue.¡±


    Xu Lan was in charge of the case. As Xu Lan was at home earlier, Sun Fei stood in for him and organized the information into PowerPoint slides for everyone¡¯s ease of understanding.


    ¡°In all three cases, the victims are all females working in peculiar professions. After raping them, the murderer cut off their breasts and sewed up their private parts. All three victims bled to death. Of course, due to the nature of their profession, there might be money involved in their rtionship.¡±


    Sun Fei also highlighted the fact that these victims were young and energetic girls who seemed cheerful.


    ¡°ording to our on-site investigation, the murderer is experienced and has strong counter-surveince capabilities. He should be a male with psychological illness within the age range of twenty to fifty.¡±


    ¡°Psychological illness? How so?¡±


    Li Xiu who was sitting at the corner voiced his question. He was dressed casually in light brown and had his gold-framed sses on. He did not seem like a police at all. If anything, he looked more like a soft-spoken manager from a corporation.


    ¡°Firstly, he targets a specific group of people. Secondly, he doesn¡¯t take a break. Lastly, he practices a peculiar modus operandi.¡± Sun Fei was drawing circles on the screen with his Infrared pen.


    Li Xiu crossed his legs and tapped on the table with his left index and middle finger.


    ¡°Hmm, it does seem like this person has a psychological issue,¡± he sighed and affirmed the conjecture.


    ¡°Moreover, we have confirmed that the fluids found in the victims were all from the same person. Our conjecture is validated. However, we did not discover any fingerprints or surveince cameras from the crime scene. The murderer brought his victim into the room before killing them without leaving a trace behind. This is why the investigation was at a standstill during the previous case.¡±


    After offering his exnation, Sun Fei struck the table in disappointment.


    ¡°Cough, cough!¡± Li Xiu was coughing back when Sun Fei mentioned about the fluids. Heunched into a coughing fit and only managed to recuperate when the burly man who was standing behind of him gave him a few pats on his back.


    ¡°Cough, this is my driver-cum-doctor. Sorry for the disruption, hope that didn¡¯t bother you all,¡± Li Xiu spoke with his left fist pressing against his lips.


    ¡°Mmhmm? Don¡¯t worry about it. However...¡± Xu Lan and Hu Cheng looked at each other as they spoke.


    ¡°Ah, if that¡¯s the case, I shall get him to leave now.¡± Li Xiu smiled bitterly and spoke to the burly man, who then nced at Xu Lan and Wu Wendi before leaving the conference room.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not bother ourselves with this and continue with our discussion,¡± Li Xiu spoke as he straightened his sses.


    ¡°Alright, these are the simrities between the three cases. Do note Li Xinyi¡¯s father has been stirring up trouble over the past two days. However, these two were not exactly on good terms. On top of that, no one came for the other two victims. I wonder if this is one of the characteristics that the murderer singled out as well?¡±


    Sun Fei reyed both the video clip ¡®starring¡¯ Li Kui earlier today and the video clip recorded in the interrogation room. The conference room was bombarded with loud cries immediately.


    ¡°Seeing how he said that he only came after receiving a letter, Section Chief Sun¡¯s hypothesis isn¡¯t unfounded. One other important point would be the two words that appeared on the victim¡¯s body this morning,¡± said Xu Lan.


    ¡°We still don¡¯t have any lead at all!¡± Hu Cheng tapped his tobo pipe on the table repetitively.


    ¡°Wait a minute, we do have a lead!¡± Sun Fei eximed as Xu Lan smiled at him, taking notice of his impressive analysis.

 Chapter 29 - The Caller

    <h4>Chapter 29: The Caller</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°What are we looking at?¡± Hu Cheng lighted up another pipeful of tobo as he asked.


    ¡°The person who delivered the letter.¡± Sun Fei projected the letter retrieved from Li Kui onto the screen. The handwriting was neat and the strokes were strong.


    ¡°Even though he was not caught on the surveince footage and Li Kui did not reveal his looks, the fact that the murderer directed Li Kui to cause trouble repeatedly suggests that he was trying to draw our attention away from the case. He was scared!¡±


    Initially, Xu Lan was unsure what purpose would it serve for Li Kui to cause trouble.


    Would it not make sense for a murderer to keep a low profile? If Li Kui was not the murderer, who would the murderer be?


    It was only until that night when Hu Cheng called him that he finally realized something.


    The murderer would be the person who was giving orders to Li Kui! He left behind a fatal mistake! It was only a matter of time before they discovered the key leading them to the murderer.


    Li Kui¡¯s role was to generate public outrage and to cause pressure on the police. Meanwhile, the murderer would take advantage of the situation and destroy the lead!


    p, p, p...


    Li Xiu who sat at the corner started pping. He straightened his legs and stood up, making his way to the screen.


    ¡°After hearing Officer Xu¡¯s analysis, I must say that I¡¯m impressed with his sharp observation and urate analysis. However, I have a question,¡± he said.


    ¡°Pray tell.¡± Xu Lan shut his eyes out of reflex, something that he did subconsciously when he was thinking and when he sensed danger.


    ¡°ording to Officer Xu¡¯s hypothesis, the person who wrote the letter is the murderer. How do we exin Li Kui¡¯s third attempt at causing a scene? I do y a role in it and for that, I shall apologize to everyone here.¡± He bowed as he posed his question.


    ¡°If Li Kui could potentially expose the murderer, why would the murderer take a chance and order him to cause more trouble? The oue would contradict your analysis in its entirety. Moreover, we are only given ten days to solve this case. This would be undesirable to the murderer as we would scrutinize every lead that wee across.¡±


    ¡°Officer Li, you are right. However, I did not attribute Li Kui¡¯s third attempt to the murderer. As Li Kui was leaving the police station, there is no way that he would have written a letter. Seeing how cautious the murderer is, he wouldn¡¯t have given his order to Li Kui via handphone.¡±


    ¡°We can easily find out about this through an investigation. Moreover, some here mentioned the words on the victim earlier. Would it be possible topare the handwriting with those in the letter? If this is fruitful, we could narrow down our search. There is no way that all of the surveince rooms in this area broke down.


    ¡°As the murderer would have checked the area out, we just need to identify individuals who loitered around specific spots. After singling out the suspicious individuals who are not a resident here, wouldn¡¯t it be possible for us to find a lead or two?¡±


    After speaking to his heart¡¯s content, Li Xiu took a huge gulp of water as he waited for replies toe through.


    Prior to his little speech, everyone thought that Li Xiu was nothing more than a decorative vase and a pair of spying eyes for the higher-ups. His sickly appearance and hisckey made him stand out in all the wrong ways. With his little speech earlier, he managed to rewrite everyone¡¯s impression of him.


    If he was incapable, there was no way that he was chosen to supervise such a tacky case.


    ¡°That¡¯s a great idea. It¡¯s a lot of effort to go through the surveince footage of all three areas. To think that I¡¯ve excluded this method subconsciously...¡± Xu Lan murmured as he looked at the letter on the screen.


    ¡°Great! Let¡¯s do this. Xu Lan, bring along Xiao Li, Zhu Hong and her team to check out Jingxin area. Sun Fei, bring along Xiao Xu, Qingyan and the rest to check out Lanshan area. Officer Li and I will bring the rest of the team to check out the surveince footage at Honghe area. Understood?¡±


    Hu Cheng quickly assigned everyone with their posts. Time was running out, the mission was important, and they had nothing to spare!


    ¡°Understood!¡± everyone answered in unison.


    ¡°What, what about me?¡± Wu Wendi stood up and asked embarrassingly.


    ¡°As for you... Just follow Xu Lan around will do.¡± Besides Xu Lan, no one else would take her in.


    ¡°Fine then.¡± Wu Wendi lost her confidence from earlier. She stood behind Xu Lan meekly.


    ¡°Director General, we have another emergency calling in!¡± Xiao Zhang who was on duty shouted loudly from downstairs.


    ¡°What! Again...?¡± Everyone was surprised by the report, this would be three murder cases in a row. They rushed over immediately.


    ¡°The address is 29, Taiping Road!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s head over to the crime scene now. Sun Fei, bring along your equipment. Xiao Li and I will head over first.¡± Xu Lan dragged Xiao Li along as he reached for the door, ready to hop into the car.


    ¡°Eh, Sergeant Xu! Don¡¯t you think that this address is slightly familiar?¡± Xiao Li said hurriedly, trying to ignore the sharp pain shooting up his arm.


    ¡°Lao Xu, this seems to be your address!¡± Hu Cheng breathed out a long frustrated sigh.


    ¡°Who made the call?¡± Xu Lan walked over to Xiao Zhang, barely keeping his cool as he asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s a child.¡± Xiao Zhang had never seen such a terrifying side of Xu Lan before.

 Chapter 30 - A Tough Battle

    <h4>Chapter 30: A Tough Battle</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Hand the phone over,¡± said Xu Lan who was barely containing his anger.


    Xiao Zhang handed the phone over gingerly, as though he was the one who made a mistake.


    ¡°Hello, Bai Wu. I¡¯m Xu Lan.¡±


    ¡°Papa, Papa, is that really you? Sob... Papa, where did you go? I¡¯m so scared. Where are you, Papa? Hup...¡±


    It was normal for Bai Wu to choke and hup whenever he cried.


    ¡°I¡¯m picking up your call in the police station now.¡± Xu Lan¡¯s tone was not softened by Bai Wu¡¯s gentle cries. If anything, he was even more displeased.


    The fact that Bai Wu could make a call showed that he was not as helpless as he imed to be.


    ¡°... Papa, I¡¯m terrified. When are youing back?¡± After noticing Xu Lan¡¯s displeasure, Bai Wu sobbed harder as he asked.


    ¡°Go to bed. I¡¯ll be home when I¡¯m done,¡± said Xu Lan solemnly.


    ¡°No, Papa. I¡¯m afraid and I want to be with you. I¡¯m worried that I¡¯ll not see you any more if I were to fall asleep now.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s ability to travel across different spaces were not something that he had conscious control over.


    ¡°Bai Wu, how old are you now? Is there a phone in the room? Why didn¡¯t you call my mobile number? Where are you now? I¡¯m very busy and I want you to go to bed!¡±


    Xu Lan rested his left hand in his pocket as he bombarded Bai Wu with questions that he could not answer.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu uttered with a shivering voice.


    ¡°Go to bed now. You can either do that or watch TV,¡± Xu Lan replied emotionlessly.


    Beep, beep, beep...


    Bai Wu¡¯s tears filled his eye sockets to the brim, threatening to fall anytime now. He bit on his lips as he tried to hold his tears back.


    ¡°What did Xiao Xu say?¡±


    Thendlord with a headful of white hair petted Bai Wu after noticing that he was stunted. To him, Bai Wu was a polite child who was as old as his grandson.


    ¡°Papa, he...¡± Bai Wu¡¯s tears started to fall the moment he brought up Xu Lan¡¯s name.


    He could notprehend the sudden change in attitude. He felt dispensable, the way he felt before he met Xu Lan.


    He remembered taking a shower with his father. How was it possible that his father disappeared after he opened his eyes, to think that it was alreadyte at night!


    He wondered if his father saw him as a burden and decided not to see him anymore...


    ¡°Eh, don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry. Since Xiao Xu can¡¯t make it back, are you all by yourself now?¡±


    Thendlord leaned on his walking stick as he wiped off Bai Wu¡¯s tears. Not only was this child as young as his grandson, just as his grandson, he too was a clingy crybaby. Unfortunately, due to his schooling arrangement, his grandson had to stay with the father and he did not get to see his grandson very often.


    ¡°Child, why don¡¯t youe sleep at mine if you¡¯re scared?¡± said thendlord lovingly.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not a bad person. You¡¯re staying at my house now, no? I¡¯m just worried that you can¡¯t sleep alone. On top of that, you¡¯re too young and it¡¯s not safe for you to be alone.¡± Thendlord offered an exnation after he noticed Bai Wu¡¯s hesitation.


    ¡°... Thank you for the offer, but I don¡¯t need to sleep,¡± Bai Wu said with his watery eyes and a forced smile.


    He was worried that he would never see Xu Lan again if he were to fall asleep.


    ¡°Sure. Instead of sleeping, let¡¯s watch some shows on TV.¡± Thendlord had his walking stick in one hand and held Bai Wu¡¯s hand in the other. Both of them walked into the house.


    Back at the police station, Xu Lan hung up and stormed toward Hu Cheng.


    ¡°Why? Did the child get on your wrong side?¡± Earlier that day, he was still treating the child like a treasure; at night, it was apletely different situation altogether.


    ¡°Nothing important. Everyone, please focus on your tasks. Xiao Li and I shall head out now.¡±


    Xu Lan kept his head low and his face covered from everyone¡¯s line of vision. He spoke in a dejected tone and seemed to be frustrated.


    ¡°Alright, everyone, get back to your work,¡± Hu Cheng announced as he patted Xu Lan on his shoulder.


    ¡°Eh, what do you think happened to Sergeant Xu?¡± Xiao Li bumped against Zhu Jing with his shoulder and asked.


    ¡°How would I know? The child probably angered him one way or another. Since he can¡¯t do anything about it, he had no choice but to let the child be.¡±


    Zhu Jing shrugged to emphasized herck of knowledge.


    ¡°If the child were to make his way here in the middle of the night, he might even run into trouble on his journey over.¡± As Xiao Li considered the possibilities, he felt uneasy.


    ¡°Are you both done with your idle chit-chat yet? If you are, please get back to work!¡± Xu Lan warned them angrily.


    ¡°...¡± Xiao Li and Zhu Jing kept their head low as they followed Xu Lan into the surveince room, while Wu Wendi trailed behind them quietly.


    Xu Lan acted the way he did because Bai Wu made a call under the pretense that he was under an emergency, causing unnecessary panic to everyone in the police station.


    On the other hand, he believed that Bai Wu could easily transform his physique into that of a three-year-old, twelve-year-old, or even an eighteen-year-old. None of these would be a problem for him.


    If he could get someone to make a call to the police station, he would have no problem of taking good care of himself.


    Xu Lan steeled his heart and dispelled Xiao Li¡¯s words out of his mind.


    After all, a tough battle was waiting ahead!

 Chapter 31 - Watching Surveillance Tapes

    <h4>Chapter 31: Watching Surveince Tapes</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, we¡¯ve seen every single surveince footage we currently have on our hands, but the suspect doesn¡¯t appear in any of them,¡± grumbled Xiao Li as he massaged his neck and slid in front of Xu Lan with his revolving chair.


    ¡°Go and tell Lao Hu and Sun Fei that from now onward, we¡¯ll gather everyone into one room to watch the footage, and each person will look at the footage that the other is watching,¡± Xu Lan said dully.


    His subconscious mind felt his pants pocket. He was absolutely dumbfounded as to why Xiao Li only bought one pack of cigarettes.


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked puzzled and frowning, as three horizontal lines appeared on his forehead.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, why?¡± Xu Lan had no idea that Xiao Li¡¯s guilelessness had reached such a degree.


    ¡°Are you pig-brained? You¡¯re always asking ¡®why¡¯, ¡®why¡¯. When you¡¯re asked to do it, just do it!¡± came Zhu Jing¡¯s annoyed reply.


    ¡°Umm, Sergeant Xu, I was asking why we should all cram inside and watch it together.¡± Noticing that Xu Lan had zoned out, Xiao Li wanted tough but dared not to.


    ¡°Oh, you mean that,¡± Xu Lan sneered as he pped his thigh. ¡°Well, since we can¡¯t see if there¡¯s anything more than meets the eyes, we should let others see the tapes as well. It¡¯s rare that the killer would appear at the same ce within a particr time frame, but there remains a possibility that he will appear somece else. And there will always be a blind spot, be it in a person¡¯s field of view or thought processes. Wouldn¡¯t it be a good thing if someone were to look at that blind spot?¡±


    ¡°Mm, indeed. But before that, we could also share any information that we noticed amongst ourselves andpile any information that looks useful. When it¡¯s time, we can gather everyone¡¯s opinion and discard anything useless. Then we¡¯ll be able toe up with a narrative that everyone can agree is closest to what actually happened.¡± Wu Wendi nodded in acknowledgment of Xu Lan¡¯s view.


    ¡°But up till now, we haven¡¯t found anything that¡¯s of use,¡± Zhu Jing opined candidly. She felt dejected just thinking about it. It was almost daybreak and not a single outline had been obtained.


    ¡°Hence the need to inform them as soon as possible.¡±


    All of Xu Lan¡¯s attention was shifted back to the screen. He intended to speed up the tapes and watch them all over again like a fast-forwarded movie.


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Xiao Li shrugged his shoulders and headed for the door.


    ¡°Eh, why did youe here Officer Li?¡± As soon as Xiao Li walked out of the room, he saw Li Xiuing over.


    ¡°Li Fei myrade, what¡¯s the matter? I came to invite Sergeant Xu and Section-Chief Sun over. I was thinking that everyone shoulde together and watch the videos,¡± Li Xiu replied with a smile.


    ¡°What a coincidence! We were prepared to do the same and invite you over. Ay, the sage sure presents himself as an ordinary person, Officer Li.¡± Xiao Li let out his unfeignedment as he looked at the refined Li Xiu ¡ª it was truly unexpected that Li Xiu¡¯s and Xu Lan¡¯s uniqueness were simr to one another.


    ¡°Hmm, in that case, I¡¯ll ask Sergeant Xu. You go on ahead and let Section-Chief Sun know. He¡¯s at surveince room three-o-four,¡± Li Xiu straightforwardly instructed Xiao Li to call on Sun Fei.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Xiao Li nodded and went on his way.


    Li Xiu knocked on the door.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, how are things? Are there any new findings?¡± Li Xiu asked as he smiled and pushed the door open.


    ¡°Officer Li,e and sit down. Xiao Jing, pour a cup of tea for Officer Li.¡± Xu Lan greeted Li Xiu and requested Xiao Jing to prepare the tea.


    ¡°How¡¯s everything on your end?¡± he asked after Li Xiu had taken a seat.

 Chapter 32 - Send Me Home

    <h4>Chapter 32: Send Me Home</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    After taking a sip of tea from the cup that Zhu Jing handed over, Li Xiu then ced it aside and exined to Xu Lan. ¡°No new findings. I initially came here because I wanted to invite you to surveince room three-o-four, but I met ourrade Li Fei at the door, so I told him to call on Section-Chief Sun.¡±


    Xu Lan nodded. ¡°Mm, by now we would have roughly seen all the footage from each area. If wepare all of them together, we might discover something new.¡± Then he mumbled, ¡°Xiao Jing, bring all our colleagues as well as the tapes to room three-o-four.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sergeant Xu,¡± responded Zhu Jing. She ushered the others out while packing her things.


    Xu Lan preferred the attitude shown by Zhu Jingpared to Xiao Li. She was blunt and open-hearted, as well as deft in handling work. Most importantly, she did not talk so much.


    When everyone had left the room, Xu Lan pulled his chair up to Li Xiu and asked, ¡°Officer Li, the area within Honghe should be the trickiest. Some of the tapes might already be covered up. That is why, I would like to ask you, Officer Li, regarding your opinion of the case.¡±


    Li Xiu had already given constructive proposals twice, therefore Xu Lan wanted to see if Li Xiu had any further opinions regarding the case.


    ¡°Hm...the criminal is stubbornly vignt and his trails are virtually non-existent. I was thinking if there is a need to take risks and use live bait,¡± replied Li Xiu as he adjusted his sses.


    ¡°Live bait? What are you getting at?¡± Vaguely, Xu Lan could sense what Li Xiu wanted to do, but there was still an element of disbelief that such a suggestion would even be brought up.


    ¡°The killer¡¯s targets are prostitutes who aren¡¯t on good terms with their families. If someone were to sufficiently ignite his interest within this period of time, would he make another move?¡± questioned Li Xiu.


    ¡°But we only have ten days. Gaining the trust of the killer and urging him tomit another crime within just over a week¡¯s time? It doesn¡¯t seem very usible,¡± refuted Xu Lan.


    ¡°What if the woman is such a person from the very beginning? When we discussed the case, I noticed that the killer seems to have some psychological illness. Under stressful situations, the desire to relieve himself of the pressure will be stronger. We¡¯ll publicly announce our progress on the case every single day, or to put it simply, we¡¯ll exaggerate it. We¡¯ll let the killer think that he is on the verge of getting caught, so when he liberates himself of that stress, we¡¯ll be waiting to reel in the catch. What do you think?¡±


    The corner of Li Xiu¡¯s lips curled upward; as he smiled, he nted his head to the side. Xu Lan saw those subconscious actions and was somewhat amused. Li Xiu was older than Xiao Li by no more than a few years, yet he went about his job with an experience that could only be described as novel.


    Xu Lan nodded in agreement. ¡°Mm, I¡¯ll talk it over with Lao Hu. When the timees, we¡¯ll let the littledy deal with the reporting. But where shall we look for our bait?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll find it in Lanshan. Didn¡¯t you guys mention that Lanshan was ¨C¡± Li Xiu obscurely replied.


    Xu Lan stood up and patted Li Xiu on the shoulder, then smiled and asked, ¡°Haha, Officer Li, I wonder why the higher-ups were willing to throw you down to our ce?¡±


    ¡°...I came here on my own ord. The case interests me, so I took the initiative and offered myself. I wanted toe here and take a look myself,¡± replied Li Xiu after a brief pause.


    Xu Lan was stunned ¨C he never expected that such people still existed. He chuckled hard and said, ¡°Just call me Lao Xu or Xu Lan. No need to be so foreign with each other. Come on, let¡¯s head to room three-o-four.¡±


    Under those sses, Li Xiu¡¯s pupils expanded. Glee crept over his face and reached the outer corners of his eyes.


    ¡°Mm! Can I call you Brother Lan? You can just call me Xiao Xiu,¡± he remarked excitedly.


    ¡°Yes. You can call me whatever you want. Let¡¯s go,¡± Xu Lan candidly replied and headed straight to room three-zero-four.


    ¡°Brother Lan, wait up.¡± Holding in a smile, Li Xiu hastened his footsteps and caught up to Xu Lan.


    He always thought that the police station was filled with stubborn people who persist in their own views and refuse to acknowledge new ideas; the opportunity to meet such an able and straightforward person was wholly unexpected.


    ¡°Ah, Lao Xu, you¡¯re finally here. Xiao Li was just telling me how you and Li Xiu¡¯s thinking were very much identical. Do you regret not having met him earlier? There must be a lot of things for the both of you to talk about,¡± teased Hu Cheng as he saw the two smiling men enter.


    ¡°Haha, Lao Hu, I guess you could say that. It feels like we¡¯ve known each other for a long time.¡± A heartyugh escaped Xu Lan. He waited for Li Xiu toe over, and subsequently patted him on the shoulder.


    ¡°Good, but keep all that to yourself first. Come over here and watch the videos.¡± Seeing the two of them like that, Hu Cheng also smiled, but his stained teeth and wrinkled face made him look a bit older than usual.


    ¡°Mm, yes. We have to get down to business.¡± Xu Lan nodded and walked over to Hu Cheng¡¯s side. Sun Fei was concentrating on the video in the Honghe area and paid no attention to the activities happening around him.


    Xu Lan called for Wu Wendi as well. Even though Hu Cheng had been respectful toward her, there were still some things that needed to be exined properly.


    A few knocks came from the door.


    ¡°Pleasee in.¡± At that point, no one knew who could possibly havee to the room, so everyone turned their attention toward the door.


    ¡°Hello everyone! I¡¯m Xiao Xiu¡¯s personal doctor. I brought you all some milk tea! It¡¯s almost one in the morning, so I came to reward everyone,¡± said the burly fellow as he entered with hands full of milk tea.


    ¡°Lao Liu, did you not go home?¡± asked a surprised Li Xiu.


    The middle-aged fellow handed over the milk tea one by one and walked up to Hu Cheng.


    ¡°Director-General Hu, your line of work is not easy at all. It¡¯ste and you guys are still working overtime.¡±


    Lao Liu¡¯s hand fished out some Chunghwa <sup>1</sup> from his pants pocket. Xu Lan ¨C who craved for them ¨C looked at the cigarettes with dazed eyes.


    ¡°You see, Xiao Xiu¡¯s body isn¡¯t well. The doctor said he cannot go one night without sleep. So would it be alright if he were to call it a day here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Lao Liu. It¡¯s only one day...¡± Li Xiu anxiously tried to exin after Lao Liu finished his sentence. The paleness in Li Xiu¡¯s face seemed to have increased exponentially since the afternoon.


    ¡°Even if it¡¯s only one day, it won¡¯t be allowed!¡±


    With a firm attitude, Lao Liu immediately reprimanded Li Xiu; this was despite Lao Liu¡¯s somewhat deferential manner toward Hu Cheng. Rather than calling himself Li Xiu¡¯s personal doctor, Lao Liu should have said that he was a butler, the kind that took care of every aspect in Li Xiu¡¯s life.


    Hearing Lao Liu utter those words, Xu Lan looked at the time in astonishment and said, ¡°It¡¯s already one in the morning? Well...¡±


    He turned to Hu Cheng and waited for Hu Cheng¡¯s response.


    In that one night alone, time flew by rapidly. Unbeknownst to everyone, four to five hours¡¯ worth of time had passed. Not once did Bai Wu try to call again, and neither did he hitch a ride <sup>2</sup> to the station.


    He...


    ¡°We¡¯ll wrap it up here for today. It¡¯s veryte indeed. Go back and rest, everyone. We¡¯ll continue our struggles in the morning!¡± Hu Cheng eximed.


    ¡°Bless the heavens. And here I thought we¡¯d be pulling an all-nighter and staying overtime,¡± a young man that had barely just walked in happily remarked.


    ¡°Go home guys, go home. Hurry and go get some sleep.¡± Everyone stood up, rubbed their dry and heavy eyes, then left.


    ¡°Xiao Li, could you send me back?¡± Xu Lan called out to Li Fei as thetter was following everyone out.


    ¡°Ah? What¡¯s wrong Sergeant Xu? You were so strong-willed moments ago, yet now you can¡¯t wait a while longer?¡± Xiao Li stood there and responded, though he mulled it over before actually saying it.


    ¡°...¡±


    The shocking thing was that Xu Lan did not refute. Was it a tacit agreement, then?


    For heaven¡¯s sake! The boy had Xu Lan eating out of his hand!


    ¡°But Sergeant Xu, our ces are at opposite ends. How about I give you the car keys?¡± Xiao Li found himself in a tight situation. It would at least be better if Xu Lan had the keys, as opposed to taking a cab.


    ¡°Brother Lan, are you staying around Jinxin? It so happens that I¡¯m staying there too. Would you like a lift?¡± Li Xiu stopped walking, then turned back and asked.


    ¡°...well, I have you to thank, Xiao Xiu!¡± Xu Lan replied gratefully, but not before casting Xiao Li a nce.

 Chapter 33 - Kiss Me

    <h4>Chapter 33: Kiss Me</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Li Xiu!¡± Lao Liu ¨C who was trailing behind Li Xiu ¨C shouted. ¡°What if your condition acts up?¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t. It¡¯ll only be for a while.¡± Li Xiu gave his definitive answer to Lao Liu, with all due respect.


    ¡°If it¡¯s inconvenient, I¡¯ll just go back home by myself,¡± Xu Lan replied embarrassedly after noticing Lao Liu¡¯s apologetic nces at Li Xiu and a loathing look toward Xu Lan.


    Seeing that Xu Lan was about to walk away, Li Xiu immediately held him and said, ¡°No no, it won¡¯t. Follow us, Brother Lan.¡±


    In the end, Lao Liu had no choice but topromise and drive both of them home.


    Back at Xu Lan¡¯s ce, Bai Wu did not dare to sleep, so his only recourse was to watch television in the living room. Earlier on, the old-agedndlord found it hard to keep himself up, therefore he went to sleep in the next door room. There was only the sound of the television in the living room by now, in addition to Bai Wu¡¯s hushed sobbing.


    The boy could vaguely remember his own transformation from earlier in the day. Xu Lan would certainly not have been too happy with Bai Wu¡¯s real state, otherwise, the man would not have treated Bai Wu so coldly.


    Bai Wu sank deeper and deeper into sadness as he thought about it more. His tears flowed out like the steady unending stream of a clear spring. His eyesight became blurry, and he had no idea what was on the television. He could only see Xu Lan throwing him away.


    ¡°Bai Wu? Bai Wu?¡±


    ¡°Little buddy, aren¡¯t you home?¡± Frantic shouts came out of Xu Lan¡¯s mouth while the man banged against the door.


    As Xu Lan¡¯s voice reached Bai Wu¡¯s ears, the boy cried even more violently. He continuously wailed and shouted for Xu Lan not to discard him.


    ¡°Brother Lan, what¡¯s wrong? Isn¡¯t the child at home?¡± Li Xiu stopped looking at Lao Liu¡¯s hand and asked worriedly.


    When Bai Wu heard Li Xiu¡¯s voice, he immediately snapped out of it.


    ¡°...maybe he¡¯s asleep, never mind then. You guys should go home. Thank you,¡± Xu Lan paused and said. His sentences seemed to be an exnation, and an attempt tofort himself.


    ¡°I ¨C¡± There was something that Li Xiu wanted to say, but he was suddenly interrupted.


    ¡°Papa...¡±


    Standing at the entrance of thendlord¡¯s room, Bai Wu hugged a bolster and called out while choking in between sobs.


    Xu Lan caught a glimpse of the little boy¡¯s tearstained cheek and immediately felt rmed. The distressed man quickly walked over and embraced the boy.


    ¡°Mm?¡±


    ¡°Since the child¡¯s been found, let¡¯s go home, Xiao Xiu,¡± Lao Liu said as he nced at his watch.


    ¡°Ah, I thought Brother Lan would be inviting us in for a cup of tea, but the child¡¯s here, so we should get going.¡± Ignoring Lao Liu, Li Xiu smiled when he saw Xu Lan carry the boy and walk over.


    ¡°Thank you, Xiao Xiu, for sending me home. It¡¯s sote already and here I am troubling you, I¡¯m so sorry about that. I¡¯ll be sure to treat you both to a meal next time. Thanks again,¡± Xu Lan expressed.


    ¡°Little guy, do you still remember me? From this afternoon ¨C¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember you! I wanna sleep!¡± came Bai Wu¡¯s angry reply, cutting off Li Xiu¡¯s sentence. The boy then buried his head in Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so rude. Greet him,¡± Xu Lan lifted the boy up and said sternly. He was absolutely shocked at Bai Wu¡¯s attitude.


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu continued to bury his head deeper into the man¡¯s chest as if signifying that he could care less about Li Xiu.


    ¡°Never mind, the boy woke up on the wrong side of the bed. In that case, Brother Lan, we¡¯ll be off. See youter in the afternoon.¡± With a fleeting smile, Li Xiu followed Lao Liu down the stairs.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Xu Lan replied, ¡°see youter.¡±


    After Li Xiu had left, he opened the door and the boy continued crying. Xu Lan wanted to put him down and take a look at him, but he vehemently clung to the man, since he was unwilling to be seen in such a state.


    ¡°Why weren¡¯t you at home?¡± Hugging the boy was all that Xu Lan could do.


    ¡°Papa wasn¡¯t here and I was scared,¡± came the boy¡¯s muffled response.


    ¡°Ay, let go of me, I need to take a bath,¡± the beaten and helpless Xu Lan replied.


    It was only then did Bai Wu let go of Xu Lan. The boy looked up at Xu Lan¡¯s stubbly chin and eximed, ¡°I want to bathe too.¡±


    Of course, Bai Wu did not really want to take a bath. On the contrary, he simply did not want to part with Xu Lan. That sentence, however, gave Xu Lan a shock, and the man looked as though he was frozen stiff by the cold air outside.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not bathing. I¡¯ll take a quick one. If you suddenly transformed into the bathroom, I won¡¯t have any room to stand.¡±


    What Xu Lan said was the truth. The scene that urred earlier that afternoon yed in his mind. If he was not holding the boy at that time, he would have had nowhere to stand.


    ¡°...did I transform again? Did I look even more hideous than before?¡± Bai Wu lifted his head up to catch a rapid glimpse of Xu Lan, then instantly looked down again. He bit his lip tightly to prevent sobs from escaping his mouth.


    Xu Lan frowned and curiously asked, ¡°You don¡¯t remember anything from this afternoon?¡±


    With a dumbfounded look, Bai Wu wanted to enquire about the events that happened, but in his tearful state, he nervously shook his head.


    That whole night, Xu Lan had carried his heart on his shoulders. Finally, he could breathe a sigh of relief and silently utter ¡®Bless the merciful Buddha¡¯ in his heart. All throughout the night, he had no idea how to face the child! Of all things, his dirty brain had caused him to teach all kinds of lewd stuff to the boy.


    If he was in Bai Wu¡¯s shoes, the embarrassment would probably have killed him. What the hell was he thinking at the time? To think that he would ask the kid to do such a thing!


    Shame and uneasiness gued him throughout the night; he dreaded to imagine a scenario where he left the prim and proper kid with psychological trauma. As a result, when Bai Wu made the phone call, Xu Lanshed out frantically at the boy and hastily cut the call short.


    Relieved, Xu Lan¡¯s tone of voice rxed a bit more and he gently said, ¡°Never mind then. I¡¯ll be taking a bath first. You go ahead and sleep, I¡¯ll be quick.¡±


    Under the man¡¯s gaze, Bai Wu slowly climbed up the bed and crept into the nkets. A pair of eyes remained uncovered by the nket as the boy stared at Xu Lan.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll wait for Papa.¡±


    Xu Lan knowingly smiled. He began to realize, more so than before, that the kid¡¯s presence in the home was extremely heart-warming. He wished that the boy would grow up as slowly as possible so they could spend more time together.


    As he thought of all that, Xu Lan felt as though the case at hand was a heavy burden, resulting in him being unable to properly keep the boypany. Unbeknownst to him, those thoughts caused him to bathe a little faster.


    When he stepped out of the bathroom, Bai Wu was already asleep, and nothing out of the ordinary was present in the surroundings.


    Xu Lan sat on the bed and looked at the dreaming boy. With cheeks that were cute no matter how you looked at them, Xu Lan could not resist giving them a pinch.


    ¡°Hm? Papa¡¯s done bathing?¡± Bai Wu struggled to keep his eyes open.


    ¡°Mmhmm.¡±


    ¡°Mm ¨C here.¡±


    The boy hazily shifted into position and curled himself up into a ball. That way, he would fit just perfectly into Xu Lan¡¯s embrace. Looking at Bai Wu trying to fight back the sleepiness, as well as his clumsy movements, Xu Lan let out augh.


    ¡°Papa, don¡¯tugh. I want a kiss,¡± Bai Wu said meekly. Xu Lan¡¯sughter made the boy feel somewhat displeased.


    ¡°Okay, okay, okay. I won¡¯tugh. I want a kiss.¡± Xu Lan pulled the towel off his head and bent down to kiss Bai Wu on the forehead.


    ¡°Mm, I want another one.¡± The dazed boy opened his eyes and grasped Xu Lan.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s curled lips and slightly raised voice was a signal of his suspiciousness.


    ¡°The people on TV don¡¯t kiss like this, Papa.¡± Bai Wu said, with a voice containing hints of disappointment and longing.


    ¡°How do they kiss then?¡±


    There was no television in Xu Lan¡¯s home, and furthermore, the boy had always been happy when Xu Lan kissed him on the forehead. Why then, was the forehead kiss not enough now?


    ¡°First, you must close your eyes, Papa.¡± Bai Wu was suddenly in good spirits, and he immediately trampled over the nket and got up.


    ¡°Mm.¡± Xu Lan followed those instructions.


    If only he were a bit more up to the times instead of being so devoted to studying the case; if only he watched some television dramas, then he would know. He would realize that it was he himself who caused things to end up like that because it was he who indulged and pampered the child.


    Bai Wu stood right in front of Xu Lan¡¯s face and lightly pressed his lips against the man¡¯s.


    ¡°Papa, I love you.¡±


    The shock led Xu Lan to abruptly push Bai Wu away. With a flushed face, he embarrassedly asked, ¡°Who taught you that?!¡±


    ¡°Papa, I...I watched TV at the grandpa¡¯s ce. The people on the TV did that. They said that if I did this, you wouldn¡¯t be able to abandon me. I...¡± At first, Bai Wu¡¯s face was pale from the fright, but it soon turned red, and he continuously rubbed his palms.


    ¡°...don¡¯t watch so much TV next time! They teach all kinds of nonsense!¡±


    ¡°O-okay.¡± Bai Wu remained motionless and stared uneasily at Xu Lan.


    When Xu Lan stood up, he ¨C being a naturally well-built man ¨C towered over Bai Wu and caused the boy to tremble under his shadow.


    Sighing, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll ask Xiao Li to watch over you next time.¡± He unnervingly switched off the light andid back down on the bed.


    After some time had passed, Bai Wu slowly walked over and squeezed himself into Xu Lan¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Papa, don¡¯t be angry. I won¡¯t watch TV next time, I¡¯ll listen to Papa,¡± Bai Wu stated sweetly.


    ¡°Mm. You¡¯re a good boy if you listen to me. Let¡¯s sleep. Papa¡¯s tired.¡± As if a sleeping spell was cast over him, Xu Lan eyelids could not bear to open after his body hadid down.


    Sometimeter, Bai Wu bashfully asked, ¡°If it¡¯s not right, then why did they teach us that?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing right or wrong about it. When you¡¯re older you¡¯ll know. That is something that can only be done by two people who love each other.¡± Now it was Xu Lan who responded hazily.


    ¡°But I love Papa and Papa loves me. Why can¡¯t we do it? Does Papa actually hate me?¡± Within Xu Lan¡¯s embrace, the boy wept.


    ¡°...¡±


    Hearing no answer, Bai Wu asked again, ¡°Papa, do you hate me?¡±


    ¡°Hm? Of course, Papa loves you. Go to sleep precious one, it¡¯ste.¡± Xu Lan reached a point where his mind could not think at all. He responded only when Bai Wu shook him.


    ¡°Mm, good night Papa.¡±


    Seizing Xu Lan¡¯s muddled and deathly-tired state, Bai Wu kissed the man once more, but this time he did not dare to kiss Xu Lan on the lips; instead, he lightly gave Xu Lan¡¯s lower jaw a peck. Satisfied, he hugged Xu Lan and drifted to sleep.

 Chapter 34 - Did The Same Kind Appear?

    <h4>Chapter 34: Did The Same Kind Appear?</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Knocking was heard at the door.


    With no response, the knock came once more.


    ¡°Coming,ing!¡±


    In the early morning, Xu Lan was woken up by the someone knocking at his door, and as he opened it he was greeted by the anxious and angryndlord¡¯s stares!


    ¡± Xiao Xu <sup>1</sup> , did you see Bai Wu? I didn¡¯t see him when I woke up this morning, I looked everywhere and still no sign of him,¡± the oldndlord asked impatiently as he leaned on his walking stick.


    ¡°Ah, Bai Wu, when I came back I carried him back here. Thank you for taking care of him for mest night,¡± Xu Lan conveyed his thanks profusely and then invited thendlord over to have some tea.


    ¡°No thanks, it¡¯s too early to be inviting me over for tea. It¡¯s good that everything¡¯s alright. I was worried he ran off. If young boy such as himself became a target of nasty people, my conscience wouldn¡¯t be at peace.¡± The oldndlord feeble-mindedly declined Xu Lan¡¯s invitation.


    ¡°Yes, yes, everything¡¯s alright. Thanks for your concern and sorry for the inconvenience.¡±


    Xu Lan profusely expressed his gratitude. It was the first time that he met with thendlord, and he did not expect that the old grandpa would have such a dated mindset.


    ¡°Oh Xiao Xu, this isn¡¯t about you! How could you leave the boy alone at home while you went out? It was night time. Surely you must¡¯ve seen the news about the recent murders?¡± The old grandpa struck his walking stick firmly against the floor and said, ¡°What if something bad happened in the night and you regret having gone out? Look at how adorable the boy is, how could you have the heart to leave him alone at home?!¡±


    The more he spoke, the angrier he became. He was so angry he almost told Xu Lan to let him take care of the boy since he felt that Xu Lan was unfit to be a parent.


    ¡°Yes, yes. Thank you for your advice. I¡¯ll remember next time.¡± Although Xu Lan was embarrassed, he wanted tough. With a flurry of apologies, Xu Lan bowed, made a pledge and sent the old man off.


    Thendlord propped himself on his walking stick and walked down shakily. When he reached a corner, he stopped.


    ¡°You should bring him down to y sometimes. My grandson¡¯s the same age, but he¡¯s living with his father now...¡±


    That aged and somewhat hopeful voice thoroughly purged all remaining sleepiness from Xu Lan¡¯s brain.


    ¡°Yes! Definitely! When I¡¯m busy, I¡¯ll let him keep youpany,¡± Xu Lan answered determinedly.


    On one hand, Xu Lan thought of his own father. After Xu Lan ended up in Huaxia, he had no means tomunicate with his family. He did not know what his old man¡¯s reaction would be after knowing that he went missing. On the other, Xu Lan thought about himself in the future. If he was in hister years, would he have been like thendlord, hoping and expecting that his kid would once again return to him?


    Xu Lan threw his head back and rid himself of those jumbled up thoughts.


    ¡°Papa, who was it?¡± With the bolster from yesterday night, Bai Wu stood at the entrance of the bedroom door and asked.


    ¡°The grandpa. If I¡¯m not back home next time, you go ahead and y with him, okay...¡± Xu Lan said after walking over to the boy and squatting down.


    ¡°Brother Lan! Are you ready? I¡¯m here to fetch you to work,¡± came Li Xiu¡¯s gleeful voice from below. A few toots of the horn apanied his sentence.


    ¡°Li Xiu?¡± Bai Wu unknowingly imitated Xu Lan¡¯s penchant to squint whenever the man was jittery or thinking over things. It was as if that action could conceal the maliciousness in his eyes.


    ¡°Call him big brother.¡± The moment Xu Lan heard Bai Wu rudely calling out Li Xiu¡¯s name, he immediately stopped to correct the boy.


    Bai Wu had been hostile toward Li Xiu since the first time both of them met. Xu Lan had noticed this, but he never thought that it coulde to the point where Bai Wu would call Li Xiu by name.


    When Li Xiu received no response, he slowly walked up and was met with Bai Wu, who stood at the door to stop him.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± asked the apathetic Bai Wu.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to pick Brother Lan, your father, up. Where is he? Is he awake?¡± Li Xiu squatted down so his eyes were level with that of Bai Wu¡¯s, and those sharp eyes immediately pierced the boy¡¯s body.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to like me,¡± Li Xiu curiously remarked as he adjusted his sses.


    ¡°Why would I like you? I¡¯m warning you, stay away from my papa! Otherwise, God forbid, I might inadvertently kill you one of these days.¡± Bai Wu remarked fiercely while staring at Li Xiu¡¯s hypocritical smile.


    ¡°Oh, so your father likes you then?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s warning did not anger him; on the contrary, Li Xiu asked even more genially.


    ¡°Of course he likes me! Who then, if not me? You?¡± the boy eximed in disdain. He was perplexed as to why Li Xiu asked that question.


    ¡°So does your father like dragons then? You should know that everyone acknowledges your kind as being vicious, brutal, violent, and tyrannical. If ¨C¡±


    ¡°Enough! Shut up! How do you know about me?¡±


    Berating Li Xiu in a loud tone, Bai Wu trembled in anger. Fearplemented his anger. At that point in time, he was still young; Xu Lan could still ept him, but when he fully grows up and turns into a dragon...


    ¡°Hm, didn¡¯t you transform yesterday? Brother Lan saw you, didn¡¯t he? You¡¯re a brave one, aren¡¯t you? Of course, I know. I have my methods. Haha...¡±


    Having said that, Li Xiu let out a contentedughter, but it was absolutely ear-piercing for Bai Wu.


    ¡°ENOUGH! SHUT YOUR MOUTH!¡±


    ¡°BAI WU! What¡¯s wrong with you? I told you to call him big brother, apologize to him immediately!¡± The first thing Xu Lan saw when he walked out of the bathroom with a towel in hand was Bai Wu standing and shouting at the door.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, no big deal. Are you done, Brother Lan? I was thinking since you don¡¯t have a car and the station¡¯s pretty far from here, I decided toe here and fetch you. I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡± The brashness disyed in front of Bai Wu quickly turned to a meek bashfulness.


    The onlooking Bai Wu wanted to puke. That man was so good at acting he should have be an actor. The boy angrily stomped his feet.


    ¡°No, no. Thank you. Please wait for me. I¡¯ll quickly get ready. Bai Wu, let big brother in.¡± Xu Lan quickly poured a ss of water for Li Xiu and hurriedly went to change into his clothes.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you terribly tired?¡± Bai Wu asked repulsively.


    ¡°Hmm, as long as someone likes me, I wouldn¡¯t mind being tired. Wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± Li Xiu walked over and sat on the sofa. He held the ss of water and calmly observed Bai Wu¡¯s hatred toward him.


    ¡°Why should I? It¡¯s not like I can return now,¡± replied the boy, who walked to sit face to face with Li Xiu. Suddenly, Bai Wu¡¯s body emitted an imposing vigor. The startled Li Xiu choked on a mouthful of water.


    The smile on Li Xiu¡¯s face became warmer, but the golden sses flickered with a clear radiance. In the first ce, all he knew was that Bai Wu was a dragon. He did not expect that the boy was so powerful!


    ¡°But they¡¯re scared of your return,¡± he remarked. If he could just fish out a few more sentences, then maybe...


    ¡°Tch...¡±


    ¡°Come over here now. Wash your face and brush your teeth.¡± Xu Lan wanted to bring Bai Wu to the station today. If the boy stayed with thendlord again, who knows what he would see on television.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Bai Wu shot Li Xiu a nce and dly ran over to Xu Lan. The boy knew that Xu Lan was bringing him out.


    Hmph! He also did not want for Li Xiu and Xu Lan to be alone together.


    When Bai Wu went into the toilet, Xu Lan was in the process of shaving. With his foam-filled chin, the man resembled Santa us.


    ¡°Come on little buddy, brush your teeth.¡± As soon as Bai Wu entered, Xu Lan handed the toothpaste and toothbrush to the kid.


    ¡°Papa, why did Li...er...big brothere here to fetch you?¡± Bai Wu mumbled as he brushed his teeth. The white toothpaste foam spluttered everywhere.


    ¡°It¡¯s convenient for him I guess. Be quick. I¡¯m gonna bete.¡± Ignoring Bai Wu¡¯s curious eyes, Xu Lan urged the boy to hurry.


    ¡°Will he be fetching you all the time, Papa?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure. He might be leaving in a few days¡¯ time.¡± While saying that, Xu Lan took the toothbrush from Bai Wu¡¯s hands and gave him a towel to wipe his face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like him. I don¡¯t like it when Papa and the guy are together,¡± Bai Wu looked down and said.

 Chapter 35 - A New Discovery

    <h4>Chapter 35: A New Discovery</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    With a smack, Xu Lan grabbed the towel and flung it onto the sink, frightening Bai Wu so much that the boy¡¯s hair stood on end. Such things should have been rified to the man.


    ¡°Go and wear your clothes. We¡¯re almostte.¡± Xu Lan held in his temper.


    The boy dejectedly walked out. Upon seeing Li Xiu sitting with one leg crossed over the other, Bai Wu wanted to rush up to him and rip his face to pieces!


    Xu Lan felt that Bai Wu was at a suitable age to be sent to kindergarten. There, he could be exposed to systematic education. By that time the boy would know what can or cannot be said or done. However, because of Bai Wu¡¯s condition, Xu Lan was afraid to enroll him in one. More likely than not, the child would simply disappear if he identally fell asleep. That was the reason Xu Lan had yet to send him to kindergarten.


    ¡°From today onward, the case is entering the final stage of the countdown, so I hope everyone keeps up their energy and stays alert. Don¡¯t let a single detail slip by you!¡± Hu Cheng, who sat at the main seat in the conference room, issued the order after seeing that the officers were in low spirits.


    ¡°Understood!¡±


    ¡°We will designate this room as a temporary ce for us to handle all issues. If anyone has any clues, promptly make sure that you mention them!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Very well, we¡¯ll now be cross-watching each video. Remember! Don¡¯t let the smallest detail escape you! We must bring that deranged murderer to justice!¡± Hu Cheng firmly eximed.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    When everyone had left, Xu Lan and Li Xiu went up to Hu Cheng together and told him everything that they had discussed the previous night.


    ¡°The probability of sess is low.¡± Hu Cheng took a puff, turned toward Xu Lan, and continued. ¡°First of all, the media¡¯s a hurdle. Why would they be so willing to help us report about it? Second, it¡¯s toote to be finding such a woman. Our manpower would be severely diminished. Then there is the issue of whether it will actually seed.¡±


    With the simplest of analysis, Hu Cheng vetoed the proposal.


    ¡°Director-General, if you can put your trust in me, you can leave the reporting to me. I have the necessary connections and I can call them over!¡± Since Wu Wendi was in Xu Lan¡¯s team, she did not leave ¨C she sat there quietly and listened.


    ¡°This...¡±


    ¡°Even though I resigned from the newspaperpany, I still have a good friend there. I can ask for her help. As for that other thing, if...and I mean IF, safety can be guaranteed, then I am willing to offer myself as bait!¡±


    Wu Wendi said everything with conviction, but after finishing her words, she felt a bit timid and had her eyes fixated on Xu Lan.


    ¡°...I need to think about it. After all, there are many factors that need to be considered,¡± Hu Cheng muttered while he smoked.


    ¡°Alright then, we¡¯ll be going,¡± came Li Xiu¡¯s timely remark. He exchanged a few nces with the two and walked out.


    ¡°Whoa, Miss Wu, I didn¡¯t expect you to be so courageous. I failed to see your talents before today! No offense though,¡± Zhu Jing said as he patted Wu Wendi on the shoulder andughed.


    ¡°I...I was merely saying what I was thinking just now. I didn¡¯t consider the consequences. Now that I think about it, I¡¯m a bit scared. I have no idea where all that courage came from,¡± said the embarrassed Wu Wendi, who had lowered her head.


    ¡°No worries, you did great. Let¡¯s go and watch those tapes,¡± Xu Lan said emphatically.


    He wondered how Bai Wu and Xiao Li were getting by. At that moment, he kinda misses the boy.


    ¡°Ay, Lao Xu, can youe here for a moment? I think I found something new,¡± Sun Fei called out ss Xu Lan was preparing to leave.


    ¡°You found a lead?¡± The astonished Li Xiu walked over to Sun Fei, stared at the screen, and waited for a follow-up. He looked to be extremely industrious in researching the case.

 Chapter 36 - In Retrospect

    <h4>Chapter 36: In Retrospect</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Come over and look at this,¡± Sun Fei paused the video, and the screen was focused on an elegant woman. She had an alluring demeanor and feminine grace.


    ¡°Uhm,¡± Xu Lan looked at the screen intently. Images of the woman started shing across the screen when Sun Fei fast-forwarded the video.


    ¡°This woman made an appearance at Lanshan area before,¡± he said.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s her! This woman always appears around Jingxin area as well. She made a deep impression because she¡¯s always around and her looks are eye-catching. I thought she was one of the tenants there,¡± Zhu Jing eximed in astonishment and turned around.


    ¡°This means that she appeared in all three areas. Let¡¯s check if the timing of her appearance coincides with when the crime wasmitted. Zhu Jing, go and look up information on her together with Xiao Xu. All of them,¡± Xu Lan frowned and said.


    This case was knottier than he expected.


    ¡°In this case, the criminal suspect is a female? Does this mean that all of our previous deductions will be disregarded?¡± Despite having found a new lead, Sun Fei had an uneasy look on his face. They had to forgo all of their previous verdict at this critical juncture, which meant that all deductions made before this were to no avail.


    ¡°No, the criminal suspect is not a female. In fact, this is an organized crime,¡± Xu Lan concluded.


    In their previous encounter, the killer was just a stone¡¯s throw away from him. From what he gathered, with the skill and voice he had, as well as the reaction from the victim, the killer should be a charming male.


    ¡°An organized crime! This will be moreplex as they are very well-nned and highly coordinated. If this was done by an organized crime group, we will not be able to get custody even if we caught one of them,¡± Li Xiu voiced out his own queries aptly, speaking for everyone else who was present.


    ¡°Indeed, which is why our tasks would be more arduous from now onwards,¡± Xu Lan pinched the skin between his eyebrows. He intended to go out for a smoke to clear his mind, but when he reached into his pocket, he had no other choice but to smile wryly.


    ¡°Lao Hu, do you want toe over to see this?¡± Xu Lan looked at Hu Cheng and asked, ¡°Have you made up your mind?¡±


    Time waits for no man, the opportunity was now or never. Especially with the criticality of the current situation.


    ¡°Yes, you can go ahead with it. I will bear the responsibility should there be any problems,¡± Hu Cheng finally chose topromise after thorough consideration.


    ¡°Great! Miss Wu, can you call that reporter from the press toe over right now? We need him to release this information to put some pressure on those criminal suspects and to prove that we are not empty-handed. I¡¯ll leave the copywriting to you if you don¡¯t mind,¡± Xu Lan called over to Wu Wendi immediately.


    ¡°Okay, I will call her at once,¡± Wu Wendi answered with an overwhelming feeling of ttery. She did not expect her proposition to be adopted.


    ¡°Sun Fei, you¡¯ll be in charge of the video, look out for any new clues. I am going to Jingxinyuan. I¡¯ve always felt that there is something that we missed, something really important,¡± Xu Lan told Sun Fei while he retrieved his topcoat from the rack.


    ¡°Okay, go ahead. I¡¯ll need Xiao Li¡¯s help since you already sent Xiao Xu away. I could use an extra pair of hands,¡± Sun Fei answered.


    ¡°Sure, I¡¯m leaving,¡± Xu Lanughed while he shook his head. Section Chief Sun never let others take advantage of him.


    ¡°Hey Brother Lan, I want toe along too,¡± Li Xiu requested on his own ord as he noticed Xu Lan was almost leaving but did not seem to have intentions of inviting him.


    ¡°Well...¡± If he left Xiao Li here, Bai Wu would definitely want toe with him. The little guy even told him he disliked Li Xiu this morning.


    ¡®Forget it, I will exin to himter¡¯ he thought.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go together.¡± With Li Xiu around, they might discover clues that they had not uncovered before. His capabilities should not be underestimated.


    As expected, Bai Wu was like an angry cat with raised hackles when he saw Li Xiu. He was ready to rush forward and w him with his sharp teeth but he was stopped just in time by Xu Lan.


    The three of them drove in one car and arrived at Jingxinyuan. This was the first time Xu Lan set foot on thispound in this dimension.


    Not only did he hear a real-life Shunga here, but he also witnessed a murder scene. However, such testimony was useless. Sometimes, shbacks of this event made Xu Lan hate himself for letting the killer get off scot-free even though he was so close to him.


    This ce was in the same condition as they left it ¨C a disorganized, hopeless mess. The victim¡¯s body was sent to the police station and the blood stains on the floor were washed clean. There was only a chalk outline of the body drawn with spray paint.


    Xu Lan held Bai Wu¡¯s hand and walked over to sit down beside the chaise lounge. He then took the child into his arms.


    ¡°Xiao Xiu, can you y a clip of the video with this?¡± Xu Lan took out his mobile phone and passed it to him.


    There has to be something that he overlooked. He wanted to reenact the crime scene, hoping to find any slip-ups from the killer.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Li Xiu took the mobile phone and walked into the bedroom.


    Suddenly, loud moans permeated through the door into Xu Lan and Bai Wu¡¯s ears. Xu Lan was startled and covered the child¡¯s ears immediately.


    ¡°Hold on, y it only when I tell you to,¡± Xu Lan said awkwardly.


    Li Xiu was just as surprised by the video. He fumbled with the mobile phone between his hands and it slipped out of his hands, dropping onto the floor with a thump.


    ¡°Yes, alright!¡± Li Xiu picked the phone up with a bright-red face. The person in the video was his type, prudent and matured, morous yet aloof.


    Recalling the situation that night, Xu Lan felt a heavy weight upon him.


    He carried the child and hid behind the chair hurriedly. All kinds of noises were heard from the hallway. There were sounds of fabric ripping, thumping of knocks against the closet doors, squelching, panting and stilettos dropping onto the floor.


    Then, both of them stumbled into the bedroom.


    ¡°Okay, you can y the video now,¡± Xu Lan informed him with his eyes shut. This time he was prepared by covering Bai Wu¡¯s ears beforehand.


    ¡®Should not have brought him along, it¡¯s not very convenient,¡¯ Xu Lan thought to himself.

 Chapter 37 - A Dragon’s Warning

    <h4>Chapter 37: A Dragon¡¯s Warning</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Wait! Bai Wu, can you go to the door and wait for me? Papa will be there in a while,¡± Xu Lan stopped Li Xiu abruptly when he was about to y the video and lowered his head to ask Bai Wu with a lowered tone.


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu kept his head down, yed with his fingers and remained silent. It was obvious that he was unwilling to leave. He did not want Papa to be alone with Li Xiu! He already told Papa in the morning.


    ¡°Behave, dear. I don¡¯t have a choice as I¡¯m here to solve the case,¡± Xu Lan said while he pinched his soft cheeks and grazed his nose.


    ¡°...Papa, I want kisses,¡± Bai Wu said dejectedly with a pout. This also meant that he agreed topromise.


    Xu Lan kissed his forehead briefly and carried him outside. At the same time, Li Xiu pushed open the door because he did not understand why Xu Lan stopped him.


    ¡°Papa, you need to give affectionate kisses!¡± Bai Wu pouted his lips and coquetted with Xu Lan. He looked at Li Xiu provokingly when Xu Lan was not paying attention.


    ¡°...¡±


    Xu Lan pecked Bai Wu quickly and gently like a dragonfly skimming on a water surface. He then put him outside of the door swiftly and turned around to see a puzzled Li Xiu looking at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s all the fault of television drama series, should ban him from watching television,¡± he said awkwardly.


    ¡°Brother Lan, you spoil him too much,¡± Li Xiu pointed out bluntly, making Xu Lan a little embarrassed.


    ¡°Yes, I can¡¯t help but be nice to him. Looks like I have to restrain myself in the future,¡± Xu Lan answeredughingly, his forced smile made Li Xiu feel pity for him.


    How could he not like him as much? He was the first one who was willing to stay beside and depend on him. He made him feel like he could be the father that he had always imagined being.


    How Xu Lan wished that he could give him the world. However, he was only an employee, there was no way that he would be able to do that. The least he could do is give him all of his love and pamper him.


    ¡°Sorry about that, let¡¯s start from the beginning,¡±


    Xu Lan recollected his emotions promptly and became the dependable Sergeant Xu again, a mature and capable man.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Li Xiu answered gently and walked back to the bedroom.


    That night, Xu Lan and Bai Wu stayed in this living room and waited for the sounds from the room to die down. It seemed that the man came out to take something. What was it? At that moment, he thought that he took a sex toy, but obviously, that was not it. That should be the scalpel!


    There should not be any evidence left when the crime wasmitted. The only time where there could be evidence was when the man rushed out after hearing the noise.


    The killer was very skillful. The first reaction when he ran out after hearing the noise was to pick up the clothes on the sofa and threw it on Xu Lan¡¯s head to prevent from exposing his identity. The only thing Xu Lan saw was the scalpel in his hand.


    Then, at the moment...


    Xu Lan¡¯s eyes sprung open and he jumped from the floor. He stood up and walked into the bedroom. The sudden movement shocked Li Xiu.


    ¡°Come, turn on the video recorder,¡± Xu Lan walked towards the bedside at a rapid pace and said.


    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s on,¡± Li Xiu did ordingly.


    ¡°This is 23rd of January, the third day since the Jingxinyuan case. Xu Lan and Li Xiu went back to the crime scene, conducting reconnaissance.¡±


    Xu Lan said a few words to the camera lens and stopped talking. He carefully inspected the nket, pillows and the Simmons mattress quietly.


    ¡°Ah! Brother Lan, this... this!¡± The scene under the bed gave Li Xiu a shock, where he covered his mouth and was lost for words.


    Xu Lan looked at the thing under the bed and finally smile with satisfaction. He knew that Jingxinyuan would be the important breakthrough of this whole case! The truth was also concordant to his predictions, the killer did not notice this particr detail.


    ¡°Call Sun Fei over immediately. Wait, forget it, I¡¯ll make the call, you don¡¯t have his mobile number. Xiao Xiu, can you please bring Bai Wu over,¡± Xu Lan let out a long sigh of relief, sat down beside the bed and saidughingly.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Li Xiu¡¯s temple pulsated. He opened the door and saw Bai Wu merrily greeting the passersby along the corridor.


    This little guy had a way of making people around him fond of him. He could mask himself very well, but since he first saw Li Xiu, he never once tried to please him.


    Bai Wu rolled his eyes to a smiling Li Xiu and said, ¡°Don¡¯t look at me with that disgusted face!¡±


    ¡°Haha, Brother Lan told me to call you in.¡±


    The truth was Li Xiu always wanted to get along with Bai Wu. He could probably cure his illness, but Bai Wu did not give him any chance.


    ¡°Humph! I warn you, don¡¯t you dare y any tricks. I would turn a blind eye for some of the things that happened. If you make me angry, I would even be willing to sacrifice my reputation so I won¡¯t have to tolerate it!¡±


    Seeing that there was no one around, Bai Wu shed his tail with a bang and gently patted Li Xiu¡¯s face with it as a warning sign. Li Xiu was not prepared for this and he was shocked by this unexpected transformation. He was so shocked that he copsed onto the floor as both of his legs went weak, while his whole body shivered in fear.


    ¡°Tsk, I take that you haven¡¯t seen a real dragon? If you don¡¯t want to experience it, stop your little schemes!¡± Bai Wu warned him sincerely.


    ¡°Why are you noting in yet?¡± Xu Lan shouted out from the bedroom, worrying that Bai Wu would bite out of anger.


    ¡°Coming!¡± Bai Wu answered happily.


    The true form of a dragon had a stunning effect, the great pressure prevented Li Xiu from standing up. This was also the reason why humans who knew about the presence of dragons fear them and disseminate how evil and ruthless they were.


    ¡°Right, I¡¯m a little thirsty. Go and buy two bottles of water,¡± Bai Wu kicked the person on the floor disgustedly while he strode over him and ordered.


    Then, he rushed into Xu Lan¡¯s arms coquettishly like a bird returning to its nest. The contrast between the two versions was so repulsive that it could give someone chills.


    ¡°Little one, where¡¯s Li Xiu?¡± Xu Lan asked when he did not see Li Xiue in after waiting for some time. Normally, this child would only give a few bites or scratches, he would not do anything too extreme. Therefore, he was quite surprised that Li Xiu did not follow him in.


    ¡°Oh, he said he was thirsty and went out to buy water. How¡¯s it going, Papa? Any new discoveries?¡± Bai Wu asked him with bright eyes.


    ¡°Uhm...¡± Xu Lan was shocked but pleasantly surprised.


    ¡°Little guy, do you like Papa¡¯s job?¡± There was a sense of joy in Xu Lan¡¯s tone when he crouched down and asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it,¡± Bai Wu shut off whatever inkling that was sprouting in Xu Lan¡¯s mind without hesitation.


    ¡°I only like Papa,¡± Bai Wu was able to reach Xu Lan when he was in a crouching position. He threw himself over to hug his neck and said.


    ¡°Oh, you!¡± heughed with a sigh full of love and helplessness.


    ¡°Our indomitable Sergeant Xu is getting more and more tender,¡± Sun Fei said following some awkward fake coughs with his team stopped at the door.


    ¡°Haha, you¡¯ll understand when you have children. You¡¯d wish that you could pin him onto your belt,¡± Xu Lan said confidently without releasing Bai Wu.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking for a beating with these words! I thought you had a new lead, bring me to see it quickly. My eyes are going blind watching those surveince footages,¡± Sun Fei challenged jokingly.


    ¡°Uhm,e over and look at this,¡± although his voice was lowered, there was a hint of excitement in it when Xu Lan asked Sun Fei toe over to stand beside the bed.


    ¡°Wow, Lao Xu, how did you discover this! It¡¯s great!¡±


    Sun Fei called his men over immediately. They wore gloves and took out forceps before entering the bedframe to retrieve a cell phone and a shining brooch and ced them into sealed bags.

 Chapter 38 - A Car Accident

    <h4>Chapter 38: A Car ident</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°How did you think of lifting her bed board?¡± The murder victim had both hands cuffed together, how would she be able to leave any evidence? Moreover, the killer definitely would not have given her time to do so.


    ¡°I saw scratch marks when I lifted the pillow,¡± Xu Lan took out a magnifying ss to pass to Sun Fei and pointed at the position of the scratch marks calmly.


    Sun Fei took the magnifying ss and saw fingernail scratch marks on the bed board.


    ...


    It was not well-defined, but enough to be recognized as a hint. Immediately, Sun Fei drew it onto the notebook that he always carried around. Then, he stood up and patted Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°You did well. Hey, where¡¯s Officer Li?¡± he asked, realizing that he did not see Li Xiu after entering the ce for quite some time.


    ¡°He went out to buy water. I¡¯ll give him a call,¡± mentioned Xu Lan.


    ¡°Uhm, are there any more discoveries? Your tone over the phone was so promising that I thought we¡¯ve found the killer. I even brought the whole team,¡± Sun Fei asked while trying to force a smile.


    Xu Lan looked at the six or seven men that entered the house and cursed softly, ¡°Serves you right.¡±


    ¡°I heard that.¡±


    ¡°Well, it was meant for you!¡± Xu Lan was furious. He brought the whole team out at this point, how silly could he be?


    ¡°Haha, we¡¯ll leave if there¡¯s nothing else,¡± Sun Feiughed out loud and pped Xu Lan¡¯s back.


    ¡°Pfft, have you eaten a Hercules pill?¡± Xu Lan grumbled in between coughs while he smacked off Sun Fei¡¯s hand with annoyance and walked out of the door. He walked towards the picture windows and said, ¡°Try searching the curtains and sofa, there might be fingerprints.¡±


    ¡°But we found nothing during ourst visit,¡± Sun Fei asked in bewilderment.


    ¡°The curtains have yet to be inspected.¡± During thest visit, Xu Lan thought he could leave the curtains out, but they were not able to find the killer¡¯s fingerprints anywhere else. He could not be so arrogant about his own assumptions anymore.


    ¡°Okay, I will check again,¡± said Sun Fei.


    ¡®Beep beep, beep beep beep, beep beep beep beep...¡¯


    ¡°Hello?¡± Xu Lan took out his cell phone and answered the call.


    ¡°Hello, Brother Lan, I¡¯m Xiao Xiu.¡± The other end of the call was very noisy. Xu Lan frowned and thought, ¡®Why would he go such a distant ce to buy water?¡¯


    ¡°Uhm, Xiao Xiu. What happened?¡±


    ¡°The thing is, Brother Lan, something happened when I went to buy water. I will have to request for a few days off,¡± Li Xiu said calmly.


    ¡°What? What happened?¡± Xu Lan asked, puzzled.


    ¡°No, no big deal. I bumped into a three-wheeler, that¡¯s why I called you, Brother Lan...¡±


    ¡°You got hit by a car! Where? Is it serious? Has the ambnce arrived yet? Don¡¯t move, it¡¯ll prevent you from secondary injuries. Wait for the paramedics. Send me your location, I¡¯lle over immediately,¡± Xu Lan bombarded him with questions to rify the situation and waited for Li Xiu¡¯s message.


    ¡°Li Xiu had an ident?¡± Sun Fei asked with doubt. Although he was quite capable, he seemed to get caught in trouble frequently.


    ¡°Uhm, you settle the things here first. I¡¯ll go look for him in a while.¡±


    Xu Lan led Bai Wu out. He had to return and inform Hu Cheng to ease his mind at the very least.


    ¡°Okay, you go ahead. I¡¯ll call you if there¡¯re any problems,¡± Sun Fei said hurriedly.


    ¡°Uhm.¡± Xu Lan nodded and drove off in the police car. He did not see Li Xiu along the way back. He was probably taken by the ambnce.


    Xu Lan drove back to the police station hastily and walked towards the office.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, you¡¯re back.¡± It was Xiao Zhang¡¯s shift again today. He jumped out of his chair and stood up after seeing Xu Lan walk in with such a cool demeanor.


    ¡°What? What happened?¡± Xu Lan was startled by Xiao Zhang¡¯s reaction, so he stopped and asked.


    ¡°No, nothing,¡± Xiao Zhang mumbled.


    ¡°Papa, you¡¯re too fierce. He¡¯s afraid of you,¡± Bai Wu said with an angel-like grin.


    ¡°Am I that fierce? You can sit down, I came here to look for the director,¡± Xu Lan peered at Xiao Zhang and asked perplexedly. His voice was quiet as if he was speaking to himself.


    Only after Xu Lan and Bai Wu walked passed him did Xiao Zhang remember that this little guy was the one who called in yesterday night. He tried to file a case without even changing his voice! How dare he embarrass him in front of everybody!


    ¡®Humph! This little guy is too wicked! I¡¯ll have to interrogate him thoroughly next time to make up for my hurt feelings!¡¯ Xiao Zhang thought angrily.


    This little guy was like an angel at times, but he could also be a devil in some instances. For Xu Lan and Zhu Jing, they wished to be with him all day. However, for some of them, it was the beginning of a nightmare.

 Chapter 39 - Girlfriend

    <h4>Chapter 39: Girlfriend</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°This is the new lead from this morning. Oh right, how¡¯s the news going?¡±


    Xu Lan found out privately that the press and police force were managed by two different management systems. No wonder things progressed in this way.


    ¡°Already told Lady Wu to follow up. I still can¡¯t ept that Lady Wu was put in harm¡¯s way. The risk is just too high and we cannot afford to take it,¡± Hu Cheng said while he knocked the tobo ash in his pipe.


    ¡°Uhm, let¡¯s just search in the Lanshan area. This is better, we don¡¯t even have to provide the background,¡± Xu Lan agreed.


    ¡°Uhm, what actually happened to Li Xiu? He already had an illness, if something happened to him under our watch, it¡¯ll be a handful even if we are able to solve this case,¡± Hu Cheng asked worriedly.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know yet for the time being. I¡¯ll head over in a while. If he¡¯s not well, let him recuperate. He should be fine since he was able to call me,¡± Xu Lan answered after giving it some thought.


    ¡°Good, it¡¯s true that motivation can be sparked under pressure. I didn¡¯t expect to have a new lead. Hopefully, we can catch the killer sessfully this time,¡± Hu Cheng smoked a mouthful and spoke his mind.


    ¡°We will...¡± Xu Lan shook his head andforted him.


    It would be too early to conclude as no one knows what would be the final oue. Xu Lan exited Hu Cheng¡¯s office with a heavy heart. Coincidentally, he met Wu Wendi and her friend walking over.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, let me introduce you to my friend, Shen Xiang. This is Xu Lan from the police force, also known as Sergeant Xu,¡± Wu Wendi pulled Shen Xiang towards Xu Lan and introduced them.


    ¡°Hi, just call me Lao Xu,¡± Xu Lan extended his right hand with a smile.


    ¡°Oh, hi. I¡¯m Shen Xiang.¡± Shen Xiang was mesmerized by Xu Lan¡¯s smile. He had such a warm smile despite his tough exterior. Wu Wendi had to tap on Shen Xiang¡¯s back for her toe back to her senses.


    ¡°Sorry for troubling you guys with such a huge issue,¡± Xu Lan thanked Shen Xiang politely.


    ¡°No, not at all. We misunderstood the people in the police force in the past. I did not believe it when Wendi told me. It has been difficult on you guys to catch the killer. We owe you all an apology. Hopefully, we can get along harmoniously in the future.¡±


    Shen Xiang was far more experienced than Wu Wendi. She casually brushed away her embarrassment and went straight into work mode.


    ¡°I hope we can get along too. How was the news from this morning?¡± Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°Already released. The reception of the news from the citizens was very strong. It could be that this is the first time they are actively involved in the case. Many of them called enthusiastically and left messages to cheer and motivate everyone,¡± Wu Wendi took out her cell phone and showed Xu Lan the messages sent by them.


    ¡°Uhm, the reception was quite good. We may even utilize the strength of the public to help to find the killer. The people¡¯s eyes are sharp,¡± Xu Lan looked at thements and said to Wu Wendi with the corner of his mouth curved upwards.


    ¡°Uhm, Sun Fei will bring more interesting clues back in a while. You guys need to disy it presentably to everyone,¡± said Xu Lan.


    ¡°What kind of new clues? Can Sergeant Xu reveal them first?¡± Shen Xiang asked out of curiosity.


    ¡°You will know in a while.¡±¡®This bomb would leave the killer unsettled!¡¯ The corner of Xu Lan¡¯s mouth curved up with slight sinisterness when he thought of this.


    ¡°Xiao Xiang, Xiao Xiang, stop looking. Sergeant Xu has long gone!¡± Wu Wendi reminded her and passed her some tissues. She found Shen Xiang¡¯s behavior amusing.


    It was hard not to be moved by such a mature, charming and considerate man. Nevertheless, Wu Wendi only treated him as a reliable and trusted man.


    ¡°Wendi, Wendi, have you seen his smile? Oh my, my whole heart went weak. How can such a man exist?¡± Shen Xiang told Wu Wendi excitedly.


    ¡°I am not blind, wasn¡¯t that just a normal smile?¡± Wu Wendi could not help but roll her eyes.


    Wendi does not know when her girlfriend started to take interest in the old man schtick. Since then, her expectations were so high that she had not had a partner since college. In short, Wu Wendi concluded the people that she met was too limited!


    ¡°Does he have a girlfriend? If he doesn¡¯t I would go after him. This could also improve the rtionship between the press and the police, how nice!¡± Shen Xiang said eagerly.


    ¡°My dear chief editor, he already has a three or four-year-old child, what do you think?¡± Wu Wendi mentioned Bai Wu intentionally so that she could watch Shen Xiang cupping her own face and scream in silence as if she had nothing to live for.


    ¡°Really? I knew it, how could such a quality guy be single? Yet I am still so sad. What should I do? This is not allowed! Wendi, you need to apany me for a drink tonight tofort my hurt soul!¡±


    Shen Xiang pursed her lips and gave a grieve-stricken look while she dragged Wu Wendi along.


    ¡°What, drinking leads to drunken mistakes! I¡¯m telling you, don¡¯t you hit on me. Your crush may be married but mine isn¡¯t!¡± Wu Wendi said dismissively while pretending to be afraid of Shen Xiang.


    ¡°Haha, I have no interest in you. Your body is like a steel te ¨C t on the front and back. You can¡¯t incite my sexual desire! Haha!¡± Shen Xiang teased back and leftughing.


    ¡°You!¡± Wu Wendi could not speak and stomped in anger.


    ¡°Hmm? Miss Wu, were youughing just now? Can you please quiet down? We are watching the surveince footages inside,¡± Xiao Li said apologetically when came out and saw Wu Wendi in a high ponytail.


    Wu Wendi¡¯s face was flushed red. She turned and left abruptly.


    ¡°Huh? Did I speak wrongly again?¡± he pinched his nose and mumbled. Her reaction made Li Fei confused, it was as if he had to touch the head of a ten-feet monk ¡ª no one could reach it.


    ¡°Brother Xiao Li, why Papa is not back yet after so long? Where did Papa go?¡± Bai Wu popped his head out of the room and asked.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu went to the hospital. He¡¯ll be back in a while. You can y with us first,¡± Xiao Li turned to Bai Wu andforted him when he heard him calling.


    It might have been Xiao Li¡¯s delusion, but he seemed to notice a gleam of light shed past Bai Wu¡¯s eyes and immediately restored back to the normal calmness.


    ¡°Is Officer Li in the hospital? I want to go visit him too. Brother Xiao Li, can you bring me there?¡± Bai Wu looked at Xiao Li innocently and smiled, holding his hand and rocking gently from side to side.


    ¡°But I can¡¯t leave,¡± Xiao Li said awkwardly, knowing that he would be scolded by Sergeant Xu when he returned.


    ¡°No worries, there are so many people here, nothing will happen. Officer Li is hurt, we should use our connections. It¡¯ll be fine to visit for a while,¡± Bai Wu continued to plead.


    If only Xiao Li knew the rtion between Bai Wu and Li Xiu, or if he used his brain for a little, he would know that such words could not havee out of a child.


    With that, Bai Wu happily followed Xiao Li to the hospital.

 Chapter 40 - Complimenting the Child

    <h4>Chapter 40: Complimenting the Child</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Why are you so clumsy? What happened to the person who collided into you? Where did he go?¡± Xu Lan asked as he peeled the fruits.


    ¡°He got away.¡±


    ¡°Got away? He probably thought that you are an easy target! I, you...!¡± Xu Lan stood up immediately and paced around as an attempt to calm himself down.


    ¡°In my defense, I wasn¡¯t paying attention. The person got away immediately after hitting me and I gave up on trying to catch him,¡± exined Li Xiu.


    ¡°Have some fruits!¡± Xu Lan looked at Li Xiu endearingly and concluded that Li Xiu was a gentle person. Li Xiu must be rich, to think that he chose to stay in a single room!


    ¡°The doctor said these are just bruises and they¡¯re nothing serious. You just need to rest for a couple of days,¡± exined Xu Lan.


    ¡°Mmhmm, thank you, Brother Lan,¡± Li Xiu replied with a smile. Meanwhile, Xu Lan raised his brow and made his way out.


    When he looked at Li Xiu earlier, he felt as though he was looking at a benevolent living embodiment of God. Inparison, he was a mere petty human. He was embarrassed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll head back to the police station after paying for the medical fees. Just try and have a good rest.¡± Xu Lan left after offering his weak excuse.


    ¡°Brother Lan...¡±


    ¡°Papa...¡± Both of them spoke at the same time from both sides of the door, giving Xu Lan a shock. He was surprised by Bai Wu¡¯s sudden appearance.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, I heard that Officer Li met a car ident. This little guy insisted that we should visit,¡± Xiao Li cheerfully exined as he rearranged the flowers he brought into the vase and the fruits onto the table.


    Xu Lan¡¯s temple throbbed as he wondered what the little guy was up to. Earlier this morning, he was justining how much he hated Li Xiu. To think that he reached out to Xiao Li and orchestrated the visitation!


    ¡°Papa, didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯re going to make payment? Why are you still here? Uncle Sun is waiting for you in the police station,¡± urged Bai Wu.


    ¡°Alright. Xiao Li, please look after him while I head up and make payment,¡± instructed Xu Lan.


    ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Xiao Li replied casually as he spected.


    ¡®Section Chief Sun wasn¡¯t in when they left. If that¡¯s the case, what¡¯s the little guy up to? Didn¡¯t hee for Sergeant Xu? If so, why is he so detached?¡¯


    ¡°Comrade Li Fei, could you please get the doctor for me? My legs are hurting,¡± requested Li Xiu. Despite the fact that he was smiling, Li Xiu seemed to be in pain.


    ¡°Got it, I¡¯ll get the doctor now.¡± Xiao Li made a dash for the doctor after seeing how ufortable Li Xiu was.


    ¡°Ah, there are more good people than bad in this world after all.¡± Bai Wu locked the door and walked toward Li Xiu.


    ¡°Look at what you¡¯ve done to yourself, how stupid is that? Didn¡¯t I warn you not to try anything funny? Why did you call Papa?¡± Bai Wu chuckled.


    As Bai Wu spoke, he reached for Li Xiu¡¯s nket. His hands were covered with silverish white scales that seemed to be strong as steel.


    ¡°Did you think I was bluffing? Hmm?¡±


    Bai Wu asked as he threw a punch at Li Xiu. His fist grazed Li Xiu¡¯s ear andnded onto the bed. Upon impact, the bed gave way and copsed with a loud thud, dragging Li Xiu onto the ground.


    Li Xiu was terrified. Though, he tried to keep a smile on his face.


    ¡°Pft, what a disgusting face you have! You¡¯re as disgusting as Qiaoyi!¡± Bai Wu retracted his hand and gave it a light blow, as though he was trying to clean his hand of the dust.


    ¡°You won¡¯t actually hit me, would you? Surely your father will be angry, am I right?¡± Li Xiu said after he calmed himself down.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯m right then? Haha, to think a dragon had to rely on a lowly human to survive, how pathetic is that!¡± Li Xiu snickered and his sharpughter assaulted Bai Wu¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Are you not a human yourself? Did you forget what you actually are just because you were chosen by a few traitors?¡±


    Bai Wu was angered. ¡®Should I show this person his ce and make him realize just what I¡¯m capable of?¡¯


    ¡°You! You are a just lowly-being banished from the dragon n! What rights do you have to criticize me!¡± Li Xiu roared after hearing Bai Wu¡¯s words.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Bai Wu, are you in there?¡± Xu Lan ran into Xiao Li who was out trying to get a doctor. He was infuriated and knocked on the door loudly.


    Beep, beep, beep, beep... Beep, beep, beep, beep...


    ¡°Papa, quick! Get the doctor! Officer Li¡¯s bed copsed!¡± Bai Wu cried as he rushed to get the door.


    Xu Lan, Xiao Li, and the doctor walked in and were greeted by the sight of Li Xiu lying on a broken bed.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Xu Lan suppressed his anger and asked.


    ¡°After Officer Li¡¯s bed copsed suddenly, I shut the door because I was worried that the hospital will lock us up,¡± Bai Wu said as he hid behind Xu Lan and avoided eye contact with the doctor.


    ¡°Cough cough, the hospital doesn¡¯t lock anyone up.¡± Amused by Bai Wu, the doctor reached for his head and gave him a pet.


    ¡°Doctor, why don¡¯t you take a look at the patient first?¡± Xu Lan stopped the doctor and said.


    ¡°Hmm, alright. He¡¯s too cute, I can¡¯t help myself but pet him,¡± the doctor retracted his hand as he exined.


    ¡°Uh huh, he is cute.¡±


    ¡°Pfft...¡± Xiao Li could not believe how Sergeant Xu wasplimenting the child and that he did it so naturally! Zhu Jing would not believe it.


    Xiao Li wished that he had a recording, which would at least make his words seem more believable.


    The doctor too was stunted. He smiled as he went to check on Li Xiu.

 Chapter 41 - Handing Xiao Li Over

    <h4>Chapter 41: Handing Xiao Li Over</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    As Li Xiu¡¯s injuries were not life-threatening, Xu Lan left after bidding his farewell. Due to the impending investigation, Xu Lan wanted to get back to the police station as soon as possible. Hu Cheng and Sun Fei were at the conference room waiting for him, the person in charge of the case to give further instruction.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯mte.¡± Xu Lan hung his coat on the coat stand as Zhu Jing offered him a cup of warm tea.


    Xiao Xu, Wu Wendi, and the chief editor from the press, Shen Xiang, were all present in the room. Aware of how serious the meeting was, Xu Lan paid one hundred and twenty percent attention to it.


    ¡°Please have a seat. Lao Sun shall brief us through the new findings we made today,¡± Hu Cheng said as he tapped his tobo pipe against the table.


    ¡°Mmhmm, I would like to know about that too,¡± Xu Lan requested for Sun Fei¡¯s exnation after he took a seat and had a sip of tea.


    ¡°The handphone was wrecked after being soaked in the blood and water. However, we managed to recover some of the information. Over the past two months, the deceased had been in contact with ady named Qiu Ling and their conversation centered on a man with the surname, Liu.¡± Sun Fei disyed the information they managed to recover on the screen.


    ¡°Here¡¯s a scratch caused by nails, ¡®...¡¯. I¡¯ve cross-checked the scratch with plenty of cipher keys, but none of them could decipher. Moreover, given the deceased¡¯s living condition, I suspect that the scratch might be non-intentional.¡±


    Sun Fei was tormented by the scratch that seemed to be an encoded line. After going through a series of cipher keys, he still could not find a matching symbol.


    ¡°As for the third discovery, Xiao Xu will brief us on that.¡± Sun Fei looked at Xiao Xu encouragingly, urging him to share the information he found.


    ¡°Wait a second, were there no fingerprints on the sofa and the curtain?¡± Xu Lan frowned as he asked. He was ready to put Bai Wu and himself under the spotlight and yet nothing was brought up.


    ¡°For now, no. There¡¯s nothing we can do about that due to the time constraints.¡± Sun Fei shrugged as he replied. He did not think Xu Lan thought so highly of the curtain. He barely paid any attention to the curtains after retrieving it.


    ¡°Alright then. Xiao Xu, please continue.¡± Xu Lan nodded and made notes on what Sun Fei had just said while tapping on the table with his other hand.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Xiao Xu stood up and replied flusteredly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve found out more about the suspect that Sergeant Xu told me to investigate on. Her name is Qiu Ling, she is a manager at a renownedpany.¡±


    ¡°Is this the same Qiu Ling we found in the Jingxinyuan victim¡¯s handphone?¡± Hu Cheng¡¯s face brightened up as he eagerly asked.


    ¡°Yes, they¡¯re the same person,¡± Xiao Xu answered affirmatively.


    ¡°Should we arrest Qiu Ling and publish an article about it?¡± Wu Wendi suggested in excitement as this was the first time she participated in a crime investigation. She relished in the joy of sess despite the fact that she barely contributed.


    ¡°No, we shouldn¡¯t count our chickens before they hatch. In fact, say nothing about the lead. Just report that we¡¯ve found the deceased¡¯s handphone and they would deduce that we¡¯ve recovered the messages inside.¡± Xu Lan tapped against the table rhythmically as he rejected Wu Wendi¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Let¡¯s not act rashly as what we have right now are nothing more than parts and pieces of the lead. These are not conclusive evidence that Qiu Ling is the murderer,¡± said Hu Cheng who had his chin rested against the back of his palm.


    ¡°For now, Xiao Xu should monitor Qiu Ling¡¯s every move. After the news gets out, Qiu Ling would definitely reach out to her partners. This would be our chance to figure out their size of operation,¡± said Xu Lan with determination.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Haha, I thought this is my final goodbye with everyone. I¡¯m d that everyone is motivated. Today is the first day and I¡¯m confident that we will catch the perpetrator whether he¡¯s working alone or in a group! Let¡¯s give it our best!¡± Hu Chengughed cheerfully.


    ¡°Director General, we would never want you to leave. Haha!¡± Xu Lanughed as he replied.


    Instead of giving orders from his office, Hu Cheng insisted to fight alongside everyone. He would help out by going through videos, reading up the materials, and reorganizing the notes. His dedication showed how much he valued the case.


    ¡°By the way, how is Officer Li doing?¡± he asked.


    ¡°ording to the doctor, he¡¯s fine and can be discharged after a night¡¯s stay,¡± answered Xu Lan.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. Now, everyone please work on the new findings we got today. Xiao Xu, keep a close eye on Qiu Ling. The tworades from the press, please publish about the progress we made. As for everyone else, head over to Lanshan area. Let¡¯s see who¡¯s going to be the next target!¡± Hu Cheng nodded as he instructed.


    ¡°Alright, everyone¡¯s dismissed.¡± Xu Lan packed up and was ready to leave.


    ¡°Lao Xu.¡± Sun Fei stopped Xu Lan in his track. ¡°I might need an extra pair of hands with Xiao Xu gone,¡± he said.


    ¡°Uh huh. Who do you want?¡± Xu Lan agreed with him as Sun Fei and his team too were under pressure.


    ¡°I think Xiao Li would do. Do you mind if I have him?¡± Sun Fei smiled and asked Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan was stunted. Xiao Li was tasked with taking care of the child. If Sun Fei were to have Xiao Li, who would be taking care of the child?


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you¡¯re not okay with it. I can find someone else,¡± Sun Fei replied hurriedly as he took Xu Lan¡¯s silence as reluctance.


    ¡°Hmm, this isn¡¯t actually a problem just that... fine, I¡¯ll get him to report to you tomorrow.¡± Xu Lan knew that he had to get his priority straight. If anything, he would get thendlord to take care of Bai Wu.


    ¡°Haha. Alright then, thank you. Are you worried about the little guy? Here¡¯s a suggestion, why don¡¯t you check if reporter Wu is willing to take care of Bai Wu?¡±


    Sun Fei intended to matchmake Wu Wendi and Xu Lan. Through their interactions in the past two days, he noticed that Wu Wendi was someone brave who stood by her principles. She was also blessed with good looks and a kind soul. More importantly, she was single and had volunteered to help with the ongoing investigation. Where could one possibly find a woman as great as her?


    ¡°Sister, my happiness is in your hands now!¡± Shen Xiang hinted at Wu Wendi.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu has a child. What are you going on about...¡± Wu Wendi was confused and tried to talk Shen Xiang out of her imagination.


    ¡°No one is taking care of the child and the ex-wife is past tense. I¡¯m not worried about it. Are you going to help?¡± Shen Xiang insisted.


    ¡°No. You¡¯re after all a...¡±


    ¡°Ah! Yes, I can!¡± Wu Wendi yelped in pain. It seemed that before Wu Wendi could continue, Shen Xiang gave her a hard pinch.

 Chapter 42 - A Forced Promise

    <h4><strong>Chapter 42: A Forced Promise</strong></h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan did not n for Wu Wendi to be Bai Wu¡¯s caretaker. After all, she was not a part of the police station. On top of that, Bai Wu disliked her and had thrown a tantrum about it.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu was held by Xiao Li, unsure of whether to enter or to remain outside. The awkwardness continued until Bai Wu spoke.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, am I reporting to Section Chief Sun?¡± Xiao Li was as ufortable with the arrangement as Bai Wu was.


    ¡°Haha, why? Would you rather not be under my lead?¡± Sun Fei walked over to Xiao Li and smiled at him.


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean.¡±


    Xiao Li pinched his nose anxiously. Sun Fei chuckled in amusement.


    ¡°Comrade Li Fei!¡± Sun Fei shouted.


    ¡°Yes! Here!¡± Xiao Li was caught off guard and immediately stood at attention.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be working under me in the next few days. Please report to forensics at half past eight tomorrow morning,¡± Hong Fei announced loudly.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Xiao Li answered respectfully.


    ¡°Alright, I shall make a move. See you tomorrow.¡± After bidding his farewell, Sun Fei left.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu?¡±


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu let go of Xiao Li and marched toward Xu Lan angrily. ¡°Why?¡± he asked.


    Xu Lan sighed. Before he could even object, Sun Fei finalized the arrangement.


    ¡°Ah, let¡¯s talk about thister,¡± whispered Xu Lan as he tapped his head helplessly.


    Bai Wu remained silent and stared at the man. There was no way that he forgot how much Bai Wu hated the reporter.


    ¡°Wendi, could you please brief us on the progress we made today? We need this to follow up.¡± Xu Lan digressed calmly.


    ¡°Hmm, okay. We shall start working on the article.¡± Wu Wendi nodded and dragged her smitten statue of a friend along with her.


    ¡°Woah, Wendi. What do I do? I¡¯m so smitten. He¡¯s so mature!¡± Shen Xiang spoke in admiration.


    Wu Wendi could not help but to roll her eyes. She wondered if her friend was an idiot ¨C the man merely uttered a short sentence!


    ¡°Let¡¯s focus on what¡¯s important. Otherwise, you wouldn¡¯t be able to stay here. When that happens, Sergeant Xu will be out of your reach,¡± Wu Wendi said in a serious tone.


    ¡°Uh... Fine. I shall give it my best and impress Sergeant Xu,¡± said Shen Xiang with determination.


    Meanwhile, the atmosphere was tense in the conference room. Xiao Li, who had since escaped, thought, ¡®Maybe it¡¯s not a bad idea to be transferred to Section Chief Sun¡¯s team after all. It¡¯s my fault for being ipetent... even Zhu Jing didn¡¯t want me with her. Ah! This is saddening!¡¯ Xiao Li left the conference room unhappily.


    ¡°Papa, why did you agree to the arrangement?¡± Bai Wu questioned in anger.


    ¡°I did not agree to it.¡± Xu Lan carried Bai Wu onto the table and looked him in the eye.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say no either! Papa, is it true that you fancy Reporter Wu?¡± Bai Wu bit his lips as he asked, his face was full of aggrievement.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have the chance to reject! Moreover, Uncle Sun really needed an extra pair of hands. There¡¯s nothing that I can do about it,¡± Xu Lan exined to Bai Wu patiently.


    He realized that the little guy was extremely insecure. Bai Wu was constantlyparing himself against others, worrying that Xu Lan would leave him someday. This exined why he was overly-attached.


    ¡°Hence, you want me to get along with Reporter Wu so that she can be my stepmother once the case has ended? I guess there¡¯s no going around this.¡±


    Bai Wu lowered his head so that Xu Lan could not see his face. However, Xu Lan knew that Bai Wu¡¯s face was drenched in tears, his lips pale from being bitten too hard.


    ¡°Sometimes, I wish that I would never grow up so that Papa can protect me and stay with me forever. Sometimes, I wish that I would grow bigger so that I can chase away all these people who try to steal you away.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s nasal voice was shivering.


    ¡°Sigh, Bai Wu...¡± Xu Lanbed his fingers through Bai Wu¡¯s soft hair as he asked, ¡°How can I make you believe me?¡±


    Bai Wu did not say a word, even he himself had no clue about the solution as he had not experienced this sort of emotion before. Since young, he had always been a king-like being. Every single dragon looked up to him and worshipped him. During his time in various worlds, he was abandoned before he even opened up to anyone. This was the first time he was loved and cherished.


    He was careful and cautious as he did not know what to expect.


    ¡°Bai Wu, I¡¯m your father now. Is there no such thing in your world?¡± Xu Lan asked curiously.


    Bai Wu shook his head. He had never seen his father before and his mother died in battle.


    ¡°Alright, just know that we have a bond that willst for a lifetime. Our father-and-son bond is something strong that ties us together. Got it?¡±


    Xu Lan made himself clear. Since he could not send Bai Wu to a kindergarten, he took it upon himself to teach Bai Wu.


    Bai Wu nodded before continuing, ¡°You rejected my request to ¡®love me and me only¡¯.¡±


    ¡°This is a different concept altogether. Life is still...¡±


    ¡°Papa, you won¡¯t even tell me a lie now?¡± Xu Lan stunted. He could feel his heart sink. Bai Wu¡¯s misty eyes stared at Xu Lan hard.


    ¡°What do you want me to do? Of course, I¡¯ll always love my baby.¡±


    ¡°Always?¡±


    ¡°Always.¡±


    ¡°Just me?¡±


    ¡°... Yes, just you. Let¡¯s go, we should have dinner before we get back.¡±


    He found it hard to reject Bai Wu¡¯s request.


    ¡°Papa, thank you!¡± Bai Wu leaped into Xu Lan¡¯s embrace and locked his arms around Xu Lan¡¯s neck.


    Xu Lan smiled bitterly as he hugged the child. He wondered if he had made a life-longmitment.

 Chapter 43 - Volunteering

    <h4>Chapter 43: Volunteering</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Shen Xiang stopped Xu Lan in his track and asked about their ns. She insisted that they should have dinner together as she was going for food with Wu Wendi. Given Bai Wu¡¯s hostility toward Li Xiu and Wu Wendi, Xu Lan was surprised at how Bai Wu was not hostile toward Shen Xiang. He said yes to Shen Xiang¡¯s invitation.


    Shen Xiang was a talkative person, there was not a moment of silence when the four of them were together. Surprisingly, she even took care of Bai Wu.


    ¡°When this case ends, I would love to have Sergeant Xu to give a lecture at the press. Sergeant Xu, do you think you¡¯ll be free?¡± Shen Xiang asked as she stared at the man, smitten. Meanwhile, Xu Lan was nching the vegetable to remove the chili for Bai Wu.


    ¡°Uh? Lecture? I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯m not the best candidate. Why don¡¯t you consider inviting Director General instead? I can put in a good word for you.¡± Xu Lan frowned as he said.


    ¡°It would be best if Sergeant Xu coulde along with Director General Hu.¡± Shen Xiang took a sip of her drink and chuckled, pretending that she was pleased by the good deal she was offered.


    ¡°Thank you for your invitation, but I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯m not made for public speaking. I¡¯m too timid for it, haha...¡± Xu Lan chuckled and rejected Shen Xiang politely.


    ¡°But...¡±


    ¡°Come, let¡¯s eat. The food here is really good,¡± Xu Lan said politely after noticing that Shen Xiang was trying to pursue further.


    Wu Wendi gave Shen Xiang a pinch under the table, ending the topic for good.


    ¡°Hmm, Wendi, may I know what¡¯s the feedback from the general public regarding the two articles?¡± Xu Lan steered the conversation back to work-rted topic.


    ¡°The feedback has been great. Citizens have been actively providing leads, albeit unfruitful. Their reactions are significantly different from before. There were also many words of encouragement.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s great. For the subsequent articles, try to over exaggerate without departing too much from the facts. We should put the murderer under as much pressure as possible!¡± The scar on the corner of Xu Lan¡¯s brow pulsated cheerfully, the corner of his mouth was lifted, giving his once honest face a hint of evilness.


    ¡°Should we refrain from overdoing it? I¡¯m afraid that it might spur the murderer on...¡± Wu Wendi said worriedly.


    ¡°I want him to strike again. Once he does, he would inevitably leave behind some trails!¡± Xu Lan said with confidence.


    ¡°Hmm, okay. Is Xiao Li really going over to Section Chief Sun¡¯s tomorrow?¡± Wu Wendi hesitated before asking.


    ¡°Of course, what else?¡± Xu Lan answered with a straight face as he served up more food into Bai Wu¡¯s bowl. ¡°Eat more,¡± he said.


    After hearing Xu Lan¡¯s reply, Bai Wu raised his head and took a nce at him. He continued to finish his food. ¡®Eat more, and you will grow taller.¡¯ This was what Uncle Hu told him.


    ¡°Will he being back in the future?¡± Wu Wendi whispered.


    ¡°Yes, he will return once the case has closed.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Wu Wendi answered in disappointment. Xu Lan was wondering why the sudden interest in Xiao Li, though he did not pay too much attention to it. Perhaps, it was because Xiao Li had been looking out for her all these while.


    Shen Xiang picked up the oddity and thought, ¡®Did she take a liking to the silly boy?¡¯


    ¡°As for my proposal, what did the Director General say?¡± Shortly after, Wu Wendi fired another question again.


    ¡°Uhm, firstly, thanks for volunteering under these circumstances. Due to the high risk, we¡¯ve to turn your proposal down for safety concerns,¡± said Xu Lan.


    The youngdy did not need to test the water and jeopardized her safety in the process.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there enough resources to cover all grounds and wait for the murderer to be hooked? There are so many women in Lanshan area. What more, aren¡¯t all the officers assigned with a task?¡± Wu Wendi raised her voice as she asked worriedly.


    ¡°Wendi, lower your voice. This is a restaurant.¡± Shen Xiang tugged on Wu Wendi, hinting her to control herself.


    ¡°Cough, cough. Sorry, I¡¯m overreacting. Even though I¡¯m not a saint, I still would love to contribute to the case in whatever way I can. I trust you all to keep me safe,¡± whispered Wu Wendi.


    ¡°We understand. However, you¡¯ve seen the victims. There¡¯s no take two in life,¡± Xu Lan persuaded further after seeing how persistent Wu Wendi was.


    ¡°I know, but if we missed this chance, the murderer will be more cautious and it would be difficult to capture him,¡± Wu Wendi whispered her thoughts.


    Xu Lan remained silent ¨C he could not deny that there was truth in her words.


    ¡°I¡¯m your best candidate now and I¡¯ll do my best to cooperate. This will be a safer and more convenient alternative to search blindly in Lanshan area,¡± Wu Wendi said with determination ¨C she was desperate to catch the murderer.


    ¡°Why do you insist on being at the frontline? You¡¯re ying an indispensable role in the case now. More importantly, you¡¯re not exposed to danger. I understand everything that you¡¯ve just said, but...¡±


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯m full.¡± Xu Lan¡¯s low voice echoed in the air but it was soon covered by that of Bai Wu. After eating all these while, Bai Wu finally said a word.


    ¡°Uhm, let¡¯s make a move.¡± Xu Lan went on. ¡°I¡¯m d to join for dinner today, but I cannot ept this proposal. Hope you all have a good time and I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Xu!¡± Wu Wendi stood up and stopped Xu Lan from leaving. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for causing you all the trouble. I promise to not bring this up again. However, if you do need help, please don¡¯t hesitate to approach me!¡±


    ¡°Yes! Definitely!¡± Xu Lan left with Bai Wu after answering affirmatively.

 Chapter 44 - Li Kui Committed a Crime

    <h4>Chapter 44: Li Kui Committed a Crime</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The next day, Xu Lan arrived at the police station early in the morning. He was keen to find out if there was anything new from Qiu Ling¡¯s side after the news got outst night.


    He made a call to Xiao Xu in the morning. However, Xiao Xu¡¯s answer was disappointing. Qiu Ling seemed to be unaware of the development and carried on with her daily routine ¨C work, gym, and sleep.


    ¡°Are you sure that you¡¯ve followed her closely?¡± Xu Lan squinted his eyes. His pupils were dark as a dried well, one could never know what would crawl out from within.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, I¡¯m sure! Even if Qiu Ling so much as sent a message with her handphone, we would¡¯ve been alerted. She didn¡¯t send anything strangest night,¡± Xiao Xu answered with conviction.


    ¡°Alright, keep following after her. Let us know if anythinges up,¡± said Xu Lan after a moment of deliberation.


    ¡°Yes! Sergeant Xu, I¡¯m going to hang up now. Qiu Ling is getting ready for work.¡± After hanging up on Xu Lan, Xiao Xu focused on his mission.


    ¡°Xiao Li, get me a pack of cigarettes!¡± The more Xu Lan thought about it, the more aware he was of the emptiness in his mouth.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, didn¡¯t Xiao Li report to forensics today?¡± Xiao Liang said at the same time.


    ¡°Ah, yes. He¡¯s at Sun Fei¡¯s now.¡± Xu Lan gave hisp a p as he realized that he had to get cigarettes on his own now.


    Xu Lan leaned against his chair and thought, ¡®It was no coincidence that Qiu Ling appeared in all the surveince footage from all three areas. It¡¯s only a matter of time before we catch her red-handed. With Jingxinyuan victim¡¯s father around, she¡¯s not the only one in the picture now.¡¯


    ¡°Papa, Sister Xiao Jing offered to bring me for fried chickenter. Can I go?¡± Bai Wu who was dressed in new clothes hugged Xu Lan¡¯s leg happily as he asked for Xu Lan¡¯s permission.


    ¡°Yes, but you can¡¯t overeat, okay?¡± Xu Lan waved at him and left for the interrogation room.


    ¡°Okay. Thank you, Papa!¡± Bai Wu held Zhu Jing¡¯s hand happily and hopped his way out.


    Xu Lanughed and shook his head as he marveled at how simple a child¡¯s world was. Immediately after, heunched himself back into work.


    ¡°Li Kui, do you still remember me?¡± Xu Lan sat across Li Kui and asked solemnly.


    ¡°Of course I do, you¡¯re Xu, Sergeant Xu,¡± Li Kui answered gingerly.


    ¡°What an unexpected twist, I did not expect to see you so soon! Why? Did you admire us for our talent and came to make friends? Or did this ce reminded you of home?¡± Xu Lan snickered.


    ¡°No, no. That¡¯s not what it is.¡±


    ¡°No? Vition of traffic rules leading to an ident, causing grievous injuries, death, or loss of property to another person, this is punishable with three years imprisonment. Where special circumstances presented itself, more than three years but less than seven years imprisonment may be given. Heh...¡± Xu Lan smiled as he detailed Li Kui¡¯s crime coldly.


    ¡°As two people are still being operated on, their survival isn¡¯t guaranteed. We¡¯re looking at seven years imprisonment or more for hit-and-run cases that caused the death of another person. I see you really do miss us,¡± Xu Lan said and took a sip of tea. Li Kui shivered in fear and started murmuring.


    ¡°Mercy is for those whoe clean. Exin yourself! Why did you hit Officer Li¡¯s car?¡± Xu Lan stood up in a rage after mming the table.


    ¡°I... I drank too muchst night. However, I have a batch of goods that I must deliver by today and I decided to take a risk. I didn¡¯t think that... Sergeant Xu! It¡¯s not my intention to harm someone! I wouldn¡¯t dare to even if you gave me an extra gut!¡±


    Li Kui who was still in shock stuttered as he replied. He slumped against the chair and would have fallen onto the floor if not for the board in front of him.


    ¡°What sort of goods? Why did you knowingly drink when you know that you have a delivery to make? This is definitely your fault. Think twice before you reply, we have real-time surveince here. Every word of yours could be used against you by the prosecutor!¡±


    Xu Lan noted down what Li Kui said as he incited him further.


    ¡°No, it was an emergency delivery. I¡¯ve been drinking with my colleagues before I found out about the delivery,¡± Li Kui replied after a moment of hesitation.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the sender? Who were you drinking with?¡± questioned Xu Lan.


    ¡°The contractor told me to make the delivery. As I didn¡¯t have money for the casino, I just drank with my colleagues. They all know about it,¡± borated Li Kui.


    ¡°Which contractor? Why would a contractor ask a drunk construction worker to make a delivery? What about those who were drinking with you? What are their names!¡±


    Xu Lan noticed the w in his story and pursued further.


    He would love to see just how good of a liar this person was.


    ¡°He¡¯s the contractor I used to work with. I needed money so I asked him for jobs. I didn¡¯t expect this to happen. Sergeant Xu, if I had seen thising, I wouldn¡¯t have the guts to do it!¡±


    Li Kui seemed to be answering honestly but his words were not as genuine as his looks would suggest!


    ¡°Which contractor is this? I would love to meet the person who has the guts to employ someone like you. Meanwhile, write down all the names of your colleagues who were drinking with you. I shall see if your story checks out.¡± Xu Lan stared at Li Kui and passed him a notebook.


    ¡°This...¡± Li Kui¡¯s face darkened as he panicked in search for a reply.


    ¡°So, are you going to write?¡± Xu Lan stood next to the table and took a sip of tea before smashing the cup onto the ground.


    ¡°Did you think that we¡¯re still in the dark? We¡¯re giving you onest chance toe clean! How can you be so desperate for money, to think that you did something so impugnable! Would you like to see a screenshot of the message ordering you to harm the officer?¡±


    Xu Lan shouted confidently. It was a gamble and he was gambling on the car identst night being a conspiracy.


    Li Kui¡¯s eyes widened and he looked at Xu Lan in fear. He could not believe that all it took was one night for him to get caught. That man promised that he would be fine and look at what happened!


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s equal before thew. Do you still think that someone can help you now? Let me tell you this, no one!¡± Xu Lan borated in an attempt to fuel Li Kui¡¯s anxiety.


    ¡°You¡¯ve found out about everything?¡± Li Kui asked uncertainly.


    Xu Lan did not answer. He took a new paper cup from the drawer and filled it with water. He sipped on the water as he became increasingly certain of his choice to gamble. It was all thanks to Lao Hu that he reached an epiphany.


    From Li Kui¡¯s perspective, Xu Lan¡¯s silence was an affirmative answer to his question.


    ¡°It was the man from before. He wrote a letter telling me to be at Taihe Road and collide into the car once it was here. He promised to take care of everything else and offered a remuneration of one hundred thousand dors. I¡¯ve received a deposit of thirty thousand dors,¡± Li Kui cried as he said.


    Xu Lan looked at the gambler before him who once earned an honest living as a construction worker. He ended up forcing his daughter into prostitution and putting his life at risk.


    ¡®Gambling and drugs, do they really have that strong of a draw, to think that so many people are attracted to them?¡¯


    After giving it a serious thought, he still could notprehend. He felt that he did not do anything wrong like those, and yet, he was denied entry into his home. Whose fault would that be?


    Xu Lan turned his back as his tears started to fall. After all that time he spent with Bai Wu, Xu Lan felt that he caught a crying bug from him.


    He wanted to smile, but his faint attempt at putting on a smile resulted in an expression that was more hideous than a crying face.


    Bai Wu was constantly worried about Xu Lan leaving but was Xu Lan not the same? The years he spent serving in the police force, those were the years he lived in exile from his family...

 Chapter 45 - Visiting Li Xiu

    <h4>Chapter 45: Visiting Li Xiu</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    After detaining Li Kui in the surveince room, Xu Lan promptly went to find Sun Fei. It was not the time to be emotional. With zero surveince footage or witnesses, the person behind that letter was set aside for the time being. At first, it was thought that the murderer, upon being discovered, would try to stay under the radar for a period of time. The criminal¡¯s swift movements were not at all anticipated. As it turned out, the reporting was quite effective!


    Sun Fei already had his hands full with the window curtains and the cell phone but Xu Lan just had to add another cell phone as well as a bank card to the load.


    ¡°Hey big shot, you think my manpower is equivalent to that of an industrial base? If I had idle hands with me, why would I request for more people from you?¡± Sun Fei¡¯s temper started to re up after seeing Xu Lan hand over another phone as though it was some hidden ace up his sleeve. He spent one whole morning with those ragged curtains in vain.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not possible, then don¡¯t do it. I think it¡¯s quicker if we find the benefactor. Maybe if we follow the trail, we might not need ten days...¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. At this moment, this criminal gang has at least two members. We¡¯ve only identified one of them and we¡¯re still not at a stage where we can gather evidence.¡± Sun Fei interrupted by throwing cold water on Xu Lan¡¯s suggestion.


    ¡°... Okay then. Do you want to visit Li Xiu in the hospital? Think of it as a break. After all, he was sent by the higher-ups, it would be improper if we didn¡¯t,¡± Xu Lan replied.


    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Realizing that Xu Lan was right, Sun Fei took his overcoat and said, ¡°Xiao Li, if there¡¯s anything you¡¯re unsure of, you can ask them to teach you. Don¡¯t worry, just take it slow.¡±


    Seeing how flustered Xiao Li was, Xu Lan wondered why Sun Fei asked for him in the first ce.


    ¡°Xiao Li, just take it slow, don¡¯t worry.¡± A mocking smile spread across Xu Lan¡¯s face, eliciting a p on the back from Sun Fei.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go already!¡±


    ¡°Haha, yes, yes, yes, we¡¯ll leave now.¡± Xu Lanughed heartily and followed Sun Fei down.


    ¡°Is Lao Hu at the hospital? I haven¡¯t seen him at all today,¡± Sun Fei asked as he put on his seatbelt.


    Xu Lan shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I didn¡¯t see him either but it was Teacher Wang who stayed with Li Xiust night.¡±


    ¡°Sigh, I feel like there was no need for Lao Hu to do that. I mean, we still have such a big case,¡± Sun Fei said with a sigh.


    The moment Sun Fei lifted his head, he saw a huge trucking in their direction. He shouted, ¡°HEY! Eyes on the road! I don¡¯t want to die here with you! I haven¡¯t even gotten married yet!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not married too, you know! Since when did your death anxiety got so bad?¡± Thankfully Xu Lan had a quick response and excellent mental acumen. He got through the daunting experience without any mishap.


    ¡°You¡¯re not even f*cking married and you already have a son. I haven¡¯t even seen a naked woman!¡± Sun Fei cursed despicably as he kicked Xu Lan¡¯s waist.


    ¡°...I don¡¯t know why. Even though what you said wasn¡¯t very nice, I have absolutely no way of refuting you.¡± Xu Lan sneered.


    ¡°Why are youughing? If I die I have to share the same fate as you, I¡¯m telling you.¡± Sun Fei red at Xu Lan, then took out a pack of cigarettes.


    ¡°Should we buy some fruits? Or maybe flowers?¡± Xu Lan turned to him and ask.


    ¡°Sure! Buy whatever you feel like buying but for God¡¯s sake, keep your eyes on the road!¡± Sun Feished out in a panic after noticing a carriage heading straight at them upon looking up.


    After swerving the small carriage, Xu Lan asked, ¡°Do you think someone¡¯s out to get us?¡±


    ¡°Wow, that exciting huh? The car we¡¯re using is Xiao Li¡¯s though.¡± With raised eyebrows, Sun Fei was piqued by Xu Lan¡¯s question.


    ¡°When Li Xiu met with the ident yesterday, I was at the shopping mall just opposite him. Also, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a little fishy that two vehicles almost crashed into us within such a short time?¡± The scar above Xu Lan¡¯s eyebrow began twitching as if something aroused its curiosity.


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Sun Fei asked with a voice that trembled in excitement.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a few more rounds and see whether it¡¯s true. Then we¡¯ll look for the vehicle owner. With Li Kui¡¯s situation, they won¡¯t be acting too brazenly.¡± Xu Lan¡¯s eyes sparkled. After all, it would be a waste to look a gift horse in the mouth.


    When Xu Lan ascertained that there was, in fact, a vehicle tailing them, he leisurely went out of the car and bought some fruits as well as flowers to bring to the hospital. The ce was filled with surveince cameras and Xu Lan surmised that the person tailing them would not be so daring as to make a move.


    It was only when the both of them entered the ward did they realize Teacher Wang had yet to go home. They helped him up immediately.


    ¡°Teacher Wang, why are you still here? Where¡¯s Lao Hu?¡± The puzzled Xu Lan asked.


    Both Teacher Wang and Lao Hu were about the same age but the former had a knowledgeable aura. His first impression to others was that of a cultured man.


    ¡°He said he¡¯de to take over this morning but got summoned by his superiors at the eleventh hour. In any case, today is a Saturday. Since there is nothing for me to do, I thought it was best toe here and visit.¡±


    ¡°Did he wake up?¡± With eyes fixated on Li Xiu, Xu Lan lowered his voice and asked.


    ¡°He did. In the small hours at three o¡¯clock. His fever acted up and he remained wakeful for a while before finally going back to sleep,¡± Teacher Wang replied while massaging his temples.


    Cultured people really did have their own way of saying things. If Li Xiu woke up at three and could not sleep for some time, did it mean that he had just fallen asleep? What if Teacher Wang himself had not slept the whole night?


    ¡°Section Chief Sun, I think you should send Teacher Wang home and let him rest. Be careful on the road,¡± Xu Lan said with an earnest look.


    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go, Teacher Wang. Let me send you home so you can take a break, otherwise Lao Hu will worry.¡± shing a smile, Sun Fei helped Teacher Wang up by the arm and left the ward.


    Xu Lan never expected it to be so serious. He arranged the flowers neatly and prepared to visit Lao Liu, whose injuries were far worse than Li Xiu¡¯s.


    Just as he began walking, his cell phone rang. It was Zhu Jing, who called to ask where he was. She told him how Bai Wu had been crying, shouting, and asking for him.


    He gave a few short answers and hung up. After that, he was ready to search for a doctor and ask about Lao Liu.


    ¡°No. Don¡¯t! I¡¯m begging you, don¡¯t do this to me!¡± The room resonated with Li Xiu¡¯s terrified screams. Those screams startled Xu Lan and he quickly rushed back to Li Xiu.


    ¡°No! I won¡¯t say anything, please spare me. I¡¯m cold and I¡¯m hungry, I...¡± Li Xiu¡¯s face was pale and his forehead was littered with beads of sweat. He was unsettled and struggling.


    ¡°Li Xiu, Li Xiu, wake up!¡± Xu Lan immediately pressed the call bell and attempted to wake Li Xiu up. Suddenly, Xu Lan remembered the previous day¡¯s ident and since the doctor had yet toe, he could only anxiously call out to Li Xiu.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you can¡¯t me me. The only person that should be med is that evil monster. He made me this way.¡± Out of nowhere, Li Xiu¡¯s tone became mncholic.


    ¡°Li Xiu, wake up! It¡¯s Xu Lan.¡± Since the doctor was nowhere to be seen, Xu Lan could not do anything significant. All he could do was try and wake the man up.


    Xu Lan suddenly remembered a little-known but nheless effective method of waking a person ¨C by a pinch to the nose.


    It worked! In the midst of struggling, Li Xiu opened his eyes.


    ¡°...Brother Lan?¡± Still dazed, he called to Xu Lan.


    ¡°You were having a nightmare,¡± Xu Lan exined.


    ¡°Thank you...¡± Soaked in sweat, Li Xiu copsed on the bed. He did not even have the energy to open his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ve called the doctor, he should be here soon. Are you feeling any pain anywhere?¡± Noticing Li Xiu¡¯s fragile outlook, Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright. Where¡¯s Lao Liu, that chauffeur of mine?¡± Afraid that Xu Lan did not know who Lao Liu was, he made sure to point it out.


    ¡°He...his condition isn¡¯t very reassuring,¡± Xu Lan said after a brief pause.


    ¡°I want to see him!¡± Li Xiu opened up the sheets with great difficulty and began to get down from the bed. Had Xu Lan not been alert and nimble enough, Li Xiu would have fallen and be sprawled all over the floor.


    ¡°How do you expect to do so in such a condition?! There¡¯s a limit in trying to act tough. Even if you went there, what good would that do? I don¡¯t suppose your surgical prowess is better than the doctors here?¡± Xu Lan rebuked.


    ¡°...I¡¯m sorry. If it¡¯s inconvenient, I¡¯ll go myself.¡± Li Xiu remained stubborn.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m telling you! Don¡¯t be stubborn! Do you n for him to apany you back here after you go there by yourself?¡± Inplete anger, Xu Lan held onto Li Xiu tightly and forbid him from moving.


    ¡°Brother Lan...¡± Li Xiu moved abruptly and coughed. He went for the blood-stained bucket but that mouthful of bloodnded on Xu Lan. ¡°S...sorry.¡±


    ¡°Are you seriously thinking that you can get up to meet him in such a state? When you are healthy and able, you¡¯ll be allowed to meet him. As of now, you¡¯d better get your a*s back on the bed!¡±


    A thoroughly confused expression came over Li Xiu as he stared at Xu Lan. During that moment, he felt some very indescribable feelings.


    Xu Lan kept on pressing the call bell and still, no one came.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to call the doctor. You stay here and don¡¯t move an inch, got it?¡± Xu Lan sternly ordered.


    ¡°Yes, I won¡¯t move. It¡¯s just that my body¡¯s a bit sticky and it¡¯s ufortable.¡± Li Xiu shed a pale smile.


    Just when Xu Lan went out of the ward, he felt as though something was amiss. That fellow would not have deliberately wanted to send Xu Lan away, right? He quickly returned to the ward and saw Li Xiu strenuously trying to get down the bed.


    ¡°Motherf*cker! I knew you were trying to pull a fast one on me. While I¡¯m still talking nicely to you, you¡¯d better get back on the damn bed.¡±


    Why was everyone tormenting Xu Lan? First, it was Li Kui who brandished lies at him, then it was the truck driver who looked down on his driving skills, then it was this b*stard¡¯s turn to act all Janus-faced toward him!


    ¡°I...I need to pee. It¡¯s not what you think. I¡¯m telling the truth, Brother Lan!¡± Li Xiu crossed his fingers and swore on it.


    Xu Lan walked over and dug up a portable urinal from under the bed. ¡°Get back on the damn bed!¡±


    ¡°...My body¡¯s sticky, and I feel icky. I can¡¯t lie down...¡± Li Xiu continued to protest. Xu Lan¡¯s sudden scolding caused him to forget what he wanted to say but he was still vehemently refusing toy back down on the bed.


    ¡°F*CK! I¡¯ll change your damn clothes!¡± Profanities were kept to a minimum ever since he had Bai Wu, but Li Xiu was getting on his nerves!


    ¡°...Brother Lan, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s right.¡± The frightened Li Xiu felt embarrassed.


    ¡°What do you mean you don¡¯t think it¡¯s right? We¡¯re grown-ups! Now stop moving!¡± Xu Lan warned as he was now in a sour mood.


    Li Xiu coughed. ¡°Brother Lan, my whole body¡¯s wet.¡± While the air around him abruptly began to invoke a constrictive feeling, Li Xiu had other ideas.

 Chapter 46 - Li Xiu Takes A Beating

    <h4>Chapter 46: Li Xiu Takes A Beating</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? The urge to pee disappeared? Or do you want a change of clothes first?¡± Xu Lan ignorantly asked. The terrifying evil presence escaped his attention.


    ¡°Start...start with the clothes.¡± Beads of sweat then formed on his forehead, only this time it was not because of a bad dream, but an ire-filled dragon-boy who stood outside the door!


    ¡°Okay.¡± Xu Lan became increasingly certain that Li Xiu was lying. The urge to pee surely would not have disappeared just like that! Xu Lan took him by the arm and started walking toward the toilet.


    Bang! A dent was pounded into the ward door following a loud m. With another nging sound, the door was sacrificed in order to make way.


    Xu Lan quickly brought Li Xiu back to the bed and went to see what was going on. His brain immediately started thinking, ¡®What if it¡¯s the bunch of crazy killers from the criminal gang? Would I stand a chance against them?¡¯


    The winter sunlight shone warmly on the entrance, which shimmered with a silver radiance. A boy of age twelve or thirteen walked in, though he could neither be considered a boy or a human. His face was the only part of him that retained some human characteristics.


    His body was covered in silver-white scales and he looked just like an armor-d soldier: mighty and formidable. Behind him was a long tail that moved wilfully in an attention-seeking manner.


    ¡°Papa!¡± came a voice filled with sadness and anger.


    It was Bai Wu. Fortunately, Xu Lan had seen the boy in such a state before, for if he had not, he would not have been able to recognize the boy.


    ¡°You...you. Come in quick!¡± He quickly pulled the boy into the ward and lifted up the door to cover the entrance. He was unsure if anyone saw what happened, but one thing was certain ¨C people would being to the ward very soon with all that ruckus.


    Bai Wu just stood in the middle of the ward and looked at Xu Lan deal with the door. Li Xiu was calmly looking at the boy, with an eerie smile creeping over his face again.


    ¡°You...you...you...¡± Xu Lan struggled to continue his sentence beyond saying the word ¡®you¡¯. All he could do was exchange nces with the dragon-boy.


    Immediately after ncing at Xu Lan, Bai Wuposed himself and promptly walked over to Li Xiu.


    ¡°Well, it seems that my words were not too effective.¡± Bai Wu lifted Li Xiu¡¯s chin and made a gurgling sound. The man who was struggling with pain became sickly green.


    ¡°Bai Wu! What the hell are you doing?¡± Seeing Bai Wu¡¯s split-second movement, Xu Lan instantly rushed over to stop him.


    With a fist that had yet to be covered in scales, Bai Wu punched Li Xiu in the stomach, causing the man to spit out a mouthful of fresh blood. The pain was unbearable and Li Xiu¡¯s smug look disappeared. His bloodshot eyes stared back at Bai Wu.


    If Bai Wu did not hold on to Li Xiu¡¯s chin, the man would have crumbled to the ground like a pile of dried shrimp.


    ¡°BAI WU! Let go of him!¡± Xu Lan shouted when he saw Bai Wu bing even more violent.


    It was a side of Bai Wu that Xu Lan had never seen before: the boy had reddened eyes, pulsating veins, and temples that throbbed continuously.


    Having beaten Li Xiu to an expressionless pulp, Bai Wu let go.


    Xu Lan rushed to Li Xiu¡¯s side and asked, ¡°Are you alright? The doctor will be here soon.¡±


    He pressed on the call bell while carrying Li Xiu up to the bed. Turning back to Bai Wu, he ordered, ¡°Go and find somewhere to hide. I¡¯ll search for a doctor.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t find one.¡± Bai Wu said calmly. He was thoroughly pleased upon seeing Li Xiu suffer. That feeling, however, changed to sorrow as soon as he saw Xu Lan¡¯s expression.


    ¡°Why not?! I¡¯ve been wondering why no one came even though I¡¯ve pressed the bell so many times. What did you do?! Are you just going to stand there and watch him die?¡±


    Xu Lan regarded Bai Wu¡¯s actions as being wholly unreasonable. Not only did he undergo another transformation, but he also attacked another human, of all things! He seemed unperturbed by the possibility that he would be locked up in aboratory, where his days would be spent having a number of tubes attached to him while scientists experimented on him.


    ¡°...when I transform, time gets distorted.¡± As if meeting Xu Lan for the first time, Bai Wu carefully looked at the man from head to toe, and finally, let out a chuckle.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care! Just transform back! I need to find a doctor now!¡± came the man¡¯s angry reply.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do anything about it for the time being. It¡¯s not my full form.¡± Bai Wu shrugged his shoulders and said nonchntly.


    ¡°Bullsh*t! That meansst time ¨C¡± He suddenly paused when he realized that previously, it seemed that Bai Wu was not able to revert voluntarily.


    Taking the overcoat from the hanger, Xu Lan draped it over Bai Wu. He also took down some window curtains to wrap around the boy¡¯s body.


    ¡°You go home. I¡¯ll go back soon.¡± One by one, Xu started buttoning the overcoat while issuing a stern warning.


    ¡°No, Papa, I can¡¯t go back. If I leave you, we won¡¯t be able to see each other again.¡± Bai Wu calmly stated the fact.


    Xu Lan stopped midway buttoning the clothes and began trembling. Bai Wu was forcing him to make a decision!


    If the man persisted in searching for a doctor and thus allowed Bai Wu to leave, then he would never get to see Bai Wu again. On the other hand, there is an unconscious Li Xiu who fainted after taking a fist from Bai Wu. It was not a situation that Xu Lan could feel at ease about.


    Hu Cheng even asked Teacher Wang to take care of Li Xiu. How then, would Xu Lan be able to exin everything?


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there any other way? Aren¡¯t you able to control the disappearance of the scales?¡± Xu Lan found it hard to ask that.


    ¡°I can only control certain parts.¡± Some crackling sounds were heard as the dragon-boy lifted his scale-covered hand and formed a fist with it.


    ¡°Papa, save me. I know it¡¯s not an easy decision.¡±


    With a smile, the boy used his other scale-less hand to hug Xu Lan and draw the man closer to him. Tears began falling, and every dropnded straight on Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Thank you, Papa.¡±


    Bai Wu lifted his head up to kiss Xu Lan but realized he was bigger than before. Xu Lan was also unable to carry him, and as his ruby eyes began to dull, he held Xu Lan¡¯s hand and kissed it.


    ¡°When I leave the room, Papa can go and call the doctor. But Papa cannot chase after me, because Papa will be transported somewhere else,¡± Bai Wu instructed with emotional chokes in between.


    As he let go of Xu Lan¡¯s hand, his vibrant pair of ruby eyes dulled exponentially. Hisst look contained evocations of an inseparable love and his reluctance to part ways, yet his adorable qualities still remained.


    ¡®If he goes out, will I really never be able to see him again?¡¯ That question continuously barraged Xu Lan¡¯s thoughts.


    Bai Wu opened the door and the sunlight streamed in. It shimmered all over his body, and the silver-white rays once again illuminated the entire ward.


    With one foot out the door, he painfully looked back at Xu Lan and mouthed a few silent words. After that, he began walking toward the direction of the sunlight.


    Xu Lan knew exactly what Bai Wu was saying. Those lips uttered, ¡®Papa, goodbye.¡¯

 Chapter 47 - Instinctive Reaction

    <h4>Chapter 47: Instinctive Reaction</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    There were times where the body may be more honest than the mind. At the very least, one¡¯s first reaction would be instinctive and beyond the control of thought.


    Bai Wu stood at the corridor and felt his whole body bing cold. Not even the soft rays of sunlight could make him feel warm.


    Out of nowhere, a subtle heat coursed through his arms and started slowly dispersing the cold winter air. Bai Wu jerked his head and looked up. A confused, persistent, and guilty face looked right at him.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu found it hard to believe that Xu Lan was staring back at him. He immediately threw himself into the man¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, quick. Once we¡¯re out I¡¯ll call the hospital and ask them to check on Li Xiu.¡± Xu Lan dragged the boy and urged him on. The man even took a few bed sheets from the ward in order to cover up Bai Wu¡¯s body.


    ¡°Mm, okay!¡± A smile that stretched from ear to ear appeared on Bai Wu¡¯s face as the boy happily eximed.


    ¡°You really messed up this time! How dare you smile!¡± Xu Lan scolded and smacked him on the back of the head.


    ¡°I know but I¡¯m still very happy. Papa, I love you.¡± The boy held Xu Lan tight and briskly remarked.


    ¡°Idiot! You¡¯re biting the hand that is feeding us. In the future, you and I would have to beg for food on the sidewalk!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s lips curled and he dragged the boy to run faster.


    ¡°As long as I¡¯m with Papa, I¡¯m willing to beg on the streets.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s resplendent smile was contagious. Many a person stopped just to return his smile with a smile of their own.


    Xu Lan stopped bickering with the boy and whipped out his cell phone. After calling the hospital, he immediately booked an empty room at a hotel.


    With the boy in his current state, it was impossible for them to strut about town as though nothing happened.


    ¡°Do you still remember what happenedst time?¡± As Xu Lan fastened the curtains, he asked the boy. Bai Wu¡¯s face became redder than a litntern at midnight.


    ¡°Mm...¡± Came a soft response from the boy, whose head was tilted downward.


    After undergoing the transformation, everything from that day came back to him. When he was angry moments ago, he did not think much of it but when he thought about it now, his face became as hot as an erupting me.


    ¡°Good, then follow what I taught youst time. I¡¯ll wait for you in the toilet,¡± Xu Lan calmly replied.


    Bewildered, Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan and was too embarrassed to say anything.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t Papa gonna help me?¡± In the lowest possible voice, Bai Wu asked.


    ¡°Be a good boy. You must do this kind of thing yourself.¡± Xu Lan entered the toilet and waited.


    The man had simply picked a hotel and walked in. After all, it was his own son and he would have to put up with it.


    A two-meter by one-meter bed was provided in the room along with somefortable furnishings. Upon opening the windows, one would be greeted by the sight of a seemingly endless mountain range. The curtains were useless though, as they were the kind that sprang up when being pulled. The bathroom, however, was furnished with frosted ss. Such an atmosphere was perfect for young sweethearts to rendezvous, which showed how smart businesses were.


    Xu Lan sat on top of the closed toilet bowl and became bored stiff after what seemed like a long period of time. When his boredom reached its peak, Bai Wu came and opened the door.


    All traces of the dragon vanished. He was then a boy again, the reddened, bedsheet-covered Bai Wu stood at the doorway.


    ¡°Papa, bathe me.¡± The boy¡¯s face became redder when he said that.


    Xu Lan immediately kept his cell phone and turned on the tap for Bai Wu. When the water became warm, the boy was called in. His expression conveyed the hope that Xu Lan would bathe him but Xu Lan felt embarrassed.


    He had always felt that the matter was rather sinful but at the end of the day, was Bai Wu not an adolescent boy just moments ago?


    ¡°Just take a quick bath. These ces outside are dirty. Take a clean one when we go back home okay?¡± Xu Lan coaxed.


    ¡°Mm,¡± Bai Wu responded while biting his lower lip.


    While Bai Wu was busy washing up, Xu Lan¡¯s cell phone rang incessantly.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Mister Xu! Do you n on tearing down the hospital? The whole damn door¡¯s been ripped apart by you! And what¡¯s the deal with the punch on Li Xiu? Where are you now? I¡¯m telling you, get your a*s back here right now! If the Director General returns and sees all this, he¡¯ll skin you alive I tell you!¡±


    Even though a cell phone separated them, Xu Lan could imagine Sun Fei¡¯s intense exasperation. Fighting hard to restrain a chuckle, Xu Lan told him that he would return soon.


    When Xu Lan checked out of the hotel room with the nket-covered boy, the front desk gave him some odd looks. If the man had not shed his badge in that moment of desperation, the receptionists might have called the police station.


    ¡°I came here to save someone! Didn¡¯t you see the person I brought in just now? He¡¯s a criminal who specializes in child trafficking.¡± The man did his best to cast away his smiles and spout nonsense with a straight face.


    ¡°Papa,¡± disoriented, Bai Wu called out.


    ¡°Look! The child¡¯s traumatized! Ever since I saved him, he kept on calling me ¡®papa¡¯. You! Yes, you! Can I trouble you to buy some clothes for the kid?¡± Xu Lan scrambled to exim. In the meantime, one of his hands lightly patted Bai Wu, signaling for the kid to keep his mouth shut!


    Were lies that easily uttered by honest and sincere people?


    The youngdy¡¯s expression changed immediately after seeing him. She hastily relieved her colleague from the shift in order for that colleague to go buy a set of clothes.


    Following all that, Bai Wu and Xu Lan strutted out of the hotel lobby like royalty!


    When they went back to the hospital, Sun Fei would surely have none of Xu Lan¡¯s crap. Xu Lan was bombarded with a tongueshing assault and to top it off, he had no way of refuting the scolding.


    Li Xiu was still unconscious. Therefore, Xu Lan could not say much without having first colluded with him. Obviously, Xu Lan could note clean and say it was Bai Wu¡¯s fault. If he did so, Sun Fei would not believe it at all, so for the moment, Xu Lan had no option but to endure the scolding himself.


    ¡°Were you tailed when you sent Teacher Wang back?¡± Holding in his own anger, Xu Lan asked worryingly for fear that someone would harm Teacher Wang.


    ¡°No. Could it be... did they do this? This is too savage. Were you able to catch up to them? Are you hurt?¡±


    The rapid change in Sun Fei¡¯s spoken tone rendered Xu Lan somewhat unable to limatize so quickly.


    ¡°No,¡± he replied in a low voice.


    What¡¯s done is done. For the moment, that would be the narrative. When the timees, he would just beg Li Xiu to forgive Bai Wu.


    ¡°What did the doctor¡¯s say?¡± Still worried, Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°Two of his ribs are broken and his spleen is bleeding. The CAT Scan is still in the process so the results are unknown.¡± Sun Fei sat down on the chair, took a pear and bit into it.


    ¡°Did you go and see Lao Liu? How¡¯s he?¡±


    The thought of Li Xiu¡¯s chauffeur suddenly popped up in Xu Lan¡¯s mind thinking that Bai Wu could be exposed by the chauffeur too.


    ¡°He¡¯s still in the ICU. It¡¯s lucky that he even survived the crash. It remains to be seen if he can make it, but the situation¡¯s not encouraging.¡± Sun Fei took another pear and handed it over to Bai Wu.


    The boy happily took it and gave it to Xu Lan.


    ¡°No thank you. You eat it.¡± That small gesture was enough to convince Xu Lan that he did not regret his decision, or rather, that the decision he made was the right one.


    ¡°Ah, little Bai Wu, this pear is for you, I¡¯ll give your father another one.¡± The boy¡¯s heart-warming actions swept away all gloominess in Sun Fei¡¯s heart and he squatted down to tease Bai Wu.


    ¡°If only I had such a cute child! Little Bai Wu, would you like to stay with me for a couple of days?¡± Sun Fei handed the boy an apple.


    Before Bai Wu could answer, Xu Lan scooped the boy into his embrace.


    ¡°Go and make your own child! This is mine, and no one¡¯s allowed to take him from me!¡± Xu Lan hissed.


    Sun Fei rolled his eyes and prepared a few sarcastic sentences but when he saw Bai Wu¡¯s chubby face, he swallowed those sentences back.


    Perhaps it would be nice to have a kid.


    ¡°What time is it? Maybe we should go back to the station and see how things are progressing, eh? Bai Wu, Zhu Jing came here with you this morning, right? Where is she? Why haven¡¯t I seen her?¡± Xu Lan wondered.


    ¡°Big Brother Xiao Li called her and asked her to go back. She sent me to the hospital lobby and left.¡± Aware of his mistakes, Bai Wu lowered his head.


    ¡°How did you find me then?¡± Xu Lan asked again.


    ¡°I asked the nurse,¡± the boy softly responded.


    ¡°Well, it doesn¡¯t matter now! We¡¯ll be heading back.¡± After saying that, Xu Lan posed a few flippant questions so as to turn the tables on Sun Fei. He asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t Xiao Li call you if he had a problem? Isn¡¯t he with your team? Look at yourself, what kind of team leader are you?¡±


    ¡°Since he didn¡¯t call me, it means that there¡¯s nothing too serious about it,¡± Sun Fei retorted, then continued, ¡°Let¡¯s leave. My tiredness is killing me.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll get a nurse for him. We can¡¯t keep relying on Teacher Wang,¡± Xu Lan replied after giving some deep thought.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

 Chapter 48 - Analyzing Case Details

    <h4>Chapter 48: Analyzing Case Details</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    When the three of them reached the station, Hu Cheng was still nowhere to be seen. After asking the other officers, they gathered that it had been a fruitless day. The money was transferred via mobile phone from an ount that belonged to a farmer from another city. However, he never transferred any money from the ount in the first ce, and he lost his phone two days prior. When he was finally able to be contacted, he had absolutely no knowledge that money amounting to three thousand was transferred just like that.


    His family went mad upon hearing the news. Three thousand was no small amount to them. Despite that, further investigation of his bankbook revealed that not a single cent went missing. The criminal seemed to have only used his number to send the message, and with that, the lead came to a dead end.


    ¡°What about Qiu Ling? Are there any updates on her?¡± Xu Lan asked. His eyebrows slowly furrowed.


    ¡°None. Her daily routines for the past two days were identical, down to the persons she met.¡± Xiao Xu responded through the phone.


    ¡°Just continue to keep an eye on her. Remember not to overlook a single detail at all costs. I don¡¯t buy this endurance!¡±


    ¡°Are we still reporting anything today?¡± Wu Wendi asked.


    ¡°Of course! We must! If we don¡¯t, we¡¯ll be granting their wish.¡± The man replied fiercely.


    ¡°What will we report on? Everyone came up empty-handed today.¡± Shen Xiang curiously asked.


    ¡°Xiao Li, any news on your side?¡± Xu Lan turned to Xiao Li and asked.


    ¡°We found some fingerprints on the window curtains, but it seems that they belong to more than one person, so we can¡¯t use that as evidence. On the other hand, Qiu Ling¡¯s number was apparently in Li Kui¡¯s contacts, though there were no call records between them.¡± Sun Fei read out the findings handed to him by Xiao Li.


    ¡°He had Qiu Ling¡¯s number? In that case, interrogate Li Kui some more. There¡¯s no reason for a construction worker to have a firm manager¡¯s number. I want you to get a tight grip on Qiu Ling since she¡¯s the only big fish that floated to the top of these murky waters!¡± Xu Lan eximed.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s your news. First off, announce that Li Kui has been caught and that his benefactor has been identified. Secondly, say that the murderer¡¯s fingerprints have been obtained from Jingxinyuan. Is that clear?¡± Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°Yes, understood!¡± Wu Wendi replied.


    ¡°Bai Wu, wait here with these big sisters. Uncle Sun and I have some things to talk about. Can you do that?¡± Xu Lan told Bai Wu while gathering his meeting notes.


    The boy gazended first on Xu Lan, then on Wu Wendi. Perhaps Bai Wu finally realized that there was nothing between the man and the reporter. Furthermore, Bai Wu also felt somewhat embarrassed after what happened at the hotel, so he simply nodded.


    Seeing the boy nod, Shen Xiang¡¯s eyes lit up and she dly went up to him.


    ¡°Hey little guy, do you like candy?¡± She took out a liquor-filled chocte from her bag and handed it over to the boy.


    ¡°Papa said not to take candy from strangers,¡± the boy replied politely.


    As Xu Lan was about to walk out the door, he heard the exchange and looked back. ¡°It¡¯s okay. You can eat the candy from this big sister.¡±


    His action had spared Shen Xiang from embarrassment. She was the stronghold in continuing the reportage of the news, and offending her would not be wise.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Mm, you¡¯re wee.¡±


    Almost immediately, Shen Xiang saw Bai Wu as an angel, an adorable and polite one at that. If in the future, she could be his...


    Wu Wendi coughed and said, ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much. You should be thinking of today¡¯s case.¡± She flicked Shen Xiang on the forehead and prevented the daydream from carrying Shen Xiang¡¯s head into the clouds.


    ¡°Delicious.¡± Bai Wu lifted his rounded face and looked at Shen Xiang.


    ¡°I have more of them if you want.¡±


    Shen Xiang took out the box of liquor-filled choctes from her bag and gave them all to Bai Wu, even though she asked someone to buy them for her from overseas.


    ¡°Thank you, big sister.¡± A shy Bai Wu replied. He felt ashamed that a bag of sweets was enough to sway his heart so easily.


    ¡°Mm, good boy. I have to work first. I¡¯ll y with you soon, okay?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s words left her heart leaping with joy. She was obviously ted, and Wu Wendi could only roll her eyes.


    Both of the women then focused all their attention on preparing the report, so Bai Wu did not receive much of their attention. When Xu Lan and Sun Feipleted their discussion and went back in, Bai Wu had nearly finished the whole box and was sleeping soundly on the table.


    ¡°Hey, little buddy, wake up. We¡¯re going home.¡± Xu Lan saw the sleeping boy and pinched his chubby cheeks.


    The hazy boy lifted his head, saw Xu Lan, and copsed in the man¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°He¡¯s sleeping too soundly. I think you should bring him back home first. I¡¯ll apany these twodies and treat them to dinner,¡± Sun Fei said with a cheeky raise of his brows.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll leave it to all of you then, I¡¯ll take the boy home.¡± Xu Lan remarked apologetically, and as he carried the boy, he caught a whiff of a faint alcoholic smell.


    ¡°He ate all these by himself? What are they?¡± Xu Lan asked apprehensively.


    ¡°Umm, these are liquor-filled choctes. He liked them so I let him have everything.¡± Shen Xiang shed a graceful smile.


    ¡°...thank you.¡± Xu Lan restrained himself from saying anything further. After all, Shen Xiang did it out of good intention.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu mumbled and adjusted himself in afortable position. He also managed to say ¡®delicious¡¯, which elicitedughs from everyone present there.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s it. Go on home. Even if you don¡¯t need sleep, the child does.¡± Sun Fei urged.

 Chapter 49 - Complete Form

    <h4>Chapter 49: Complete Form</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan did not expect that Bai Wu to be drunk. Each of the boy¡¯s act was done in a drunken stupor.


    ¡°Stop it. Be a good boy ande to wash your face.¡± Xu Lan¡¯s face exhibited a pampered smile upon seeing the inquisitive boy standing at the entrance.


    ¡°Nope! Didn¡¯t Papa say Papa¡¯s only gonna like me? Why did Papa visit Li Xiu and change his clothes?!¡± Full of anger, the boy squinted and looked at Xu Lan.


    ¡°Of course Papa only likes Bai Wu. But what does it have to with Li Xiu? I had to do it because the doctor wasn¡¯ting.¡± Even though Xu Lan thought it was useless to exin it to a drunken boy, he still exined it patiently.


    ¡°But Li Xiu wants to take Papa away from me. He knew I was there and he still did it.¡± Bai Wu yed the victim as he lowered his head and muttered softly. His voice could not clearly be heard so Xu Lan once again beckoned him to wash his face before bed.


    ¡°Papa!¡± A low raspy voice startled Xu Lan, causing the man to drop his towel.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    For the second time that day, Bai Wu transformed. With a tail that swayed to and fro and scales that slowly covered his entire body, Bai Wu began to erge steadily.


    ¡°Wha... what¡¯s happening?¡± The shocked man asked.


    ¡°I...I don¡¯t know,¡± Bai Wu cried out involuntarily.


    Bai Wu was increasing in size and very soon, he would be as tall as the door. If his growth did not stop, the whole house might not be able to fit him. Immediately, Xu Lan grabbed the boy and ran out.


    Fortunately, the house which he rented was in Laocheng district and had a courtyard attached to it.


    Bai Wu did not cease erging and he drew simrities with an ever-expanding balloon. First he was as tall as Xu Lan, then slowly he became taller by half a head, then half of Xu Lan¡¯s body, and was soon approaching twice that of Xu Lan¡¯s height.


    ¡°Awoo, awoo,¡± he howled before Xu Lan¡¯s eyes, he was fast in bing the kind of creature seen only in books.


    Silvery-white scales encased his entire body but it was not as resplendent as previously. Rather, it was as if he was enveloped in a white mist that covered his threatening spirit. By then, Bai Wu was even more captivating than before.


    The softly-colored silver-white dragon was about four or five meters tall, while the tail that dragged behind him was five or six meters in length. Xu Lan could not resist stepping forward and touching the majestic Bai Wu and by doing so, an intricate ashy powder fell off.


    Fiery-red eyes scanned the environment. The dragon then slowly lowered his head and nudged it against Xu Lan ¨C it was one of Bai Wu¡¯s favorite things to do whenever he was in Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    At that time, however, his short horns ¨C the tips of which were as red as his cinnabar-colored eyes ¨C pushed Xu Lan away. His eyes were the size of Xu Lan¡¯s fist. His pupils were long and narrow, while his sclera was red. Upon closer inspection, one would discover an intricate pattern of veins in them. The ridge above his eyes had scales arranged in a cone-like fashion, whereby the eye itself was situated deep inside.


    Majestic and beautiful ¨C those eyes stared at Xu Lan.


    Just below the horns and in line with his eyes were many small pores, which were covered in a delicate membrane. ording to Bai Wu, those were his ears.


    His teeth were pointed and sharp, his neck was long and slender, and his back was solidly thick.


    A pair of wings that had simr color to his body emerged from his back. They were big, and even when folded they were around one meter wide. Lastly, there was his tail, its spine was conical as well, until the very tip.


    ¡°Awoo, awoooo.¡±


    His calls were calls of glee. It was the first time he entered into hisplete state ever since leaving the dragon n ¨C proof that he then had the ability to return to his own world!


    From the tip of his snout to the tip of his tail, a hard-to-defend maliciousness was emitted. It was solemn, awe-inspiring, and imposing. The surrounding air seemed as though it congealed, leaving only the sounds of Bai Wu¡¯s call.


    When he spoke, a strong gust of wind pushed Xu Lan away and suppressed him to a point where he was unable to stand.


    ¡°Papa!¡±


    Seeing the man fall on the floor, Bai Wu rushed to help him up, but instead of a hand, it was those wings that extended out. Bai Wu then decided to use his mouth to help Xu Lan up so the man was face-to-face with him.


    ¡°Papa, do you want to see the view of the city at night?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s tongue unfolded and licked Xu Lan¡¯s cheek. Within the dragon n, such an action was a disy of affection.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Before Xu Lan could properly react, his center of gravity was gradually lifted up. With his mouth, Bai Wu lightly carried Xu Lan and ced the man on his scaly back.


    ¡°Do you want me to bring you and see the view?¡±


    ¡°No! Put me down right now!¡± The man finally realized what Bai Wu wanted to do and immediately declined.


    ¡°But I really wanna bring Papa to see it. I¡¯m skilled! I can fly very far.¡± Bai Wu began to act all spoiled, forgettingpletely that he was then of massive proportions.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be noticed if we go. Can you transform back now? Or do you want me to take a step back for you?¡± Xu Lan asked worryingly.


    ¡°I can. But everyone¡¯s already asleep., Even if anyone¡¯s still awake, they¡¯ll think that they¡¯re hallucinating. Papa, I want to bring you.¡± A unique raspiness characterized Bai Wu¡¯s voice, coupled with a calm solemness and haughtiness that befitted royalty. Entwined with those qualities were hints of imploration and coquettishness. As a whole, Bai Wu¡¯s voice was sweet-sounding to Xu Lan¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Okay.¡± In the end, Xu Lan gave in, Bai Wu had a point.


    ¡°Papa, hold on tight okay.¡± With a swoosh, his wings spread open. He pushed himself up from the ground and flew upward into the sky.


    It was the first time that Xu Lan experienced soaring over the city in the night and watching its view. The hiss of wind sounded against his ears, while Bai Wu mumbled happily. The city beneath Xu Lan¡¯s feet was illuminated by neon lights and was clear as day.

 Chapter 50 - Rescuing Li Xiu

    <h4>Chapter 50: Rescuing Li Xiu</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Woah, these are exquisite! Papa, are they really mine?¡± Bai Wu asked happily as he admired the clothes he tried on.


    ¡°Of course, let¡¯s see if they¡¯re a good fit.¡±


    Xu Lan smiled after realizing how easy it was to keep a child happy. He had been putting this off for quite some time. Fortunately, he found some time and managed to bring him here. Things were going to get busier from there on.


    ¡°Should we buy something bigger?¡±


    Xu Lan recalled the past incident and found the white shirt to be incongruous with the body of an eleven-year-old.


    ¡°... Eh? I won¡¯t be able to wear them for now?¡± Bai Wu was unhappy after hearing the man¡¯s question. He had zero recollection of the incident that day.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we can keep them for now.¡± Xu Lan smiled and picked out two random sets of clothing.


    ¡°Bam!¡±


    A big truck and a sedan collided head-on! This happened at the road right in front of the mall.


    ¡°It¡¯s an ident, call the police!¡±


    ¡°Call one-twenty now!¡± All the passers-by chimed in yet no one approached to help.


    Xu Lan rushed toward the crowd and saw Li Kui trying to escape from the truck.


    ¡°Freeze!¡± Xu Lan shouted as he approached Li Kui.


    ¡°Scram!¡± The stench of alcohol was hard to ignore, Li Kui opened his eyes groggily. Once he noticed Xu Lan¡¯s presence, he immediately stabilized his stance and greeted, ¡°Xu... Sergeant Xu!¡±


    ¡°Driving under the influence of intoxicants and injuring other road users in the process? You miss being detained at the police station, don¡¯t you?¡± Xu Lan red at him angrily before approaching the sedan to check on the other driver.


    ¡°Papa, isn¡¯t this Officer Li¡¯s car?¡± Bai Wu was observant and pointed this out immediately.


    Initially, Xu Lan thought the car looked familiar but he did not think too much about it as Li Xiu was still in the hospital. After the child pointed it out, he confirmed that it was indeed Li Xiu¡¯s car! The truck made a sudden sharp turn and collided into the right side of the car, causing a serious dent at the front.


    Xu Lan¡¯s heart fell and he peeked into the window immediately.


    ¡°Anyone called the ambnce yet?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, already did!¡± a voice shouted from the crowd.


    ¡°Li Xiu! Li Xiu! Can you hear me? Wake up! Lao Liu! Lao Liu! Are you okay?¡± Xu Lan did not have time to consider his options. After tying Li Kui up with his own belt, he tried to force his way in through the window.


    As Li Xiu was seated at the back, he was not smashed to a pulp. However, his forehead was bleeding profusely and he was trapped between two seats. Lao Liu had it worse. His face was enveloped within the airbag. The car was in bad shape and there was not even space for a single person.


    ¡°Everyone, pleasee over and help! Let¡¯s try to break the ss, else the person trapped in the airbag will die of asphyxiation,¡± Xu Lan said worriedly.


    A few helpful bystanders stepped forward to help and others followed suit. Shortly after, traffic police arrived at the scene to remove the car and dispersed the crowd. Li Xiu and Lao Liu were sent to the hospital by an ambnce.


    After instructing for Li Kui to be brought to the police station, Xu Lan went to the hospital.


    ¡°How did it go? Is Officer Li okay?¡± Hu Cheng ran over and asked Xu Lan. He was out of breath.


    Xu Lan sat Hu Cheng down and offered him a bottle of water. Xu Lan replied worriedly, ¡°He¡¯s still being operated on. I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s happening now.¡±


    ¡°Ah! What is going on!¡± Hu Cheng sat next to Xu Lan and yelped anxiously.


    ¡°Let¡¯s remain hopeful, remain hopeful,¡± Xu Lan consoled Hu Chang and sighed. Bai Wu sat beside him quietly.


    ¡®Ding!¡¯ The lights at the operating theatre went off. Xu Lan approached immediately.


    ¡°Doctor, how¡¯s the patient?¡±


    ¡°Doctor, how¡¯s he doing?¡± Hu Cheng, too, cornered the doctor and asked worriedly.


    The doctor removed his mask and forced a smile in an attempt to make them feel better. Xu Lan and Hu Cheng¡¯s heart fell after seeing the doctor¡¯s strained smile. They wondered how bad must the situation be?


    ¡°The operation is sessful. If he wakes up by tomorrow morning, he should be fine. However, we need to run a few tests to make sure that there are no other injuries,¡± said the exhausted doctor.


    Both of them let out a long sigh and offered their gratitude to the doctor immediately.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± The doctor leaned on the nurse as they made their way to the lounge.


    The trio were the only ones in the empty hallway.


    ¡°Did you say the culprit was Li Kui, the father of the Jingxinyuan victim?¡± Hu Cheng asked in confusion.


    ¡°Yes, he was under the influence of alcohol. He reeked of alcohol when I found him.¡± Nodded Xu Lan.


    ¡°Was it just an ident or was it premeditated?¡±


    ¡°... I¡¯ve no idea,¡± Xu Lan replied after taking a moment to consider his answer. He did not have the time to examine the connection between these two yet.


    Li Xiu was sent to the ward. His head was wrapped up in gauze and his hand was in ster cast.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there another person? Where is he?¡± Hu Cheng asked.


    ¡°That would be the driver. He might still be in the operating theatre as the injuries he sustained were more serious,¡± said Xu Lan.


    ¡°We¡¯re running out of time. Lao Xu, why don¡¯t you head back first and I¡¯ll get Teacher Wang to take care of him. We mustn¡¯t dy our progress for tomorrow.¡± Offered Hu Cheng. Teacher Wang was a high school teacher and his lover.


    ¡°Uhh... I think I¡¯ll stay here. Does Teacher Wang not need to teach tomorrow?¡± Xu Lan politely rejected.


    ¡°Tomorrow is a Saturday. You should head back now. This is still your case after all,¡± said Hu Cheng.


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯m hungry. We lost our new clothes as well,¡± Bai Wu pleaded pitifully as he held onto Xu Lan¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hurry up, bring your son to grab some food. He¡¯s growing and you shouldn¡¯t starve him!¡± Hu Cheng urged as he ushered Xu Lan out.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll head back now,¡± Xu Lan replied apologetically to Hu Cheng.


    The little guy was trailing behind, saying thank you to Hu Cheng obediently. Hu Cheng felt upset watching him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go for a meal,¡± Xu Lan consulted Bai Wu as he tried to hail a cab down.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a look at clothes first.¡±


    The little guy seemed to value his new clothes a lot. Xu Lan wondered if he was shocked by the incident earlier. He stroked Bai Wu¡¯s head and consoled him, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Coincidentally, when Xu Lan and Bai Wu went to get some clothes, they ran into Wu Wendi and Shen Xiang who was out shopping as well.

 Chapter 51 - Threats and Menaces

    <h4>Chapter 51: Threats and Menaces</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The next day, the main presspanies were reporting the breaking news on the appearance of the evil dragon. Shen Xiang did not evene to the police station. Xu Lan scrolled through the photos on his cell phone. There were just dark, ck masses, but he could recognize the dragon outline.


    All of them had clickbait titles, ¡®Did the Appearance of the Vicious Dragon Had Any Rtions to the Unsolved Murder¡¯, ¡®A Blessing or Misfortune? The Emergence of Ancient Dragon!¡¯.


    ¡®Ancient dragon? Not surprised if they bring out Jin Yong <sup>1</sup> in the titlester!¡¯ Xu Lan threw his cell phone to the side in disdain and threw himself into work.


    ¡°Hey, Lao Xu, didn¡¯t you bring Bai Wu over today?¡± Sun Fei could not help but ask shortly after he entered the meeting room.


    He was still wandering at the edge about having a son or not. If he wants a son, that meant he needed to find a wife.


    ¡°...hmm, I can¡¯t always trouble everyone. We¡¯re already so busy, I don¡¯t want to add on to the burden,¡± Xu Lan said after giving a thought.


    In actual fact, it was because Bai Wu resumed his form unexpectedly and could not revert back to the three-year-old state. Even if he transformed into the human form, he could only appear as a young adult with seventeen or eighteen of age.


    Damn it, how could he bring him over! He could not be telling people that this is another son of his. There was no choice but to leave him at home.


    At first, Bai Wu was not willing to but he could not dissuade Xu Lan. He ended up locking himself in his room and brood over the matter.


    ¡°What are you talking about? The forensics results are ready, there are three sets of fingerprints on the curtain. These three individuals included you, Li Xiu and a child. There¡¯re no records in the fingerprint database, so the identity was not known.¡±


    ¡°Li Xiu?¡± Xu Lan frown and asked quizzically.


    ¡°Yes. Probably left behind when you guys were working on the case. I¡¯m guessing the other set of fingerprints belongs to Bai Wu. I thought of verifying them today, too bad you didn¡¯t bring him along,¡± Sun Fei mentioned with regret.


    ¡°It¡¯s his,¡± Xu Lan told Sun Fei directly. Sometimes, covering up the truth would cause more troubles.


    ¡°Haha, aren¡¯t you afraid that I would suspect you to be the killer?¡± Sun Fei pped Xu Lan¡¯s shoulders andughed loudly.


    ¡°If there¡¯s proof, I can¡¯t deny anyway. Isn¡¯t it the same for anyone?¡± Xu Lan lifted his eyebrow, the scar at the end of it followed and moved ordingly.


    ¡°Indeed, haha, but if you are the killer, it would be very disappointing,¡± Sun Fei said after giving a thought, ¡°Since everybody trusted you so much.¡±


    ¡°Just think of how to make progress on this case!¡± Xu Lan spread out the files in his hands, all the clues gathered from these few days were clearly straightened out.


    There were a total of two criminals who conspired in this whole case. One of them was identified as a female, named as Qiu Ling.


    First of all, the male suspect would search for a target and Qiu Ling would then approach them and gain their trust. Following that, she would introduce the male suspect to the victim tomit their crime. The criminal procedure was executed almost perfectly, leaving no trails behind. They were excellent in covering up their tracks.


    Both of them were very well-off. The total sum of money given to Li Kui amounted to more than one hundred thousand Renminbi. They also hired other aplices.


    The only lead that was not lost was Qiu Ling. However, there was nothing unusual about Qiu Ling. This posed as a pressing problem as time was ticking away in front of their eyes. They still could not take her in even though they knew that she was the suspect.


    ¡°Is the investigation of Li Kui and Li Xinyi¡¯s cell phone ready?¡± Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s done, there was nothing in it. I even doubt if they were truly father and daughter. Except for the phone number, there was nothing that can link them together,¡± Sun Fei said in disdain.


    ¡°Hmm, are there any oveps among their social circle? At least they shared themonality of contacting Qiu Ling. Oh right, did you ask Li Kui about Qiu Ling yesterday night?¡± Xu Lan answered after pondering.


    ¡°I asked, he said Qiu Ling is the head person of their team in this construction project. He¡¯s the foreman below her, that¡¯s why he had Qiu Ling¡¯s phone number,¡± Sun Fei said after letting out a sigh.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t she the manager of thepany?¡±


    ¡°Yes, the manager of Hengyu Real Estate Company, she¡¯s the boss,¡± Sun Fei squinted and answered.


    ¡°Do you have cigarettes?¡± Xu Lan stopped asking further and reached his hand out.


    ¡°No, I told you that my ce is a smoke-free zone, why would I have cigarettes!¡± Sun Fei smacked hisp and said.


    ¡®Beep beep... beep beep beep...¡¯


    ¡°Hello?¡± Xu Lan took his cell phone out and saw it was from an unknown caller.


    ¡°Mister Xu, please hurry to the hospital. The person that you asked me to take care insisted on visiting his friendst night. He held his hand after seeing him and didn¡¯t want to let go. When I arrived this morning, he was still there and he refused toe out no matter what I say. Mister Xu, pleasee over and take a look,¡± the carer said anxiously over the phone.


    ¡°What! I¡¯ming over right now!¡± Xu Lan stood up immediately and startled Sun Fei who was beside him.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Sun Fei asked.


    ¡°Li Xiu sat in front of Lao Liu¡¯s sickbed throughout the night!¡± Xu Lan grabbed his jacket and headed out.


    ¡°What? I thought his ribs were broken? How did he get up?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. Let¡¯s go over and take a look.¡± Xu Lan already headed downstairs, Sun Fei followed him hurriedly.


    ¡°Lao Hu is not back yet, we can¡¯t let him get into trouble again!¡± he said worriedly.


    ¡°Okay, get in the car!¡± Xu Lan pressed him.


    The journey to the hospital was very smooth, no truck incident like the one they experienced the day before, both of them arrived at the hospital shortly after.


    ¡°Mister Xu, you¡¯re here.¡± The carer was standing outside the door of Lao Liu¡¯s ward. He was just transferred out from the Intensive Care Unit yesterday night.


    ¡°Hmm, you can go and rest first.¡± Xu Lan opened the door after suppressing his anger.


    Li Xiu was holding Lao Liu¡¯s hand while sitting on the wheelchair. His whole body was distorted due to the pain.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡± Xu Lan walked towards him hastily and questioned.


    ¡°Brother Lan? Cough cough... Lao Liu, he... Lao Liu lost his legs.¡±


    Both Lao Liu¡¯s legs were stuck on the seat, it was so serious that they had to amputate them. If it¡¯s not because of the protection from the airbag, it would cost his life. However, due to prolonged asphyxiation, it caused the irreversible damage of some of the brain cells.


    ¡°Calm down, it can¡¯t be helped. If you didn¡¯t do it, he will not survive,¡± Xu Lan said dejectedly.


    ¡°Calm down? It¡¯s easy to say! How can I calm down? Lao Liu followed me since I was a teen. His legs are gone, and it is still uncertain if he can regain consciousness! How do I calm down!¡±


    Li Xiu roared at Xu Lan with reddened eyes. Who said men do not easily shed tears ¨C they would when they experience deep grief.


    ¡°Things have already happened, we should not wallow in despair, it¡¯s a waste of energy,¡± Xu Lan advised helplessly. Even he himself thought that he was talking rubbish, how would Li Xiu take it in.


    ¡°Brother Lan, anyone can say this. If Bai Wu is the one lying here, can you still say these things sensibly?¡± Li Xiu questioned him loudly, ¡°Or he¡¯s currently lying at somewhere with his whole body inserted with tubes...¡±


    Xu Lan¡¯s body tensed up and looked at Li Xiu with rage. He was gasping in deep breaths and both sides of his temples were buzzing loudly.


    ¡°Sun Fei, can you go out for a while? I need to speak with Li Xiu,¡± Xu Lan controlled his trembling body and said hoarsely.


    ¡°Wha... what happened?¡± Sun Fei asked puzzledly. He sensed that something went wrong with the dynamics between these two.


    ¡°Get out!¡± Xu Lan let out a lowered growl.


    Sun Fei left the ward with doubt. There were only two of them in the room and an unconscious Lao Liu.


    ¡°Brother Lan, you knew beforehand that there¡¯s something unusual about Bai Wu, am I right?¡± Li Xiu was not his usual jovial self. Brilliant rays shone through his golden spectacles, staring right at Xu Lan when he asked him.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Do you know what that thing is? That thing is a demon that should only be found in books. How dare you let him grow? Don¡¯t you know that how scary he is?¡± Li Xiu continued to roar at Xu Lan as Xu Lan remained silent. He was so agitated that he wanted to stand up from his chair.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know that, I just knew that he was very pitiful,¡± Xu Lan said with a heavy tone. From what he perceived, he did not think that a dragon could be unpardonably evil. No one had really seen them, these were merely rumors.


    ¡°Pitiful?¡± Li Xiu lifted his hospital gown, showing his bandaged torso. ¡°He broke two ribs with one single punch and you said he¡¯s pitiful?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, he... it was not his intention to do so. This is a misunderstanding, he¡¯ll not do that again!¡± Xu Lan apologized.


    ¡°Yeah, he didn¡¯t intend to. He did it deliberately!¡± Li Xiu answered with a snicker, ¡°How can Brother Lan keep such an evil being with you? Misunderstanding? There will be misunderstandings in life but do you think it will just vanish into thin air by just saying it was a misunderstanding? Do you think Lao Liu¡¯s legs will grow back if the truck driver apologized?¡±


    Li Xiu wailed in anger and questioned him.


    ¡°How can you equate these two events, he...¡± Xu Lan did not understand why would hepare Bai Wu to Li Kui. They were totally different matters to begin with.


    ¡°Oh God! Brother Lan, you must be bewitched by that beast, otherwise how can you say such drivel! Of course, he can¡¯t bepared to the truck driver, at least the truck driver is a human being!¡±


    Li Xiu looked horrifically at Xu Lan who was trying very hard to hold his rage. He was trembling while he tried to reach for his cell phone. ¡°No, I can¡¯t let him perpetrate evil anymore!¡±


    ¡°What are you doing!¡± Xu Lan was shocked when he saw Li Xiu¡¯s action and stepped forward to snatch away his cell phone.


    ¡°I want to call the police and catch him!¡± Li Xiu said furiously, as if he was channeling all the anger stemmed from Lao Liu¡¯s situation toward Bai Wu.


    ¡°I am the police!¡± Xu Lan said with a death grip on Li Xiu.


    ¡°Yes, yes, and you¡¯ve been controlled by him. I shall call the researchers from the central agency, I want them toe over!¡± Li Xiu¡¯s whole body trembled while he said it.


    ¡°No, please don¡¯t do that. You are the only person here who knows about this. No one will notice him if you don¡¯t mention anything! I promise he will not do anything, he will not appear in front of you anymore, I promise!¡± Xu Lan pledged.


    ¡°But he shouldn¡¯t appear in this world in the first ce! Brother Lan! You¡¯re insane! He doesn¡¯t belong here. Wa...¡± Li Xiu was so emotional that he coughed up a mouthful of blood.


    ¡°No, he belongs to me, he¡¯s now mine! I want him to stay with me! This is my personal request. Xiao Xiu, I¡¯m begging you, can you keep it a secret...¡±


    Xu Lan was losing all hope. He should not have reasoned with such an obstinante, stubborn person. In fact, he should have left yesterday together with Bai Wu.


    ¡°You¡¯re begging me?¡± Li Xiu pondered these words in detail, as if he was figuring the hidden meaning from them.


    ¡°Promise me a favor then...¡±


    Li Xiu leaned against the chair with a pale face and said weakly.

 Chapter 52 - The Secret

    <h4>Chapter 52: The Secret</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Okay! I will promise you if you¡¯re willing to keep this a secret!¡± All of a sudden, he regained vigor and looked at Li Xiu ecstatically.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get happy too early, I haven¡¯t even tell you my conditions,¡± Li Xiu said weakly, taking off his sses and pinched his tired eyes.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I will promise anything if you won¡¯t reveal Bai Wu¡¯s true identity to everyone!¡± Xu Lan mentioned excitedly, ¡°Except for murdering someone.¡±


    ¡°Pfft...¡± Li Xiu could not help butugh at Xu Lan¡¯sst words. Except for murder?


    ¡°What if it¡¯s your body that I want?¡±


    Xu Lan had a long pause but he still could not make any sense of Li Xiu¡¯s words, ¡°I have great strength too!¡±


    ¡°Tsk, Brother Lan, it couldn¡¯t be that you didn¡¯t do anything together with Bai Wu?¡± Li Xiu made a gesture, a pration gesture.


    ¡°What nonsense are you babbling about! Bai Wu is my son! You! You...¡± Xu Lan was so mad that his whole body shook and could not speak properly.


    ¡°Oh, is it? What if I want you to do that?¡± Li Xiu looked at Xu Lan¡¯s face expression which alternated between fear and anger. He smiled wickedly and continued, ¡°With me.¡±


    ¡°With... with...¡± Those words were spoken so lightly but it crashed into Xu Lan¡¯s ears like thunder.


    Initially, Li Xiu just wanted to scare Xu Lan, since he had more important favors to ask from him. After seeing Xu Lan¡¯s reaction, he changed his mind. Things would get so much more interesting if Bai Wu knew about it!


    ¡°Haha, you mentioned any request. You can¡¯t even agree to such a simple request, Bai Wu will...¡±


    ¡°I promise you!¡± Xu Lan bit down and squeezed these three words between his teeth.


    Li Xiu froze, before he burst outughing. What would he give to see the expression of the vicious beast if he saw his precious father kowtow to others!


    ¡°You, what do you want me to do?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s tanned cheeks turned as pale as Li Xiu, he walked toward him and asked with his head tucked down.


    ¡°... Don¡¯t have to be so excited, I will call you when the timees.¡± Li Xiu stared at Xu Lan with those razor-sharp eyes, hidden underneath his golden spectacles.


    ¡°... Hmm, we did our best for Lao Liu¡¯s case. We caught the truck driver and he will receive the punishment that he deserved. I... I¡¯ll go out now, take care.¡± Xu Lan fled from the ward as if he was on the run.


    Sun Fei caught hold of him and asked, ¡°Hey, you guys fought? Why are you covered in sweat?¡±


    ¡°No, can you send me back? I¡¯m taking off today,¡± Xu Lan said weakly.


    Sun Fei had no idea what happened to Xu Lan in the room but from what he saw of Xu Lan¡¯s action, it was nothing good. He nced over to Li Xiu who was sitting on the wheelchair and carried Xu Lan down the stairs.


    ¡°Lao Liu, what to do? I wasted such a good opportunity. Just thinking about how that dragon will react to Xu Lan going crazy yet unable to get out of this makes my blood boil. It¡¯s so tempting to try.¡±


    Li Xiu said excitedly while staring at an unconscious Lao Liu.


    He took out his cell phone to search for a number and dialed it. After a moment, it was answered with a soft, clean voice.


    ¡°Li, you called atst. Where have you been? Do you know that something big happened? I was afraid that you won¡¯t contact me again.¡±


    That voice was so sexy and sultry that it could make people go weak.


    ¡°... Li, why aren¡¯t you saying anything? Are you calling me to break up?¡± the other end of the phone call panicked and asked.


    ¡°No, why would I do that. Have youpleted the task I told you to?¡± Li Xiu looked at Lao Liu on the sickbed, suppressed his boiling blood and asked.


    ¡°I did ordingly to what you told me to but there¡¯s some problem. You don¡¯t have to worry, I will fix it.¡± That voice sounded a little fearful, but also with a hint of seduction.


    ¡°Hmm, let¡¯s meet up tonight,¡± Li Xiu said. It¡¯s not like he could not have a change of taste.


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s great! Where? When do I go over?¡± the woman asked excitedly as if she was reminiscing that hot and steamy night, the itch in her heart was unbearable.


    ¡°To your ce.¡± Li Xiu hung up the phone, took off his sses and stood up from the wheelchair.


    He really did pull his punch, leaving only two broken ribs. However, as the saying goes ¡®enjoy life when you have the chance¡¯, he would not be stumped by such trivial wounds. Li Xiu removed the binding bandages with a sneer and walked out of Lao Liu¡¯s room openly.


    The phone was still at Lao Liu¡¯s bedside. The same number called again. She wanted to inform Li Xiu that she was followed for several days.


    Li Xiu did not pick up, it was cut off by another hand.

 Chapter 53 - Moments of Warmth

    <h4>Chapter 53: Moments of Warmth</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    After Xu Lan left, Bai Wu dared not fall asleep. When he closed his eyes, his ears would be filled with the sinisterugh that disseminated from the ck hole.


    When Xu Lan was sent back home, Bai Wu instinctively ran toward the door. However, he stood obediently behind the door and remained motionless when he thought of Xu Lan¡¯s warning.


    ¡°Thank you, Sun Fei. You may leave, I¡¯ll entrust the station¡¯s operation to you today.¡± Xu Lan leaned against the door without putting much pressure on it, as he prepared for the door to open from the inside at any moment.


    ¡°Rest well, don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯ll be able to handle them.¡± Sun Feiforted him.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Xu Lan only opened the door to enter after he saw Sun Fei walked down the stairs and left the courtyard.


    ¡°Papa, why are you back so early today?¡± Bai Wu gave him a bear hug right after he entered.


    At the moment, Bai Wu was all grown up. He was about twenty-one or two years of age, where he was half a head taller than Xu Lan.


    ¡°Papa, what happened? Did you fall into the water?¡± Bai Wu asked with doubt when he hugged Xu Lan, who was soaked wet in his own sweat.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll go take a shower.¡± Xu Lan reached out subconsciously to touch the back of his head but he was not able to reach it. He then walked into the bathroom in a daze.


    Bai Wu diligently prepared his clothes and waited outside after setting up the bath.


    After Xu Lan walked out, he saw that Bai Wu sat on the sofa watching television. He had to allow him to watch television since he could not follow him to the police station.


    On the screen was the news broadcasting about the appearance of the dragon yesterday. Bai Wu was cracking up while watching.


    ¡°Papa, you¡¯re done washing? Haha, look at the photos of us, Papa. Is it pretty?¡± Bai Wu asked as he rolled on the sofa where he almost teared up fromughing. He fell off the sofa with a single turn. Did he still think of himself as a kid?


    ¡°Hmm, pretty.¡± Xu Lan walked toward Bai Wu and sat beside him. The news was then reporting about the recent progress of the case.


    ¡°Papa, why do you like to hang out with Li Xiu?¡± Bai Wu asked out of the blue.


    Xu Lan¡¯s body shuddered but he forced himself to focus on the television.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like Li Xiu, not even a little bit. Did he threaten Papa? I don¡¯t know what kind of ns that conniving thing is scheming.¡± Bai Wu passed Xu Lan the melon seeds that he spent the whole morning dehusking and signaled him to try it.


    ¡°You, why do you think so?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s muscles stiffened and made cracking sounds when he turned his head toward Bai Wu with a surprised look.


    ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s a wild guess. I should¡¯ve punched him to death yesterday, those youngdies were so pitiful.¡± Bai Wu took back the melon seeds after seeing that Xu Lan had no intention of eating them.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Xu Lan was getting more confused after hearing Bai Wu¡¯s exnation. It was very vague but Bai Wu seemed to know something about it.


    ¡°That guy knew that I¡¯m a dragon. He even threatened me, saying that Papa will definitely hate me after seeing my true form. He even told me that everyone will hate me!¡± Bai Wu poured his grievances.


    ¡°You said that he knew you were a dragon?¡± Xu Lan started to break out in cold sweat again while he asked shakily.


    ¡°Yeah. How can I not despise such a person? He always had a sanguineous smell on him, it disgusts me just thinking about him.¡± It was such a rare asion to have a heartfelt talk between father and son. Bai Wu theny down and leaned on Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan kept quiet. If Li Xiu already knew that Bai Wu was a dragon, wh... why did he make such a request this morning? What was he trying to do?


    ¡°Papa, don¡¯t like this person, he¡¯s too dangerous!¡± Bai Wu burrowed himself into Xu Lan¡¯s arms and said with his lips pursed.


    ¡°Wh... why would I like him!¡± Xu Lan almost jumped up.


    ¡°It¡¯s best that Papa doesn¡¯t like him. If he dares to do anything, Papa you must tell me. I¡¯ll go and beat him up!¡± Bai Wu gave a ¡®humph¡¯ and said proudly, ¡°Papa only likes me, hehe.¡±


    ¡°Bai Wu, Papa¡¯s tired. I want to sleep for a while,¡± Xu Lan said weakly while his eyes met the pair of red eyes.


    ¡°Hmm, okay.¡± Bai Wu followed Xu Lan to the bedroom and watched him dozed off.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you watching the television? I can¡¯t sleep with you staring me like that,¡± Xu Lan said amusingly when he saw Bai Wu ced a stool beside the bed to watch him.


    ¡°Television is not as nice as Papa, I want to look at Papa,¡± Bai Wu said smilingly, leaving his canine teeth slightly exposed.


    Xu Lan thought he would not be able to sleep but once hey down on the bed, his eyes were closed shut and he slept until the next morning.


    ¡°Huh... Papa, you¡¯re awake?¡± Bai Wu was awakened by Xu Lan¡¯s movements and asked hazily.


    ¡°You slept while crouching like this? Hurry and get up or you¡¯ll catch a cold.¡±


    Xu Lan thought of buying a bedst night. Bai Wu had grown so much. It would be very congested for two fully grown men to sleep together. Xu Lan looked at his watch ¨C 5 a.m. ¨C he slept for such a long time!


    ¡°No, my body is stron... achoo!¡± It was a glorious p in the face before Bai Wu could even finish his sentence.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you sleep on the bed! Why must you catch a cold!¡± Xu Lan stared at Bai Wu before urging him to get onto the bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that I might wake Papa, you looked very tired.¡± Bai Wuughed at Xu Lan like an idiot.


    ¡°Silly!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s eyes turned red. He then walked into the bathroom hastily to wash his face.


    Bai Wu followed Xu Lan and jumped right in front of him. ¡°Where¡¯s Papa going so early in the morning?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make breakfast, go and nap for a while,¡± Xu Lan said while he wiped his face with a towel.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to sleep. I want to make breakfast with Papa.¡± Bai Wu was unwilling to go back to bed even though he was yawning when he spoke.


    ¡°What? What happened?¡± Xu Lan asked keenly.


    ¡°... The dimension is getting more and more unstable after I transformedpletely, I...¡± Bai Wu scrunched the corner of his shirt and said in distraught.


    The ruthless void had always tried to probe along the edge of death by extending its ws, trying to take Bai Wu away.


    ¡°Okay, you can help me with it,¡± said Xu Lan.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Bai Wu followed Xu Lan happily and walked into the kitchen for the first time...

 Chapter 54 - The Death of Qiu Ling

    <h4>Chapter 54: The Death of Qiu Ling</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan was about to start eating when he received a phone call from Sun Fei ¨C Qiu Ling was found to be dead. She was killed by the same means. He stood up immediately, almost flipping the table in front of him. Bai Wu was startled by his actions.


    ¡°What happened, Papa?¡± Bai Wu asked nkly.


    ¡°Huh, nothing. I¡¯m going to the police station now, you stay at home. If there¡¯s anything just give me a call, understand?¡± Xu Lan said anxiously while he dressed.


    ¡°Okay, I understand. Don¡¯t worry and just go, Papa.¡± Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan with slight reluctance and dismay.


    ¡°Good...¡± Xu Lan was amused by Bai Wu¡¯s reaction and came over to pat his head before he headed out. He reached out halfway but quickly retracted his hands ¨C Bai Wu was all grown up.


    ¡°Stay at home and be good, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Xu Lan still turned his head around to advise again when he was at the doorstep. Bai Wu nodded his head obediently.


    The atmosphere in the police station was depressing. Everyone kept their head low and was busy with their own work. They just received a lecture, nothing was on track. Even Xiao Zhang who was terrified of Xu Lan did not see himing in with a frown. He was too busy doing his job.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Xu Lan asked the people in the meeting room while he hanged his coat on the clothes stand.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that... this morning, Qiu Ling did not turn up when it¡¯s time to go to work. I sensed that there¡¯s something wrong, so I went up to check. Sh... she was already gone...¡± Xiao Xu exined while he trembled in fear. He was responsible for watching after Qiu Ling and he lost her before his very eyes.


    Xu Lan squinted his eyes cautiously, ¡°What do you mean by that? Didn¡¯t I tell you to follow her closely at all times? You¡¯re telling me now she¡¯s dead?¡±


    ¡°I... I... because there was nothing unusual the past two days and we were observing from the opposite. We did not...¡± It seemed that Xiao Xu wanted to continue but he was cut off by Sun Fei¡¯s piercing nce. Beads of sweat emerged from his forehead, which he had to constantly wipe them away.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the scene first. Is Lao Hu there?¡± Xu Lan asked after giving some thought.


    ¡°Hmm, he¡¯s surveying the scene,¡± answered Sun Fei.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Xu Lan stood up and headed out right away.


    Qiu Ling stayed in the city, the ce where most of the white cors gathered together, Hongfeng estate in the Lanshan area. Though it was said to be the hub for white cors, there were many that could not afford this ce. This particr area had a great geographical setting, where it leaned on mountains from the west and faced rivers on the east. It was also strategically positioned with Honghe area on the northern side and Jingxing area at its south.


    Hu Cheng scanned the whole crime scene. It seemed to bemitted by the same criminal suspect regardless of perspectives. However, was Qiu Ling not one of them? Why, even Qiu Ling...


    ¡°Lao Hu, how was it? Any discovery?¡± Xu Lan walked in together with Sun Fei, asked him while he wore his gloves.


    ¡°Same as before,¡± Hu Cheng answered helplessly and shook his head.


    Xu Lan looked around the house, the interior was decorated in simple Northern European style. It was a normal, usual home for an educated female.


    ¡°Xiao Xu didn¡¯t notice anything unusual from the night before? The man could not have appeared out of thin air. Are there any clues from the surveince?¡±


    Xu Lan let out a sigh and asked after seeing a troubled Hu Cheng.


    ¡°I already requested for the surveince tapes, we will watch itter when we get back. Come and examine Qiu Ling first. Even though the methods were simr to the first few cases, there¡¯s something different about this.¡± Hu Cheng took out an empty pipe and ced it in his mouth before leading Xu Lan to Qiu Ling.


    There was no more life in those eyes. However, those widened eyes with the size of cowbells showed the sheer amount of shock and horror that the victim experienced before death.


    ¡°The room is clean and tidy, no signs of fighting. This proves that Qiu Ling did not know that the killer would murder her. They must have met up for a different reason.¡± Hu Cheng closed Qiu Ling¡¯s eyes gently but it sprung open after he removed his hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s quite frightening,¡± Xiao Li said with his nose pinched.


    ¡°That also meant that Qiu Ling let the killer without any defense and they had sexual intercourse? It is worth to re-examine the rtionship between the killer and Qiu Ling,¡± Xu Lan tapped on Xiao Li¡¯s shoulders and continued talking.


    Besides that, the state of Qiu Ling was simr to the other three victims. All of them were naked and tied up on the bed, the left breast was severed from the chest and the private part was sewn shut. The cause of death was due to excessive bleeding.


    ¡°I thought Qiu Ling was just a mama-san, never thought that she would be... and most likely the killer knew that we are aware of Qiu Ling, thus he killed her in advance before she could give away anything.¡± Xu Lan stood in front of Qiu Ling with his arms crossed and examined this woman.


    Exactly what role did Qiu Ling y in this case? Did they manage to strike home? Were they far behind, or worse, were they moving toward the opposing direction?


    ¡°It¡¯s most likely to be that. We lost our lead again, the killer is much more cunning than we imagined,¡± Hu Cheng said dejectedly before telling his forensics colleagues to examine in detail.


    ¡°Hey, Xiao Xu,e over here,¡± Sun Fei yelled from the living room, attracting all of the team.


    ¡°Where did Qiu Ling have her dinnerst night?¡± Sun Fei pointed toward the two wine sses on the table and asked.


    ¡°She should be at home, she didn¡¯t go to a restaurant,¡± Xiao Xu answered after thinking carefully.


    Sun Fei walked toward the windows. Xiao Xu and the guys were observing directly from the opposite building. He pulled the curtain and covered half of the living room.


    ¡°She knew that she was being followed?¡± Sun Fei asked.


    ¡°This... we did not notice anything unusual since we started following her, so...¡± Xiao Xu answered.


    ¡°It appears that Qiu Ling is not as simple as it seems. She tricked our guys with such ease and was able to bring that man home, where she finally brought trouble upon herself,¡± Xu Lan gently stroked his chin and said as if he was deep in thought.


    Sun Fei looked at that two wine sses and nodded his head, before cing them into sealed bags. He examined the surrounding for thest time and walked toward the bedroom.


    ¡°Why did he always manage to execute murder wlessly without haste, leaving no clues behind?¡±


    Hu Cheng felt that it was impossible to catch the killer within ten days. The entire police force was invested in this case but the killer still found a way to kill his aplice with the same method.


    Every drop of blood on the floor was the symbol of ridicule, mocking them as a useless bunch of wimps that could not catch the killer.


    ¡°This kind of elite killer can be a handful. Theymit calcted crimes where they kill with a motive. Therefore, there are not many clues left behind. However, justice has long arms, we will find evidence against him sooner orter. As the saying goes, ¡®he that touches pit shall be defiled¡¯.¡± Xu Lan tapped on Hu Cheng¡¯s shoulders andforted him.


    ¡°Qiu Ling¡¯s death also exined one problem.¡±


    ¡°What problem?¡± Sun Fei and Hu Cheng asked synchronously.

 Chapter 55 - Wendi In Action

    <h4>Chapter 55: Wendi In Action</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°At least this shows that we¡¯re heading the right way. Why else would the murderer desperately kill off his partner? Following Qiu Ling¡¯s death, the murderer will have to hunt by himself. This is our chance,¡± uttered Xu Lan.


    ¡°Hmph, Lao Xu has a point. Let¡¯s send the deceased¡¯s corpse for an autopsy and check on the surveince footages including those taken by Xiao Xu to see if we can find anything,¡± Hu Cheng said with certainty.


    In the police station, everyone was upied with their own task. They yearned to arrest the murderer as soon as possible.


    Wu Wendi trailed after Xu Lan without saying a word, as though she was a spirit. It was a disturbing sight.


    ¡°Miss Wu, how can I help you?¡± Xu Lan leaned against the wall and lit up the hand-rolled cigarettes he got from Hu Cheng earlier.


    Wu Wendi remained silent and stood next to Xu Lan. Even though she promised to never bring this up again, she was bothered by theck of leads following Qiu Ling¡¯s death.


    ¡°Wendi, I believed that Sun Fei has spoken to you about this. The power of an individual is too insignificant. We¡¯re unsure where will the murderer strike again, which is why your proposal is not practicable.¡±


    Xu Lan stubbed his cigarette and borated himself. The chances of running into the murderer were slim, and the effort would most likely end up to be futile. It might turn out to be like the previous case where he ended up with no money for food.


    Working day and night had taken a toll on Xu Lan. On top of his working schedule, he had to care for Bai Wu. His tired appearance coupled with his stubble made him seem like a wilted middle-aged man. Though, his words were unforgiving and straight to the point.


    ¡°I can at least get us some information, making us more proactive and less reactive. Didn¡¯t we just lose all of our leads?¡± Wu Wendi retorted.


    As they needed Wu Wendi¡¯s cooperation to report the news ordingly, they did not purposefully conceal information from her. The case was at a dead-end; every single lead they had would somehow fall through, stopping them from seeing theplete picture.


    ¡°Lao Xu, I got a call from the province earlier, checking up on Li Xiu¡¯s current status,¡± Hu Cheng walked over from the conference room with the tobo pipe between his lips.


    Xu Lan looked up at Hu Cheng; his gaze used to be sharp as an eagle, but it was dulled down ever since the incident took ce. It was a worrying situation indeed. He waved at Wu Wendi, signaling for her to enter first. However, Hu Cheng stopped her in her track.


    ¡°Xiao Wu, I¡¯ve thought long and hard about this...¡±


    ¡°Lao Hu!¡± Xu Lan raised his voice, drawing the duo¡¯s attention. ¡°Let¡¯s go check up on Li Xiu this afternoon. This would be an appropriate response to the higher-ups as well.


    He knew why Hu Cheng chose topromise when he was put under pressure. After all, he was a man with a family and had his concerns to ount for.


    ¡°Sometimes, an unlikely option may prove to be feasible.¡± Sun Fei seemed to have been around the door for quite some time. He stepped forward after noticing the awkward atmosphere.


    ¡°It¡¯s such a shame that I lent Xiao Li to you. Why do you seem so freetely?¡± Xu Lan teased him and chuckled. The section chief of forensics was meddling in the affairs of the Investigation Department.


    ¡°Haha! Xiao Li is very capable and I believe that the credit goes to Sergeant Xu. I don¡¯t even have to worry about the tasks that he¡¯s handling,¡± Xun Fei chuckled as he walked over and put his arms around Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, I¡¯ve spoken to Director General and the rest,¡± Wu Wendi stood in between of the trios, trying hard to ignore the tension in the air.


    ¡°Hmm? Why?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s gaze darted between Hu Cheng and Sun Fei.


    ¡°Cough cough, so the thing is, we¡¯ve decided to enlist Wendi¡¯s help,¡± as Hu Cheng coughed and the scent of tobo rushed out from his throat, chaining Xu Lan down.


    ¡°So it hase down to this huh?¡± Xu Lan asked with a frown.


    ¡°Our leads are gone...¡± Hu Cheng¡¯s addiction kicked in and he toyed around with his empty tobo pipe. Everyone kept their heads down and remained silent.


    ¡°Can we discuss this further?¡± Xu Lan was ufortable with the idea of Wu Wendi handling a psychopathic murderer on her own. Can they guarantee her safety? Is her n workable?


    ¡°...¡± Hu Cheng remained silent and so did everyone else.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, you should trust me because I trust all of you too!¡± A convincing reply echoed throughout the corridor.


    ¡°Ah! Since everyone agreed on this, we should see what the Director-General feels about this,¡± Xu Lan uttered and gave his head a hard p.


    Xu Lan loosened up his cor as the dense atmosphere felt suffocating to him. He was in awed of Wu Wendi¡¯s fearless attitude and her determination to bring the murderer to justice. She did so out of respect for the dead victims. Besides resigning from her job at the press, she did not bail out on everyone at the police station when things got hard. Moreover, she was the one who volunteered for such a dangerous mission.


    However...


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a move tonight. I¡¯ve prepared fake IDs and Lao Xu should test the waters with Xiao Wu. You¡¯re right in the sense that there¡¯s no way that Xiao Wu could pull this off alone. Given that there are ten over thousands of people over there, the chances of a mess-up is high,¡± Hu Cheng said as he fitted tobo into the pipe.


    ¡°Please prioritize your safety. Where necessary, you may ditch the n,¡± Hu Cheng patted Wu Wendi on her shoulder as he spoke with gratitude.


    ¡°Director-General, I¡¯m mentally prepared to handle anything thates my way. However, would it be appropriate for Sergeant Xu who has been on the news to follow me?¡± Wu Wendi spoke animatedly.


    ¡°Hmm... I¡¯ve overlooked this. Who do you think would be a better candidate?¡± Hu Cheng asked.


    ¡°What aboutrade Li Fei?¡± Wu Wendi lowered her head and blushed as she asked cheerfully.


    ¡°Yes, that would do. You shall form a team of two with Xiao Li while Xu Lan and Sun Fei wait nearby with the rest of the team. This would be a better arrangement!¡± Hu Cheng took two deep puffs of the cigarette and agreed to her suggestion.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Before walking out, Wu Wendi nodded to show that she understood.


    ¡°I feel like this n is somewhatcking. It¡¯s impossible to gain the murderer¡¯s trust in such a short period of time. Moreover, we¡¯re short-staffed,¡± Xu Lan said to Hu Cheng who was shrouded in smoke.


    ¡°I know, guess we¡¯ll have to settle for this in the absence of a breakthrough,¡± Hu Cheng took a deep breath and exhaled a long puff of white smoke.


    Sun Fei shook his head, hinting for Xu Lan to stop talking. Out of everyone, Hu Cheng was the most anxious person.


    ¡°Let¡¯s put Li Xiu on hold till tomorrow. We should n tonight out first,¡± Hu Cheng said with a heavy heart as he tapped against the tobo pipe.

 Chapter 56 - Bumping into Li Xiu

    <h4>Chapter 56: Bumping into Li Xiu</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The air conditioner was sting at twenty-six degrees Celcius but the room was still cold. Everyone had slowed down and their mind was frozen.


    ¡°Hold up,¡± Xu Lan halted everyone as he thought of something. ¡°I suggest for us to publish another news release. Our initial intention was to exert pressure upon the murderer, causing him to mess up. Since we¡¯ve decided to strike, there¡¯s no reason for us not to incite him further.¡±


    With Qiu Ling out of the picture, the murderer would have to scout for his prey on his own. The chances of capturing him were low.


    ¡°You¡¯re right! Xiao Wu, coordinate this with Lao Xu. I¡¯m counting on you! Do your best!¡± Hu Cheng breathed a sigh of relief as he expected more resistance from Xu Lan.


    ¡°Do your best!¡± Xu Lan replied loudly. He gained control of his emotions and decided to face the mission with a positive mindset.


    The neon lights shone at the city that never sleeps of Lanshan area. Regardless of their purpose of visit, their underlying intention was the same ¡ª to find happiness. The well-dressed ones and the poorly-dressed ones were there for the same reason.


    Wu Wendi¡¯s cheeks were flushed. She sat next to Xiao Li and listened to him patiently while the rest observed.


    ¡°Eh, Xiao Li and Xiao Wu look good together,¡± said Hu Fei who observed them by the bar counter. ¡°Speaking of which, wasn¡¯t it for Xiao Wu¡¯s idea for you to be reced by Xiao Li? Tsk, tsk, you¡¯ve grown old and aren¡¯t as attractive as a young man now,¡± he continued.


    Sun Fei was poking Xu Lan with his elbow as he spoke.


    ¡°Pay attention to your work!¡± Xu Lan nced at him and returned to staring at Wu Wendi.


    ¡°Eh, what a bummer. Why don¡¯t you consider getting Bai Wu a stepmother? Bai Wu is still young, but it¡¯ll be a different story altogether once he¡¯s older,¡± Sun Fei started chatting with Xu Lan casually.


    ¡°How old are you?¡± Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°Twenty-seven, why?¡± Sun Fei answered as he wondered how the topic changed from Xu Lan¡¯s remarriage to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m thirty and I¡¯ve got a son who¡¯s three and a half years old. When I was your age, I no longer have to settle my hard problems through movies,¡± Xu Lan said emotionlessly and observed Xiao Li¡¯s reaction.


    ¡°Wow! Lao Xu! I was acting in your best interest!¡± Sun Fei moved away from Xu Lan after realizing what Xu Lan was insinuating.


    Xu Lan chuckled and thought, ¡®Even if someone took a liking to me, Bai Wu is something else. Not every normal person could ept Bai Wu for who he is.¡¯


    ¡°Ah yes, are you really going to leave Bai Wu home alone? He¡¯s still so young and you¡¯re here tillte...¡±


    Before Sun Fei couldplete his sentence, Xu Lan¡¯s phone rang. He got a two hundred dor second-hand phone for Bai Wu¡¯s sake.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Papa, where are you? I¡¯m worried about you,¡± Bai Wu¡¯s sweet voice warmed Xu Lan up in the cold night.


    ¡°Bai Wu, be good. Papa will be home slightlyter tonight. If you can¡¯t sleep, you can stay up and watch the television for a while.¡± Thinking about how the little thing would leap at him the moment he came through the door put a smile on Xu Lan¡¯s face. As he knew who the caller was, Sun Fei moved away politely and put some distance between them.


    ¡°Papa, why is it so noisy over there? I thought...¡±


    ¡°Hey, isn¡¯t that Li Xiu?¡± Sun Fei nudged Xu Lan and spoke on full alert.


    Xu Lan took a quick nce at where Sun Fei was pointing at. He said goodbye to Bai Wu and hung up quickly. Indeed, it was Li Xiu.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t he be in the hospital? Why is he here?¡± Sun Fei stared at Li Xiu and asked, ¡°It¡¯s so unfair. How is it possible that so many women flock around him?¡±


    ¡°No idea. Call Xiao Xu to check what¡¯s going on at the hospital?¡± Xu Lan replied calmly.


    He found it impossible to trust Li Xiu anymore. How could he stille out and have fun with a few broken ribs? To think that he brought a driver with him when the investigation was underway! On top of that, his fingerprints were found on the curtain. Xu Lan could not help but think that Li Xiu was the murderer that they were looking for.


    ¡°He is charging toward Xiao Li. What a bad start! Are we exposed on the first night itself?¡± Sun Fei clutched onto the ss tightly as he observed Li Xiu¡¯s every move.


    ¡°Take a few photos here. I¡¯m heading over.¡± Xu Lan emptied his ss of whiskey. As he was nning to test the waters tonight, he did not expect Li Xiu to actually show up. He wondered if this was some form of sess, at least Hu Cheng could report that Li Xiu was alright.


    ¡°Eh? Comrade Xiao Li, Miss Wu, why are all of you here?¡± Li Xiu asked in embarrassment as he was surrounded by a group of women.


    ¡°It¡¯s been hectictely, which is why I brought them over to rx,¡± Xu Lan said in a deep tone. His face was in the shadow and his facial expression was not visible to Li Xiu.


    Xu Lan¡¯s sudden appearance gave a shock to all the beautiful women. They looked at Li Xiu and Xu Lan; they were frightened but at the same time, they were reluctant to leave.


    ¡°Brother Lan, you¡¯re here too? I thought you would be home with the child at this hour.¡± Li Xiu was not flustered at all. Since his cover was blown, there was no point for him to keep up with his act.


    ¡°I thought you would be resting in the hospital too, who knew that I would run into you here.¡±


    The tension in the air caught Xiao Li and Wu Wendi off guard. Both of them stood by the side and wondered what they should do. It was only when Sun Fei waved at them and signaled for them to leave that they escaped the battlefield.


    ¡°Heh, I came here out of boredom seeing how Brother Lan rejected my calls,¡± said Li Xiu, who gave Xu Lan a once-over as he licked his lips.


    Li Xiu¡¯s suggestive moves gave Xu Lan goosebumps and caused his temples to throb. Xu Lan stared at Li Xiu as though he was trying to set him on fire with his gaze.


    ¡°You¡¯re a beast disguised as a human!¡± cursed Xu Lan, ¡°let¡¯s go somewhere quiet and talk.¡±


    Li Xiu raised his brows and observed Xu Lan closely. Just when Xu Lan was about to run out of patience, Li Xiu walked over. Li Xiu closed up on Xu Lan and bit his earlobe while passing him a card.


    ¡°Brother Lan, you have a lot of questions for me, don¡¯t you? Agree to my terms and we shall talk.¡± Xu Lan clenched his fist and stared at Li Xiu who left with a grin on his face. Under the flickering lights, he managed to see the words printed on the card ¡ª Room 888, Tiantang Hotel.

 Chapter 57 - Li Xiu and His Scheme

    <h4>Chapter 57: Li Xiu and His Scheme</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Wow, how exciting! Is Li Xiu into this?¡± Sun Fei sat on the bar stool and eximed.


    ¡°Shut it! What did Xiao Xu say?¡± Xu Lan red at Sun Fei as he asked.


    ¡°Uh, not only that he¡¯s away, the driver isn¡¯t there too,¡± replied Sun Fei.


    ¡°Even Lao Liu is gone?¡± Xu Lan was in deep thought. He squinted his eyes and threw the room card at Sun Fei, who jumped away at the sight of it.


    ¡°Hey, how could you do this to me? Moreover, this is for you. I¡¯m not as good-looking as you are...¡±


    Sun Fei raised his head and noticed how well-built Xu Lan was. He corrected himself immediately, ¡°I¡¯m not as buff as you are!¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I send you to get someone here? Did you bring the voice recorder pen?¡± Xu Lan rolled his eyes and retorted.


    ¡°Oh yes, I did! Someone, here? Hmm, that wouldn¡¯t be appropriate, would it?¡± Sun Fei tossed the voice recorder pen over and teased Xu Lan.


    ¡°Scram! Are you done with your sick thoughts yet?¡± Xu Lan raised his foot and gave Sun Fei a kick.


    ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll go get someone now. Beware, even though I did tell you to find a new partner, but this...¡± Sun Fei said as he shook his head, insinuating that he would not agree to the marriage between Li Xiu and Xu Lan.


    ¡°Go away!¡± Xu Lan tried to kick Sun Fei. After sessfully dodging Xu Lan¡¯s kick, Sun Fei left cheerfully to call for help.


    After picking up the room card from the floor, Xu Lan straightened his clothes up and walked up with determination.


    The carpeted hallway was like a ma that weighed Xu Lan¡¯s feet down; every step he took was an ordeal. He wondered if this hallway lit by dim lights will lead him to the truth.


    Knock, knock.


    The room door was opened immediately. Li Xiu was clothed in a bathrobe, his hair was still dripping wet. Xu Lan could almost see his sunken stomach.


    ¡°Haha, pleasee in,¡± Li Xiu made way for Xu Lan and asked, ¡°what would you like to drink?¡±


    ¡°No thanks, let¡¯s focus on our main task,¡± Xu Lan took a seat and reached for the smoke. He retracted his hands sheepishly after a while.


    ¡°Haha, that works too. You can ask me anything and I¡¯ll have my condition fulfilled. How about that?¡± Li Xiu offered him a ss of wine and waited for his question patiently.


    ¡°Your injuries healedpletely?¡± Xu Lan found it hard to believe that a normal person with two broken ribs could head out and have fun the next day.


    ¡°Notpletely, but almost. Would you like to examine my injuries?¡± Li Xiu stood up and tried taking off his bathrobe.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that! Qiu Ling is dead,¡± said Xu Lan immediately. Qiu Ling passed awayst night. Seeing how Li Xiu had almost recovered, Xu Lan wondered if it was possible that Li Xiu was the culprit. Could Li Xiu be toying with them all these while?


    ¡°Ah, what a shame. Didn¡¯t it take us a lot of effort to nail down the suspect? Is this what you¡¯re here for, to tell me about it?¡± Li Xiu replied curiously after a brief moment of frustration.


    ¡°You¡¯re aware of Bai Wu¡¯s existence?¡± Xu Lan shirked away from Li Xiu¡¯s inquisitive gaze and voiced the question that he had been wanting to ask for a long time.


    ¡°Yes, back when we first met. Would you consider that as early?¡± Li Xiu smiled. Without his suit and leather shoes, he gave off a licentious vibe.


    ¡°When was the first time that you saw me? Jingxinyuan?¡± Xu Lan was not used to Li Xiu¡¯s casual attitude. He tossed the bolster at him and said, ¡°Stop being so lecherous around me.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I¡¯m doing this for you. If you can¡¯t get used to this now, what¡¯s going to happen when the lights are off?¡± Li Xiu teased Xu Lan relentlessly.


    ¡°If this is why you invited me here, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ve got no time for your gibberish!¡± Xu Lan stood up and walked over to Li Xiu. Xu Lan attitude caught Li Xiu off guard. He did not expect thetter to be so uptight to the point that he could not take a joke. Li Xiu was amused and could not help but to chuckle.


    ¡°Please tell me why are your fingerprints on the curtains from Jingxinyuan. Thest time we were there, I was the one who passed you the gloves.¡±


    ¡°Fingerprints?¡± Li Xiuughed, ¡°do you remember the other time when Bai Wu talked to me? He¡¯s so proud even though he¡¯s young. I had to teach him a lesson and I might¡¯ve left my fingerprints behind back then.¡±


    ¡°You! Howe Bai Wu didn¡¯t tell me about this!¡± Xu Lan was trying to get more information from Li Xiu, but he did not expect to find out about something like this. Bai Wu had never mentioned about this before.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way that he would tell you about. How embarrassing must it be for him to be taught a lesson after failing to threaten me?¡± Li Xiu snickered as he remembered how proud Bai Wu was.


    For some reason, Xu Lan yearned to see Bai Wu. The lovable little thing had always threaded gingerly, to the point that he held his tongue after being bullied by an outsider. So what if he was all grown up now? This was inevitable and he merely sped up the process.


    ¡°One more thing, is Lao Liu really your driver and personal doctor?¡± Xu Lan¡¯sst question waspletely irrelevant. After Li Xiu answered affirmatively, Xu Lan left without turning around.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried that I¡¯ll rat Bai Wu out?¡± Li Xiu asked slowly as he looked at his nails.


    ¡°Why did you wait till today if you knew how Bai Wu looked like since day one? What kind of man wouldnd such a low blow? Do you really think my hands are tied around you? It¡¯s your call whether you want to tell the world about it. I¡¯m heading back now.¡±


    Xu Lan was grinding his teeth as he spoke.


    ¡°Prior to this, I thought you were still in the dark. Brother Lan, what did the animal charm you with? If you promise me to cut contact with the animal, I¡¯ll let our deal slide. It¡¯s not my intention to make a big fuss out of this too.¡± Li Xiu stared at Xu Lan with great pain, hoping that he woulde around.


    ¡°No way! Bai Wu is my son! Are you persuading me to abandon my son? Li Xiu, I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re scheming for, but you¡¯re not having your way with me! So long as I¡¯m around, Bai Wu will be safe and sound!¡± Xu Lan retorted angrily as he took a few big breaths.


    There was no use reasoning with someone like Li Xiu. After capturing the murderer within these seven days, he would depart for another dimension with Bai Wu. All he needed to do was to make sure that Bai Wu was not captured within said period of time. Xu Lan was relieved and he took bigger steps too.


    He was not keen to have anything to do with this lunatic!


    ¡°Do you think you can leave?¡± Li Xiu toyed around with the keychain in his hand and walked toward Xu Lan with a cold smile.

 Chapter 58 - Kidnapping Xu Lan

    <h4>Chapter 58: Kidnapping Xu Lan</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Open the door!¡± yelled Xu Lan. He was not afraid of Li Xiu at all.


    Xu Lan was half a head taller than Li Xiu. His tanned skin formed a sharp contrast to Li Xiu¡¯s fair skin. With his amazing reflexes, he was more than well-equipped to handle three Li Xiu in one go.


    ¡°Now that you¡¯re done with your questions, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time that you repay the favor? Brother Lan, are you nning to forgo our deal?¡± Li Xiu stepped forward and cornered Xu Lan, trapping Xu Lan between the door and himself.


    ¡°Sure, you can try making a call. Ah!¡±


    All of a sudden, Li Xiu grabbed onto Xu Lan¡¯s chin, giving Xu Lan a hard punch on his stomach. Xu Lan who was too stunned to react ended up being thrown onto the bed by Li Xiu.


    ¡°Brother Lan, you thought too lowly of me. How can you not take me seriously when I can be out and about with two broken ribs?¡±


    Li Xiu ripped Xu Lan¡¯s clothes off violently and instantly unleashed his muscles. Li Xiu looked at Xu Lan¡¯s reaction with amusement. Xu Lan was both shocked and angry, he was even in fear.


    ¡°I wanted a pretty woman to mend my broken heart today, but too bad that you sent all of them away. Brother Lan, you¡¯re going to make it up to me yourself.¡±


    Li Xiu whipped out the belt on his bathrobe and tied Xu Lan¡¯s hands up. He gave Xu Lan a peck on his lips and reached for his pants.


    ¡°Bam!¡±


    The hotel room door was forced open, revealing a young man around seventeen or eighteen years old. He red angrily at Li Xiu with his red eyes. A group of security guards and attendants followed behind.


    ¡°Come out!¡± White smoke wasing out of Bai Wu who was breathing heavily. He charged at Li Xiu with a bloody fist, the same fist that he used to break the room door.


    ¡°Bai... Why are you here?¡± Xu Lan was in a greater shock than when Li Xiu attempted to take off his pants.


    ¡°He¡¯s grown so much?¡± Li Xiu nced at Bai Wu and murmured.


    Instead of getting down from Xu Lan immediately, he started kissing Xu Lan¡¯s forehead, brows,shes, nose, and lips. The series of actions was extremely suggestive. When he was done, he pulled the nket over Xu Lan¡¯s head.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking for it!¡±


    Bai Wu¡¯s eyes became redder and he looked at Li Xiu with bloodlust. White smoke started to appear and Bai Wu was encapsted within it. ¡°Woo-hoo,¡± Bai Wu made a throaty sound and silver rays illuminated the room. His greyish-white scales were bing visible.


    ¡°Bai Wu! No!¡±


    When Xu Lan yelled, Li Xiu kissed Xu Lan again. It was Li Xiu¡¯s n to corner Bai Wu into revealing his true identity in public; the more people, the merrier!


    ¡°Aww, the spectators are making me shy. I must apologize, my beloved over here is into bondage, please excuse us.¡±


    ¡°Bam!¡±


    Right after he spoke, Li Xiu was sent flying at the wall. He collided into the wall and hit the ground immediately.


    ¡°Papa, are you okay?¡± Bai Wu had to maneuver his gigantic body to search for Xu Lan. He found Xu Lan by his feet and quickly released him.


    ¡°Gosh! It¡¯s a dragon! Hurry up and take a photo!¡±


    ¡°Oh my god! This is going to be on the headlines tomorrow! I¡¯m seeing a dragon in real life!¡±


    ¡°Someone please call the cops!¡±


    The security guards, attendants, and the curious hotel guests witnessed a young man¡¯s transformation into a dragon. They were having a discussion amongst themselves.


    Xu Lan broke out in cold sweat upon hearing the chatter. He would never allow Bai Wu to be captured!


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Bai Wu, let¡¯s go now! We should leave before it gets crowded!¡± Xu Lan urged.


    ¡°Haha. Brother Lan, you can¡¯t me me for this. He chose to transform in front of everyone. Now that everyone knows that you¡¯re a dragon, they¡¯ll being for you, Bai Wu. How¡¯re you going to return to the Dragon n? Haha...¡± Li Xiuughed cruelly as he dried off his blood.


    Bai Wu was stunted by Li Xiu¡¯s words. He turned around and checked.


    The river was vast and dotted with fallen leaves. Bai Wu ended up bringing them to the river at Huaxia where they first met. It waste winter and the river was still icy cold. The grass by the side of the river started to turn green.


    ¡°Papa, are you alright?¡±


    Bai Wu transformed into a human and started checking on Xu Lan. Besides a mildly dislocated jaw and a few bruises here and there, Xu Lan was otherwise free from injuries. However, he was dripping in cold sweat and curling up on the floor earlier. Bai Wu was terrified and he immediately escaped with Xu Lan before he could even give Li Xiu a good beating.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t, hmph...¡±


    Before Xu Lan could finish his sentence, Bai Wu hugged him and gave him a bite on his neck. Xu Lan tried to push Bai Wu away. The immense force restraining him demonstrated Bai Wu¡¯s insistence.


    ¡°Papa, his bloody scent is on you...¡± Bai Wu whispered. His gentle tone unarmed Xu Lan. Xu Lan started stroking Bai Wu¡¯s hair gently.


    Bai Wu licked Xu Lan¡¯s neck gingerly, licking away the fresh blood that seeped out. Bai Wu found the bloody scent suffocating and Xu Lan¡¯s gentleness was a trap. Instead of being calm, he became increasingly agitated. The only way he couldfort himself was by keeping Xu Lan by his side.


    He held Xu Lan¡¯s face roughly as white smoke emanated from his body. Hended his kisses on Xu Lan¡¯s forehead, middle of his brows, his eyes... He was determined to rece Li Xiu¡¯s scent with his. When he recalled how Li Xiu vited Xu Lan, Bai Wu felt anger well up within him. He could not contain the raging anger that would soon to explode.


    ¡°Piak!¡± A crisp p echoed in the air.


    ¡°Papa?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s tears were welling up as he looked at Xu Lan pitifully like a young child. The p tamed the beast in his chest.


    ¡°Sorry, my hand slipped.¡± Xu Lan¡¯s chest rose and fell. He immediately reached for the icy river water and sshed his face with it.


    ¡°Papa, do you like Li Xiu?¡±


    Bai Wu lowered his head and was reluctant to hear the answer. Xu Lan¡¯s reaction earlier wasparable to that when Li Xiu was trying to kiss him. Xu Lan froze and stood up immediately.


    ¡°What nonsense! Why would I like Li Xiu!¡± Xu Lan was irritated by Bai Wu¡¯s question.


    ¡°Li Xiu was kissing with Papa too.¡± Bai Wu looked away from Xu Lan, his chest was full of anger that he could not release.

 Chapter 59 - The Mutating Void

    <h4>Chapter 59: The Mutating Void</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Heck, did I have a choice? I didn¡¯t do it out of my own ord!¡± Xu Lan wiped his mouth furiously with the nket as Bai Wu¡¯s words reminded him of Li Xiu¡¯s bloody scent. Bai Wu remained grumpy and refused to look at him.


    ¡°Speak up!¡± Xu Lan gave Bai Wu a violent kicked and shouted. He suspected that Bai Wucked a brain, perhaps that was why he acted on his instincts all the time. In fact, he could not even distinguish between right and wrong.


    ¡°Sob, sob... Papa, you said you¡¯ll love me and be with me forever. You can only have my scent on you! I hate it when you smell like someone else. Hic...¡±


    Bai Wu turned and looked at Xu Lan as he wailed. He was not behaving like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old. He had a runny nose and tears were gushing from his eyes. It was a symphony of sniffing, sobbing, and hups. He did not care about his image and wailed miserably.


    ¡°Pfft. Fine, fine. Papa loves Bai Wu only. You¡¯re my favorite, my treasure. Stop crying, it hurts me to watch you cry,¡± Xu Lan chuckled as he wiped the tears off Bai Wu¡¯s face. He ended up bursting into an uncontrobleughing fit.


    The deserted riverside turned lively with the mix ofughter and cries, catching the birds off guard.


    His voice red like a high-pitch speaker, once activated, it could never be stopped. Bai Wu finally let it slide when Xu Lan agreed topromise.


    Xu Lan¡¯s phone had been ringing since their escape. Some were from the police station, but most were unknown numbers. Bai Wu was all over the news. The dragon¡¯s appearance shocked Huaxia.


    Specialists from different fields flocked after them, determined to find out more about this. This was thest thing Xu Lan wanted.


    ¡°Papa, sorry for disobeying your instructions,¡± Bai Wu apologized guiltily after noticing the troubled look on Xu Lan¡¯s face.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault. Even if you didn¡¯t transform before everyone, this would¡¯ve happened sooner orter,¡± Xu Lan smiled as he put his cell phone back into his pocket. Li Xiu would have exposed this to the world even if Bai Wu did note over.


    ¡°Do you know who Li Xiu is and why is he obsessed with destroying you? His recovery ability is abnormal. How can he go to a pub after you broke two of his ribs the day before?¡± Xu Lan slid his hand into his pocket, wishing that he had a packet of Yunyan Special titbit soft with him.


    ¡°... I¡¯ve no idea. All I know is that he works for Qiao Yi and would do anything to hinder my return to the dragon n,¡± said Bai Wu after a moment of contemtion.


    ¡°Qiao Yi?¡± Xu Lan was confused as to why he would go through such lengths to stop Bai Wu from returning.


    ¡°I used to be the leader of the dragon n. He only became the leader after he worked with the subordinates to poison me,¡± Bai Wu stated briefly and he was reluctant to borate further on matters pertaining to the dragon world.


    ¡°Hence, you¡¯ve been looking for the passage that leads you home right?¡± asked Xu Lan. His dark pupils were shielded by hisshes and it was hard to see what was going on in his mind.


    ¡°Uh huh...¡± There was a sudden loud boom! Bai Wu punched his fist in the air. The air immediately condensed and shattered into smithereens. The shards fell through piece by piece.


    ¡°Scram! I¡¯m not in the mood to entertain you now!¡± Bai Wu cursed at the ck void.


    ¡°Hyuk hyuk...¡± A disturbingugh came from the pitch ck void, spreading chilliness in the air.


    That was the first time Xu Lan saw the dimensional crack that Bai Wu spoke of. Theughter echoed atop the river.


    His hard scales collided with the dense air and the shattered pieces of air started falling down. Before these pieces touched the ground, they transformed and became a part of the air again. Bai Wu was enraged and immediately armed himself. As his anger grew, his horns grew as well.


    The dimension seemed to be terrified of Bai Wu. It inched toward Bai Wu gingerly, only to retract after being chastised. In spite of that, it was relentlessly trying to inch closer.


    ¡°Is this the dimensional crack that you spoke of?¡± Xu Lan squinted his eyes as he sized the abstract yet real existence up.


    ¡°Yes, the longer we remain here, the more unstable the dimension will be. The instability is aggravated when I¡¯m in myplete form,¡± Bai Wu exined to Xu Lan as he red at the void in a threatening manner.


    The dimensional bnce was upset by Bai Wu¡¯s arrival into a world that he did not belong to, and the distortion in the space-time created a crack. Bai Wu¡¯s continuing presence led to the conversion of energy into mass. This was simr to food consumption; the indigestible food will be excreted by the body. The phenomenon was made obvious after Bai Wu¡¯s recovery of power. He had to remain on guard in order to not be caught in the crack.


    ¡°Hmm? What happens when you are caught within the crack?¡±


    It seemed that he would be sent to another dimension. What would happen then? Bai Wu seemed fine thest time he came to Huaxia. Moreover, Bai Wu mentioned that he was used to traveling between different dimensions and he seemed to be unaffected by it.


    ¡°... It can¡¯t do anything to me anymore. I¡¯m constantly alternating between one dimension to another and my body has developed resistance to it. I¡¯m worried about you, Papa. I don¡¯t want you to experience the excruciating pain once more,¡± Bai Wu replied after a brief moment of contemtion.


    ¡®Ah, so this wouldn¡¯t cause any problem to the two worlds. The interdimensional traveler himself will be suffering from the consequences. The excruciating pain has a devastating effect on the interdimensional traveler¡¯s physical and mental well-being. So it seems that the crushing thunderbolt that befell upon him was real?¡¯ thought Xu Lan.


    ¡°I see, why did Li Xiu say that you could never return to the dragon n after your identity has been exposed?¡± Xu Lan asked as he caressed his chin.


    Xu Lan felt a crushing weight on his chest as he brought up the topic.


    ¡°I¡¯ve no idea. As I used to have the physical appearance of a child, I was barely a threat to Qiao Yi. I¡¯ve no idea how to get back too.¡± Bai Wu was frustrated by his current predicament. He threw a punch at the void, directing his anger at the crack.


    Xu Lan gave himself a tight p ¡ª he must be crazy! How can he be happy after hearing Bai Wu¡¯s exnation? He must be crazy to think that Bai Wu could stay with him forever.


    ¡°Papa, what are you doing!¡± Bai Wu watched as Xu Lan gave himself a p. His eyes were red and he did not know what to do. He remained armed as the crack preyed on him. All he could do was lick Xu Lan with his tongue, blowing heat like a heater on Xu Lan¡¯s face in the process.


    Bai Wu¡¯s instinctive move warmed Xu Lan¡¯s heart. Through Bai Wu, he found sce in his broken rtionship with his old man. He treated Bai Wu the way he wished his old man would treat him.

 Chapter 60 - Tracked Down After Answering A Call

    <h4>Chapter 60: Tracked Down After Answering A Call</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Once Li Xiu¡¯s scent was erased by Bai Wu, the young man became rather happy. When he stood near Xu Lan, the only scent he could smell was that of his own. With a broken heart he licked the p mark but at the same time, he gleefully wagged his tail. Its robustness nonchntly beat against the river¡¯s surface causing white water sprays to form.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We¡¯ll search slowly. Surely we¡¯ll be able to find it.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s constion enabled Xu Lan¡¯s tensed up face to begin rxing.


    ¡°Papa.¡± Bai Wu stopped licking. The young man¡¯s dragon state was far from adorable. Instead, it brought about an innate augustness and grandeur. ¡°You must stay by my side forever.¡±


    Bai Wu ce his head on Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder and made that statement after stopping his act of licking.


    ¡°Mm... I will.¡± Xu Lan looked at those beautiful eyes and nodded.


    ¡®Oh Bai Wu, you¡¯re asking me to give you my life.¡¯


    It was not known whether the crack retreated because of Bai Wu¡¯s power or whether its very basis for existing was challenged when it saw such a heart-warming spectacle. In any case, it gradually disappeared after a period of time.


    Amidst the pricking of reeds, Xu Lany by the pond with Bai Wu to his side.


    When everything calmed down, Xu Lan felt the incessant vibration of his cell phone in the pocket. The phone¡¯s position made it seem as though it was poised to help Xu Lan take care of his manhood. His ¡®member¡¯ was rapidly filled with vigor as it sought to escape the trap of its confines. Xu Lan had been too busytely and had no time to look after it, so much so that it was unable to differentiate a real massager from a fake one!


    Xu Lan embarrassedly shifted himself to the side in hopes that the child would not have to see such a humiliating spectacle. Then he took out the cell phone to see which b*stard was calling him so tirelessly.


    ¡°Oh! Bai Wu!¡± The man eximed after gasping out of shock. Bai Wu cluelessly lifted his head to see what was going on and his little pale hands were ced on Xu Lan¡¯s pants. Sensing light at the end of the tunnel, his ¡®member¡¯ believed that it was able to break free of all restraints. Almost immediately, it ached to reveal itself in its stiffened state.


    ¡°You, get your hand off me!¡±


    ¡°Is it unbearable? Didn¡¯t Papa say that it was a natural reaction? Papa helped me in the exact same wayst time. It won¡¯t be unbearable for long. It¡¯ll even be... very enjoyable.¡±


    The young man awkwardly avoided eye contact. In the corner of his crescent-shaped eyes was the tear mole that shimmered brightly ¨C it was exceptionally eye-catching.


    ¡°This... I¡¯ll do it myself. Sit back down, I need to take this call.¡± After seeing how confused and ignorant the young man was, Xu Lan regretted that a busy schedule led to him having no time to send Bai Wu to school.


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Bai Wu intended to help Xu Lan with the ¡®problem¡¯ and became sad after being rejected. He squatted down and parted the reeds then sulkily poked at ants in the process of moving their nest.


    Xu Lan took a deep breath before answering the call. Originally, he wanted to give that bloody Sun Fei a scolding but when he saw the number on the screen, he held back all those profanities.


    ¡°Lao Hu.¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan! Son-of-a-b*tch you finally answered! I¡¯ve been calling you repeatedly since yesterday! What actually happened? How could Bai Wu be a dragon? Anyway, the point is, Bai Wu took you away, and now the station is like a traffic hub. One after another, hordes of people are rushing here just to ask your whereabouts! Do you know that the whole country is talking about how to locate you? Even the province has instructed us to drop our murder case. They want us to re-investigate only after Bai Wu is caught!¡±


    Hu Cheng¡¯s mortar-like voice nearly shattered Xu Lan¡¯s eardrums. For the greater part of Xu Lan¡¯s life, no news of such magnitude had ever turned into a manhunt!


    ¡°Eh, Lao Hu, are you positioning yourself in the forefront?¡± Xu Lan lifted the phone some distance away and proceeded to massage his ears.


    ¡°Xu Lan! I made this f*cking call to find out if you were still alive and to warn you to be careful! What do you take me for, huh? Everyone¡¯s worried sick for you! Surely you have your reasons for making that choice. We¡¯ll always wee you with open arms if you return!¡± With increasing sincerity, Hu Cheng¡¯s voice began slowing in pace.


    ¡°Return? Hasn¡¯t the station been taken over? Will I still be able to continue with the case? Will things go back to the way like before with Bai Wu?¡± Xu Lan became emotional after hearing Hu Cheng¡¯s words. It was likely that the call was made because Hu Cheng regarded Xu Lan as a friend.


    ¡°The experts said if you return, you can buy a house in the capital. If Bai Wu is unwilling to go to the research institutions, they would take samples in your home. They wouldn¡¯t obstruct you. By then, perhaps you may be promoted...beep...beep...beep¡±


    ¡°Director General, the signal¡¯sing from the Qinglong Mountains.¡± Xiao Zhang remarked to Hu Cheng after seeing the red dot on theputer screen.


    ¡°Good. Call the experts. We¡¯ll go there together.¡± A disappointed Hu Cheng sat back down on the chair, for he was certain that Xu Lan figured out what was happening.


    Xu Lan hung up and came back to Bai Wu, who was still drawing circles on the ground. The scene led Xu Lan to smile. Without a doubt, Bai Wu was a child that never grew up. How could Xu Lan bear with the thought of handing Bai Wu over to a bunch of mad scientists?


    ¡°Bai Wu, I think we¡¯re pretty famous now. But we can¡¯t go out, do you know that? And we absolutely cannot let anyone see us, because they will lock me up and there will be more crazy people like Li Xiu, who will take my blood every day, and if I don¡¯t behave, they will hit me. Do you understand?¡±


    The man bent over and spouted all that nonsense knowing that Bai Wu had a soft spot in caring for him. As soon as Li Xiu¡¯s name popped up, Bai Wu screamed and stood up suddenly, hitting Xu Lan¡¯s nose.


    ¡°Oof...¡±


    ¡°Papa, are you okay? I... I didn¡¯t mean to do it.¡± Bai Wu apologized while wiping the nosebleed.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We can¡¯t stay here. We have to head for the hills and find a ce to sleep,¡± Xu Lan said as he massaged his nose.


    To put it simply, it was retribution! Last time it was Xu Lan¡¯s chin that Bai Wu knocked, then it was the nose, who knows which other body parts would Bai Wu knock next. Despite that, Bai Wu was too adorable. Xu Lan could not resist making him cry so he couldfort Bai Wu when he crept into Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Mm. Okay.¡±


    A vast mountain range was situated behind the river. With Bai Wu¡¯s help, the both of them cautiously headed to the hills. The most dangerous ces are usually the safest, therefore Xu Lan chose not to leave the Qinglong Mountains. Soon, police and scientists would flood the ce. If the both of them could keep themselves hidden until the search is over, everyone might believe that they escaped to somece else.


    It was one of the reasons why Xu Lan did not immediately hang up even after he heard sounds that suggested he was being traced. The Qinglong Mountains stretched for hundreds of miles and extended across the whole of G City <sup>1</sup> . There could not be a better ce for them to go into hiding.


    ¡°Bai Wu.¡± The nosebleed stopped but a small amount of mucus-like blood remained on the jaw. Bai Wu was amused by the man¡¯s condition that resembled the Evil Deity of Fire and Cloud <sup>1</sup> . Blood stained almost everywhere, even down to the stubble of Xu Lan¡¯s beard.


    Bai Wu¡¯sughter stopped Xu Lan in his tracks. Smiles were a rarity as Bai Wu frequently cried but that bout ofughter was something Xu Lan had never seen before.


    The young man¡¯s face was bright and fair, his pupils were scarlet-red, a crescent-like smile graced his eyes and his eyebrows were thick, his nose was straight, and his lips, rosy. As perfect and exquisite as nature in its purest form, it was as if Bai Wu floated on a white cloud right out of an ancient scroll. The tear mole below his eye was somewhat replenished with an extra hint of charming maliciousness.

 Chapter 61 - The Path of Slow Coaxing

    <h4>Chapter 61: The Path of Slow Coaxing</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan suddenly recalled a line written by Cao Xueqin <sup>1</sup> to portray Jia Baoyu, ¡®His face was as bright as the mid-autumn moon; hisplexion fresh, like spring flowers in the morning dew; the hair above his temples was distinctly outlined, as if it had been cut with a sharp knife; his eyebrows, as if penciled with ink; the fine outline of his nose betokened boldness of character, his eyes glistened with the wet shine of autumn waves. His mouth seemed to smile even in ill-humor; his nce radiated warmth and feeling even in anger.¡¯


    Back in the day, he felt repulsed just by reading that passage, for he did not think that there were men who would have looked like that. At that moment though, Xu Lan realized how little of the world he actually saw.


    ¡°Haha. Papa, why did you make such a mess?¡± Bai Wu walked over and wiped off the blood stain on Xu Lan with his hands, but the more he wiped the messier Xu Lan became. The young man could not help butugh again. To Xu Lan, theughter felt like a white cloud that gently stroked on his mind. He was prepared to say something but those thoughts no longer remained.


    ¡°Be quiet.¡± Xu Lan snapped back to his senses.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Bai Wu immediately restrained hisughter and stood quietly on one side. Like a preschooler who was punished as a result of being naughty, he waited for Xu Lan to speak.


    ¡°If we re-enter the crack in time, will I die?¡± Xu Lan abruptly thought of that question. He knew very well that Bai Wu would one day leave and that Xu Lan himself could not spend the rest of his life in hiding.


    ¡°... I once saw people crushed to pieces right in front of my eyes.¡± Bai Wu looked like he was about to cry. He rubbed his fingers and stood opposite Xu Lan.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m still here. Nothing happened to me the first time. Nothing will happen this time too. You know what they say, every cloud has a silver lining.¡± Xu Lan walked over, hugged Bai Wu, and patted his back to console him. Those hot tears began flowing down once more and Xu Lan felt almost unable to breathe.


    ¡°Mm. Papa¡¯s beside me. I will protect Papa,¡± Bai Wu softly said as he adamantly hugged Xu Lan.


    Few have ever taken care of Bai Wu to the point where they were willing to go through the wormhole with him. In the beginning, Bai Wu would disclose everything to those who took him in. Some of them began noticing the suffering they had to go through, so they abandoned him. Every single person who entered the crack suffered and regretted having taken Bai Wu in ¨C all of them had to endure a bone-crushing suffering.


    Xu Lan was the only person who never gave up on him and continued to be by his side from the very moment they met. Perhaps one reason for his perseverance was that Bai Wu took away some of his personal stress and hardships but not even once did Bai Wu take that for granted, hence the reason why Bai Wu continuously wrestled against the crack.


    Range upon range of mountains graced the steep terrain that formed the Qinglong Mountains along with precipitous rock faces and sheer cliffs. Waterfalls that led to deep natural ponds were ubiquitous throughout. There was no longer any phone signal when they reached higher up. Xu Lan picked a cave amongst the precipice about halfway up the mountain and went in. If one asked how were they able to get in, Bai Wu would have rolled his eyes at the person.


    Xu Lan started a fire and warmed himself by it. Between the inside and outside of the mountain, the disparity between temperatures was very clear. Qinglong¡¯s elevation was higher than that of other mountains, leading him to suffer from altitude sickness. Bai Wu had given his clothes to Xu Lan, who tightly wrapped himself in a nket and drifted soundly to sleep.


    His shuteye for the past two days had been subpar. Even Bai Wu did not dare to sleep, for he was afraid that the slightest carelessness would lead to them being sucked into the wormhole. There was no regrity nor rhythm in where and when the hole would appear. It was like a temperamental witch since ording to Bai Wu, it even produced a cruelughter.


    Xu Lan cursed silently, ¡®Isn¡¯t this the bloody same thing?¡¯ The hole was equivalent to a witch who soared around on a broom ¨C if she did not like someone, she would simply lock them up in her little ck house.


    Nightfall came, and like gauzeting, the weaves of starlight covered thend. Faint moonlight shrouded the mountains, shining light upon the distant zig-zagging and circling that resembled that of a silver dragon <sup>1</sup> . Like the forked tongue of a venomous snake, it was scouring carefully for any traces of Xu Lan and Bai Wu.


    What methods did that bunch of people use in order to persuade Hu Cheng to make the call? What conceivable reason was there for Xu Lan to answer that bloody call?


    From above, Xu Lan observed the crowd. They forged on ahead with shlights in hand. How much time would they need to find the ce? Were they really willing to let the murderer run free? Hu Cheng was definitely aware of the implications of dying the case. If a month went by, the homicide at Honghe would lose any useful leads.


    Ovee with boredom, Xu Lan tried counting the number of shlight beams and took out his cell phone. It was eighteen minutes past seven at night in Huaxia. Two hundred and thirty-eight missed calls as well as a hundred and eighty-six messages had been received since the previous day.


    The morbidity of their system and their way of handling things elicited a ridiculing chuckle from Xu Lan. Ever since he found out that the media, to his surprise, were at odds with the government, Xu Lan knew that this day woulde. However, he did not expect it toe so soon, which meant that he had little, if any, contingency ns.


    ¡°Papa, don¡¯t you wanna sleep for a while?¡± The drowsy-eyed Bai Wu massaged his eyeballs while he walked over, draped in nket.


    ¡°Hm, no. Don¡¯t you wanna sleep a bit more?¡± Xu Lan patted the area beside him and signaled for Bai Wu to sit down.


    After a while had passed, there was still no response, so he puzzlingly looked back at Bai Wu, who was pouting and sitting far away from the cave entrance.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared of heights.¡±


    That answer left Xu Lan even more confused! It was Bai Wu who carried him up to that ce and yet the boy did not dare toe to the cave entrance because he was afraid of heights?


    ¡°How did you fly up then?¡±


    ¡°My body has a stabilizer as well as the capability to sense the radar. I closed my eyes and when I fly.¡±


    Xu Lan was absolutely stupefied!


    ¡°So, you had always flown with your eyes shut?¡±


    Inplete disbelief, Xu Lan asked again. Bai Wu nodded, hugged his knees, and curled into a ball.


    ¡°GOD! You...ah...¡± Xu Lan pointed at him and shouted, but immediately retracted his fingers and let the issue go.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t n on seeing it for yourself?¡± The man lowered his voice and coaxed. ¡°If you see it with your own eyes, you¡¯ll know that there¡¯s nothing to be afraid of. I¡¯m here. You see? It¡¯s not scary at all.¡±


    When he finished the sentence, Xu Lan opened his arms wide and lightly caressed the mountain¡¯s cool breeze. Bai Wu¡¯s pout remained as he expressed a disinclination to do so. With a twitch of the eyebrow, Xu Lan chuckled and handed his phone over to Bai Wu. Letting Bai Wu y Tetris was a ploy in order to drain the phone of its battery.


    Not once had they experienced a quiet night in Huaxia, but considering their current situation, no one knew whether it was a blessing or a curse and whether they shouldugh or cry.


    ¡°Papa.¡± A few moments barely passed by when Bai Wu called out.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Big Sister Wu sent a message.¡±


    Bai Wu handed the phone over and mustered up the courage to peek outside the entrance. His face was immediately drained of color. He quickly retreated and stumbled down to the ground.


    The cave was a natural urrence that formed in the vertical precipice. It was vertically connected to another precipice below but they were both separated by a distance of over a hundred meters. Thick, lush trees formed the forest that encircled the area, and the horizontalyer of clouds wrapped around the mountain¡¯s waist. When Xu Lan was walking outside the cave, it looked as though he was stepping on clouds.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Xu Lan rushed over to check on the frightened Bai Wu.


    ¡°I wanted to see how it looked like outside, but...¡± Bai Wu mumbled, but he still remembered to hand the phone over.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯m here. Even if you fall, at least you can fly.¡± One of Xu Lan¡¯s hands was patting Bai Wu on the back while the other took the phone.


    ¡°Damn!¡± Xu Lan cursed under his breath. Surprisingly, the phone could receive messages when it was near Bai Wu. No wonder Wu Wendi¡¯s message was received. Furthermore, his phone was ringing ¨C someone was calling him persistently!

 Chapter 62 - The Path of Slow Coaxing (2)

    <h4>Chapter 62: The Path of Slow Coaxing (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    He opened the message and was taken aback by the contents. Reading in between the lines, Wu Wendi¡¯s consideration toward Xu Lan and her determination to find the killer was revealed.


    She stated that in light of everyone¡¯s fixation on finding Bai Wu, she went by herself to the bar in Lanshan with the hope that she might find a lead. After typing out the message and deleting many parts of it, he finally replied with four words, ¡®Be careful out there¡¯.


    Both their situations were reminiscent of a lone ranger going to war, and indeed, there was no other way to describe it. The only difference was that she was alone, whereas Xu Lan had Bai Wu at least.


    Under Xu Lan¡¯s loving guidance, Bai Wu wilfully sat down at the cave entrance. His legs turned stiff ¨C akin to a popsicle that came fresh out of the fridge ¨C and trembled continuously. His hands held onto Xu Lan firmly and in his tremor, he softly called out ¡®Papa¡¯.


    Holding inughter, Xu Lan coaxed Bai Wu patiently. The man was so close to sess, but the slightest small movement ¨C deemed suspicious by the boy ¨C frightened him so much that he stopped moving altogether; he simply threw himself into the man¡¯s embrace and started wailing. That whole ordeal could be considered to have satisfied some secret delight, one where Xu Lan was able to move Bai Wu¡¯s pretty face to tears.


    After repeated wailing, Bai Wu almost cried himself to muteness. Finally, he realized that it was all a joke to Xu Lan. He grabbed Xu Lan and firmly bit into the man¡¯s arm. Even when the coppery scent of blood began to surface, he did not loosen his bite.


    ¡°Oh God, I¡¯ve been wrong, I did the wrong thing. Bai Wu, could you please let go of me?¡± Xu Lan asked in between bouts of chuckles. He began carrying Bai Wu into the cave. Xu Lan would never take a person¡¯s life as a joke. After all, a deep overhanging cliff was present beneath the cave


    ¡°Ss! Bai Wu dear, I know I was wrong. Please let go, my flesh is about toe off. Human meat isn¡¯t tasty at all.¡±


    ¡°Agh, I wouldn¡¯t dare to do it anymore. There won¡¯t be a next time, haha, please, let¡¯s go in. We¡¯re on the verge of falling.¡±


    While Xu Lan used sugar-coating and sweet-talking as his weapon, Bai Wu was finally enlightened as to the power of words, orck thereof ¨C that night, he made the decision not to speak with Xu Lan!


    Bai Wu cut a sorry figure and got up. He wrapped himself in the nket andy down beside the extinguished bonfire, then closed his eyes and went to sleep.


    ¡°Hmm, Bai Wu, are you mad?¡± Xu Lan immediately went up and sat beside Bai Wu. He held in hisughter and asked if Bai Wu was angry.


    ¡°No.¡± Came Bai Wu¡¯s muffled grunt. He turned over to the other side so his back faced Xu Lan. Anyone could see that he was angry. Not even the dark cave could obscure the writing on his face which said, ¡®I¡¯m angry. Make it up to me¡¯.


    Xu Lan sighed and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have made things hard for you.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Hey, there won¡¯t be a next time. I havepletely realized my wrongdoing and the evilness of my actions. Can you forgive your papa?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    After more sighs, he pleaded, ¡°Bai Wu dear, I know my wrongs. Please forgive your papa. Don¡¯t stay silent all by yourself. Do you want to bite me another time?¡± Noticing how Bai Wu remained unyielding, Xu Lan panicked. Xu Lan had gone too far, apparently.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Fine then. Since you¡¯re not willing to forgive me, I¡¯ll offer my death as an apology. I¡¯ll walk to the entrance of the cave now. I¡¯ll count until three. If you¡¯re still unwilling to forgive me, I¡¯ll jump down. Would it be better this way?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°One...¡± Xu Lan stood at the cave entrance and slowly uttered the word ¡®one¡¯. No response.


    ¡°Two...¡± Still no reply. ¡°Mm, I¡¯ll jump now.¡±


    ¡°Three.¡±


    ¡°NO, DON¡¯T! Hic!¡± Amidst cries, he sat up and called out to Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan turned back into the cave and with the faint light of the bonfire, he located Bai Wu and nted a kiss on Bai Wu¡¯s head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please don¡¯t cry. Papa hasn¡¯t been good.¡±


    ¡°Huuhuuu...I hate Papa when he¡¯s like that. Papa¡¯s lied to me. I didn¡¯t say I¡¯d forgive Papa!¡± Tears streamed down Bai Wu¡¯s face the instant he buried his face deep into Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Mm, I¡¯m sorry. I was wrong. What can I do to earn your forgiveness?¡± Xu Lan lifted the boy¡¯s face and wiped off those tears with his thumb but almost immediately, a new batch of tears came gushing out.


    ¡°... I don¡¯t know, but I don¡¯t feel like talking to Papa now!¡± Bai Wu shook his head and hugged Xu Lan.


    ¡°Okay, no talking. Let¡¯s sleep first. When tomorrowes, think about what you want me to do in order to earn your forgiveness. Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry. My heart hurts when you do,¡± Xu Lan said while wiping away those newly-formed tears.


    It would be best for him to refrain from doing such things in the future. The process may be fun but the result was one that Xu Lan felt hard to endure.


    Bai Wu hugged him hard and fell into a deep sleep. In the meantime, the silver snaking of torchlights began to spread slowly.


    At the first glimmer of light, Xu Lan woke up. The disturbance outside was quite severe during the previous night and he wondered what the situation was. He gently pushed Bai Wu aside. The young man mumbled something and readjusted his position to a morefortable one.


    A troop of people searched day and night in the mountains to no avail. Aside from that, he received two texts from Wendi and got no reply. Hu Cheng called him as well, so with a twitch of the mouth, Xu Lan flung the cell phone to a corner and immediately slept. Even after all that, the old unbranded cell phone was still brimming with battery!


    ¡°Surely he won¡¯t be waiting for us to capture him? He¡¯s not that crazy right?¡± Xiao Zhang scratched his head and said embarrassingly. The police dogs were incapable of locating the scent. When they reached the cliff, they backed off and began simultaneously barking and turning around in circles.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s not like Xu Lan has wings. He can¡¯t just fly up to the sky.¡± With a pinch of the nose, Xiao Li remarked. His tone was akin to that of a person who questioned the furtiveness of an absurd suggestion.


    ¡°He can¡¯t, but the dragon can fly like a helicopter. I absolutely refuse to believe that they can escape out of the Qinglong Mountains in such a short period of time.¡± A grey-haired old man adjusted his sses and keenly pointed out.


    He was exactly the same as that refined yet scum-of-the-earth person, Li Xiu! Xiao Li rolled his eyes surreptitiously and cursed silently to himself.


    Hu Cheng stepped to one corner and made a phone call with Sun Fei following behind.


    ¡°Lao Hu, are we really gonna waste our time with this? Xiao Wu just sent me a message saying that she went to the red-light district alone.¡± Sun Fei looked worryingly at Hu Cheng. In that day alone, Sun Fei looked as though he aged tremendously, even to the point of having a few strands of white hair.


    He had no idea what went on during Hu Cheng¡¯s discussion with the experts and what drove Hu Cheng to change his mind so abruptly. In spite of everyone¡¯s advice, Hu Cheng was dead set on finding Xu Lan and Bai Wu, so much so that he was willing to take advantage of Xu Lan¡¯s trust in order to locate their location by way of tracing their phone call.


    ¡°What?! Xiao Wu¡¯s getting into it by herself? If she gets into trouble, how then? Who¡¯s gonna take responsibility if something happens?¡± Hu Cheng was about to light a smoke but when he heard that, his body jerked ¨C as if a needle had been pierced into his skin ¨C and the hand that held the light stopped just inches away from the pipe.


    ¡°She said she wrote a disimer notice and left it in your office.¡± Sun Fei was rather stunned ¨C he did not expect that big of a reaction from Hu Cheng.


    ¡°A disimer? How cute. Does she think a disimer will solve everything? If something happens, the me will still fall to us and I¡¯m the one that¡¯s left with the headache! Damn it! It¡¯s like rules don¡¯t exist at all! Back then I should¡¯ve epted Xu Lan¡¯s suggestion to close the damn case!¡± Hu Cheng remarked with full of disdain.


    He poured out the tobo from his pipe and ced some fresh strands into them.


    ¡°How about this, you go back and check up on Wu Wendi. Don¡¯t let her cause us any setbacks here. I¡¯ll see what the experts have to say. If the two of them still can¡¯t be found, I¡¯ll head back too.¡±


    ¡°What benefit have they given you, for you to sell off your own kindness?! If you do find Xu Lan, what then? Are you really gonna have them locked up?¡± Sun Fei shouted when he saw that Hu Cheng was walking away.

 Chapter 63 - Hu Cheng’s Hardship

    <h4>Chapter 63: Hu Cheng¡¯s Hardship</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Sun Fei felt remorseful after roaring in a fit of rage. He clenched his fist and looked down to avoid seeing Hu Cheng¡¯s response. At some point, the elder man¡¯s sharp eyes became misty, as if they were lined with ayer of gauze. He went over to Sun Fei and patted the younger man on the shoulder. While doing so, his parted lips revealed yellow-stained teeth.


    ¡°They said that they¡¯d be making a statement regarding my son. It has always been the cause of anxiety in my house, you know. All these years, I¡¯ve been hugging his picture and crying whenever I have time on my hands. I¡¯ve suffered from clinical depression and attempted suicide a few times. Do you know how I feel?¡±


    Hu Cheng pointed at his heart. His chest was expanding and contracting rapidly ¡ª a sign that his emotions had been stirred up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t I have the right to show my son in the best light? Am I wrong in doing so? I¡¯ve yet to forgive the media! If Wu Wendi insists on asking around for information, then so be it! I¡¯m already old anyways. I could care less about another heavy debt on my shoulders.¡±


    Sun Fei was left utterly shocked at such a heart-wrenching denunciation. The Hu Cheng that everyone knew was always in good spirits and had an otherworldly air to him. They all held his novel views and extraordinary sharpness in high esteem. People almost forgot the reason for the sour rtionship between the media and the police; they almost forgot the death of Hu Hai.


    Previously, both parties shared a rather harmonious rtionship. Be it a police case or a news report, they would help each other out. However, things changed five years ago, when Hu Hai was tasked with being an undercover agent for an assignment. When they were ready to arrest the person, someone from the media appeared. Hu Hai originally wanted the person to remain silent, but he did not get the message and instead rushed over to give Hu Hai a scolding, branding Hu Hai as a disgrace to the country, to his parents, and to the people who were confident in him.


    In a moment of desperation, he signaled for his supporting officer to get a hold of and keep the media reporter quiet for a moment. Hu Hai was oblivious to the gang leader standing behind him, who with the pull of a trigger took the media reporter¡¯s life.


    After the assignment waspleted, the dead body was found. All recordings were made public by the media, which led to a flurry of condemnation and abuse toward Hu Hai. Despite the derations and apologies, the public¡¯s ire could not be quelled. In the end, Hu Hai was forced to offer his apology through suicide.


    Ever since then, any rtions between police and the media came to aplete halt.


    ¡°...I¡¯m sorry. We¡¯ve ignored your feelings all this time, but Xu Lan is...¡±


    Hu Cheng raised a hand, signaling for him to stop. ¡°Stop talking and go back. Check up on Xiao Wu and don¡¯t let her do anything stupid.¡±


    He lit his tobo pipe, and billows of smoke began rising up to cover his sorrowful countenance. Watching his staggering figure from the back, Sun Fei could sense a hint ofsting grievance.


    The sixth night.


    Wu Wendi disregarded Sun Fei¡¯s advice and insisted on going to the red-light district. She got the news that all the victims had been in contact with a man that bore the surname Liu and that most of the women there met Qiuling before. Some of them even thought that she was the mama-san of a high-ss club; since she was both wealthy and pretty, most of the people there knew her. When news broke out that she was murdered, everyone grieved for her.


    That was the reason Wu Wendi was able to find a loophole. Aside from that, there was another pressing question: she saw Li Xiu there for the third night in a row.


    When Li Xiu spotted Wu Wendi for the second time, he was still rather surprised, but this time he was holding a wine cup and sitting beside her.


    ¡°Officer...Mister Li, this isn¡¯t very proper.¡± She shyly took the wine ss from Li Xiu¡¯s hands, albeit with some conflicted feelings in her.


    It was his fault that Xu Lan and Bai Wu had to go into hiding. She did not mind whether Bai Wu was a dragon or a person as long as everyone was happy.


    ¡°What¡¯s improper about this?¡± Li Xiu resisted a smile.


    For the past two days, Li Xiu had reverted back to his cultured and schrly manner, walking about in a style reminiscent of an official¡¯s son. His meticulously-tied necktie had been taken off and three of his shirt buttons were unfastened, revealing a delicate corbone. Crisp suit pants and a pair of leather shoes adorned his legs and feet. He looked like someone who inherited a diamond mine from his family.


    ¡°Everyone went to search for Sergeant Xu and Bai Wu. I didn¡¯t want to follow.¡±


    There was a hint of resentment in her voice. She heard the recordings and saw the tapes. If it was not for Li Xiu, things would not have turned out that way.


    ¡°Haha, so you came down here to drink your sorrows away?¡± Li Xiu smiled and let the bartender replenish both cups with wine. After surveying his surroundings, Li Xiu then asked, ¡°Where¡¯s ourrade Xiao Li? Did he go with them too? I thought he¡¯d be apanying you.¡±


    ¡°He went to search for Sergeant Xu.¡± Wu Wendi replied softly. Li Xiu¡¯s unintentional words caused her face to turn red as she drank some more wine.


    In ce of his golden spectacles were frameless ones, but despite changing them, Li Xiu¡¯s astute, calctive expression remained the same. His fingers tapped against the table top while he pondered the rtionships in the police station. Where talented men and beautiful women were present, mutual attraction was only a matter of time, but...


    It did not matter now. There was no need for him to stay, considering his motive had been aplished. With a ¡®tsk¡¯ he nipped in the bud those thoughts that had just surfaced. If Wu Wendi looked at him in a different light, she would be shocked at how such a refined person could have a ruthless and blood-thirsty side.


    All of a sudden, his cell phone rang.


    ¡°Please excuse me, I have to take this.¡± He gestured politely with the cell phone in his hand. Wu Wendi was eager for him to leave so she could make more inquiries.


    ¡°Eh, Big Boss Liu is here. Do you want to take a look? You won¡¯t need to worry so much anymore.¡±


    Wu Wendi strained to hear those words with her alert ears. Big Boss Liu? Was it the same person in the case, the man with the surname Liu?


    ¡°For real?¡±


    ¡°Why would it not be real? He¡¯s already at the door. But I heard that he lost his legs and came in a wheelchair. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s still possible...¡±


    ¡°Well, he¡¯s here right? It means he has needs. Isn¡¯t that much better? Who wouldn¡¯t want to get more money with minimal service? Wait here. I¡¯ll touch up on my makeup.¡±


    ¡°Ay, I¡¯lle with you.¡±


    ¡°Achoo...¡± The strong scent of perfume triggered a sneeze from Wu Wendi. Two gorgeously dressed women took catwalk-like strides right past her with their handbags.


    Wu Wendi observed one of them. Her suspender pants were short to begin with, but she had to pull them up higher to reveal more of the bottom. With another pull, her upper body looked even more magnificent. It was better for her to take a middle ground, but would men really like her that way?


    Wu Wendi opened her cor but then decided not to midway. As expected, she did not have apetitive strength.


    After paying the tip, she followed the crowd out of the room with the intention of finding out how this Big Boss Liu looked like. She texted Xu Lan while walking out.


    Xu Lan did not reply to any of her messages since receiving them. Maybe it was a misconception brought about by Xu Lan¡¯s square face, but Wu Wendi firmly believed that he would not simply watch on with folded arms.


    Both men and women went to see Big Boss Liu, but their intentions for doing so were vastly different. Most of the men, upon hearing that their dear friend lost his legs, went to catch a glimpse of the hustle and bustle, getting a grip on their mental bnce in the process. Women on the other hand, well, no one knew. After all, a woman¡¯s heart was fickle; it was a futile exercise to understand their thoughts.


    The sea of people rendered Wu Wendi unable to squeeze in no matter how hard she tried. In the end, she could only curse. From the distance, she tiptoed to have a look and attempted to take a picture with her cell phone. He was seated on the wheelchair indeed, but the crowd had blocked his face from view.


    In her moment of tenacity, a hand gently patted her on the shoulder.

 Chapter 64 - Choosing to Compromise

    <h4>Chapter 64: Choosing to Compromise</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Did I scare you? Why did youe here by yourself? I was looking for you all this time.¡±


    With a smile on his face, Li Xiu looked at Wu Wendi.


    Holding one hand to her heart, Wu Wendi consciously waved the other to gesture that she was alright. Apart from the discovery of a new lead, she was worried for Xu Lan and wondered how he was doing.


    Hunger was far from an enjoyable feeling. Xu Lan felt as though his very being was about to copse. He dreamt about a big juicy chicken drumstick more than once and began gnawing at Bai Wu¡¯s arm. It was not much better. It led to a bizarre scene in the cave, where both of them were dreaming about biting into a chicken drumstick!


    ¡°Pshaw! These people don¡¯t get f*cking tired at all, now do they?¡± The hunger almost stripped Xu Lan of the strength tombast those people. He also did not dare to go out the cave because he heard the droning of helicopters outside. With his current physical state, he would probably not be able to endure a fall.


    Apart from a hare and some pieces of dry firewood that he procured in passing when they went into the cave, there was no other food inside, and no water either! At the foot of the mountain was a huge river, yet they were hiding inside the cave where there was not a single drop of water. Recent days have been too f*cking unfortunate for him! Xu Lan mumbled contemptuously.


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯m cold.¡± Those three words were Bai Wu¡¯s most spoken in the past two days. The rest of the time was spent crying quietly. It was a sight that wrung Xu Lan¡¯s heart.


    Higher elevations tended to have greater fluctuations in day-night temperature. Xu Lan gave his clothes and the nket to Bai Wu, but the young man was still shivering.


    ¡°Sit down and rub your hands, that¡¯ll stop the cold. Be a good boy, stop crying,¡± Xu Lan said with a heavy heart and hugged Bai Wu.


    Xu Lan¡¯s phone was turned off, and the mistiness outside the cave did not let a glimmer of sunlight through, so there was no way to discern whether it was dusk or dawn. If it was not for the constant machine-gun like pitapat of the helicopter, Xu Lan would have thought that those people left.


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯m hungry,¡± Bai Wu said softly as he looked at Xu Lan with reddened eyes.


    ¡°Bai Wu, if you¡¯re weak, won¡¯t the cracke and find you?¡± Xu Lan wiped away Bai Wu¡¯s tears with a thumb and asked softly, ¡°Is there really no way for you to return?¡±


    There was no response from Bai Wu, for he had passed out from hunger. Xu Lan knew why Bai Wu kept on refusing to part ways ¨C it may well be one of theirst moments together.


    If he stayed alive, at least he would still have a memory. What significance would it have if he died there?


    Xu Lan ced Bai Wu down and walked to the entrance, using the cave walls as support.


    ¡°Oi! Can anyone hear me? I¡¯m here!¡±


    ¡°Hey! Is there anybody there? I¡¯m Xu Lan.¡±


    ¡°The dragon¡¯s here!¡±


    Xu Lan shouted with all of his might. He wanted Bai Wu to be sent back. It was likely that theboratories could not contain Bai Wu for long, and when the crack appeared, Bai Wu would be able to leave. Xu Lan himself might not be troubled by those people since he was not a dragon in the first ce.


    The droning sound from the helicopter was deafening and almost shattered Xu Lan¡¯s eardrums. Strong gushes of wind propelled him back into the cave. Someone from the helicopter came down and took Bai Wu along. Xu Lan boarded a different helicopter with Hu Cheng in it.


    ¡°Will I see him again?¡± Xu Lan asked. By then his beard was unkempt, and his the whites of his eyes were covered with tiny red veins, making he and Bai Wu look even more like father-and-son.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Having stayed in the mountain ranges for two days, Hu Cheng¡¯s appearance was no better.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be able to find such a ce.¡± Hu Cheng eximed in astonishment.


    It was unsurprising that no one was able to find the ce even after searching for a long time. The opening was situated at a cliff that was almost wholly vertical, which was obscured by a clump of vegetation outside the cave, as well as a mountain opposite it.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think that your perseverance was stronger than mine, in certain aspects.¡± With his chapped lips, Xu Lan asked in an exhausted state.


    ¡°Hehe, thanks.¡± Hu Cheng¡¯s yellow-stained teeth were revealed through a bitter smile.


    Xu Lan wanted to rify that his words were not apliment, but as his body rxed, he fainted.


    In the end, he was unable to ask Hu Cheng why he did what he did. Everyone has something that they wish to protect; each person¡¯s motives were different, and naturally, the decisions they make would be different too. Xu Lan, for example, had only one desire: to protect Bai Wu. Their escape and their subsequent return were all done for Bai Wu. Xu Lan could only give it his all and leave the rest to fate.


    Ultimately, their great escape came to an end after Xu Lan¡¯spromise. Muchter, Bai Wu would reproach Xu Lan over the decision, but the man did not regret making that choice.


    When Bai Wu woke up, he scanned his surroundings. Noticing that Xu Lan was nowhere to be seen, he immediately became irritable. He originally had a docile, almost rabbit-like cuteness to his eyes, but they soon became as prepossessing as Medusa, causing people to shun away from making any eye contact. The room, though specifically made for him, was as brittle as an eggshell. He could wreck it with ease.


    Copious amounts of anesthetic were incapable of calming him down. A few employees were even injured by him. Finally, the experts who were analyzing the situation behind aputer screen were finally shaken, and they immediately asked someone to bring Xu Lan over.


    Amidst the ruins of shattered walls, only the sound of Bai Wu¡¯s cries could be heard. He was asking for kisses as well as hugs from Xu Lan and was begging to beforted. The spectacle was one that shocked every single researcher there. Was it really the same fiercely violent giant dragon that they saw moments ago?


    ¡°Papa, where¡¯d you go? I thought...that this was another dimension.¡± Bai Wu hugged Xu Lan tightly. The fear of not having Xu Lan with him almost made Bai Wu break down; he thought that Xu Lan was sucked into the wormhole.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m here, right? Are you hungry? Did you eat anything? We¡¯ll get you something good.¡±


    In aforting manner, Xu Lan patiently patted Bai Wu on the back. The man¡¯s expression, however, was extremely grave. What if Bai Wu¡¯s assumptions had been true? What then?


    Behind theputer screens, every single expert was watching the scene: a well-built man was warmlyforting a little child, with the knowledge that in the blink of an eye, the little child was capable of transforming into something even stronger and more menacing than the man ¨C a giant dragon!


    ¡°Cough cough ¨C¡±


    ¡°Qin Lao, please have a sip of water,¡± The assistant offered as he immediately handed the man a cup of water.


    ¡°No, thanks. Call Xu Lan into my office,¡± Qin Lao directed with the wave of a hand.


    The two people who were observing the screen turned their heads, and asked, ¡°What does everyone else think of this person?¡±


    ¡°Rational, capable.¡±


    ¡°Reliable.¡±


    ¡°And a very fierce character.¡±


    ...


    Qin Lao digested those evaluations in his mind and replied, ¡°Bring him over to the Central Science Park. It just so happens that we can cate the dragon¡¯s mood.¡±


    ¡°...but, Qin Lao, isn¡¯t this against the rules? He¡¯s just a police officer...¡± A uniformed middle-aged man shyly remarked.


    ¡°He¡¯s right.¡± The other one supported.


    ¡°In that case, are you able to handle the dragon?¡± The white-haired old man probed the ground with his crutches and asked.


    ¡°Well...¡± The middle-aged man was speechless.


    ¡°Pedantry! It doesn¡¯t matter who it is, as long as someone¡¯s useful for the research, we¡¯ll dly invite that person in! If anyone feels that it isn¡¯t necessary, then think of a way to subdue him! Think about it, we¡¯ve already injected seven doses of anesthetic.¡±


    The elderly man propped himself up on his crutch and walked out of the office. As soon as they found Bai Wu, they rushed back to the Central Science Park without any dy. Fortunately for them, they had not ¨C in their confusion ¨C left Xu Lan back at G City, or else the consequences might truly be unimaginable.


    ¡°Mister Xu, please, take a seat.¡± The courteous Qin Lao pointed at the sofa beside him.

 Chapter 65 - Discussing the Importance of Coquettishness

    <h4>Chapter 65: Discussing the Importance of Coquettishness</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu vehemently opposed seeing Qin Lao. He stuck by Xu Lan¡¯s side and sat down. With an upset expression that bordered on crying and a body that trembled ever so slightly, Bai Wu was afraid. That was Qin Lao¡¯s impression of Bai Wu through direct observation. It was hard for him to wrap his head around the fact that this was the same giant dragon that wrecked theboratory¡¯s employees.


    After that incident, Qin Lao made sure some instant cardio-reliever pills were always on him. He was thoroughly unable to adjust to Bai Wu¡¯s state of mind when alone and with Xu Lan; Bai Wu could freely move between a brutally violent mode and a meek, docile one. At one time, Qin Lao suspected that Bai Wu may have a disease of the mind, or to put it in a less tactful manner: a mental disorder.


    ¡°How did you meet Bai Wu?¡± Qin Lao asked kindly.


    Xu Lan frowned, and with a dumbfounded look, he answered, ¡°I found him.¡±


    ¡°When did you find out that he was a dragon? Were you ever scared?¡± Qin Lao pursed his lips and smiled amicably.


    Bai Wu tugged nervously at Xu Lan¡¯s arm; he anticipated, though fearfully, for Xu Lan¡¯s answer.


    ¡°He¡¯s so adorable. Why would I be scared?¡± Xu Lan held Bai Wu¡¯s hand while smiling pamperingly and indulgently.


    ¡°Mm.¡± Qin Lao nodded somewhat confusingly. ¡°Here¡¯s the thing, we¡¯ve decided to let you stay in Central Science Park. I believe you¡¯ll be worried if he¡¯s all alone here. You won¡¯t refuse this offer now, would you? We¡¯ve also mentioned before that we can provide a home for you. You just need to make sure to bring him to the research institute at the stipted times so that we can examine him and take samples. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°These experiments...are they the kind where you have him lie down on an operating table and stick tubes into him from head to toe? You won¡¯t be treating him like ab rat now will you?¡± Xu Lan covered Bai Wu¡¯s ears and asked in a startled tone.


    ¡°Er, these things can¡¯t be helped. But we¡¯ll do our best to minimize any surgical risk. We¡¯ll onlymence tests in a situation where his body won¡¯t be adversely affected.¡± In light of Xu Lan¡¯s blunt question, Qin Lao¡¯s face became slightly unsettled, and he strenuously forced out a smile while answering.


    ¡°Tch, you make it seem pleasant, but do I have a choice? If I don¡¯t agree, I probably wouldn¡¯t be able to see him,¡± Xu Lan replied with a tinge of sarcasm.


    ¡°Hehe, so it¡¯s settled then. You¡¯ll stay with us from now onwards and we¡¯ll directly transfer all your case files and information from G City.¡± Qin Lao smiled. Apart from the insufficiently astute point of keeping Bai Wu hidden away, the rest seemed to be going alright. He even managed to snag someone who could clean up the mess.


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible. I need to go back right now. A string of murders urred in G City, and I¡¯m the person responsible for the whole case. The deadline is fast approaching and I need to go back.¡± Without thinking too much, Xu Lan declined Qin Lao¡¯s proposal to transfer the case files and countered with conditions of his own.


    A now-displeased Qin Lao frowned. His originally wrinkled face became even more worn out, and Bai Wu casually smiled. Qin Lao had prematurelyid down his offer, and his face felt rather sore. Still, it did not hinder the negotiation process, since he was someone with vast experience.


    ¡°No. What if you run away?¡±


    ¡°You can send men to follow me.¡±


    ¡°No. The dragon¡¯s too good. My mind won¡¯t be at ease if there are too few men, but too many, and it¡¯ll cause confusion.¡±


    ¡°You can use a tracking device, you can even embed it in my flesh, no problem,¡± Xu Lan tried conceding.


    ¡°No. What if he runs away?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha,¡± Xu Lan burst intoughter. ¡°Do you really think he¡¯d leave me?¡±


    The main reason for Xu Lan¡¯s distress was the fact that Bai Wu was unwilling to be left on his own. After everything that happened that day, Xu Lan did not know what would happen if Bai Wu had gone to another ce. Would Bai Wu go mad and destroy everything in sight, or would he silently cry all by himself? Perhaps it could be both?


    Either way, Xu Lan was not prepared to witness that sight.


    ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll set up a tracking device and have someone apany you back.¡± A conclusion arrived after some deliberation.


    ¡°Tsk, you old fox,¡± Xu Lan looked back and clicked his tongue.


    ¡°Haha, we¡¯re all set then. I¡¯ll immediately assign someone to you. Tomorrow you¡¯ll be heading back. At least we¡¯ll be able to save some time so you can rest.¡± By then, Qin Lao had a vibrant smile on his face. With the aid of his walking stick, he slowly walked out.


    Not long after, the assistant came in and brought Xu Lan to imnt the tracking device. A young man apanied the assistant and revealed himself to be their bodyguard for the next few days. ¡®Motherf*cker! I have such a huge dragon with me, and still, you give me this lousy bodyguard?¡¯ Xu Lan curled his lips and ignored the bodyguard, then he brought Bai Wu with him for the instation of the device.


    On ount of Bai Wu¡¯s ineligibility to be counted as a member of the poption, the bodyguard finally decided to start the car and send them back to G City. At the veryst minute, Qin Lao gave Xu Lan a phone that was capable of making video calls ¨C a smartphone. Its purpose was to enable him to make a video call before every meal so they could check up on Bai Wu.


    Xu Lan was rather pleased with that little ything. When he arrived in this world, hisck of funds meant that he could only buy a basic functional phone. Now that he had a smartphone again, he felt as though he had traveled a century into the future.


    ¡°Ay Xiao Xuan, did you notice any weird urges when everyone started the car, until... And now, we interrupt this program with an important news. Another woman was found dead this morning in G City. We are now live from the scene of the crime. The deceased died in the same manner as the previous four cases. It is the fifth murder to happen in less than two months, and all of the victims were female. We urge all women to refrain from leaving home at night or alone.¡±


    The whole car sank into a deathly silence. The murder had happened on the very same day! When everyone had been busy searching for Bai Wu, the murderer struck again!


    ¡°Young man, can I trouble you to go a little faster?¡± Xu Lan urged nervously.


    ¡°I¡¯m going as fast as I can. Any faster, and I¡¯d be breaking the speed limit,¡± the young man answered.


    ¡°...¡± His left his previous cell phone at the mountaintop so there was no way for Xu Lan to enquire upon the situation. In the beginning, he expected the killer to take advantage of the mess and make a run for it, but that was not the case. It affirmed Xu Lan¡¯s opinion of the situation. In that case, who was the victim?


    When Xu Lan surfed the web, G City¡¯s murder had already upied the headlines of every website. Hu Cheng would definitely have thrown himself back into the case without so much as sparing a moment for a breather.


    All of a sudden, Xu Lan scrolled down and stopped at a particr tableau: it was a picture. The image depicted Shen Xiang in an almost-insane, vixen-like manner. She was grabbing Hu Cheng¡¯s cor while deriding him. Hu Cheng was downcast and refused to speak. The other colleagues had a simrly saddened look on their face.


    If it were Shen Xiang, Xu Lan heart might be lifted slightly.


    ¡°How long till we reach?¡± Xu Lan asked despondently.


    ¡°Around three hours.¡±


    ¡°Papa?¡± Sensing a change in Xu Lan¡¯s demeanor, Bai Wu shifted closer to him and asked worryingly.


    ¡°Mm, it¡¯s nothing. Do you wanna rest for a bit? It¡¯s still early.¡±


    Despite the stormy sea brewing inside of him, his exterior remained as calm as the surface of ake. Veins were bulging faintly on his well-defined temples, and he ground his teeth so forcefully that his jaw muscles appeared even more prominently. Even though he was unwilling to admit it, the feeling became stronger and stronger. The victim was none other than Wu Wendi!


    Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan and then at the bodyguard who was driving. He kept his lips shut and fell back into Xu Lan¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Papa, can you buy me some new clothes? Buy me something that¡¯s like his.¡± Bai Wu pointed at the young bodyguard. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely look way better than him!¡±

 Chapter 66 - The Murder of Wu Wendi

    <h4>Chapter 66: The Murder of Wu Wendi</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The young man wore a beige colored shirt, champagne gold tie, sunsses, and earphones. Even with all these essories, he still looked unequipped. He shook his hand on the steering wheel and smiled obsequiously, ¡°If you like it, I can give them to you, what do you think?¡±


    ¡°Hmph! Who wants your gifts! Papa will buy it for me!¡± Bai Wu humphed and poked at the buttons on Xu Lan¡¯s shirt self-mindedly and said, ¡°Right, Papa?¡±


    Xu Lan wanted to say that he did not have the money. However, he still smiled and held that errant hand and said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I knew that Papa would¡¯ve promised me, I love you Papa,¡± Bai Wu sat up happily and kissed Xu Lan between his eyebrows.


    Since thest incident with Li Xiu, he developed a liking towards kissing the area between Xu Lan¡¯s eyebrows. ¡®Any other parts would probably be rough,¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    Xu Lan saw the young man had a shocked expression on his face from the rear-view mirror. He did not bother much and tapped on his shoulders to signal Bai Wu to sleep.


    ¡°Mr. Xu, do you like him?¡± The young man could not help but ask since Xu Lan did not give any exnation after some time.


    ¡°Who else will I like if I don¡¯t like my own son? Perhaps you?¡± Xu Lanshed out without holding back. His expression showing a hint of frustration.


    No one would believe that Bai Wu had the mentality of a three-year-old. Sometimes, even Xu Lan himself could not fathom it. However, all the facts had shown that he was just a child. One other possible factor could be that this was the normal intellect of the Dragon n since he was the leader of his n in the past.


    ¡°Uhm, Mr. Xu, I didn¡¯t mean that. I don¡¯t have any ill intentions. These things are verymon in our country, it¡¯s even protected by thew,¡± the bodyguard rushed to exin. He understood these things, it was just that he did not expect it to be this way.


    Xu Lan rolled his eyes while he gently patted on Bai Wu¡¯s back to put him to sleep, ignoring the bodyguard who was driving.


    The mountains outside the car window were covered in ayer of hoar frost and the yellowed leaves had withered. The evergreens at a distance were still standing upright, waiting to bathe in the spring breeze. The continuous stretch of mountains resembled cyan tidal waves that surged from afar.


    ¡°Are we reaching G city?¡±


    ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s one hour away,¡± the youngd answered.


    The bar in Lanshan area, One Street, was packed with people from the media including journalists, news reporters, and even the paparazzi joined in. They were waiting for the police to make a public announcement. The promise they made to protect the public¡¯s safety was met with brutal murders instead. If this continues, would the police force be of any use?


    Both digital and print media were criticizing and condemning the police. A month had passed since the homicide case, but the killer was still on the loose. Not only that, he was bing more rampant and started murdering those who volunteered to help in this case. How could the public still trust the police if this carried on? How could they live in peace?


    Xu Lan went to the police station. Xiao Zhang was the person on duty for the day. He was shocked when Xu Lan walked in. He rushed out from his room and saw that Bai Wu and his bodyguard were following right behind him. He was so afraid that he went back into the room.


    ¡°Xu... Sergeant Xu, how can I help you?¡± Xiao Zhang asked fearfully.


    Bai Wu¡¯s hotel incident had spread very quickly from mouth to mouth like wildfire. In addition, the whole ce was a mess when everyone got there, and Li Xiu was severely hurt. Xu Lan looked at Xiao Zhang¡¯s reaction mockingly and knocked on the table top.


    ¡°Why is there no one here?¡±


    ¡°They are still in the Lanshan area. I heard that they can¡¯te back because their car got blocked,¡± Xiao Zhang felt ufortable under Xu Lan¡¯s gaze and answered him swiftly.


    ¡°Hmm, give me one of Sun Fei¡¯s number.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay. Hold on please,¡± Xiao Zhang checked the directory immediately and copied out Sun Fei¡¯s number for Xu Lan.


    At the moment, Xu Lan was at the entrance of One Street bar. He requested for a cigarette from the person beside him. After he finished smoking, he just crushed the cigarette bud on the wall, ignoring the searching nces from the surrounding crowd and lead Bai Wu towards the crime scene.


    The crowd did not recognize Bai Wu, but it was difficult not to notice Xu Lan since his photos were broadcasted on the television repeatedly within these few days. It would be easy to deduce the identity of the young man he was holding hands with. However, why were they followed by a tall, handsome man?


    ¡°Xu... Sergeant Xu? How did youe here?¡± Xiao Li asked shockingly. He was ordered by Sun Fei to check on the situation outside, but was shocked to see Xu Lan and a grown-up Bai Wu when he lifted his head up.


    ¡°I walked over. What¡¯s the situation?¡±


    Xiao Li closed his eyes and shook his head disappointingly. Looking at it, it was simr to past cases, where the killer was extremely careful and did not leave anything behind. Xu Lan handed Bai Wu over to the bodyguard and followed Xiao Li upstairs with the equipment.


    The site of the crime was now at a hotel, which is different from the previous settings.


    ¡°Lao Xu, you¡¯re here!¡± Sun Fei kept a close watch on the hallway. When he saw that the first person was Xu Lan, he walked over and held his hand strongly.


    Xu Lan tapped his arms and opened his mouth but he did not know what to say. He then continued to shake hands with everyone on the scene and arrived beside Hu Cheng atst.


    ¡°Director general, this is my case.¡±


    Hu Cheng gave Xu Lan a look and packed his tobo pouch before leading him in. The 2.2 m bed was dyed bright right with fresh blood. The left breast was sliced off neatly and the private part was sewn shut. The cause of death was due to excessive bleeding. Wu Wendi was able to draw a series of numbers on the wall even though her hands were tied together.


    01001001 ¨C there was a small gap between the numbers, which could be read as 0100/1001.


    ¡°Except for a series of numbers, there¡¯s no clue at all. All of the surrounding surveince were destroyed,¡± Hu Cheng used two sentences to summarize the worst-case scenario.


    ¡°Who asked her out?¡±


    Hu Cheng shook his head. He felt a little relieved after meeting Xu Lan. He wanted to tell the child¡¯s mother that he could finally recognize his son. All these years of waiting had finally paid off.


    ¡°What about Sun Fei? Did she tell you who she metst night?¡± Xu Lan continued asking.


    ¡°At first, she was with Li Xiu. They were gone after I dozed off. She then texted me that they were meeting Big Boss Liu. I advised her not toe overst night because all of us were too tired busy dealing with assignments, but she did not listen to me. Then, she was gone just like that!¡±


    Sun Fei med himself because Hu Cheng had given him this case, and he even reminded him before leaving. However, it was toote to say anything!


    ¡°Li Xiu was there? Big Boss Liu?¡± Xu Lan could not figure out and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s her cell phone?¡±


    ¡°Her cell phone is missing too. The killer could have taken it,¡± Sun Fei said.


    Xu Lan nodded his head to indicate that he understood. He went around the huge bed and focused his vision on that series of numbers. This was definitely left behind after the killer left. The killer was too clever to make such rudimentary mistakes.


    He felt waves of trepidation and sympathy when he thought of Wu Wendi trying to write these characters under such tremendous pain. What a fine woman...


    What did the series of numbers represent? Xu Lan paced back and forth in the room and recalled the likings and habits of Wu Wendi.

 Chapter 67 - The Cusp of Public Opinion

    <h4>Chapter 67: The Cusp of Public Opinion</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Let me in! I want to reveal your true colors, spending the taxpayers¡¯ money without doing your job. You can¡¯t even protect your own partner. Who do you think you are?¡± Shen Xiang rounded up a group of people and started shouting emotionally downstairs. He became even angrier after seeing Bai Wu.


    ¡°Xu Lan! Xu Lan,e out here! I know you¡¯re in there! Don¡¯t be a coward and hide! I need an exnation today! Wendi did this to help you guys, doesn¡¯t your conscience hurt, hiding like that?¡±


    Shen Xiang kept calling on Xu Lan¡¯s name. Bai Wu also kept staring at this beautifuldy. Finally, Bai Wu has had enough and pulled Shen Xiang upstairs while the bodyguard followed closely.


    ¡°You! What are you doing! Don¡¯t think that I will be afraid of you. I can tell you, I told the press beforeing over. If anything happens to me, you guys will be in deep trouble!¡± Shen Xiang warned fiercely while she tried to keep up with Bai Wu.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring you to see papa. He¡¯s not what you think he is,¡± Bai Wu said stiffly with a gloomy face.


    The people from the police station and the hotel saw with their own eyes how Bai Wu punched Li Xiu, thus no one dared to stop him. Without any obstructions, Bai Wu sessfully took her to level eight. The policeman standing on both sides looked at Bai Wu nervously, fearing that he would punch them in the gut.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my papa?¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan! Come out here! I know you¡¯re inside!¡± Shen Xiang became more ruthless, where she shouted at the only room with an opened door. She was deeply impacted by Wu Wendi¡¯s death. She should not have epted Wu Wendi¡¯s resignation toe over here.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan! I have your son with me. If you still don¡¯t want toe out, I¡¯ll die together with him!¡± Shen Xiang¡¯s words scared off the police on duty and they backed off slowly. Not long after, Xu Lan walked out with a group of people.


    ¡°Bai Wu? How did youe up?¡± As a matter of fact, the room actually had excellent sound instion. It just happened that they opened the door and walked out at that particr moment. It was so coincidental that ¨C Qin Lao kept on mocking him with it till this day.


    ¡°I...¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan! You¡¯ve finallye out! What¡¯s the final verdict? If you don¡¯t give us an exnation, you won¡¯t have a police station anymore!¡± Shen Xiang walked speedily towards Xu Lan and grabbed his cor.


    ¡°... Ms. Shen, please calm down. The dead cannot be revived. The most important task would be how to catch the killer,¡± Xu Lan gently separated from Shen Xiang and said calmly.


    ¡°You are heartless! Wu Wendi came over every night to report to you. Now, something happened and you brushed it off by saying just find the killer! Find the killer, the killer! Have you found him after so long? If you had, Wendi wouldn¡¯t be... waah...¡±


    Shen Xiang cried in grief. She could not understand how someone that was just ying with her yesterday could be gone just like that, lying on the cold bed in such a humiliating way.


    ¡°What did you say!¡± Xu Lan held Shen Xiang forcefully and asked with squinted eyes.


    ¡°I said you are not fit to be a human! You have no conscience!¡±


    ¡°Not this! The previous sentence that you said.¡±


    ¡°I said, you guys are shirking the responsibility and ming it on the killer.¡±


    ¡°No, not this,¡± Xu Lan closed his eyes to recall what Shen Xiang just said. Suddenly, he asked loudly, ¡°You said she¡¯ll report to me?¡±


    ¡°Yes! She was so happy with the new clues she gathered these few days. She said that she was not smart, that¡¯s why she wanted to send you all the information because you¡¯ll definitely know who it was,¡± Shen Xiang was shocked by Xu Lan and told him everything without reservation.


    Xu Lan pped and sighed before returning to Hu Cheng. His cell phone was probably left behind in the cave. Even if this was not the case, it could have been picked up by the rescue team members.


    What did Wu Wendi send him?


    The public had no time to recover from the news about the appearance of a real dragon, Wu Wendi¡¯s case was already causing a stir akin to a disturbed flight of butterflies from the Amazon rainforest. G City was at the cusp of public opinion when Shen Xiang reported that the police had been giving out fake information with the intention of pressuring the killer and misleading the public.


    The police were condemned immediately, not only by the people of G City but the entire nation. The cases of the serial killing were exposed in front of the public. While everyone was shocked by the merciless and barbarous killer, they were also condemning of the unavailing efforts of the government. They could not find any clues about the killer after spending over a month on the case.


    The news that Xu Lan asked Wu Wendi to broadcast was also brought up and criticized maliciously. The ones sitting behindputers and cell phones startedmbasting the police, verbally abuse and vilify them. Some even doxed the personnel who worked on these cases.


    In the meeting room, everybody was looking at Xu Lan and the device in his hand with a heavy heart. Inside it could carry information that could save them, but it could all for naught.


    ¡°How was it?¡± Hu Cheng asked restlessly. His hair was all dried up and messy, just like his mood.


    Xu Lan stared at the tobo pouch for a long time and finally handed over the cell phone.


    Wu Wendi sent him a total of five messages within the span of three days. One of them was sent as a multimedia message. There were two messages about Li Xiu, one on Qiu Ling, and thest one regarding Big Boss Liu.


    ¡°Xiao Li, please get Shen Xiang, I need to ask her some questions,¡± Xu Lan rubbed his temples and said. He continued, ¡°Director general, how¡¯s Li Xiu¡¯s condition? Is he able toe to the station?¡±


    Hu Cheng squinted his eyes and looked at him for a while, before nodding his head and walking out to make the call. Xu Lan stood up and signaled Sun Fei over, ¡°Do you have any cigarettes? Want to go out for a joint?¡±


    Sun Fei handed over the cigarettes, leaned on the gates and hesitated when he was about to speak.


    ¡°Remember the scratch marks made by Li Xinyi?¡± Xu Lan looked towards downstairs with his bloodshot eyes. Bai Wu was scaring Xiao Zhang at the information counter. They were chasing each other. ¡®Don¡¯t they feel bored?¡¯


    ¡°I remember. The marks were crooked and distorted. I thought it was a signal left for us, but I went through all of the cipher keys and didn¡¯t manage to find any correspondence, that¡¯s why I¡¯ve put it aside since then.¡±


    Sun Fei remembered very clearly because he did not sleep the whole night just to decipher those scratch marks.


    ¡°The scratch marks were new, I think she wanted to tell us something. However, the situation was just too pressing. Do you think it¡¯s possible that she gave us the wrong message since she was not trained professionally?¡± Xu Lan took a drag of his cigarette before putting off the cigarette butt. Smoke emerged from his nose. His squarish face seemed to look softer and pallid.


    Sun Fei lowered his head with a heavy heart. If they were wrong about that, they would be left with nothing else. If they made hasty conjectures, there was a risk of going off the tracks, which was the reason why he did not mention those scratch marks.

 Chapter 68 - Eliminating Suspects

    <h4>Chapter 68: Eliminating Suspects</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Xu Lan! Why did you call me toe over! I have many manuscripts to write, I have no time for you!¡± Shen Xiang said without giving any thought about her image when she looked up and saw Xu Lan smoking on the third floor. Although she was quite fond of Xu Lan before this happened, it was still not enough to rece Wu Wendi¡¯s ce in her heart.


    Xu Lan invited Shen Xiang up and handed over the photos he was holding, ¡°I want to ask if Xiao Wu had any preference of using ¡®0¡¯ and ¡®1¡¯ to symbolize a certain code or characters?¡±


    Shen Xiang stared at the photos for quite some time and said, ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Please think carefully, did she show any abnormal signs recently?¡± Xu Lan frowned and asked hoarsely.


    ¡°Abnormal signs? She was never normal ever since she started getting involved in this case! She spent all day at the police station and continued to analyze information when she got home at night! What kind of codes and clues, was she supposed to worry about them? She even lost her life in the end!¡±


    ¡°What code was she deciphering?¡± Xu Lan narrowed his dark eyes and asked sternly.


    ¡°How would I know what code was it. It was so messy that it makes me dizzy! I¡¯m here to demand justice for Wu Wendi! If the police are still as useless as before, I don¡¯t mind making our rtionship worse! I don¡¯t want to repeat what happened five years ago!¡± Shen Xiang was getting angrier while she spoke, her delicate make-up suddenly seemed quite vicious.


    ¡°... I¡¯m so sorry for the way things turned out. We¡¯ll not shirk our responsibilities and will definitely do justice to Xiao Wu! If you¡¯re not that busy, you can stay with us and help out.¡±


    Xu Lan was looking at the clock on the wall when Xiao Li pushed open the door and entered.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, Officer Li is here.¡±


    The meeting room was full of people, only this time, the atmosphere was not as heavy as before. Some could say that they were excited. There was a constant exchange of whispers. Finally, all of them looked at Xu Lan who was sitting beside Hu Cheng, who was also the person in charge of the case.


    He announced that he knew the identity of the killer!


    ¡°Xu Lan, we¡¯re ready, you can start now,¡± Hu Cheng said, feeling a little uneasy while he opened his notebook.


    ¡°Okay, thank you everyone for trusting me. I¡¯m also responsible for Xiao Wu¡¯s death. Because of me, Xiao Wu fell into the hands of the killer alone...¡±


    A cup of hot water came pouring down from his head!


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! Are you alright?¡± Zhu Jing who was minuting beside Xu Lan sprung up to check on him, ¡°Shen, you!¡±


    Zhen Xiang broke down in tears while she remained in the position from where she sshed Xu Lan. Her delicate make-up had smudged due to her sobbing and her whole body started to convulse.


    ¡°No worries,¡± Xu Lan wiped the water off, his face was bright red due to scalding, ¡°Ms. Shen, I¡¯m bringing justice to Xiao Wu today.¡±


    Xu Lan turned on hisptop and strung the time, method and victim of the crimes together. All of them were directed toward Li Xiu. Once he finished, everybody could hardly sit still as the news was as shocking as thunder. People started to raise doubts and discussions.


    ¡°Silence! Let Xu Lan Finish!¡± Hu Cheng was sitting in the middle, where he used his tobo pipe to knock on the table to stabilize the situation.


    ¡°Officer Li, are you feeling better?¡± Except for the time when Xu Lan suspected Li Xiu as the killer which gained a surprised look from him, he remained seated on the chair with a stoicposure.


    ¡°Inveterate disease, can¡¯t get rid of them,¡± Li Xiu said while he pushed his frameless spectacles.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. If I mentioned anything incorrectly, you¡¯re wee to point it out anytime, Officer Li,¡± Xu Lan said while he took out a stack of letters.


    Li Xiu lowered his eyebrows and made a weing gesture with a gentle smile. It was a gentle motion signaling him to start the show.


    ¡°Firstly, I would like to start from the Jingxinyuan case. It¡¯s also the case where the killer had the most slip-ups. This stack of letters was written by the killer to his father,¡± Xu Lan took out one at a time to show everybody.


    There was nothing unusual with these letters, except for their source. Although there were no surveince cameras at the construction site, after inspecting all of the surrounding intersections, Xiao Xu noticed that a middle-aged man that wore a cap always appeared when Li Kui received the letters.


    Xu Lan sent his man to find the middle-aged man, only to understandter that these letters were written on his behalf and were delivered by another person. Following this lead, a guy with the surname Liu slowly emerged to the surface, where he was also tied to the thirty thousand bank card.


    At the same time, the appearance of Qiu Ling got everyone¡¯s hopes up. From then onwards, the consensus was that these crimes were notmitted by a single person, but an organized crime by a criminal gang. However, even after detailed inspection, they found that Qiu Ling did not y a major role in it. She just helped him to seek for girls and introduce them to the gang. The one she introduced them to was a guy with the surname Liu!


    The killer was unusually reckless to leave his semen in the victim¡¯s body. By coincidence, the police found out that the DNA of the semen was a perfect match to the person beside Li Xiu, Lao Liu.


    Xu Lan presented the entire chain of evidence before everyone, where all of the information was focused on the driver, Lao Liu.


    ¡°Brother Lan, what has this got to do with me?¡± Li Xiu asked since he still did not understand what was the rtion that linked him to that information.


    ¡°Hmm, please let me finish,¡± Xu Lan drank a mouthful of water and said patiently.


    The case seemed toe to an end without any doubt that Lao Liu was identified as the killer. Xu Lan also thought that he was the killer involved in these cases, but there was one thing that kept bothering him. He could not understand why Li Xiu¡¯s fingerprints would appear in Jingxinyuan. Furthermore, after further investigations Liu had an alibi at the time when all the crimes weremitted.


    ¡°So it wasn¡¯t Lao Liu either?¡± Li Xiu lifted his eyebrows and the corner of his mouth as if he had just heard a joke.


    The people in the meeting room also started to get restless. Did they lose the lead again? The bowl of Hu Cheng¡¯s tobo pipe started to burn again.


    ¡°Report!¡± Xiao Li was standing at the door with a carton box in his arms, while he tried to catch his breath.


    ¡°Pleasee in.¡±


    Xu Lan tapped on Xiao Li¡¯s shoulders and received the carton box from him.


    ¡°Of course, the direct evidence that can prove your involvement in the case is your fingerprints in Jingxinyuan. Lao Liu was also your driver, there¡¯s reasonable doubt to suspect you ordered Lao Liu to do it,¡± Xu Lan shared his thoughts calmly.


    Sun Fei disapproved of Xu Lan to show the scratch marks from the victim¡¯s bed in Jingxinyuan, but it was disyed in front of everyone in the end. ¡¤¡ª¡ª¡ª&?¡ª¡¤, there were two unidentifiable marks separating it. Sun Fei mentioned that he hadpared it with all the cipher keys but he still could not figure out what message she was trying to convey.


    Xu Lan actually thought that it was very simple. The morse code was characterized by dits and dahs, where each alphabet had its own unique signals. ¡¤¡ª¡ª¡ª represented the character ¡®J¡¯, while &?¡ª¡¤ represented another character. If they treated ? as ¡ª¡¤, it would be ¡ª¡¤¡ª¡¤, which represented ¡®C¡¯.


    The whole code would be tranted as JC.

 Chapter 69 - Arresting the Killer

    <h4>Chapter 69: Arresting the Killer</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°When we found Xiao Wu in the hotel this morning, there was a series of numbers on the wall. The things that Xiao Li was holding just now were brought over from Xiao Wu¡¯s house. The whole process was documented,¡± Xu Lan kept staring at Li Xiu while he was talking. He was amazed by Li Xiu¡¯s selfposure, as he remained the same except for signs of mockery for a fleeting moment.


    Xu Lan passed on each item from the carton box to the others, all of them contain scribbles of numbers and lines. Each number had the corresponding lines, which trante to itsplementary letter.


    The corresponding lines for 0100/1001 were ¡¤¡ª¡¤¡¤/¡ª¡¤¡¤¡ª. ording to the Morse code chart, ¡¤¡ª¡¤¡¤ codes for ¡®L¡¯ and ¡ª¡¤¡¤¡ª codes for X. Thebination of both letters would be LX.


    Xu Lan erged the message from his cell phone onto theputer screen. The message was about how Li Xiu taught her to use the Morse code chart.


    Up to this point, Li Xiu had started to get a little restless. Thebination of the letters was f*cking Officer Li Xiu. He was indirectly stating that he¡¯s the real killer!


    ¡°But these are just two letters, there are infinite exnations. It¡¯s just your spection. How can you prove that I¡¯m the killer? I can sue you for defamation.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, indeed. We can¡¯t understand what the victim wanted to tell us, and we can¡¯t prove that you¡¯re the killer with just two letters. However, if both of them knew you, and you were present in their rooms, these are not merely numbers, there¡¯s a specific meaning to it.¡±


    Xu Lan retrieved Chen Xinyi¡¯s cell phone from another bag. After Xiao Xu¡¯s relentless effort, theplete data was sessfully restored.


    He found Mr. Liu¡¯s contact and dialed the number. Suddenly, the meeting room that was previously restless fell silent, the only sound heard was the lively ringtone ringing from Li Xiu¡¯s pocket.


    ¡°No! Impossible! You guys must have saved my number in to frame me!¡± Liu Xiu¡¯s expression changed immediately. His rxed state that he had was no longer there and was reced by a grim and fearful expression on his face. He had no idea about the presence of the cell phone!


    ¡°All your calcted schemes and cunning plots have brought you nothing but doom, you never thought that you are the one who brought this upon yourself. Do you think you can escape thew? Everyone thought that you were lying in the hospital. Why did you contact Qiu Ling when you knew that she was being investigated? Weren¡¯t you wless in the previous execution? How did you forget to clean the wine ss? Were you in a hurry when you heard that Xiao Xu was monitoring Qiu Ling, that¡¯s why you didn¡¯t take it with you?¡±


    The reports were in ck and white, disyed in front of Li Xiu one at a time. He was not able to argue, filling himself with fear and anxiety.


    ¡°What are you waiting for, arrest him!¡± Hu Cheng mmed his tobo pipe on the table with a ¡®bang¡¯, stood up and said while pointing towards Li Xiu.


    The police that was stationed outside for quite some time busted in and charged towards Li Xiu. In a moment of desperation, Li Xiu took off his frameless spectacles and threw it on to the floor with a ¡®pang¡¯. Suddenly, pungent, thick smoke rose from the ground and Li Xiu took the opportunity to escape.


    ¡°Papa! Are you okay? What happened?¡± Bai Wu came up out of nowhere and found Xu Lan¡¯s exact location within these pungent, foul-smelling thick smoke.


    ¡°Cough cough... I¡¯m okay. Everyone stay calm, it¡¯s the chemical reaction that caused the formation of smoke, don¡¯t panic. Go out one by one. Cough... cough,¡± Xu Lan yelled, while he was choking on the smoke until he could not even bear to open his eyes.


    Bai Wu lead him outside immediately. He felt that as if he was reborn after resting for a very long time.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, you¡¯re the man. We don¡¯t know what to do because we thought that we lost all of the leads,¡± Zhu Jing was the first one to walk over and talked to him. It was nice to know that her forthright personality had not changed a single bit.


    ¡°Yeah! Sergeant Xu! I had ess to the information, but why couldn¡¯t I link them together?¡± Xiao Li pinched his nose and said softly in defeat.


    ¡°Thank you, Xu Lan. You¡¯vepleted the mission outstandingly,¡± Hu Cheng said while he smoked his tobo pipe, baring his yellowed teeth and said.


    ¡°Looks like I couldn¡¯t reach my true potential in the forensics department. I also contributed to solving the case,¡± Sun Fei said whileughing loudly.


    ¡°Haha, without Section Chief Sun organizing those case files, we wouldn¡¯t have managed to identify the killer so soon. Moreover, Xiao Xu suffered the most, everyone owes him a meal!¡±


    Xu Lanughed joyfully. The load on his mind was taken off, and he could finally leave in peace.


    Bai Wu was happy for Xu Lan because he rarelyughed whole-heartedly. The bodyguard was also immersed in the joyous mood since he should be able to return to the Central Science Park.


    Everybody was delighted, except for Shen Xiang who cried silently.


    Xu Lan gave her the lollipop in his pocket that he bought for Bai Wu, as well as a handkerchief. This was because Bai Wu cried too often. The ce that once kept Yunyan Special titbit soft had turned into a handkerchief.


    ¡°Try it, it¡¯s sweet,¡± Xu Lan said gently. He intentionally suppressed his original sonorous voice, leaving behind a maic tone, ¡°Inform Xiao Wu¡¯s family toe over.¡±


    Shen Xiang received the handkerchief with reddened eyes, ¡°Wendi had no family. We grew up from the same orphanage. We relied on each other,¡±


    ¡°What she did was remarkable! We should be proud of her!¡± Xu Lan said guiltily.


    Bai Wu walked towards them and snatched the lollipop from Xu Lan¡¯s hand. He peeled off the wrapping and shoved it into his mouth immediately, ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    Shen Xiang smiled through her tears when she saw Bai Wu¡¯s action. The handsome youngd she was looking at would not ask her shyly for liquored-centered chocte anymore. Instead, he snatched away her lollipop.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go and eat. I¡¯ll foot the bill today, it¡¯s to reward all of your hard work!¡± Hu Cheng said happily.


    ¡°Great!¡±


    ¡°Oh... we can finally eat meat!¡±


    ¡°Go go go.¡±


    A whole bunch of people was loudly discussing where to eat, and where to sing after the meal.


    ¡°Cough...cough... Guys, Li Xiu escaped! We have to go and arrest Lao Liu immediately,¡± Xu Lan cleared his throat and said loudly when the crowd was about to leave the main door. His sonorous voice echoed in the hall for some time before going into the ears of the shocked bunch.


    ¡°Oh my! Quick! Look for Li Xiu from the surveince to see where he went. Also, how can Lao Liu be so ignorant, he should turn himself in!¡± They beat their chests in despair before returning to their posts promptly.


    However, after two deliveries and the arrival of Lao Liu at the police station, they still could not find any traces of Li Xiu. Lao Liu admitted openly that he was the only onemitting those crimes, but he denied any involvement with Li Xiu. He refused to help the police to find Li Xiu.


    Also, he behaved like a rock from thetrine when he was interrogated ¨C hard and stinky! It angers Xiao Li to the point where he kept wanting to swear.

 Chapter 70 - Asking Bai Wu for Help

    <h4>Chapter 70: Asking Bai Wu for Help</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Qin Lao had been urging for him to head back. Since the identity of the murderer was known, the police could handle the rest. All he needed to do was to send Bai Wu back.


    Xu Lan thought, ¡®There¡¯s no way that I¡¯ll send him back to you. When the void reopens, I¡¯ll send Bai Wu away. There¡¯s nothing you can do when the dragon is gone.¡¯


    He could scheme all he wanted, but he still got a good scolding from Qin Lao when Bai Wu ended up on a hospital bed with tubes attached all over his body.


    Xu Lan was resting in bed while Bai Wu enjoyed his lollipop as he tried on his new clothes. Every now and then he woulde over to ask for Xu Lan¡¯s opinion of his new outfits. The clothes were picked out by the bodyguard and Bai Wu was the one who asked for the lollipop. Xu Lan was not feeling himself the entire afternoon.


    ¡°Nice,¡± Xu Lan answered emotionlessly every time.


    Bai Wu was unhappy about Xu Lan¡¯s impartiality. It was obvious that he was replying half-heartedly.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu stood by the bed as he stamped his feet in frustration.


    ¡°Mmm?¡± Xu Lan was still spacing out when he replied casually. ¡°Ah! Bai Wu, your Chinese zodiac sign is the sign of the dog?¡±


    Xu Lan leaped in surprise as Bai Wu¡¯s teeth sank into his skin. After Xu Lan got up, Bai Wu let go of his arm.


    ¡°Papa, you¡¯re ignoring me,¡± Bai Wu said as he lowered his head like a guilty child.


    ¡°Ah, Papa was thinking about something else. Sorry, but could you please y with Liang Yu for now?¡± Liang Yu was the young man sent over by Qin Lao.


    ¡°No! I want to be with Papa!¡± insisted Bai Wu. He stomped over andy down next to Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan chuckled and got back in bed with him.


    ¡°Bai Wu, could you locate Li Xiu?¡± Xu Lan suddenly thought of something and immediately asked Bai Wu.


    ¡°He reeks of blood, why would I want to look for him?¡± said Bai Wu unhappily. He fell back into the bed again.


    Bai Wu had been sleeping a lottely. Besides clinging on to Xu Lan, all he did was sleep. He could fall asleep the moment his head touched the pillow.


    Xu Lan propped him up and said, ¡°So are you saying that you can locate him? Tomorrow is the tenth day. If we still can¡¯t get hold of him, Papa won¡¯t have money for your new clothes and candies.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t have any candies then. Sister Xiao Jing said too much of candies will give me cavities.¡±


    Xu Lan was amused. ¡®Huh, Bai Wu must really hate Li Xiu!¡¯ he thought.


    ¡°If we have money, Papa can bring you on a trip. You won¡¯t be stuck here anymore. We can even get the grandpa to help us to think of a way for you to remain.¡±


    ¡°Do we need a lot of money? Will we have enough if Bai Wu doesn¡¯t buy clothes anymore?¡± Bai Wu pouted and tugged on his shirt.


    ¡°Uh huh, that will need a lot of money. Cutting down on your clothing budget isn¡¯t going to be enough. If we managed to find Li Xiu, we will have enough money,¡± Xu Lan persuaded.


    If Bai Wu managed to locate Xu Lan amidst the pungent thick smoke, he would be able to locate Li Xiu. Moreover, Bai Wu did mention that he would not look for Li Xiu, not he could not look for Li Xiu.


    ¡°... Fine.¡± Bai Wu decided topromise. He wished that Xu Lan would bring him for an outing but Xu Lan had been upied with work ever since they got here.


    Xu Lan got started immediately. A huge group of people trailed Bai Wu and together, they marched into Qinglong Mountains.

 Chapter 71 - Capturing Li Xiu

    <h4>Chapter 71: Capturing Li Xiu</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Yes, it was Qinglong Mountains! Li Xiu chose the same hideout as Xu Lan. However, Xu Lan had Bai Wu with him and Li Xiu did not. Since Li Xiu could not fly over the cliff, there was no way that he could have escaped Bai Wu¡¯s radar.


    Finally, Li Xiu copsed after being shot by a tranquilizer gun. He was no longer well-behaved. The moment he saw Xu Lan, he started cursing furiously and spat in Xu Lan¡¯s face.


    ¡°Xu Lan, did you think that by capturing me, you would be able to send Bai Wu back? You¡¯re wrong! So what if you captured me? Someone will being for me!¡± Even though he was restrained, Li Xiu was still trying to charge at Xu Lan.


    Bai Wu gave Li Xiu a hard kick and thetter copsed immediately. He hugged his knees moaned in pain.


    ¡°Hmph! To think that you¡¯re wasting your time on me! Did you think that Xu Lan could leave with you? Stop being unrealistic!¡± Li Xiu red at Bai Wu as he spoke.


    Bai Wu was ready to give Li Xiu another kick, but Xu Lan held him back.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go! Let¡¯s head back!¡± he said to everyone.


    Bai Wu remained unhappy throughout the journey. He mumbled about how they should not have searched for Li Xiu. It took Xu Lan awhile to coax him into a good mood again.


    Xu Lan did not expect to find Morse code here. He only came to realize that after reading the text message from Wu Wendi. It made sense if Li Xiu was the one who taught it.


    Even though Lao Liu did note clean in the end, Li Xiu confessed to the crime. He was arrogant, as though suggesting that no one could do anything to him even after he confessed.


    Li Xiu smiled as he exined why he taught them the code. He said, ¡°If she¡¯s intelligent, we should give her a chance to survive. Moreover, there¡¯s no way that I would get caught with this n of mine, not even if I wrote my name down and exposed myself.¡±


    Xu Lan¡¯s unexpected appearance that night was his downfall which left behind a ticking time bomb.


    ¡°No, even if that night didn¡¯t happen, there¡¯s no way that you would escape from legal sanctions,¡± Xu Lan said with certainty.


    ¡°Haha! Your words might be true ten years ago, but not anymore! Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll being for you if you¡¯re still around when I get out. Haha...¡±


    Li Xiuughed. This unrepressed behavior of his was his true self. He no longer had to keep up his cultured and gentlemanly facade.


    Lao Liu who was watching the surveince footage started tearing up. He confessed to being an aplice and exined that Li Xiu suffered from serious mental illness. Lao Liu also pleaded for Li Xiu to be treated with leniency.


    He said, ¡°Li Xiu used to have a happy family. He lost a bet to his ssmate and had to trek the mountain behind his school. He ended up being kidnapped by a stinky middle-aged woman. The woman lost her mind ever since her husband cheated on her. During the day, she would hug Li Xiu and beg for his forgiveness. At night, she indulged excessively in alcohol and cigarettes. She would abuse Li Xiu physically and even did obscene things to him.¡±


    This happened for two years. He was rescued by Lao Liu who passed by coincidentally and heard him crying.


    Ever since then, Li Xiu would get terrified when night falls. He went to a lot of psychologists but none managed to cure him. One day, his first girlfriend came over to visit. He identally killed her and that was when he finally found sce.

 Chapter 72 - A Sad Bai Wu

    <h4>Chapter 72: A Sad Bai Wu</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Pft, did he think that we would buy his sob story? Li Xiu seemed perfectly fine. In fact, he wouldn¡¯t shut up about how someone woulde and rescue him!¡±


    Xiao Li did not usually give remarks with such intense emotions, which led to everyone stopping mid-eating and staring at him.


    ¡°Wh... Why?¡± Xiao Li asked ufortably.


    ¡°p, p, p...¡± Everyone looked around and started pping emotionlessly.


    ¡°Ay, stop it. I¡¯m only telling the truth as it is,¡± exined shyly as he Xiao Li touched his nose.


    p!


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t apliment! You idiot!¡±


    Zhu Jing gave him a hard p on his back as she insulted him. Xiao Li sat down in embarrassment, causing everyone to burst out inughter.


    A confused Bai Wu raised his gaze to make sense of the situation. Xu Lan put a portion of beef in his bowl.


    ¡°Here, have some meat.¡±


    Bai Wu tasted the beef and nodded his head in approval. Xu Lan took a few more pieces for Bai Wu, but he put them into Xu Lan¡¯s bowl instead.


    ¡°Papa, you should have them. They¡¯re delicious.¡± Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan with his big watery eyes, anticipating Xu Lan¡¯s words of affirmation.


    Xu Lan chuckled and ran his finger through Bai Wu¡¯s hair, ¡°Good boy, finish off your meal and we¡¯ll head back.¡±


    Liang Yu looked at them curiously as he took some beef for himself.


    Contrary to Bai Wu¡¯s looks, he could tell that Bai Wu was not... He brushed off the thought and decided to focus on his food.


    ording to the Supreme People¡¯s Procuratorate, Li Xiu was sentenced to life imprisonment. Shen Xiang organized a press conference, detailing the events that unfolded over the past few days. Even Qin Lao came over and Hu Cheng¡¯s son, Hu Hai, finally had his name cleared. The media professional¡¯s death came following a police operation, but the person who pulled the trigger was not Hu Hai. In fact, Hu Hai sent over a team to search for the person.


    The police force and the media were no longer on bad terms. Sun Fei told Shen Xiang that he was envious of how Xu Lan had a son. His colleagues teased them and Shen Xiang red at them in annoyance.


    Meanwhile, Qin Lao urged Xu Lan to go back to the hotel to start packing, so that he can head over to the Central Science Park as soon as possible.


    ¡°Papa, we¡¯re leaving now?¡± Bai Wu ran over to Xu Lan and asked happily when he noticed that Xu Lan was packing. Prior to that, he spent a long time with Liang Yu.


    ¡°Uh huh.¡± Xu Lan nced at him and got back to packing.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu shouted angrily.


    ¡°What now?¡± Xu Lan had a lot on his mind and the little guy was not helping.


    ¡°Papa! I¡¯m really angry now! Hmph!¡±


    Bai Wu stomped his feet and turned around, waiting for Xu Lan to cate him. Realizing that Xu Lan still was not there after a while, Bai Wu turned back to take a peek and their eyes met.


    Xu Lan remained rooted as he stared at Bai Wu, refusing to budge.


    ¡°Waaa!¡±


    Bai Wu wailed loudly. The fact of the matter is Xu Lan could easily pacify Bai Wu just by heading over to him. After all, Bai Wu was upset because he felt neglected. It did not help that Bai Wu was extra emotionally sensitivetely.


    As he cried, he could not resist stealing a nce at Xu Lan, making him cry even louder! Xu Lan stood his ground, ignoring Bai Wu and continuing to pack his luggage.


    ¡°Papa, Hic... Sob, sob... Hic, Papa...¡± Bai Wu walked over in tears, tugging at the corner of Xu Lan¡¯s shirt. Xu Lan nced at Bai Wu briefly, offered Bai Wu his handkerchief and went back to packing.

 Chapter 73 - Consoling Bai Wu

    <h4>Chapter 73: Consoling Bai Wu</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Qin Lao and Liang Yu were drawn over by Bai Wu¡¯s cries. While consoling Bai Wu, they asked Xu Lan about what happened earlier.


    ¡°Nothing, he had too much water. It¡¯s good that he¡¯s sprinkling some of them away,¡± Xu Lan said as he continued to organize his belongings. Qin Lao snatched away what he was holding.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? As a father, aren¡¯t you supposed to take care of a crying child? How can you act so nonchntly? To think that you¡¯re ufortable with handling Bai Wu over to me? I¡¯ll have to consider if you should be raising the child after all!¡± Qin Lao lectured as he leaned on his walking stick, even Bai Wu was stunned by his sudden outburst and went from wailing to sobbing.


    ¡°Uh huh. All of you should leave first. I¡¯m not going to let him has his way just because he threw a tantrum. He¡¯s not a young child anymore,¡± Xu Lan replied as he lowered his head.


    When everyone left, Xu Lan zipped up his luggage and waved Bai Wu over. Albeit slowly, Bai Wu still made his way to Xu Lan.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu whispered in a nasal tone.


    ¡°Uh huh.¡±


    Xu Lan hugged Bai Wu and he stopped talking immediately. Bai Wu patted Xu Lan¡¯s back gently just as how Xu Lan consoled him before this.


    ¡°Papa, don¡¯t cry, it¡¯s my bad. I¡¯ll be softer next time and only you would be able to hear it. I promise to not get you into trouble.¡±


    Bai Wu took out the handkerchief and was ready to wipe Xu Lan¡¯s tears.


    ¡°Papa isn¡¯t crying,¡± Xu Lan said as he raised his head and looked at the ceiling. He sat Bai Wu down on the bed and said, ¡°Bai Wu, you¡¯ve grown older now. You can¡¯t just break into tears for no reason, okay?¡±


    Xu Lan looked at the young man and wondered when did he grow so tall. Emotional attachment was such a weird thing ¡ª in the short span of twenty days he spent with Bai Wu, Xu Lan felt as though he had known Bai Wu for ten to twenty years. Bai Wu had grown from a young crybaby to an older crybaby.


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Bai Wu replied and pouted with a nod. Hisshes were still wet from the tears.


    ¡°Even if Papa isn¡¯t around, you shouldn¡¯t cause trouble to other people, okay?¡±


    Xu Lan straightened up Bai Wu¡¯s shirt as he spoke. He looked like a freshman in his white shirt and ck pants.


    ¡°Uh huh, I¡¯ll be around Papa. Heh!¡± Bai Wu nodded with conviction. He smiled with his teeth showing.


    ¡°... Sure.¡± Xu Lan pulled Bai Wu closer to himself. He pressed Bai Wu¡¯s face against his stomach to ensure that his expression was not visible to Bai Wu.


    ¡®Knock, knock.¡¯


    ¡°Mister Xu, are you ready? The car is here,¡± Liang Yu asked behind the door.


    ¡°Yes, give me a second,¡± Xu Lan replied as he returned to working on Bai Wu¡¯s shirt.


    It was a sunny day. Xu Lan raised his hand and shielded his face from the sun. The warmth from the sun dispelled the greyish mist, drawing a long shadow on the ground. The dark clouds above G City went away too.


    It was a great day for a trip. Xu Lan watched as Bai Wu loaded his luggage into the trunk. He shook his head and smiled bitterly ¨C he hoped that it was a good day.


    ¡°Hey, Qin Lao. There¡¯s no need for you to pick me up personally. Are you worried that I¡¯ll run away?¡± Xu Lan teased the old man who was standing in the sun.


    The old man had white sideburns and wrinkles on his face, yet he still looked determined and energetic.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, I¡¯m quite worried about that,¡± said Qin Lao.


    ¡°I¡¯m not like that. Get into the car, get in.¡± Xu Lan chuckled and said, ¡°Eh, Qin Lao, you¡¯re going to take the backseat? Aren¡¯t you worried about Bai Wu transforming and breaking your aged arms and legs in the process?¡±

 Chapter 74 - Sending Bai Wu Off

    <h4>Chapter 74: Sending Bai Wu Off</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan stopped Qin Lao from taking the backseat and directed him to the passenger seat. He did so in a respectful yet threatening manner.


    ¡°I¡¯m old and my heart can¡¯t take the shock from being seated at the passenger seat,¡± exined the old man.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, you¡¯ll be fine. Aren¡¯t you confident in Liang Yu¡¯s driving skills? I¡¯m more concerned about you being injured by Bai Wu¡¯s transformation. He¡¯s quite unstabletely.¡± Chuckled Xu Lan.


    He was unsure as to when the crack would appear. Hence, he remained constantly on guard.


    Qin Lao shook his head and put on his seat belt, without forgetting to remind Liang Yu to drive slowly.


    Perhaps he was drained by the intense crying session, Bai Wu fell asleep in the car. On the highway, they sped past countless skyscrapers in G City. In no time, they arrived at the foot of Qinglong Mountains and drove along the mountain range.


    ¡°Heh heh heh...¡± The void expanded its bloody mouth and smiled at Bai Wu in a horrifying manner.


    ¡°Shoo! Go away!¡± Bai Wu waved his hand and murmured. He found afortable position and fell into a deep slumber again.


    Qin Lao looked at the duo from the rearview mirror and was d that he was not seated at the back. Xu Lan was right next to the window and there was barely any room for him at all. Maybe Xu Lan was right after all, Bai Wu should not be spoilt!


    Xu Lan tensed up ¡ª Bai Wu would only say that to Li Xiu and the void. Seeing how Li Xiu was locked up in the jail at G City, it seemed like the void had made its appearance!


    Xu Lan observed his surroundings and noticed a ck ballooning ball of matter on the ss opposite of him.


    Xu Lan took out his phone and threw it over to test the water. The phone disappeared without a sound. The void seemed to be motivated and grew slightly bigger. Xu Lan¡¯s sideburns were soaked in sweat and he had to keep trying to dry it.


    ¡°Are you not feeling well?¡± Qin Lao turned and asked.


    ¡°Ah? No, no. It¡¯s just too warm in here.¡± Xu Lan¡¯s throat tightened and even his voice was hoarse.


    ¡°Hot?¡± Qin Lao frowned in confusion. ¡°Liang Yu, roll down the windows. It seems like...¡±


    ¡°No need! There¡¯s no need for it. I ate something wrongst night. My stomach is acting up now and I¡¯m embarrassed by it, so...¡± Xu Lan stopped him in his track and scratched his head.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Whew.¡± Xu Lan breathed a sigh of relief when the duo let it slide. He moved Bai Wu toward the window.


    Before the void reappeared, Bai Wu woke up.


    ¡°Papa? This!¡±


    There was a loud bam! The window shattered and Bai Wu boiled with anger. His air of hostility battled against the void. Xu Lan tried to speak to Bai Wu but Bai Wu did not hear him. Liang Yu¡¯s car was thrown off bnce by the sudden urrence.


    ¡°Uh, I¡¯ve mentioned that he¡¯s been quite unstabletely. Why don¡¯t we get down for a while?¡± Xu Lan said to Qin Lao.


    ¡°Papa! Stay away from me!¡± Bai Wu said with his teeth clenched. The void was growing bigger and there was a force pulling Bai Wu toward it.


    ¡°Oh, okay. Take your time and try to transform again?¡± Xu Lan stole a nce and saw that Liang Yu was focused on bncing the car. Qin Lao had been forewarned. Even though he kept turning his head toward the back worriedly, he probably did not notice anything.

 Chapter 75 - Sending Bai Wu Off (2)

    <h4>Chapter 75: Sending Bai Wu Off (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan shifted his position carefully. If the time and ce were right, he was prepared to kick Bai Wu into the crack.


    ¡°Papa, why are you here? Go away from me, the crack... ngghh...¡± Xu Lan covered Bai Wu¡¯s mouth immediately. The powerful suction pulled the man to the window¡¯s edge; Bai Wu was obstructing the force but to no avail.


    ¡°Bai Wu, let go! The car¡¯s going to overturn!¡± Xu Lan shouted. Liang Yu had found a ce to make an emergency stop. If at that time, the void¡¯s strength was no match for Bai Wu, it was impossible to know when it would appear next.


    ¡°But Papa, I can¡¯t let go!¡± Bai Wu shouted back.


    ¡°Xu Lan, what¡¯s going on?¡± Sensing that something was off, Qin Lao turned around to ask. Then he ordered, ¡°Liang Yu! Stop the car! NOW!¡±


    ¡°One minute, Qin Lao, give me one minute,¡± came Liang Yu¡¯s reply.


    Despite beingpletely oblivious as to what that thing was, Qin Lao saw with his own two eyes a bolster being sucked into the window.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Let go!¡± Xu Lan shouted as he tried to pry Bai Wu¡¯s hands apart.


    ¡°I won¡¯t! I want to be with Papa!¡±


    Bai Wu stubbornly clung to the car roof. The void increased in size and turned the car door into a spiral-shaped astrbe. A seatbelt, bolster, and a seat cushion had been sucked into it. The entire car suddenly became heavier and began tilting severely to one side.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Listen to me. Let go.¡± With his hands, Xu Lan continued to pry open Bai Wu¡¯s grip, and with his legs, he tried pushing Bai Wu off.


    ¡°NO! I don¡¯t want to! Papa...¡± Tears began streaming down Bai Wu¡¯s face. His reddened eyes, full of hurt and despair, stared back at Xu Lan.


    Qin Lao repeatedly urged Liang Yu to stop the car at once. While doing so, he turned to look at the scenes unfolding in the back seat.


    ¡°Soon, another thirty seconds and it¡¯ll be done,¡± Liang Yu nervously answered. His hands were trembling as they gripped the steering wheel. By then, the car was too heavy and it rendered the engine incapable of functioning properly.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Do you want me to go inside it with you?!¡± Realizing that the car was about toe to a stop, Xu Lan asked in a saddened tone.


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu¡¯s momentarypse of concentration enabled Xu Lan to take advantage of the void¡¯s suction and kick half of Bai Wu¡¯s body into it.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Tears flowed out like the babbling of a stream, but what broke Xu Lan¡¯s heart the most was Bai Wu¡¯s expression.


    It was an amalgamation of sorrow, contrition, and anguish.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Bai Wu. I can¡¯t go with you. Will you still be able to visit me sometime?¡± Xu Lan did not have the courage to let go, but he pushed Bai Wu tirelessly into the void.


    The car had already been stopped by Liang Yu. Qin Lao hastily unfastened his seatbelt and stepped down the car shakily. Liang Yu then quickly grabbed the electric-gun from the trunk and waited for Qin Lao signal to open fire.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Let go!¡± Xu Lan shouted anxiously.


    ¡°Liang Yu! Fire! Now!¡± Qin Lao hammered the ground with his walking stick.


    ¡®Bang!¡¯ A small speeding carriage crashed into the taillights of the off-road vehicle.


    The huge void disappeared from the car door along with those morous sounds. It was as if everything was an illusion; in a sh, the car reverted back to its original state.


    Such an urrence had never happened before. The dumbstruck Qin Lao simply stared at the carriage.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°Papa!¡±


    The small carriage arrived at just the right moment. Xu Lan was pushing Bai Wu when the crash happened; inertia caused the man to fall into the void as well. Through that sequence, the void obtained relief, causing the crack to decrease in size until it faded away.


    Xu Lan fell right into Bai Wu¡¯s arms and received a tight hug. Immense pressure converged on them from all directions, and power akin to that of Mount Tai immediatelypelled Xu Lan to kneel. It was pitch ck inside and not a single thing could be seen.

 Chapter 76 - Falling into the Black Hole

    <h4>Chapter 76: Falling into the ck Hole</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Papa, are you alright?¡±


    Bai Wu was hugging Xu Lan tightly, but it does not seem to be doing much. The strong pressure continued its assault from every direction and forced Xu Lan to curl up into a ball.


    ¡°Papa, don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m here. I will stay by your side, Papa.¡± Conscious of the change that Xu Lan underwent, Bai Wu cried andforted him.


    Not longter, Xu Lan was enveloped in some mist, and he could clearly perceive that the pressure was decreasing. It felt like the mist blocked out some of the strong pressure. Xu Lan could straighten his body if he withstood the pain. Bai Wu¡¯s body temperature slowly began dissipating, while the mist became all the denser.


    ¡°Bai Wu?¡± Xu Lan called out as he had lingering fears. Almost immediately, the sharp ws of a dragon carried him up.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Bai Wu. I don¡¯t want to die, and I also don¡¯t want to see you being experimented on like a little whiteb rat.¡± Ashamed and uneasy, Xu Lan apologized to Bai Wu.


    Like the pricking of silk-thin needles on Xu Lan¡¯s flesh, Bai Wu¡¯s expression at that very moment sent unending waves of anguish toward Xu Lan.


    ¡°Mm. I know Papa only wants the best for me. I don¡¯t me Papa, but I¡¯m a bit angry¡± the upset Bai Wu voiced out.


    The man was able to imagine Bai Wu¡¯s pouty, silent, and teary expression, but he did not know how those actions would look on Bai Wu full-fledged dragon state.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve made you angry a lot recently. Can you forgive me?¡± Xu Lan asked, feeling as though a burden had been lifted off his mind. He hugged Bai Wu¡¯s dragon ws tightly to avoid falling down.


    Pressure began increasing as time dragged on. As Xu Lan spoke, he felt as though a steamroller was crushing his body. In addition to that, he felt his body moving toward one side since the pressure on that side wasparatively lesser.


    ¡°Papa¡¯s always like that. You know I¡¯ll be angry, but you still do it. It¡¯s because Papa knows that I¡¯ll forgive Papa, that¡¯s why Papa makes me angry, right?¡± Bai Wu remarked annoyingly.


    Xu Lan raised an eyebrow. Apparently, it was no small matter for Bai Wu.


    ¡°No, of course not. I wanted to stay alive so at least you can think of me. If I die just like that, you¡¯d be lonely if you go to another world. Cough cough...am I right?¡± All of Xu Lan¡¯s honest thoughts were pouring out. He did not expect Bai Wu to understand that, but Xu Lan felt that it was something that needed to be said.


    ¡°It won¡¯t happen, because I will be with Papa wherever I am.¡±


    ¡°...¡± The void¡¯s power became stronger. Xu Lan strained to breathe, and naturally, he was unable to reply.


    ¡°Papa?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Awoo!¡± From his full-fledged dragon mode, Bai Wu immediately went into full-on battle mode when Xu Lan did not reply. More mist was emitted from Bai Wu¡¯s body.


    It was like Xu Lan had been thrown into a giant cement mixer. With each turn of the machine, the slurry firmly coated Xu Lan, tossing him in all directions. Drops of cementnded on him; they were like rocks hitting against his body.


    Something seemed to have prated into every pore on his body. It was pressuring him inwardly with all its might. Xu Lan¡¯s whole body curled up like cooked shrimps <sup>1</sup> on a dinner table. Bai Wu was forced to shed his dragon state in order to grip Xu Lan tighter and prevent them from separating in mid-air.


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯m scared.¡± He was afraid that Xu Lan would end up in the same predicament as the previous person, that Xu Lan was unable to go any further. If that happened...


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m here. Let me hug you.¡± His strength freely flowed away like spilled water, but regaining it was as difficult as attempting to grasp a handful of sand. When he moved his fingers, he felt like a carp that had been nailed onto a chopping board, waiting to be ughtered. There was no telling of the pain that he might have to endure if he wanted to hug Bai Wu.


    ¡°Papa, Papa, I¡¯m scared.¡± Bai Wu was still able to cry as though things were not as bad as they seemed. Xu Lan strained to curl the edge of his lips into a smile, but even that simple movement could not bepleted.

 Chapter 77 - A Meaningful Goodbye

    <h4>Chapter 77: A Meaningful Goodbye</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°No... don¡¯t... be scared.¡± Xu Lan was aware that a violent surge was on the brink of making its assault. Even the void was starting to tremble.


    He did not know where that force came from. In what seemed like thest glimmer of life¡¯s light, he pulled Bai Wu into his arms.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. Don¡¯t be scared. Papa¡¯s here...¡± Midway through the sentence, Xu Lan fainted, but his arms hugged Bai Wu tightly till the very end.


    Despite Bai Wu¡¯s assistance, Xu Lan was still unable to withstand the pressure brought on by the void.


    Then came a loud rumble, and the entirety of the void¡¯sposite force collided together, creating a monstrous impact. Bai Wu opened his eyes, and apart from the darkly-scorched Xu Lan, everything around him was an endless brightness that extended seemingly everywhere.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu let out a shout and subsequently fainted.


    It was a ce verdant and lush with trees as well as flowers. Lotuses adorned the like while pomegranate flowers graced its edges. Concealed in the trees were cicadas that sang tirelessly. Fishes vied greedily for the shade offered by mats of water nts. Downstairs, kids in twos and threes circled amongst themselves; they either yed card games or rolled hoops. There were a few who buried their heads in books, studying their exercise books diligently like the good students that they were.


    One of the boys had lost all his cards in a game. He climbed to the edge of the window and observed another child doing some homework inside.


    ¡°Hey, Bai Wu, aren¡¯t you gonnae out and y?¡±


    The child went over to the window while biting a pencil. With eyes that envied the other children, he replied, ¡°Mama said it¡¯s too hot out there. She won¡¯t allow me to go out.¡±


    ¡°Pfft. Why are you so girly? Look at me, see how manly I am!¡± The boy rubbed his hand along his sleeve and revealed his suntanned biceps. ¡°Come on, follow me! I¡¯ll bring you to catch some loaches.¡±


    His alluring bright smile led the boy to climb out of the window, but when they made a run for it, a married woman began scolding and chasing after him.


    ¡°Xu Er! Stand right where you are!¡±


    ¡°AH!¡± Xu Lan jumped right up and sat down. His body was wet all over as a result of cold sweat. A cramping, bone-piercing pain slowly came over him.


    Xu Lan scanned his eyes across the room. It was his original rented room, and even the d¨¦cor was left untouched. The clock on the wall stated that it was half-past two in the afternoon.


    ¡°Bai Wu?¡± He tried to call out to the boy but the cramped room remained a deathly silent.


    Heid back down on the bed. The pain in his body was intense and very much real. Was he still alive? Did he return to the world where he came from?


    He lifted his hand and gave himself a p. F*ck! It was painful!


    Tears started falling uncontrobly. He was no longer able to determine whether it was a dream or not. Adding to that was a feeling in his mind that signaled for him to be prepared himself, while his heart ached dully.


    Was it a dream?


    Xu Lan looked out the window and saw the vibrant green of tree leaves as well as the scorching-hot weather. Was it summer already? He sighed. Time passed by too rapidly.


    For another half an hour, he continued lying down on the bed. Finally, he had to answer nature¡¯s call, so he used the walls as support and slowly began heading toward the toilet.


    ¡°F*ck!¡±


    ¡°Papa, you¡¯re awake!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s eyes glimmered. He was just about to squat down, upon seeing Xu Lan, he pulled up his pants and came running over to hug the man.


    Mm, the hug felt really meaningful!


    Xu Lan cupped Bai Wu¡¯s face and carefully scrutinized every detail: the fiery-red pupils, the crescent-like eyes, and the tear mole below the eye!


    p! Five blood-red finger marks slowly began to surface from the boy¡¯s tender pale face.


    ¡°Papa!¡±


    ¡°Is it painful?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s eyes were opened as wide as a treasure hunter who was waiting for the doorway to a secret treasure to open.


    ¡°No! Hmph!¡± Bai Wu angrily turned his body and continued squatting down in the toilet.


    Xu Lan could not believe his eyes; he pped himself once more and bloody hell, it hurt even worse than before!


    ¡°I¡¯m not dead? We managed to go through the crack?¡± In a high-pitched voice, Xu Lan asked suddenly. He did not seem to mind that Bai Wu was in the toilet.

 Chapter 78 - Sergeant Xu, Who’s This?

    <h4>Chapter 78: Sergeant Xu, Who¡¯s This?</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Umm, okay! Hurry up! I¡¯ll be in the living room!¡± Xu Lan hastily backed out of the bathroom and closed the door behind him. He stood at the door for quite some time, and his mouth began to widen until an unrestrained bout ofughter escaped from it. He sat down on the sofa and stared intently at the door, as though he was afraid it would not open.


    Bai Wu woke up two days earlier than Xu Lan. Once Bai Wu ascertained that Xu Lan was not in any mortal danger, he did not wake the man up as he knew Xu Lan was too tired from the time they battled against the void.


    After waking up, Xu Lan was incredibly excited to bring Bai Wu around, since they were back in the world where Xu Lan first met Bai Wu. At that moment, reform was setting in and the ce was opening itself to the outside world; roads linking to other districts were being constructed. Bai Wu remarked that he could not choose the destination as it differed all the time. He did not know that they would be transported back to where they came from, and in their own home, no less!


    ¡°Come, Bai Wu! I¡¯ll bring you sightseeing. Bai Wu¡¯s clothes were still in the closet, and they fit him perfectly!


    Xu Lan wanted to find out if the formalities had been handled and if Bai Wu had be his son.


    As they went down the stairs, they met thendy. She did not look any different from before. Xu Lan was always an eyesore to her, except when rent was due, of course.


    Her scolding was exceptionally familiar to Xu Lan and he walked over to give her a big hug. She was stunned and her face turned red, but before she could even say anything, Xu Lan and Bai Wu were long gone.


    The police station was no different either. Wang Hao ¨C who walked past the hall after gathering some files ¨C lifted his head to see Xu Lan standing at the door with a teenage boy.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! Sergeant Xu! You¡¯re back! Where have you been thest few months?!¡± Wang Hao gathered up all his files and quickly went over to hold Xu Lan¡¯s hand. Both men leaned in and gave each other a bump on the shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time! How have you been? You look way thinner than before.¡± The sight of Wang Hao truly made Xu Lan feel that he was back in the world where he came from.


    Wang Hao¡¯s skin was as tan as ever, and he still had the habit of staring people in the eye when he spoke. The once-enthusiastic, slender, and experienced fellow now looked much shallower.


    ¡°Ay, let¡¯s not talk about that, Sergeant Xu. Give me a moment, I need to hand over some work, after that we¡¯ll go have a big meal.¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Xu Lan answered cheerfully.


    While Wang Hao was busy with his work, Xu Lan rushed back into the hall. He pursed his lips to signal for Bai Wu to sit down, then went to the shift room alone. Coincidentally, Xiao Zhang was on duty.


    ¡°Hey! Sergeant Xu! When did youe back? Here, have a ss of water.¡± Xiao Zhang cordially poured Xu Lan a ss of warm water.


    ¡°Mm, Xiao Zhang, remember the thing about adoption that we discussed? Could you update me on that?¡± Xu Lan searched the house high and low for those adoption documents, but he was unable to locate them. Thus, he decided to go down to the station and ask for himself.


    ¡°Oh! The certificate! It¡¯s done! I went to your ce but you weren¡¯t there, so I kept them with me at my house. I¡¯ll send them over once I get off work,¡± Xiao Zhang replied prudently as he thought that Xu Lan came over to use him.


    ¡°Eh, no need for that. Just give me the address, I¡¯lle over to get them once you¡¯re done,¡± Xu Lan said.


    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll send them over. I know where your house is.¡± Xiao Zhang remarked hastily.


    ¡®Er, was I really that fiercest time?¡¯ Xu Lan thought gloomily.


    ¡°Hey, Sergeant Xu. Let¡¯s go! Let¡¯s have a feast, my treat!¡± Wang Hao eximed as he began to walk down the stairs, right after handing over the files.


    Noticing that Xu Lan was ready to go, Bai Wu obediently stood up and followed suit.


    ¡°Oh? Sergeant Xu, who¡¯s this?¡± The puzzled Wang Hao asked.

 Chapter 79 - The 928 Incident

    <h4>Chapter 79: The 928 Incident</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The question took Xu Lan by surprise and ced him in a difficult situation. If he said that Bai Wu was his son, it would be rather hard for Wang Hao to believe, as he was already eighteen-years-old and the adoption certification had not even been obtained. If he said that Bai Wu was someone else¡¯s son, then it would upset Bai Wu.


    ¡°Hello big brother, I¡¯m a distant rtive of Uncle Xu. My family¡¯s going through some tough times, so for the moment, I¡¯m staying with Uncle Xu,¡± Bai Wu said with a smile as he looked at Xu Lan, then at Wang Hao.


    Wang Hao was quite taken aback. The child seemed too good-looking, with fair and tender skin. His eyes were most striking: they were reddened and crescent-like. He had a contagious smile as sweet as honey, which left others with a warm fuzzy feeling.


    ¡°Mm, his name¡¯s Bai Wu <sup>1</sup> .¡± Xu Lan nodded, then stepped forward and remarked.


    ¡°Haha, alright then! Let¡¯s go! Sergeant Xu, I hope you don¡¯t mind me treating you to a feast! Though my wallet¡¯s a bit thin recently and I wouldn¡¯t dare to smoke an expensive cigarette.¡± Wang Hao said while shaking a packet of cigarettes. He took one out and gave it to Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan touched the pocket of his pants and heard the rustling of lollipops wrappers.


    ¡°No thanks. I¡¯ve quit smoking.¡±


    Wang Hao¡¯s hand which was offering the cigarette stopped mid-air after he heard Xu Lan¡¯s words. With a shocked expression, Wang Hao then tilted his head to one side and dug his ears using the other hand.


    ¡°You¡¯ve quit?¡±


    His tone was neither too high or too low, but it rose slightly at the end. Xu Lan nodded with raised eyebrows in response, verifying that he did indeed quit smoking.


    ¡°Okay then. I was just kidding, I want to quit too, but it makes me irritable that...ay, never mind. Let¡¯s go and eat.¡±


    Wang Hao had the desire to rant to Xu Lan, but he could not find the words for it. With a click, he lit the cigarette and took one puff, then urged Xu Lan to continue walking.


    Noticing Wang Hao¡¯s hesitance, it was clear to Xu Lan that what Wang Hao wanted to say was not appropriate in that circumstance. Bai Wu ¨C in his flower-print pants ¨C discreetly kept a distance from Xu Lan. He still remembered Wang Hao: the tan big brother who lent Xu Lan some money.


    Three cups of wine sufficed to bring out Wang Hao¡¯s talkativeness. After Xu Lan left, the case that he was assigned to at the time was given to Meng Chengjun. It was simply unbearable for Wang Hao.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, tell me what you think of this. No one knows how the game spread so fast online! If someone posts a specific symbol online at night, another person would voluntarily contact the poster. The poster will then be given a few tasks until he kills himself. The case is called the ¡®The 928 Incident¡¯, and a task force even came over to deal with it. I was handing over my work to them back at the station earlier.¡±


    He exined distressingly after downing another mouthful of wine, while his hands turned his hair into a chicken nest.


    ¡°Hasn¡¯t there been any progress in thest few months?¡± Xu Lan asked with a frown.


    A certain amount of capital must be paid in order to join the organization, much like a multi-level marketing group. More money had to be paid if you wanted a higher position, and the higher your position, the more control you had over people.


    The difference was that multi-level marketing groups milk your hard-earned funds dry; that particr organization milked everyst drop of your blood.


    ¡°Progress my a*s! In the beginning, I paid money just so I could go in and buy a position, then I slowly came into contact with the mastermind behind all this. I didn¡¯t expect the whole act to be more and more borate. It was like a bottomless pit! Finally, we traced it to an offshore ount, but when we tried tracking them down, the person had long disappeared.¡±


    Wang Hao puffed his chest and stomped his feet, resenting both himself and Meng Chengjun for failing to meet expectations.


    Xu Lan curled his lips. He gave Bai Wu some vegetables and reminded him to eat slowly.


    Such games relied heavily on the use of an inte connection; it became what was known as the ¡®Sparrow Game¡¯. The Sparrow Game served those who can longer bear being squeezed dry and exploited in their daily lives, as well as those who could barely get by and were struggling constantly. Theymit outrageous acts of atrocity under the pretense of aiding unfortunate people throughout the world.


    It was that very organization that gobbled up thest of Xu Lan¡¯s remaining funds. Apparently, Meng Chengjun continued to utilize that stupid practice.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! Pleasee back! We kept searching for you over the past few months to no avail. The Director General¡¯s no longer angry, and he even mentioned to me privately a few times now that he hopes you¡¯lle back to work again.¡± Wang Hao was a little intoxicated, and his eyes stared and glimmered at Xu Lan.

 Chapter 80 - Sending Bai Wu To School

    <h4>Chapter 80: Sending Bai Wu To School</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan temples pulsed and his brows furrowed. With a twinkle in his eyes, he stared at Wang Hao until thetter¡¯s body was drenched in cold sweat.


    ¡°S...sorry, Sergeant Xu! I drank too much!¡± Alcohol numbed his mental state, and he even spoke with a slur. It took him quite some effort to blurt out a sentence.


    ¡°Well, we¡¯re done here. Thanks for the treat, we¡¯ll get going now.¡± Xu Lan said sternly as he ced the chopsticks down.


    ¡°Okay! I think I really had a bit too much today.¡± Wang Hao put a hand to his head and staggered to foot the bill. After sending the man off in a taxi, Xu Lan rushed back to Bai Wu and waved, signaling that it was time to go home.


    ¡°Papa, why are you unhappy?¡± Bai Wu sped his hands behind his back then leaned forward and asked Xu Lan.


    ¡°Bai Wu, how long will we be able to stay here?¡± Xu Lan ignored his question and asked with his hand on Bai Wu¡¯s head.


    If Xu Lan returned, how would he get along with Meng Chengjun in the future? Furthermore, there was the task force. If Xu Lan were to return after so long and be assigned with work, surely he would need some time to get to know them. That would only dy the progress in the case.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Sometimes a few days, sometimes a few years. I¡¯ve experienced both situations before.¡± Bai Wu replied pensively.


    ¡°How about I send you to school?¡± The night breeze blew off some of the heatiness brought upon by the wine.


    ¡°Will papa be going too?¡± Bai Wu pouted and asked. ¡®Would going to school be fun?¡¯


    ¡°Eh, I¡¯ve already finished school.¡± At such an age and with absolutely no foundation in learning, Xu Lan could only send Bai Wu to a special school. Still, at least he might be able to learn something. The school would teach him many new things, in addition to some general knowledge.


    ¡°No! I want to be together with papa!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s smile turned rapidly into a frown, causing him to look just like Mashimaro.


    ¡°But we are together!¡± At that moment, both of them walked into a park. Xu Lan pulled on Bai Wu¡¯s hand and sat down. ¡°Bai Wu, being together doesn¡¯t mean that we have to be around each other all the time. Every night, I¡¯ll pick you up and we¡¯ll go home. I¡¯ll tell you stories and we¡¯ll have a nice dinner. As long as we always think about each other, it¡¯s considered being together. Do you understand?¡±


    Bai Wu¡¯s pouted lips protruded so severely that one might be able to hang an oil can from it. He fiddled with Xu Lan¡¯s palm and remained silent.


    ¡°Bai Wu, you¡¯re all grown up now. You can¡¯t keep clinging to me wherever I go, do you understand? Everyone needs to learn, which is a lifelong process, but they all learn at different ces. You should be studying at school now. Papa will study outside of school.¡± Xu Lan held Bai Wu¡¯s hand and said solemnly.


    When his hand was held, Bai Wu stopped fiddling and simply pouted. Anyone who had eyes could see that he was unhappy.


    ¡°Say something!¡± All of a sudden, Xu Lan shouted. His voice resonated across the park and drew the attention of everyone there. It even startled a couple who were kissing, causing them to identally bite each other¡¯s lips.


    Bai Wu continued to pout. His reddened eyes stared at Xu Lan and appeared to be on the verge of tears.


    ¡°Give it a go. If you can¡¯t adjust to it, then we¡¯lle back, how¡¯s that?¡± the man suggested helplessly as he shook his head in distress. Bai Wu got Xu Lan eating out of the palm of his hand.


    ¡°I...¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t say that you don¡¯t want to go. There¡¯re a lot of students in school, and they¡¯re all just like you. Go and try it out. Maybe you¡¯ll like it.¡± Without saying more, Xu Lan brought Bai Wu out of the park. Their depressed state affected the mood of the sweethearts who gathered there.


    Not long after Xu Lan got home, Xiao Zhang sent the certificate over. As usual, thendy downstairsined about the noise, but to Xu Lan, it was all a familiar feeling. His lips curled into a smile.


    Upon receiving the certificate, Xu Lan immediately contacted a special school in Whitehorse, he wanted to send Bai Wu over to have a look, otherwise, the boy would never grow up. Even at that moment, Bai Wu had a fed-up expression. He sat down on Xu Lan¡¯s thighs and asked for a kiss.

 Chapter 81 - A Phone Call from Director General Chen

    <h4>Chapter 81: A Phone Call from Director General Chen</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan spent days trying to convince the headmaster. In the end, the headmaster finallypromised and agreed to enroll Bai Wu into the school. The curriculum would be focusing on general knowledge and this was a temporary measure.


    Ever since then, Xu Lan sent Bai Wu to school every day, encouraging him to mingle around with everyone. Xu Lan¡¯s efforts paid off and Bai Wu managed to blend in. Before he came home every day, he would bid goodbye to his ssmates. When he was home, he would tell Xu Lan what happened at school that day.


    ¡°Papa?¡± Bai Wu saw Xu Lan cooking and tried to initiate conversation.


    ¡°Uh huh?¡± Xu Lan was cooking noodles with eggs. As he was about to crack the eggs in, he responded to Bai Wu without turning to look.


    ¡°Papa, I don¡¯t feel like having noodles,¡± Bai Wu whined unhappily with a frown on his handsome face.


    Xu Lan finally directed his gaze on Bai Wu. He said, ¡°Uh, I¡¯m almost done?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Fine, put on your clothes. We¡¯re eating out,¡± Xu Lan shook his head and said. He scooped the noodles into the bowl. ¡®What a waste of food!¡¯ he thought.


    ¡°Yay!¡± Bai Wu leaped off the couch and embraced Xu Lan tightly.


    Xu Lan thought, ¡®He deserves a reward for his good performance at school these few days. On a side note, how dare hein about the meals! We just had a nice bowl of noodles with eggs and tomatoes, albeit the tomatoes were slightly raw. However, I tried my best to spice up our meals by ensuring that there¡¯s variety!


    For instance, we had stir-fry rice noodles with vegetables the day before. Three days ago, we even had farfalle! I¡¯ve put so much effort into taking care of him, yet he doesn¡¯t appreciate my efforts! For Bai Wu, I¡¯vee a long way from my instant noodles days. How offensive is it that Bai Wu¡¯s survival instincts kicked in and he learned how to cook!¡¯


    Xu Lan brought Bai Wu to the restaurant unhappily. Bai Wu had a huge appetite; it was as though he had been living in starvation. The frightened restaurant owner even offered him a serving of seasonal vegetables on the house.


    Xu Lan expressed his gratitude embarassingly. Fortunately, they went to a small restaurant. If they had gone to an upscale restaurant, Xu Lan probably could not even afford instant noodles over the next few days.


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯m full.¡± Bai Wu leaned back with a full stomach and smiled happily.


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re full, as long as you¡¯re full,¡± Xu Lan said as he walked out of the restaurant with Bai Wu. The intense gaze from the other patrons made him drip in cold sweat.


    It was not the height of summer yet. Xu Lan and Bai Wu took a stroll side by side. Every now and then, they would look at each other. The sunset cast a golden hue over the city of Whitehorse, softening Xu Lan¡¯s manly features at the same time.


    Something was bothering Xu Lan. Even though he managed to get his hands on the adoption certificate, he still had to sort out the identity card.


    It said that Bai Wu was three years old just a few months back. If Xu Lan did not see it with his own eyes, he would never believe that the Bai Wu turned into an eighteen-year-old over such a short span of time.


    It would be difficult for Bai Wu to obtain a formal education. In fact, not even special schools would take him in. Xu Lan was extremely troubled by this matter.


    Just as he was wondering what to do, he received a phone call from Director General Lao Chen. Xu Lan could almost imagine Lao Chen¡¯s big belly and oily face on the other side of the line. He still remembered how infuriated Lao Chen was back when he first met Bai Wu. Back then, Lao Chen was bombarding him with information.


    ¡°Director General?¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan, I heard that you¡¯re back? Do you have time to drop by at the station?¡±


    ¡°... Sure.¡±


    Xu Lan decided to y along as he wanted to ask for the Director General¡¯s help. They might be able to work out a win-win solution.

 Chapter 82 - Reinstatement

    <h4>Chapter 82: Reinstatement</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Hey hey, Xu Lan. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯ve had enough rest? Would you like to be reinstated? After all, your suspension is meant to be temporary as it was for investigative purposes.¡± After offering Xu Lan a ss of water, Lao Chen took a seat. He was smiling and leaning on the table as he spoke.


    ¡°Uh, a distant rtive came to visit. I want to spend more time with him,¡± Xu Lan replied unenthusiastically.


    ¡°Seeing how we¡¯re always out and about, why don¡¯t you get your rtive to tag along? He¡¯s in for a free city tour,¡± Lao Chen chuckled as he insisted.


    Xu Lan¡¯s subordinates had a lot to say about being under Meng Chengjun¡¯s leadership. As the case became increasinglyplicated, a task force was assembled to deal with it. Thus, it became harder for Meng Chengjun to manage the subordinates.


    ¡°Hmm, this could work. However, I¡¯m nning to show him around Dali, Lijiang, or even Jiuzhaigou.¡± Xu Lan realized what his main problem was ¡ª he needed money!


    ¡°Director-General, when will my im be approved? Back then, we agreed unanimously to splurge on setting up the trap. I heard that Lao Meng is currently engaging the same method too. Seeing how we share the same goal of cracking the case, it¡¯s only fair if you give us equal treatment.¡±


    Xu Lan was good with words and gave off a bad boy vibe. His tone, build, and the scar on his brow seemed to suggest that he was ready to fight at any moment. It was Xu Lan¡¯s intention to show Lao Chen his ce.


    Meng Chengjun was Lao Chen¡¯s brother-inw, which was why Lao Chen roped him in when the case was almost closing ¡ª to let him take credit. Unfortunately, the suspect made preparations and turned this into a cross-border issue, putting Meng Chengjun in a difficult position.


    ¡°Cough, cough. It¡¯ll happen soon. Given the huge sum, it¡¯s natural for the procedures to be slightlyplicated. Just get yourself reinstated and I¡¯ll have the finance department approve a part of your im. As for the remaining sum, we would still need the approval from higher-ups,¡± Lao Chen smiled as he spoke. He was running his fingers through his hair, in an attempt to cover up his shiny bald spot.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll make the necessary preparations. I¡¯m going to show him around the city and get him to familiarize with it. As for the bigger trips, I can hold it off till I get my money back.¡± Xu Lan stood up and left with the packet of Chunghwa cigarettes that was on Lao Chen¡¯s table.


    ¡°Ugh! Who does he think he is?¡± Lao Chen roared right after the door was closed. He mmed the ashtray against the door to vent his frustration.


    Right after he left the office, Xu Lan bumped into Wang Hao, to whom he immediately tossed the packet of Chunghwa to.


    ¡°Eh? Sergeant Xu, what did the Director-General tell you? Did he mention about your reinstatement?¡± Wang Hao queried enthusiastically as he struggled to catch the packet of cigarettes.


    Xu Lan nced at him and drove him into the corner.


    ¡°Have you seen my distant rtive yet?¡± Xu Lan asked secretively. Wang Hao nodded.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the deal. He¡¯s from a poor family and has barely received any education. During my disappearance, I was actually spending time at his house. Seeing how he didn¡¯t even have enough food and clothes at home, I felt obliged to bring him over. What should I do if I want him to be formally educated?¡±


    Wang Hao listened in disbelief as Xu Lan described his charitable efforts. He was surprised by how Xu Lan had a soft heart. After all, Xu Lan was the man who chased the culprit down with a knife in his hand and ended up with seven stitches.


    ¡°Cough, cough. Sergeant Xu, my girlfriend and I are still in a very early stage of the rtionship. I¡¯m not sure about this,¡± Wang Hao scratched his head as he said.


    ¡°Pft, I was expecting for you to have improved during my time away. I guess I¡¯ll have to think of a way myself,¡± Xu Lan said as he shook his head in disappointment.


    ¡®... what?¡¯ Wang Hao thought.


    ¡°Where do I find a world full of fresh flowers, if only...¡±


    ¡°Hello?¡± Xu Lan picked up the phone. The caller was the teacher at the school. ¡°Alright, I¡¯lle over now.¡±


    ¡°Can the members of Team 2 please gather here? We¡¯ve received a report; Someone suicided.¡± Meng Chengjun put his hat on as he descended the stairs hurriedly.


    He was surprised by the sight of Xu Lan. After the initial shock wore off, he broke into a huge grin.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, you¡¯re back? I¡¯ll buy you a meal another day. I¡¯m quite busy today.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, focus on your tasks. I¡¯m leaving soon.¡± Xu Lan waved his phone and kicked Wang Hao away from him.


    Wang Hao took a few steps backward. After regaining his bnce and tidying his outfit, he replied, ¡°Wang Hao reports!¡±


    ¡°Fall in and head out!¡±

 Chapter 83 - Bai Wu’s Struggle to Fit In

    <h4>Chapter 83: Bai Wu¡¯s Struggle to Fit In</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu lounged around the corridor as he observed his ssmates ying basketball. He used to be a part of them but he was no longer weed.


    ¡°Mister Xu, here¡¯s what I think. Bai Wu seemed perfectly functional and there¡¯s no reason for him to stay here. His remarkable learning abilities are causing pressure on the students here. It¡¯s putting everyone on edge over the past few days.¡±


    Xu Lan sat across the teacher formally causing the teacher to feel pressured.


    ¡°Teacher, do you think we can put this off for a day or two? I¡¯ll talk to him. Moreover, he¡¯s much older and I¡¯m worried that he¡¯ll be embarrassed if he had to study with young children,¡± Xu Lan said as he rubbed his hands.


    ¡°However, his presence here makes the rest of the students feel inferior.¡± The teacher looked at Xu Lan ufortably ¨C the school would be in trouble if this went on.


    ¡°Uh... Are you telling me to bring him home now?¡±


    ¡°Mister Xu, you can consider sending him to an adult educational institution, where Bai Wu wouldn¡¯t feel inferior,¡± said the teacher after some serious thoughts.


    ¡°Teacher! You¡¯re right! I can¡¯t believe that I have never thought of it! Thank you, teacher.¡± Xu Lan gave his thigh a p and stood up to express his gratitude to the teacher.


    ¡°Uh, don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s fine.¡± The teacher was in shock and her sses was slipping off her face. She reached for her sses and readjusted them.


    ¡°So, I¡¯ll bring him home now? Seeing how it¡¯s only been a few days, do you think it¡¯s possible for the tuition fees to be refunded?¡± Xu Lan asked.


    The teacher was in shock while Xu Lan was slightly embarrassed. The office was eerily silent.


    ¡°I think it would be best for you to deal with the headmaster directly,¡± the teacher broke the silence and replied.


    ¡°Alright, thank you. I¡¯ll bring him home now.¡± Xu Lan smiled sincerely ¨C the problem that troubled him for so long had finally been solved.


    The man walked out of the teacher¡¯s office and felt relieved. His heart ached at the sight of Bai Wu observing the basketball match from the sidelines, not being able to join. Xu Lan gave Bai Wu a quick rub on his head. Initially, he thought Bai Wu could make some friends here, apparently not. A few days ago, Bai Wu came home from school and bbered about the events at school and his homework excitedly.


    ¡°Papa...¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Papa will bring you for some good food,¡± Xu Lan said and held Bai Wu¡¯s hand as they walked down.


    ¡°Papa, did I do something wrong?¡± Bai Wu cried as he walked. He could not understand why his friends disliked him all of a sudden.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong. Don¡¯t beat yourself up. Would you like some donuts or ice-cream?¡± Xu Lan passed a lollipop to Bai Wu and dried his tears with a handkerchief.


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t they y with me then?¡± Bai Wu pouted and started licking his lollipop.


    ¡°Hmm, you¡¯re too strong. They¡¯re worried that they¡¯ll be injured if they were to y with you. This is why you should treat everyone in a gentle manner, got it? Also, Papa needs to relocate with you to somewhere else for work purposes.¡±


    ¡°They could¡¯ve just told me! I will change my ways. I can even let them win in games.¡±


    ¡®I really need to send this gullible child to school. Otherwise, I won¡¯t even be surprised if he got taken advantage of in the future. He needs to learn that there¡¯s good and bad in the world. Besides a familial rtionship, there are friendships and romantic rtionship as well,¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    Xu Lan juggled between sorting out his reinstatement and looking for an educational institution for Bai Wu. Most institutions that offered adult learning did not usually start from the basics. Adult learners were there to strengthen their knowledge and to pick up professional skills. Due to that reason, Xu Lan had to research extensively to find something suitable for Bai Wu.


    In the end, he decided to hire a teacher to teach Bai Wu the basics. After sorting out the series of matters, Xu Lan rested on the couch in exhaustion. He opened up his wallet and found nothing inside.


    It would seem that he needed to make a trip to the police station as soon as possible.

 Chapter 84 - Director General Chen Played Dirty

    <h4>Chapter 84: Director General Chen yed Dirty</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    On Xu Lan¡¯s first day back on the field, Lao Chen reassigned Team 2 to be under hismand. Despite that Xu Lan rejected the arrangement multiple times, Lao Chen carried on with his n.


    Meng Chengjun smiled and patted Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder, telling Xu Lan to give it his best. Meng Chengjun was a nice guy who waspetent and knew how to take a joke.


    Sun Fei once said Meng Chengjun was how he imagined a police officer would be. On the contrary, Xu Lan was burly, stubborn, and bad-tempered. Xu Lan effectively changed Sun Fei¡¯s opinion and the day the duo met was the day Sun Fei realized that there were very different characters in the police station.


    Xu Lan was so angry that he gave Sun Fei a kick on his butt, causing Sun Fei to fall face t onto the ground.


    Before the weing ceremony was even over, the members in the task force filtered in with their equipment.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the person-in-charge for the case? There¡¯re still some details from the handover that we need to go over again. I¡¯d rather be meticulous than to make any mistakester on.¡±


    A man in shades walked into the middle of the hall after the equipment had been moved in.


    ¡°Oh, Chengjun is the person-in-charge. Officer Xiao, you can approach him should you need any rification.¡± Lao Chen smiled as he introduced Meng Chengjun to Officer Xiao.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go. We should head up and go over the files,¡± Officer Xiao nodded as he spoke. He took his shades off and sized Meng Chengjun up.


    ¡°Xu Lan, please assist Chengjun from now on. The 928 incident is an important case, even a special task force has been assembled to work on it. Work well with Chengjun and you might bemended for your efforts after the case is cracked,¡± Lao Chen patted Xu Lan on his shoulder as he said with a nauseating smile on his face.


    ¡®Heck! I was wondering why did he reach out to me so urgently. It seems like the task force is here and he wants me to work under Meng Chengjun. If anything bad happens, I¡¯ll be the scapegoat; if the case is a sess, Meng Chengjun will be getting all the praises. How very cunning of Lao Chen?¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    Hisrades from Team 2 were equally surprised. Wang Hao was rolling up his sleeves, suggesting that he was ready to pick a fight!


    ¡°Alright! Since the Director General has spoken, I look forward to working with you, Group Leader Meng.¡± Xu Lan turned to look at Meng Chengjun who seemed to be in shock and was equally surprised. Meng Chengjun looked at Xu Lan and was clearly embarrassed by what just transpired.


    Even he was not informed by Lao Chen about this? Xu Lan thought, ¡®Forget about it! This is insignificant anyway. As long as he earns enough for both Bai Wu and himself, he¡¯s happy with it.¡¯


    ¡°Alright everyone, please return to your work.¡± Perhaps, this was Lao Chen¡¯s mini revenge on Xu Lan for taking his packet of cigarettes. In any case, Lao Chen embarrassed Xu Lan and made his point.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! You... I didn¡¯t expect the Director General to do something like that!¡±


    ¡°Yes! The Director General acted out of line!¡±


    ¡°Exactly! If this goes on, I might consider getting myself transferred.¡±


    ¡°Stop this, you all. Where are you going to get transferred to? Moreover, this is unavoidable seeing how I¡¯m being reinstated. Given the scale of the case and the uncertainties in my schedule, the Director General¡¯s action is justified.¡±


    Xu Lan silenced everyone with his booming voice.


    ¡°Everyone, please carry on with your tasks. Even though the Director General said that Team 2 is under my control now, but we will be following Group Leader Meng¡¯s orders. We¡¯re a team and let¡¯s not have unnecessary office politics. Got it?¡±


    Director General Chen brought Xu Lan back to keep everything under control, as the former was worried that Meng Chengjun could not keep everyone in check. On top of that, Xu Lan¡¯s return was necessary for a smooth handover to the task force.


    Everyone in Team 2 remained in silence ¨C they felt wronged and oppressed.


    ¡°Am I clear?¡± Xu Lan shouted.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± everyone replied in unison.


    ¡°Everyone, get back to what you were doing. Wang Hao, please remain.¡± Xu Lan sent everyone off and asked Wang Hao to remain.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, is there anything that I can help you with?¡± Wang Hao was unhappy about earlier, which exined his distant tone.


    ¡°Make me a copy of the information we have. How else are we going to start working?¡± Xu Lan said as he walked toward his office. He even went to check with Lao Chen to see if the office still belonged to him.


    Xu Lan went through the files. Basically, an evil organization created a game of death called Sparrow. The game was transmitted mainly via the inte.


    Those who were going through a rough patch in life would publish their information on selected inte forums. The forum administrator would then contact these prospective participants. The participants would submit themselves to the organizer¡¯s ns and threats. The missions were given to the participants through the inte and the participants mustplete the missions listed, leading them to walk toward their eventual death.


    Through the missions that were given in the Sparrow Game, the participants¡¯ will to live would slowly be destroyed. In the end, the participants would kill themselves without hesitation.


    This seemingly ridiculous game took seven lives in the city of Whitehorse since its first appearance and people had been paying attention to the development.


    Xu Lan noticed something. Out of the seven deceased, five of them worked at a mine in Chengdu thirteen years ago.


    They ended up with lung diseases and their respective family members spent all of their life savings to pay for their treatment. The question arose, how did someone like them found out about the game of death that was circting on the inte? What happened thirteen years ago at the mine in Chengdu?

 Chapter 85 - Gaining Recognition

    <h4>Chapter 85: Gaining Recognition</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, Meng Chengjun asked for you,¡± Xiao Zhang stood by the door and said.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be on my way.¡± Xu Lan waved, hinting for Xiao Zhang to leave. ¡°Wang Hao, how could Meng Chengjun not know about such an important lead?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, he knew about it alright. However, the retirees from the mine have never heard of anything special in there. In the early stage of the case, only two of the deceased were rted to the mine. Director General Chen decided to put it on hold and to focus our efforts on capturing the person who spread the information.¡±


    Wang Hao rolled his eyes and snickered. ¡°He ended up alerting them and not capturing anyone. Things have taken a turn for the worse and the people are panicking.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense! Director General Chen must¡¯ve considered the case as a whole. He definitely wanted to crack the case as soon as possible! It is our job to investigate further now! You... ¡±


    Xu Lan threw the files at Wang Hao. He was angered by Wang Hao¡¯s version of the story.


    ¡°How many retirees are there?¡±


    ¡°There are around nine hundred of them who are currently living in the city of Whitehorse. I¡¯m not sure about everywhere else,¡± Wang Hao whispered.


    ¡°Whew. That¡¯s great, over nine hundred of them!¡± Xu Lan snickered and shook his head as he picked up the files.


    ¡°I¡¯m going over to Meng Chengjun¡¯s. Think about what you¡¯ve done over the past few months! You¡¯ve been with me for five, six years, no? Haven¡¯t I taught you to stay by what you believe in, especially when you¡¯re convicted that you¡¯re right?¡±


    Wang Hao picked up the files and listened quietly. This was the kind of person Xu Lan was. He was all nice and approachable until the moment someone crossed his boundaries.


    This was why everyone held Xu Lan in such high regard. As much as they feared him, they respected him greatly.


    Xu Lan left for Meng Chengjun¡¯s office with the files in his hands. Officer Xiao, Xiao Feng, from the task force was in the room too.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, you¡¯re here! Please, have a seat. This is Officer Xiao, Xiao Feng from the task force.¡± Meng Chengjun immediately introduced Xu Lan to Xiao Feng.


    ¡°Officer Xiao, nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you too.¡±


    After exchanging greetings, Xiao Feng raised the main topic immediately.


    ¡°I heard that Sergeant Xu used to be in charge of the case?¡± Xiao Feng pushed the files toward Xu Lan, gesturing at Xu Lan¡¯s signatures on the documents.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I have limited capabilities, which is why we really needed Group Leader Meng¡¯s help,¡± Xu Lan said as he scratched his head.


    ¡°On the contrary, I think the results from your investigations are of great value. I can¡¯t find any follow-ups after the case is passed to Group Leader Meng. This is why I got Group Leader Meng to arrange for us to meet.¡± Xiao Feng raised his brows ¨C he seemed to see what was going on.


    ¡°Not at all, not at all,¡± he smiled happily as he said. Although this wasn¡¯t the first time he wasmended for his efforts, it was the first time his leads and investigations received affirmation.


    ¡°I agree that Sergeant Xu should be put in charge of this case too. If it¡¯s not for his temporary suspension, I wouldn¡¯t have taken over and the perpetrator would¡¯ve been caught by now.¡±


    Meng Chengjun felt bad. If it was not for his brother-inw, the case might have been cracked by now.


    ¡°Oh? Suspension? Care to borate?¡±

 Chapter 86 - Helping the Task Force Out

    <h4>Chapter 86: Helping the Task Force Out</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Uh, it¡¯s in the past. There¡¯s no point talking about it now,¡± the smile on Xu Lan¡¯s face froze as he replied.


    Xiao Feng nodded and pushed the files over.


    ¡°These are given by Group Leader Meng and they contain information rting to the cases. Let¡¯s see if we can find anything rted to the mine at Chengdu or if there¡¯s any simrity between them at all.¡±


    ¡°Uh.¡± Xu Lan looked at the huge pile of files before him and nced at Xiao Feng again.


    At this rate, everyone would be overworked. Xu Lan just got back from another world after working overtime there for ten days straight. All he wanted was some good rest.


    ¡°Why? Group Leader Meng, can I have him until the case is solved?¡± Xiao Feng offered as he thought Xu Lan felt inconvenienced working under Meng Chengjun.


    ¡°Sure! Sure!¡± Meng Chengjun replied hurriedly. He seemed relieved as this was exactly how he wanted things to turn out.


    ¡°Alright, all set! As this is a special case, we¡¯ve decided to shift our base of operations to the city of Whitehorse. We¡¯re still in the midst of deciding on a location. I¡¯ll inform you once we¡¯ve settled down,¡± said Xiao Feng.


    Xu Lan was raging inside ¡ª he wished that someone at least asked for his opinion! If he stole Meng Chengjun¡¯s thunder, Baldie Chen is going to give him a hard time. In fact, life had not been going Xu Lan¡¯s way ever since Meng Chengjun¡¯s arrival.


    However, Meng Chengjun had been nothing but nice and tolerant. He went against Director General Chen on multiple asions for Xu Lan¡¯s sake.


    This was the reason behind the strange atmosphere at the station. There was no doubt that everyone hated Director General Chen. However, Meng Chengjun was not as repulsive. He was friendly and approachable, most people found it hard to hate him.


    ¡®Darn!¡¯ Xu Lan cursed internally.


    ¡°Uhm, do I have to stay there at night?¡± asked Xu Lan.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. After all, you live nearby. We¡¯re only looking for a ce to stay for convenience¡¯s sake, nothing more,¡± replied Xiao Feng.


    ¡°Ah, okay,¡± Xu Lan said hesitantly.


    He was expecting some free time after his reinstatement. He assumed that Lao Chen would be reluctant to hand the case over to him as Meng Chengjun held all of the important information. He did not expect Baldie Chen to pull such a stunt on him. He ended up working with people who would pull all-nighters in the name of justice. He wondered when the hectic days would finallye to an end.


    ¡°Is this inconvenient for you? You will only need to follow-up briefly. After all, Group Leader Meng is going to continue his investigation as well. I need you here for the lead rting to the mine. My team can handle the rest,¡± Xiao Feng said.


    ¡°Not at all! I just wanted to stay close to my house as I have a child at home,¡± Xu Lan exined.


    ¡°Child? No worries, I¡¯ll tell them about it. Don¡¯t worry about it, I¡¯ll cater to all of your needs,¡± Xiao Feng nodded as he spoke. Xiao Feng was a handsome man who exuded the charm of maturity.


    Xu Lan dimmed inparison. He was in his thirties and yet his looks suggested that he was in his forties.


    ¡°Thank you, Officer Xiao,¡± said Xu Lan.


    ¡°So, this has been decided on. We¡¯ve sorted out everything and I¡¯ll get going. Group Leader Meng, let¡¯s work well together in the days toe!¡± Xiao Feng stood up to shake Meng Chengjun¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Of course, of course. Just let me know if you need anything, we will try our best to satisfy your needs,¡± Meng Chengjun said earnestly as he held Xiao Feng¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Alright. Director General Chen is still waiting for me downstairs and I shall leave now.¡± Xiao Feng reached for his briefcase and made his way out.

 Chapter 87 - Talking to Bai Wu’s Teacher

    <h4>Chapter 87: Talking to Bai Wu¡¯s Teacher</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu leaped into Xu Lan¡¯s arms, the way a homesick swallow made a dash for its nest. He buried his face in Xu Lan¡¯s chest and murmured, ¡°Papa, I miss you.¡±


    ¡°Haha, how¡¯re your studiesing along? Did you obey the teacher¡¯s instructions?¡± As he swayed along with Bai Wu in the midst of their embrace, Xu Lan patted Bai Wu¡¯s back and asked.


    ¡°The teacherplimented me and said that I¡¯m intelligent! My ssmates y basketball after ss too. This time around, I held back!¡± Bai Wu smiled happily with his front teeth showing.


    ¡°Mmm, good boy. Keep this up. You must be friendly and tolerant to your ssmates, got it?¡± Xu Lan started reading parenting bookstely. He was determined to be a good father.


    ¡°Uh huh! Got it!¡± Bai Wu shouted his reply with conviction.


    ¡°Haha,e. Let me have your bag. What do you want for dinner? Noodles with eggs and tomatoes or stir-fry rice noodles with vegetables?¡± Xu Lan asked as he reached for Bai Wu¡¯s bag.


    ¡°Papa, can we not have noodles, please? I¡¯m too full for it. Here, touch this if you don¡¯t believe me!¡± Bai Wu pouted as he guided Xu Lan¡¯s hand to his stomach. ¡°Look, I¡¯m so full.¡±


    ¡°When did you eat? You had a long day and I wanted to replenish your nutrients. I guess I¡¯ll have to finish the cake up by myself,¡± Xu Lan said with frustration.


    Bai Wu¡¯s eyes lit up after hearing about the cake. He started licking his lips.


    ¡°I want! I want cake! Papa, can we have cakes for dinner tonight, please?¡± Bai Wu pleaded with Xu Lan.


    ¡°You just said you¡¯re full. You shouldn¡¯t overeat, it¡¯ll make you feel sick,¡± said Xu Lan, who was trying very hard to hold back hisugh.


    ¡°I want! I¡¯m hungry! Papa, touch again! I¡¯m really hungry!¡± Bai Wu pulled his shirt up and exposed his thin waist in the air.


    Xu Lan stifled augh and scratched his head. However, from Bai Wu¡¯s point of view, Xu Lan was considering if they should have cakes tonight.


    Xu Lan was holding hisughter back so hard that it was starting to hurt. He could not even speak without bursting into waves ofughter.


    From there onward, Xu Lan found Bai Wu¡¯s second weakness ¡ª dessert. The first time Bai Wu had dessert was when Shen Xiang gave him a chunk of bitter chocte. Xu Lan could not understand why Bai Wu fell in love with something so bitter.


    ¡°Eh? Bai Wu, you¡¯re still here? Ah! Mister Xu, are you here to pick Bai Wu up?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s teacher greeted politely.


    ¡°Uh huh. Thanks for the hard work.¡± Xu Lan nodded as he reached for Bai Wu¡¯s wandering hands.


    ¡°What a great coincidence, I wanted to talk to you about something. Before I could call you, you showed up here,¡± said the teacher.


    Xu Lan passed the bag over to Bai Wu, instructing for him to stay at the same spot. Xu Lan walked toward the teacher with a big frown, wondering what kind of problem did the little guy cause this time.


    ¡°Mister Xu, here¡¯s the thing. You told me that Bai Wu never had any formal education prior to this, right?¡±


    The teacher asked in confusion. She seemed to be in shock after Xu Lan answered in affirmative.


    ¡°Through my lesson today, I can tell that Bai Wu is extremely intelligent with strong learning abilities. I was nning to start with basic pinyin, but he memorized everything after seeing the PowerPoint slides. I had to change my curriculum on the spot and teach him the elementary school curriculum instead.¡±


    Bai Wu made great progress, not only that it rattled the teacher, but it also took Xu Lan by surprise.

 Chapter 88 - A New Teammate

    <h4>Chapter 88: A New Teammate</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Uh, my apologies. I¡¯m quite busy myself. Bai Wu went to a special school for about ten days. I didn¡¯t mention this for fear that you wouldn¡¯t take him in after finding out about this,¡± Xu Lan said apologetically.


    ¡°No! Mister Xu, that¡¯s not what I meant. It¡¯s my pleasure to have someone like Bai Wu as my student. He¡¯s keen and curious. I wanted to tell you that he learned all three years of elementary school curriculum in just a single day. On top of that, he could apply the knowledge flexibly.


    ¡°Even though he¡¯s eighteen now, it¡¯s still quite an amazing feat considering how he had never touched a book in his life. I think you might be overlooking some of his talents.


    ¡°If Bai Wu keep this up for the next few days, I hope that Mister Xu could cooperate with us. We¡¯re nning to participate in a national brainstorming event. We would love to have Bai Wu to participate in the name of our institution. What do you think, Mister Xu?¡±


    The teacher was worked up. Bai Wu observed from afar.


    ¡°Uh, if he¡¯s indeed as great as you¡¯ve imed, I would be overjoyed. However, I didn¡¯t want you to get your hopes up and be disappointedter,¡± Xu Lan extracted his hands from the teacher¡¯s grip and said embarrassingly.


    ¡°Hmm, yes, this might happen too. Let¡¯s just observe for now and go with the flow. Let me borate on what happened today. From first grade to third grade, Bai Wu mastered everything in the curriculum in just a single day. Oh lord!¡± eximed the teacher.


    ¡°Haha, sure. If that¡¯s the case, you have my full support. I¡¯m happy that Bai Wu can make it to such a tform,¡± Xu Lan said in a serious tone.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope that he can keep this up tomorrow. Haha, we totally lost track of time while chatting. It¡¯ste, you both should start heading back now,¡± said the teacher.


    ¡°Uh huh, see you tomorrow.¡± Xu Lan waved and Bai Wu immediately sprinted over to hold his hands.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we should get going.¡± Xu Lan was running his fingers through Bai Wu¡¯s hair ¨C he was both happy and worried at the same time.


    Xiao Feng thought things through ¨C he chose a convenient location that was near to the police station for Xu Lan¡¯s sake. Xu Lan was d that he no longer had to see baldie Chen anymore. After making the necessary arrangements with Meng Chengjun, he hummed a tune and made his way to the Whitehorse Hotel.


    ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± Xiao Feng was eating. He weed Xu Lan in and said, ¡°The files are on the table. Take a look and see if you can find anything. My team didn¡¯t spot anything even after spending a whole night reading through them. I sometimes wondered if they¡¯re blind.¡±


    Xiao Feng pointed at the table across the room as he spoke..


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take a look at the files now. Enjoy your meal,¡± Xu Lan nodded as he said. He had to wake up early because he had to send Bai Wu to school.


    Xu Lan started off with personal files. Everyone had gone through it many times. It was as Xiao Feng said, there was nothing remarkable.


    Hence, Xu Lan arranged the files in reverse chronological order.


    ¡°Hey, what are you doing? The entire room is upied. Aren¡¯t you worried that they¡¯ll get mixed up?¡± A man around Xiao Feng¡¯s age walked out. He asked in a deep tone after seeing the files all over the house.


    ¡°I¡¯ve left marks in the files and they¡¯ll be rearranged into their original position shortly,¡± replied Xu Lan.


    ¡°Does this even work? I heard you¡¯re the person who would dig out a case tracing as far back as ten over years ago?¡± The man voiced his question with a booming voice.

 Chapter 89 - Terrible Teammates

    <h4>Chapter 89: Terrible Teammates</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan shifted his focus from the files onto the man and was stunned by him.


    F*ck! He finally met someone who seemed more likely to be the one who collects protection money! Even though he appeared as someone who would collect protection money, at least he still looked like a civilized being. On the other hand, the person in front of him gave one an impression of using violence to solve problems with just one nce.


    ¡°Brother, may I ask how would you prefer to be addressed?¡± Xu Lan shook his head and asked again because in his mind, he was thinking that there was no need for such formality to speak with someone who collects protection money.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m Wang Biao, surname¡¯s Wang. What¡¯s your name?¡± Wang Biao asked while he sized Xu Lan up curiously.


    ¡°Xu Lan. ¡®Xu¡¯ with a double ¡®ren¡¯ and a ¡®yu¡¯, ¡®Lan¡¯ that represents billows from the saying ¨C to push the wave and add to the billows <sup>1</sup> ,¡± Xu Lan exined subconsciously.


    ¡°Oh, Xiao Xu. So what do you want? Do you need my help too?¡± Wang Biao asked in a good mood as his whole body was relieved after finishing his business.


    ¡°Er...¡±


    ¡°You can call me Biao Zi. I¡¯m thirty-five years old. How old are you?¡± Wang Biao sat down beside Xu Lan and said as if they were very close friends.


    ¡°I¡¯m thirty.¡± Xu Lan stared with widened eyes while he secretly made a mental note. This was his first time seeing someone who looked worse than him, ¡°Shall I call you Brother Biao then?¡±


    ¡°No need! Just call me Biao Zi. Everybody calls me that, what can I do?¡± Wang Biao said generously.


    ¡°Oh, okay. You can help me to organize these files ording to the given year. I¡¯ll mark them first,¡± Xu Lan said straightforwardly.


    He was more than willing to engage with people like Wang Biao. One that hated evil as he hated his enemy, forthright and generous. He could not stand people like Li Xiu, which had a pristine appearance but a hypocrite personality.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Wang Biao answered and started arranging the files. Although he looked like he was a hulking man, he was still able to carry out the tasks delicately and efficiently.


    ¡°Hehe, Xiao Xu, tell me the truth. How did you discover something that happened thirteen years ago, and how did you manage to link these cases together?¡± Wang Biao asked while he was arranging the files on hand.


    ¡°Like this, I plot out the timeline. Although these individuals had not much contact with each other, they were constantly visiting the hospital. They were suffering from Pneumoconiosis, which is a notable fact itself. Although they did not go to the mine in Chengdu at the same time, all of them were sacked after the mine copsed. Therefore, the copsing of the Chengdu mine was one of our breakthroughs.¡±


    ¡°F*ck, it was that easy?¡±


    ¡°Uhm, that¡¯s all to it. Are you done?¡± Xu Lan was intrigued by Wang Biao¡¯s reaction, where he shrugged his shoulders and snickered.


    ¡°Almost done, you can view from the front first,¡± Wang Biao said.


    ¡°Hey, Biao Zi. What are you doing here? Brother Feng is looking for you. I thought you fell into the toilet,¡± a person walked in and said to Wang Biao who was sitting on the floor.


    ¡°Oh! I forgot! Brother Feng is waiting at downstairs for me to carry the equipment up!¡± Wang Biao sprung up from the floor and said after pping his forehead. All the files in his arms scattered onto the floor due to his sudden action.


    ¡°Uh, Xiao Xu, sorry about that. I wille and pick them up in a while! Wait for me to finish moving the equipment. You¡¯re fun to hang out with. Ha... Uhm, Brother Feng!¡± Wang Biao straightened up immediately, like a mouse before a cat. The other person stood behind Xiao Feng was gloating at him, which really angered Wang Biao.


    Xiao Feng looked at the scattered files on the floor, shoot him a nce and signaled him to go downstairs to move the equipment. It was as if a heavy weight was relieved from Wang Biao¡¯s mind, he fled from the scene.

 Chapter 90 - Terrible Teammates (2)

    <h4>Chapter 90: Terrible Teammates (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Please excuse him, he¡¯s like that,¡± Xiao Feng mentioned.


    ¡°Nah, I think he¡¯s quite interesting,¡± Xu Lanughed and said, at least he was more interesting than the police station.


    ¡°Huh, him? What are you working with? I¡¯ll ask my men to clear out this space for you,¡± Xiao Feng walked over to take a look and said without asking any further questions.


    ¡°It¡¯s sufficient, Officer Xiao. Let me put it in this way, even if I manage to screen through all of these, I may not discover anything at all.¡±


    ¡°Haha, I know. Carry on with your work. I have matters to attend to. Let¡¯s have lunchter,¡± Xiao Feng saidughingly.


    ¡°Okay, thanks, Officer Xiao.¡± The only person left in the room was Xu Lan and a bunch of files that were messed up. ¡®It¡¯s not that easy to find a lead, you know?¡¯ Xu Lan thought to himself andughed. He then shrugged his shoulders and squatted down to rearrange the files.


    His efforts had not been fruitful throughout the day, the organization of the files was also yet to bepleted. The thing was, Xu Lan just finishedpiling the files when Wang Biao carried a fan over. ¡®Whoosh...whoosh...¡¯ the strong wind blew at the files up into the air and slowly fall down like willows.


    ¡°Biao Zi!¡± Xu Lan yelled loudly. It did not matter whether he had a good intention or did it unintentionally. His working schedule and working environment were severely messed up by him.


    ¡°Uhm... The... The weather¡¯s too hot, I wanted to bring you a fan.¡± Wang Biao stared at Xu Lan apologetically.


    Xu Lan did not know whether to cry orugh when he saw the distressed expression on Wang Biao¡¯s face. He had to retract that statement made in the morning. Not only did he looked like he was a hulking man, he was indeed hulking under most circumstances!


    Both of them picked up the files again and started chatting away. Time passed without them noticing it. When Xiao Feng dropped by to remind Xu Lan to get off from work, his expression changed right away into a stern nce when he saw Wang Biao was there.


    ¡°Brother... Brother Feng.¡± Wang Biao stood up in fear and lowered his head to avoid his gaze.


    For quite some time, Xu Lan wondered why Wang Biao, who was so popr among others, became a trembling bunny before a tiger whenever he encountered Xiao Feng.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to leave the office, Xiao Xu,¡± Xiao Feng said.


    ¡°Okay, let me keep these files.¡± Xu Lan stole a nce off his cell phone. It was only five in the evening, how punctual they were reporting off duty!


    Xiao Feng nodded without paying much attention to him, instead, he turned toward Wang Biao and said, ¡°You,e over here.¡±


    Wang Biao followed Xiao Feng to the balcony outside fearfully.


    Xu Lan¡¯s cell phone started ringing, it was from Bai Wu¡¯s teacher. Although Bai Wu had only learned up to the level of a sixth grader, it was a great achievement for him. The teacher advised Xu Lan to encourage Bai Wu and buy some exercise books and study materials to let him study at home.


    Xu Lan frowned and agreed to it, before following up with the teacher to ask about the fees. His teacher said that it would depend on the subsequent situation. Xu Lan would receive a huge amount of fund along with a contract if Bai Wu performed well.


    While Xu Lan hung up embarrassedly, Wang Biao rushed in from the balcony and ran out. While he was on the way out, he knocked over the files which Xu Lan took great effort to rearrange. From then onward, Xu Lan decided to distance himself from Wang Biao, as he was his nemesis!


    Not long after, Xiao Feng walked into the room. His mood was much lighter than before, it was most likely because he just lectured Wang Biao. However, Wang Biao¡¯s endurance was so poor that he could not even take in a few words of scoldings.


    ¡®Tsk.¡¯ Xu Lan made a mental sigh and shook his head.


    ¡°You should go home earlier, didn¡¯t you mention that you have a kid back home? sses should be over by now,¡± Xiao Feng said while he gently stroked the corner of his mouth with his thumb.

 Chapter 91 - Buying New Clothes for Bai Wu

    <h4>Chapter 91: Buying New Clothes for Bai Wu</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving soon. The teacher called earlier and asked me toe over,¡± Xu Lan said as he rearranged the files and packed his phone with him.


    Xu Lan was not keen on receiving phone calls from the teacher. Much to his dismay, the teacher had been calling him frequently.


    The first time he received a call from the teacher was the night Bai Wu learned how to cook. Bai Wu got his hands on a recipe book and started cooking for Xu Lan. Even though Bai Wu¡¯s culinary skills left much to be desired, Xu Lan was still happy that he cooked and showered him withpliments.


    In the end, Xu Lan had to finish up an entire te of burnt lotus roots. To think that the dish was actuallypleted under Xu Lan¡¯s supervision! Xu Lan hadpletely given up on his culinary skills. At this rate, he was grooming Bai Wu into his socialist sessor.


    The second phone call from the teacher was about Bai Wu¡¯s progress at school. Hepleted the curriculum for sixth grade in just a day and could apply the knowledge flexibly. On a side note, Xu Lan had to gobble down a te of mushy, overcooked vegetables.


    Whenever Xu Lan brought this up again, Bai Wu refused to believe that he used to be bad at cooking. Xu Lan used to keep Bai Wu¡¯s dishes for himself and fed Bai Wu with the food he bought.


    During the third phone call, the teacher said that Bai Wu started on the junior high school curriculum. Xu Lan was also told that Bai Wu was gifted atnguages, which led him to wonder if the teacher was somehow blind.


    Since then, whenever Bai Wupleted a module, the teacher would call Xu Lan to inform him about it. The modules included mathematics, English, physics, and chemistry.


    When Bai Wu started on high school curriculum, the teacher stopped calling altogether. He received a message from the teacher, containing the story of ¡®Being Sorry for Zhongyong¡¯. Xu Lan chuckled. Bai Wu¡¯s culinary skills improved tremendously and Xu Lan no longer had to order takeout anymore.


    ¡°Papa! The teacher said that I can have today off as I¡¯vepleted almost everything. I¡¯ll be sitting for an examination soon. What do I do?¡± Bai Wu asked as he rummaged through his closet.


    ¡°Answer half of them correctly and get the other half wrong. Can you do that?¡± Xu Lan said while eating the breakfast made by Bai Wu.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Bai Wu nodded and continued to rummage through his clothes.


    ¡°What are you looking for?¡± Xu Lan walked over and asked.


    ¡°Clothes. I think I¡¯ve run out of clothes,¡± Bai Wu tugged on his shirt and said in a pitiful tone.


    Xu Lan took a look and realized how much Bai Wu had grown. It was not obvious to him as they saw each other on a daily basis, but now that he took a good look, he noticed the difference. Bai Wu¡¯s clothes were awfully small on him, even his tiny waist was showing through.


    ¡°Uh, you¡¯ve grown a lot taller. I¡¯ll apply for leaveter and buy you some new clothes,¡± Xu Lan replied cheerfully.


    ¡°Really? Papa! Yay, I¡¯m so happy! I¡¯m getting new clothes again!¡±


    Bai Wu shouted happily and starting running around Xu Lan. Infected by his happiness, Xu Lan could not help butugh along.


    Xu Lan felt pressured walking in a mall with such a beautiful young man. All eyes were on them and he could hear the asional whispers. When young girls walked passed Bai Wu, they fixated their gaze on him.


    Xu Lan was tempted to remind them to be polite and to stop lusting after his son. He ended up holding his tongue and lowered his head sulkily.

 Chapter 92 - Buying New Clothes for Bai Wu (2)

    <h4>Chapter 92: Buying New Clothes for Bai Wu (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°... Pa, what do you think?¡± Bai Wu paired a knee-length short with a short sleeve shirt. He seemed like a sunshine boy.


    ¡°Uh huh... You look great,¡± Xu Lan gave him a long stare before finally replying. After angering Bai Wu the other time, he learned a new skill from the inte and it seemed to be working well with Bai Wu.


    The store manager blushed and found a few more outfits for Bai Wu to try on. Bai Wu looked good in everything. He pulled off all the outfits better than the models did.


    ¡°Wow! Bai Wu, these clothes are made for you!¡±


    ¡°Really? Thank you,¡± Bai Wu responded politely to the store manager and nced at Xu Lan who was sitting on the sofa.


    ¡®Since when did Bai Wu be so close to the store manager? Seeing how popr he is with women, I wonder how he will turn out when he grew older? Ah! He has the physical appearance of an eighteen-year-old now; he¡¯s in his prime!¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    ¡°Sir, Bai Wu looked great in these clothes. Should I pack all of them up for you?¡± Through her conversation with Bai Wu, the store manager learned that the unhappy man who sat on the sofa was Bai Wu¡¯s father.


    She was shocked. The man looked like he was in his early thirties. Although he was not exceptionally handsome, he exuded mature charm. His manly physical appearance was theplete opposite of Bai Wu; both of them had their own unique characteristics.


    ¡°Uh, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll pick some out myself. We came out in a rush and didn¡¯t bring too much cash along,¡± Bai Wu replied hurriedly, knowing fully well that Xu Lan did not have much to spare. It was just that Bai Wu enjoyed the look on Xu Lan¡¯s face whenever Bai Wu tried on something new.


    As he just started studying, he wondered if ¡®astonished¡¯ was the right word to use.


    ¡°Some of the outfits are on discount. I brought them over because I think they would look great on Bai Wu. These are actually not expensive and I can give you a discount on the other outfits.¡± Even though the store manager was supposedly talking to Bai Wu, her gaze was on Xu Lan.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Papa. I¡¯m still growing and it would be a waste to splurge on these,¡± Bai Wu shook his head as he said.


    ¡°How much are these roughly? Bai Wu seemed to like them and he looked great in them,¡± Xu Lan asked as he reached for his wallet.


    ¡°For the normal-priced items, I can give you a 20 percent staff discount. Please wait as I do the calction,¡± the store manager borated and reached for the calctor, ¡°the total price is around one thousand and four hundred.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Papa. I really don¡¯t need all of them,¡± Bai Wu said immediately after noticing Xu Lan¡¯s throbbing temple.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, just get them all,¡± Xu Lan gave Bai Wu a gentle rub on the head as he said smilingly.


    Xu Lan was amazed by how much Bai Wu had grown. Bai Wu used to be at Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder level, but he was almost at Xu Lan¡¯s eye level now. Giving Bai Wu a rub on the head was not as convenient as it used to be. Bai Wu pouted and lowered his head without saying anything.


    ¡°Alright, Alipay or WeChat?¡± asked the store manager. Meanwhile, the shop assistant who was watching Bai Wu stepped forward and packed the clothes up.


    ¡°Uh, cash,¡± Xu Lan said embarrassingly.


    ¡°Ah, okay. The total would be one thousand four hundred and ny-eight,¡± the store manager said politely.


    Xu Lan felt conned. He offered the cash in his shivering hand.


    ¡°Alright, here are your clothes. Thank you for your purchase and pleasee again! I¡¯ll give you a discount on your next visit too,¡± the store manager said in a friendly tone.


    Xu Lan was tempted to say, ¡®I¡¯ll not being back again! That¡¯s a hefty price to pay for just five outfits! The white shirt that I¡¯m wearing was only three for one hundred!¡¯


    ¡°Papa, you didn¡¯t have to buy so many of them,¡± Bai Wu said as he tugged on the corner of Xu Lan¡¯s shirt gingerly.

 Chapter 93 - Xu Lan and His Low Self-Esteem

    <h4>Chapter 93: Xu Lan and His Low Self-Esteem</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I bought the clothes for you because I thought you looked great in them,¡± Xu Lan said with a smile while patting Bai Wu¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Really? Heh...¡± Bai Wu smiled shyly and looked at Xu Lan with his big eyes.


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go.¡± Both of them chatted and made their way out of the shop, failing to notice the smitten gaze from the shop assistants behind them. Some even took a couple of photos on their phones.


    ¡°Papa? Are we going to shop for grocery? I think we¡¯re out...¡± Bai Wu¡¯s cheerful voice faltered and he was rooted to the ground. He stared at the two people who were walking toward him.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Xu Lan followed Bai Wu¡¯s gaze and his breathing stopped after noticing who Bai Wu was looking at.


    A good-looking couple who stood out in the mall walked toward them.


    ¡°Xu Lan?¡± Xu Lan heard her voice and was flustered. He did not know where to look at.


    Song Xi was exactly how he remembered her to be ¡ª fair and tall. Herpanion was a handsome man; both of them were a match made in heaven. Xu Lan lowered his head embarrassingly, ¡®If only I¡¯m better looking!¡¯ he thought.


    Song Xi remembered Xu Lan clearly. Due to their upation, they often crossed paths. Xu Lan was one of her more persistent suitors and he left without hesitation after finding out that she got a boyfriend. Song Xi remembered him for his no-nonsense demeanor.


    ¡°Uh, Lawyer Song.¡± Xu Lan wanted to run away so badly. Every government servant in Whitehorse City knew that he liked Song Xi and he did not take his rejection as easy as Song Xi thought.


    ¡°It¡¯s been awhile, what have you been up to?¡± Song Xi was used to Xu Lan¡¯s behavior and did not take it to heart.


    ¡°Uh... I, it¡¯s still the same case,¡± Xu Lan lowered his head and looked at Song Xi¡¯s feet. She had a small pair of feet with sexy ankles. Herpanion wore a pair of brogues; Xu Lan felt self-conscious about his slippers.


    Xu Lan had never cared about his physical appearances. He opined that it was unnecessary for a man to pay too much attention to details. However, he regretted his philosophy deeply. His self-esteem took a hit.


    ¡°Cough, I¡¯m sorry. This is Zhao Ran, you¡¯ve met him,¡± Song Xi introduced them to each other embarrassingly; she knew about the case that he spoke of.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, nice to meet you,¡± Zhao Ran shook Xu Lan¡¯s hand politely.


    ¡°Hi,¡± Xu Lan said curtly, the corners of his mouth tensed.


    ¡°Papa! I¡¯m hungry,¡± Bai Wu said abruptly. He stepped forward and tugged on Xu Lan¡¯s shirt.


    ¡°Eh? This child, why...¡±


    Song Xi looked at Bai Wu with her mouth gaping and her words stuck. Bai Wu¡¯s sexy voice betrayed a hint of displeasure, his gaze was unfriendly and guarded. She thought the young man next to Xu Lan looked familiar, but she could not put a finger on it. Since when did Xu Lan have a teenage son?


    She recalled a few months back, Xu Lan was carrying a baby in his arms while having breakfast at the restaurant. She wondered how did the baby grow up to be a handsome fellow in such a short period of time.


    ¡°Xu Lan, is this your son?¡± Song Xi did some calctions in her head. The young man looked like he was around sixteen or seventeen years old, and Xu Lan was definitely in his early-thirties. Her beautiful eyes started looking at Xu Lan differently.


    Xu Lan opened his mouth and felt a lump welling up in his throat.


    ¡°Papa?¡± Bai Wu tugged on the corner of Xu Lan¡¯s shirt and watched him anxiously.

 Chapter 94 - Bai Wu Ran Away From Home

    <h4>Chapter 94: Bai Wu Ran Away From Home</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Uh, I... am.¡± Xu Lan nced at Bai Wu; Bai Wu¡¯s red eyes returned his nce ufortably.


    ¡°Alright, I shall make a move. See you around, Lawyer Song.¡±


    Xu Lan held Bai Wu¡¯s hands and fled from the mall without waiting for Song Xi¡¯s reply. Song Xi frowned prettily as she watched Xu Lan escaped. She became convinced that she made the right choice by not opting for Xu Lan. Song Xi shook her head and held onto Zhao Ran¡¯s arm. She walked into the shop with a beautiful smile on her face.


    Meanwhile, Xu Lan and Bai Wu were making their way out hurriedly. There were a few times where Bai Wu almost fell as he could not catch up with Xu Lan¡¯s quick pace.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu shouted and shook off Xu Lan¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Only then did Xu Lan turn his head to look at Bai Wu; the shopping bags were scattered on the ground and Bai Wu¡¯s pale hands were red from Xu Lan¡¯s strong grip.


    ¡°Papa, do you still like her!¡±


    It was not a question; he spoke with conviction. Bai Wu was angry. Xu Lan promised to like him and him alone!


    Why did things change when Song Xi came into the picture? Back when he first woke up, he noticed that everything in the room was rted to Song Xi.


    Bai Wu threw everything into the bin ¡ª the calendar with Song Xi¡¯s birthday circled on, Song Xi¡¯s pictures andw books, and the cut-outs of bags that Xu Lan was going to get for Song Xi.


    ¡°No, I...¡± Xu Lan found himself at a loss for words when he was trying to defend himself.


    He could not deny what was true, that he yearned to be with Song Xi. Otherwise, he would not have felt so pathetic around Zhao Ran.


    ¡°Papa! You promised to like Bai Wu and Bai Wu only!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s fixated his gaze on Xu Lan and tears welled up in his eyes.


    ¡°Uh, they are two different kinds of feelings,¡± Xu Lan said hurriedly. His heart sank after looking at Bai Wu.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care! Papa, you can only like me! I want you to like me! Papa, you made a promise!¡± Bai Wu shouted and attracted unwanted attention from passers-by, some whispered and some even took out their phones to record.


    Xu Lan was covered in cold sweat. He was cold and his clenched fist shivered slightly.


    ¡°Bai Wu, not here. Can we talk about this when we¡¯re home? Let¡¯s head back,¡± Xu Lan said with his scratchy throat and cracked voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want! Papa, you¡¯re breaking your promise! Papa is a big liar!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s face was red and he screamed sadly at Xu Lan.


    More and more people gathered around and the whispers grew louder. Xu Lan felt his stomach churn and his ears rang. All he could hear was the sinister voices of criticism.


    ¡°Bai Wu! We¡¯re going home now!¡± Xu Lan fought against the pain and dragged Bai Wu toward the exit. He was determined to escape!


    ¡°Papa is a big liar! You don¡¯t even like me anymore!¡± Bai Wu shouted as he tried to break free from Xu Lan¡¯s painful grip. The voices grew louder and Xu Lan felt as though his head was going to explode.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Be obedient, won¡¯t you?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s entire body was twitching and his stomach churned, sending waves of gastric acid upwards.


    ¡°No!¡± After freeing his hand from Xu Lan¡¯s grip, Bai Wu escaped into the crowd with tears streaming down his face.


    Xu Lan curled up painfully on the ground. He watched as Bai Wu ran further and further away from him. The voices around him finally quietened down and eventually, they disappearedpletely.


    Xu Lan looked up at the white ceiling, his nose was assaulted by the scent of disinfectant. He rolled his eyeballs and noticed that Wang Hao was peeling an apple. He was in a quiet ward.


    ¡°Cough, cough...¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! You¡¯re finally awake!¡± Wang Hao walked over after putting the apple down.


    ¡°Where is Bai Wu?¡±

 Chapter 95 - Bai Wu Ran Away From Home (2)

    <h4>Chapter 95: Bai Wu Ran Away From Home (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Where¡¯s Bai Wu? He¡¯s my distant rtive,¡± Xu Lan could not help but ask when he did not manage to find Bai Wu after looking around.


    ¡°Huh? I didn¡¯t see anyone around? You fainted on the roadside and a good samaritan sent you to the hospital. In the end, it was squinty-eyed who called me. You were alone when I came over.¡±


    Squinty-eyed was Lao Wang from the city hospital. He was the one who stitched Xu Lan up. His eyes were extraordinarily small, and he liked tough a lot. When heughed, his eyes would squint and form a narrow slit. Therefore, they called him squinty-eyed in private.


    ¡°Cough, cough. Where¡¯s my phone?¡±


    ¡°Sargeant Xu, what are you doing? The doctor said that you overworked and needed to rest properly. I already settled with Meng Chengjun,¡± Xu Lan lifted the covers to get out of bed but was held back down by Wang Hao.


    ¡°I want to go home,¡± Xu Lan struggled to get up. It definitely was not because he overworked. He just wanted to go home and see Bai Wu.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! Which is more important, your body or the case! You¡¯re already a grown-up, can¡¯t you take care of yourself? Lie down nicely, I¡¯ll go get him for you!¡± Wang Hao did not allow Xu Lan to get up and said sternly.


    Wang Hao followed Xu Lan right after he graduated from university. It had been five or six years so he somewhat inherited Xu Lan¡¯s temper. He couldugh and joke about small problems, but he would never go against his principles! He even received a lecture several days ago because of this.


    Xu Lan was having acid reflux, where the stomach acid went back up due to uncontrolled muscle spasms, and burned his esophagus. The doctor injected him with a small amount of Chlorzoxazone. His legs felt weak since the effect of medication had not worn off.


    Thendy saw Wang Hao came over and started to whine about how Xu Lan was not paying his rent. Finally, Wang Hao had no choice but to give her his own pocket money to shut her mouth. However, the room was empty. He looked around but could not find anyone. He ended up calling Xu Lan on the phone.


    ¡°What? He¡¯s not back home?¡± Xu Lan asked anxiously and tried to get up from bed immediately.


    Bai Wu had only been here for such a short period of time. The only two ces he could go to was the teaching institute and the rented room. Xu Lan attempted to get up while he called the teacher on the phone. ¡®Pang¡¯ ¨C he fell onto the floor. The family members from the adjacent ward could not bear to see him like this and helped him up.


    ¡°Young man, what made you so worried?¡± Xu Lan ran out as if he could not hear what they said.


    He was not at home, and neither did he go to school. There was no special school either. Xu Lan searched every possible ce he could be but there was no sign of Bai Wu. The sky was rumbling with thunder and the monstrous winds were blowing, making ¡®whoosh¡¯ sounds. The rain was about to fall and the air became more stuffy, like a stove that was baking Xu Lan.


    ¡°Where can he go to? Are there any other ces?¡± Wang Hao asked anxiously. He brought over the guys from the second team but they still could not find him.


    Xu Lan shook his head weakly. They had searched everywhere they could, even the ce where Bai Wu used to buy groceries, but no one saw him.


    He sat at the stairway and looked up to the darkened sky, filled with bolts of lightning and thunders. ¡®Where could he be? Is he afraid? In the past, he would rush into his arms to ask for kisses and hugs whenever he¡¯s afraid. Is he hiding in a corner shivering, all alone?¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    Rain droplets the size of beans sttered on the ground, as if they were thousands upon thousands of troops and horses were given the word ofmand to strike the earth. The fierce windmanded the storm to attack earth over and over.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, nothing here!¡±


    ¡°Not here, Sergeant Xu!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing on my side too.¡±


    Xu Lan¡¯s index finger and the middle finger were stained yellow by cigarette smoke, while his smoking hand trembled non-stop.

 Chapter 96 - Forced to Promise

    <h4>Chapter 96: Forced to Promise</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°He probably missed home and wanted to go back?¡± Wang Hao asked cautiously. He was shocked when he saw all the cigarette buds on the floor. ¡°Xiao Zhang, bring a few guys with you to search the exits of major stations.¡±


    ¡®Home? This is his home, where can he go? Could it be that he wanted to go back to his dragon n?¡¯


    Xu Lan sprung up from the floor. A look of panic shed across his face. ¡®Bai Wu, you said that wherever I go, you¡¯ll always be there!¡¯


    ¡°Hey, Sergeant Xu! Where are you going? I can send you there! It¡¯s pouring heavily, how would your body handle it?¡± Wang Hao shouted at Xu Lan¡¯s receding figure in the storm.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Bai Wu! Are you here? Come out at once!¡± Xu Lan yelled as he stood under the rain.


    ¡°Papa made a mistake! I know you¡¯re here!¡±


    Xu Lan was alone on the wide Sanhe bridge. His voice was drowned out by the sttering of the heavy rain. There was no answer, as no one heard him.


    ¡°Pleasee out. Papa made a mistake! The rain¡¯s too heavy, you¡¯ll catch a cold,¡± Xu Lan shouted toward theke surface.


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡± Buckets of rain poured onto Xu Lan¡¯s head until he could not open his eyes. He wiped the water off his face and continued shouting, standing back up when he fell into puddles. However, Bai Wu was nowhere to be seen.


    ¡®No more! No more! There¡¯re no more ces Bai Wu could have gone to!¡¯ Xu Lan felt difort in his heart due to the extreme amount of stress. ¡®Cough!¡¯ He coughed up a mouthful of blood and fell toward the ground slowly.


    Before he hit the ground, Xu Lan was caught by a pair of strong arms. The warmth from the body radiated through Xu Lan¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°Bai Wu, I knew you¡¯re here. Have you forgiven me?¡± Xu Lan lifted his head weakly to touch Bai Wu¡¯s face.


    Bai Wu looked like he had grown quite a bit. The outlines of his face seemed to be more prominent. His thin lips were sealed tightly, which made him look fiercer. His whole body was shrouded in mist. The rain droplets turned into white vapor the instant it came into contact with his body, outlining his silhouette.


    He carried him horizontally until they were sheltered. He supported him with his arms as he removed his clothes to wring them dry before putting them back on for him.


    Xu Lan chuckled. ¡°Bai Wu, it seems like you¡¯ve grown. Would you be able to fit into the clothes that I bought today?¡±


    Bai Wu looked askance at him and did not speak. He sat him down before walking back to the bridge.


    ¡°Bai Wu! What are you doing?¡± Bai Wu was already sitting on the edge of the bridge. He looked at Xu Lan with pain in his eyes when he heard his violent screams.


    ¡°Come down at once!¡± Xu Lan staggered his way over to pull Bai Wu down. However, he could not gather any strength at all, as he just left the hospital moments ago. Moreover, he was drenched in the downpour.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgiven you.¡± That was the first thing that came out of Bai Wu¡¯s mouth. This was not Xu Lan¡¯s hallucination. Bai Wu had grown up and matured. His raspy voice was low pitched and maic.


    ¡°... let¡¯s go back, we¡¯ll discuss this at home. The rain is too heavy, you¡¯ll catch a cold,¡± Xu Lan finally said after staring at him for a while.


    ¡°I want to be alone, you can go back first,¡± Bai Wu said calmly as he shoved Xu Lan¡¯s hand away. His voice and the torrents contrasted sharply, but Xu Lan still managed to hear each and every word clearly.


    ¡°Are you f*cking trying to make me jump down from here to apany you? What do you want me to do? My whole life is in your hands! I will always worry about what you eat, wear, or how you feel, whether you¡¯re feeling cold or warm. I can¡¯t even secretly like someone! I¡¯ll f*cking stop liking anyone else, okay? I will only like you! I swear to God, I¡¯ll only like you in this lifetime! If I fall for anyone else, I will be struck by lightning!¡±

 Chapter 97 - Bai Wu’s All Grown Up

    <h4>Chapter 97: Bai Wu¡¯s All Grown Up</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan poured everything out in one breath. His sentences were sprinkled with vulgarity.


    ¡°How can I believe you? This was something you promised me since the very beginning,¡± Bai Wu said with a bitter smile.


    ¡°F*ck! Tell me then, what else do you need for you to believe me?!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s usually pale face had an unnatural flush.


    Bai Wu stared at him for a while, then pulled him close and said, ¡°Say it one more time!¡±


    ¡°What do you want me to say?!¡±


    ¡°Say you¡¯ll only like me,¡± Bai Wu requested in a mncholic tone and hugged Xu Lan, whose body was already soaking wet.


    ¡°Yes! Daddy will only like you! From the bottom of my heart! In the future, Daddy will only like you, it will always be...oof...¡±


    Bai Wu drew Xu Lan closer and pressed Xu Lan¡¯s head onto his chest. Bai Wu then gave Xu Lan a rough and eager kiss. It was different from previous hugs and kisses, as those were merely superficial contact.


    Xu Lan¡¯s mouth was filled with Bai Wu¡¯s scent, and thetter¡¯s warmth caused Xu Lan to feel dizzy. He could not tell when Bai Wu stopped kissing him.


    Bai Wu carried Xu Lan back to the rented room. Wang Hao was anxiously pacing back and forth in front of the doorway. Once he spotted Xu Lan and Bai Wu, he went up to them.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! How¡¯s Sergeant Xu?¡± The worried Wang Hao checked on Xu Lan. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, except for his incredibly red lips.


    ¡°He¡¯s asleep. Thank you, you can leave now,¡± Bai Wu said impolitely while looking down at him with arrogance.


    Wang Hao was shocked. Had Bai Wu been this tall all the while? Had his aura always been this strong too?


    ¡°But Sergeant Xu just left the hospital and he¡¯s drenched. Are you sure he¡¯s alright? Should we go to the doctor?¡± Wang Hao remarked while cing a hand to his neck in spite of Bai Wu¡¯s loftiness.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that! He just needs some sleep. You can leave now! If anything happens, I¡¯ll deal with it!¡± Bai Wu spoke in an ill-mannered tone while staring at him.


    ¡°But...¡± Bai Wu put Xu Lan down. He cracked his knuckles in a clenched fist. With a look that seemed to say ¡®you¡¯ll get a piece of this if you don¡¯t shut up¡¯, Wang Hao was sent away.


    After giving Xu Lan a warm bath, Bai Wu dried the man¡¯s hair and carried him onto the bed. The roles appeared to have reversed; when Xu Lan first brought Bai Wu home, Xu Lan carried him in his arms and did not let go. There were many things a three- or four-year-old boy could do on his own, but Xu Lan still insisted on doing it himself.


    Bai Wu caressed Xu Lan¡¯s rosy lips with his thumb. Recalling the scene that happened in the rain earlier, the edges of his lips curled up subconsciously.


    Bai Wu¡¯s ¡®liking¡¯ of Xu Lan metamorphosized, though it was unclear when that change actually happened. Back then, the ¡®liking¡¯ was a result of fear and dread but sometimeter, it turned into desire. Muchter still, even Bai Wu did not know what those feelings were, but all he wanted was to be the only person in Xu Lan¡¯s eyes ¨C he wanted to Xu Lan to be bound to him.


    If it were not for Song Xi, Bai Wu would not havee to that sudden realization; if it were not for Xu Lan sending him to school, he would not have understood the difference between familial love and romantic love; if it were not for Xu Lan, he would not have known how and what kind of feeling love was.


    Bai Wu twirled Xu Lan¡¯s lips between his fingers until they were red. Xu Lan extended his tongue out and licked softly. A fervent kiss immediatelynded on Xu Lan¡¯s lips. Xu Lan gasped for air and pushed Bai Wu away with a punch to his chest.


    ¡°Bai Wu! What are you doing?!¡± Remnants of Bai Wu¡¯s scent lingered in Xu Lan¡¯s mouth, and his lips felt somewhat sore and tingling from Bai Wu¡¯s twirling.


    ¡°Papa! You¡¯re awake!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s crescent-like eyes shimmered with a gleam as he smiled.

 Chapter 98 - Bai Wu’s All Grown Up (2)

    <h4>Chapter 98: Bai Wu¡¯s All Grown Up (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°I f*cking asked you what you were f*cking doing! Who taught you that?¡± Xu Lan clenched his hand into a fist and wiped his lips with the web of his thumb. ¡°Sss!¡±


    ¡®F*CK! My lips are cracked from his biting. Which b*stard taught him this? I¡¯ll beat him to death if I ever find out who it is,¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    Bai Wu¡¯s smile turned into a frown as he rubbed his thumbs. His pupils became sullen.


    ¡°I dreamt that Papa got together with the pretty big sister and didn¡¯t want me anymore. So...¡± Bai Wu took advantage of Xu Lan¡¯s guilt and spouted a big fat lie. He did not dare to look up at Xu Lan, so he lowered his head and rubbed his fingers. Xu Lan¡¯s perplexed and bewildered expression was a reality that Bai Wu did not dare to face.


    ¡°Ay, what else could I possibly do to make you believe me? This shouldn¡¯t be a problem in the first ce! Ay! Forget about it, you wouldn¡¯t understand it either. I¡¯ll forget about her okay? I don¡¯t want you to bring her up again! There¡¯s no use crying over spilled milk, all you have to do is believe me.¡± Xu Lan shook his head.


    Bai Wu¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He sat silently at the edge of the bed and nibbled at his fingernails. At that time, Xu Lan loved him, but only with a familial love; Xu Lan looked at him as a son and would only pamper him in that manner. That was the reason for Xu Lan¡¯s consent to Bai Wu¡¯s requests for hugs and kisses. Once he realized that these feelings changed...that was something that Bai Wu was scared to think about.


    ¡°Because whenever it¡¯s about this, Papa¡¯s doesn¡¯t take it seriously. I¡¯m...I¡¯m scared.¡± Bai Wu looked up at Xu Lan with his reddened eyes and tears began flowing immediately.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry.¡± Xu Lan hugged him and began patting him on the back tofort him.


    ¡°Hic. Papa said the same thingst time. Why did Papa like her? I also like Papa. Hic.¡± Bai Wu cried as he dug up those issues from the past.


    ¡°I also like Bai Wu. I like Bai Wu the most, of course. Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry. You¡¯re so grown up now, it¡¯s ugly for a handsome young man to cry his eyes out.¡± Xu Lan responded with a frown.


    ¡°Is it ugly?¡± Bai Wu immediately halted his crying and wiped away his tears.


    ¡°Mm! Grown-ups shouldn¡¯t cry so much, understand? It¡¯s embarrassing if other people see you like this, but you can still cry in front of me,¡± Xu Lan exined as he handed him a handkerchief.


    ¡°Papa, you always say that you ¡®like¡¯ me, but why is your ¡®like¡¯ different? Doesn¡¯t ¡®like¡¯ mean a wholehearted and sincere ¡®like¡¯? It¡¯s not fair. Bai Wu likes Papa alone with all of Bai Wu¡¯s heart and soul, so Papa must only like me too!¡± Bai Wu replied firmly.


    ¡°...mm, there are many types of ¡®like¡¯. Slowly you¡¯ll begin to understand. Don¡¯t worry, Papa has promised you, and it¡¯s serious this time. If it wasn¡¯t, maybe you wouldn¡¯t trust Papa anymore, haha.¡±


    Xu Lan rubbed Bai Wu¡¯s hair and let out a candid smile, but did not notice that hint of gloominess that shed across Bai Wu¡¯s eyes.


    Just as Xu Lan was reinstated, he was admitted to the hospital, and right after that, he got drenched in a downpour. His body was unable to bear all of that. He turned over and stumbled while trying to get off the bed but was quickly caught by Bai Wu.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu was worried.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright, I¡¯m alright. I¡¯m just a bit dizzy. Eh? You look like you¡¯ve grown much taller. I think we should get some new clothes. Let¡¯s see if the ones I just bought can be returned, it¡¯ll be a waste if we can¡¯t.¡± Standing upright, Xu Lan¡¯s eyes were parallel with Bai Wu¡¯s chin.


    It stressed Xu Lan out for him to see Bai Wu at this height! He hoped that Bai Wu would stop growing, as that meant the boy would eat a lot and require new clothes frequently. Xu Lan did not have the financial ability to support the needs of two grown men.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Bai Wu half-embraced Xu Lan and pursed his lips.


    No one knew what went on in Bai Wu¡¯s mind, not even Bai Wu himself. He was clueless and did not know what to do.

 Chapter 99 - The Interconnection Between Individual Cases

    <h4>Chapter 99: The Interconnection Between Individual Cases</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    When Xu Lan went back to the station to seek his reimbursement, Lao Chen made entric and sarcastic remarks, while Meng Chengjun was all smiles as usual. The members of Team 2 went up and asked countless questions; it was evident in their eyes that they were curious about Xu Lan¡¯s distant rtive.


    ¡°Sorry for troubling you guys yesterday. Since you¡¯re all so curious, I¡¯ll treat you all to dinner tonight and introduce you to my rtive!¡±


    ¡°Whoa! Sergeant Xu finally has money to treat us to dinner!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t trick us and end up noting!¡±


    While everyone contributed to the raucousness, Xiao Zhang stood some distance away and looked at Xu Lan uneasily.


    ¡°Do your work guys! I¡¯ll be leaving now!¡± Xu Lan nced at Xiao Zhang and waved, then went over to Xiao Feng¡¯s ce.


    Wang Biao seemed to hear Xu Lan¡¯s thoughts clearly. When Xu Lan mentioned that he would stay away from Wang Biao, he never appeared in front of him alone ever since. Once in a while, they would run into each other in the corridor. Wang Biao would give a simple greeting and rush off. It made Xu Lan feel ufortable because he felt as though he did something that provoked Wang Biao.


    ¡°How¡¯s the situation?¡± Xiao Feng asked as he took a stack of files and ced them in front of Xu Lan.


    ¡°Hm, it¡¯s not going so great.¡± He took out some information that hepiled himself and handed them over to Xiao Feng.


    Thirteen years ago, nine people were relieved of their duties as a result of the copse of a mine in Chengdu. Five of them fell victim to Sparrow Game¡¯s recent round, while another two died of natural causes. The remaining two individuals could not be located, and not even their ex-workmates knew of their whereabouts.


    Another two victims,pletely unconnected with the mine, were real estate dealers. They previously set up shop in Whitehorse City as a prominent real estate developer. Sometime in the past, the government introduced policies to reduce the cost of housing. As a result, one of theirmercial buildings did not sell. In the end, it was left unfinished, and both of them had to hide away because of the substantial amount of debt they racked up.


    It was these two people that stuck out like a sore thumb in the case. It seemed as though they were fortuitously inserted into the grand scheme of things. Like an intervertebral disk that jutted out of the spine, they were extras who interfered with the reasoning behind the case.


    ¡°Hm, maybe they inadvertently found the game online. Do you have any other questions?¡± Xiao Feng nodded and scrutinized the annotations in his notebook.


    ¡°There is one more thing. Although this is a web-based game, it seems to be circting only in Whitehorse City. Both dealers moved to the provincial capital, but they were once residents in Whitehorse. Also, the whole system¡¯s extremely simple, it¡¯s like they specifically designed it that way to target the elderly,¡± Xu Lan responded after giving it some thought.


    Despite the game¡¯s web-based nature, it spread on a small scale. Xu Lan felt that it could be a disguise which masked how the game intricately engineered a deliberate murder.


    Finally, Xiao Feng lifted his head and looked at Xu Lan. His gaze repeatedly shifted between Xu Lan and the notebook.


    ¡°Mm, it¡¯s certainly a possibility. We came here only because the cases happened in Whitehorse City.¡±


    Xiao Feng eventually closed his notebook and said, ¡°Come with me. We¡¯re currently discussing the deceased¡¯s cause of death. Perhaps you¡¯ll find something of use.¡±


    Xu Lan followed Xiao Feng into another house. It was turned into a temporary meeting room, and projected onto the screen were pictures of the seven deceased.


    As soon as Wang Biao saw Xu Lan enter, a smile shed across his face. He immediately signaled for someone at the back to vacate a seat for Xu Lan, then obediently sat beside Xiao Feng. During the course of those actions, not a single word was said to Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan looked carefully at those pictures. The two dealers chose to hang themselves, while the remaining five died by applying blunt force to their skulls inside a small pitch-ck house. Additionally, there were varying degrees of self-muttion present on each of the deceased¡¯s bodies.

 Chapter 100 - The Interconnection Between Individual Cases (2)

    <h4>Chapter 100: The Interconnection Between Individual Cases (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°It seems clear that the criminals gave out different tasks when dealing with different groups of participants. Once their will to live is exhausted, they¡¯ll be given the final task ¨C suicide,¡± a middle-aged man opined.


    ¡°Mm, it integrates well with Xu Lan¡¯s view. If this is a purposeful murder, then the little ck house could beprehended as the tunnel of a mine, but what does the hanging say?¡± Xiao Feng asked as he twirled his pen.


    His subordinates all fell silent. Hanging oneself? What does ¡®hanging oneself¡¯ signify? Well, death of course, nothing else!


    ¡°There¡¯s something else. The tasks that were given to the both of them were different. Other than the hanging, there¡¯s another connection. Both of them nailed themselves beforehand. Their children came to their rescue but they were basically dead by then.¡±


    The middle-aged man presented the close-up magnification of the deceased¡¯s leg on theputer screen. Nails were embedded in the soles of both the deceased¡¯s feet and one of them even made the news because of that.


    Nails? Real estate dealers?


    Xu Lan mouthed those two elements repeatedly and his brain immediately sprang to action. Real estate agents and nail houses <sup>1</sup> ¨C could these two elements be looked at as a whole?


    ¡°Officer Xiao!¡± Xu Lan eximed as he pped the table top.


    ¡°Hm?¡± The seated individuals were given a fright and they all frowned at him.


    ¡°Is there any information on the partnership of both these real estate dealers? Both the developers worked together, but the householders were a setback duringnd acquisition. In the end, the developers resorted to using unconventional methods to reach apromise with those nail houses. Would that be a possibility?¡± Xu Lan asked excitedly.


    ¡°Damn! I told you Xiao Xu¡¯s good! See? I was right, wasn¡¯t I?¡± Wang Biao remarked enthusiastically as he pped his hands until Xiao Feng¡¯s stare made him lower his voice and sit back down quietly.


    ¡°Mm, that¡¯s possible. Lan Er, go look into this. I¡¯ll send over the information when the timees.¡± Brimming with admiration, Xiao Feng looked at Xu Lan and wondered why such an able person found himself in such a muddy predicament.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Brother Feng, I think Xiao Xu¡¯s quite impressive. Didn¡¯t you say weck manpower? Why not let him join us?¡± Wang Biao cautiously made the suggestion to Xiao Feng. The rest of them in the meeting room raised their eyebrows, looked at one another, then looked back down immediately.


    At that moment, Xu Lan was quite imperceptive. While the others already had their heads down, Xu Lan¡¯s was still up. In the end, he sheepishly lifted his head, unsure where to ce his gaze.


    Xiao Feng looked askance at Wang Biao and cleared his throat. ¡°Ahem, we¡¯ll talk about itter tonight.¡±


    ¡°Why wait for tonight?¡± With eyes wide open, the confounded Wang Biao jumped from his seat and asked.


    The rest of the people there ¨C all of which had their heads lowered ¨C unconsciously let out muffledughter. Even though Xu Lan had no idea why they wereughing, he simply followed the crowd.


    ¡°What are you guysughing at, huh? I didn¡¯t say anything funny at all yet you make it seem like I farted!¡± Wang Biao raged.


    Later that night, Xu Lan and Wang Biao sat together by a roadside barbecue stand where they went on drunken rants together. It was a time where they spewed everything on their minds and wept bitter tears. Xu Lan finally understood Wang Biao¡¯s behavior earlier that day, and why he so vehemently dreaded any mention of ¡®tonight¡¯.


    Not longter, Bai Wu and Xiao Feng silently appeared at the stand. They carried Xu Lan and Wang Biao respectively and brought the two men home like they wererge packages. It was only the beginning of a long night.

 Chapter 101 - Too Much Drink For Xu Lan

    <h4>Chapter 101: Too Much Drink For Xu Lan</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    On that night, Xu Lan treated the members of Team 2 to dinner. It was also an opportunity for Xu Lan to introduce Bai Wu to all of them. Despite the fact that Xu Lan was only able to refer to Bai Wu as his distant rtive, Bai Wu was sufficiently happy. Wang Hao and the gang poured copious amounts of alcohol for Bai Wu and nudged him on. Out of everyone else on the dinner table, perhaps the most displeased person was Xiao Zhang. After all, it was he who helped to settle Xu Lan¡¯s adoption certificate.


    When Xu Lan went to wash his hands, he was stopped midway by Xiao Zhang.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, you said that his name was Bai Wu?¡± Xiao Zhang blinked his eyes and stared at Xu Lan.


    Xiao Zhang was a clever young man. If everyone in the group were as perceptive as him, it would be far too much for Xu Lan to handle! The rest of those scatterbrains did not even notice that Bai Wu suddenly grew up by leaps and bounds!


    ¡°Mm.¡± Xu Lan had no intention of concealing anything. It reached a point where Xu Lan could no longer say that it was his son, much less change Bai Wu¡¯s surname.


    ¡°But I remembered that the other boy was also called Bai Wu.¡±


    ¡°The one and only! It doesn¡¯t matter, you wouldn¡¯t believe me anyway, so I might as well not talk about it!¡± Xu Lan drank quite a fair bit that night and he replied in an irritated tone.


    ¡°What do you n to do? No one¡¯s gonna believe you,¡± Xiao Zhang shook his head and asked helplessly.


    ¡°What else can I do? That b*stard doesn¡¯t even care to consider anything before simply changing his appearances. There¡¯s nothing I can do. Just go with the flow, I guess, I¡¯m not even sure if I¡¯d be staying in this world for long.¡±


    Xu Lan waved his hand and staggered a couple of steps. At that precise moment, Bai Wu ¨C who came searching for him ¨C got a hold of him. Bai Wu directed a stern gaze at Xiao Zhang and brought Xu Lan back to the dinner table.


    Although Xu Lan was their group leader, everyone worked together for so long that it felt as though they were all equals. Xu Lan regarded the act of introducing Bai Wu to everyone as something joyous ¨C he drank even more. In the end the only sober people left were Bai Wu and Xiao Zhang.


    ¡°You, send them back. I¡¯ll bring my uncle home,¡± Bai Wu ordered straightforwardly.


    Xiao Zhang opened his mouth to speak but ultimately no words came out. He simply went ahead and quietly brought the inebriated group home.


    On the way home, Xu Lan seemed restless and not the least bit tired. He poured out all of his thoughts on the case with a vigor that seemingly appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°Lemme tell y¡¯all! I lied! Hic! Bai Wu¡¯s not my distant rtive, he¡¯s my son!¡± With Xu Lan on his shoulders, Bai Wu leaned Xu Lan against the wall to take off the man¡¯s clothes. Xu Lan vomited his stomach¡¯s content throughout their journey and the throwing up did not seem to end anytime soon.


    ¡°Bai Wu¡¯s not your son!¡± Bai Wu felt somewhat annoyed at himself, since his first reaction was to call Xu Lan ¡®papa¡¯. If he could call Xu Lan ¡®uncle¡¯, it would be so much less worrisome!


    ¡°Nonsense! If he¡¯s not my son, then who is he?¡± Xu Lan strained to open his eyes in order to see who the nonsense-spewing person in front of him was.


    ¡°Bai Wu is your lover!¡± Bai Wu took off the man¡¯s shoes, then carried him to a restroom.


    ¡°Lover?¡± In his blurred vision, Xu Lan questioned.


    ¡°Mm!¡± After pouring some water for Xu Lan to gargle, Bai Wu embraced Xu Lan notwithstanding the stench on Xu Lan¡¯s body. Bai Wu then said warmly, ¡°Don¡¯t swallow. Spit.¡±


    ¡°Bah! Nonsense! Bai Wu¡¯s clearly my son, how could he be my lover, oof...¡± Bai Wu covered his hand over Xu Lan¡¯s mouth. Even in a drunken state, Xu Lan could refute him.


    ¡®But I have no way to continue treating you as my papa, what¡¯s to be done about that?¡¯ Bai Wu smiled bitterly.


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan let out a sudden shout.


    Bai Wu¡¯s was stopped in his tracks and he stiffly acknowledged his name being called. He thought that Xu Lan was so uninhibited as a result of being drunk.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the right way to kiss.¡± Following his instinct, Xu Lan looked up to Bai Wu and mumbled. His dark eyes appeared to be covered with ayer of muslin, waiting for Bai Wu to tear open.

 Chapter 102 - Bai Wu’s Anger

    <h4>Chapter 102: Bai Wu¡¯s Anger</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Then how should I do it?¡± Looking at Xu Lan¡¯s expression, Bai Wu finally released his pursed lips to smile.


    ¡°Like this.¡± Xu Lan tiptoed and gave Bai Wu a light peck on the lips. ¡°Bai Wu, have you grown taller again?¡±


    Science lessons described how a dragonflyys its eggs in the water <sup>1</sup> ¨C Xu Lan¡¯s actions were no different. He took a step back after posing the question.


    Bai Wu carried Xu Lan up and ced him on the sink. Bai Wu then pried open Xu Lan¡¯s lips and gave him a rough and sloppy kiss. Xu Lan then weakly took a fist to Bai Wu, but to Bai Wu, it felt merely like a tickle.


    A pair of reddened eyes, ready for the hunt, stared back at Xu Lan. Such a simple kiss waspletely unable to satisfy Bai Wu. He wanted more!


    Xu Lan poked at the notebook with a pen. He had no idea why Bai Wu was so enraged.


    There was only one reason for the anger ¨C Bai Wu wanted a cell phone. ording to him, it was easier to contact Xu Lan. On the days that he would not have to go to school, he felt really bored at home.


    Even though Xu Lan had just been reimbursed, he spent the money on the dinner treat as well as new clothes for the both himself and Bai Wu. His wallet became empty again! In light of that, Xu Lan told him that a phone could wait.


    Bai Wu said, ¡°What if I wander off? What if Papa is unable to find me?¡±


    To which Xu Lan replied, ¡°Why would you wander off? Are you really going to nitpick and start a scene?¡±


    Bai Wu refuted by saying, ¡°Well, I¡¯m making a scene because Papa never means what he says!¡±


    The conversation shifted quickly from cell phones to nitpicking at each other. It escted rapidly to a point where the both of them used each other of not being considerate enough toward each other. Once the spectacle turned intense, the both of them parted on bad terms.


    Due to time constraints, Xu Lan dashed back into the bathroom and told Bai Wu to shut it. Then he hurried to work. He had no idea how Bai Wu was doing, much less whether Bai Wu had taken breakfast or was still angry.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Something bothering you?¡± Xiao Feng fished out his notebook. The once-proper notebook had been reduced to tatters due to his constant jabbing.


    ¡°Er...nothing, Officer Xiao. It¡¯s just, I can¡¯t figure out what¡¯s the connection between the miners and the developers.¡± Xu Lan immediately stood up and blurted a random issue on the case while scratching his head.


    ¡°If there isn¡¯t any connection, don¡¯t try and force out a connection. What good would it do to simply connect the two together?¡± Xiao Feng looked at the page that he was jabbing. On each of the possible connections, Xu Lan had drawn a big cross on them. It demonstrated that he was still able to think of a genuine issue notwithstanding his inattentiveness.


    ¡°Mm, okay. May I ask if there¡¯s any other news about the remaining two miners? I feel that the criminals might be thinking of a way to target both of them.¡±


    Xu Lan came back to his senses immediately and asked.


    ¡°One of them died seven years ago. Another hasn¡¯t been found as of yet,¡± Xiao Feng replied. ¡°Oh yes, the information regarding the real estate developers have been obtained, would you like toe have a look?¡±


    ¡°Mm, sure!¡± Xu Lan immediately followed Xiao Feng into the meeting room. On the way there, he saw Wang Menging out of Xiao Feng¡¯s room. Upon seeing Xu Lan, Wang Meng wanted to speak to him but after noticing that Xiao Feng was there, Wang Meng refrained from saying anything.


    Later on, Xu Lan asked Wang Meng puzzlingly, ¡°Why did you want to speak to me at that time? You know well that doing so hasnded you in trouble.¡±


    Wang Meng cheerfully replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just felt that you and I could get along, so I wanted to get to know you better. Maybe it¡¯s because I feel that you and I are alike.¡±


    By then, of course, Xiao Feng no longer had his guard up against Xu Lan. He was happy to let both of them get along for the sake of doing their part to deal with such a tricky case.


    Everyone else had already seen the information ¨C they sorted them and earnestly handed them over to Xu Lan.

 Chapter 103 - The Meticulous Suspect

    <h4>Chapter 103: The Meticulous Suspect</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Both of the real estate developers used to be business partners. For reasons unknown, they had a fall out eight years ago. Both of them moved out of Whitehorse and their business declined steadily. The burst of the property bubble resulted in their staggering debt.


    ¡°It seems like the duo did something unspeakable eight years ago. Do we have any leads on that? Was it on the news?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°Eight years ago? I recall a huge incident involving impersonation of public security officers. It should be on the files. I can¡¯t remember where did I see it,¡± said another person.


    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve mentioned it, something like that did happen,¡± the seniors who could recall the incident chimed in.


    ¡°What about the inte? Did anyone publish information rting to the game on the websites?¡± Xiao Feng asked.


    ¡°No. Lately, they seem to be on guard. We couldn¡¯t get a response even if we tried applying to be an administrator. The top administrator¡¯s ount originated from Laos. We¡¯re nning to get in touch with the police at Laos to secure their cooperation.¡± The person in charge of inte-rted matters reported.


    ¡°No, I think there¡¯s no need for that,¡± Xu Lan spoke with squinted eyes.


    Everyone who was participating in the discussion stopped and stared at Xu Lan. This was the first time Xu Lan was contributing to the discussion on the investigation.


    ¡°Uh, excuse me, Sergeant Xiao. This is just my conjecture,¡± Xu Lan said awkwardly as he scratched his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, tell us what¡¯s on your mind.¡± Xiao Feng smiled nonchntly and handed the files over to Wang Meng. He crossed his fingers and rested them against his knees.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure that everyone here knows that we drew in the once. However, it was a failed attempt due to bad timing and insufficient preparation.¡± Xu Lan stood up and addressed all of his audience.


    Due to theck of preparation, it turned into a cross-border operation. Xu Lan was subsequently informed by Wang Hao that the ount had been inactive for a long time. Both Xu Lan and Meng Chengjun did not liaise with the terminal ount when they were applying to be an administrator.


    Hence, Xu Lan opined that the suspect was using the terminal as a diversion tactic.


    ¡°However, there are countless hidden administrators in this game, how do we know which ount did the suspect use?¡± Lan Er asked.


    ¡°Logically, the ount he used would be the most active ount over the past few months. As long as we find out the location of the few relevant ounts, we should have a rough idea by then,¡± Xu Lan spoke, still scratching his head.


    ¡°Hmm, this sounds logical. We will have a team to look into the old case concerning the impersonation of public security officers and the other team should continue tracing information on the inte. Find out if the terminal is just a sham,¡± Xiao Feng stood up and said.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner tonight. Everyone¡¯s been working really hardtely. We still have a long way to go, hang in there!¡± said Xiao Feng.


    ¡°Heck! Finally a proper meal! We¡¯ve been having takeaways every day, I¡¯m sick from the watery and tasteless meals!¡± Wang Meng stood up suddenly and said.


    ¡°Watery and tasteless?¡± asked Xiao Feng in a low tone as the corner of his lips curled upward.

 Chapter 104 - Bai Wu Flirting with a Girl

    <h4>Chapter 104: Bai Wu Flirting with a Girl</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Pft, shameless!¡± Wang Meng blushed and lowered his head.


    ¡°Haha! Meng Zi, told you to watch your mouth. This is instant karma for you! Haha.¡±


    Lan Er teased him while packing up and clearing the table. Everyone chuckled along with him ¨C Wang Meng was too embarrassed to even raise his head.


    Xiao Feng turned his head and looked at Wang Meng. He smiled and walked out. ¡°Serve you right!¡±


    ¡°I!¡± Wang Meng was infuriated. He grabbed a few files and was ready tounch them at Xiao Feng. Coincidentally, Xiao Feng turned around and looked at him. ¡°You, your files.¡±


    Xu Lanughed and everyone in the office burst into uncontrobleughter. Meanwhile, Wang Meng was summoned away.


    ¡°Why does Meng Zi fear Sergeant Xiao so badly?¡± Xu Lan asked in confusion.


    Given his strong build, Wang Meng had no reason to be afraid of Xiao Feng in a fight. Judging from his reaction, it did not seem like Xiao Feng was threatening him with some sort of secret.


    ¡°Haha, young man. Meng Zi told me that you¡¯re likely to be one of his kind. He even asked us to be kind to you. So you¡¯re not? Can¡¯t you tell? It¡¯s rather obvious.¡± Lan Er chuckled and patted Xu Lan on his shoulder.


    ¡°What?¡± Xu Lan was only observant when it came to investigation and Bai Wu. Besides that, he was no different from the members of Team 2.


    ¡°Haha. Since you haven¡¯t noticed, just pretend that you didn¡¯t hear anything from me. This is something that you have to learn for yourself. Right, everyone? We like the current arrangement. Once you¡¯ve realized, don¡¯t be too shocked. Otherwise, we¡¯ll teach you a lesson!¡± Lan Er said in a serious tone.


    While chatting, everyone got ready to head out for food.


    Xu Lan excused himself from the gathering by using the child at home as an excuse. However, Xiao Feng suggested for him to fetch his son over as this would be a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other.


    Before Xu Lan left for work this morning, he had an argument with Bai Wu. He wondered what Bai Wu was doing. In hindsight, he should have gotten Bai Wu a phone as it would be easier to contact him. Before the problem arose, he did not think that it was something serious. He did not think about Bai Wu when he was working. Ever since the problem was brought up, he felt like Bai Wu was on his mind at every single moment.


    Xu Lan agreed to Xiao Feng¡¯s arrangement since it meant that he would be seeing Bai Wu earlier. When he got home, he was stunned by what he saw.


    Bai Wu was chatting a beautiful woman up at the shop opposite their rented home!


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan roared in a low tone. He had been worried sick for Bai Wu and to think that Bai Wu had the mood to flirt with a girl!


    Bai Wu was having a discussion about rtionships with the beautiful woman. They talked about how to make someone fall in love with you, how to get someone to sleep with you, and so on. Bai Wu was so amazed by her analysis and exnation to the extent that he formally acknowledged Xiao Xiao to be his master. In reality, he did so out of Xiao Xiao¡¯s request.


    Bai Wu was happy to see Xu Lan. He was about to greet Xu Lan when he saw Xiao Feng trailing behind Xu Lan.


    Bai Wu¡¯s smiley eyes squinted dangerously. He sized Xiao Feng up and the atmosphere was incredibly tense.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Uncle.¡± The beautiful woman is the shop owner¡¯s daughter, who was a university student.


    Xu Lan¡¯s mood got worse. ¡®How old does she think I am? Uncle? Should I be addressing the shop owner who was as old as baldie Chen as my brother now?¡¯ he thought unhappily.


    Xu Lan answered curtly and was about to summon Bai Wu home. He nced over to Xiao Feng and remembered the purpose of his visit was to pick Bai Wu up for a meal. He then walked slowly toward Xiao Feng.

 Chapter 105 - We Met when I was Taking Out the Trash

    <h4>Chapter 105: We Met when I was Taking Out the Trash</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Sergeant Xiao, this is my distant rtive, Bai Wu,¡± Xu Lan said sternly without a smile.


    ¡°Uhm, let¡¯s go. Get into the car,¡± Xiao Feng replied and nodded.


    ¡°We¡¯re going for a meal together and this is Sergeant Xiao,¡± Xu Lan whispered darkly.


    Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan and Xiao Feng. Bai Wu¡¯s instincts told him that Xiao Feng was a dangerous character and so he held his tongue.


    ¡°Huh? Papa isn¡¯t home today and I don¡¯t have food at home. Bai Wu promised to make me dinner earlier,¡± Xiao Xiao noticed the signal and pleaded pitifully.


    Xu Lan was ovee by anger, all he heard was the young girl saying that her father was not going to be home. ¡®Heck! Your father isn¡¯t home, but I am!¡¯ he thought angrily and dragged Bai Wu toward Xiao Feng.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu whispered timidly. Xu Lan¡¯s grip was hurting him.


    ¡°Shut up! Go home!¡± Xu Lan was infuriated. He clenched his teeth and hissed, ¡°Sergeant Xiao, I¡¯m sorry that you have to witness this joke,¡± Xu Lan said apologetically.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s normal for a teenager to start living his own life. Xiao Xu, it would be good to give him some space,¡± Xiao Feng said calmly.


    When Bai Wu heard Xiao Feng addressing Xu Lan as Xiao Xu, his anger was palpable. White smoke rose up around him. The sudden tension caught Xu Lan off guard. A twisted crack appeared in the air. This time around, Xu Lan could see the formation of the crack clearly.


    Xu Lan gave Bai Wu a p and whispered, ¡°Are you insane?¡±


    Bai Wu reigned in his anger and stared at Bai Wu with his red eyes <sup>1</sup> . He pursed his lips and did not say a word.


    ¡°We can reschedule if today isn¡¯t a good time for you.¡± Xiao Feng felt the sudden onught of anger, even the hand he was holding cigarettes with was shivering.


    ¡°Uh, I¡¯m so sorry. Today isn¡¯t a good day for me, please apologize to everyone on my behalf. As a token of my apology, I¡¯ll buy everyone a meal another day,¡± Xu Lan smiled as he said.


    Everyone waited for his arrival and the symbolism behind the meal was that Xu Lan¡¯s capability was finally being recognized by everyone. To think that something unexpected like this happened!


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll head back now,¡± Xiao Feng said as he stubbed his cigarette and opened the car door.


    After watching Xiao Feng left in his car, Xiao Xiao blushed and said, ¡°Bai Wu, if you¡¯re not going for dinner, will you still being over to cook for me?¡±


    ¡°No! If he can¡¯t even feed himself, he shouldn¡¯t even think of cooking for someone else!¡± Xu Lan gritted his teeth and said to Xiao Xiao.


    Xiao Xiao was surprised. She raised her head and saw Xu Lan¡¯s threatening face. Immediately, she took two steps back and whispered in fear.


    ¡°Okay, okay.¡±


    Xu Lan turned and kicked Bai Wu on his calf before saying darkly, ¡°Scram!¡±


    Bai Wu held hisughter and gestured at Xiao Xiao. The scene fueled on to Xu Lan¡¯s anger, leading him to kick Bai Wu on his other thigh.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu rubbed on his calves and whined weakly.


    ¡°Home, now!¡± Xu Lan demanded grumpily, he was getting angrier by the second.


    Xu Lan paced around the room restlessly. Meanwhile, Bai Wu sat quietly on the sofa and watched him like a child who did something wrong.


    ¡°Papa, aren¡¯t you tired?¡± he asked as he felt sorry for Xu Lan.


    ¡°I! What happened between you and Xiao Xiao? To think that you¡¯re addressing her in such an endearing tone!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s voice turned raspy out of anger and it gave off a hint of sexiness.


    ¡°We met when I was taking out the trash earlier today.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s reply took Xu Lan by surprise, causing him to stumble and almost fell t on his face. Bai Wu had good reflexes, he immediately leaped over to catch Xu Lan, ¡°Papa, are you okay?¡±

 Chapter 106 - Bothered

    <h4>Chapter 106: Bothered</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°After getting to know her in the morning, did you spend the rest of the day chatting her up?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s temples were throbbing and his hands shivered.


    ¡°Uhm... I came home for lunch,¡± Bai Wu answered after giving it some thought.


    ¡°Ugh! What did you both talk about?¡± Xu Lan felt his chest tightened.


    ¡°Life at the university, I think it¡¯s something that I¡¯ll like. We also talked about our crushes,¡± Bai Wu answered honestly.


    ¡°Then?¡± For a moment, Xu Lan thought his blood froze. He reached for the water on the table. He was not mentally prepared for this yet!


    He wondered if the day to hand Bai Wu over to someone else hade. Xu Lan turned around stiffly and stole a nce at Bai Wu ¨C with his handsome face and sturdy build, women would flock to him.


    ¡°I told her that I love Papa the most! She said that someone my age shouldn¡¯t be overly attached to Papa. She even offered to get me a job, she knows a cafe-owner who¡¯s hiring and I¡¯m exactly who they¡¯re looking for. Hmm, what did she mean by someone like me?¡± Bai Wu asked in confusion.


    ¡°Did you say yes to that?¡± Xu Lan did not know what to feel ¡ª especially when Bai Wu said he should not be overly attached to his papa. His throat was dry and he struggled to utter even a single syble.


    ¡°Uh, no. However, I think she¡¯s right. I can¡¯t keep this up. Papa is working hard everyday and I would like to contribute too,¡± Bai Wu replied in a serious tone after he pondered upon it.


    Xu Lan sighed deeply. All these while, he had been treating Bai Wu as a three-year-old. He did not notice how much Bai Wu had grown. He knew what he wanted and he would fight for it. Soon, girls would be flocking to him and he would spend the rest of his life with the girl of his choice. Perhaps one day, Bai Wu woulde home with his wife and children to visit this lonely old man.


    Yes! That would be him, a lonely old man!


    ¡°The dimensional crack appeared just now. If we were to spend time apart, do you think...¡± Xu Lan prompted. He was not keen on the idea of Bai Wu working at the cafe.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. The crack is still small, I can go out,¡± Bai Wu replied happily.


    ¡°Ah, I see,¡± Xu Lan replied distractedly.


    ¡®Is there a way that I can stop Bai Wu from going out?¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    There was no way that Xu Lan could stop Bai Wu from going out. Bai Wu was a grown-up and it was impossible to lock him up at home or to bring him to work. Xu Lan felt that his brain was crippled and his thought process was a mess.


    He decided to wash up and to get a good night¡¯s rest. He supposed that he was just not used to the sudden change in Bai Wu¡¯s attitude. ¡®By tomorrow or day after, sooner orter I¡¯ll get used to it,¡¯ thought Xu Lan.


    However, his feet were heavy. He could not move them, it was as though they were filled with lead. At the same time, his body was moving forward. Before he knew it, he fell again.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Once again, Bai Wu caught him. Bai Wu did not know if he should be happy or guilty about Xu Lan¡¯s current state of mind. Bai Wu put Xu Lan on hisp and buried his head in Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Papa, I won¡¯t go if you¡¯re notfortable with it,¡± Bai Wu saidzily with his sexy voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine... Go ahead. It¡¯s good to meet new people and make some friends,¡± Xu Lan said grumpily.


    ¡°Xiao Xiao said the exact same thing as you did. She even said that I might meet my next girlfriend over there,¡± Bai Wu teased. Xiao Xiao did not say so, she merely suggested for Bai Wu to incite Xu Lan by bringing up the topic on girlfriend.


    Xu Lan felt like a deted ball. He no longer had the emotional capacity to be bothered anymore. ¡®He¡¯s going to leave soon. I knew this would happen sooner orter, but I didn¡¯t think that it would be so soon,¡¯ Xu Lan thought.

 Chapter 107 - Bai Wu’s Worries

    <h4>Chapter 107: Bai Wu¡¯s Worries</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu lifted his head and saw an expressionless Xu Lan. Initially, he was furious and a little restless, but at this moment, he acted as if nothing happened.


    He kissed Xu Lan¡¯s forehead between his eyebrows, but there was no reaction. He kissed Xu Lan¡¯s eyelid, still no reaction. He continued to kiss Xu Lan¡¯s nose bridge, there was still no reaction at all. Finally, he kissed Xu Lan¡¯s mouth, where he tried to separate his lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re supposed to do this with your girlfriend,¡± Xu Lan pushed him away gently and said.


    ¡°But I told Xiao Xiao that I only like Papa. Then, Xiao Xiao said that Papa is my boyfriend. She told me it¡¯s okay to kiss,¡± Bai Wu turned his face away and said softly beside Xu Lan¡¯s ears to coax him.


    Xu Lan¡¯s lips were sealed and he did not utter a word. Bai Wu pushed him against the sofa before pinning him down with his hands on both sides. He bit his ear and asked tantalizingly, ¡°Right, Papa?¡±


    In the end, Bai Wu did not go to the cafe. Instead, he made Xu Lan breakfast while humming a tune. When he thought of the man¡¯s reaction yesterday, he could not help butugh. He went a little overboard and almost scared the hell out of him. ¡®Seems like there¡¯s still a long way to go,¡¯ Bai Wu sighed.


    Xu Lan insisted on buying him a cell phone while he was on his way to work. Then, he immediately saved his number into it and said, ¡°Call me if something happens!¡±


    Bai Wu nodded his head delightedly and acknowledged him by answering ¡®okay¡¯.


    Xu Lan stared at his cell phone and waited for a whole day, but did not receive any of Bai Wu¡¯s message or phone call. Finally, it was Xu Lan who made the call.


    ¡°Hello? Papa, is there anything?¡± Bai Wu asked worriedly.


    ¡°I... You... Where are you? Want to go out and eat?¡± In actual fact, ¡®Why didn¡¯t you call me¡¯ was Xu Lan¡¯s intended question.


    ¡°Huh? Eat? I¡¯m at Xiao Xiao¡¯s shop. Hey, Papa... I have to go, there¡¯s a customer here. Beep...beep...beep...¡± Xu Lan was disheartened and put down his cell phone. He could not focus on the case no matter how hard he tried.


    ¡°Great job!¡± Xiao Xiao gave Bai Wu a high-five after she saw him hanging up the phone.


    ¡°Xiao Xiao, is this really going to work? Papa had always treated me as a son. I was rejected when I tried to kiss himst night,¡± Bai Wu said sadly as he lowered his head in dismay.


    When Bai Wu pinned him down, Xu Lan sprung up like a wounded spring. He stared at him for an extended period of time before asking him to go and wash up helplessly.


    ¡®Bai Wu had only learned these new terms, he probably doesn¡¯t really understand them,¡¯ Xu Lan thought to himself.


    ¡°How is that possible, you didn¡¯t see him yesterday. He looked like he wanted to gobble me up when he saw me. It¡¯s just that he hadn¡¯t realized his feelings for you are already beyond familial love. Hey, don¡¯t worry. If he doesn¡¯t like you, just work hard to make him fall for you. Come,e, lend me your hand for a picture,¡± Xiao Xiao urged him.


    As a reward, Xiao Xiao took a picture of Bai Wu¡¯s hand and uploaded online with the caption: ¡®Your welfare as promised, please continue to send tips. Our young brother doesn¡¯t have enough self-confidence. The amount of welfare will be doubled after we seed!¡¯ It was tagged with ¡®@ The battling soldiers of father and son ¨C Papa doesn¡¯t love me.


    There were already over a thousandments below.


    ¡®Fu*k, this sudden welfare from our young brother is so strong, I¡¯m so nervous, can¡¯t wait to see Papa.¡¯


    ¡®Front row crowd, those who had experiences, go on.¡¯


    ¡®If it¡¯s like this, can we start with 1. 2. 3. ...¡¯


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that it¡¯s weird for me to like Papa?¡± Bai Wu asked all of a sudden. He was frustrated with himself as his first reaction was to call Xu Lan ¡®Papa¡¯.

 Chapter 108 - Daring Comics

    <h4>Chapter 108: Daring Comics</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it? There¡¯re true feelings and love everywhere in this world. It¡¯s fine as long as you love each other,¡± Xiao Xiao turned the pages of theic book with gleaming eyes and asked, ¡°But the situation at the moment is that your dad doesn¡¯t like you. Don¡¯t you worry, you can¡¯t imagine how big the army behind you is.¡±


    ¡°Army? What army?¡± Bai Wu asked puzzledly. ¡®Could it be that there are other followers of mine in this world?¡¯ He thought.


    ¡°Uhm... Forget about it. You just have to know that your master is amazing,¡± Xiao Xiao waved her hand impatiently because Bai Wu was bombarding her with questions when she was at the climax of theic.


    ¡°Hmm... What are you reading?¡± Bai Wu nodded his head after giving a thought. He was quite interested when he saw Xiao Xiao looking at colorful pictures.


    ¡°Oh, this? Comics. Do you want to see it? You can use it as a reference and put it to practice in the future,¡± Xiao Xiao took one of the BLic books <sup>1</sup> and passed it to Bai Wu.


    Bai Wu immediately shut the book closed after turning to the first page. He red Xiao Xiao with a flushed face and asked, ¡°You... How can you look at these things?¡±


    ¡°What? You don¡¯t want it? Then return to me.¡± Xiao Xiao did not anticipate Bai Wu¡¯s reaction and reached out to take it back.


    Bai Wu hid the book behind his back with a reddened face and said softly with his head lowered, ¡°I want!¡±


    ¡°If you have any queries, just search it online. They have very detailed exnations.¡±


    ¡°Uhm,¡± Bai Wu answered softly, where his ears were so red that as if it was gonna bleed.


    ¡°He he! Don¡¯t need to be so shy okay? If you¡¯re this shy, how will you make me feel, as a girl? Don¡¯t you think I need face too?¡± Xiao Xiao reacted as if she was going to snatch theic book away. Bai Wu quickly protected it by hugging it between his arms.


    ¡°You said that it¡¯s for me!¡± Bai Wu said loudly with a reddened face.


    ¡°I can give you this, but you¡¯ll need to send a photo of you two after you seed, deal?¡± Xiao Xiao used this opportunity to get welfare for the fellowrades who contributed the ideas and suggestions.


    ¡°What photo?¡± Bai Wu asked.


    ¡°How about something like the one you saw on the first page just now?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Bai Wu rejected sternly!


    ¡°Such a scrooge. What about just a photo of you guys holding hands, surely this can be done?¡± Xiao Xiao curled her lips and said miserably.


    ¡°What are you guys doing!¡± Xu Lan stood at the door and stared at both of them with a ckened face. He was standing there since Xiao Xiao reached out to snatch the thing behind Bai Wu¡¯s back. Bai Wu did not notice him even after such a long time!


    Xu Lan was suppressing his anger, but he did not even know why he was angry.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu tossed theic book to Xiao Xiao as if it was a hot potato and ran towards Xu Lan¡¯s arms joyously, ¡°Papa, you¡¯re back.¡±


    Xu Lan looked at Bai Wu coldly while he hugged him coquettishly. He remained silent with a long face, as he recalled that Bai Wu threw something towards Xiao Xiao just now.


    ¡°My father will be back at night, you don¡¯t have to cook dinner for me, Bai Wu,¡± Xiao Xiao pretended to say pitifully, ignoring Xu Lan¡¯s surprised expression.


    ¡°Okay. Papa, let¡¯s go home. I cooked mung bean porridge today, cause Xiao Xiao mentioned that Papa¡¯s quite heaty, this can cool you down,¡± Bai Wu said pamperingly while he reached out to hold Xu Lan¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Walk by yourself! You¡¯re a grown person!¡± Who knew that Xu Lan immediately flung his hand away and strutted his way upstairs.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to the cafe anymore? You were hanging out with Xiao Xiao from downstairs throughout the day?¡± Xu Lan could not suppress his anger. He deliberately inquired about him from the surrounding neighbors that were managing the ce when he came home.

 Chapter 109 - Xu Family’s Call

    <h4>Chapter 109: Xu Family¡¯s Call</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan was furious!


    It was better not knowing. After he heard about his whereabouts, he felt that his blood pressure was rocketing, as if he was about to vomit a liter of blood out. Motherf*cker! This Xiao Xiao already had a boyfriend that she was about to marry, they even met their respective parents! Even then, she still thought of seducing Bai Wu?


    ¡°Xiao Xiao said...¡±


    ¡°Xiao Xiao said! Xiao Xiao said! You just can¡¯t have enough of Xiao Xiao these two days huh?¡± Xu Lan sprung up at once, both of his temples were pulsing. He was shorter than Bai Wu by half of a head, he was even more frustrated as he lost on his demeanor.


    Bai Wu pursed his lips and did not utter a word. He wrung his hands nervously and lowered his head.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re not going to the cafe, you¡¯ll follow me to work tomorrow,¡± Xu Lan said while he pinched his temples. He could not bear to be angry at Bai Wu after seeing his expression.


    ¡°Really? Can I? Am I really going to Papa¡¯s workce?¡± Bai Wu suddenly lifted his head and asked excitedly, like he was fully pumped up.


    These few days, Xu Lan had zero progress on his work. He could not even identify the problem that Wang Meng pointed out easily. He also zone out a lot during meetings. Xiao Feng changed a few of his notebooks since all of them was in a mess, but all he could do was stare at his cell phone the whole day.


    ¡°Bring Bai Wu over,¡± Xiao Feng said with his arms crossed.


    ¡°Huh?¡± When the two words, ¡®Bai Wu¡¯ was mentioned, Xu Lan responded immediately and stood up in the middle of a pile of files.


    ¡°If you¡¯re still worried, just bring him over. We¡¯re not in the police station, don¡¯t feel so restrained,¡± Xiao Feng hummed gently, as he was quite satisfied with his judgment.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Xu Lan nodded his head weakly.


    ¡°I love you, Papa.¡± Bai Wu gave a quick peck on his face and single-handedly carried Xu Lan by his waist and spun around in circles happily.


    ¡°Ahh! What are you doing! Put me down!¡± Xu Lan said incoherently while he tried to hold on to Bai Wu¡¯s shoulders as he lost his center of gravity all of a sudden.


    Coincidentally, at this moment, Xu Lan¡¯s cell phone rang. Bai Wu let go of the man unwillingly and moved on to prepare dinner.


    Xu Lan stared at the screen that was showing a number that had not appeared for almost a year. He tightened his fist and answered the call shakily.


    ¡°... Hello?¡± His trembling vocal cord made his voice hoarse. A strong mist of grief shrouded the tall man.


    ¡°Young Master Xu, are you avable? The hospital just sent a notice of critical illness, all of us hope that you cane home.¡±


    ¡°I...¡± The man¡¯s stomach started to churn and the stomach acid was surging upward. He was starting to have a full body seizure. He opened his mouth but he could not make a sound.


    Bai Wu brought over the mung bean porridge when he saw the man sunk into the couch slowly. He put down the bowl and ran toward him immediately in horror and carried him up.


    ¡°Papa... Papa, are you okay?¡± Bai Wu picked up Xu Lan who was still convulsing from the floor. He was so anxious and did not know what to do next.


    ¡°Young Master Xu, Young Master Xu?¡± The voice over the phone called out unhurriedly with a hint of anger underneath the calm tone.


    Xu Lan¡¯s face turned pale, his teeth chattered while his whole body convulsed mildly. Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan painfully and secured him in his arms and locked all of his four limbs.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Bai Wu retrieved the phone and asked with a lower voice, as the other end of the phone call was still trying to reach out.


    The person behind the phone was shocked as they thought that sound ¡®Papa¡¯ was just an illusion. They paused for a while before continuing, the anger in their tone was not lessened by the radio waves and was transmitted directly into Xu Lan¡¯s rental house.


    ¡°I think that Young Master Xu should notify Master of your condition. After all, Master would not want to see something like that to happen again.¡±

 Chapter 110 - Lan Er’s Misjudgment

    <h4>Chapter 110: Lan Er¡¯s Misjudgment</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°I... We¡¯ve already cut off all rtions as father and son! Who are you to judge me! What grounds do you have to meddle with my stuff! So what, now the old man is going to die and all of a sudden he thought of his exiled son? I... I will never go back!¡± Xu Lan burst out loud.


    Xu Lan never ever thought ofpromising on the issue of Bai Wu. Bai Wu is his son! He would never let him experience his sufferings!


    ¡°Dam* you! How dare you say such treacherous words when you have Xu family¡¯s blood flowing in your body! If not for this, we would never...¡± A sharp voice pierced through the phone ¨C it was Madam Xu.


    Xu Lan hung up the phone with trembling hand. It took a while before he regained his senses.


    He was disinherited from the Xu family, he had no rtions with them anymore! Heforted himself that way.


    That night, Xu Lan could not sleep in peace. He tossed and turned from one side to another, not being able to fall asleep. In the end, Bai Wu had no choice but to press him down with all of his limbs in order to stop him from moving further. Bai Wu¡¯s heart was filled with sympathy after seeing Xu Lan in this state.


    During hisst visit, Lan Er told him to leave Xu Lan alone. He mentioned that he had no knowledge on such matters. Initially, Wang Meng thought that he found arade that he could share his thoughts with. On one hand, Xiao Feng was monitoring him under strict supervision. On the other hand, Lan Er told him that Xu Lan had no intention of sorts. It made Wang Meng so guilty and disappointed at himself so much that it made him depressed for quite some time.


    Atst, it was Xiao Feng who called Bai Wu over.


    Therefore, Wang Meng thought that he was hallucinating when he saw Bai Wu sleeping on Xu Lan¡¯sp as Xu Lan concentrated on the files when he pushed the door open. He closed the door then rubbed his eyes before opening it again and entered.


    Nothing had changed. He wanted to call that basta*d Lan Er so badly toe over and see with his own eyes, see who¡¯s the blind one! Xiao Feng tortured him so much because of this.


    ¡°Xiao Xu?¡± Wang Meng scratched his head and called out awkwardly.


    ¡°Oh, Meng Zi. Is there anything?¡± Xu Lan asked in a lowered tone.


    ¡°I came over to retrieve a few files of the real estate dealers for the investigation of the public security bureau impersonation incident,¡± Wang Meng answered ufortably.


    ¡°Oh, sure. It¡¯s on the opposite bookshelf, the eighth row on the fourth column from the right. Can you take it yourself?¡± Xu Lan said embarrassedly. He was about to get up when the weight on hisps pushed him down.


    ¡°Yes, yes, carry on with your work,¡± Wang Meng said hurriedly, before barging out like an elephant after retrieving the files.


    ¡°Papa?¡± Bai Wu called out with a voice as if he was sleep talking, before turning around and reaching out to hug Xu Lan on the waist. He was awake since Wang Meng pushed open the door for the first time, where he listened to Wang Meng¡¯s movements with his eyes half-closed.


    ¡°Hmm? You¡¯re awake?¡± Xu Lan put down the files on his hands, lowered his head and asked. He rubbed Bai Wu¡¯s hair indulgingly after seeing such a lovely sight of him. He felt that this was the most peaceful moment in the past few days.


    ¡°Ya...¡±


    ¡®Knock knock¡¯


    ¡°Pleasee in.¡± The door was not closed, but Wang Meng acted like it was and knocked on the door.


    ¡°Hehe, Xiao Xu, they too wanted the files for the ¡®Sparrow Game¡¯. I asked them toe over to look for it themselves since it¡¯s not convenient for you.¡±


    Wang Meng scratched his head while he moved over and Lan Er emerged from behind. Bai Wu stood up, he was almost as tall as Xiao Feng. His height made the two of them who were standing at the door felt pressured.


    Wang Meng elbowed Lan Er and red at him viciously as if he was asking ¡®Are you blind?¡¯.


    ¡°Hey, Officer Xu. Who¡¯s this?¡±

 Chapter 111 - Just Like How You Love Song Xi

    <h4>Chapter 111: Just Like How You Love Song Xi</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Lan Er walked in with a grin on his face, his gaze met with that of Bai Wu. Ever since his encounter with Li Xiu, Bai Wu found people who feigned friendliness nauseating.


    Bai Wu was infuriated; white fumes were starting to form around him. It was as though his anger materialized and exerted its crushing weight on others, causing them to struggle to breathe. Something seemed to be crackling in the air and it was simr to the sound of ss shattering. The next moment, a crack appeared in the air.


    ¡°Are you insane? What do you think you¡¯re doing? Hurry up and take a seat!¡± Xu Lan noticed the crack and pped Bai Wu¡¯s back anxiously, only then did Bai Wu¡¯s anger subside. A pair of bloodshot eyes was fixated on Lan Er.


    ¡°I¡¯m his distant rtive. My name is Bai Wu,¡± he said curtly.


    ¡°Cough, cough. Remember how I mentioned that I have a child at home? This is him,¡± Xu Lan red at Bai Wu as he exined awkwardly.


    ¡°How old is he? I¡¯m guessing at least 20? What a handsome buddy! Does he have a girlfriend?¡± Lan Er teased.


    ¡°Nah, not yet. He just came to the city not long ago and he¡¯s still getting used to the life here. I mean, there¡¯s no rush anyway,¡± Xu Lan replied dryly, his mood had clearly been ruined by Lan Er.


    ¡°Heh, I have a nuisance of a younger sister. Should I get her to show him around? It would be a great opportunity for them to bond as well. She¡¯s been ming me for stealing all the good genes away from her and won¡¯t stop pestering me until I find her a boyfriend.¡± Wang Meng held Lan Er¡¯s phone in his hand, forcing him to exin.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that! I have a boyfriend!¡± Bai Wu dered in a serious manner.


    Upon hearing Bai Wu, all three of them stood in shock.


    Xu Lan was dumbfounded. He thought, ¡®Didn¡¯t he have a crush on Xiao Xiao? Why did he say that he has a boyfriend?¡¯


    Just as Lan Er and Wang Meng thought they finally knew what was going on, they became more confused after seeing the stunned look on Xu Lan¡¯s face. Was Xu Lan not the person Bai Wu was seeing? Well, that would exin why Xu Lan remained unaware of the rtionship dynamics between Wang Meng and Xiao Feng.


    Wang Meng kicked Lan Er on his leg and marched out in anger. Lan Er paused and chuckled. It seemed that his dinner for the night was sorted!


    ¡°Since when did you have a boy... friend?¡± Xu Lan turned his head and asked awkwardly. He felt his neck cracking under the strain.


    Bai Wu raised his brows and held Xu Lan¡¯s hands as he took a seat. He stared at Xu Lan with a smitten look on his face. ¡°Papa, when did you agree to be my boyfriend?¡± he asked.


    Xu Lan a rush of blood to his head as he panicked.


    ¡°Nonsense! How can I be your boyfriend! I¡¯m your father!¡± Xu Lan swung Bai Wu¡¯s hand away and lectured him loudly.


    ¡°Why not! I love Papa, and Papa loves me too! Why not!¡±


    Bai Wu was exasperated too. For the past few days, he had been following Xiao Xiao¡¯s method. Besides angering Xu Lan, Bai Wu did not achieve anything favorable at all. Xu Lan did not love Bai Wu; perhaps, Xu Lan only had fatherly love for him. Bai Wu intended to change the status quo, for he loved Xu Lan! He wished that Xu Lan would reciprocate his love.


    ¡°What has gotten into youtely! Do you even know what¡¯s love?¡± Xu Lan scolded furiously.


    ¡°Of course I do! I love you the way you love Song Xi!¡± The sound of ss shattering could be heard in the air while white mists filled the room.

 Chapter 112 - You Are Not My Papa

    <h4>Chapter 112: You Are Not My Papa</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Song Xi? What does this have anything to do with Song Xi? You¡¯re being unreasonable! How can youpare yourself with Song Xi! What you¡¯re talking about isn¡¯t love, it¡¯s your selfish desires, it¡¯s about you being possessive! We¡¯re both men, how could we...¡±


    ¡®Huff!¡¯ White smoke rose from the ground. Bai Wu was staring hard at Xu Lan with his bloodshot eyes as white dragon scales started to show on the corner of his eyes. Not only did Xu Lan refused to agree with him, but Xu Lan also disapproved of his feelingspletely. Bai Wu felt like his heart was being squeezed by a pair of invisible hands; the beast trapped within him was enraged and trying to rush out desperately.


    ¡°How am I different from Song Xi! Song Xi doesn¡¯t love you. I¡¯m the only one who¡¯s here for you!¡± Bai Wu yelled and green smoke rushed out from his mouth.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m your father!¡± Xu Lan who felt cornered began to retaliate verbally.


    ¡°You¡¯re not my Papa!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s eyes looked as though they were made out of ss. They were wrapped within silverish white dragon scales and there was a raging storm forming in those eyes.


    Bai Wu lost control and shouted. He had been careful to avoid that particr topic. This time around, he slipped as he tried to rebut Xu Lan.


    Time froze, Xu Lan paused. He stood motionlessly as Bai Wu¡¯s words echoed in the room. The air was freezing and it sent chills up his spine.


    ¡°Xiao Xu, time for a meeting.¡±


    Xiao Feng spoke while looking at his phone and walking through the door.


    ¡°Scram!¡± Bai Wu yelled as mist rushed out from his mouth.


    Time started to run again. Xu Lan felt as though his brain had exploded; the next moment, he copsed onto the ground. Bai Wu¡¯s anger dissipated immediately and the room regained its peace.


    Besides the scattered files in the room, it was as though nothing happened earlier.


    ¡°So, you both had a fight?¡± Xiao Feng tapped his tobo ash off as he spoke to the man on the hospital bed.


    Bai Wu pursed his lips and held his tongue. He had a deep frown on his face as he stared at Xiao Feng.


    ¡°Stop looking at me like that. I know what you¡¯re thinking,¡± Xiao Feng smiled and said.


    ¡°Heck! What happened to Xiao Xu? How did he end up in the hospital so suddenly?¡± Wang Meng rushed in and shouted at Xiao Feng.


    ¡°Come here.¡± Xiao Feng was wondering how to deal with Bai Wu¡¯s hostility toward him and Wang Meng happened to barge in.


    Bai Wu watched coldly as Xiao Feng reached for Wang Meng¡¯s arm. Wang Meng was stunned temporarily and he walked over to Xiao Feng with a huge frown. Xiao Feng held the back of Wang Meng¡¯s head down, pulling Wang Meng toward himself.


    ¡°Heck! You! Xiao Feng!¡± Wang Meng leaped in surprise and pointed his finger at Xiao Feng. He was caught off guard and found himself at a loss for words.


    ¡°Is this how you feel about Xiao Xu?¡±


    Xiao Feng chuckled after seeing the look on Wang Meng¡¯s face. While calming Wang Meng down, he licked his lips evilly and spoke to Bai Wu.


    Bai Wu was stunned. He paused momentarily before nodding.


    ¡°Yet, you¡¯re the reason why he¡¯s admitted into the hospital? Seems like he¡¯s not that important to you as you would like to think eh?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± a burly man dressed in ck interrupted Xiao Feng¡¯s conversation. Shortly after, an old man who was surrounded by five or six burly men walked in.


    ¡°Excuse me, I heard that our young master is admitted into the hospital. I¡¯m here to escort him home,¡± the butler at Xu family said to the rmed trios.


    In reality, it was not so much as escorting as seizing Xu Lan over. As they would never win against Bai Wu in a fight, they had no choice but to let Bai Wue along.

 Chapter 113 - Inheritance

    <h4>Chapter 113: Inheritance</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The extravagant vi was impressive. After meeting Xu Lan, Bai Wu had never been to anywhere as extravagant as this. Xu Lan had always worried about money. In fact, he could not afford a house and had to resort to renting, even if that meant putting up with thendy¡¯s vituperation.


    Bai Wu was brought over to a huge room. The people in the room craned their necks to take a peep at Bai Wu and decorations were hung around the room. A big bed was situated in the middle of the room, where a sickly old man rested upon it.


    ¡°Since when did the unfilial son have a child this old?¡± asked the sickly old man.


    ¡°I heard he¡¯s Xu Lan¡¯s distant rtive, his name is Bai Wu,¡± replied the butler.


    ¡°Hmph, distant rtive? Cough, cough. Is he still not awake yet?¡± the old man asked weakly.


    ¡°He¡¯s awake now. I¡¯ve sent someone to get him,¡± replied the butler again.


    ¡°Cough, cough. You,e over here.¡± The old man gestured at Bai Wu and everyone in the room made space for him immediately.


    Bai Wu remained motionless. He stood afar as everyone in the room judged silently.


    ¡°Well, we can¡¯t expect the bastard to know how to raise a well-behaved child, can we?¡± a well-preserved beautiful woman said contemptuously.


    Bai Wu was displeased. He red at her with his bloodshot eyes the way an eagle watched its prey.


    ¡°You! Why are you staring at me? He¡¯s a bastard son who¡¯s not well brought up, am I wrong?¡± The woman took a few steps back and fell by the side of the bed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have the right to criticize my boy!¡± Someone supported Xu Lan and walked him to the room. His body was shivering and yet, he put on a brave face to defend Bai Wu. As Bai Wu saw Xu Lan, he ran over and held Xu Lan¡¯s shivering hand.


    ¡°Oh yes, I do! You¡¯re the bastard of Xu family and that gives me the right to criticize you!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s stomach started to churn at the mention of family.


    ¡°Cough, cough. Su Mei...¡± the old man said weakly beforeunching into a coughing fit. The woman immediately tended to the old man with feigned concern.


    ¡°Cough, cough. Is everyone here?¡± the old man whispered.


    ¡°Yes,¡± answered the butler.


    ¡°Cough, cough. I¡¯m old now and I¡¯ve gathered everyone around to discuss the following matters. Cough, cough...¡± The old man gasped for air before asking, ¡°Is thewyer here yet?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s here,¡± replied the butler. The old man nodded in approval.


    ¡°All of my sons are jointly entitled to eighty percent of my assets. Meanwhile, my daughters will be jointly entitled to fifteen percent of my assets. As for you,¡± the old man pointed at Xu Lan, ¡°you can have this house and the remaining five percent of my assets.¡±


    The room was in chaos right after the old man spoke.


    ¡°Master! How could you give the bastard five percent of your assets! It¡¯s so unfair! We¡¯ve worked hard to get to where we are today. He¡¯s not entitled to the five percent! Do you know how much this vi is worth?¡± The woman named Su Mei shrieked angrily and wrinkles began to appear on her well-preserved face.


    ¡°Cough, cough. Su Mei, he¡¯s entitled to this.¡± The old manunched into a coughing fit again and Su Mei immediately patted his back.


    ¡°Haha, hahaha! You¡¯re funny! Who did you take me for? You¡¯ve disowned me fifteen years ago and now you¡¯re sparing me some of your assets like I¡¯m a beggar?¡± Color returned to Xu Lan¡¯s pale face ¨C his cheeks were blushing unnaturally out of anger.


    ¡°Have you forgotten how you treated me in the past? Why, is this ast-ditch attempt to make yourself feel better?¡±

 Chapter 114 - Xu Lans Backstory

    <h4>Chapter 114: Xu Lan¡¯s Backstory</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°There¡¯s no need topensate you, you bast*rd son! Why are you back after so long? Are you here to fight for your share of inheritance?¡± A younger woman stepped forward, she was Xu Lan¡¯s third younger sister.


    ¡°Hahaha, well said! Do you people have no shame? From disowning me to inviting me here today and offering me a share of the inheritance, you people scripted the entire thing didn¡¯t you? Wouldn¡¯t you love for the entire city to know about the bastard in Xu family?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s eyes were red when he shouted loudly.


    ¡°You... You unfilial son!¡±


    Somehow, the old man managed to muster up the energy to reach for the bible on his bedside which he then sent flying at Xu Lan. Bai Wu deflected the bible easily while supporting Xu Lan.


    ¡°Yo, here I thought you were performing a Buddhist ritual, little did I know that you¡¯re a Christian now?¡± Xu Lan nced at his feet and said in contempt. It was as though Bai Wu¡¯s presence gave him bravery and took his fear of being in the house away. If anything, he was fuelled by anger.


    ¡°If Xu Lan refuses to inherit the assets, we should just let this matter pass.¡± A man stepped forward and picked up the bible as he spoke.


    ¡°Cough, cough! No! I insist for him to have it! Even after my death, I refuse to let him live his life in peace!¡± The old man announced agitatedly while Su Mei patted him on his back.


    ¡°Cough, cough. The rest of the ny-five percent must be imed by Xu Lan on behalf of everyone and he must not donate the assets to charity.¡± At this point, the old man constantly gasped for air.


    Right after he spoke, the house was in a state of unrest and everyone in the house red at Xu Lan in contempt.


    ¡°Haha... Hahaha... Well yed! Well yed!¡±


    Xu Lanughed hysterically after hearing what the old man had to say. When Bai Wu tried to prop Xu Lan up, he realized that Xu Lan was shivering. He was crying!


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu carried him and whispered quietly.


    ¡°You are very wise indeed. It¡¯s a shame that the love of your life doesn¡¯t reciprocate your feelings. If she didn¡¯t volunteer the information, you probably wouldn¡¯t have known that she¡¯s cheated on you. The greatest entrepreneur in Whitehorse was cheated on by the love of his life, don¡¯t you find this ratherical?¡±


    Xu Lan held back no more. He red at the old man in disgust as he spoke. Bai Wu¡¯s heart ached at the sight of Xu Lan¡¯s nonchnt face.


    ¡°Ahhh! Ahhh! You! You! You...¡±


    The old man pointed at Xu Lan as he gasped for air. Everyone in the house rushed over to check up on the old man¡¯s condition.


    ¡°Butler! Capture them!¡± Su Mei shrieked.


    Xu Lan was not Master Xu¡¯s son. The love of Master Xu¡¯s life gave birth to Xu Lan, an illegitimate child after cheating on Master Xu.


    Before he was four years old, Xu Lan was loved excessively. Xu Lan¡¯s biological mother fell sick and was incurable by modern medicine. The old man channeled his love for her onto Xu Lan.


    The old man made his fortune by dabbling in gray areas. In Whitehorse City, he was known for his cruel and ruthless methods. More importantly, everyone knew to never cross the young master.


    Whenever they went out, the young master was hand-carried by the old man. The old man would not eat until he was done feeding the child. At four years old, the child still slept with the old man every night. From brushing his teeth to giving him a shower, the old man took care of the child¡¯s every need on his own without outsourcing to someone else.


    Happy times did notst long. Everything stopped when Xu Lan was four years old. Sometimes, he doubted if those were his real memories or a mere fiction of his imagination.

 Chapter 115 - Xu Lan’s Backstory (2)

    <h4>Chapter 115: Xu Lan¡¯s Backstory (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The misfortune urred when Xu Lan was four years old. The woman passed after the God of Death finally summoned her over to the underworld. She wrote a letter to the old man, but she herself did not know whether it was written out of good conscience, for apologetic reasons, or for something else entirely.


    At the beginning of the letter, she revealed how he forced her to surrender herself to him. He may have loved her, but she was not happy at all. She carried out a plot to seduce a random man ¨C one whose identity remained unknown ¨C and eventually gave birth to Xu Lan. When she saw him holding Xu Lan in his arms every single day and pampering the boy from the bottom of his heart, she silently revelled. She enjoyed the delight that revenge brought her thoroughly.


    When she neared the end of her life, she decided to disclose everything to him. She was determined to let him suffer even after her death and hoped that his suffering would continue until the day he died.


    The old man nearly went insane. He was admitted to the hospital countless times because of what happened. After he recovered from it andpleted a paternity test, he began to torment Xu Lan.


    Even though Xu Lan had not seen his old man for a long time, he remembered vividly how the tragedy of his life began.


    Xu Lan was at the garden ying in the water when his old man came home. Happily, he threw himself at his old man and asked for a hug.


    With a thump, Xu Lan got kicked in the chest. As he fell, the outer end of his eyebrow hit the edge of the pond and both his eyes turned red.


    ¡°Daddy?¡± Xu Lan burst into tears.


    ¡°Lock him up!¡± With clenched teeth, the fuming old man looked at Xu Lan with rage. Without so much as another look, he left.


    Xu Lan was promptly locked up in a little ck house. Food was delivered at a specific time each day. His old man drank a lot during that period of time, and whenever he got drunk, he would beat Xu Lan up and have the boy sent to the hospital. Such was Xu Lan¡¯s life for the next two years. It may have been more or less than two years, Xu Lan could no longer remember clearly.


    His old man had other women ¨C many, in fact ¨C and he fathered more children. Xu Lan was finally allowed toe out again to see how well his old man treated the other children while he was subjected to theplete opposite.


    Xu Lan was also allowed to go to school with them, though it was mainly to be a source of their amusement. He was a punching bag and a dog to them, amongst many other things. That was his life until he turned fifteen. Xu Lan was not keen on talking too much about the things that happened during that period of time. It was nothing but verbal abuse and hospital trips ¨C Xu family was rich anyway.


    When Xu Lan was fifteen, Su Mei came into the picture and became the second woman that his old man truly loved. She could not tolerate Xu Lan¡¯s existence and proximity, as she saw him as the illegitimate son borne by the woman he loved most prior to her.


    By virtue of that, their father-son tie was cut off. For the first time, Xu Lan no longer had to deal with verbal and physical abuse. He no longer needed to hear others call him a b*stard, and he was finally happy.


    As he recounted everything to Bai Wu, Xu Lan felt at peace. Bai Wu, however, felt engulfed in sorrow.


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t be here.¡± Bai Wu was unable to be as level as Xu Lan; he could only hug Xu Lan and let his tears flow freely. Bubbles even started to form from the mucus in his nose.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. If the people outside hear you, they¡¯ll restrain you again,¡± Xu Lan replied expressionlessly.


    Xu Lan relived many of those bad memories when he first took Bai Wu in. First, there was Bai Wu¡¯s heart-wrenching denunciation, then there was his old man¡¯s unrivaled scheming.


    ¡°Is that where Papa got that scar? Is that why Papa¡¯s body always twitches when someone criticizes you?¡± Bai Wu reached to kiss Xu Lan¡¯s eyebrow.


    Xu Lan pushed Bai Wu away and avoided his questions. Instead, he simply said, ¡°Don¡¯t call me Papa anymore.¡±


    He spoke those words monotonously.


    Bai Wu froze immediately. His heart sunk together with Xu Lan¡¯s.

 Chapter 116 - The Collapse from Thirteen Years Ago

    <h4>Chapter 116: The Copse from Thirteen Years Ago</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Two days after Xu Lan left, his old man passed away. The official report stated that his cancer got the better of him, but other members of the Xu family insisted that it was because Xu Lan infuriated him.


    It all felt inconsequential to Xu Lan. He was neither happy nor sad. More than anything, he was indifferent.


    Members of the Xu family came to Xu Lan¡¯s doorstep repeatedly to the point where his doorsill was heavily worn out from their visits. They all tried convincing him to inherit the old man¡¯s assets. However, Xu Lan had no money to pay taxes. The rest of them were unwilling to fork out that much money for tax since they had yet to obtain the assets.


    The issue came to a standstill and they were visibly flustered, as one would expect. No longer able to afford to live life extravagantly, they took it out on Xu Lan. Every single time they did that, Bai Wu used all his might to shoo them off. It reached a point where they would first check if Bai Wu was home before deciding to start cursing him.


    Although Xu Lan told Bai Wu not to call him ¡®Papa¡¯, he never asked Bai Wu to leave because he knew that Bai Wu had nowhere else to go.


    Time and again, Bai Wu pestered and begged Xu Lan, asking to be brought to Whitehorse Hotel. He harassed Xu Lan, then Xiao Feng, then eventually Wang Meng.


    Wang Meng threw his cards toward him and scolded, ¡°Motherf*cker! You still have the decency to ask for my help when you¡¯re saying all that bullsh*t? What does it have to do with me? You¡¯re not even allowed to go in the first ce! F*cking hell! You¡¯re pissing me off!¡±


    Xiao Feng had cards in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Wafts of cigarette smoke circted him. Upon hearing Wang Meng¡¯s words, he took a deep puff, pulled Wang Meng closer and nodded. Then he turned to Bai Wu and said, ¡°You see, there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡±


    Embarrassed, Bai Wu went back to Xu Lan¡¯s side. Coincidentally, he bumped into Meng Chengjun, who brought his team to look for Xiao Feng. They wanted to deliver the news that there was a new breakthrough.


    Everyone sat together and discussed the case, which meant that they had no time to deal with Bai Wu. In order to make sure that Wang Hao and the rest do not worry about him, Xu Lan did his best to force a smile. Bai Wu saw it and felt heartbroken.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, do you have any thoughts on the case in light of the progress we made?¡± Meng Chengjun asked Xu Lan with a smile.


    ¡°Someone was killed as a result of the public security bureau impersonation incident. In the midst of the ruckus, the eldest son of one of the nail house owners was squashed to death amongst the pushing and shoving of the crowd. After that, the developers left Whitehorse City. In the information that Team Leader Meng just handed over, was that particr nail house owner one of the nine people who were sent back from the mine?¡± Xu Lan responded, quick-witted as usual.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°In that case, the recent events center around the copsed mine in Chengdu thirteen years ago. It¡¯s likely that things didn¡¯t go as well as the news reports say, since there were people who died. In order to cover up the truth, the mine owner dismissed those who were part of that team and gave them a considerable amount of hush money. For the next five years, or rather, thirteen years, they seemed to live peacefully.


    Until today that is. The criminals finally engineered a plot to carry out their revenge. The public security bureau impersonation incident was merely one of many incidents, but in that case, there was a confirmed death. If we add the involvement of the other nine people, then the criminal would be able to take advantage of the crisis for their personal gain, and everything would fall into ce. Of course, I¡¯m only guessing and trying to understand the case a bit better at the same time,¡± Xu Lan remarked while looking at Meng Chengjun.


    ¡°Damn! Xiao Xu, when did you string it all together? You never told me! And here I thought I could offer you help,¡± Wang Meng eximed, somewhat upset.


    ¡°So, our task now is to determine who the criminals are. Are they the nail house owners from eight years ago or are they the people from the copsed mine thirteen years ago?¡± Xiao Feng asked as he twirled his pen.

 Chapter 117 - Locked in A Toilet

    <h4>Chapter 117: Locked in A Toilet</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Correct. We need to find out what actually happened thirteen years ago.¡± Xu Lan nodded affirmatively.


    ¡°Alright. Xie San, do a search on what transpired thirteen years ago in that mine in Chengdu. Dig up on our criminal who thinks it¡¯s never toote to take revenge!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Since everyone was there, Meng Chengjun expressed his desire to treat everyone to a meal and do the honors as a host. Xu Lan had no excuses, so in the end, even Bai Wu was dragged along.


    Everyone was ted with the new development in the case and drank a fair amount of alcohol. After dinner, they decided to go for a karaoke session. Xu Lan¡¯s brain throbbed from the noise of the raucous group of men, so he decided to go out for some fresh air.


    As soon as Xu Lan stood up, Bai Wu stood up too.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Xu Lan questioned coldly when he realized Bai Wu wanted to help him up.


    ¡°I...what is Papa doing?¡± Bai Wu asked uneasily.


    ¡°Why do I have to tell you? If I go and take a piss, are you going to hold my d*ck for me too?¡±


    Although Xu Lan refrained from drinking too much, his alcohol tolerance was low. Those sentences made Bai Wu feel even more uneasy. Wang Hao noticed the tension between those two and offered them a ss each, then he dragged Bai Wu over to join the karaoke.


    Xu Lan originally intended to get some air, but after drinking, nature called. He wanted to smoke when he sat down on the toilet bowl, when he realized something: he had given up smoking since God-knows-when! He clicked his tongue.


    ¡°Xiao Feng! You motherf*cker!¡± Xu Lan could hear those words clearly despite being under the influence of alcohol. In Whitehorse Hotel, Xu Lan regarded Wang Meng as the most amusing person, mainly because his appearance had a sense of familiarity.


    ¡°I¡¯ll f*ck you!¡± A thump was heard as someone was pushed against the wall. Xiao Feng was raging in a low voice.


    ¡°You motherf*cker, you¡¯re crazy you know that? When did I say I wanted to go there? Do you think it¡¯s worthwhile for me to meet a sl*t?¡± Wang Meng felt hurt.


    ¡°Then why did you send a message to rendezvous with him? You wanna go and f*ck somewhere tonight? I¡¯m not f*cking you enough?¡±


    Xiao Feng¡¯s words through clenched teeth could be heard. Xu Lan sat on the toilet bowl unable to defecate, yet he did not dare to get up.


    ¡°Rr! You motherf*cker, you went through my phone!¡± Considering Wang Meng¡¯s temper, it was likely that he jumped up. With another thump, he was pushed against the door.


    ¡°You think you¡¯re so holy? I f*ck who I wanna f*ck! The f*ck does it have to do with you? Let me go! I...hngg...¡± What followed next was the sound of wet smacking and two bodies colliding with each other.


    ¡°F*ck! Are you a b*tch in heat?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    The voices finally ceased, and the sound of an opening door was heard soon after. Xu Lan could finally breathe in a breath of fresh air. He sobered up significantly.


    Neither Xiao Feng nor Wang Meng was present in the room when Xu Lan went back. Bai Wu went up to him immediately.


    ¡°Papa, where did you go just now?¡± he asked worryingly. Apart from the toilet on the same floor which was undergoing maintenance, Bai Wu searched every other toilet in the building and still could not find Xu Lan. In the end, he just sat back down and waited.


    Xu Lan looked at Bai Wu then sat down and drank some alcohol to ease his shock. Once he confirmed that those two were Wang Hao and Xiao Feng, he drank another ss. Since the members of the task force could not get a hold of Xu Lan previously, they immediately surrounded him and persuaded him to y a drinking game the instant he sat down. One round was all it took to intoxicate him again.


    Noticing Xu Lan¡¯s return, Xiao Zhang also went up to him. Other colleagues from Team 2 followed suit. It was yet another round of drinking, and by then Xu Lan already felt lightheaded.


    ¡°Papa, don¡¯t drink anymore,¡± Bai Wu pleaded softly as he tugged at Xu Lan¡¯s shirt.

 Chapter 118 - Provoking Xiao Zhang

    <h4>Chapter 118: Provoking Xiao Zhang</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Go away!¡± With an unpleasant tone of voice, Xu Lan pushed Bai Wu away. Then he randomly pulled someone over and said, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s drink!¡±


    Xiao Zhang frowned and lightly clinked sses with him. The cast-aside Bai Wu looked at him anxiously.


    Once Xu Lan got the hang of the drinking game, he started raising the stakes. Someone then decided to change the game to throwing dice. Xu Lan drank so much that he could not even grasp the dice cup properly, but he still continued drinking.


    ¡°Uncle!¡± Bai Wu walked over to Xu Lan and eximed while holding in his anger.


    He was rather furious, and although he was angry, Xu Lan¡¯s body still belonged to Xu Lan! Did he not remember how hungover he was after the previous drinking session?


    Xu Lan squinted at Bai Wu andughed. Hisugh looked far worsepared to when he cried, and Bai Wu felt a heart-wrenching hurt.


    Xu Lan stood up shakily, intending to go the restroom. Bai Wu rushed over to help him but was pushed away. He allowed everyone else to help him except for Bai Wu. As long as Bai Wu came into contact with him, he drank another ss. It was as if alcohol was able to make him forget Bai Wu.


    Eventually, Bai Wu sat to one side and did not touch him.


    Xu Lan casually chose someone to apany him. Xiao Zhang, left with no other choice, went along with him to the toilet. The hand that he ced on Xu Lan¡¯s waist was especially unpleasant to Bai Wu.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu? Are you done?¡± Xiao Zhang asked after noticing Xu Lan nearly falling asleep against the wall.


    Xu Lan vaguely replied with an ¡®mm¡¯ and continued sleeping. In the end, Xiao Zhang was left helplessly picking up the pieces.


    The still-uneasy Bai Wu went looking for Xu Lan and saw Xiao Zhang cleaning up the mess. Bai Wu stepped forward quickly and sent Xiao Zhang flying to the wall with a punch.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Bai Wu roared.


    ¡°Zipping his pants! Can¡¯t you see?!¡± Xiao Zhang massaged his shoulders and answered infuriatingly.


    Although Xiao Zhang was always rather cautious when it came to Bai Wu, he would not have done what he just did under normal circumstances. The alcohol he drank gave him a bit of Dutch courage to talk back toward Bai Wu.


    Bai Wu panted roughly and his blue veins started bulging. In a sh, he gripped Xiao Zhang¡¯s neck: Xiao Zhang was faced with the anger that Bai Wu held in throughout the day.


    ¡°What are you?¡± With a hand to his neck, Xiao Zhang had difficulty asking. ¡°You were just a kid a few months ago, but now you¡¯ve already grown so much!¡±


    A mere few days prior, Bai Wu had a different appearance. At that time at least, he still had a young and na?ve look ¨C eyes that shone brightly like a gem, an adorable tear mole, tender lips, and as a whole, he had a youthful aura.


    Fast forward to that night, Bai Wu had transformed once again: he had thick ck eyebrows, scarlet-red eyes, a majestic mountain-like nose ridge, and fickle lips. Bai Wu had turned into a fully-grown man.


    Bai Wu frowned. Space and time were able to surreptitiously influence and change the thoughts of whoever hade into contact with him. It made him stand out much less. It was precisely why he and Xu Lan¡¯s sudden appearance in Huaxia did not raise any eyebrows. It was also the reason why the members of Team 2 managed to overlook Bai Wu¡¯s change <sup>1</sup> .


    The person in front of Bai Wu, however, was not affected in the slightest!


    ¡°What about you? What are you?¡± Bai Wu let the man ago and looked at him suspiciously.


    ¡°I¡¯m the police! We all treat him as our own elder brother! If you dare toy a hand on him, none of us will let you go so easily!¡± Xiao Zhang meant every single word.


    ¡°BAHAHAHAHA...¡± Bai Wu could not resist bursting out inughter!


    ¡°The hell are youughing at!¡± Embarrassed and angry, Xiao Zhang shouted.


    ¡°Nothing. How could I every a hand on him? Surely you must¡¯ve seen how I didn¡¯t dare to even touch him today?¡±


    Bai Wu zipped up the half-zipped pants and replied. Then he brought Xu Lan to his chest.


    ¡°You!¡± Xiao Zhang stared at him with anger-filled eyes.

 Chapter 119 - Bai Wu Consoles

    <h4>Chapter 119: Bai Wu Consoles</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Me? What about me? You haven¡¯t had enough of that suffering now, have you? Do you want me to punch you again?¡± Bai Wu held up his fists. ¡°You¡¯d better go back and shut your damn mouth, or else...¡±


    Bai Wu delivered a punch to the wall. Small pieces of brick fell off the wall. ¡°...this fist will strike you right in the center of your stomach.¡±


    For Bai Wu, it did not matter if Xiao Zhang was able to see Bai Wu¡¯s changes by virtue of being Qiao Yi¡¯s spy, or whether the ability was inherent <sup>1</sup> : Bai Wu¡¯s punch would not be in vain.


    ¡°Ugh...Bai Wu...ugh...¡± Xu Lan ¨C who had fallen asleep on Bai Wu ¨C let out a painful moan.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Bai Wu held him up to the sink immediately. He straightened Xu Lan¡¯s back so he could vomit morefortably.


    After he finished vomiting, Bai Wu propped him on the shoulder and started walking back. Seeing the staggers and stumbles, Xiao Zhang went over to help.


    ¡°Let go!¡± Bai Wu stopped to shoot him an angry look, then carried Xu Lan horizontally in his arms and walked off, leaving Xiao Zhang standing dumbfounded.


    Bai Wu was Xu Lan¡¯s son a few months back, and a few days ago he was the nephew. What could their next rtionship possibly be then?


    ¡°Bai Wu...¡± Xu Lan shouted.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± Bai Wu answered.


    ¡°Bai Wu...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here...¡±


    Xu Lan patiently called out over and over again, while Bai Wu replied as many times and equally as patiently. When the lean and muscr man was put side-by-side inparison with Bai Wu, one could notice that he was not as mighty and powerful as was once thought.


    ¡°What do I have to do to make you believe me? I¡¯ve already told you that I¡¯d like you and only you until the day I die.¡± Xu Lan felt rather guilty after listening to Bai Wu¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I believe you. I¡¯ve always believed you. But Papa, I don¡¯t want the ¡®like¡¯ that you¡¯re talking about. I want...¡± Bai Wu hugged him and did not finish the sentence.


    ¡°What kind? The kind like Officer Xiao and Meng Zi?¡± He could not help but say it. The incident in the toilet was enough to rattle him.


    Bai Wu looked at him in astonishment. As his eyes began to grow hazy, he said, ¡°Yes...¡±


    Xu Lan said nothing further and turned his body to the other side. He did not want Bai Wu to help him brush his teeth, wash his face, or bathe him. Bai Wu was afraid to ascertain if Xu Lan was truly drunk.


    Since returning back from dealing with his old man¡¯s death, Xu Lan never slept together with Bai Wu. Of course, that was the very day that Bai Wu uttered some harsh words. It was a different story on the night after karaoke. Xu Lan seemed to be exceptionally frail. Bai Wu did not let go of him even after carrying him to the bed.


    ¡°Papa?¡± Bai Wu asked cautiously.


    Xu Lan did not reply nor respond. Bai Wu fretfully took a towel and dabbed off the beads of sweat on Xu Lan¡¯s head, then tucked him into the nket.


    ¡°Bai Wu...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Bai Wu knew for sure that Xu Lan was not drunk, at least, not as drunk as he was on the previous night.


    Bai Wu felt heaty wetness on his chest: Xu Lan was crying softly. Softly, Bai Wu patted him on the back and urged him to sleep.


    ¡°He¡¯s dead...¡± After so much time had passed, Xu Lan finally said something about the matter, and it marked the first time he mentioned it.


    ¡°Mm, I¡¯m here,¡± he consoled as an endless stream of hot tears soaked the sleeve of his shirt.


    ¡°I always wanted him to die early. Wherever I was, he forced me back here so I can only live my whole life in Whitehorse City.¡±


    ¡°Mm, now we can travel and have fun. Where do you want to go?¡± Bai Wu coaxed.


    ¡°He¡¯s perverse! Nothing else! He still can¡¯t let go of me even after his death! The woman¡¯s perverse too! I, I¡¯m perverse too!¡± Xu Lan eximed while hugging Bai Wu even tighter. He exined that the perversion was his original intention when taking Bai Wu in, but that he did not dare to say it out loud.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m perverse, too.¡± Bai Wu lowered his head to kiss Xu Lan¡¯s hair.

 Chapter 120 - Xu Lan’s Moment of Weakness

    <h4>Chapter 120: Xu Lan¡¯s Moment of Weakness</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°The truth is, he only kicked me that one time. When he was drunk, he even hugged me and cried. After that, he just looked at me while others beat me up. He didn¡¯t want to get his own hands dirty.¡±


    ¡°Mm, you¡¯ll have me in the future.¡± Bai Wu lifted Xu Lan by the chin and kissed him right above the eyebrow.


    The scar nted horizontally across his supraorbital ridge, and the flesh that covered it up looked exceptionally menacing. Bai Wu, however, found it cute, and could not resist kissing it once more.


    ¡°They always beat me. I was always admitted to the hospital. They called me a b*stard and peed on me.¡±


    ¡°Just let your tears flow out. I¡¯ll be here to wipe them.¡± With an even tighter hug, Bai Wu whispered in Xu Lan¡¯s ear.


    Xu Lan started sobbing softly. Bai Wu began patting him on the shoulder and waited for him to rx.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we just be on good terms with each other? I will make good on my promise.¡± Xu Lan changed the subject abruptly.


    From being high up in heaven, old man Xu threw him into the dirt, wrecking him ruthlessly. Xu Lan was left without knowing who his real father was! The ordeal had distorted Xu Lan¡¯s view of fatherly love, leaving him with a biased opinion of it. He went mad trying to search for something that was not even there to begin with.


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu kept mum and kissed him on the head, saying, ¡°Go to sleep.¡±


    Xu Lan¡¯s tears began flowing ever more fervently, seemingly a result of spending too much time with Bai Wu. Xu Lan originally intended to utilize his state of intoxication to be honest with Bai Wu and reach apromise once and for all, but the feelings that he meticulously kept to himself were all revealed to Bai Wu.


    However, Bai Wu was already a grown man and had other pursuits in life.


    Despite their respective trouble thoughts, they remained silent about them. Bai Wu felt sleepy rather easily as ofte, and so joined Xu Lan ¨C who cried himself to sleep ¨C in slumber.


    Like a thief in the night, the crack appeared just outside the window. It looked at the soundly sleeping Bai Wu and expanded into a giant hole before rushing toward him with an evil grin.


    Through unknown means, the Xu family managed to find out where Xu Lan¡¯s workce was. They came to the hotel en masse. Xu Lan sat for a fair amount of time in the hall. The family members were able to source some funds, and they wanted to bank them into Xu Lan¡¯s ount so he could help them inherit the bequest.


    ¡°Why should I let you all be so well off? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve forgotten how you¡¯ve treated me in the past? I¡¯m used to having no money anyway. Inherit or not, it doesn¡¯t affect me. Besides, I¡¯ll be d to see the Xu family¡¯s estate go bankrupt,¡± Xu Lan remarked while looking at the transfer agreement.


    Those who came began cursing out loud. Xu Lan found it so detrimental to his hearing that he wanted to clean his ears up. He would always wait for Bai Wu to bring him up and chase them away.


    There was one time that Wang Hao went looking for him and was met with that very scene. He asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just sign it? You¡¯ll be living in peace if you let them retrieve the inheritance.¡±


    Xu Lan then posed another question, ¡°Can¡¯t I have my revenge for all the things they did to me? And another thing, if they manage to get the inheritance, would they still be so friendly toward me?¡± He described their present attitude as ¡®friendliness¡¯.


    Wang Hao was unsure of what to say next. Embarrassed, he went straight down to business.


    The task force had another meeting, and Wang Hao came over bringing the case of the copsed mine in Chengdu.


    A total of ten people descended into the mine when the incident happened, but only nine came out. The elder employees who visited the mine all said that the tenth person was a madman, a reckless idiot. He was kidnapped ¨C but no one knew from where ¨C and was sold to the mine owner as a coolie.


    Since he had no family, friends, or rtives, the mine owner gave the other nine miners hush money after the incident happened. The matter ended there and then, and no one ever spoke about it again. That was why the papers only published news of the copse, with no mention of any casualties.

 Chapter 121 - Bait

    <h4>Chapter 121: Bait</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    In light of the circumstances, the mining ident thirteen years ago was not the main issue here. The focus should be on the forced demolition by the developer eight years ago.


    However, only two people were involved in the forced demolition. In fact, one of them died seven years ago. The conjecture seemed to defy logic.


    Wang Hao passed the files around and borated, ¡°Three months ago, Sergeant Xu told me to research about this. As he didn¡¯t specify that it was rted to the case, I didn¡¯t pay much attention to it. When I saw everyone investigating the case on impersonation of public security officers that took ce as a result of the forced demolition, I was reminded of this particr case.¡±


    The files offered by Wang Hao contained information about thest of the nine miners who came back from the mine.


    After his relocation, his son died of an illness and his entire family was admitted into a psychiatric hospital due to their mental illnesses. A few years back, the miner himself passed away too. His wife escaped from the psychiatric hospital and was never found again. She was probably...


    The whereabouts of the nine surviving miners had been ounted for. Regardless of whether their deaths were natural or intentional, they were no longer alive.


    ¡°Do you think the Sparrow Game will still go on? How are we going to capture our suspect now?¡± asked Wang Hao.


    ¡°Suspect? We don¡¯t even have the slightest clue about anything. How are we going to capture our suspect?¡± Xie San replied dejectedly.


    ¡°Heck! So our efforts are all for naught? What a waste of time!¡± Wang Meng chimed in.


    ¡°Mind yournguage,¡± Xiao Feng said with a huge frown, he was clearly in a bad mood.


    ¡°Damn! What¡¯s wrong with the way I speak? Is this the first day that you know me? Damn it! You¡¯re crazy!¡±


    Wang Meng whispered thest few sybles through his teeth, with the final syble popping out between his lips. It was exactly the same as the night at the toilet and it made Xu Lan extremely ufortable.


    In hindsight, Wang Meng and Xiao Feng seemed to share a special rtionship. In fact, Lan Er even warned him about it.


    ¡°Cough, cough. Let¡¯s focus on the case. The miner who returned to Whitehorse seven years ago is the only one whom we have yet to investigate. Do you all think it¡¯s a good ce for us to start?¡± proposed Xu Lan.


    ¡°On a side note, we¡¯ve looked into the terminal server at Laos. It¡¯s as Sergeant Xu had said, the server has been out of use for a long time. The following are the administrators who¡¯ve been active in the game over the past few months.¡±


    Xie San took out a stack of files and distributed it to everyone.


    There were five ounts listed on it. Amongst them, three ounts were active in Whitehorse. This showed that Xu Lan¡¯s conjecture was moving in the right direction. The login details of the ounts, including the time and location of login, were listed in the files too.


    ¡°Have you looked into these locations yet? Did you find anything?¡± asked Xiao Feng.


    ¡°Uh, he¡¯s sly and did not leave anything behind. We¡¯re waiting for him to login again and arrest him on the spot,¡± replied Xie San.


    ¡°Hmm, in that case, you should bait him on the inte and see if he takes the bait. Previously, Group Leader Meng and his team worked hard to locate the terminal and applied to be an administrator. We should post a couple of pictures and try to locate their organization. Let¡¯s see if we have any luck with that,¡± Xiao Feng said determinatively.


    ¡°Alright.¡±

 Chapter 122 - Hello, Zhao Ran

    <h4>Chapter 122: Hello, Zhao Ran</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan reached an agreement with members of the Xu family and inherited the assets. He did so after securing a suitable investor ¡ª Song Xi¡¯s boyfriend, Zhao Ran.


    Xu Lan aspired to be someone like Zhao Ran ¡ª someone who looked good in suits and exuded confidence and grace. He signed on the transfer agreement and collected the inheritance from the Public Notary Office. After doing so, he donated the vi on the spot. His charitable act was widely reported on the news.


    Subsequently, he visited members of the Xu family with Bai Wu. He nned on liquidating his share of the inheritance by selling it to them. The members of the Xu family were enraged after hearing his intention.


    Xu Lan was right. Before he retrieved the inheritance, they were being decent to him. If not for Bai Wu, he might not have made it out alive. He would have either drowned in their saliva or been wed to death.


    Wang Meng asked about the reason behind their bad attitude. He found it strange that they treated Xu Lan rudely even when they were asking him for a favor.


    Xu Lan took a sip of his tea and thought, ¡®That¡¯s because they¡¯re used to it. They think that I should be treated badly. Even when they were asking something of me, that was the nicest that they could be.¡¯


    This exined why Xu Lan reached out to Zhao Ran instead of them; besides getting a reasonable offer, he would be treated with respect and courtesy.


    ¡°You seemed different from when west met,¡± said Zhao Ran.


    ¡°How so?¡± Xu Lan made an effort to dress up that day. He went for a haircut and had Xiao Feng picked out his outfit. Even when he was clothed in suit and leather shoes, he gave off a carefree vibe. He styled his buzz cut with wax and the scar on his brow amplified his ruggedness.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always thought you¡¯re a hardworking elite, little did I know that you¡¯re a skilled negotiator,¡± said Zhao Ran.


    Xu Lan¡¯s mouth twitched and he smiled embarrassedly. ¡®What a way to insinuate that I¡¯m an unkempt nerd,¡¯ he thought.


    ¡°Heh, thanks for thepliment. So, would you be interested in my five percent share of the inheritance?¡± Xu Lan feigned confusion and asked.


    Zhao Ran raised his brow and sped his hands.


    ¡°Even if you haven¡¯t approached me, I would¡¯ve approached you sooner orter. I¡¯m very interested in your properties.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Xu Lan pped his thigh and replied happily.


    In the end, Xu Lan sold his properties to Zhao Ran at a slightly marked-down price, which was still enough for Xu Lan to afford a nice car, a nice house, and nice clothes.


    Xu Lan returned home happily. As expected, he was ambushed at the door by members of the Xu family who had nothing nice to say.


    Xu Lan used to have gastrospasm that led to full-body convulsion whenever he was scolded by members of the Xu family. Ever since the old man passed away, his condition waspletely cured.


    Xu Lan chuckled and thought, ¡®What a nonsensical condition!¡¯


    In the end, Bai Wu came down to bring Xu Lan home. The group was unable to do anything besides watching them leave.


    Bai Wu had not been tagging along to the hotel for the past few days. Both of them chose to erase the incident from their memories; Bai Wu did not bring up the topic of like or love again while Xu Lan did not discuss whether Bai Wu was his son or not.


    However, it was obvious that Bai Wu felt anxious. Even though Bai Wu still kissed and hugged Xu Lan, he was no longer uninhibited. When Xu Lan carried Bai Wu¡¯s bedding onto the bed, Bai Wu would remove it andid it back onto the floor. Xu Lan blushed when he realized what was going on. He decided to let it be.


    A knotted string would still be functional without being unknotted.

 Chapter 123 - Commendation

    <h4>Chapter 123: Commendation</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, when are you free to talk? The Director General wants to have a word with you,¡± Meng Chengjun spoke on the other end of the line.


    ¡°Did anything happen? I¡¯ll be back in thete afternoon,¡± Xu Lan replied as he organized his files.


    ¡°Uh, I¡¯m not sure. The Director General didn¡¯t tell me much. He just told me to drop you a call,¡± said Meng Chengjun.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    After dealing with his tasks for the day, Xu Lan went to the police station. Upon noticing Xu Lan, Lao Chen immediately ran toward him with his big belly bouncing left and right. What was left of his hair fluttered in the wind. It was a nauseating sight.


    ¡°Xu Lan! I have a piece of good news. Come on, let¡¯s talk inside.¡± Lao Chen reached for Xu Lan¡¯s hand affectionately with a huge grin on his oily face.


    ¡°What¡¯s this piece of good news that you¡¯re talking about? Why haven¡¯t I heard about it?¡± A lot happened to Xu Lantely and he was skeptical about Lao Chen¡¯s words.


    ¡°Heh, here¡¯s the deal. I just received a phone call from our higher-ups and they decided tomend you for your ster services to Whitehorse all these years. You are invited to attend themendation ceremony taking ce in the province. This doesn¡¯t happen often, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s great?¡±


    Lao Chen smiled as he said.


    ¡°Uh huh, great news indeed,¡± Xu Lan smiled bitterly. The timing could not have been better.


    ¡°Heh, since you¡¯re going for themendation ceremony in the province, I¡¯ve decided to have you transferred back here. It¡¯ll be a good chance for you to readjust your state of mind. After all, you have to give a speech on stage, we can¡¯t have you freaking out now, can we?¡± Lao Chen continued.


    The bitter smile on Xu Lan¡¯s face faded immediately. He frowned and squinted at Lao Chen. The case was close to being resolved. Lao Chen wanted to transfer Xu Lan over so that he would not outshine Meng Chengjun.


    ¡°Cough, cough,¡± Lao Chen covered up his embarrassment with a few coughs. ¡°Also, there is a set of rules that you need to follow when giving a speech on stage. Do you know how to draft a script for your speech? I have a temte for you to base it on.¡±


    Lao Chen fished out the script that he prepared earlier and handed it over to Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan took a quick nce and concluded that the content was nothing more than bureaucratese. The entire script was mainly about expressing his gratitude to his higher-ups at the province, his leader, and a long list of other personnel.


    Previously, he had to stay at the police station because he had no other options. Lao Chen took advantage of that and saw him as an easy target to bully.


    Besides requesting for Xu Lan¡¯s transfer for fear that he would steal Meng Chengjun¡¯s thunder, Lao Chen also wanted Xu Lan to make him look good during the speech. How shameless can Lao Chen be?


    ¡°Heh, Director General, I think I¡¯ll pass on themendation ceremony. I don¡¯t have enough money and it¡¯s best for me to stick to earning an honest living by leading the team. By the way, when will I be reimbursed? I need money desperately,¡± said Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan¡¯s insistence to remain on his team put Lao Chen in a sour mood.


    ¡°Do you think that you can change a decision made on the provincial level at your whims and fancies? Do you still n on staying around? What about your promoti¡ª¡± Lao Chen shut his mouth immediately. After all, job promotion and sry increment were not something that he could decide on his own. Proper procedures must be followed and the final decision would be made by way of voting. Even though he was empowered to make major decisions, he was careful not to draw unnecessary attention to himself.

 Chapter 124 - Not Coming Home for Dinner

    <h4>Chapter 124: Not Coming Home for Dinner</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Since Xu Lan had enough money to live out the rest of his lifefortably, he cared about neither themendation nor the job promotion. He was more concerned about the possibility of Baldie Chen pocketing his money.


    ¡°Heh. Director General, this isn¡¯t up to me. Look at where seven, eight years of hard work got me? I¡¯ve decided to take things easy and spend the rest of my life in peace,¡± Xu Lan cursed at him softly while smiling.


    ¡°Xu Lan!¡± Baldie Chen shouted after hearing what Xu Lan had to say.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Xu Lan remained seated on the chair, his booming voice took Lao Chen by surprise.


    ¡°Let¡¯s put it this way. You don¡¯t have a choice; whether you like it or not, you¡¯ll have to attend the ceremony. Unless you don¡¯t mind being suspended again, I would strongly advise you toply,¡± Lao Chen threatened.


    ¡°Sigh, Director General Chen, don¡¯t you think that the person who lodged aint against me is crazy? Heined about my allegedlyplicated familial rtionship and misbehavior. Aside from my distant rtive whom I brought over here a few days ago, have you seen anyone looking for me at the police station?¡±


    Xu Lan grew angry just by talking about it. He wondered which bastard thought that the case wasing to a close and lodged aint against him!


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard about the death of Master Xu, the owner of the biggest conglomerate in Whitehorse,¡± Xu Lan whispered into Lao Chen¡¯s ear, as though he was unveiling a great secret.


    Lao Chen shivered, even the fats on his face trembled slightly. Xu Lan sort of knew why Lao Chen had the guts to mistreat him all these years.


    Xu Lan¡¯s hands rested on the script. He refused to be a doormat any longer. He would leave if he had to.


    When Xiao Feng called Xu Lan, Xu Lan was still enjoying the egg yolk pastry Bai Wu made for him at home. He sneaked home for a quick break. Before he knew it, his phone rang.


    ¡°Hello, Officer Xiao?¡±


    ¡°Where are you? Come over now. Lan Er pulled up some files on the person who died seven years ago. Also, ¡®Sparrow¡¯ seems to be active again!¡± Xiao Feng spoke with excitement in his tone.


    ¡°I¡¯m home. I¡¯ll be there shortly,¡± replied Xu Lan.


    ¡°Home? You can just stay home for the rest of the day then,¡± Xiao Feng spoke after a pause.


    Xu Lan looked at Bai Wu who was peeling an apple for him. He replied, ¡°Uhm, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    Bai Wu¡¯s hands paused. He ignored his aching heart and continued peeling the apple for Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan told Bai Wu to stop peeling as he put on his shoes. He informed Bai Wu that he might be homete and that Bai Wu should have dinner without him.


    Bai Wu nodded and walked Xu Lan to the door. Feeling drained, he lowered himself into a squat after Xu Lan disappeared from sight. He wondered how Xu Lan could act as though nothing happened, as he could not do the same. He tried figuring out Xu Lan¡¯s thoughts carefully for he feared that he would identally push Xu Lan¡¯s buttons.


    Whenever Xu Lan was around, Bai Wu had to resist the urge to hug and kiss him. Whenever Bai Wu had dreams, his face would always be soaked in tears. He regretted his harsh words deeply.


    The void grew bigger and bigger, yet Bai Wu was unsure how to tell Xu Lan about it.


    After squatting for a long time, Bai Wu¡¯s mood improved slightly. He upied himself with dinner preparation for both of them. Even though Xu Lan said he was noting home for dinner, he had been returning every day.

 Chapter 125 - Xiao Zhang’s Perception

    <h4>Chapter 125: Xiao Zhang¡¯s Perception</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    After he finished packing, Bai Wu changed into a new set of clothes and went to Sanhe Bridge alone.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Bai Wu asked precautiously when he saw Xiao Zhang on the bridge.


    ¡°I always felt odd whenever passing by this ce, but I couldn¡¯t really exin that weird feeling,¡± Xiao Zhang said puzzledly and shook his head.


    Bai Wu stared at the ck hole which was swaying gently. There was nothing in it, not even a single ray of light. How could it not be weird?


    ¡°What are you doing here then?¡± Xiao Zhang asked in return.


    ¡°Would you believe me if I told you I came here to take a bath? The weather¡¯s too hot, I¡¯m here to cool off,¡± Bai Wu answered.


    The empty hole sensed Bai Wu¡¯s presence and grew excited, it slowly detached itself from the surface of the river and floated toward him.


    ¡°I always felt that this ce is quite spooky. Aren¡¯t you afraid that you¡¯ll get caught by the water ghost underneath when you¡¯re bathing?¡± Although Xiao Zhang was not able to see the dimensional crack, he could still felt that something was approaching and he urged Bai Wu to leave instinctively.


    ¡°Why would I be afraid that it¡¯ll take me away?¡± Bai Wu mumbled. In fact, he came over to check on it because he was worried and was surprised to see how much it had grown. When it rained thest time, it was only a small crack, but it became a hole now.


    ¡°What did you say? Does that mean that there¡¯s really a water ghost down there?¡± Xiao Zhang stared at him. He was doubtful, but he did not dismiss the possibility either. After all, he witnessed Bai Wu¡¯s rapid growth within a couple of months. This did not seem too unbelievable byparison.


    ¡°Nothing. You came all the way here just because you felt weird?¡± Bai Wu looked at him with his cherry-blossom eyes.


    ¡°Nah, how could that be? I just came out from Whitehorse Hotel and I¡¯m going back to the police station to get something,¡± Xiao Zhangughed and said.


    ¡°What about the hotel?¡±


    Xiao Zhang waved at Bai Wu, signaling him to lower his head. Bai Wu raised his eyebrow and scooted over slowly.


    ¡°We found a new lead today. The administrator of Whitehorse City took the bait and we¡¯re discussing how to arrest him on-scene,¡± said Xiao Zhang.


    ¡°Oh, no wonder,¡± Bai Wu said with a pouted mouth and nodded his head understandingly.


    ¡°No wonder regarding?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, what are you retrieving? I¡¯ll follow you to the hotel.¡±


    Bai Wu nced at the void. Individuals like Xiao Zhang who could sense the presence of the void without knowing that it existed were the easiest to be swept away into the void. This matter could not be dyed any further.


    ¡°On the records, both of them were brothers, with Zhao as theirst name. The younger brother went to work in a different state. At that time,munication through cell phones was notmon, the elder brother was worried about not being able to contact him when he returns. That¡¯s the reason he did not agree to the demolition and was unwilling to be relocated. Not long after, that incident happened. The younger brother came home in the second year only to find that the house was no longer there. He tried to ask around and finally found his deranged brother in a mental hospital. He fell sick and died soon after,¡± said Lan Er.


    ¡°How was his body discovered? Was the younger brother alone? No wife or son?¡± Xiao Feng asked.


    ¡°He checked into a welfare home where he eventually passed away. Records mentioned that he was married once, but they separated for reasons unknown. Nothing about a son,¡± said Lan Er.


    ¡°These two brothers don¡¯t have any descendants, nor do they have immediate rtives. Who is seeking revenge for them? Could it be that crazy olddy?¡± Xie San pped the table and said.


    ¡°The possibility is small. It¡¯s impossible to create an online game without professional technical knowledge. Even if she was only pretending to be crazy, she can¡¯t do all of that alone, not to mention having an offshore ount,¡± said Xu Lan.

 Chapter 126 - The Void Had Grown Larger

    <h4>Chapter 126: The Void Had Grown Larger</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°True.¡± Xie San nodded.


    ¡°F*ck! We must have overlooked some of the details. How are we going to connect the whole case otherwise! It¡¯s obvious that all of them are rted but weck one connecting point. This is so f*cking annoying.¡± Wang Mengined in distress.


    All of the people in the meeting room turned to look at him.


    ¡°What the he*l! Why are you guys looking at me, do I have flowers on my face?¡± Wang Meng¡¯s voice echoed through the whole meeting room followed by the roaringughter of the crowd.


    ¡°What did the bait say?¡± Xiao Feng asked after theughter ceased.


    ¡°The first mission will be announced tonight, time is yet to be confirmed. Nheless, our guys are fully prepared, we¡¯d nted our men in all the main branches of each inte cafe. Once he¡¯s online, we¡¯ll know his location immediately. We should be able to arrest him after we know the time that he decides to announce the mission,¡± said Xie San.


    ¡°Right. What about you Xu Lan, do you have anything to say?¡± Xiao Feng saw Xu Lan being worried and asked puzzledly.


    ¡°Oh, I have a question. The file recorded that the second son of the elder brother fell ill and died. What kind of illness was so serious that he died before reaching the hospital for treatment? They receivedpensation from the mine and the relocation subsidy. In addition, they should have gotten a generous amount ofpensation from the public security bureau impersonation incident. However, there are no records about them sending their son to the hospital. Also, what was the reason that made both of them insane after their son died or did it happen at the same time?¡± Xu Lan asked while he squinted at the files in his hand.


    ¡°Hmm, go and check on it,¡± Xiao Feng said.


    ¡®Knock knock.¡¯


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Bai Wu helped Xiao Zhan to carry aputer over and ced it on the table. ¡°This is the most treasured thing in our station, we¡¯re bringing out thest bit of our secrets.¡±


    ¡°What is this? Isn¡¯t it just aputer?¡± Wang Meng asked, before standing up to take a look at it.


    ¡°This is a modifiedputer, it can calcte five times faster than a normalputer. We¡¯re looking for the administrator of ¡®Sparrow¡¯ tonight, Group Leader Meng told me to bring this over,¡± Xiao Zhang said.


    ¡°Thank you, thank you Group Leader Meng. It¡¯s very nice of you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, it¡¯s what I¡¯m supposed to do. We¡¯re actively searching for new leads in order to catch the suspect as soon as possible,¡± Meng Chengjun said kindly with a smile.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Xu Lan asked with a lowered voice when Bai Wu slowly walked and stood behind him.


    After the meeting ended, Bai Wu quietly dragged Xu Lan into the reference room.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Xu Lan asked as Bai Wu seemed to be a little off today.


    ¡°The void had grownrger.¡±


    ¡°...¡± Xu Lan looked at a quiet Bai Wu who was pinching the corners of his shirt. Bai Wu dare not lift up his head to look at him either. Time was as if a knife, slicing on Bai Wu¡¯s body stroke after stroke.


    ¡°I... I don¡¯t have any other intention. I just want to ask... Want to ask if you¡¯ll be back home for dinner tonight?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s tears started to fall. He was asking if he was willing to stay with him.


    Xu Lan looked at his watch, it was twenty past five in the evening.


    ¡°We¡¯re having an operation tonight, I wouldn¡¯t be back on time. You should head back first.¡±


    Suddenly, he recalled that the veryst time, Xu Lan wanted to send him away. He felt sad and huge droplets of tears started shedding. He could not move any part of his body, not to mention lifting his head up.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Xu Lan shook his head, took out his handkerchief, and wiped Bai Wu¡¯s tears. There were small puddles on the floor, how could such a big guy still cry so much.

 Chapter 127 - There’s A Mission Tonight

    <h4>Chapter 127: There¡¯s A Mission Tonight</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Xiao Xu, are you done? Call Bai Wu over to eat, we¡¯ve important matters to attend to tonight!¡± Wang Meng screamed at the top of his lungs.


    ¡°Coming,¡± Xu Lan shouted from outside. ¡°Take this, I¡¯ll head over first. You should go back earlier too. I will try my best to be home tonight.¡± Xu Lan ced the handkerchief in Bai Wu¡¯s hand and wanted to leave right after he finished talking, but Bai Wu caught hold of him.


    ¡°What again?¡± Xu Lan frowned when Wang Meng started yelling again, a gleam of annoyance shed by his face.


    ¡°Does Papa¡¯s words still count?¡± Bai Wu asked.


    ¡°What words?¡±


    ¡°That... Papa only... only...¡±


    ¡°It counts! How can it not count! You¡¯re in my heart and in my eyes, there¡¯s no ce for anybody else. Be good, go home first,¡± Xu Lanforted him hurriedly. Bai Wu let go of Xu Lan and he escaped immediately from the room.


    ¡®Bullsh*t, you only have the case in your mind, do you even have a ce in your heart for me?¡¯ Bai Wu thought.


    Bai Wu walked home alone, and coincidentally he met Xiao Xiao who pestered him for the photo.


    He said, ¡°We¡¯re not together yet, what photo are you talking about.¡±


    Xiao Xiao had the shock of her life, as Bai Wu did not look for her recently, so she thought that things were almost done.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a photo of me then,¡± Bai Wu looked at his master and said.


    ¡°Wow, that¡¯s even better! Can I get a full body shot and a close-up of your face? In return, I can give you a few more copies of theic books. How about that?¡± Xiao Xiao grinned slyly at him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want the books, just take it quickly,¡± Bai Wu gave her a shallow smile in return.


    A full body shot. Those long legs filled the whole photo, together with a short-sleeved shirt and short pants. It was the outfit of a sunny boy, but the sunset behind his back made him look more mncholic. His pale skin was zed with ayer of light yellow sunset glow as if he was Apollo from Greek mythology.


    A close-up headshot: undercut hairstyle and a shining forehead, along with his thick, dark eyebrows and a pair of eyes like peach blossoms. A pair of fire-zed pupils were half-covered by his longshes, entuating the frosty face with a shade of sorrow.


    ¡°My G*d! Hey, apprentice! If I post this picture online, there¡¯ll be tons of people licking their screens. But you seem to be down today? It¡¯s okay, there¡¯s nothing scary about failures. Failure is the mother of sess. Just work harder, I believe that you can do it,¡± Xiao Xiao patted his back andforted him.


    ¡®If you¡¯re wondering why not pat on his shoulder? It¡¯s because Bai Wu¡¯s too tall, can¡¯t reach...¡¯ Xiao Xiao thought.


    ¡°Uhm, I¡¯m okay. I prepped onions just now, I¡¯ll go out and catch a breath,¡± Bai Wu managed to crack a smile and said.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go on then. I have a movie date with my boyfriend. Be happy!¡± Xiao Xiao¡¯s mind was long gone, she could not notice anything peculiar going on with Bai Wu.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Bai Wu nodded his head.


    Bai Wu finished his dinner and sat on the sofa to watch television after he finished cleaning the house. Luffy hadnded on Cake Ind. Heughed wholeheartedly when he saw the house copsed and Big Mom rolled down like a twirling metal hoop. He toyed with his phone and swiped for it to fast-forward as he felt bored with the rest except for that part.


    Bai Wu wanted to call Xu Lan so badly to could hee back. He missed him. However, he remembered that Xu Lan said only to call him if something happened, this should not count.


    He felt bored and made some egg yolk pastry and saved it forter. When he looked at the time, it was past eleven thirty, so he cooked some dishes again for tomorrow morning.

 Chapter 128 - Engulfed By The Void

    <h4>Chapter 128: Engulfed By The Void</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    He stayed up till midnight. His eyelids were practically glued together and could not separate no matter how hard he tried, but Xu Lan was not back yet.


    Recently, he could not even manage to stay awake in broad daylight, what is more staying up all night. Finally, Bai Wu released his tightly pressed lips and walked into the bedroom. He switched his nket with Xu Lan¡¯s because it¡¯s warmer.


    He fell asleep right after he closed his eyes. The crack outside the window floated and opened it¡¯s bloody mouth while it swallowed everything around it. The void gave out a chillingugh and drifted towards him slowly.


    If it was not because he was too tired trying to stay up, he would definitely feel the presence of the void. He had been fighting with the crack these few days and had not thought of how to mention it to Xu Lan. He wanted Xu Lan to leave with him since nothing happened thest two times. Anticipation was building in his heart.


    One could say that he was possessive or that he was in denial of his feelings, but all Bai Wu wanted was just to stay beside Xu Lan.


    ¡°He he he...¡±


    The objects in the room started to rock. They were being absorbed by the crack¡¯s strong suction, which made them broke away from their original positions. ng... ng...


    ¡°Uhm, Papa, it¡¯s cold...¡± Bai Wu mumbled after turning over. A gust of chilly wind swept away Bai Wu¡¯s nket. Bai Wu was awakened by it and immediately stood up. The void was already in front of him.


    Bang!


    ¡°Go... Go away!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s solid dragon w punched on the border of the void with a ¡®bam¡¯, fragments pattered down and dissipated into the air immediately.


    He quickly called Xu Lan. Something really happened now and it is an emergency! If Bai Wu left, the void would return back to its calm form and there would be no more cracks!


    ¡°Beep beep... Hello, what¡¯s the matter, Bai Wu? F*ck! How did he get away! Bai Wu, tell meter, the suspect escaped. Beep beep...¡± The phone call was cut off right after it got connected. The sound of Xu Lan running could be heard from the other end, ¡®puff...puff...¡¯.


    After adapting to Bai Wu¡¯s viciousness, the void started to move again. ¡®Ke ke¡¯ itughed at Bai Wu, as if it was the messenger from hell.


    A stream of fiery red light shot across the room and it was instantly filled with smoke. The silverish white dragon scales covered his whole body like a suited armor. His mouth was puffing out white smoke. He had snow-white coniform scales on his brow ridge, protecting his pair of eyes which were as clear as blood jade. The tips of the silverish white dragon horns were dyed red, and they were as bright as his eyes.


    ¡°Howl... Let¡¯s see if you can take me away today!¡± Bai Wu said proudly, his intangible eminence separated him from the void.


    He tried to call Xu Lan again. He had to tell him what was happening. If they could traverse the void without having to suffer from any life-threatening dangers, would Xu Lan be willing to leave with him?


    ¡°Beep beep...¡± No one picked up. The light-weighted cell phone seemed to be extremely heavy, where it bore down on Bai Wu¡¯s strong dragon ws until he was trembling uncontrobly.


    ¡°Beep beep beep...¡± Still not getting picked up. His solid dragon w could not bear the weight of the cell phone anymore and copsed to the ground heavily. The cell phone fell to the floor with a ¡®bang¡¯.


    Within the few moments when Bai Wu was distracted, the void absorbed Bai Wu¡¯s eminence and pounced on him, sucking half of his body into it. At this moment, if he brought out his eminence as the leader of the dragon n, he might be able to hold off the void for a while.


    ¡®Pang!¡¯ Bai Wu suddenly retracted his dragon form and copsed onto the floor, where he tried to escape from the void to retrieve the cell phone. Without any form of pressure, the void became more ruthless andughed. ¡°Ke ke...¡± It seemed that it was possible toplete the mission and finally settle down in Sanhe bridge.


    Soon after, the void crept up Bai Wu¡¯s feet, followed by his legs.

 Chapter 129 - Bai Wu Is Missing

    <h4>Chapter 129: Bai Wu Is Missing</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°No! I must tell Papa. Otherwise, he¡¯ll be worried sick when he can¡¯t find me aftering home.¡± Bai Wu transformed into his human form and started texting Xu Lan with one hand as he held onto the side of the bed with the other hand.


    ¡°Papa, the void is here!¡± Bai Wu did not manage to write more as the void closed up on him and eroded his thighs.


    Xu Lan wiped the sweat off his forehead and started sipping on the water Xie San brought over.


    ¡°How impressive! You¡¯re very nimble for your size!¡± Xie Sanplimented Xu Lan while sipping on his bottle of water.


    ¡°Heh, not really. I haven¡¯t had the time to traintely,¡± Xu Lan scratched his head embarrassingly as he spoke.


    ¡°Brother Feng, how is it going?¡± Lan Er lit up a cigarette and sat cross-legged on the floor. He asked immediately after spotting Xiao Feng.


    ¡°He¡¯s ackey, doesn¡¯t know about anything,¡± Xiao Feng gritted his teeth and replied gloomily.


    ¡°Huh! Are you serious? Did we just waste our time for nothing?¡± Xie San asked in confusion. He could not believe that their hard work led them to ackey.


    ¡°Hey! Xiao Xu! Do you not want your cell phone anymore? Where are you running to?¡± Wang Meng ran after Xu Lan and gasped for breath.


    Xu Lan received a phone call from Bai Wu when he was tracking down the suspect earlier. He could not help but wonder in excitement about how Bai Wu was doing. This was the first time in a long time that he received a call from Bai Wu. He had to hang up earlier because he was chasing after the suspect.


    Xu Lan fished around his pocket and realized that he dropped his phone. It was exactly as Wang Meng said. He smiled cheekily and retrieved his phone from Wang Meng. There were a couple of missed calls and messages.


    Xu Lan tapped on Bai Wu¡¯s message excitedly. ¡®Papa, the void is here. I... I¡¯ll have to leave now...¡±


    Boom! Xu Lan felt as though he had been struck by lightning and his blood froze.


    ¡°Officer Xiao! Something happened at home, can I borrow your car for a quick while? It¡¯s urgent!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s voice was trembling and he shouted at Xiao Feng in desperation.


    Xiao Feng nced at him and tossed his car keys over.


    ¡°Eh? What happened? I thought we¡¯re going for supper?¡± Wang Meng said as he gazed sadly at Xu Lan. He turned to Xiao Feng and asked, ¡°Why? Where is he rushing to?¡±


    ¡°No idea. Something serious must have happened,¡± Xiao Feng shrugged.


    While speeding home, Xu Lan made countless calls to Bai Wu in the car. All of his calls went unanswered. Xu Lan¡¯s heart sank deeper and deeper, into an endless dark pit.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Bai Wu! Are you home?¡± Xu Lan pushed open the room door forcefully.


    Their rental home was neat and empty. He rushed into the bedroom and it was in a messy state, everything was out of ce. A lot of his belongings were missing, including his Bai Wu!


    ¡°Bai Wu! Bai Wu! Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan shouted at the messy room.


    ¡°Did you father die or what? Why are you shouting in the middle of the night? You should be sleeping!¡± an annoyed neighbor cursed.


    Xu Lan sat on the floor. His son was gone! He felt as though someone was carving flesh out of his heart.


    How could Bai Wu do this? How could he leave without saying a word? Xu Lan refused to believe that Bai Wu left him behind, especially when he knew that he was all that Xu Lan had left. How could he...


    ¡°Bai Wu, pleasee back? I admit that I¡¯ve been caught up with work and haven¡¯t been spending enough time with you. Please,e back?¡± Xu Lan pleaded as he rummaged through the room.

 Chapter 130 - Parallel Dimension

    <h4>Chapter 130: Parallel Dimension</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan noticed the changes in Bai Wutely. He had been minimizing physical contact with Xu Lan and refrained from all hugs and kisses. He spent most of his time spacing out alone and sleeping excessively. He would fall asleep within two seconds of being in bed, which was why Xu Lan did not have the chance to have a proper talk with him about this.


    ¡°Bai Wu, stop hiding. It¡¯s my fault, it¡¯s all Papa¡¯s fault. Pleasee back?¡± Xu Lany t on the ground and asked gingerly.


    Bai Wu seemed to have grown up overnight. He cleaned up the house and prepared Xu Lan¡¯s meals without bringing up any rtionship issues. He even stopped meeting Xiao Xiao altogether.


    ¡°Bai Wu, didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯ll be wherever I am? Come back! Show yourself now! I even made a promise to like you and you only. What do you expect me to do now?¡± Xu Lan searched through every corner of the house. It seemed like Bai Wu really left!


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you love me? Come back! Come back and I¡¯ll make you a promise. Come back!¡± Xu Lan roared.


    Heid on the ground and curled up in exhaustion. He looked ahead with an empty gaze, lying on the ground like a de-shelled prawn.


    ¡°Hiss, hiss. Burp.¡± The eerieughter of the void could be heard under the bed. It burped, clearly satisfied with its meal.


    Xu Lan leaped forward happily and overturned the mattress. The ck void was as big as a tennis ball and it wriggled in satisfaction after a good meal. Shortly after, it shrank into the size of a marble and began to vanish.


    Xu Lan jumped in excitement and caught it before it vanished. The crack swelled up and swallowed Xu Lan whole.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan charged into the endless darkness, with a heart filled with fear. He wondered how long he would take to find Bai Wu amidst the vast space.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan felt better than the other time he came here. At least he could breathe this time around and was not crushed by the pressure.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Where are you!¡± Xu Lan croaked. He did not stop shouting even though he could barely speak after a prolonged period of shouting.


    Thest time he traveled through dimensions, all he asked for was for Bai Wu to be fine. He could still think rationally and proceeded to send Bai Wu into the dimensional crack personally. This time, he rushed in without weighing his options.


    What good could he do, rushing in without a n? How did he n to find Bai Wu amidst the vast crack?


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡±


    Xu Lan was constantly impacted by the high pressure. He went with the flow and woke up in a foreign world.


    Sometimes, he would end up in a construction site and get ordered around to move bricks. There was a couple of times where he found himself in an animal world and had to scramble for his life. He even stumbled upon a machinery world and stood in awe of the power of machines. He always tried to find the crack as soon as possible in order to re-enter the void and to resume his search for Bai Wu.


    He even came across the dragon n. It was a grand sight; they had gigantic buildings that were three to four times bigger than usual. Epic dragons walked past him; they came in a variety of colors¡ªck, red, green... He thought that Bai Wu still looked the best.


    A dragon got hold of Xu Lan and ensnared him like a pet. Another dragon noticed this and made its way over. The dragons were conversing in aplicated incantation-likenguage, of which Xu Lan could not understand at all.


    The two dragons were in a heated argument that led to a fierce fight. Their fight caused the sky to turn dark and a ck hole to appear.


    This was how Xu Lan found his way into the crack again. In that split second of his entry, he felt an overwhelming force tugging on him.

 Chapter 131 - Found Bai Wu

    <h4>Chapter 131: Found Bai Wu</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bam! Xu Lan was sent flying out of the void,nding right into a deep, dried up well.


    ¡°Sigh! If the crack doesn¡¯t appear anytime soon, I¡¯ll be dead here,¡± Xu Lan rubbed his butt while whining unhappily. He looked around and found nothing but rocks smooth surfaces.


    Even then, Xu Lan knew that he had to somehow find a way out. He had not seen Bai Wu in a long time and he yearned for him like a madman. He was unsure how long he had been searching for Bai Wu across the parallel universes, he was also unsure when would everythinge to an end. Though, he never thought of giving up.


    He explored around the well and decided to climb up. The dried up well had a diameter of 1.5 meters and was not big at all. Xu Lan made up his mind; he was going to make use of this opportunity to practice his splits.


    In the beginning, he managed fine. When he got to the middle, he was struggling to get through the seemingly endless dried up well. He rested his arms against the wall and tried to get some rest before continuing to climb.


    Xu Lan touched something by ident and a booming sound came from the bottom of the well. Suddenly, the well widened up.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Xu Lan fell from ten over meters, right onto the bottom of the well. He closed his eyes in fear.


    ¡°Boom. Boom.¡±


    Along with the loud boom, Xu Lan found himself raised by a puff of ck smoke. Shortly after, he was mmed onto the ground brutally.


    Unsure of what just happened, Xu Lan rubbed his butt while trying to stand.


    ¡°Someone is here again?¡±


    ¡°Which unlucky guy got thrown in here?¡±


    ¡°... Let¡¯s have a look.¡±


    Xu Lan opened his eyes widely.


    The stars shone brightly, illuminating the trees. Under the dim light, the trees looked like soldiers with a halberd in their hands.


    Xu Lan heard azy yet sexy voice that came from the dark. He wanted to shout but his throat was constricted and he could not make a sound even if he tried.


    Suddenly, Xu Lan saw light amidst the darkness. A group of people walked out from the house and he found the man who stood at the back of the group familiar.


    ¡°Bai, ahhh...¡± Xu Lan spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. He immediately rubbed the blood off as he was trying hard to see the person in the dark.


    ¡°Hey, what an unlucky guy! Is he a beggar?¡± A man stepped forward and said.


    Xu Lan took a look at himself. He was still wearing the clothes he wore while working as aborer. His clothes were old and dirty, his unwashed face was dark as charcoal.


    Xu Lan was alerted. He stood up immediately and nced toward the group. The person walked under the light and revealed his features¡ªthick brows, tall nose, chiseled jawline; it was exactly as Xu Lan remembered it to be. A hint of surprise shed in the person¡¯s gem-like eyes before it was reced by anxiety. He pursed his sexy lips and stared hard at Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan patted the dust off himself and tidied up his clothing. He stood still.


    ¡°Where is this?¡± he asked.


    His question went unanswered. Greedy eyes were looking at him the way a predator looked at its prey. Bai Wu too did not answer him; in fact, he did not even move. He seemed to be shocked and troubled at the same time.


    ¡°Tie him up!¡± a scrawny man shouted. His voice suggested that he was in his thirties or forties, but he had the physical appearance of someone in his fifties or sixties.


    The group heard the order and pounced at Xu Lan. Xu Lan was surprised. He immediately dodged his assants and retaliated with moves that were more vicious. In the end, no one tried to attack him anymore.

 Chapter 132 - Wishing That You Never Came

    <h4>Chapter 132: Wishing That You Never Came</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan red at them, the scar on his brow seemed to beughing cruelly at the group.


    ¡°Bring it on! What did all of you take me for? Someone who you can easily bully?¡± Xu Lan snickered as he looked at the group of bullies who would only prey on the weak.


    ¡°All of you may return now. Make sure that the food is distributed evenly among everyone,¡± Bai Wu spoke.


    Xu Lan froze. He was not confident that he could emerge victorious if they were to attack him again.


    The group looked at each other and left, only then did Bai Wu make his way over to Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan opened his mouth and was about to say something. Bai Wu shook his head and ced his index finger on his mouth, gesturing for Xu Lan to keep quiet.


    Xu Lan¡¯s low-quality clothing was torn from the fight earlier. Seeing that Xu Lan had nothing to wear, Bai Wu took off his jacket and covered him with it.


    ¡°Papa, you shouldn¡¯t havee.¡±


    That was the first thing Bai Wu said to Xu Lan. Xu Lan was enraged, he had murderous gaze.


    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I be here? If you¡¯re here, why can¡¯t I be here too!¡± Xu Lan raged as he asked his questions.


    Xu Lan had been through a lot to get to Bai Wu. Yet, the first thing Bai Wu said after being reunited with him was, ¡®You shouldn¡¯t be here!¡¯ What a joke! What a fre*king joke! Xu Lan felt like nothing but a joke!


    Bai Wu shook his head, signaling for Xu Lan to follow. However, Xu Lan¡¯s legs seemed to be weighed down by lead. He struggled to take even just a step.


    ¡°Come in and have a look,¡± Bai Wu whispered with a pained look on his face.


    Xu Lan stumbled and walked into one of the rooms.


    ¡°Bai Wu, you¡¯re here! Your food is in your room.¡± A malnourished girl ran out of her room to greet Bai Wu.


    ¡°Uh huh, got it.¡± Bai Wu nced at the little girl before making his way into the room.


    There were around twenty to thirty people in the room. Everyone seemed dejected and in pain. Xu Lan¡¯s heart fell.


    ¡°Uncle Ji, where¡¯s his portion?¡± Bai Wu directed his question at the scrawny man.


    Uncle Ji hesitated before passing a slice of bread over.


    ¡°Go ahead, take it,¡± Bai Wu said as he nced at Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan gritted his teeth and clenched his fist. He walked over to grab the pathetic slice of moldy bread. Just like everyone else in the room, Xu Lan¡¯s bread gave off a foul odor.


    ¡°From today onward, he¡¯ll be under my watch. Don¡¯t try anything stupid as I¡¯ll not hesitate to take action.¡± Bai Wu raised his voice and it echoed through the room.


    All of them looked at Xu Lan.


    ¡°Why? What do you think you can do when you can¡¯t even beat me in a physical fight?¡± Xu Lan announced in displeasure.


    Everyone lowered their head meekly.


    ¡°You can stay in my room,¡± Bai Wu said and started making his way out.


    Xu Lan pushed open Bai Wu¡¯s room door. He was immediately pulled into someone¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Papa, why are you here?¡± Bai Wu whispered.


    Xu Lan looked at Bai Wu and Bai Wu returned Xu Lan¡¯s gaze. Both of them stared at each other for a long time.


    ¡°It seems like I¡¯m not weed here,¡± Xu Lan asked coldly and ignored his heartache.


    ¡°...¡±


    Bai Wu remained silent. He directed Xu Lan to take a seat at the stool. He reced Xu Lan¡¯s stinky bread with a fresh bun which Xu Lan had refused to take.

 Chapter 133 - World of Games

    <h4>Chapter 133: World of Games</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°If it were any other ce, I¡¯d be jumping for joy, but because it¡¯s here, I honestly wouldn¡¯t want Papa toe.¡± An expression of dread shed across Bai Wu¡¯s face as he remarked with a hint of worry.


    ¡°Why? I came here to find you. I lost my phone when I was in the middle of chasing someone, so I wasn¡¯t able to pick up your call.¡± Xu Lan declined the bread that Bai Wu offered and went to sit on a stool inside the house.


    The rtively modest house was made of mud brick. Its furnishings were quite simple: a table, a bed, and a few stools.


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu, with his reddened eye sockets, looked down.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Just recently you mentioned that the void didn¡¯t have that big of an effect, so I became careless. I came to apologize. I was too busy with the case and we never had a chance to sit down and properly talk about it.¡±


    Bai Wu lifted his head abruptly, revealing a constant flow of tears.


    ¡°It¡¯s...it¡¯s my fault.¡± His constant anger led to him transforming into a dragon more frequently. In turn, it caused the crack to increase in size within a short span of time.


    ¡°I¡¯ve said all that I have to say. Since you don¡¯t want me here, I¡¯ll leave when the crack appears again.¡± Xu Lan¡¯s veins bulged slightly as he made the blunt remark.


    ¡°No! I don¡¯t mean it that way. I¡¯m just worried that Papa would not be able to wait until the crack appears,¡± Bai Wu exined immediately.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Noticing that something did not seem quite right, Xu Lan raised an eyebrow.


    Technically, the ce could not be considered a parallel universe: to a certain extent, its scope was limited, but its self-sufficient counterpart existed in space and time.


    At the dawn of a new day, missions would be given to everyone who was trapped within its scope. The people would then have toplete the missions ording to a set of requirements and within a certain amount of time. Those who deviate from the requirements or fail toplete the mission within the specified time would, oddly enough, find themselves dead the following day.


    Like battling monsters in a video game, the missions had varying levels of difficulty. Uponpleting the missions, one would be rewarded with things that were of equivalent worth to the mission¡¯s difficulty. The rewards were treated as gold coins.


    Depending on the difficulty, the rewards would either be five hundred, seven hundred, or nine hundred. In the process ofpleting the mission, there may be hidden tasks. Extra gold coins could be obtained if those hidden missions were discovered. The number of gold coins that one could collect in a day was capped at one thousand.


    Those coins could be exchanged for daily necessities such as food and clothing; the coins were also very valuable by themselves. If anyone was able to collect ten thousand gold coins, he or she would be freed from that world and another new person would take their ce. If someone died, new people would also take their ce. The total number of persons in the game was somewhere between twenty and thirty.


    Each neer would be given some food to enable them to survive for a short period of time. If the neer was killed by everyone else, the food would revert back and be shared between them. It was a dog-eat-dog world. Those who found themselves unable toplete a mission or ran out of money could elect to kill those weaker than them: doing so could cancel out their own fate while gaining all the deceased¡¯s gold coins at the same time.


    ¡°So, if you¡¯re stronger than them, they¡¯ll fear you,¡± Bai Wu said.


    There was another rule in that dimension: the strongest person could get more resources. For example, their daily limit could be upped to one thousand two hundred, or they could enjoy a nine percent discount.


    ¡°Game?¡± Xu Lan mulled over that word.


    ¡°The thing is, I¡¯m worried about tomorrow. For neers, the first day would be a day where the master of the dimension would assign a special mission to them. Most people aren¡¯t even able to pass this first round, and you have to do it alone!¡± Bai Wu eximed distressingly.


    ¡°Mm, if the people in the house were able to pass it, I think I won¡¯t be too bad at it,¡± Xu Lan cheerfully remarked after a moment of silence.

 Chapter 134 - Bai Wu’s Realization

    <h4>Chapter 134: Bai Wu¡¯s Realization</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°...they weren¡¯t like this before.¡± Bai Wu pursed his lips and said, ¡°Papa, do you wanna go take a bath? There¡¯s a mountain spring outside, but you should bathe here. I¡¯ll be worried if you¡¯re outside.¡±


    Xu Lan looked at his own dirtied state and nodded.


    When Bai Wu was fetching some water, the youngdy from before ran up to him with her hands behind her back and talked shyly to Bai Wu. Despite her extremely delicate appearance, she possessed the distinctive gentleness unique only to girls. Their exchange was a very harmonious scene.


    All women had their own residence there. It was like a luxury that the dimension afforded to them, and anyone who forced themselves on a woman would also receive punishment.


    She was thest remaining girl in the dimension. She fervently yed the game every single day and did her best to umte ten thousand points. Being a young girl, she did not wish to die there.


    Bai Wu opened the door to find Xu Lan staring at the stool for a long time as if there was a nail stuck in it.


    ¡°Since you can¡¯t take a bath outside, just wipe yourself. I won¡¯t be at ease if you were out there. Wait a few days and let everyone be familiar with you. After that, you can bathe outside,¡± Bai Wu said as he handed over some newly obtained clothes to Xu Lan.


    All of a sudden, the atmosphere was filled with awkwardness. The only sounds present was that of water dripping. Bai Wu stood up anxiously, intending to head out for some fresh air.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± When Xu Lan turned his head abruptly to look behind, he saw Bai Wu just standing there.


    ¡°I...I¡¯m going for a walk.¡± Bai Wu rubbed his fingers and lowered his head as he spoke.


    ¡°...¡±


    Bai Wu felt choked as he froze right where he stood. He felt as though the unbearably stuffy room suddenly turned very cold. He came back to his senses only after the swishing sound stopped and when Xu Lan walked up to him.


    ¡°All done? It¡¯s time to sleep. Tomorrow¡¯s a really important day. After that, I will protect you well, Papa.¡±


    Bai Wu said as he pointed to the only bed in the house. In the meantime, he was also spreading out on the floor the nket that had just been sent over.


    ¡°And you¡¯ll sleep on the floor?¡± Xu Lan had a look of displeasure as he asked the question with an astonished tone. The ground was damp and cold, yet surprisingly, Bai Wu wanted to sleep there.


    ¡°Mm. Well actually, I wanted to cram in with the others, but I¡¯m worried about Papa.¡± Bai Wu had spread out the nket and was sitting on it. He gave Xu Lan a happy smile.


    He was truly delighted when Xu Lan was able to find him, though he exercised restraint on his emotions.


    ¡°Are you crazy or something? It¡¯s so damp down there! Get up now! The bed is big and...¡± Xu Lan shouted furiously, but midway through his sentence he paused and lowered his voice.


    ¡°Get up. It¡¯s too wet on the ground. It¡¯ll be like old times, wouldn¡¯t it? That way...¡±


    ¡°Papa,¡± Bai Wu then responded, ¡°Papa, I realize it now. I needed some time.¡±


    ¡°Realize what?¡± Xu Lan felt his heart skip a beat and he unconsciously posed a question.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be saying all that nonsense. I won¡¯t say it again. I¡¯ll be Papa¡¯s son forever. When I fell in here, I finally realized it. I don¡¯t want love. I want Papa. I only want Papa...¡±


    Bai Wu began to sob and cry. His hands had pummelled the ground, but he did not dare to move them again. When he came in and hugged Xu Lan with unreserved emotions a while ago, Xu Lan seemed rather unhappy.


    For Xu Lan, Bai Wu¡¯s words felt like a pinch to the heart. Those sobs made him feel even more heartbroken.


    ¡°Papa, I will listen to you. It¡¯s okay if Papa goes back to where Papa was originally from. I will...I will always think of Papa. If it¡¯s possible, I wille back to visit...¡± Bai Wu said softly.


    Those words, however, were lies. Bai Wu only had one desire: to make sure that Xu Lan was bound beside him.

 Chapter 135 - The Mission Presents Itself

    <h4>Chapter 135: The Mission Presents Itself</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, don¡¯t cry.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s sobbing tugged at Xu Lan¡¯s heartstrings, so he went over to hug and console Bai Wu, just like old times.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve gotten used to the void. If something simr happens in the future, you must tell me, okay? You don¡¯t know how much suffering I had to go through to find you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry, Papa. I was scared... I was scared that the same thing would happen again. I... Hic.¡±


    Like a whip adorned with barbs, those words struck Xu Lan hard. It was true! He did in fact, do such a thing before.


    Bai Wu slowly and carefully circled Xu Lan in vain. Looking at those broad shoulders and warm chest, Bai Wu could no longer be as unrestrained as before. If Xu Lan did not chase after him, he would likely have kept his thoughts to himself for the rest of his life.


    Then, however, all he could do was quietly restrain himself and n things out slowly.


    Having gotten Bai Wu¡¯s promise, Xu Lan was very much relieved. Previously, all he could do was watch as his son became more and more distant while he was left unable to stop it. It was a result of Bai Wu wanting things which he was unable to give. Now that he could breathe a sigh of relief, it seemed as though he once again had a reason for letting Bai Wu stay beside him.


    He has not been able to get used to Bai Wu¡¯s departure and he wished that Bai Wu would not leave him too quickly.


    The cramped-up bed had to contain two grown-up men as well as a nket to separate them both. Bai Wu insisted on the separation, which made Xu Lan happy, so Xu Lan let Bai Wu do as he pleased.


    Recent days had seen Xu Lan busy and exhausted. When he finally had the time to rx, he drifted into dreand almost immediately. When Bai Wu saw Xu Lan¡¯s defenseless sleeping face, he smiled bitterly, ¡®How long would I have to endure lying and keeping all my real thoughts to myself?¡¯ If Bai Wu revealed his true intentions, what expression would appear on Xu Lan¡¯s face?


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu sighed softly, then lightly kissed Xu Lan¡¯s forehead and went to sleep.


    At the first glimmer of light, an ear-piercing rm rang through the sky.


    When Bai Wu blinked and opened his eyes, he looked to his side with urgency and dread. His heart felt as though it was stuck in his throat. After finally calming himself down, he realized it was no dream!


    ¡°Hey, Papa, time to get up.¡± Bai Wu pushed Xu Lan lightly. At some point in the night, Xu Lan tucked himself into the nket and slept spread-eagled on his back.


    ¡°Hm? Bai Wu?¡± Puzzled, Xu Lan opened his eyes and called out instinctively.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s lips curled slightly. ¡°Papa, we need to get up. The mission will be announced soon.¡±


    When Xu Lan was about to copse back on the bed, Bai Wu caught him and told him softly.


    A good night¡¯s sleep was hard toe by for Xu Lan, so when he was finally able to have some, the unforgiving noise came as a rude awakening. Feeling rather unhappy, he looked at Bai Wu indifferently as thetter tidied up everything. Only after Bai Wu finished did Xu Lan slowly get himself in order. Bai Wu did not make a fuss out of it and merely looked at Xu Lan with a smile.


    ¡°What are you smiling for? Time to go.¡± Xu Lan patted Bai Wu on the shoulder and chided.


    ¡°No reason. Let¡¯s go, then.¡± Bai Wu continued smiling.


    Both men walked out of the room. The surrounding empty area waspletely encircled by participants who looked tired, both mentally and physically. The soft rays of light enabled Xu Lan to see the surroundings clearly.


    The ruins of two Western-style cottages were just up ahead, while two mud-brick houses were behind the cottages. In between, there was a low perimeter wall that linked the four houses together. The front part of each house was taller than its rear part ¨C they looked like coffins that were raised up. Firmament-like trees touched the clouds and enclosed the area ¨C they hid the sky and covered the earth, making it appear as though the participants were really in a coffin buried under the ground.


    In the middle of the empty area, there was a well. A line of graceful Han words drifted up and floated just above it. Each person had a solemn expression on their face as they stared attentively at the dark-red font of that almost-lifelike writing. It contained the mission that they mustplete within the day.


    What cruel game was in store for them?

 Chapter 136 - Shooting One Hundred People

    <h4>Chapter 136: Shooting One Hundred People</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The bloody letters atop the well said:


    ¡®Please travel along the earth element and be at the Termite Mountaintest by eight o¡¯clock in the morning. You should try to survive until six o¡¯clock in the evening and the system will send you home. Those whopleted the mission will receive 700 gold coins. The first person to find the queen ant will receive an extra 400 gold coins (not within the limit).¡¯


    Friendly tip: ¡®For this mission, you¡¯ll be given a tinder. Please exercise your discretion and use it when needed.¡¯


    ¡°What? Termite Mountain? Uncle Ji, where is this?¡± someone asked impatiently.


    Havingpleted eleven missions, Uncle Ji was the senior here. He only needed 1100 more gold coins to leave this ce. One cycle consisted of ten missions made out of the five elements of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. The level of difficulty of each mission ranged from easy to difficult. Uponpletion of all ten missions, the dimension shall announce a simple mission to the yer who had the closest number of coins to ten thousand coins.


    ¡°I have no idea, I¡¯ve never been to the Termite Mountain before. Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s half past six now, we might not even make it to the mountain before eight,¡± advised Uncle Ji. He was worried and excited at the same time.


    ¡°Hehe, Bai Wu, let¡¯s go. I hope that the ants on the mountains are normal ants. I¡¯d hate to run into a ghost again,¡± the little girl said to Bai Wu cheekily.


    ¡°Uhm, Sheng Ya, you should head over with them. I¡¯ll catch up with all of you in a bit,¡± Bai Wu nodded and replied.


    Sheng Ya was stunted momentarily. She looked at Bai Wu and Xu Lan before running toward the group in front.


    ¡°Papa, what¡¯s your mission?¡± Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan worriedly.


    Neers had their missions transmitted into their minds directly. This served two purpose¡ªto stop experienced yers from taking advantage of the neers and to frighten the neers.


    ¡°I... I¡¯m traveling along the gold element to the Grand Firearm City. My mission is to kill one hundred people,¡± Xu Lan replied hesitantly.


    ¡®One hundred people? Taking one hundred lives just for my survival?¡¯ Xu Lan was unsure how to feel about this.


    ¡°... Papa, the only ones who are alive here are the twenty-eight people within the area. Your first mission is both a test and an limatization process. As long as you face your heart and posit yourself within the dimension, you¡¯ll be able to aplish the mission,¡± Bai Wu held onto Xu Lan¡¯s arm and reminded him.


    As for the arrangement of the five elements, gold and wood were ced at the front while fire and earth were ced at the back. The water well in the middle represented the water element. Xu Lan and Bai Wu¡¯s missions werepletely opposite of each other. Hence, they would not be able to support each other.


    ¡°However, you must stay on your guard when carrying out the mission. You mustn¡¯t trust anyone, not even your eyes and your mind. Sometimes, your eyes and your mind could be deceiving you. You might think that you¡¯re walking on the right path, but you could be walking down a treacherous road. Hence, you must have the mission on your mind at all times! Do you understand, Papa?¡±


    Bai Wu wanted to aplish his mission quickly in order to leave this ce. He clearly had more to think about now.


    ¡°Uhm, I know. You should catch up with them.¡± Xu Lan gave Bai Wu¡¯s advise a serious thought while walking to the entrance of gold element. He mapped up the path into the Grand Firearm City in his head.


    ¡°Papa,¡± Bai Wu shouted, ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you here.¡±


    Bai Wu¡¯s eyes turned red. He seemed to be emotionally fragile and sensitive whenever it came to Xu Lan. Xu Lan nodded his head solemnly and pushed open the door with his veiny hand before marching in bravely.


    Merry Christmas Eve everyone!!!????????

 Chapter 137 - Let the Battle Begin

    <h4>Chapter 137: Let the Battle Begin</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan was surprised by what he saw. He expected to see a ghost town. Instead, he saw a lively, flourishing town. Grand Firearm City was not about rogue shooting. There was a designated arena for professionalpetition. Thepetition was held once a month. It was simr to the Colosseum of Ancient Rome, where only qualified candidates maypete. Aristocrats and wealthy men paid to watch these life or death battles.


    Xu Lan joined a club to train his marksmanship. When he felt that he was ready, he joined thepetition by registering through his club. He was invited to a special waiting area.


    ¡°Hey, fes! Where did this hot chicke from? What a shame!¡± A burly man snickered when he saw Xu Lan being led by the instructor into the waiting area.


    ¡°Haha, the organizingmittee ran out of candidates? Why did they take someone like that in? Is he even strong enough to prop a gun up?¡± another burly man chimed in nastily.


    All of the participants were tall foreigners who had had well-developed muscles. Even though Xu Lan stood at almost one hundred and eighty centimeters tall, everyone still poked fun at his rtively small built.


    Bam! A few droplets of warm fresh blood sttered onto Xu Lan¡¯s face. His throat tightened and he told himself to rx. ¡®Don¡¯t fret about it! None of them are real. They¡¯re nothing but an illusion in my head!¡¯ Xu Lan tried to convince himself.


    Meanwhile, at the designated lounge for another club, a short man with a white beard blew off the steam rising up from his favorite gun.


    ¡°Lucy! You! Why are you helping the new guy? What are you getting out of this!¡± the guy who spoke earlier shouted loudly.


    ¡°Absolutely nothing. He looks better than all of you, it¡¯s healthy for my eyes,¡± chuckled Lucy.


    Everyone was silenced by his reply. On the other hand, Xu Lan could not contain hisughter and startedughing. This was the first time he wasplimented on his looks. Usually, people would find his physical appearance horrifying and threatening.


    ¡°Thank you, I...¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. I don¡¯t like idiots who look down on others. This is my way of teaching them a lesson. Don¡¯t for a second think that I¡¯ll go easy on you at the arena, because I¡¯ll not,¡± Lucy spoke without looking at Xu Lan and continued to polish his pistol which had unlimited ammo.


    Xu Lan smiled bitterly. That man was right. Everyone here was his enemy. Their only mission? To kill the enemies.


    ¡°Alright, get in. Head to the gold arena,¡± the instructor pushed him into the arena.


    ¡°The ny-eighth match of one hundred men shootingpetition is about to kick off at Grand Firearm City!¡± thementator announced enthusiastically, ¡°same rules here. There will be fivepetition zones, which are gold, wood, water, fire, and earth respectively. Five seeded yers will be chosen from the preliminaries. These five yers will be up against our defending champion during the final battle! The next defending champion will be chosen from one of them! Are you ready!


    ¡°Yes, we are!¡±


    ¡°Luffy! Luffy!¡±


    ¡°Dashiell! Dashiell!¡±


    ¡°Woah! I can¡¯t wait to watch Dashiell!¡± The audience cheered loudly for the yer they were supporting. At the same time, they were cing their bets too.


    ¡°For the first preliminary round, the yers may shoot their enemies down by any means. The main goal is to survive in your respectivepetition zone. Survival is the key! Are you ready?¡±


    While borating on the mechanics of thepetition, thementator dragged out thest note on purpose. At the same time, the door at the fivepetition zones opened at the same time. The arena was filled with shouts and cheers.


    ¡®Bam! Bam! Bam!¡¯


    The gunshot rang at all fivepetition zones at the same time. The crowd at the arena was excited. All of the yers wished to emerge victorious from the treacherouspetition zone in order to obtain the greatest honor. Thepetition was kicking off!


    The battle had officially started!

 Chapter 138 - By Fair Means or Foul

    <h4>Chapter 138: By Fair Means or Foul</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The bullet grazed Xu Lan¡¯s face. It was the pain that reminded Xu Lan of what he had to do. His body reacted before his mind did. With a front flip, he posited himself right behind the baffle.


    ¡°Yo, pretty girl. I didn¡¯t expect us to be at the same...¡± Xu Lan turned his head in shock. He was hiding behind the same baffle as the burly man who humiliated him earlier.


    Xu Lan reacted quickly and shot the man right between his brows. The man copsed before he even got to finish his sentence.


    ¡°I... I killed someone...¡± Xu Lan breathed heavily and his hands were shivering. His body started to spasm.


    ¡®Papa, the only ones who are alive here are the twenty-eight people within the area.¡¯ Xu Lan had a shback of Bai Wu¡¯s advice. He wondered if the people before him were really unreal.


    Xu Lan wiped off the blood stter on his face. He aimed his pistol outside of the baffle.


    ¡°Oh, oh! How exciting! Here at the earthpetition zone, Luffy managed to take out 19 people and have earned the right to challenge the defending champion! Meanwhile, the battles at the other fourpetition zones are equally intense as well! As of now, Dashiell has taken out eight people but he has sustained injuries on his arms and legs. Will he be able tost till the end of the preliminary round? Let¡¯s cheer for Dashiell! Wow!¡± Thementator remarked at the right time, causing the audience to gasp worriedly for Dashiell.


    Xu Lan forced himself to calm down by biting on his tongue. He did not want to die here, not when Bai Wu was waiting for him to return!


    He looked around and realized that there was not much cover besides the few baffles lying around. It was an open area and he was exposed to his enemies. Upon realizing that, Xu Lan immediately rolled over and hid behind a different baffle.


    ¡®Bam!¡¯


    ¡°Hey little mouse, why are you hiding at the corner and shivering your brains out? Would you like to surrender? I wouldn¡¯t mind sparing your life.¡± The man who spoke had a horned helmet on. His arms were as thick as one¡¯s waist and he had cow hoofs.


    Xu Lan immediately shot at the direction of the bullet. He was surprised to find that the guy even had a nose ring on!


    ¡®Bam! Bam! Bam!¡¯ Xu Lan kept rolling between the two baffles while firing shots at the back of the half human, half cow. He managed to take out a human and a rhinoceros.


    ¡°As expected, Dashiell at goldpetition zone has sessfully killed ten people. He is up against a newbie now! Who will emerge victorious? Will it be our usual star yer or the underdog? Let¡¯s find out!¡±


    ¡°Hush... A coward who¡¯s hiding behind the baffle has no right to be on the same arena as Dashiell!¡±


    ¡°Heck! What a timid mouse! Get off the arena!¡±


    ¡°Is this what we paid to watch? Get out! Get out!¡±


    As thepetition at all the otherpetition zones had gradually ended, everyone¡¯s attention was directed to the goldpetition zone. The atmosphere at the stand was as intense as the arena.


    ¡®Bam! Bam!¡¯ The half human, half cow went by instinct and shot toward his left. A half human, half leopard copsed immediately. The survivors on goldpetition zone went from 3 to 2. Xu Lan had nowhere to hide!


    ¡°Little mouse, where else can you run to?¡±


    The half human, half cow, Dashiell licked his muzzle as he said. The remaining baffles had been prated by bullets, there was no longer any hiding spots for Xu Lan.


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯ll be waiting here for you.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s red eyes shed in his mind. It reminded Xu Lan of the half human, half cow¡¯s blood-red eyes.


    ¡°Haha! Dear audience, the best is yet toe. We¡¯re just warming up now. I believe that our favorite, Dashiell will not disappoint...¡±


    ¡®Bam! Bam! Bam!¡¯


    Victory!


    Before thementator could finish his sentence, the word, ¡®victory¡¯ popped up on the huge screen! The final survivor of the goldpetition zone was a lean and small man, an unremarkable man whose presence was not felt throughout the game.


    Xu Lan!

 Chapter 139 - Mission Accomplished

    <h4>Chapter 139: Mission Aplished</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The loud bang was followed by loud chatter of surprise at the arena. The audience stood up and protested. No one expected Xu Lan to emerge victorious at the preliminary round! The aristocrats who ced their bets on Dashiell earlier began to curse at the organizingmittee.


    ¡°... Everybody, please calm down. We... Hello?¡± In the midst of consoling the audience, thementator received a phone call.


    ¡°Everybody! Anyhow, it¡¯s undeniable that our rising star, Xu Lan won thepetition at the goldpetition zone! As everything happened too quickly earlier, let¡¯s rey the match on our screen. Please, admire his outstanding skills! Are you ready to cheer for him? Go!¡± thementator pointed his hands at the huge screen in an exaggerating motion.


    As Xu Lan rolled away from the flimsy baffle, half human, half cow, Dashiell fired his shot. The sturdy floor cracked and sparks flew all over.


    ¡®Don¡¯t trust anyone, not even your eyes and your mind. Sometimes, your eyes and your mind could be deceiving you.¡¯ As Xu Lan recalled Bai Wu¡¯s words, his body became lighter. With a firm stomp on the ground, he leaped skyward and fired two shots.


    His light-as-feather body somersaulted in the air. With that, Xu Lan sessfully evaded Dashiell¡¯s counterattack andnded behind him. With another two shots, the half human, half cow felt a searing pain in his back. He spun around to face Xu Lan.


    Shush! While turning around, the half human, half cow made contact with the flimsy baffle and identally triggered the trap set by Xu Lan. The baffles immediately copsed onto him. Xu Lan took the opportunity and shot him in the head.


    Victory! Once again, Xu Lan¡¯s victory was announced on the screen.


    The audience was momentarily stunned by the development. Once they realized what happened, there were waves of protest. Xu Lan won with an unprecedented move. Throughout the history of the arena, no one secured victory through careful scheming. The audience was clearly unhappy with Xu Lan¡¯s innovative trickery.


    ¡°Cough, cough. As I¡¯ve said before the match started, the contestants may engage any means necessary to shoot their opponent down. The results will be final. Moreover, we all know that the arena is not a ce where you can win with muscles alone,¡± the event chairman took the mic from thementator and exined.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Alright! It¡¯s time to move on to our main event ¡ª the battle between the defending champion and the challengers! Same rules apply here, shoot your enemies down with whatever means necessary. Thest person standing will receive one million yuan in cash and a pistol with unlimited ammo! Are you ready? Let¡¯s look forward to the exciting match!¡±


    The camera panned out and focused on the middle of the arena. Six contestants were brought into the arena at the same time, and Xu Lan was the shortest and smallest of them all.


    ¡°Lucy?¡± Xu Lan murmured as he looked at the man with a white beard who was not much taller than Xu Lan. Xu Lan immediately made a dash to the nearest baffle.


    ¡®Bam! Bam! Bam!¡¯


    ¡°Little mouse, do you think the same trick will work twice?¡± the defending championughed wildly. With the four pistols in his hand, he started firing shots rapidly in all directions.


    Darn! No one mentioned that the defending champion was a tentacle monster! Xu Lan got shot in his arm as he did not have time to dodge. The other four contestants were shot by bullets too.


    ¡°How long has he been the defending champion?¡± Xu Lan asked Luffy, who took shelter at the same baffle as he did.


    ¡°He has been the defending champion since the eighty-seventh match. It¡¯s been ten over matches now,¡± Luffy raised his brow and answered frankly. ¡®Bam!¡¯ Luffy shot the lion who extended its head right next to Xu Lan.


    ¡°Hey, would you like to work together? We can take him out first.¡±¡®Bam!¡¯ Xu Lan offered as he shot another foolish contestant who was trying to make a move.


    Meanwhile, the defending champion did not stop attacking. All four guns were firing rapidly.


    ¡°... Why not? Let¡¯s make those sons of a bitch lose their money!¡± After firing a shot at the defending champion, Luffy rolled forward and gestured for Xu Lan to follow behind!


    ¡®Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam!¡¯ The sound of flying bullets could be heard everywhere in the arena. They stood opposite each other and Xu Lan crept forward after rolling. All three of them sustained different levels of injuries.


    ¡®Bam!¡¯ Xu Lan pulled the trigger for oncest time with his hand that was numb from the recoil. The defending champion and Luffy copsed at the same time.


    ¡®Congrattion on aplishing your first mission, new member. The reward is 900 gold coins. As for aplishing the hidden mission which is to form an alliance with Luffy, you shall be rewarded with 200 gold coins. You have 1000 gold coins as of now. You will be transported home in 5 seconds.¡¯

 Chapter 140 - Genuine Wounds

    <h4>Chapter 140: Genuine Wounds</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Just as Xu Lan got up from the ground, his brain shut down abruptly like aputer and he lost all consciousness. When he finally regained his senses, he was already inside a coffin-like room.


    ¡°Ss!¡± The pain on Xu Lan¡¯s body caused him to take a sudden breath of cold air.


    ¡®ng.¡¯ Bai Wu ¨C who was pouring some water ¨C ran over immediately and threw his hands around Xu Lan, saying, ¡°Papa! You¡¯re awake! Thank heavens!¡±


    ¡°Where am I?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s brain was not fully functioning as a result of the pain.


    ¡°You¡¯re in a protected space. It¡¯s alright now. Thank the heavens, Papa finally woke up,¡± Bai Wu eximed emotionally.


    ¡°If I got injured during the mission, will I be injured for real?¡± Xu Lan curiously asked amidst all the pain.


    ¡°Yes. Those who die in the mission die for real.¡± Bai Wu wanted to see the extent of Xu Lan¡¯s injury but since he was afraid to make any rash movements, all he could do was sit helplessly beside Xu Lan.


    ¡°Tsk! I¡¯d like to know who rules over this dimension and whether he or she is a deity or a demon! I can¡¯t believe the twistedness of their ways.¡± Xu Lan sneered.


    At first, he thought that the scene in front of him was an illusion produced by utilizing brain waves. He never expected that the bullets would actually be embedded in his body. It was likely that the dimension ¨C during itsmencing of the events ¨C had a certain capacity to heal people and ensure that those whoplete the mission would not lose their lives.


    Still, it was f*cking painful!


    Bai Wu exchanged one thousand and seven hundred gold coins with some especially efficacious medicine for Xu Lan. Bai Wu trembled uncontrobly, he could feel a scalding coal-like heat emanating from Xu Lan¡¯s sturdy muscles as the medicine was applied.


    ¡°How long did I sleep? Is everything okay on your side?¡± With the white long sleeve hung on Xu Lan¡¯s neck, he asked with his back facing Bai Wu.


    Bai Wu stepped down from the bed and ced the ointment on the table. He then grasped his clenched fist and said, ¡°Not long after we came back, Papa was sent back. It¡¯s eight at night now, so Papa has slept for about two hours. The ex-elder of the ce, Uncle Ji, managed to get ten thousand gold coins and left the ce. Along the way, another two people died. Just before you returned, two men and one woman were sent in here.¡±


    ¡°The day hasn¡¯t ended yet?¡± Xu Lan asked suspiciously. It was clear to him that he spent over a month in the Grand Firearm City, but when he came back it was only night time. How then, was time calcted in the dimension?


    ¡°The ce we¡¯re staying at and the ce where the missions are executed arepletely disconnected from each other. They don¡¯t affect each other. Papa, go back to bed. I¡¯ll go visit the three people that just came.¡± Bai Wu had a general idea of Xu Lan¡¯s misgivings about the situation and so exined to him softly.


    ¡°Eh? Wait for me, I¡¯d like to get some air too.¡± Seeing that Bai Wu was about to leave, Xu Lan removed the short sleeve from neck and called out.


    Back at Grand Firearm City, all Xu Lan knew was shooting practice. It was the same thing over and over again, day and night. Not only was he unable to rest, he was afraid to rest. Everyone there resembled emotionless puppets.


    A sharp pain was felt in Xu Lan¡¯s thigh and soon enough he tumbled down the bed. All of a sudden, white smoke filled the room as the lightning-quick Bai Wu ran over to hold Xu Lan up.


    ¡°F*ck! When was I shot in the calf and abdomen?¡± Xu Lan cursed.


    ¡°Papa!¡±


    ¡°Haha, it¡¯s alright. So much of my body is in pain, I couldn¡¯t notice them all at once. I¡¯d like to look around too and see who the next elder is.¡± Xu Lan let out a heartyugh when he saw that Bai Wu had a worried look.


    Bai Wu said nothing further. He held in his anger and walked over to the mud brick house just beside ¨C it was where everyone else was residing. Xu Lan wanted to ask why the rest of them chose to live in the damp and cramped mud brick house instead of the small Western-style cottage just beside Sheng Ya¡¯s residence. Later on, he found out that the cottage was used for passing judgment.


    At all once, some twenty pairs of eyes looked at a man who was walking in.


    ¡°Elder, here you are.¡±

 Chapter 141 - New Participants

    <h4>Chapter 141: New Participants</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The way they looked at Bai Wu changed considerably. Their dread turned into reverence. Was it simply because he reced Uncle Ji as the new elder?


    ¡°Hm, has everyone rested well? It should be another new round of the game by tomorrow but the difficulty level will be slightly lower, there¡¯s no need to worry. Have the neers understood all the rules?¡±


    Bai Wu looked around and saw the new additions ¨C a big-bellied fatty, a bespectacled businessman, and a trembling youngdy, who was beingforted by Sheng Ya.


    ¡°I¡¯ve exined it all but Fang Lingzi does not seem to ept the situation.¡± Sheng Ya pouted as she spoke.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe that nonsense! It¡¯s the Society of Great Unity and you can¡¯t scare me!¡± The fatty refuted in a loud voice.


    ¡°But you do believe it, don¡¯t you? You simply refuse to ept that belief. I arrived here yesterday and I just came back from today¡¯s mission.¡±


    Xu Lan coolly walked over and lifted his short-sleeved shirt to reveal the three bullet holes in his abdomen. The fatty was likely a sessful person and his pale fat face started to tremble as he looked at those bullet holes in shock.


    ¡°This!¡±


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu stepped forward and tugged at Xu Lan¡¯s shirt while eximing in distress. His eyes however, looked at the fatty with a cold expression.


    ¡°So, that means, we can only escape if we get ten thousand gold coins? And in doing so, we mustplete missions as dictated by the dimension?¡± The businessman loosened his tie and asked calmly.


    ¡°Heh, getting ten thousand gold coins isn¡¯t as easy as you think. Generally speaking, there are always people who cannotplete the mission and end up dying. Even if you canplete it, there¡¯s no guarantee you¡¯de out of it injury-free. Although everyone can save up and not use the gold coins in exchange for food, it¡¯s medicine that¡¯s expensive. They start at five hundred gold coins, but those five hundred gold coins are what gives you the chance to fight another day! Of course, the stronger the medicine, the more expensive it will be.¡±


    The businessman¡¯s attitude angered one of the young men there who was squatting on the ground. His lifted his dirty crew-cut head andshed out furiously.


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯d like to ask, how did those people who gathered ten thousand coins manage to leave the ce? Why can¡¯t we follow them out?¡± The businessman was not affected by the crew-cut young man¡¯s words ¨C he simply cleared his thoughts and asked another question.


    ¡°They disappear... Once they get ten thousand points, they would disappear right in front of your eyes.¡± Bai Wu rxed voice resonated through the whole room and shut out the crew-cut young man before he could speak again.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I think that¡¯s it. Regardless of what happens, our main purpose is to continue living. Everyone, remember to rest, recuperate, and prepare yourself for what tomorrow has to offer,¡± Bai Wu said that while shaking his head. Of the three neers, only the businessman seemed to have a stronger mentality.


    ¡°Elder, this is the food that was sent today.¡± A sallow-looking young man summoned up the courage to give Bai Wu some good food once he saw that Bai Wu was assisting Xu Lan and was about to leave.


    The young man was named Zhang Fei. Hepleted seven missions and umted five thousand coins. His intelligence and physique were nothing to shout about but they did not hold him back, and he alwayspleted his mission on his own. Those like Zhang Fei ¨C who couldplete missions by themselves ¨C number five or six, while the rest needed the assistance of the elders.


    In choosing the elders, the master of the dimension would normally choose those who were brave, smart, and had the most experience. For example, Uncle Ji ¨C the previous elder ¨C was chosen only afterpleting nine missions.


    Elders must aid the participants to the best of their abilities while at the same time ensuring that no rules were broken. They also have a certain amount of power to punish those who break the rules, and to a certain extent, they wield the power to decide life-and-death for everyone else. However, an unjust elder would also suffer punishment.


    The master of the dimension did not want for the participants to die off too quickly. He treated the whole scene like a television screen where the master could eat some melon seeds while being amused with the participants struggling toplete their mission. It was also why Xu Lan won for no reason aftering into contact with a hidden mission.


    Bai Wu nodded and received the food. He then looked toward Sheng Ya, who wasforting Fang Lingzi and said, ¡°Sheng Ya, do your best to console her. It¡¯s rare for you to have apanion.¡±


    ¡°I will...¡± With a drawn-out voice, she shed a vibrant smile and replied.


    Xu Lan raised an eyebrow and walked out feeling embarrassed.

 Chapter 142 - Reassessing Oneself

    <h4>Chapter 142: Reassessing Oneself</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Chapter 151: Reassessing Oneself


    ¡°So, you and Sheng Ya are pretty close?¡± Xu Lan absent-mindedly asked as he nibbled at the bread.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s just that, she¡¯s a girl and it¡¯s best to give her a bit of assistance.¡± Bai Wu hesitated for a moment before finally replying.


    ¡°She¡¯s too young. From the looks of it, I would say around eighteen? She must¡¯ve failed in one of her missions,¡± Xu Lan said without minding his own business. Sheng Ya was rather dependant on Bai Wu and it was obvious that there were some feelings involved.


    ¡°Mm, I know. I¡¯m already full but please take your time to eat, Papa.¡± Bai Wu pursed his lips and nced at Xu Lan. He then covered himself in a nket and properly tucked himself to one side.


    Xu Lan let out a depressed sigh. When Bai Wu got up and left behind a shadow of mncholy, Xu Lan¡¯s emotions followed suit too. Xu Lan himself had no clue as to why he said such words but whenever he thought about Bai Wu getting married and leaving behind an aging old man, he felt uneasy at heart.


    ¡®Maybe I¡¯m just unwilling to let my good bok choy <sup>1</sup> be dug up by some pigs,¡¯ Xu Lan thought. When he saw the nket brazenly ced across the whole of the narrow bed, his originally rxed emotions suddenly felt tense.


    Did he really only wish to be Bai Wu¡¯s father? When Bai Wu spoke candidly and apologized, was Xu Lan truly happy? He never once entertained any thoughts regarding that matter ¨C they were vile, filthy, and invited anger from others, so he dreaded to face them.


    At the very beginning, he just wanted the child to be with him and satisfy his idea of what a fatherly role should be. It was why he wanted to send Bai Wu away when danger appeared and the interdimensional crack retreated. By sheer luck, they found themselves back into Xu Lan¡¯s original world andpletely unscathed no less.


    When did Xu Lan start thinking of Bai Wu for no reason at all? At what point did he worry about Bai Wu? Why was he so angry when Bai Wu and Xiao Xiao were together, to the point where he secretly asked around about Xiao Xiao? When he was ruthlessly exposed and Song Xi never looked at him with dignity anymore, his first reaction after feeling angry and resentful was that Song Xi was not as important as Bai Wu. The moment he noticed that Bai Wu disappeared, he jumped into the void without the slightest hesitation and began aimlessly searching for Bai Wu.


    Suddenly, a thought popped up in his mind ¨C it was the exchange between Xiao Feng and Wang Meng. He finally realized why Bai Wu insisted on parting the bed. ¡®But I¡¯m his father! How could I possibly?! But he promised not to daydream anymore. So, does it mean that things would never go back to before when we were super close to each other?¡¯ Xu Lan wore some clothes andid on the bed. He could not sleep the whole night.


    When the rm bell sounded, the sky was still draped in a gauzy fog. There was some drizzle and it was very difficult to differentiate east and south from west and north. Xu Lan had just begun drifting to sleep when he was nastily awakened.


    ¡°Why do we have to wake up so early? Is this ce really that inhumane?¡± Xu Lanined.


    ¡°Pfft!¡± Bai Wu could not resistughing when he looked at Xu Lan¡¯s panda-like eyes and palm-tree-like hair. ¡°Be quick, Papa. Those who camete to the missionst time had their gold coins deducted.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know! You go on first!¡± Irritated, Xu Lan massaged his head and eximed.


    Bai Wu shook his head helplessly and went out. He was the elder, after all, and he had to look after everyone.


    If Xu Lan had known better, he would never have let Bai Wu go out alone. It was not just Sheng Ya that stuck to Bai Wu, Fang Lingzi too!


    F*ck! Xu Lan¡¯s temper began to re and to make things worse, it was a temper which he did not dare to admit he had!


    ¡°What¡¯s the mission today?¡± Xu Lan folded his arms and walked sluggishly toward the well.


    Xu Lan naturally had a sinister aura on him, those who were no match for it could only hide from it. With the elder protecting him, everyone was even more afraid ¨C they lowered their heads and did not dare to reply.


    ¡°F*ck! Are your ears useless or what?!¡± Xu Lan scolded Bai Wu, who was trying to console Fang Lingzi.


    ¡°Are your eyes useless or what? You can¡¯t see those big words there? Or could it be that you don¡¯t know how to read?¡± Sheng Ya pointed at the blood-red font floating above the well and asked.


    It was her! She was the one who distracted Bai Wu and almost caused him to die in Termite Mountain. If Bai Wu was not distracted, it would not have been Uncle Ji who found the queen ant!


    Xu Lan ground his teeth rather audibly. With a gentle scoff, he looked at the floating writing.


    ¡®To everyone here, please walk along the drainage system and reach Darkwater Town before eight in the morning. Then, you are to search for the culprit behind Xiu He¡¯s murder before eight tonight. Five hundred gold coins will be awarded to those whoplete the mission. Best wishes for your safe passage.


    ¡®Please note: For this mission, you will all be awarded one hundred gold coins as of immediately, with no conditions attached. Please use them wisely.¡¯

 Chapter 143 - The Secret of Darkwater Town

    <h4>Chapter 143: The Secret of Darkwater Town</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Another batch of people! What kind of sin did Xiu Hemit! Sigh...¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it so, how many times is this. There¡¯s not even a single statement, how is she going to rest in peace.¡± A few elderly were sewing shoe soles while they sat at the entrance of the vige grumbled when they saw dozens of people rushing toward their direction.


    ¡°Aunty, is this Darkwater Town?¡± The guy with a crew-cut hairstyle could not help but ask when he saw this ce had such a beautiful ambiance, with mountains and clear rivers. He could not seem to rte the name to this ce.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you see for yourself? It states clearly up there, you can¡¯t read?¡± An old woman who sat beside the mill answered impatiently.


    ¡°Pfft... Haha...¡± Sheng Ya looked at the crew-cut guy and stared at Xu Lan before bursting intoughter. Xu Lan¡¯s neck flushed immediately and turned away from that bright-lit face.


    When they looked closer, there was indeed a signboard at the vige¡¯s entrance. There were two words written on it using Small Seal Script ¨C Darkwater Town. Those characters were written with a powerful stroke and the artistry could not be easily recognized bymoners.


    ¡°Aunty, is there anyone who¡¯s in charge of this ce?¡± Bai Wu came forward and asked politely.


    ¡°Walk straight ahead and turn left at the third intersection until you reach the tallest building. That¡¯s the mayor¡¯s house.¡± Another olddy sensed the awkward tension and answered with a smile.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Bai Wu bid his farewell politely.


    A group of people followed behind Bai Wu and scrambled their way to the mayor¡¯s house.


    Ssh! A bucket of water poured down from the second floor. Bai Wu waspletely drenched since he was the first one in line.


    ¡°Are you okay, Bai Wu?¡± Sheng Ya walked over with an astonished look, where she tried to wipe away the water stains while she asked.


    ¡°No worries...¡±


    ¡°What is there to worry about? He was fine even after going down the well and gotpletely wet,¡± Xu Lan said shrugging his shoulders as he retracted his hand halfway with the handkerchief and put it back to his pocket.


    Bai Wuughed bitterly and shook his head. He signaled Sheng Ya to inform her that he was fine. He pushed the rail fence and walked inside to inquire if the mayor was around. Sheng Ya turned back to re at Xu Lan. Xu Lan rolled his eyes and looked to the sky to pretend that he did not see it.


    ¡°Get lost! Who let you in!¡± An old voice erupted while it trembled emotionally.


    An old, white-haired man chased Bai Wu out by waving his walking stick. The people upstairs prepared another bucket of water, ring at them fiercely.


    ¡°Sir! Let¡¯s talk nicely, why are you hitting us?¡± Xu Lan dragged Bai Wu behind his back when he saw the situation and stared firmly at the mayor.


    ¡°Get lost! I don¡¯t have anything to say to you!¡± The mayor pointed with his walking stick and yelled loudly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mayor. We just want to ask about Xiu...¡±


    Ssh!


    ¡°Get out! I don¡¯t want to see you guys again!¡± The upstairs poured down another bucket of water before Bai Wu could finish his sentence. The mayor was raging with anger until his mustache stood upright.


    ¡°Papa!¡±


    Xu Lan had also turned into a drenched chicken. Bai Wu walked over quickly to pass him the handkerchief from just now.


    ¡°Hehe... Mayor, we¡¯re here to sketch. I own an art institute. It just so happen that I read about an article on Darkwater Town online and find that this ce had such beautiful sceneries and ambiance, which is perfect for sketching. That¡¯s why I brought them over, hehe...¡± Xu Lan saidughingly and pped the reaching hand away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you try to fool this old man, what sketch, you just said you wanted to know about Xiu...¡± The mayor choked and did not continue talking.


    ¡°Why would I fool you, sir? Look, we even brought our drawing boards. Sketching is also drawing. You should know what¡¯s drawing right?¡± Xu Lan used two hundred gold coins to redeem a drawing board and took it out from his back to prove that he did not lie.


    The mayor scrutinized all of them. There were around twenty people, each of them spent their gold coins to exchange for something rted to art unwillingly.


    ¡°Look, I told you. We just arrived and wanted to witness the beauty of Darkwater Town¡¯s mountains and rivers. We walked around for a bit when we arrive and this ce is just perfect,¡± said Xu Lan.


    The mayor let them into the house dubiously.

 Chapter 144 - The 80s Guesthouse

    <h4>Chapter 144: The 80s Guesthouse</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Dad! Why did you let them in?¡± That man who sshed water from upstairs came down and asked angrily.


    ¡°They said that they¡¯re here to sketch or something,¡± the mayor sat in the hall and said with dignity.


    ¡°How can you believe them! These sons of bit*hes have motives of...¡±


    ¡°Hey brother, we¡¯re really here to sketch. We even brought all of our tools. It was my fault that we didn¡¯t inform you in advance. The thing is, we made the decision toe here abruptly, and there was no contact information online,¡± Xu Lan exined apologetically.


    ¡°Sir, look at this, does it look alike?¡±


    ¡°Yes! I can¡¯t believe that someone would paint a portrait of me while I¡¯m still alive,¡± the mayor smiled ear to ear when he saw the drawing board that Sheng Ya passed over.


    The mayor¡¯s son wanted to say something but he bit his tongue and walked towards the mayor and stood beside him. He had not seen the mayor in such a good mood since forever. He looked at the drawing board in his hands.


    ¡°Hey, not bad. I didn¡¯t know that you¡¯re an art student?¡± Xu Lan raised the corner of his mouth and said softly to Sheng Ya while he elbowed her.


    The townspeople were hesitant about the neers. They shut their doors and windows tightly, those who were curious tried to peep but shied away when they were discovered by Xu Lan. This was the exact reason why he stopped Bai Wu from telling them their real intentions.


    ¡°Pfft, do you think I¡¯m like you? Just churn out lies when you don¡¯t even know a thing?¡± Sheng Ya shrugged off Xu Lan¡¯s approach and replied sarcastically.


    ¡°Hey, how can a youngdy like you be so hot-tempered? Be careful,ter Bai Wu doesn¡¯t like you.¡±


    Bai Wu turned around to nce and him and lowered his head immediately and rubbed his thumb. The corner of Xu Lan¡¯s mouth tensed instantly. He wanted to give himself two tough ps due to this slip of the tongue.


    However, Sheng Ya heard it and secretly gave Bai Wu a nce with a blushed face before lowering her head.


    ¡°Since you guys are here to sketch, I have nothing to say. There¡¯s too many of you. you ¡®ll have to stay at the guesthouse in town. However, you guys are not allowed to go to the town¡¯s well and the north temple!¡± The mayor said in doubt.


    ¡°This is not a problem. There¡¯s so many of us, it would be rude to stay at your house, mayor. However, you¡¯ll have to rify to the others that we¡¯re here to sketch, or else I¡¯m afraid that we won¡¯t even get to eat. Also, I would be grateful if you can let someone introduce Darkwater Town to us. We will be able to depict the charm of Darkwater Town only if we truly understand it¡¯s culture.¡±


    Xu Lan started to bber with a serious tone. He could convey facts and reasonings in such a manner that you would not be able to differentiate whether they were truth or lies. ording to Xu Lan¡¯s words, they were half truths and half lies. If you believe in them, they would be truths; if not, they would be lies.


    ¡°... Okay. I¡¯ll tell them about it. I¡¯ll find two men to show you guys around the town,¡± the mayor¡¯s son said after giving a thought. It was obvious that he believed Xu Lan¡¯s words.


    After having a simple lunch, a guy named Niu Si brought them to the guesthouse. It looked like those motels from the 80s. There were more than ten metal bunk beds in a room less than forty square meters. The room was filled with the smell of stinking feet, body odor and sweat all mixed together, floating in the air.


    Sheng Ya choked the instant she stepped foot into the room and rushed out, where she leaned on the railings and puked non-stop.


    The far right of that story was the shower room and toilets. They had to walk twenty to thirty meters and inside was so foul-smelling that no one could stand it.


    ¡°Sh*t, is this ce for humans?¡± The crew-cut guy yelled.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just stay here first and think of something elseter on,¡± Bai Wu said and stopped everyone fromining.

 Chapter 145 - The Origin of Darkwater Town

    <h4>Chapter 145: The Origin of Darkwater Town</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we here to find out how Xiu He died? Why must you say that we¡¯re here to sketch? We even wasted two hundred gold coins to buy things!¡± The crew-cut guy mumbled displeasingly.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see their attitude when we asked about Xiu He? It¡¯s nice that we can stay over, or do you have any better idea?¡± Xu Lan frowned and asked.


    ¡°I... You still shouldn¡¯t have said that we¡¯re here to sketch! Who else here knows how to draw except Sheng Ya? We would be exposed once we start drawing. We can say that we¡¯re here for some archeological work!¡± The crew-cut guy argued reluctantly.


    ¡°Archeology? Hmph, what do you want to dig, graveyards? Archeology, those archeological tools are even more expensive!¡± Xu Lan said mockingly.


    ¡°But!¡±


    ¡°Enough! After finish packing, Niu Si will bring us to around to familiarize this ce. Those who don¡¯t want to go just stay put, don¡¯t go out and stir troubles!¡± Bai Wu said coldly.


    ¡®Pang¡¯, the crew-cut guy threw the drawing board on the bed, ¡°Sure enough, it¡¯s different if you are under someone¡¯s wing. I¡¯ll stay here and sleep the whole afternoon, not going anywhere!¡±


    ¡°What did you say!¡± Xu Lan spat and kicked the bed before yelling at the crew-cut guy.


    ¡°Let it go, Papa. There¡¯s more important things to attend to, let¡¯s go look around Darkwater Town,¡± Bai Wu held back Xu Lan and said while suppressing his anger.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s temples were pounding. He turned around and looked at Bai Wu before leaving angrily. ¡®F*ck, when did he need Bai Wu to look after him!¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    After Xu Lan left, the group of people was relieved, as if a heavy weight was lifted from their mind. They followed behind Bai Wu, while Niu Si lead them to look around the town.


    Initially, this town was not called Darkwater Town. It was known as the Green Dragon Vige.


    Forty years ago, they started clearingnd to fulfill the government policies. People started dying without any reason in Darkwater Town. Those who died were young adults, and they all died in horrible ways. Rumors were that the people from the Green Dragon Vige offended their ancesters and they were punished by them.


    After a while, the death toll was still rising. The mayor was pressured to seek help from a Maushan Daoist. That poor Daoist told them that they disturbed the dragon¡¯s vein, that this vige could no longer be called as the Green Dragon Vige. The northern Green Dragon Mountain should be left untouched. They also needed to direct a river here to wash the resentment away, and they had to cut off all connections with the outside world for the next two decades.


    ¡°No wonder, it feels weird here. It¡¯s because it had lost contact with the outside world for twenty years,¡± Xu Lan said while he was absorbed in his own thoughts.


    ¡°He he, that poot Daoist said that it was the only way to protect our town. Although we were doubtful, better be safe than sorry, right?¡± Niu Si lifted his sun-kissed face andughed honestly.


    ¡°Uhm, looks like we can add in some elements of Daoism and Feng Shui. I think you guys will like it,¡± Xu Lan nodded and said.


    ¡°Are there any unusual incidents in Darkwater Town recently?¡± Zhang Fei asked impatiently. All the while, he was following closely behind.


    Niu Si¡¯s smile disappeared immediately. He red at Zhang Fei with his eyes as big as cowbells and remained silent.


    ¡°Ha ha ha, what big brother here meant was it felt like we were not really weed by you guys. We were sshed with two buckets of water when we went to the mayor¡¯s house just now, ha ha,¡± Xu Lan hugged Niu Si¡¯s shoulder and exinedughingly.


    Bai Wu was following Xu Lanzily but shot Zhang Fei with a stern look. How did such an impatient person live till today?


    Zhang Fei knew that he made a mistake and lowered his head fearfully. He med himself for being too anxious. If he was the one who cost everyone to fail this mission, there would be countless pairs of eyes staring him from the dark to see him get kicked-off.


    ¡°Sigh... The mayor warned us not to spread this incident because it¡¯s too peculiar!¡± Niu Si whispered into Xu Lan¡¯s ears.

 Chapter 146 - Niu Si’s Complaint

    <h4>Chapter 146: Niu Si¡¯s Comint</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Is it so? That¡¯s too bad. I was quite upset as all we received was nothing but hatred since we got here, sigh...¡±


    Xu Lan¡¯s curious expression turned cold when he heard what Niu Si said. His face showed a mixture ofplex expressions, filled with regret and unwillingness.


    ¡°Are you sure that he¡¯s not an actor? I really want to give him a ¡®Broom Award¡¯,¡± Sheng Ya grumbled.


    ¡°He¡¯s a police officer,¡± Bai Wu looked towards Xu Lan and said in a lowered voice. It wasmon for police to interact with all kinds of people, that¡¯s he could observe people and judge a situation very well.


    ¡°Is he really your dad?¡± Sheng Ya asked.


    ¡°...Uhm,¡± Sheng Ya did not miss that sh of sadness. It was as if a cruet had been knocked over inside her heart.


    ¡°He he, big brother, I see that you¡¯re quite honest. I¡¯ll tell you about it, but you cannot spread to the others. It¡¯s killing me to keep this as a secret!¡± Niu Si whispered into Xu Lan¡¯s ear sneakily.


    ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t want to hear it. I¡¯m worried that I can¡¯t sleep at night!¡± Xu Lan pouted his mouth and shook his head in pretense.


    Xu Lan¡¯s cold shoulder made Niu Si wanted to tell him more. He was suffering so much to keep that secret but Xu Lan ignored it and let Niu Si continue to bring them around Darkwater Town.


    Short y bricked houses were amon sight. The facilities were mostly from the 80s and the whole vige was surrounded by a clear flowing river with a small stream passing through the middle. In the northern side, half of the Green Dragon Mountain was gone due to cultivation. The vige was situated with the mountain as the supporting backbone and surrounded by greeneries and water. It was a nice and tranquil ce.


    ¡°This ce is not bad,¡± Zhang Fei eximed in admiration sincerely.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Niu Si replied proudly while he rubbed his nose.


    ¡°That¡¯s all, we should go back soon. We¡¯lle and sketch tomorrow,¡± Bai Wu kind of understood Xu Lan¡¯s intention and said.


    A bunch of people looked at each other. They were displeased that they had to return empty-handed. However, they dare not say much due to Bai Wu¡¯s elder status and walked back with their heads lowered.


    ¡°Huh? You guys are going back? I... I...¡± Niu Si was conflicted when he asked, while he looked at each of theming over to him to bid farewell dejectedly.


    ¡°Hey, big brother, where can we take a bite? We¡¯re quite hungry after walking for half a day. Why not you lead us to the ce?¡± Xu Lan walked over and hung a hand around his shoulder and asked.


    ¡°Sure! I know a ce that offers cheap and authentic local cuisine. I¡¯ll bring you guys there!¡± Niu Siughed openly.


    The owner of the restaurant also sat down together to eat the local home-cooked food. They started chatting away after having a couple of drinks, from the four seas to heaven and earth. A few roundster, they were back to Darkwater Town.


    ¡°It¡¯s f*cking strange. How can a person disappear into thin air after falling into the well?¡± Although Niu Si was high in spirit, he was a little sad when he talked about this.


    ¡°Shh... Niu Si, what nonsense are you talking about! Have you forgotten what the mayor said?¡± The owner pushed Niu Si¡¯s hand that he used to hold the wine and asked softly.


    ¡°Hey, Gan Er. If I don¡¯t tell, the rumors spread will be even stranger. It¡¯s still horrible just thinking about it. I can¡¯t even sleep properly at night. Furthermore, they¡¯re just here to sketch, what are you afraid of?¡±


    Gan Er held his wine ss and remained silent. Niu Si¡¯s speech hit right to his heart. Xu Lan and Bai Wu looked at each other and smiled together.


    There¡¯s something fishy about this.

 Chapter 147 - Xiu He’s Cause of Death

    <h4>Chapter 147: Xiu He¡¯s Cause of Death</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xiu He¡¯s death was one factor. The weather was good on that day; it was windy and sunny. She seemed to be under a spell as she walked over to the side of the well with a nk stare on her face. His expressionless look changed suddenly into one that was incredibly fierce. She turned her head to look at everyone behind her, then plunged into the well with a plop.


    At that time, there were a number of people who stopped to rest, and they saw Xiu He jump. There was only one well in the small town, and it wasmon for people to gather around it and chat whenever they had free time on their hands.


    Upon seeing the scene, everyone turned frantic and came rushing over to save Xiu He. Oddly enough, despite the well¡¯s rtive shallowness as well as the crystal-clear water, they did everything they could and were still unable to bring Xiu He up. A few men, all proficient swimmers from the vige, submerged their heads in the water over and over again but were simply unable to locate any traces of Xiu He.


    Her embroidered shoes were still beside the well, yet it was as if she vanished from the surface of the earth. Coupled with the fact that those men were unable to locate her even though they dived into the water, the incident was something that was kept secret since no one was willing to talk about it.


    However, things only got weirder from then onward. One by one, a few of the middle-aged women in the town disappeared mysteriously under simr circumstances. Some timeter, even men were not spared. Be it woman or man, once they disappeared, their shoes ¨C which they wore daily ¨C were always present beside the well. Cries could sometimes be heard from the well, but those sounds stopped whenever someone walked up to the well.


    Everyone was terrified and unsafe. In the end, the mayor had to seek the help of the government. Throngs of people from the government came again and again, but the disappearances showed no sign of waning. On the contrary, it was as if whatever that was causing those disappearances felt angry because the disappearances actually increased in number.


    Just like that, it was not only people from the government who came over. Groups of scientists and researchers came by the bucketload in order to do some dig up some clues on what was going on. With the problem still unsolved, the number of people in the town diminished significantly. In light of that, the mayor no longer permitted outsiders toe in and repeated his warnings to everyone that the situation must not be exposed to the outside world.


    The mayor¡¯s actions managed to decrease the frequency of further disappearances. Up until then, about one pair of shoes would be found per year beside the well.


    ¡°We¡¯re only trying to protect our lives, you see! Ay, I don¡¯t feel so burdened now that I¡¯ve said it all. I don¡¯t even know if I¡¯ll be able to see the sun tomorrow!¡± Niu Si drank a mouthful of wine and candidlyughed.


    The rest of those at the table said nothing and continued drinking. Only one person seemed to be absolutely bbergasted ¨C Xu Lan.


    If mentioning the incident would lead to death, then why was Niu Si so willing to risk himself? Could it be that he no longer wished to live? Each person approached death with different attitudes and to each their own, but Xu Lan was rather taken aback by Niu Si, since thetter was so aloof despite being young.


    ¡°Hey, big brother! You scared me a little when you said that, you know? I think that¡¯s it for today. Everyone should go back and rest earlier today. We¡¯ll look for some good ces to sketch tomorrow.¡± Xu Lan ate thest remaining snack and said.


    Niu Si and the shop owner exchanged nces that contained a hint of bewilderment. When they looked back at Xu Lan, Bai Wu had already helped him out of the shop. Life and drawing still life were two different things <sup>1</sup> . While the townspeople were trying hard to survive, the group of outsiders were treating life as an art.


    With a sneer, Niu Si curled his lips at the shop owner and walked out.


    Even though there were objections on Xu Lan¡¯s side, no one was brave enough to say anything. When he climbed onto the bed back at the hostel, it was only seven in the evening.


    It was a long day, and although the Xiu He incident continued to float around in his mind, he fell asleep not longter. No one seemed to hear the pitter-patter of flowing water that came from the rooftop.

 Chapter 148 - A Curious Occurrence in the Room

    <h4>Chapter 148: A Curious urrence in the Room</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Zhang Fei, the one who always conformed to the norms of society, was the first to be awakened by the cold.


    He slept on the bottom bunk <sup>1</sup> , and when he woke up, the water hadpletely soaked his back. With a gasp, he sat upright and realized the water was already at mid-calf level. He lifted his head to see a continuous, pearl-ne-like trickling of water dripping from the ceiling.


    ¡°HEY! Wake up, guys! There¡¯s a leak in the ceiling! Elder! Come and take a look at this! How did this happen?!¡± Zhang Fei shouted while running outside with his things carried in his hands.


    Bai Wu did a kip-up looked and around in a daze. The dripping became increasingly intense as if spurred by the just awakened Bai Wu. It was pouring down in a continuous stream!


    ¡°Everyone! Wake up! Leave this ce now! Something¡¯s not right!¡± Bai Wu urged as he tried to wake the others up.


    For some reason, Bai Wu¡¯s bed waspletely dry and seemedpletely unaffected. Unaware of what was happening, Xu Lan was woken up by all that noise. Puzzled, he got up and saw people rushing for the exit.


    ¡°Bai Wu, what¡¯s going on?¡± Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°No time to exin. Papa,e down from the bed. We have to get out of here!¡±


    Bai Wu replied whilst carrying stuff out of the house. At that point, water started dripping on Xu Lan¡¯s head. Moments ago, the nket was warm and cozy, but it had be so saturated that water could be wrung out of it. Xu Lan, who was confused and soaked like a drowned rat, got down from the bed in a flurry.


    ¡°F*ck this!¡±


    The worn-out iron bed frame became wobbly and wet after a whole night of soaking. In Xu Lan¡¯s moment of anxiousness, he slipped, causing both bed and person to copse.


    With one hand, Bai Wu held the bed; with the other he caught Xu Lan. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Bai Wu asked.


    Fortunately for Xu Lan, Bai Wu reacted quickly. If not for his nimbleness, the bed would have crashed onto Xu Lan. When Bai Wu thought about that, his thick eyebrows were knit in a frown as he gave Xu Lan a deathly stare.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m okay. F*ck! What kind of sick f*cking joke is this?!¡± Xu Lan struggled for a bit and stood in the knee-deep water and with a thud, he bumped onto the leg of the iron bed frame.


    ¡°Mm, let¡¯s go. We¡¯ve got most of the things. Everyone, go out together and don¡¯t get left behind!¡± Finally, it was Bai Wu¡¯s turn to take his own bag from the bed, as he urged the rest of them to head out quickly.


    As if things were not odd enough, the outside of the house was tranquil and silent, with the round moon high up in the sky. It was a far cry from the knee-deep water inside. More than twenty people stood outside the hostel. They were all afraid to even let out a sigh of relief after seeing what happened.


    ¡°Check if anyone¡¯s not down here yet and whether anything¡¯s missing!¡± Bai Wu ordered as he did a headcount.


    ¡°Sheng Ya¡¯s still at the third floor. I¡¯ll go take a look.¡± Xu Lan began to panic and could not help but exim when he noticed the absence of the sole diminutive damsel of their group.


    ¡°Sheng...¡±


    ¡°KYAAAA!¡± A dreadful scream resonated from the third floor. Who else could it be except for Sheng Ya?


    Xu Lan began running without the slightest hesitation. Saving lives was his duty as a cop and it was etched in his bones. It did not require much thought since it was pure instinct.


    ¡°Stay where you are!¡± Bai Wu ran over and held him. ¡°You stay here. I¡¯ll go!¡±


    Bai Wu¡¯s oncenguid and sensual voice became firmly resolute as he grabbed Xu Lan¡¯s hand. His steeliness was expressed even in the grasping. After finishing his words, he left before Xu Lan could respond, and rushed up to the building.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Save me!¡±


    Sheng Ya¡¯s flirtatious yet frightful voice rang through the silent night. Knowing absolutely nothing of what was happening inside, Xu Lan paced back and forth outside the hostel.


    Why did such a thing happen that night? Niu Si never mentioned anything like that! Xu Lan ced his hands in his pants pocket and the little details of Darkwater Town floated through his mind like a whirlwind.


    ¡°Elder, are you alright?¡± Someone asked suddenly.


    Xu Lan stopped pacing and looked at the hostel; his hands grasped tight at the handkerchief inside his pants pocket.

 Chapter 149 - Separating Truth from Fiction

    <h4>Chapter 149: Separating Truth from Fiction</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Elder, is Sheng Ya alright?¡± Zhang Fei was the first to speak up.


    ¡°Mm. She¡¯s just a bit frightened. Nothing serious.¡± He walked down from the shadow of the stairs and stood in front of everyone.


    Bai Wu was carrying Sheng Ya horizontally with his arms. The shy littledy wrapped her hands over his neck and buried her head in his chest. She was trembling incessantly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s find a ce to rest. Everyone should be tired from theck of sleep,¡± Bai Wu said as he ced Sheng Ya down.


    Unwilling to let go of Bai Wu, she continued to hold on tight to Bai Wu¡¯s neck. After he gave her a firm stare, she then held on timidly to his shirt. Since she did not speak a word, it was quite apparent that she was terrified.


    ¡°F*cking hell it¡¯s like we¡¯ve just encountered a ghost! How was there a leak in the first ce? There wasn¡¯t even any rain, to begin with!¡± Thed with the crew-cut cursed and kicked a stone that was lying on the ground.


    ¡°Keep your mouth shut. Is this the first time you¡¯re here? Are you experiencing something that defies the logic of nature for the first time?¡± With words of indignance, Zhang Fei shot a nce at the crew-cut man.


    It was normal for the crew-cut man to make wild guesses. Not only was he unable to control himself from saying such things, but he also said it with a conceitedness that suggested he thought too highly of himself. His actions of jumping for joy beforepleting his mission had killed a neer, so many people were not keen on associating with him for fear that they would be killed unwittingly on any given day!


    ¡°Tsk. What of it? Are you forbidding me to speak? Have I offended you by speaking the f*cking truth?¡± As soon as he was refuted, the crew-cut man jumped up to point at Zhang Fei¡¯s nose and cursed.


    ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°ENOUGH! Calm yourself down if you don¡¯t want to die!¡± Bai Wu shouted angrily. His ring eyes focused their gaze on the two men, who were like featherless cocks that had justpleted a fight. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what we¡¯re here for! For those who want to argue unnecessarily, you won¡¯t see my civil public side when I deal with you privately. This fist of mine is something you will have to reckon with!¡±


    Bai Wu punched the ground and left a deep impression. The shape of a fist was in for all to see. His actions served two purposes: to shut the crew-cut man up and make it clear to everyone that he was chosen as the elder for a reason!


    ¡°Papa, what do you think of all this?¡± Bai Wu wiped the ash off of his hands and turned his head to ask.


    ¡°Me? I don¡¯t know. I used to be an atheist, but I guess today¡¯s events made...¡± Xu Lan mumbled.


    Xu Lan¡¯s understanding of deities and demons was thrown out the window ever since he epted Bai Wu¡¯s existence. Even so, the events that just happened had distorted his perception of the world around him, since it was so unexinable that it went beyond the scope of natural sciences.


    ¡°Hm, since our purpose here is to find out how Xiu He died, I firmly believe that the incident just now must have something to do with Xiu He. It should be obvious by now that it¡¯s not a simple case of suicide. It¡¯s possible that Niu Si didn¡¯t tell us the truth, but to some extent, he hinted at the oddities in everything that happened here,¡± Bai Wu reasoned.


    Before he exined that to everyone, he helped Xu Lan to sit down when he noticed that Xu Lan¡¯s mind seemed distant.


    ¡°But we don¡¯t even have a rough idea of things. There¡¯s no way we can find out how Xiu He died.¡± Clueless and unable to make head or tail of everything, Zhang Fei asked doubtfully.


    ¡°Regarding this, I think the people of Darkwater Town would voluntarilye forward and tell us. If what Niu Si said tonight was true, then we¡¯ll simply go with the flow and continue poking around. If what he said was a lie, then all the better. What reason did he have to lie? The only reason is that he¡¯s unwilling to let us know the truth as well as what happened behind the scenes. A lie is only sustainable if there are other lies behind the lie. As long as we put our minds together, sooner orter, the townspeople will give the game away.¡±


    Bai Wu muttered and said everything quickly. Sheng Ya was still holding on to the hem of his shirt and followed closely beside him.


    ¡°It¡¯s done then. Seems like daybreak is just around the corner. Let¡¯s arrange the n for each person!¡± With an abrupt patting of his thighs, Xu Lan stood up and remarked excitedly.

 Chapter 150 - Rebuking the Man with the Crew-Cut

    <h4>Chapter 150: Rebuking the Man with the Crew-Cut</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Sheng Ya timidly led a group of people to do their nature sketches. There was no other way for them to justify their lies and keep up with appearances without her as the art student. Niu Si warned them not to head to Qinglong Mountain, the temple, or the well.


    In the end, they went to the mayor¡¯s house, for that was the only ce that was of significant height. Besides, the mayor ought to know the ins-and-outs of the incident. ¡°Even if the whole truth could not be coaxed out,¡± Xu Lan said, ¡°a few sentences would surely be of help.¡±


    Sheng Ya looked at the sketch that each person made of Darkwater Town. Oh, how artful! Not many people understood the art world anyway; faking it was enough to make it believable.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a Taichi diagram?¡± Zhang Fei gesticted on the drawing board and remarked while looking at the vige.


    ¡°Hey! It looks so f*cking simr that you didn¡¯t even need to point it out!¡± The crew-cut man looked down at Darkwater Town and subtlyughed. It seems the ce really was haunted!


    Standing atop the roof, Sheng Ya gazed at Darkwater Town¡¯s winding brook as well as the river that circled the vige. She felt a chill from head to toe and a cold sweat on her backbone as she remembered what happened the night before.


    ¡°Ay, say, what do think of Bai Wu and Xu Lan¡¯s situation? He¡¯s still calling him ¡®Papa¡¯? I think it¡¯d be better if he called me ¡®Papa¡¯. Haha!¡± The crew-cut man burst out inughter.


    ¡°Would it kill you to have some decency when you speak? Bai Wu is Xu Lan¡¯s adopted son. So, what of it? Was it necessary for you to mention that? Aren¡¯t you afraid of being rendered infertile because of your despicable mouth?¡± Sheng Ya rarely showed her displeasure with others in public. The crew-cut man was left red-faced and speechless.


    Sheng Ya felt no necessity to embarrass him. Who knows if he would one day be her downfall? Like him, she did not have a favorable impression of Xu Lan, but despite knowing that Bai Wu would never reciprocate her feelings, she could not bear to see others ndering him. On top of that, she found Xu Lan not as detestable as she once thought.


    Bai Wu and Xu Lan brought a group of people to look for Niu Si: he was still at the restaurant that served home-cooked dishes.


    Wiping off mucus and tears, Xu Lanined to Niu Si tearfully and said that he should not have listened to the freakish story because everyone was unable to sleep as a result of it. He remarked that he had a bad dream where he was drowned to death, and everyone was so scared that they ran outside and stayed the night outdoors.


    ¡°Oh, Niu Si, my brother! Tell me! Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s weird? All twenty of us had the same dream! This morning, we went back to the house because someone left their things there, but we didn¡¯t see water anywhere! Tell me, did we run into a ghost?¡± He pretended to be scared.


    ¡°Is there such a thing? I wondered why I was able to see the sun today! Seems like you guys helped me to resist it!¡± Niu Si seemed worried and d at the same time as he said, ¡°It¡¯s not right. I think all of you should leave this ce as soon as possible, in case something unclean has targeted you.¡±


    He made a V-sign with his index and forefinger, then pointed first at his own eyes before pointing them again at Xu Lan, as if to signify ¡®I¡¯m watching you!¡¯. The action startled Xu Lan, causing him to back off and threw his head back; he subsequently fell on the ground.


    Bai Wu used one hand to lift Xu Lan up and into a protective embrace. He asked sulkily, ¡°What are you trying to do?!¡±


    ¡°Eh, I was only demonstrating. Never thought that Brother Xu was a scaredy-cat. I stand by my advice to Brother Xu: leave this ce as soon as possible. That ¡®thing¡¯ just loves scaredy-cats!¡± Niu Si acted as though he took it very seriously.


    ¡°What ¡®thing¡¯?¡± Xu Lan wiggled ufortably out of Bai Wu¡¯s embrace, then asked inquisitively.


    ¡°Do you really wanna know?¡±


    Once he got the affirmative answer, Niu Si gestured for the shop owner to pour some of Shaojiu <sup>1</sup> , then gestured for Xu Lan toe nearer. Xu Lan leaned in, and Niu Si secretively moved closer to Xu Lan¡¯s ear and whispered.


    ¡°It¡¯s Xiu He¡¯s ghost of course! It¡¯s not enough that she died. She wants to pull the whole town into the grave with her!¡±


    ¡°How long ago did she die? Doesn¡¯t anyone have any idea why she killed herself?¡± Xu Lan asked.

 Chapter 151 - Sheng Ya Likes Me

    <h4>Chapter 151: Sheng Ya Likes Me</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°She passed away forty years ago, I doubt anybody still remembers!¡± Niu Si said mockingly.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, we¡¯ll go back and meet Sheng Ya and the guys first,¡± Bai Wu could not help but said when he saw a clueless, frowning Xu Lan.


    ¡°Uhm! Let¡¯s go,¡± Xu Lan nced at Bai Wu, shook his head and sighed before answering.


    ¡°Papa, do you believe in ghosts?¡± Bai Wu could not help but asked when they were on the way to find Sheng Ya. Xu Lan¡¯s expression was not looking good these past two days. He wondered if he could not ept the setting of this world.


    ¡°It seems like Darkwater Town left me no choice but to believe in it,¡± Xu Lan stopped abruptly and ¡®pang!¡¯, Bai Wu¡¯s head crashed onto the back of Xu Lan¡¯s head.


    ¡°Ouch! Papa, did it hurt?¡± Bai Wu asked about Xu Lan¡¯s condition worriedly with an almost unnoticeable frown. Xu Lan rubbed the back on his head and signaled with his hand to indicate that he was fine. Once he lifted his head, a patch of crimson red hove into sight.


    ¡°Are you a pig!¡± Xu Lan scolded angrily, ¡°You guys go ahead, I¡¯ll meet with you all in a while.¡±


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯m not a pig, I¡¯m a dragon.¡±


    ¡°F*ck! Stop talking to me, your words are fueling my anger!¡± Xu Lan said furiously while he took out his handkerchief to stop Bai Wu¡¯s nosebleed.


    Xu Lan directed the crowd behind him to leave, while he dragged Bai Wu around to find a ce for him to sit down. A gleam of bright light shed across Bai Wu¡¯s eyes while he followed behind Xu Lan obediently.


    ¡°Sh*t! Why is your nose bridge so fragile! Can you be more careful next time?¡± Xu Lan lectured Bai Wu heartachingly while he wiped his bleeding nose.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu called out weakly.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Xu Lan looked up at Bai Wu puzzledly when he did not hear him continue. His reddened eyes were filled with tears and his thin lips were pressed together tightly as if he had suffered from immense grievances.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Bai Wu from the third dimension had always portrayed a strong, macho role. He had not seen such a soft side of Bai Wu. When he saw Bai Wu¡¯s expression, Xu Lan became panicky, not knowing how to react.


    ¡°Papa, I¡¯m in pain!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s tears streamed down and he buried his head into Xu Lan¡¯s arms and bawled. Xu Lan had to switch between wiping his tears and his bleeding nose with the same handkerchief, which messed his face up and made it sticky.


    ¡°Hey! Bai Wu, be good. It¡¯s not going to hurt, don¡¯t cry. Aren¡¯t you embarrassed that you¡¯re still crying your eyes out when you¡¯re all grown up?¡± Xu Lanforted Bai Wu helplessly while he patted on his back.


    ¡°But it really hurts. Papa even scolded me, I was just worried about Papa if you¡¯re hurting more than me! That¡¯s why...¡± Bai Wu was exining why his first reaction was to check on Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan was stunned. All of a sudden, the hand on Bai Wu¡¯s back felt extremely heavy, pressing him downwards until he was unable to lift up.


    ¡°Papa¡¯s unhappy these few days. Did I do anything that made Papa upset? Just tell me, Papa. I will change!¡± Bai Wu sat up suddenly, grabbed Xu Lan¡¯s hand and asked.


    ¡°Nothing like that. I was more than happy to find you. However, there¡¯s too much information to process these few days, and I just don¡¯t know how to react to it,¡± Xu Lan said while he massaged his temples weakly. His mind shed back to the scene where Bai Wu carried Sheng Ya down the stairs.


    ¡°Papa, are you regretting this? If... the space-time dimensional crack reopens, I will send Papa back,¡± Bai Wu said while he sobbed.


    ¡°F*ck! What the f*ck are you saying! If I truly regretted about this, do you think I¡¯ll follow you here? You! F*ck me! What¡¯s wrong with your head! F*ck!¡±


    Xu Lan was so furious that he could not converse properly. He could not fathom what Bai Wu was thinking in that short-circuit brain of his.


    ¡°I... You! Forget it! What¡¯s the rtionship between you and Sheng Ya?¡± Sh*t, Xu Lan asked dejectedly as if he made some kind of decision.


    ¡°Sheng Ya? She likes me.¡±

 Chapter 152 - Bai Wu’s Test

    <h4>Chapter 152: Bai Wu¡¯s Test</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°You... What are you talking about?¡± A dull thunder struck his heart and the hand that wasforting Bai Wu paused with the slightest motion possible.


    ¡°I know,¡± Bai Wu did not notice Xu Lan¡¯s tensing jaws and continue talking obliviously, ¡°I know that she likes me. I thought about it too. It doesn¡¯t matter who I marry if it means that I¡¯m able to stay beside Papa.¡±


    ¡°... You... you want to marry Sheng Ya?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s expression was bing worse. He was confused if it was the feeling of unwillingness for Bai Wu to be ruined by a pig, or was it because he was still thinking about that day when he asked him to be his boyfriend in the office.


    ¡°It would be great if Papa likes Sheng Ya too. Sheng Ya is a kind and bright girl, and she likes me. It¡¯s torture if the person you like doesn¡¯t reciprocate your feelings. That¡¯s why if Papa likes her, she¡¯ll be my partner,¡± Bai Wu said with self-mockery.


    ¡°So, you like... forget it. Let¡¯s head back first. We don¡¯t even know if we could get out of here alive,¡± Xu Lan changed the subject abruptly and stood up to pat his bottom before walking towards the mayor¡¯s house.


    Bai Wu¡¯s answer was at the tip of his tongue, but Xu Lan avoided it like a coward. It was impossible for Bai Wu to stay beside him forever. He was just weaving an old man¡¯s dream. There wille a time where one had to wake up from it.


    The nting rays of the sun shone through the ancient tree and the scattered beams reflected on the clean gstone path like twinkling stars. Both of them walked in tandem, thetter was chasing the former, causing friction against the bright gstone. Xu Lan was going to run away again.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu cried out anxiously after failing to catch up with Xu Lan, ¡°What are you afraid of?¡±


    ¡°Me? What am I afraid of? What is there to be afraid of?¡± The hoarse, trembling voice betrayed the owner.


    Bai Wu strode forward and grabbed Xu Lan¡¯s trembling hand. He immediately withdrew his hand from Bai Wu as if it was jabbed by a needle.


    ¡°You¡¯re trembling! Are you afraid of me marrying Sheng Ya?¡± bai Wu asked sincerely while he held Xu Lan¡¯s hand to observe closely.


    ¡°No! I... It¡¯s because of Xiu He!¡± Xu Lan denied hastily. His conscience was forcing him to deny it.


    ¡°Is it? So, does Papa like Sheng Ya?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s crimson red lips looked so seductive when it moves, but his words were pinching Xu Lan¡¯s heart and suffocating him.


    ¡°Yes... Yes,¡± Xu Lan answered softly and kept his head low. He did not dare to look at Bai Wu.


    ¡°Ha ha, Is it?¡± Bai Wu put on a false smile and asked while he made a sudden turn and dragged Xu Lan into a narrow alley.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Before this, I was worried that Papa might dislike Sheng Ya, that¡¯s why I was hesitant to tell you about this. I never thought that...¡±


    Bai Wu lifted Xu Lan¡¯s chin, forcing him to lift up and look at him. His reddened eyes were covered with ayer of icy frost. The corner of his mouth had a nted hook as if it was filled with mockery. The teardrop in the corner of his eyes also seemed to mock Xu Lan¡¯s naivety and oblivion. The sun shone directly onto Xu Lan¡¯s face, it was so bright that he could not open his eyes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Papa to be the one to ask about Sheng Ya. I don¡¯t want to lie to Papa. Ha ha, this is also great, I can reply her then,¡± Bai Wu pretended to answer lightly with gritted teeth.


    The sunlight was hurting Xu Lan¡¯s eyes. His chest tightened when Bai Wu released him and left. He stared at him nkly like a wooden puppet. He walked further and further into the scattered trees along the boulevard until his receding figure disappearedpletely. It felt like he had never existed. In the near future, he would be walking out of his life just like that.


    Xu Lan hugged his knees and curled up on the floor. His stomach started to convulse and his whole body trembled in the same way he reacted when he received insults and curses.

 Chapter 153 - Falling For His Own Son

    <h4>Chapter 153: Falling For His Own Son</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    It was already dark outside when Xu Lan woke up.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± Zhang Fei released a sigh of relief and asked when he saw Xu Lan opened his eyes.


    Xu Lan looked around and found himself in an unfamiliar environment. There were seventeen to eighteen people in the house, and Bai Wu was nowhere to be found.


    ¡°What ce is this?¡± Xu Lan asked weakly.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t find anything today, the elder lead us to search for a new hotel to stay in. Why didn¡¯t you mention to us that you fell ill? If it wasn¡¯t for Sheng Ya who noticed that you didn¡¯t follow the elder back, we wouldn¡¯t know that you fainted,¡± Zhang Fei said reproachfully.


    Xu Lan went nk and he could feel another wave of acid reflux gushing up.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Bai Wu and the others?¡± he asked as he held back the painful burning sensation in his throat.


    ¡°The others went out to buy food. The elder went out with Sheng Ya, not sure where they went,¡± Zhang Fei said after


    ¡°Tsk tsk, no wonder! I was wondering why Sheng Ya became so bold. So, it turns out that she was emboldened by the elder¡¯s support!¡± the crew-cut guy said after clicking his tongue.


    ¡°Can you shut your mouth...¡±


    ¡°rgh!¡± Xu Lan barfed before Zhang Fei couldplete his sentence. He kept on barfing as if he was about to vomit his guts out. The stomach acid was burning his throat, almost choking him into tears.


    ¡°Are you okay? Can someone bring over a cup of warm water?¡± Zhang Fei asked while he patted Xu Lan¡¯s back.


    After looking at his situation, the whole house of people went helter-skelter. Without considering how the elder regarded Xu Lan, the way he reminded them repeatedly to take care of Xu Lan before leaving had sufficiently reflected his significance to the elder.


    ¡°Water¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± Some passed the water hurriedly, someforted Xu Lan by patting his back so that he could feel morefortable.


    ¡°What are you guys doing!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s angered voice traveled from the doorstep, and everyone made way for him instinctively.


    Xu Lan, who had tears and snot running down his face, raised himself up. He stared at Bai Wu who was running towards him, with Sheng Ya following right behind.


    ¡°Papa, are you okay?¡± Bai Wu asked anxiously as he took out the clean handkerchief to wipe away the mess on Xu Lan¡¯s face.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, don¡¯t bother,¡± Xu Lan waved his hand and pushed Bai Wu away.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t care for you, who will! Are you even aware that you¡¯re sick? We bought food back, everybody head out to eat now!¡±¡±Pang¡¯, Bai Wu let out a punch on the squeaking metal bed frame. He said furiously, ¡°Sheng Ya, you too!¡±


    The room was left with both Xu Lan and Bai Wu¡¯s puffing sounds. The atmosphere was as heavy as a boulder, crushing on their bodies. Finally, it was Bai Wu who gave in and held onto Xu Lan while he wiped away the mess on his face.


    ¡°I can do it by myself. Leave me alone, go ahead and apany Sheng Ya,¡± Xu Lan pushed Bai Wu away again and said weakly.


    ¡°Papa! What¡¯s the matter with you! You hid the fact that you¡¯re sick! Your temperature is 39.5 degrees Celsius, are you going to continue ying hero? All of them here can¡¯t wait for you to die. Even if you¡¯re unwilling to care for yourself, can you be more considerate of me!¡± Bai Wu had blue veins protruding, steaming white smoke emerged out from the corner of his mouth while he huffed. The sight of his crimson-red eyes bulging was quite scary.


    ¡°I just want to be alone for a while. Can you please leave?¡±


    Xu Lan felt a bitterness in his mouth and there were tears rolling in his eyes. He was wondering how did an inveterate disease almost cost him his life. It turned out that he was really sick this time.


    It would be understandable that he would be weaker since he fell sick. Even the strongest person would fall sick. It was inevitable for one to show their weaker side when they fell ill.


    Heughed bitterly and thought, ¡®Why is Bai Wu so unhappy here? It can¡¯t be that the only oue of his self-reflection was to find out that he was falling for his own son?¡¯

 Chapter 154 - As Close as Lovers

    <h4>Chapter 154: As Close as Lovers</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The conversation between Wang Meng and Xiao Feng reyed in Xu Lan¡¯s head over and over again, while he examined his feelings for Bai Wu. Xu Lan could not deny that he had romantic feelings for Bai Wu, and that he only discovered it after Bai Wu had changed his heart.


    ¡®Ha ha, what is this? Only a moment ago he just confessed about his feelings, but shortly after that, he told him that he hade around about it and fell for someone else.¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    ¡®What does this mean? Not only that I like men, but I am also falling for my own son? Ha...¡¯ Xu Lan thought to himself.


    The tall man propped himself up in bed, limpid tears streamed down silently from his sun-tanned face. The sudden feeblenessing from such a strong person made Bai Wu¡¯s heart wrench, and it was so painful that he was unable to speak. He just wanted to hug him into his arms andfort him. In fact, Bai Wu had already wrapped himself around Xu Lan while he consoled him with a gentle voice.


    ¡°Sorry... I¡¯m sorry, Papa. it¡¯s my fault that I neglected you,¡± Bai Wu patted Xu Lan¡¯s back andforted him the same way Xu Lanforted him in the past.


    Xu Lan was submerged in water when they were trying to reach Darkwater town through the water well, and he got drenched against night. Furthermore, he was not paying attention to himself, and that was the reason why he was unaware that he was suffering from a high fever.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, I¡¯ve gotten sand in my eye. Bai Wu, can you leave first? I need to be alone for a while,¡± Xu Lan closed his eyes and said. He was afraid that he would blurt out his innermost thoughts to Bai Wu if he stayed behind.


    But no! It was a matter of course for Bai Wu and Sheng Ya to be together. It was only natural for Bai Wu to be involved with someone regardless of their gender. Anybody would be fine except for him because Xu Lan is Bai Wu¡¯s dad!


    ¡°But...¡±


    ¡°Out! Now!¡±


    Xu Lan stood up suddenly, pointed towards the door and said loudly. Bai Wu stared at him for quite some time and lowered his head. His crimson-red eyes were covered in ayer of mist. He thought that Xu Lan would open up more today.


    ¡®Ah, looks like I overthought it!¡¯ Bai Wu sneered and walked out.


    After dinner, everybody went to bed with their own worries. After acting for a whole day, there was still no progress on Xiu He¡¯s matters. The system did not give a deadline. It could not be possible for them to stay in Darkwater Town for the rest of their lives?


    The quiet room was filled with sounds of teeth grinding, snoring and sleep talking. Xu Lan broke into a sweat and woke up with his whole body feeling sticky.


    ¡°Papa, you¡¯re awake?¡±


    Bai Wu¡¯s sultry, raspy voice echoed outside along the corridor. Bai Wu was leaning against the railings and gave Xu Lan a bright smile as the moonlight glimmered on his body.


    ¡°Do you want toe out and have a look? The moon tonight is exceptionally round,¡± Bai Wu said softly. Xu Lan crept out of his bed and walked out as if he was under a spell.


    ¡°Look, the moon is especially round today,¡± Bai Wu pointed towards the moon and said, ¡°Let¡¯s head down, I have so much to tell you, Papa.¡±


    Bai Wu held Xu Lan¡¯s hand and lead him down the stairs. Xu Lan nced into the room and stayed in his original position.


    ¡°Papa, you do like me, don¡¯t you?¡± Bai Wu said gleefully and shyly at the same time, his eyes were staring at Xu Lan while he walked down the stairs backward.


    Bai Wu was so happy that heughed like a child when he saw Xu Lan followed him, taking one step at a time, ¡°I knew Papa liked me.¡±


    The quiet and secluded streets were illuminated by the clear moonlight, Boston ivy filled the mottled walls with their creepers. It was as if they were the only ones in this whole universe.


    Bai Wu held Xu Lan¡¯s hand and kept on walking forward. He turned back asionally to kiss Xu Lan¡¯s eyes and hands affectionately as if they were lovers. Xu Lan was in a daze and let Bai Wu kiss him. He followed him all the way, hoping that this dream would never end.

 Chapter 155 - The Quiet Temple

    <h4>Chapter 155: The Quiet Temple</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    It was a quiet night where the moon shone on the earth gently. The town was surrounded by water. The northern temple and the southern deep well looked like a double fish diagram. It was a wondrous and intriguing sight.


    Bai Wu brought Xu Lan to the temple. It was a rundown temple with grass growing everywhere. However, the carving remained impressive and the gable-and-hip roof stood as a reminder of its former glory days.


    ¡°Papa, do you like me?¡± Bai Wu pushed open the door and led Xu Lan in. A woman dressed colorfully was standing at the main hall.


    Xu Lan felt the warmth in his body crept up his spine and froze under the gentle moonlight. He thought someone might be staring hard at him from above. He opened his mouth and felt something stuck in his throat. It was impossible to even utter a single syble.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you like me?¡± Bai Wu asked again in a pitiful tone. His eyes were red when he looked at Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan closed his eyes and did not utter a word. The verbal abuse began. His muscles tightened and his stomach started to churn.


    ¡°But I like Papa! What should I do? I like you so much.¡± Bai Wu stood up and kissed the corner of Xu Lan¡¯s lips. He looked at Xu Lan in despair. Xu Lan shivered and clenched his fists.


    Bai Wu let go of Xu Lan disappointedly. He crawled out in tears and disappeared without a trace.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Where are you going?¡± Xu Lan rushed out and saw the grass growing at an unbelievable rate. In no time, Xu Lan was buried amidst the grass that was taller than him.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Where are you going?¡± Xu Lan called out anxiously. Besides the movement of the grass, Xu Lan did not hear anything. Dark clouds inched toward the moon and the swishing grass muted Xu Lan¡¯s scream.


    ¡°Bai Wu! This isn¡¯t right! This isn¡¯t right!¡± Xu Lan yelled with his hoarse voice.


    He was not a coward. When it came to Bai Wu rted matters, he tended to overthink as he was worried that he might make a fatal mistake.


    ¡°He¡¯s gone. He¡¯s gone.¡± A sweet female voice came from the main hall. With a sad tone, she continued, ¡°It¡¯s scary. It¡¯s scary being alone. Why wouldn¡¯t he face his true self even in his dream?¡±


    The sweet chant turned sad and dreary. Xu Lan wed through the grass desperately only to find the grass to be growing infinitely. He could hear Bai Wu and Sheng Ya¡¯s cheerfulughter amidst the grass, but no one answered Xu Lan¡¯s shouts no matter how loud he was.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Bai Wu,e back! I like you! I like you very much! But... We can¡¯t!¡± Xu Lan shouted desperately.


    The moon showed its smiley face again. Xu Lan wed through thest strand of grass and found Bai Wu squatting on the ground. Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan and alternated between smiling and crying.


    ¡°Do you mean it?¡± Bai Wu leaped forward and knocked Xu Lan over. He buried his face shyly on Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    Xu Lan nodded solemnly. He had been overthinking to the point that he could not face himself honestly in his dreams.


    After getting the answer he wanted, Bai Wu sat up in one fell swoop. He had Xu Lan sandwiched between his arms as he stared at Xu Lan with his bright eyes. Bai Wu¡¯s red eyes had a hint of gentleness to it, his chiseled face seemed softer. Even the mole on the corner of his eye was looking at Xu Lan seductively.


    Bai Wu kissed Xu Lan gingerly; It began as a light peck and developed into a passionate attempt to savor Xu Lan with his lips and tongue. Bai Wu covered the corner of Xu Lan¡¯s eyes, lips, Adam¡¯s apple, corbone, and atst, his waistline. The condensed droplets of cold sweat turned into heat, emanating between the two of them.

 Chapter 156 - Into the Deep Well

    <h4>Chapter 156: Into the Deep Well</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Papa, can I?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s shirt was unbuttoned. Bai Wu rested against Xu Lan¡¯s chest, his warm breath emanated heat.


    ¡°...¡± Xu Lan clenched his jaw and turned around. ¡®Is this really a dream? Howe his touch feels so real?¡¯ he thought. His blood was racing.


    ¡°Papa?¡±


    Bai Wu asked hesitantly, he was worried that he would be sent into an abyss the next second. Xu Lan closed his eyes and took a deep breath before nodding solemnly.


    ¡°Papa! I love you!¡± Bai Wu was overjoyed. Hended kisses all over Xu Lan, including his body part that was on heat.


    ¡°Humph...¡±


    ¡°Papa!¡± A cold yet familiar voice called out to him. Bai Wu who was lying on top of Xu Lan turned around immediately, clearly horrified by the sudden interruption.


    ¡°Papa?¡± he asked, his eyes turned from red to greyish white.


    ¡°Xu Lan! What are you doing!¡± The indignant voice spoke again. White mists rose from the ground, Xu Lan could hear the sound of teeth grinding clearly.


    ¡°Papa, don¡¯t you love me?¡± the hissing void appeared behind Bai Wu. The strong suction drew him in instantly.


    ¡°No! Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan tried to crawl up and hold onto Bai Wu. He ended up falling into an icy embrace, ¡°Bai Wu, no!¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan! Get a grip!¡± the man reigned in his anger after hearing his name. Xu Lan had a coat draped over him.


    ¡°No! No!¡± Xu Lan watched as the void tore Bai Wu into pieces. He ran over like a madman!


    ¡®p!¡¯


    ¡°Can you please be clear-headed?¡± Bai Wu caught Xu Lan who was about to fall into the well. Bai Wu gave him a tight p on his face, leaving behind a palm-shaped mark.


    Xu Lan looked at Bai Wu in confusion. Bai Wu was gripping Xu Lan tightly. Xu Lan was extremely disoriented and dazed.


    ¡°You... I...¡± Xu Lan¡¯s throat tightened. Sheng Ya stood behind Bai Wu, along with the rest of the participants. They were all giving him a weird look. He looked at himself and found out that he was blushing and his clothes were untidy.


    ¡°Bai Wu, sorry.¡±


    Xu Lan held onto his coat and he blushed as he spoke. He leaped into the deep well in embarrassment.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu was frightened as he watched Xu Lan stumble out of his embrace and fell into the well. Xu Lan¡¯s shoes by the well were concrete proof of the event that happened; it was not merely a fiction of his imagination. Bai Wu could feel his heart bleeding.


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡±


    ¡°Elder!¡± Bai Wu jumped into the well right after Xu Lan. He could not stand by and watch Xu Lan fall, he could never!


    The icy well water rushed into Bai Wu¡¯s throat and found its way into his lungs, making it hard for him to breathe. A red light shed before his eyes and thick white mists rose from the well. His body was covered in hard scales. A silver-white giant dragon appeared.


    The deep well was like an abyss, even Bai Wu¡¯s true form could not touch the bottom of the well. He could not locate Xu Lan.


    ¡°Papa! Where are you!¡± Bai Wu yelped. The high pressure created a shield from the well water, one could walk normally as though they were on the ground. However, he could still feel the biting cold. If a dragon could not withstand the cold, it would be worse for Xu Lan¡¯s frail human body.


    ¡°Papa! Come out! What kind of man goes into hiding?¡± Bai Wu continued shouting, ¡°Papa, what am I going to do when you¡¯re gone?¡±


    Suddenly, a bright light appeared right under him. The blood-red cloth wrapped itself around Xu Lan slowly.


    ¡°Papa!¡±

 Chapter 157 - Facing Xiu He

    <h4>Chapter 157: Facing Xiu He</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan closed his eyes in peace and let the cloth wrap around him. Bai Wu swooped down immediately, only to find the bloody cloth rushed forward to deter Bai Wu from advancing.


    ¡°Papa! Wake up! Are you trying to leave me behind?¡± The bloody cloth seemed to have a mind of its own as it moved to nullify Bai Wu¡¯s attacks. Perhaps, it was afraid of the giant dragon or the pressure exerted by him.


    ¡°Hehe, how gross. It¡¯s ruining my appetite,¡± a barefooted girl who was sitting on top of a thin and long red thread said innocently.


    ¡°Who are you! Let go of him!¡± Bai Wu roared.


    ¡°Eh? Me? I¡¯m Xiu He! Aren¡¯t you here for me?¡± the pretty girl with rosy lips raised her head and looked at Bai Wu naively.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you understand what I said? I¡¯m telling you to let go of him!¡± A thin and long tube connected Xu Lan to the girl. She was feeding on the content in the tube.


    ¡°Well, he jumped down himself. Even though I¡¯ve never met someone like you, you¡¯re in my world now. Do you think you can fight against me?¡± Xiu He tiptoed and made her way to Xu Lan. She tapped on the space between his brows. Xu Lan responded with a painful frown and an inaudibleint.


    ¡°Let go of him!¡±


    His red eyes lengthened and were protected by his scales. His bodyunched intobat mode. His silver-white scales were gradually reced by thick and heavy snow-white scales in the shape of a cone. The protruding scales were good for both defense and offense.


    ¡°Heh, do you think this is a world where matters can be resolved with violence? Do you have any idea how many people havee to look for me? You¡¯re the first human, no, dragon to make it here. Would you like to see this person¡¯s final ending?¡±


    Xiu He smiled seductively. She waved in the air with her skinny arms, the silkworm chrysalises that were restraining Xu Lan immediately flew toward his head. The bottom of the well was made visible ¡ª there was a huge pile of white bones.


    ¡°When I¡¯m done absorbing his dream, he¡¯ll be one of them. We will sleep together at the bottom of the well. Didn¡¯t they want to bed me? I say they should head to bed and fall into an eternal slumber!¡± Xiu He had a sinister look on her face. She flew atop the white bones and started kissing a skull endearingly.


    Bai Wu did not pay attention to what Xiu He said. He marched toward Xu Lan as he intended to retrieve Xu Lan. Right before Bai Wu managed to touch Xu Lan with his w, he was tossed into the air in one swoop.


    ¡°Huh, do you have a death wish?¡± Bai Wu spat white smoke and the icy well water started to boil.


    ¡°I¡¯m a dead person, and a dead person has no fear,¡± Xiu He chuckled and flew nearer to Xu Lan, leaving a lipstick stain on Xu Lan¡¯s face. ¡°All men are garbage. Though, you both are a funny pair. Would you like to see what he dreamt about?¡±


    Xiu He absorbed Xu Lan¡¯s dream and presented them. Xu Lan¡¯s understanding was limited to what he learned from the conversation between Xiao Feng and Wang Meng, and what Bai Wu did to him in his dreams. Xu Lan¡¯s brain was reying these events. The only difference was, Bai Wu¡¯s role in his dream was reced by Xiu He.


    Bai Wu raised his hand and charged at Xiu He, who dodged the attack with ease. With his strong and thick tail, Bai Wunded one painful p on Xiu He.


    ¡°Huff...¡± Xiu He spat a mouthful of fresh blood before rushing toward Xu Lan with a creepy smile.

 Chapter 158 - Capturing Xiu He

    <h4>Chapter 158: Capturing Xiu He</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°I think you have a death wish!¡± Bai Wu unleashed his anger and a ck antenna-like structuretched onto Xiu He¡¯s calf. She was mmed against the wall of the well.


    Xu Lan was floating midair. Bai Wu stomped on the water and caught Xu Lan in his arm. The image of Xu Lan sharing sexual pleasures with Xiu He disappearedpletely.


    Bai Wu pped Xu Lan again, causing the other side of his face to swell as well. He said, ¡°Do you still not want to wake up?¡±


    ¡°Haha! I think he prefers my gentle embrace over reality,¡± Xiu He raised her brows and said flightily. The stone wall was covered with dark red blood. It was unclear if that belonged to Xiu He or someone else.


    Xiu He¡¯s hair was dripping in sticky blood. Her pale face was not as seductive as before. She shed her fangs and stared at Xu Lan who was in Bai Wu¡¯s arms. She was acting like a falcon who preyed on a weak rabbit.


    ¡°Heh! You can stay here and apany me!¡± Her hair charged at Bai Wu like hundreds of millions of arrow, cornering Xu Lan in the process.


    Bai Wu¡¯s dragon¡¯s might crept forward slowly the way vines did, holding its ground against Xiu He¡¯s sharp hair. The once-quiet well was full of the sound of shing armor.


    Bai Wu and Xiu He¡¯s battle was heating up.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Xu Lan woke up.


    ¡°Papa! You¡¯re awake? Pft...¡± A strand of hair that was sharp as arrow prated Bai Wu¡¯s chest. He spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    ¡°Hoho, do you really have time for idle chit-chat? Are you looking down on me?¡± Xiu He snickered.


    ¡°Pft, a minor character like you don¡¯t deserve my full attention,¡± Bai Wu said as he rubbed off the blood stain on the corner of his mouth. He left Xu Lan within the proximity of his dragon¡¯s might as a pretectionary measure.


    ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°Finally awake now? I thought you¡¯ve forgotten about what you came here for!¡± Bai Wu ignored Xiu He¡¯s rage and whispered gently to Xu Lan.


    ¡°Heck! Focus on your task! Why are you meddling into my business! Try to catch her, I can¡¯t wait to take credit for bringing her to the mayor!¡±


    Xu Lan flushed. Bai Wu assumed that Xu Lan was fine given his vigor. The corner of his lips curled slightly and he directed his full attention to Xiu He again.


    ¡°You! Both of you are working together to deceive me? Unforgivable! Unforgivable! Ah!¡± Xiu He attacked Bai Wu with her hair. Her fingernails were elongating as they closed up on Bai Wu.


    ¡°Should I say you¡¯re too naive or just in brainless? How can you believe me so easily? Ah, it¡¯s about time you let go of your vengeance. I¡¯m sure the mayor wouldn¡¯t mind looking for another old Daoist.¡±


    Xu Lan was adding oil to fire as he watched Bai Wu and Xiu He fight.


    ¡°You!¡± Xiu He charged at Xu Lan violently.


    Bai Wu took advantage of her distracted mind and mmed her onto the bottom of the well with his tail. Xiu He was buried amidst the small pile of white bones. In the dark, Bai Wu managed to hold onto her shapely little feet with the help of his dragon¡¯s might.


    ¡°Elder, elder. Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Bai Wu! Can you hear us?¡±


    ¡°Why are all of you here?¡± Their loud cries woke the people in the town up. The mayor walked over with his walking stick along with the rest of the residents.


    ¡°Hey, the mayor is here. Xiu He, you should be acquainted with the mayor? He should be around your age.¡± As Xiu He had been captured, Xu Lan had the guts to voice his question. Perhaps due to Bai Wu¡¯s dragon¡¯s might, Xu Lan was able to breathe and walk around the well freely.


    A hint of pain shed across Xiu He¡¯s face and she red at Xu Lan angrily.

 Chapter 159 - The Mayor’s Admonition

    <h4>Chapter 159: The Mayor¡¯s Admonition</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xiu He¡¯s delicate features started to crumble. Her body emitted a pungent odor simr to a dposing corpse, with maggots crawling all over the body.


    Her eye sockets were hollow and dark. She stared at Xu Lan and snickered, with mounds of worms falling out from her mouth. Xu Lan was so disgusted that he had acid reflux.


    ¡°Fu*k! She looked perfectly fine just a moment ago! How did she turn into this!¡± Xu Lan chastised as he frowned.


    ¡°Forget about it, let¡¯s get her up there and let the mayor decide,¡± her appearance was so revolting that Bai Wu felt apprehensive even though he had transformed into his dragon form. He flinched while he tried to catch hold of Xiu He.


    ¡°Keke, even that old scum Daoist wasn¡¯t able to cause me any harm. I can¡¯t believe that I¡¯ve lost to you guys today. Haha! I refuse to acquiesce!¡± Xiu He looked up to the sky and released a long sigh. Filthy blood gurgled out her empty eyes, contaminating the clear well water.


    ¡°Cut the crap, I don¡¯t want to spend any more time in this spooky, bloodcurdling ce!¡± Xu Lan urged.


    ¡°Mayor, our headmaster and superintendent fell into the well! We have to find a way to rescue them!¡± Sheng Ya was the first to stand out from the crowd and said.


    ¡°They fell down! How did the fall! I warned you guys from the beginning to stay away from the well! Those who fell into the well had no chance to live to see the sun on the next morning! You can ask around the town, see who¡¯s willing to go down!¡±


    ¡®Thump, thump¡¯, the mayor pounded his walking stick on the floor. He looked towards the young adults around him, but all of them took a step back. No one was willing toe forward.


    The mayor gave out a long sigh and prepared to return home with his son¡¯s assistance!


    ¡®Crash!¡¯, a hand emerged and clung onto the wall of the well. Xu Lan slowly climbed up from the well, and Bai Wu was following closely behind. The crowd was dumbfounded and gaped at them as they climbed out from the well. They were the first ones in forty years to return from the well alive!


    ¡°Mayor! I didn¡¯t know you¡¯re here! Do you want toe and take a look?¡± Xu Lan asked seemingly unintentionally while he wrung his clothes.


    ¡°No!... There¡¯s no need to,¡± the mayor answered without hesitation.


    Xu Lan shrugged his shoulders and pulled Bai Wu up ashore. The whole town was surprised when both of them stood in front of everyone, alive and unharmed.


    ¡°Mayor, let¡¯s have a chat somewhere. We just saw Xiu He, she has some questions for you,¡± Bai Wu avoided Xu Lan¡¯s hand dextrously and asked the mayor while he stared at him piercingly.


    The mayor was stupefied and stared at Bai Wu horrifically. He started to cough so badly that he was forced to bend his back downwards.


    ¡°You gaslighting, ungrateful wretches! We offered you kind advice but you chose to ignore them. Not only you went against our advice, but you also caused public distress by unting the name of the deceased. Our Darkwater Town can no longer amodate you Big Buddhas!¡±


    The mayor¡¯s son apprehended Bai Wu and his team righteously while he held the mayor in his arm.


    ¡°Hey, you haven¡¯t even listened to what we have to say. How can you assume that we are lying?¡± Bai Wu staggered forward and said when he saw that the mayor was about to leave. Sheng Ya went up to him immediately to steady him.


    ¡°Okay! Come to my ce! I want to know what she wants to say to me!¡± The mayor¡¯s voice bellowed like a wind box while he coughed violently.


    The tallest building of Darkwater Town was packed with all kinds of people. Everybody desperately wanted to know the rtionship between Xiu He and the mayor. They wanted to know why there was a homicide in such an ordinary town. They were also curious about what Xiu He wanted to ask the mayor.

 Chapter 160 - A Token of Love

    <h4>Chapter 160: A Token of Love</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    There were three people sitting around the table, namely mayor, Xu Lan and Bai Wu. The mayor¡¯s son brought a cup of ginger tea unwillingly. He put it down on the table with a ¡®bang¡¯.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk. What did she want to ask?¡± The mayor asked with the teacup in his hand.


    ¡°Mayor, what¡¯s your impression of Xiu He?¡± Xu Lan asked while he drank the ginger tea and grimaced.


    ¡°Pure and beautiful. We used to leave for work ande home together. I really miss those moments.¡±


    ¡°You can still remember clearly even after forty years had passed. I think she¡¯ll feel appeased. She has only one question for you, do you believe in her?¡± Xu Lan was influenced by his upational habit and asked as if he was interrogating a criminal.


    ¡°... When did I ever believed the others,¡± the mayor teared up instantly and the hand that was holding the walking stick trembled in the slightest possible way, almost unnoticeable if one did not observe carefully.


    ¡°A few days ago, I heard a story from brother Niu Si regarding the origin of Darkwater Town and the circumstances of Xiu He¡¯s death. If you don¡¯t mind me asking, is Xiu He your ex-wife?¡± Xu Lan pushed aside his fringe and asked.


    ¡°What nonsense are you talking about! I shouldn¡¯t have allowed Niu Si to follow you guys and talk rubbish!¡± The mayor¡¯s son roared furiously.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    The mayor answered firmly. Everybody was stunned when they heard it, except for Bai Wu and a few elderly persons.


    ¡°Xiu He and I were childhood sweethearts. We liked each other from a very young age. When I turned sixteen, my father asked for a marriage proposal and I married Xiu He to be my wife,¡± the mayor closed his eyes and went into deep thought.


    Before he was the mayor, he was a young and handsome chap. He had great aspirations and wanted to make a name for himself in the outside world.


    After discussing with Xiu He, he departed in search for his dreams. However, Xiu He who was home alone got pregnant shortly after he left.


    Those girls admired the mayor spat at Xiu He and said that she took a lover in her face. At first, they were just groundless rumors, but as more and more people started talking about it, the story came alive with details of the ins and outs. They could even pinpoint the date, ce, including who Xiu He cheated with.


    There was no need to be responsible for gossiping, but the rumors that were flying around became so vivid that it bothered the mayor¡¯s family. They suffered badly from the persecution of the public opinion, so much so that they had to ask Xiu He to move back to her parents¡¯ home since they could not contact the mayor.


    The decision further affirmed the public¡¯s spection. The public opinion intensified and Xiu He¡¯s family refused to let her in as they found her to be a disgrace. The mayor¡¯s family was also under pressure and was afraid to ept Xiu He into the household. Therefore, she was forced to build a hovel herself and waited there for the mayor to return.


    The jealous girls spat at her, threw shoes at her and even tore the hovel down. Xiu He¡¯s constant slient endurance only aggravated the situation, unbridling the others.


    Up until that day, the man who was rumored to be the person Xiu He cheated with, You San came to question Xiu He after gettingpletely wasted.


    Why did everybody spread rumors that he was the one who made Xiu He pregnant when he had never had sex with her! Why should he be the scapegoat when Xiu He had never looked him in the eye!


    ¡®Who was the shameless motherfu*ker that slept with Xiu He and used him?¡¯ The more he thought about it, the more the resentment grew. He came over to question Xiu He while he was still under the influence of liquid courage.


    However, he changed his mind the second he saw Xiu He. She had beautiful features and a delicate figure.


    No one could exin what happened in between. Xiu He lost her child amidst resistance. That was thest straw that broke the camel¡¯s back. The next day, Xiu He jumped right into the deep well.


    ¡°I... How can I not believe her! That was our creation before we left, that... that just...¡± The mayor choked back a sob while he spoke and retrieved a handkerchief from his arms with faltering hands.

 Chapter 161 - Mission Accomplished

    <h4>Chapter 161: Mission Aplished</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    It was a pair of lovebirds embroidered by Xiu He. He still kept it with him even though more than forty years had passed.


    ¡°But you never once went to the well to visit her,¡± Bai Wu felt strongly for her and med him.


    ¡°Nonsense! Dad prays beside the well every day. How can you say that he had never been there!¡± The mayor¡¯s son refuted once he heard what Bai Wu said. He could not find any other way to express his astonishment andplicated emotions.


    Suddenly, Xu Lan opened his half-closed eyes and stared at the mayor with eyes like zing fire. How can it be false when the person had such a sorrowful expression and answered the question without giving it much thought?


    ¡°Is there anything else that happened to the well? Regarding Xiu He,¡± Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°I rushed back after the seventh day of her death. At that point in time, several men had passed away. A Maoshan Daoist arrived after following the signs of resentment. He even marked the town with a magic circle and changed the Feng Shui of the town. He also renamed Green Dragon Vige to Darkwater Town. Finally, he gave me something and told me to stand beside the well every morning to expiate those departed souls.¡±


    The mayor took down the small peach wood sword that he wore around his neck hurriedly and disyed it in front of everybody. That old daoist adviced repeatedly that he must wear it to prevent him from getting dragged away by the evil spirits.


    ¡°... Do you want to visit the well at this moment, since you removed the peach wood sword? She waited for you for forty years.¡±


    Bai Wu remained silent for quite some time and muttered to himself, ¡®Not sure if it¡¯s tragic or pitiful.¡¯ It¡¯s a tragedy that Xiu He¡¯s obsession had not relented even when the mayor did transgressions for the departed souls every day. It was also pitiable as he was not aware that the love of his life was merely a few feet away.


    ¡®Will I be like this in the future?¡¯ Bai Wu sighed.


    No one knew whether that old daoist came to this town to help or to destroy them, but it was certain that he was an unqualified Maoshan Daoist.


    The youngdy remained youthful, apanied by the presence of an old man with greying temples weeping his heart out as he crouched beside the well.


    Congrattions to the members who aplished the mission. The reward would be 500 gold coins. Currently, the gold coins had amounted to 1500, your body would be teleported home in five seconds.


    While everyone was still immersed in destion, a line of words appeared in their mind. It shed past in a way simr to a television switching off, where the brain crashed abruptly and all consciousness was lost.


    This time, there was no impact on their bodies and everybody was teleported back to the emptynd beside the water well.


    ¡°You guys are back!¡± Fang Lingzi finally got to see them return safely, where he jumped down from the garret¡¯s stairs and weed them happily. The businessman followed behind.


    ¡°Uhm, there¡¯s one more?¡± Bai Wu was checking if they missed out on anyone, where he asked nonchntly after ncing around the group of people.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°... d to know that everyone¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s wash up and go to bed, I¡¯m sure that everyone¡¯s exhausted,¡± Bai Wu instantly understood what that moment of silence represented, where he gave out a long sigh andforted them.


    Although they were ustomed to seeing such a thing, they were still unsure of their feelings regarding this matter. The greyish sky smothered them like a cotton duvet, droplets of water in the air crystalized into frost, piercing the lungs of those who breathed in.


    Initially, they thought that this mission was rtively simpler and would not cause any casualties!


    ¡°Elder, how did we aplish the mission so suddenly? I don¡¯t really understand what¡¯s happening. This is confusing me and I can feel a knot in my heart.¡±


    The crew-cut guy started to pick on something. He was not the only one who saw Xu Lan¡¯s disheveled appearance, everybody saw it clearly!


    ¡°Right! Exactly! Was Xiu He really present in the well? Why Xu Lan...¡± Those who had malicious intentions started to join in.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys tired? Why are you still whining? Go and do what you¡¯re supposed to do! Why don¡¯t you be paparazzi since you guys are so hung up on gossiping?¡± Bai Wu shot a re at those who started themotion and the whole ce fell into silence immediately.

 Chapter 162 - No Regrets

    <h4>Chapter 162: No Regrets</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I think we should rify this. Or else, we will not be able to shut their mouths!¡± Xu Lan said with a chuckle and nced towards the crew-cut guy in a seemingly unintentional manner.


    ¡°...Uhm, sure. The sky¡¯s still bright, those who are still awake can just listen to him. I need to run some errands, I¡¯ll leave with Sheng Ya first,¡± Bai Wu¡¯s sluggish voice echoed throughout the open ground, denying any forms of objection.


    A huge palm strangled Xu Lan, making it difficult for him to breathe. He took a deep breath and asked Bai Wu to take good care of Xu Lan while heughed heartily. Bai Wu nodded before walking in tandem towards the back of the mountain, into the gloomy forest.


    ¡°Hey, you came to your senses! The elder has left, you should tell us what¡¯s going on.¡±


    Somehow the crew-cut guy took a stool from the house and sat in front of Xu Lan. Was this brat preparing to have a long talk with him?


    The whole matter was fairly simple. The decision was made at the spur of the moment. One night, with the bright moon shining in the sky, there were two Bai Wu, one called out for Xu Lan along the corridor, another gave a deadly stare at Xu Lan while he sat on the bed.


    Who was Bai Wu? Not only did he rejected Xu Lan¡¯s love, but he also had a tight grip on him. He knew exactly about what he nned to do judging from a single movement of his eyebrow. Xu Lan had a whirlpool of evil thoughts churning inside during that few seconds when he stood still in front of the bed.


    In actual fact, all the while Xu Lan was walking towards the direction of the ancient well. The temple scene was merely an illusion. Bai Wu woke Sheng Ya right after Xu Lan left and followed right behind him. Initially, he thought that someone was ying tricks on them, but he never thought that a depth charge could bomb out a real ghost.


    Everybody saw what happened next with their own eyes. There was nothing left to say.


    ¡°Tsk, what¡¯s the big deal about this. You guys had nned this beforehand. You made us worry for nothing!¡± The crew-cut guy rolled his eyes and said in disdain, ¡°But I heard that you were calling Bai Wu¡¯s name?¡±


    There would always be people who could find fault in everything. One should not hold back towards these kinds of people!


    ¡°Tssk, what¡¯s wrong with me calling for my own son? Why should I report to you about everything? Are you my grandchild!¡± Xu Lanshed out bluntly, which made the crew-cut guy blue in the face.


    ¡°Are you guys done talking? A few days ago, Sheng Ya and I found that the back of the mountain has an abundance of medicinal herbs. You guys should go and pick a few for daily usage. It¡¯s quite expensive to purchase them, and we have no idea when will we be able toplete the mission and leave this ce,¡± Bai Wu threw a huge bunch of medicinal herbs on the floor and said.


    ¡°We¡¯ve finished talking. Those who are supposed to sleep get the hell onto your own bed! Then, there¡¯s no need for you to be afraid of a ghost haunting you at night!¡± Xu Lan said to the crew-cut guy while he red viciously at him.


    ¡°Who are you trying to fool! There¡¯s no such thing!¡± The crew-cut guy said as he braced himself, refusing to conform.


    ¡°Hmm? No such thing? What kind of ce do you think this is?¡± Xu Lan curled the corner of his mouth and looked at the crew-cut guy as if he was concerned about a foolish person.


    The crew-cut guy grabbed a bunch of medicinal herbs and left in frustration. Since the one who started themotion left, the crowd got bored and headed back to their respective rooms. The only thing that made Xiu He endure all sorts of humiliation was just a few words from her lover. She tried every possible way just to get his attention, but they were still separated by fate for forty years.


    It could not be that he also had to live in regret throughout his entire life and take the unspeakable secret to his grave?


    Xu Lan rested on his arms and thought back and forth before making the most daring decision in his entire life. He decided to pursue Bai Wu!


    Instantly, Xu Lan felt that the unpleasantness that lingered within his chest started to dissipate. The air was scented with the smell of green grass and soil. Xu Lan felt much lighter after breathing in the scented air.


    Hmm... If he likes Sheng Ya, let there be a fairpetition. He had means and ways to secure Bai Wu beside him, moreover...

 Chapter 163 - Made a Decision to Talk About It

    <h4>Chapter 163: Made a Decision to Talk About It</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The sun had barely risen when the rm started ring in the dimension. Everyone dragged their fatigued body to the well and saw the big red words floating quietly in the air.


    Even after a sleepless night, Xu Lan was abnormally energetic. Determination shone in his bloodshot eyes.


    For their current mission, they had to pay a visit to the fire element and to find out why the vige had not been getting baby girls in more than ten years. Upon sessfulpletion of the mission, they will receive 700 gold coins in addition to a single-use mind control ability.


    Bai Wu thought Xu Lan was acting strange but he could not put a finger on it. Xu Lan had not been forting either. Bai Wu had no choice but to continue leading the group to Yanyi Vige located at the wood element.


    The Five Elements, a simple concept consisting of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth was frequently used to exin the fundamentals of the world. The idea of mutual generation and restriction of the Five Elements was a crystallization of ancient philosophers¡¯ collective wisdom. The missions in the dimension were dispensed in ordance with the Five Elements, which ensured variations in the level of difficulty and content.


    ¡°Elder, how¡¯s this a mission? Not having any baby girl birthed in the vige? How do you think that ce looks like?¡± Fang Lingzi trailed behind Bai Wu and fired her questions without a pause. She seemed to be curious about any and everything in this dimension. She had been bothering everyone with her questions.


    ¡°No idea. We¡¯ll find out when we¡¯re there,¡± Bai Wu replied absentmindedly, his attention lingering on Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan was acting strangely that day. After seeing Bai Wu walking alongside Sheng Ya, Xu Lan raised his brows without approaching him. Xu Lan directed his attention elsewhere and started talking cheerfully to hispanions.


    It was not in Xu Lan¡¯s nature to bother over trifles. After the load was taken off his mind, he was not as inhibited anymore. He could enjoy his time with the group, his cheerfulughter gave a joyous vibe to the atmosphere.


    ¡°Heck! Zhang Fei! Not bad, a female with a Ph.D.? Didn¡¯t expect someone like you to find yourself such an impressive wife!¡± Xu Lan gave Zhang Fei a p on his shoulder and chuckled.


    ¡°Uhm, I¡¯m not bad myself alright? I¡¯m working at the Central Science Park,¡± Zhang Fei scratched his head and smiled shyly after hearing someoneplimenting his wife.


    ¡°Haha, not bad, not bad at all! The Central Science Park eh?¡± As Xu Lan joked around, he wondered where did everyone in the dimensione from?


    Bai Wu sulked and walked in front of the group. asionally, he turned his head around to steal a nce at Xu Lan. Even though Bai Wu was unsure what Xu Lan saw at Darkwater Town, he found it hard to resist when Xu Lan was undressed. His tense masseter muscle did not convey his anger sufficiently; his pale jaw protesting silently. However, all of these emotions dissipated the instance he heard his name called.


    As they were transported back to the emptynd immediately after thepletion of the mission, Bai Wu did not manage to ask Xu Lan about it. Bai Wu lowered his head in frustration, he wondered when would these missions finallye to an end.


    Xu Lan looked at Bai Wu from the corner of his eyes and smiled. He knew that it was necessary to talk to Bai Wu. After all, certainty gave himfort in this unpredictable world.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± a man in a straw cloak and straw hat asked after putting down the buckets of water.


    ¡°Hello, is this Yanyi Vige?¡± Bai Wu smiled and asked innocently.


    ¡°Yes, and you¡¯re?¡± the middle-aged man leaned backward and sized the group up. He voiced his question cautiously withouting across as impolite.

 Chapter 164 - A Bad Excuse

    <h4>Chapter 164: A Bad Excuse</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Uhm, excuse me, we understand that there hasn¡¯t been any newborn baby girl in Yanyi Vige for over ten years. We¡¯re here to investigate into...¡±


    ¡°Are people gossiping again? This is a private matter of our vige. Whether we are having baby girls or baby boys, I¡¯m sure it has nothing to do with outsiders like yourself,¡± the middle-aged man retorted.


    ¡°Haha. Of course, it doesn¡¯t. We mean no harm. It¡¯s just that we¡¯ve been researching this other area. They¡¯re theplete opposite and only have baby boys in the vige! This is why we¡¯re here.¡±


    Bai Wu was young and frank. Xu Lan smiled and gestured for Bai Wu to make space. With his left hand on his waist, he took a cigarette from Zhang Fei with his right.


    ¡°Ha! There¡¯s such ce? Where is it? I thought this is only happening to our vige. Since all of you are here for research purposes, hmm... Let¡¯s head back and meet the vige head. We¡¯ll see what he says!¡± The middle-aged man led them to the vige head¡¯s home eagerly after hearing Xu Lan¡¯s exnation.


    ¡°Why did he ept your exnation without suspicion after being so hostile to the elder?¡± The businessman pinched his nose bridge and asked confusedly. His question was on everyone¡¯s mind as the same thing happened at Darkwater Town. It was unbelievable how people always bought his bad excuses.


    ¡°Uhh, I¡¯m quite surprised myself. You can call it a policeman¡¯s instinct. Oh, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve mentioned but I used to be a policeman,¡± Xu Lan shrugged and said helplessly.


    They should be in a system, one which allowed them to gain experience points and gold coins uponpletion of the mission; failing which, they would die. This time around, it would be an actual death, one which they would not be resurrected from. Since this was their main mission, any character who was not a yer would be an NPC. With the correct selection, the NPC would acknowledge the yer¡¯s existence.


    ¡°Haha, I didn¡¯t think that a policeman would y video games. This is kind of different from the image of a policeman I have in mind...¡± Fang Lingzi cocked her head and smiled at Xu Lan cheekily.


    ¡°Little girl, policemen are humans too. Please don¡¯t judge us against God¡¯s standard,¡± Xu Lan raised his brows and said bemusingly. The scar on the corner of his brows curled as he spoke.


    Fang Lingzi chuckled and hid behind Sheng Ya while making funny faces at Xu Lan.


    ¡°Papa, the vige head is here,¡± Bai Wu whispered guiltily.


    Xu Lan smiled with his teeth and pushed Bai Wu toward the vige head. Bai Wu took a few steps backward and looked at Xu Lan in shock.


    ¡°You¡¯re a grown up now and it¡¯s time for you to be independent,¡± Xu Lan patted Bai Wu¡¯s shoulder and smiled in a friendly manner.


    The vige was surrounded by mountains and could be found amidst the secluded forests. The chirping of the birds and the insects made everyone thought that they were in a paradise. Bai Wu took a deep breath and returned Xu Lan¡¯s determined gaze. He was calming down.


    ¡°I heard you all came here for scientific research?¡± Judging from his rolled-up pants leg, the vige head seemed to be working in the rice fields earlier. There were mud stains on his legs. He walked forward as he dried his wet hands on his shirt.


    ¡°Yes, nice to meet you, vige head. We found out by chance that Yanyi Vige hasn¡¯t had any newborn baby girls for many years. We came to visit as we¡¯ve previously encountered a vige where only baby boys were born,¡± Bai Wu was nervous after hearing Xu Lan¡¯s affirmation, he replied the vige head in a shivering voice.


    ¡°Uh, that¡¯s right. It¡¯s been fifteen years since west had any newborn baby girls in the vige. May I know what exactly is the research about?¡± the vige head asked with a frown as he pondered on the possibility of marriage arrangements with the other vige.


    ¡°This is a long story, is there a ce for us to speak at length? We¡¯re here to investigate the cause of this phenomenon,¡± Bai Wu smiled as he borated, his bright smile unarmed everyone.


    ¡°Ah! Silly me, why hasn¡¯t it urred to me to invite you specialists in! Come on over, let¡¯s have a talk in my house,¡± the vige head patted his head and invited everyone in.


    Yanyi Vige was surrounded by mountains and scenic views. It was an otherworldly, secluded paradise. The main economic activity was farming. Due to its remote location, the vige was peaceful. The vigers lived an honest and harmonious life.


    Everything changed after the birth of a baby girl on Chinese New Year¡¯s Eve fifteen years ago.


    It happened on a snowy twelfth lunar month where the vige was painted white. As Yanyi Vige was situated amidst the mountains, it experienced a lower than average temperature. The snow piled up so high that it was hard for the vigers to push open their doors. Strangely, the umted snow melted on Chinese New Year¡¯s Eve. The leaves sprouted earlier than usual. By noon, flowers bloomed everywhere and the trees sheltered the vige once again. Colorful clouds umted in the sky, illuminating the entire vige.


    On that day, a baby was born at Wu Ling¡¯s home. It was a difficult childbirth and the baby was only born at sunset. The vige was attacked by a heavy snowstorm on the next day and it snowed for an entire month.


    ¡°Heck, that¡¯s so strange? Is she a goddess from heaven or reincarnation of Buddha?¡±


    The crew-cut man shouted in an exaggerated manner to express his disbelief. After noticing Bai Wu¡¯s angry re, he retreated immediately and stood next to Zhang Fei. He was confident that he would win an argument with Zhang Fei; little did he know that Zhang Fei, a well-educated intellectual was too proud to engage in pointless arguments with him!


    ¡°Ever since then, the newborn babies in Yanyi Vige are all females?¡±


    Used to dealing with these sort of questions, the vige head nodded dispassionately. Bai Wu found it amazing too. Even though the crew-cut man spoke crudely, he made a good point ¡ª the girl must havee from heaven!


    ¡°Is the child still at Yanyi Vige?¡± Bai Wu asked.


    ¡°She... She¡¯s not,¡± the vige head paused before saying with a heavy heart.


    ¡°Then...¡± Bai Wu was trying to probe further. He kept his mouth shut after being elbowed by Xu Lan.


    ¡°Is there a ce in the vige where we can stay? There¡¯s twenty-eight of us. Do you think you can help us sort out our amodation?¡± Bai Wu changed the topic.


    ¡°Ah, no worries. If you don¡¯t mind, all of you can stay with us. We can amodate everyone if we break the group into smaller groups!¡± The vige head did not seem as troubled anymore. He began to search for a ce to stay on behalf of the group.


    ¡°Papa, why did you stop me from asking?¡± Bai Wu followed behind Xu Lan and asked in confusion. This was the first time Xu Lan treated him like an adult. Bai Wu was worried that he disappointed Xu Lan in someway.


    ¡°Patience. Even if the vige head was being honest, the arrival of the goddess is something worth celebrating. How would this lead to Yanyi Vige not having any newborn baby boys over the past fifteen years?¡± Xu Lan put his hands into his pockets. He spoke as he observed the scenic view of the mountains.


    ¡°Papa, are you suggesting that the vige head hasn¡¯t beenpletely honest with us?¡± Bai Wu nodded his head and asked.


    ¡°... Haha, it¡¯s not just the vige head. Are we staying at the same ce tonight? I¡¯ve something to tell you.¡± Xu Lan patted Bai Wu on his shoulder and chuckled, his deep voice echoed throughout the endless mountain ranges.

 Chapter 165 - Goddess From Heaven

    <h4>Chapter 165: Goddess From Heaven</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Uh, that¡¯s right. It¡¯s been fifteen years since west had any newborn baby girls in the vige. May I know what exactly is the research about?¡± the vige head asked with a frown as he pondered on the possibility of marriage arrangements with the other vige.


    ¡°This is a long story, is there a ce for us to speak at length? We¡¯re here to investigate the cause of this phenomenon.¡± Bai Wu smiled as he borated, his bright smile unarmed everyone.


    ¡°Ah! Silly me, why hasn¡¯t it urred to me to invite you specialists in! Come on over, let¡¯s have a talk in my house.¡± The vige head patted his head and invited everyone in.


    Yanyi Vige was surrounded by mountains and scenic views. It was an otherworldly, secluded paradise. The main economic activity was farming. Due to its remote location, the vige was peaceful. The vigers lived an honest and harmonious life.


    Everything changed after the birth of a baby girl on Chinese New Year¡¯s Eve fifteen years ago.


    It happened on a snowy twelfth lunar month where the vige was painted white. As Yanyi Vige was situated amidst the mountains, it experienced a lower than average temperature. The snow piled up so high that it was hard for the vigers to push open their doors. Strangely, the umted snow melted on Chinese New Year¡¯s Eve. The leaves sprouted earlier than usual. By noon, flowers bloomed everywhere and the trees sheltered the vige once again. Colorful clouds umted in the sky, illuminating the entire vige.


    On that day, a baby was born at Wu Ling¡¯s home. It was a difficult childbirth and the baby was only born at sunset. The vige was attacked by a heavy snowstorm on the next day and it snowed for an entire month.


    ¡°Heck, that¡¯s so strange? Is she a goddess from heaven or reincarnation of Buddha?¡±


    The crew-cut man shouted in an exaggerated manner to express his disbelief. After noticing Bai Wu¡¯s angry re, he retreated immediately and stood next to Zhang Fei. He was confident that he would win an argument with Zhang Fei; little did he know that Zhang Fei, a well-educated intellectual was too proud to engage in pointless arguments with him!


    ¡°Ever since then, the newborn babies in Yanyi Vige are all females <sup>1</sup> ?¡±


    Used to dealing with these sort of questions, the vige head nodded dispassionately. Bai Wu found it amazing too. Even though the crew-cut man spoke crudely, he made a good point ¡ª the girl must havee from heaven!


    ¡°Is the child still at Yanyi Vige?¡± Bai Wu asked.


    ¡°She... She¡¯s not,¡± the vige head paused before saying with a heavy heart.


    ¡°Then...¡± Bai Wu was trying to probe further. He kept his mouth shut after being elbowed by Xu Lan.


    ¡°Is there a ce in the vige where we can stay? There are twenty-eight of us. Do you think you can help us sort out our amodation?¡± Bai Wu changed the topic.


    ¡°Ah, no worries. If you don¡¯t mind, all of you can stay with us. We can amodate everyone if we break the group into smaller groups!¡± The vige head did not seem as troubled anymore. He began to search for a ce to stay on behalf of the group.


    ¡°Papa, why did you stop me from asking?¡± Bai Wu followed behind Xu Lan and asked in confusion. This was the first time Xu Lan treated him like an adult. Bai Wu was worried that he disappointed Xu Lan in someway.


    ¡°Patience. Even if the vige head was being honest, the arrival of the goddess is something worth celebrating. How would this lead to Yanyi Vige not having any newborn baby boys <sup>1</sup> over the past fifteen years?¡± Xu Lan put his hands into his pockets. He spoke as he observed the scenic view of the mountains.


    ¡°Papa, are you suggesting that the vige head hasn¡¯t beenpletely honest with us?¡± Bai Wu nodded his head and asked.


    ¡°... Haha, it¡¯s not just the vige head. Are we staying at the same ce tonight? I¡¯ve something to tell you.¡± Xu Lan patted Bai Wu on his shoulder and chuckled, his deep voice echoed throughout the endless mountain ranges.

 Chapter 166 - Xu Lan’s Confession

    <h4>Chapter 166: Xu Lan¡¯s Confession</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu spent the rest of the day wondering what Xu Lan wanted to tell him.


    ¡°... Wu, Bai Wu! Aren¡¯t you going to take a shower?¡± Xu Lan dried his hair as he watched Bai Wu ying with his fingers nervously.


    ¡°I... I¡¯ll take a showerter. Papa, did I do something wrong today?¡± Bai Wu was startled by Xu Lan and stood up immediately.


    ¡°Hahaha! Am I that scary? You look like you¡¯ve run into a ghost!¡± Xu Lan raised his brows and chuckled.


    ¡°No, Papa. I...¡± Bai Wu lowered his head, his eyes were red. As Xu Lan started seeing Bai Wu as an adult, Bai Wu was determined to stop being a crybaby in front of Xu Lan.


    Bai Wu kept his head low and bit his nails. He was unsure when he picked up the bad habit, but whenever he was nervous or agitated, he tended to bit his fingers until they bled.


    ¡°Heck! I¡¯ve no idea when did I be a dinosaur. Raise your head and look at me, will you?¡± Xu Lan pped Bai Wu¡¯s hand away and took a seat opposite of him. He fixed his gaze on Bai Wu.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu¡¯s sexy voice was trembling out of nervousness. It sounded light, as though a string was being plucked.


    ¡°Uhm...¡± Xu Lan replied, toppling the stool behind Bai Wu with a kick. He continued, ¡°Since you refused to take a seat, you can stand for the rest of this conversation.¡±


    Bai Wu stood before Xu Lan with an innocent face as he awaited his doom.


    ¡°Do you like Sheng Ya?¡± Xu Lan put his arm on the table and rested his chin on his arm before voicing his question.


    ¡®Why did he bring this up all of a sudden? A few days ago the topic of marriage and Sheng Ya came up, could it be...¡¯ Bai Wu¡¯s heart sank at the thought. His face was pale and he did not know what to say.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m talking to you,¡± Xu Lan prompted impatiently as he waited for Bai Wu to reply.


    ¡°I, I don¡¯t know. Papa, do you think I should like Sheng Ya?¡± Bai Wu unintentionally transformed into his dragon form. He could no longer feel the painful prick by his sharp fingernail on his finger.


    ¡°... How would I know if you like her? Please, don¡¯t be so tensed up, you did well today. I wanted to tell you something about myself,¡± Xu Lan sighed after looking at Bai Wu¡¯s bloody hand. He pushed the stool toward Bai Wu and reached for the handkerchief in his pocket to wipe off the blood.


    ¡°I, I don¡¯t know! Should I marry Sheng Ya? Papa, do you want me to be with her?¡± Bai Wu sobbed and his tears fell on Xu Lan¡¯s hands. Xu Lan was holding Bai Wu¡¯s dragon ws in his hands. Little did Xu Lan know that he also had a steady grip on Bai Wu¡¯s heart. Bai Wu¡¯s heart was as fragile as an egg. The slightest amount of pressure would shatter it into smithereens and cost Bai Wu his life!


    ¡°Uh, did you hear me saying that? Heck! Would you please stop crying? I can¡¯t think properly when you¡¯re bawling your eyes out. Do you like Sheng Ya or not? Here I was, thinking ofpeting with her fair and square! Say something!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s hands were soaked with Bai Wu¡¯s tears. He yelled at Bai Wu because he found it hard to focus when Bai Wu was crying.


    ¡®Puff!¡¯ Bai Wu was shrouded in white mist. He turned into a dragon out of nowhere!


    ¡°Papa! What did you say?¡± Bai Wu was spouting white mist. He was breathing heavily when he carefully voiced his question.


    ¡°I said I like you! Hurry up, transform¡ªAhh!¡± Xu Lan shouted in fear.

 Chapter 167 - Would You Be My Wife

    <h4>Chapter 167: Would You Be My Wife</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu¡¯s gigantic body broke through the roof and Xu Lan found himself being hoisted up in the air. The vigers shouted after noticing the giant dragon in the sky.


    ¡°Heck! Let me down! Aren¡¯t you afraid of heights?¡± Bai Wu held Xu Lan¡¯s cor between his teeth. Xu Lan¡¯s cheeks were pped by the cold harsh wind.


    ¡°Papa...¡±


    ¡°Ah! Darn it! Goddamn it!¡± The moment Bai Wu opened his mouth, Xu Lan started to fall from the sky and uttered a string of curses. Bai Wu lengthened his neck and caught Xu Lan in time. He held Xu Lan in a gentle embrace.


    The entire vige was watching Bai Wu as he drifted in the sky with Xu Lan in his arms. Shocked to witness another strange phenomenon fifteen yearster, the vigers knelt down and began worshipping.


    ¡°Look! Look at what you¡¯ve done! To them, I¡¯m a celestial being now! Hurry up, let me down!¡±


    Initially, Xu Lan felt awkward after confessing his feelings to Bai Wu. However, he ended up spouting every single swear word in his vocabry after what Bai Wu did. He was about to explode from anger!


    ¡°Papa! I¡¯m scared! I don¡¯t want to go down!¡± Bai Wu closed his eyes in fear and whispered innocently.


    Thest hint of gentleness disappeared from Xu Lan¡¯s face. Hended solid punches on Bai Wu as he scolded him.


    ¡°Papa, stop hitting. My scales are thick, they¡¯ll hurt you.¡± Bai Wu lowered his head and opened his eyes to look at Xu Lan lovingly.


    ¡°Scram! Hasn¡¯t it urred to you that you should think before you act? Look for a ce to let me down. If you can¡¯t head down, head up! What a waste of money, to think that I spent so much on your education!¡± Xu Lan rolled his eyes and the tips of his ears were red. He lectured Bai Wu sternly.


    ¡°Papa, why would you say that? Were you lying when you said you like me?¡± Bai Wu stared at Xu Lan with his red, ruby-like eyes.


    ¡°Pft, you are nning to marry Sheng Ya. Stop pretending that you don¡¯t know what I¡¯m talking about,¡± Xu Lan chuckled. Indeed, Bai Wu was a waste of expensive education.


    ¡°If I were to marry Sheng Ya, she¡¯ll be my wife. Papa, would you be my wife?¡± Bai Wu shivered as he raised Xu Lan to his eye level. As he voiced his question, white smoke from his nostrils was mming Xu Lan¡¯s face. This gave his question a threatening note.


    ¡°Fuck? Why can¡¯t you be the wife instead? Look, look what I¡¯m doing!¡± roared Xu Lan. He was blushing from Bai Wu¡¯s loving gaze.


    ¡°Yay! As long as Papa agrees, I¡¯m fine with anything!¡± Bai Wu bared his fangs and smiled happily. He was acting like a kindergarten student who received a lollipop instead of the leader of his n.


    ¡°Pft, I wanted you to be my son. Didn¡¯t you say no to that?¡± Xu Lan murmured.


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu¡¯s silence made Xu Lan realized that he said the wrong thing.


    ¡°Whatever! I don¡¯t like you the way a father likes his son anyway... Darn!¡± Xu Lan shut his mouth mid-sentence and gave himself a tight p.


    ¡°Papa! Are you serious?¡± Bai Wu was overjoyed. He was eager to confirm his suspicion.


    ¡°What do you mean? Do I look like I¡¯m joking? There¡¯s a cliff one hundred meters away. Let¡¯s take a rest over there. We should scout around before getting down!¡± Instead of answering Bai Wu¡¯s question, Xu Lan acted as Bai Wu¡¯s eyes andmanded him.


    ¡°Okay!¡±

 Chapter 168 - I Love You

    <h4>Chapter 168: I Love You</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Under Xu Lan¡¯s guidance, Bai Wunded on a cliff. The sky was pitch ck, but light from the houses of people who resided at the foot of the mountain shone faintly like stars. Nighttime on the mountain was exceptionally cold, prompting one to shiver continuously. At that moment, Xu Lan¡¯s emotions and the circumstances they were in made him want to hide Bai Wu away in the mountain. He wondered if the others woulde searching for them.


    ¡°Achoo!¡± Xu Lan massaged his nose and looked around him. He could not see a thing! When they were in the air, he could at least see the dense white stones. There was nothing he could do on the cliff except for bearing the brunt of the cold! Not even a cave was present! It was more miserable than the previous time they were there!


    ¡°Papa, are you alright?¡± Bai Wu pulled him into an embrace and asked dearly.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright. Can you see your surroundings clearly? Do you see anything?¡± Xu Lan asked, thinking that members of the dragon n should have good eyesight.


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s like a bamboo basket and a bunch of squirming worms inside. We shouldn¡¯t be in any danger for now, but it¡¯s too high up. We can only wait till daybreak tomorrow, ¡¯cause Papa can only give me directions then.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s scales felt painful to Xu Lan, but he did not dare to move away for fear that Bai Wu would interpret the action as repulsion toward the dragon form.


    Xu Lan¡¯s had guessed correctly: when Bai Wu was in full form, his eyes could see the surrounding with rity, even in the dark of night. He even had a pair symmetrical pores on his mandible bones; pores which had the ability to sense heat. Through particles floating in the air, Bai Wu was able to sense anything within a one-hundred-meter radius without needing to use his eyes.


    His pores were also the reason why he could still fly despite being acrophobic. After Xu Lan knew about all that, Bai Wu received quite a fair bit of mocking!


    ¡°So, do we have a ce to stay tonight?¡± Xu Lan asked probingly. Then he thought to himself, ¡®Why are there so many bamboo baskets here? Could there be someone living here?¡¯


    ¡°We¡¯ll look around. There¡¯s no houses or caves here.¡± Since both of them had spent so much time with each other, Xu Lan¡¯s influence had rubbed off considerably on Bai Wu. In an instant, Bai Wu understood what Xu Lan meant.


    Bai Wu initially wanted to bring Xu Lan over whilst still in the dragon form. He was so happy that he got carried away, disying his true form instinctively. If the area was big enough, he would definitely have brought Xu Lan to the air. However, the space between the bamboo baskets were barely enough ¨C between each one was a distance of just over a meter ¨C and if Bai Wu walked past them, he would surely knock them over!


    ¡°There¡¯s no one here. Why did you transform back?¡± Xu Lan asked perplexedly, as the dense pressure faded away.


    ¡°It¡¯s too narrow here. Let¡¯s just continue.¡± Bai Wu answered briefly and headed to the mountain while holding Xu Lan¡¯s hand.


    During their journey, Bai Wu did not cease talking, not even for a short moment. Patiently, he pestered Xu Lan with a barrage of questions: ¡®When did Papa like me?¡±What does Papa think of Xiao Feng and Wang Meng?¡±How did Papa realize that Papa likes me as a lover?¡¯ and so on, so forth.


    Xu Lan let Bai Wu twirl their fingers together and used the most sinct of replies to avoid the question. Every single time Bai Wu repeated them, Xu Lan would roll his eyes and p the hand that was holding his own.


    At first, Bai Wu was asking Xu Lan fearfully if something had happened. Xu Lan simply kept quiet the whole time. It was onlyter that Bai Wu understood: Papa was shy!


    ¡°Papa, I feel really happy today, so happy I could fly!¡± He continued rattling away.


    ¡°I KNOW. You already flew,¡± Xu Lan replied helplessly. Before then, he never noticed that Bai Wu was such a tireless chatterbox.


    ¡°Ummmm...Papa, I love you.¡± Bai Wu turned his head all of a sudden and confessed emotionally.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there!¡±

 Chapter 169 - You’re Not Allowed to Call Me ‘Papa’

    <h4>Chapter 169: You¡¯re Not Allowed to Call Me ¡®Papa¡¯</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The brightness of a shlight shone on both men. Fortunately for Xu Lan, his skin was dark; otherwise it would surely be a scene to see his face with blushes of red and patches of white.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± The aging voice called out once more, and the person behind the voice slowly came closer. Bai Wu held Xu Lan¡¯s hand tightly and stood protectively in front of him. With leaden steps, he inched closer to the direction of the shlight.


    An old, gray-haired woman walked tremblingly toward them with the aid of a walking stick. As she shined the shlight on Bai Wu, she burst out in anger, ¡°This is offending public morals!¡±


    The light enabled Xu Lan to finally notice that Bai Wu was not wearing any f*cking clothes! He was standing butt naked in front of the olddy! Did Bai Wu¡¯s c*ck not feel unbearable when it swayed around while walking and leading Xu Lan? Xu Lan stepped forward immediately and stood in between Bai Wu and the olddy.


    ¡°Hehe, sorry olddy. We didn¡¯t know there¡¯d be people here,¡± Xu Lan apologized ashamedly. ¡°Olddy, perhaps we can stay at your ce for one night if you don¡¯t mind? We¡¯ll leave as soon as morninges, and we won¡¯t give you any trouble.¡±


    Despite Xu Lan¡¯s appropriateness in asking the question politely, he did not even attempt to exin how they managed to appear there, much less why Bai Wu was in such a state. Exining would do no good, since she would not believe him anyway, and misunderstandings might even be regarded as the truth.


    ¡°...where were you both just now?¡± The olddy looked at Xu Lan from head to toe. His once strong and energetic body had be considerably thin, and it was evident that he was weak when he stood in front of Bai Wu.


    ¡°Hm? We came from the cliff up ahead,¡± Xu Lan answered without putting too much thought into it.


    The olddy stared intently at Xu Lan. With her emaciated hand, she pointed shakily at the dark mountain behind him and asked, ¡°You came here from the cliff that¡¯s one kilometer away?¡±


    Xu Lan looked up and pondered for a moment. He did not notice how much time had passed, since Bai Wu kept talking. Still, one kilometer seemed reasonable ording to their pace, and though he did not consider the distance far, Xu Lan simply nodded.


    ¡°...yes! There are empty beds! Come with me!¡± The olddy answered with excitedly. Her walking stick provided a crutch for her as she walked in staggers and led Xu Lan to her house, which was not far from there. She would asionally point the shlight to the dark sky above.


    Xu Lan looked at the olddy¡¯s baffling actions with suspicion. Within moments, two more shlights shone from up ahead and the people who shone the light appeared before them. The shlights belonged to two tall men. They bowed respectfully to the olddy and listened to her exnation. Then, they lifted their heads and cast an angry look at Xu Lan.


    ¡°Haha, let¡¯s not be hasty. We came here on holiday.¡±


    Xu Lan used his palm to shield himself from the light that was shining on his face. He puckered his lips and used them to gesture at the naked Bai Wu. The two men looked at Xu Lan from top to bottom in disgust, then did the same to Bai Wu. Finally, they let out a soft snort as they walked toward the ce where Xu Lan and Bai Wu had originallye from.


    ¡°Pa...oh.¡± Bai Wu looked confusingly at the two men, and opened his mouth to call Xu Lan. Xu Lan immediately pinched him on the waist.


    ¡°It¡¯s not funny, is it?¡± Xu Lan asked and shot a cold nce at Bai Wu. When the olddy turned to look at them, Xu Lan once again apologized profusely and hinted at her to continue walking.


    The olddy scoffed and with a look of despise, she continued to lead the journey.


    ¡°F*ck! Grow a brain, will ya? Didn¡¯t you see how they looked at us with disgust? If you keep calling me Papa, I¡¯m afraid they won¡¯t even let us sleep with the dogs.¡± Xu Lan massaged the area that he pinched and remarked softly to Bai Wu.


    ¡°But, how should I call Papa then?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s heart began thumping wildly as he asked with a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Tsk, just call me by my name,¡± Xu Lan tsk-ed and replied annoyedly.


    ¡°Xu Lan?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s voice trembled and he struggled to spit out those two words.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan.¡± It was much better the second time. Bai Wu had taken a deep breath and mustered up some courage.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan!¡±


    ¡°Motherf*cker! There¡¯s no need to repeat it so much! Walk faster! We¡¯re reaching!¡± Xu Lan kicked at Bai Wu¡¯s calf and reprimanded him in a low voice.

 Chapter 170 - Spring Chicken Stewed with Mushrooms

    <h4>Chapter 170: Spring Chicken Stewed with Mushrooms</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Spring Chicken Stewed with Mushrooms <sup>1</sup>


    The olddy brought them over to her wooden house. A dusky oilmp was erected in the center ¨C it was neither dim nor bright ¨C and cobwebs littered the surroundings. A gentle breath of air was all it took for Xu Lan to be choked by dust.


    ¡°Pa...Xu Lan.¡±


    ¡°Here are some clothes. And also, it¡¯s already midnight. I¡¯m a light sleeper, and I can¡¯t stand tossing from side to side.¡± The olddy took the set of clothes and pped them onto the table, causing a puff of dust to rise into the air. Bai Wu instinctively turned, then used his hand to cover Xu Lan¡¯s nose and mouth.


    ¡°Thank you, olddy.¡± Xu Lan pushed Bai Wu¡¯s hand away and thanked politely.


    ¡°Offending public morals! Offending public morals!¡± The olddy left in a rage and solemnly went out of the room.


    ¡°How long has this house been uninhabited? The dust is so thick.¡± After thedy left, Bai Wu took the clothes from the table top and put them on.


    ¡°Don¡¯tin! We¡¯re lucky to have a ce to sleep!¡± Xu Lan reproached gingerly as he flipped the bed around. God only knew how long the bed had not been used.


    ¡°...¡±


    Bai Wu pouted and walked up to Xu Lan. With his head lowered down, he did not utter a single word. Those actions were reminiscent of his tantrums when he was still a small boy!


    ¡°Papa! You haven¡¯t answered me,¡± he asked while shaking Xu Lan¡¯s arm. He once had a little boy¡¯s voice, but it had benguidly erotic. Bai Wu no longer followed Xu Lan¡¯s backside and begged for hugs or kisses now that he had turned into a grown man.


    From then onward, whenever Xu Lan recalled his thoughts of doing such things with Bai Wu, he wanted to give himself a good couple of ps! Kisses and hugs were not enough for Bai Wu, for Bai Wu wanted...even more! Things became increasingly unrestrained, and those wants had escted to an intense degree!


    ¡°What was I supposed to promise?¡± Xu Lan replied without turning his head, instead he continued to flip the bed. He genuinely forgot what Bai Wu had asked him prior.


    ¡°...I love you, Papa.¡± A sullen Bai Wu bit his lips and repeated his deration.


    Xu Lan¡¯s hand, which was busy fitting on the bedsheet, froze suddenly. Bai Wu¡¯s words made him feel as though there was a lump in his throat, and he did not know how to react. F*ck! Bai Wu was surrendering himself to Xu Lan!


    ¡°Papa...¡± When Xu Lan did not respond, Bai Wu mustered the courage to hug Xu Lan by the waist. Xu Lan was already frozen, and Bai Wu¡¯s actions rendered Xu Lan unable to move even an inch: the man was as rigid as a corpse!


    ¡°Bai...Bai Wu...¡± Xu Lan called out hoarsely, as though his throat had been subject to the application of sandpaper.


    A warm, thick, and broad chest tightly pressed itself on Xu Lan. However, much of the warmth came from below the abdomen: a raging, stiff rod was pressed onto Xu Lan¡¯s waist like an Italian Beretta 92F Pistol!


    ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°Be quiet down there! I need some sleep!¡± The rapping of a walking stick could be hearding from upstairs. Dust began falling down, covering the whole of Bai Wu¡¯s back.


    ¡°Get off me! I want to sleep!¡± Xu Lan stepped on Bai Wu¡¯s foot and eximed softly in anger, all while his breathing was adversely affected.


    Both men engaged in a tussle and Xu Lan emerged as the loser. In the end, he simply let Bai Wu hug him ¨C fervently but cautiously ¨C to sleep. Nothing seemed to have changed from when Bai Wu was younger, Xu Lan thought, save for a warm gun that poked at him throughout the night!


    The next day, both men were woken up by the olddy. With a look of disdain that suggested she wanted their stay to be kept secret, she looked at the yawning, eye-bagged men and urged them to leave as fast as possible.


    ¡°Elder! Xu Lan! Can you hear us!¡±


    ¡°Expert Bai! Expert Xu! Where are you?!¡±


    ¡°Bai Wu! Bai Wu!¡± The mountains at midpoint echoed with the frantic and worried voices of those who were searching for Xu Lan and Bai Wu.


    ¡°Hey! We¡¯re here!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s broken voice shouted in reply.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡± The olddy shouted angrily all of a sudden! ¡°Keep quiet!¡±

 Chapter 171 - The Old Lady’s Name

    <h4>Chapter 171: The Old Lady¡¯s Name</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Once Bai Wu finished his sentence, the two robust men from the night before came over immediately and restrained him.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this? They came here searching for us!¡± Bai Wu shouted as he rushed over to the olddy, knowing not of what was actually happening. Xu Lan was also restrained.


    ¡°Stop with your nonsense and keep walking!¡± One of the strong men held Bai Wu¡¯s arms and forced him to walk back into the house that they came from. The shouts came closer and close; meanwhile, the men handled them even rougher. They pushed Xu Lan and caused him to stumble, which in turn caused Bai Wu¡¯s heart to ache.


    ¡°Pa...Xu Lan, are you okay?¡± Bai Wu turned to give one of the tough men an angry re, then asked Xu Lan heart-wrenchingly.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m okay,¡± Xu Lan replied calmly. With his facial expressions, he hinted to Bai Wu so as not to act without thinking.


    ¡°Hmph! You just don¡¯t know when to quit. To think that you¡¯d resign to using such methods to find your way up. I should¡¯ve thrown you guys into the snake cerst night!¡± The man who was pushing Xu Lan said with contempt.


    With a p, the olddy hit the big man¡¯s body ruthlessly using her walking stick. Her eyes ¨C sullen and deep inside her eye sockets ¨C stared at the him, and after a shiver came over, he shut his mouth and locked them inside the room.


    ¡°Hey! Let us out! We bear no ill will! They¡¯re justing up to find us!¡± Bai Wu banged on the wooden door and shouted. White mist began to emanate and envelope Bai Wu.


    ¡°Hey, what are you doing? Have you thought of how you¡¯re going to exin it to them? They¡¯re already on their way up.¡± Xu Lan patted Bai Wu on the shoulder to halt the transformation.


    Like air leaking out of a balloon, the white mist gradually dissipated, while Bai Wu pouted unhappily and looked at Xu Lan. In truth, Bai Wu himself was unwilling to freely transform, the reason being that his production of such immense energy would have serious repercussions on the state of space and time. It would further speed up the process of the crack¡¯s formation. He wanted to transform because he did not want to burden Xu Lan by letting them stay at such a run-down ce.


    ¡°What else is there to exin? We can just tell them that a supernatural being descended to the world. It¡¯s not like they¡¯ve never experienced anything like that before.¡± Bai Wu replied as though they had nothing to lose.


    ¡°Tch. You little...shh! It sounds like they¡¯reing closer. Maybe you can try and hear what they¡¯re saying?¡± All of a sudden, a rumbling sound came from outside the house, and the man who was supposed to be guarding the door to their room left.


    Bai Wu tiptoed across and pressed his pale ears to the door. His eyebrows alternated between bouts of twitching, which tickled Xu Lan¡¯s curiosity. Xu Lan urged Bai Wu on and asked if anything could be heard.


    With a finger to his lips, Bai Wu indicated for Xu Lan to keep quiet. Bai Wu¡¯s reddened eyes swirled around, and Xu Lan copied Bai Wu¡¯s action by holding in his breath and trying to hear what those outside were talking about. After a long while, Xu Lan still could not hear anything. He gave up, sat back on the stool, and waited for Bai Wu.


    ¡°What did they talk about?¡± He stood up immediately and asked once Bai Wu came over.


    ¡°They said, um...¡±


    Bai Wu rubbed his chin and appeared to be thinking of a way to organize his sentence. He went up and wrapped his arms around Xu Lan, then ced his mouth to Xu Lan¡¯s ear and said, ¡°Bai Wu loves Xu Lan!¡±


    ¡°F*CK! Can you be serious!¡± The sudden confession left Xu Lan unprepared. He took a fist to Bai Wu¡¯s chest and cursed angrily.


    Bai Wu felt pain and touched his chest as he sat back down onto the stool. He looked at Xu Lan with eyes full of hurt.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is it painful? I haven¡¯t even used any force and yet you¡¯re...¡±


    Seeing how pitiful Bai Wu was, Xu Lan guiltily and anxiously walked over to him to see if he was alright. Bai Wu sprang into smiles suddenly and grabbed the man into an embrace, nestling his jaw right in Xu Lan¡¯s corbone. It was then that Xu Lan realized he was tricked! He struggled fervently and threatened to break Bai Wu¡¯s arms!


    ¡°Papa,¡± came the warm, sensual voice blowing air into Xu Lan¡¯s ears; thetter¡¯s body was both stiff and powerless at the same time. ¡°The vige chief called the olddy Wu Ling.¡±

 Chapter 172 - I Can’t Leave

    <h4>Chapter 172: I Can¡¯t Leave</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan turned around abruptly and said, ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    Bai Wu nodded his head solemnly. This was not the first time that the vige chief addressed the olddy in this manner. Wu Ling was the mother of the girl from fifteen years ago. Xu Lan lifted his head and sunk into deep thoughts while Bai Wu embraced him with a bright smile on his face.


    ¡°Expert Bai, Expert Xu, are you guys in there?¡± the vige chief asked, apanied by the sounds of the door opening from the outside.


    Xu Lan sprung up immediately from Bai Wu¡¯s legs and red at him. ¡°We¡¯re here, vige chief.¡±


    The door opened shortly after. The group of people dropped to the ground and kowtowed to Bai Wu immediately after they saw him. The yers that was with them in the dimension looked at them in horror, especially Fang Lingzi.


    ¡°The emergence of a true dragon. You¡¯re a deity that descended to the earth. Deity, please save our vige.¡± The vige chief took the lead and begged in tears.


    ¡°Uhm, what¡¯s happening?¡± Xu Lan helped the vigers up at once and signalled Bai Wu to exin himself.


    ¡°Vige chief, I think everyone misunderstood us. We were sleeping soundly yesterday night when all of a sudden, a vicious dragon appeared and took us away. We¡¯re sorry for the damage inflicted on your house. We¡¯ll definitely fix it for you,¡± Bai Wu exined while he rubbed his fingers together. At the same moment, he used theplementary ability of mental dominance.


    Those who were kneeling on the floor looked at each other in astonishment.


    ¡°Nheless, it was because of the arrival of you experts that prompted the emergence of the true dragon. You must be the saviour of Yanyi Vige, sent by the heavens to rescue our vige.¡±


    The vige chief said firmly after giving a thought. The other vigers chimed in and pleaded Bai Wu and Xu Lan to save their vige by kneeling three times with nine kowtows. Their entourage of followers were very much relieved, except for Fang Lingzi who felt quite disappointed. She sped her hand behind her back and trampled the mud on the ground.


    ¡°Are you done chatting? Where¡¯s the dragon fromst night?¡± the olddy said gravely while she stood in front of Bai Wu with the support of her walking stick. She seemed to show much interest about that dragon from the previous night.


    ¡°I have no idea, it disappeared after abandoning us at the cliff. Otherwise, how could we get there by ourselves, it was incredibly darkst night.¡± Bai Wu unfolded his arms and shrugged helplessly.


    Suddenly, the olddy¡¯s expression changed and shrieked fiercely toward the crowd, ¡°Out! Get out! All of you, get lost!¡±


    ¡°Wu Ling, stop behaving like this. Expert Bai is here to conduct some research. Ever since Xiao Ya was born, our vige...¡±


    The vige chief said as he stared at Wu Ling awkwardly. Initially, he did not intend to rub her nose in it. This was the reason why the vigers unweed Wu Ling and that she had to stay far away from them, up into the distant mountains.


    ¡°I said get lost!¡± Wu Ling rebuked furiously while she stabilized herself with the walking stick. Two strong men gathered around her and red at the others ferociously.


    ¡°... We¡¯re leaving, sorry to bother you,¡± the vige chief said in a displeased tone with a long face.


    The sun shone through the viridescent mountain peaks, illuminating patches and patches of Camellia. The blue sky was filled with varying shapes of clouds which were constantly drifting. This was definitely a great ce to retire from the world and live a sequestered live. The group of people strolled leisurely on the country roads along the mountains. The cool breeze blew gently, emptying the body and mind of others.


    ¡°Wait a minute! We¡¯ve got to head back!¡± Xu Lan halted abruptly and said in all seriousness. Bai Wu was not paying much attention and knocked onto the back of Xu Lan¡¯s head. His nose started to bleed instantly.


    ¡°Go back? Why?¡± Bai Wu covered his nose and asked puzzledly. Bai Wu already took the handkerchief from Xu Lan just when Sheng Ya passed him the tissues. She had no choice but to retract her hands sulkily.

 Chapter 173 - Flare from the Cliff

    <h4>Chapter 173: re from the Cliff</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back first! You will understand why in a short while!¡± Xu Lan urged impatiently for everyone to turn back. However, the vigers were quite hesitant. The vige chief kept his head down and remained silent.


    ¡°Vige chief, why not you go ahead first? We still have something to rify. We¡¯ll catch up in a bit,¡± Bai Wu asked the vige chief. Although Bai Wu could notprehend why did Xu Lan insisted of going back, he still supported him without any hesitation.


    ¡°... No, I shall follow you and head back. The others should return to the vige,¡± the vige chief mentioned in all seriousness after a long pause. The vigers looked at each other puzzledly and finally they returned to the vige by following the path of the mountain roads.


    At first, Xu Lan thought that Wu Ling was the problem. After looking at the vigers¡¯ reaction, he could sense that it was not as simple as what he had expected initially. They returned shortly to the same ce that they just left moments ago. A brawny man hurried over like wild rabbits.


    ¡°What are you doing back here! You¡¯re not weed here!¡± The brawny man growled gruffly.


    ¡°Why are you being so fierce. The scenery here is amazing, can¡¯t we return to take a second look at it!¡± Fang Lingzi curled her upper lip in disdain and refuted.


    The brawny guy clenched his fist as he did not know how to deal with Fang Lingzi. It was as if he had an instinctive respect for women and any form of retortion would be considered sacrilege. Xu Lan secretly gave a thumbs up and remained hisposure when he saw another muscr man came over being caught in the same awkward situation.


    Fang Lingziughed gleefully as she never thought that her randomint could render a helping hand to the others. She became more audacious toward the two brawny man.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Wu Ling?¡± Xu Lan asked politely as he did not want to taut the tension any further.


    ¡°She¡¯s asleep! She mentioned that she couldn¡¯t sleep wellst night and went to bed right after you left.¡± The brawny man turned away and ignored Fang Lingzi. The way he treated Xu Lan was as if he had transformed into a different being entirely.


    ¡°...¡± As a matter of fact, Wu Ling had a restless night. She was worried that they might destroy the bamboo basket near the cliff and she was anxious that these two would notice something. Although it was a casual remark, the listener took it to his heart. Xu Lan¡¯s neck flushed immediately after hearing his words.


    ¡°We would like to have a look near the cliff, perhaps we¡¯ll find some clues about the dragon,¡± Xu Lan bbered with a poker face, ttering the doubts in his heart shamelessly.


    ¡°... No! We¡¯ve been therest night, there¡¯s nothing there.¡± The darker-skinned guy rejected after giving a thought.


    At that moment, a loud noise echoed from the sky above the cliff. Soon after, three res exploded in the sky. The brawny men became anxious after seeing the situation. The fairer-skinned guy darted toward the cliff instantly. The darker-skinned man berated Xu Lan and the others and told them to leave at once. It was obvious that his tone was much more agitated than before.


    Xu Lan whispered into Zhang Fei¡¯s ears and used mind control on the dark-skinned man. All of them started running toward the cliff.


    ¡°Expert Xu, surely you can exin why did we return here. You should at least tell everyone why are we running!¡± the mayor asked while he gasped for breath.


    ¡°Vige chief, there¡¯s nothing strange about Wu Ling came looking for shelter in the mountains since the vigers resented her. The odd thing is that two brawny man obeyed her with unswerving loyalty. We discovered bamboo baskets that were arranged in an orderly manner when the giant dragon threw us to the cliff. I think there are living beings in it. Moreover, Wu Ling cared a lot about that ce. She even went there alonest night. Why would an olddy like her build something simr to a cultivation base at such a deserted ce?¡±


    Although this matter seemed peculiar, it was not enough to draw Xu Lan¡¯s attention. After all, they were in the middle of a mission. It was impossible for them to manage everything. More importantly, Xu Lan once heard about something mentioned by the brawny man.

 Chapter 174 - Cultivation of Gu Using Human

    <h4>Chapter 174: Cultivation of Gu Using Human</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Should¡¯ve thrown you guys into the snake pit for cultivation!¡± The brawny man once said. When Xu Lan associated these words together with the living things inside the bamboo basket, an absurd idea popped into his mind.


    Cultivation of Gu!


    He had only seen these things in books and he was shocked by his own posttion. However, the more he thought about it, the more he got more troubled by it.


    ¡°Wow, this is magical! I didn¡¯t expect to see such fascinating affairs, this is such a fulfilling trip!¡± Fang Lingzi jumped excitedly. If the businessman did not catch hold of her, she might even fall and roll down the hill.


    Before they reached the other side of the mountain, they could hear the panicky screams from Wu Ling yelling, ¡°Grab her! Quick!¡± All of them rushed over at an instant.


    ¡°Blurgh!¡± Everyone started vomiting uncontrobly when they glimpsed the scene before them. They were so horrified that no one dared to look at the three individuals that were standing in front of the cliff.


    No, it should be said that there were two people, because the other one would not be able to be ssified as a human. He only took the form of a human, with a body, head and four limbs.


    That person waspletely naked but there was not a patch of skin on him. He was covered in venomous worms of all kinds, which gave him a pitch ck figure. It was as if his skin was devoured by the venomous worms. At times, the shades of white from the bones were visible when the worms crawled over them. Suddenly, a small crimson-red snake plopped out from his eye socket.


    The human body was used as a vessel for the cultivation of Gu!


    ¡°Argh! Aargh! Aargh!¡± Fang Lingzi hid behind the businessman and wailed in fear. That was when Wu Ling noticed the group of twenty to thirty people that were standing in front of her.


    ¡°Why are you here! Da Hei! Da Hei! Who allowed them toe here!¡± Wu Ling roared frantically and continued tomand the fairer guy to capture the being.


    The brawny man was fully prepped and started approaching the Gu being. The venomous worms gradually crawled out like a rising tide and crept onto the guy. Although he wore a thickyer of protective clothing, it was not sufficient to prevent the corrosion from the venom, which he howled in pain.


    Wu Ling retrieved a bottle of white powder from her pocket and scattered onto the brawny man. The venomous worms that were creeping onto his body started to fall and dispersed. Even though the brawny man was covered in venomous worms, he still had a deathgrip on the Gu being.


    Wu Ling sprinkled the white powder onto the Gu being and a graceful youngdy appeared in front of everybody.


    ¡°Wu... Wu Ling! You... You used Xiao Ya to cultivate Gu! You... You!¡± The vige chief pointed at Wu Ling and shuddered with rage. He was so angered that he could not breathe properly and fainted. The other members caught hold of him promptly and ced him on the floor.


    ¡°You¡¯re empathetic to a fault!¡± Wu Ling ignored the vige chief who fainted and ordered the brawny man to put on some clothes for Xiao Ya. She walked toward Xu Lan with the support of her walking stick and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Da Hei?¡±


    ¡°In the house, we tied him up onto the pir,¡± Xu Lan, who had yet toe to his senses, answered nkly.


    ¡°All of you came over?¡± Wu Ling was boiling with anger and frowned.


    Xu Lan nodded his head.


    All of a sudden, Wu Ling tore off Xiao Ya¡¯s clothes with a rip. Then, she pushed her toward Xu Lan and sprinkled the white powder onto herself and the brawny man at the same time.


    The cute, lovely Xiao Ya immediately transformed into a giant vessel that was full of Gu worms. The venomous worms that were subdued just moments ago covered the whole body of Xiao Ya and started creeping toward Xu Lan and the others.


    ¡°Run! Run faster!¡± The crew-cut guy yelled in terror while he turned around and started sprinting. Suddenly, there was a rumbling noise. A stone wall rose from the ground and blocked them from retreating.


    ¡°Run? Enjoy the caress from my dear darling baby! Hahaha...¡± Wu Lingughed atrociously while looking at the hopeless bunch.

 Chapter 175 - Worms Surging in the Dark

    <h4>Chapter 175: Worms Surging in the Dark</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The venomous worms swarmed toward them like undertides. They were sandwiched by the Gu vessel in the front and a stone wall behind them, blocking their way out. The whole bunch of people scurried around but they could not find a way to steer clear from the venomous worms.


    ¡°Argh, Brother Yi Jun! Is it true that I won¡¯t be able to return if I get bitten by these venomous worms!¡± Fang Lingzi grabbed onto the businessman¡¯s arm and wailed.


    ¡°... No... No, don¡¯t worry.¡± The businessmanforted Fang Lingzi and patted her head.


    In the blink of an eye, many types of insects, snakes, and scorpions crept up toward them, baring fangs and brandishing ws. The venomous snake flicked its tongue and drove all of them against the stone wall.


    ¡®Crack... Crack...¡¯ The Gu worms crawled out from Xiao Ya¡¯s body and made cracking sounds when they passed through the joints. She walked toward Bai Wu and the others stiffly in a manner simr to shadow puppetry.


    ¡°Motherfu*ker! Has the old woman gone bonkers! We¡¯re going to die!¡± the crew-cut guy shouted in terror while he leaned on the stone wall and tried to climb over it.


    ¡°Quiet! Stay calm! Let¡¯s band together and try to push this wall down!¡± Bai Wu yanked Xu Lan behind him and forced himself to calm down before speaking.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible, there¡¯s oil on the stone wall!¡± Oil started to bubble out from the stone wall when they tried to lift it up from the bottom. The group of people was exasperated and their foreheads started to sweat as there was no way of escaping the ce.


    ¡°Argh! Quick, help me to chase it away!¡± The venomous crawlers bypassed Bai Wu who was standing in front andunched the attack from sideways. One of the yers yelped in fear when the crawlers crept up his hand at lightning speed.


    ¡°Aargh!¡±


    Before anyone could respond, the ck, tongue-flicking venomous snake bit his arm. The man¡¯s body started to turn pitch-ck at a speed visible by the naked eye. Before he could even utter a single word, he stared nkly at the venomous snake on his arm and fell to the ground stiffly.


    The Gu worms that were crawling in a scattered manner swarmed toward him the moment he fell in a frenzied mode. They started burrowing themselves into the body through his ears, nose, eyes, and throat.


    ¡°... Guys, quit staring. Get a few more people if one is not enough to lift it. Try to find a way along the cliff or the sides of the wall! We¡¯re all going to die here if we don¡¯t try at all!¡± Bai Wu shouted toward the others swiftly when they started to panic.


    The stone wall was approximately three to four meters tall. The yellowish-orange oil covered the whole surface of the wall, leaving no room for them to start lifting with. They reached a dead end. They had a bottomless cliff on their left and the precipice of the mountain on the right. They were also surrounded by the ravening Gu worms in front and blocked by the solid stone wall from the back.


    ¡°Bai... Bai Wu! Come... Come and take a look at him... He...¡± Sheng Ya could not take her eyes off that man who was bitten to death by those Gu worms.


    His skin waspletely bloated. The Gu worms were wriggling inside as if they could not wait to erupt from his body. Initially, something bit open the skin in the abdominal area. Then, there were Gu worms crawling out from the arms, thighs, and face. The worms were covered in dark-red blood, the sight of them crawling everywhere was brutal and disgusting.


    ¡°Everyone, get behind me! Who hasn¡¯t use their mind control skill? Try to use it on the old woman and see if you¡¯re able to control her!¡± Bai Wu extended his arms and ordered loudly. He frowned when he saw masses of Gu worms crawled out from his fellowpanion. He stared painfully at hispanion who was lying on the floor. The Gu worms devoured him entirely, the only thing left of him was his bones.


    ¡°Papa! Can I lead them to depart first? The dimension chose me as the elder, it¡¯s my duty to protect them.¡± Bai Wu turned around to look at Xu Lan and asked firmly.


    They werepletely surrounded by Gu worms, some even crawled under their feet. Bai Wu was the only exception, where the worms stayed in a distance of approximately ten centimeters as if they were afraid of him. Nheless, they were pressing nearer to him. The other members rushed toward Bai Wu when they heard hismand. Xu Lan smiled understandingly when he saw Bai Wu take them in like a hen protecting its chicks.


    He had really matured.

 Chapter 176 - Bai Wu Transforms

    <h4>Chapter 176: Bai Wu Transforms</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Thick, milky-white mist rose from the soles of Bai Wu¡¯s feet and began enveloping his whole body. The sudden increase of pressure forced the Gu worms to retreat. Even Xiao Ya, who was bereft of cognizance, was afraid to move when overwhelmed by the intimidating dragon.


    ¡°Xiao Ya! What are you doing? I spent so much of my thoughts on you and yet you can¡¯t even face these few people? What use do I have for you then!¡± Wu Ling screamed at Xiao Ya with a voice that had be shrill all of a sudden.


    Devoid of any consciousness, Xiao Ya¡¯s entire body shivered and froze right where it stood. Her legs were initially retracted but she began to move forward hesitantly. With her on the front line were the Gu worms that had been raised using her life force.


    ¡°Awoo, awoo, awoo!¡± The white mist dispersed gradually to reveal a pure white dragon standing right in front of everyone¡¯s eyes. Right from the start, Bai Wu disyed hisbat form. Crouching on the ground, Bai Wu directed an angry re and a howl at Wu Ling.


    The Gu vessel became distracted and stood still. Bai Wu¡¯s intense dragon might stifled her and made her unable to move from where she stood. A glimmer shed through Wu Ling¡¯s eyes ¨C she was staring voraciously at Bai Wu.


    ¡°Get up!¡± Xu Lan shouted from his position atop Bai Wu¡¯s back, indicating for theirrades to climb onto Bai Wu from the tail.


    ¡°Dragon! A real dragon! Before my very eyes! Da Bai! Get a hold of him, quickly! If I could use him to refine the Gu, there¡¯ll surely be plenty of people who would fight over buying it!¡±


    On one side was Wu Ling¡¯s insistent urging. On the other, it was the dragon¡¯s hard-to-counter might. Da Bai¡¯s face was drained of blood, he curled up in agony on the ground and began twitching.


    ¡°Wu Ling! What¡¯s gotten into you? How could you do such a thing! Xiao Ya! Xiao Ya¡¯s your child!¡± The vige chief slowly regained awareness. When he saw the fiendish malevolence of Wu Ling, he exploded in condemnation.


    ¡°Da Bai! What are you staring at! Aren¡¯t you going to hurry up and catch me that dragon?¡± Wu Ling shot a look of despise at the vige chief then shouted at the groaning strong man who was lying on the ground!


    The man got up involuntarily and began walking rigidly toward Bai Wu. His hands headed for Bai Wu like the caress of nimble snakes. The area beneath the man¡¯s feet parted slowly to reveal a mass of Gu worms, which subsequentlymenced their attack at Bai Wu.


    ¡°Hmph! You overestimate yourself!¡± A swipe of Bai Wu¡¯s tail was all it took to cause a loud rumbling sound and the stone door cracked open. The spreading of his wings resulted in wind rising beneath his feet ¨C he took to the air immediately and soared in the space above Wu Ling.


    ¡°Arghh! No! Don¡¯t go!¡± Wu Ling shouted frantically when she saw that Bai Wu was heading up to the skies. Without the stone door as a barrier, the Gu worms spread about in all directions. Like hollowed out shells, Xiao Ya and Da Baiy paralyzed on the ground, curled into a ball.


    ¡°Bai Wu, we can¡¯t go just yet. I have the feeling that nothing is as simple as it seems when ites to these Gu worms. I think it¡¯s best you bring Wu Ling up too.¡± Xu Lan ¨C who was seated in front of everyone else and was hugging Bai Wu¡¯s neck ¨C remarked.


    Wu Ling shouted, wailed, and looked at Bai Wu. Her high-pitched voice resonated in the boundless sky and was abnormally ear-piercing.


    ¡°All that is left behind by such people is destruction!¡± Bai Wu gnashed his teeth and said. He stooped and used his ws to grab her by the shoulder, bringing her up into the skies! Seeing that Bai Wu was heading for her, she instantly let out a hair-raising smile. Xu Lan saw it and felt absolutely terrified.


    ¡°Tsk. She¡¯s certainly intending to fill my stomach with all kinds of nasty creatures! How I wish I could drop her from here!¡± Bai Wu ranted. The mere thought of it sent shivers down his spine.


    ¡°F*CK! What is this?!¡± Bai Wu paused suddenly, for there was something wrapping around his thighs!

 Chapter 177 - Wu Ling Invokes Everyone’s Anger

    <h4>Chapter 177: Wu Ling Invokes Everyone¡¯s Anger</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Something was pulling Bai Wu¡¯s legs, adding weight to him and preventing him from moving upward. With a glint in his eyes, anger bubbled up ¨C Bai Wu¡¯s dragon form brought with it an innate overbearingness. White smoke came out from his nostrils as he puffed hard and he surreptitiously exerted more force in order to struggle free of what was binding him.


    The thing, however, became heavier and grabbed on tighter, leaving Bai Wu concerned and agitated.


    ¡°Come on, Xiao Ya! You can do it!¡± Wu Ling squinted and directed her screams at her Gu vessel. Bai Wu then looked down to see what was impeding him.


    A ck rope was pulling Bai Wu¡¯s leg and there were things crawling up the rope. Slowly, the rope increased in thickness. A strong force was holding Bai Wu back, but that was the extent of its power. It was unable to pull Bai Wu back to the ground but Bai Wu faced immense difficulty in flying away.


    Gu worms were initially scattered throughout the ground, but they, in addition to the ones on Da Bai, began congregating on Xiao Ya¡¯s body. Without the help of the Gu Worms, the man ¨C who was one point nine meters tall ¨Cy on the ground, curled up and devoid of vitality like a cooked shrimp.


    The entire rope was formed out of Gu worms. Theytched on to each other¡¯s tails with their scorpion-like pincers, and with their dormant, snake-like venomous bite, they joined together tenaciously to form a rope. Xu Lan felt goosebumps when he saw the rope gradually thickening around Bai Wu¡¯s leg.


    ¡°Bai... Bai Wu! Quick! Let¡¯s go down quickly!¡± With a tremble in his voice, Xu Lan patted Bai Wu¡¯s neck and said anxiously.


    ¡°Why... Arghh!¡± Before Bai Wu could ask his question, the area bound by the rope began to transmit an excruciating pain. He felt as though something was boring deep into the flesh of his leg.


    ¡°Papa, I, something burrowed inside me!¡± Bai Wu suppressed his trepidation and asked.


    ¡°First... First things first, start descending!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s heart thumped loudly. It was as though something had bitten off a chunk of it. His clenched fist was soaked with cold sweat.


    ¡°We¡¯re going down now! Make sure the Gu vessels take back all the Gu worms!¡± Xu Lan shouted at Wu Ling, who was still grasped within Bai Wu¡¯s ws. Under the circumstances then, Bai Wu waspletely unable to fly up.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Or would you like to be dropped down immediately from this height? All of the Gu worms are on Bai Wu¡¯s leg. Do you think you¡¯re in any position to say no?¡± Xu Lan threatened coldly.


    ¡°Xiao Ya! Let go!¡± Wu Ling ordered Xiao Ya after considering the pros and cons.


    The ck rope started to decrease in girth and the densely packed worms began crawling down. The force that was holding Bai Wu back also began to subside. After circling the air once, Bai Wunded gently on the cliff. Little by little, the Gu worms assembled then burrowed back into Xiao Ya¡¯s body.


    ¡°Wu Ling! You! You!¡± The vige chief pointed a finger angrily at Wu Ling¡¯s nose the second he stepped on the ground but his exasperation was so that he was quite speechless.


    Wu Ling cast him a nce and walked over to Xiao Ya. Out of nowhere, Wu Ling took out some clothes and put them on Xiao Ya¡¯s body. In front of them was a living fifteen-year-old girl in the prime of youth ¨C she was sweet, fair, gracefuldy. She had all the necessary characteristics of a beautiful woman. With her clear, bright eyes, her splendor was innate. However, both of Xiao Ya¡¯s eyes were empty. She simply let herself be tethered by Wu Ling, her reactions were so slow that she did not look like a living organism.


    ¡°How do we remove the Gu worms from his body?¡± Xu Lan could care less about Xiao Ya or Da Ya or whatever. All he wanted to know was what burrowed into Bai Wu¡¯s body.


    Wu Ling gleaming eyes looked at Bai Wu, who by then had reverted from a great white dragon into a tall, dashing man.


    Cold sweat seeped through Bai Wu¡¯s forehead. He withstood the pain in his chest and stood in front of everyone else. Behind him were about twenty to thirty people and they were all counting on his protection! He must not copse!


    ¡°WU LING! How can we get rid of the Gu worms from Expert Bai¡¯s body! It¡¯s not often that you get the chance to redeem yourself and undo the headaches you caused this vige. Surely you wouldn¡¯t want to be someone who¡¯s condemned in history,¡± the vige chief asked, full of grief.


    ¡°Sex.¡±

 Chapter 178 - Saving Xiao Ya

    <h4>Chapter 178: Saving Xiao Ya</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°F*CK! What the f*ck did you say!¡± The second Wu Ling finished her sentence, Xu Lan came at her. He grabbed her by her cor and cursed!


    ¡°His Gu worms are sexually based. The only way to lure them out is through the exchange of bodily fluids.¡± Wu Ling pushed away Xu Lan¡¯s hands and stated slowly.


    ¡°But there were so many worms! How could you know that they were sexual Gu?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s jaw muscles were prominent, and his temples were throbbing violently.


    ¡°Well, the only Gu I cultivate is sexual Gu! What else could be in him then, if not for sexual Gu?¡± Wu Ling chuckled. ¡°If he¡¯s willing to be one with Xiao Ya, I can lend her to him for his use.¡±


    Wu Ling looked at Bai Wu and shed a cruel smile; cold sweat had soaked his clothes and not only did his whole body feel chilly, he was trembling in agony.


    ¡°Wu Ling! I think it best that you exin yourself. Why did Xiao Ya, who disappeared for fourteen years, end up appearing here?!¡± The vige chief stood in front of her, and in absolute stupefaction, he asked, ¡°And how could you have the heart to turn her into a Gu vessel?!¡±


    ¡°Oh, spare me your hypocrisy! Do you know what I went through? The money you took from here all these years, is there a single cent that wasn¡¯t the hard work of Xiao Ya and I? Hoho, don¡¯t you realize how disgusting your faces look?¡±


    Wu Ling burst out in anger all of a sudden. Her ear-piercing screams evoked goose bumps in the same way as chalk scraped on a ckboard.


    All alone on the deste mountain, she cautiously bred Gu worms for the benefit of Yanyi Vige, but what did the vige folk do? Crazily enough, they enticed her husband to the mountains in order to kill him, all because boys were no longer born after Xiao Ya¡¯s birth.


    The second time, they enticed Xiao Ya and prepared to kill her, but Wu Ling managed to tail them. She finally got to see the man she had been longing for: her husband. By then however, his body was rotten and infested with maggots. Just as they were about to push Xiao Ya down the cliff, lightning struck them, and Xiao Ya was left unhurt.


    ¡°Such a thing happened? Why didn¡¯t you tell me? I would surely have helped you get justice!¡± Astonished, the vige chief stared at Wu Ling with grief and indignation.


    ¡°HAHA! You¡¯d get me justice if I told you what really happened? When I generated ie, everyone treated me with respect, but where were all of you when I was drowned in verbal abuse? Why didn¡¯t any of you stand up and speak of justice then? HAHA! You hypocrites! I don¡¯t need your help. I can get justice all by myself.¡± Wu Ling grinned evilly as she looked at Xiao Ya. Lifeless though Xiao Ya was, she still paused for a moment when Wu Ling red at her.


    Wu Ling used all those wicked people to refine her Gu, and that was the first step that Yanyi Vige took in order tounch the Gu worm business. After that, countless people came to buy Gu on ount of Yanyi Vige¡¯s reputation. When the vige folk counted their money and beamed with glee, Wu Ling¡¯s hands were stained with blood.


    Xiao Ya began to resemble her father the more the grew up. She was happy, but Wu Ling had to suffer, because Xiao Ya was the reason that Wu Ling¡¯s husband was killed!


    ¡°So, you killed her?¡± Sheng Ya grabbed onto Bai Wu¡¯s arm and trembled from head to toe.


    ¡°Haha...me? Kill her? Of course not. Why would I ever kill my precious Xiao Ya?¡± Wu Ling walked sinisterly over to Xiao Ya and nted a kiss on the girl¡¯s hand. ¡°She volunteered to do it so I could refine and create the most lethal sexual Gu of all time! It was her own wish. She willingly wanted to be a Gu vessel!¡±


    Wu Ling looked to the sky andughed. ¡°If Xiao Ya could get Expert Bai¡¯s fluids...haha, how lucky I would be!¡±


    ¡°F*ck! Is she still alive? Do you want Bai Wu to f*ck a child that has been dead for God knows how long?¡± Xu Lan regarded Wu Ling as a woman gone mad! His goose bumps became severe!


    ¡°...of course she is! Xiao Ya¡¯s been so good to me. How could I ever let her die?¡± Wu Ling tucked a lock of Xiao Ya¡¯s hair behind the girl¡¯s ear. Wu Ling¡¯s gentle voice appeared to soften Xiao Ya¡¯s expression tremendously.

 Chapter 179 - Disagreement

    <h4>Chapter 179: Disagreement</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Bai Wu must...to expel the Gu worms?¡± Sheng Ya stared at Xiao Ya in utter disbelief.


    ¡°Yes. Xiao Ya is the parent body of the Gu worms. The only way for them toe out is for him to exchange bodily fluids with Xiao Ya.¡±


    Wu Ling answered solemnly despite the sharp, knife-like gaze that was directed at her. As if ignoring it, Wu Ling stroked Xiao Ya¡¯s hand lightly. Then she led Xiao Ya to Bai Wu.


    ¡°F*ck off! I will never do such a thing!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s lips went blue. He looked disgustingly at Wu Ling and pushed away Xiao Ya¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Ohoho! You make it seem as though you¡¯re a virgin who¡¯s willing to die just to fight for your honor. Isn¡¯t this something that will let you get the best of both worlds?¡± Seeing Bai Wu¡¯s reaction, Wu Ling jumped up and asked bemusedly.


    ¡°How can you f*cking get an erection from that? When I think about how all those worms came out from her, it¡¯s crazy terrifying! If I¡¯m scared that my joystick will be eaten up once I put it in, ya think the elder wouldn¡¯t be scared too?¡±


    The man in the crew-cut whispered, but Wu Ling was preupied with her evil grin. Sheng Ya was unable to take her eyes off of Xiao Ya, for she found itpletely unimaginable that Xiao Ya was still alive.


    ¡°Oof...¡±


    ¡°Bai Wu! Are you alright?!¡± Bai Wu was brought down to his knees by a pain in his stomach. Sheng Ya went over immediately to help him up, and eximed anxiously, ¡°Agh! You¡¯re bleeding!¡±


    Bai Wu got up and thanked her as fresh blood flowed out of his nostrils.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Are you okay?¡± Xu Lan asked fretfully. His eyes reddened the instant he saw Bai Wu¡¯s demeanor, and he ran over to offer his support.


    ¡°Dragons are special, no doubt. The Gu worms have been feeding on his flesh right from the moment they entered him, but the effects are only visible now.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s expression only served to delight Wu Ling. Her smile was so euphoric that flowers might even pop out of her.


    ¡°Papa, it¡¯s...really painful.¡± Bai Wu leaned on Xu Lan¡¯s shoulders in pain and remarked bitterly.


    ¡°There¡¯s no other way to extract the Gu worms, can¡¯t you...can¡¯t you think of yourself for once?¡± Xu Lan mulled over thosest few words as they were about to escape his lips, but in the end, he still said them out loud.


    ¡°You! What did you just say?! Didn¡¯t you hear what she said? Don¡¯t you know what she meant? It¡¯s not like she wants me to drink a ss of water. She wants me to f*ck!¡± Bai Wu cursed out loud while pointing to Xiao Ya, who was behind Xu Lan.


    ¡°I know...¡± Xu Lan replied with much difficulty.


    ¡°Oh, sure you do! Yet you still say such nonsense?! Are you telling me that everything you said yesterday was bullsh*t?! Don¡¯t you dare back out of this I tell you! I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re going to the ends of the earth! I¡¯ll still follow you!¡± Bai Wu exploded angrily and expressed his disbelief.


    ¡°But you¡¯re in a bad condition, do you know that?! If you don¡¯t do it with her, you¡¯ll die! It¡¯s not some ordinary worms inside you, it¡¯s sexual Gu worms!¡±


    Xu Lan was no saint, but he was saintly in letting the person he loved do what needed to be done. Just a mere thought of the whole endeavor was enough to send his heart into depression! Then again, there were no two ways about it.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather die than touch a single hair on that girl.¡± Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan and answered determinedly.


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan stared at Bai Wu in utter shock; first, Xu Lan¡¯s heart felt touched, but that feeling soon made way for an unfading amount of dread!


    ¡°Xu Lan! My heart only likes you! Whether it is past, present, or future, my heart will only like you! You may be able to restrain your feelings, but I can¡¯t!¡± Bai Wu punched the ground loudly and left arge hole. Everyone who was there looked at each other in dismay and felt at a loss as to what they should do.


    ¡°F*ck off! I want to be alone! If you don¡¯t move, I¡¯ll bring this girl to the grave with me!¡± Muddled and in a confused state of mind, Bai Wu demanded.


    ¡°Bai Wu...¡± Xu Lan and his red eyes implored. Bai Wu¡¯s confessions were always the same: they were suppressed back into his heart almost as quickly as they were expressed out loud.


    ¡°Wait! There¡¯s something I¡¯d like to say!¡± All of a sudden, the vige chief stood up and eximed.

 Chapter 180 - Choosing Honor Over Life

    <h4>Chapter 180: Choosing Honor Over Life</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°From what I know, sexual Gu causes those afflicted by it to lose all conscious thought. Their entire person would pledge allegiance to whoever cast the Gu. This is because the targeted person believes that he or she has fallen in love with the caster and would be willing to pay whatever price so long as they can protect and be beside the caster. I¡¯ve also heard that, as long as you have sexual Gu, you can induce two people to stay together for their whole life and be inseparable for all eternity.¡± The businessman exined while massaging his temples. He then asked, skeptically, ¡°Is it really that powerful?¡±


    ¡°HAHA! I never thought that someone from your group would know this! So, young man, what do you think? If you need some, I can sell it to you on the cheap, how about that? Hahaha!¡± Wu Ling looked at the businessman and burst out in maniacalughter.


    ¡°But didn¡¯t Bai Wu say that he only liked Xu Lan?¡± The businessman held Fang Lingzi tightly, with his fingers all entwined with hers. It would be a lie if he were to say that he was unafraid, but he had to take it upon himself to do something.


    ¡°...it¡¯s only because the Gu worms entered his body fairly recently. They¡¯re not used to the new environment. That¡¯s why his feelings have not changed yet!¡± Wu Ling exined hastily and her face was almost pale!


    After her husband died, Wu Ling became disheartened. Coupled with the vigers¡¯ attitude toward her, she considered walking away from it all countless times. Although she did try, she was always dragged back by the vige folk, since she was the only one in Yanyi Vige who could produce the best quality Gu. It was her own request to enter the mountains and refine her sexual Gu. She killed every single person who was involved in murdering her husband.


    As a result of the Gu worms¡¯ escting marketability, the vige folks¡¯ demeanor toward her seemed to improve dramatically. Whenever they came up to the mountain, they would even say a simple ¡®hi¡¯ to her.


    From then onward, she was obsessed ¨C to the point of utter delirium ¨C with producing Gu; she had the heart to make use of her own daughter as a Gu vessel to breed Gu worms.


    Recent years had seen a decline in the number of Gu buyers, and along with that, the vigers seemed to have forgotten of Wu Ling¡¯s existence. Her fanatical desire to research and develop new Gu worm breeds were reignited with Bai Wu¡¯s presence.


    ¡°Well, before they begin to get used to Bai Wu, we may be able to get them out!¡± A sudden brave thought urred to the businessman, and with his expression, he hinted at Xu Lan to bring Bai Wu and run!


    ¡°Going to run?!¡± Wu Ling saw through the businessman¡¯s expression. She shouted and stared at those who were moving backward. Xiao Ya¡¯s body split open immediately like a block of soft bean curd. An army of ck Gu worms crawled out from her cracked skin, and those creepy crawlies rushed forth like waves of a tide.


    Wu Ling looked sinisterly at the group of people and felt for her small bag. In a split second, her wanton yet calm expression changed into sheer dread!


    ¡°Looking for this? I took it when you were distracted.¡± Xu Lan shook the bag lightly and fished out a small white bottle. It contained some white powder. Xu Lan pinched some and sprinkled it all over the floor. The group of single-minded worms avoided the dusted areas immediately and scattered elsewhere!


    ¡°You! Give it back to me!¡± Wu Ling screamed, for she waspletely taken by surprise!


    ¡°Give it back to you? Well, is there any other way to expel the Gu poison from Bai Wu¡¯s body?¡± Once again, Xu Lan asked the same question, with the same level of urgency. He felt that there was no assurance, therefore he did not dare to take the kind of risks that the businessman would take.


    ¡°None! Haha, I told you, the Gu worms can only be lured out through the exchange of bodily fluids!¡± Wu Ling let out an evilugh, and then used her walking stick to drum out audible rhythmic beats, causing the Gu worms to continue heading toward Xu Lan from a different direction.


    ¡°Expert Xu! The remedy for sexual Gu does require the exchange of bodily fluids, but since Xiao Ya was eager to save her mother, she did not deploy the Gu as a caster, strictly speaking. That was why Expert Bai still knew that he likes you! In other words, the exchange of fluids on this asion, can be done by two people!¡±


    All of a sudden, the vige chief stood in front of Xu Lan and remarked.

 Chapter 181 - Finding the Cause

    <h4>Chapter 181: Finding the Cause</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Vige chief, do you know what the hell you¡¯re trying to do?! I¡¯m trying to discover a better Gu vessel, for everyone¡¯s sake! And you¡¯re in my way!¡± Wu Ling bared her fangs and disyed her despicable side after hearing the vige chief¡¯s words. She drummed even faster, forcing the Gu worms to break through the white-powdered barrier.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s this activity, this refining of Gu, that caused no more boys to be born in Yanyi Vige. The sin from all this must¡¯ve been too grave,¡± the vige chiefmented. He took out a small bamboo flute, which he carried on him at all times, and indicated for Xu Lan and co to leave as fast as possible.


    The stone door was already split open by Bai Wu. Xu Lan gave the vige chief an appreciative nce, carried Bai Wu, and left along with the rest of the people. Bai Wu¡¯s body was cold, and he was shivering ceaselessly. It was as though he was hauled out of water: he was soaked in cold sweat and had a confused look on his face.


    ¡°Papa!


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk!¡± Xu Lan looked brokenheartedly at Bai Wu with clenched jaws and pulsating temples. He never had any experience with something like Gu; thus, he waspletely unable to understand the kind of suffering that Bai Wu was going through. Still, Bai Wu¡¯s agonized look made Xu Lan wish that he himself was the one who took all the suffering.


    Previously, the route required a ten-minute journey, but at that time, a mere few minutes sufficed for them to rush back. Zhang Fei and the businessman directed the others to do whatever they could to the best of their capabilities. With a loud thud, Xu Lan and Bai Wu were tossed into the room that they were in earlier that morning.


    ¡°Sigh. Bai Wu, are you alright?¡± the red-faced Xu Lan asked. Bai Wu was lying on the bed; his scarlet lips turned dark ck, and frost started forming on his body as a result of the cold air.


    ¡°Do I look alright to you?¡± Seeing how anxious Xu Lan was, Bai Wu let out an abrupt chuckle and asked in a faltering tone.


    ¡°...¡± Xu Lan felt so choked up that his face was ringly red. Recalling what the vige chief and the businessman said throughout their journey back, he blushed so strongly that it could clearly be seen, despite the fact that his skin was very tan.


    ¡°Papa, may I? Ughh...¡± Bai Wu could feel the worms eating at his five viscera and six bowels <sup>1</sup> . The more he looked at Xu Lan, the more pain he felt. It hurt so much that he could not even straighten his back!


    ¡°Bai Wu! Are you okay?!¡± Blood began flowing through Bai Wu¡¯s nose. Drops of it fell onto the pure white nket, echoing a scarlet plum flowernding amongst a backdrop of nothing but snow. One flower became two, then three, and countless more followed suit.


    ¡°BAI WU!¡± Xu Lan shouted in horror. He could care less about his blushes, and with ease and speed, he took off his clothes and went up the bed to hug Bai Wu. Flustered, Xu Lan immediately took off Bai Wu¡¯s clothes for fear that the slightest dy might cause Bai Wu¡¯s life to be taken away.


    Instead of the usual muscles, Bai Wu¡¯s body was indentations all around, and they disyed a ckish-green color. One could even see things wiggling about under his skin. When Xu Lan touched them lightly, the things appeared to be drawn to him as they tried to break through the confines of Bai Wu¡¯s skin.


    ¡°Ptui! Cough cough!¡± Bai Wu spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, startling Xu Lan into letting go.


    ¡°I, I...¡± Xu Lan¡¯s understanding of men-women rtions was limited only to adult movies. His real-life experiences were zero. For thirty years, his single life had enhanced the briskness of his hands. Looking at Bai Wu ¨C someone who had a simr structure as Xu Lan himself ¨C was enough to send Xu Lan into panic. Bewildered, he simply sat beside Bai Wu and had no idea of what to do next.


    Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan¡¯s statue-like expression and broke out in a strenuous smile. Xu Lan knew nothing at all, but he was willing to try something never before imagined and experienced. That was why time and again, Bai Wu found himself liking Xu Lan so much. How could he ever let such a person go?


    Bai Wu withstood the pain, turned over, then pushed Xu Lan down. It might be rather odd to put in words, but the ache that nibbled at his heart disappeared instantaneously once he touched Xu Lan¡¯s skin. In ce of that feeling was a mysterious pleasure. Xu Lan red at him with eyes that were simultaneously terrified and bashful. Bai Wu giggled and titled Xu Lan¡¯s head gently to one side. He then began kissing tenderly.

 Chapter 182 - Entering the Catacomb

    <h4>Chapter 182: Entering the Catb</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    At the precise moment the sexual Gu began breaking away from Bai Wu¡¯s body, an unusual urrence appeared in the sky. It bore a resemnce to fifteen years ago, when Xiao Ya was born: multicolored clouds floated up high, while boundless light burst forth with golden radiance.


    From out of the blue, the humble room echoed with a voice, ¡°I¡¯ve waited fifteen years already! What took you so long to call on me?!¡±


    A voice ¨C pampered, distressed, and belonging to a man ¨C boomed across the room. Despite having just made the insertion, Bai Wu immediately turned soft, like a frost-hit eggnt.


    Both meny stark naked on the bed with their eyes wide open. An exceptionally attractive man was standing to one side, and he was looking at them. The atmosphere inside became unbelievably strange, and one would surely find it hard not to stare.


    ¡°Ooh! Doggy style, not bad!¡± The good-looking manmented knowingly.


    The red-faced Xu Lan turned his head to one side at that very instant. He himself did not know whether that action was done because of a pleasurable thrill or because he was ashamed.


    ¡°YOU MOTHERF*CKER! Who the f*ck are you?!¡± Bai Wu turned and got down from the bed immediately. He used a nket to cover Xu Lan¡¯s body, then gave the intruder an audible punch to the face.


    ¡°Sheesh! What a terrible temper! Where¡¯s Xue Yin?¡± The attractive man nced at the person on the bed and asked in an indescribable manner.


    ¡°Who the f*ck is Xue Yin?! Get the hell out! Now!¡± Bai Wu felt as though his punch did not hit the target. It angered Bai Wu even further, which elicited him to deliver another punch. However, the punch seemed to brush through as well, as if its target was a lump of floating cotton.


    ¡°Hm, let me think, what was her name here? I think it¡¯s Xiao Ya?¡± The man nodded solemnly and asked, right after he touched his lower jaw.


    Bai Wu¡¯s zing anger seemed to have been doused by cold water. He swiftly wore some clothes, and seeing that Xu Lan was still not awake, ced a gentle kiss on the edge of his lips.


    F*cking hell! If that weirdo did not appear all of a sudden, Bai Wu would have been able to continue...argh! No! Bai Wu tried not to think of all that! It made him feel like he was a beast! To think that...


    ¡°You! Come with me! You said you came here because you were looking for Xiao Ya, right? Who are you?¡± Bai Wu asked while putting on some clothes.


    ¡°Hm, I think Xiao Ya is her name in this ce. Well, I am a wandering deity who hasn¡¯t yet been conferred an official title. You wouldn¡¯t know me anyway.¡± The man frowned and pondered for a moment before finally answering.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking for your name! I¡¯m warning you, I¡¯m not in a good mood, so you better take it easy!¡± Bai Wu red at the man like a cheetah and replied fiercely.


    ¡°Haha, alrighty, you can call me Xue Feng,¡± the man replied after some thought.


    ¡°Who is Xiao Ya to you? And how did you appear here all of a sudden?¡± Bai Wu asked suspiciously. As soon as he pushed the door open, everyone who was outside came up to him and asked about the whole situation.


    ¡°Elder, how¡¯s everything?¡±


    ¡°Has the sexual Gu been expelled?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s this? Where¡¯s Xu Lan?¡± Someone finally noticed Xue Feng. It was Fang Lingzi who asked. When two handsome men exited the room at the same time, Xue Feng¡¯s presence almost went unnoticed, and they thought he was Xu Lan; but Xu Lan was not that fair though, nor was he nearly as tall.


    ¡°Sheng Ya, Zhang Fei, the both of you will stay here. He¡¯s resting inside.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s face started to redden, and he lowered his head while giving out the order.


    ¡°...yes.¡± Sheng Ya looked at Bai Wu with mixed feelings. She replied softly, and Bai Wu then brought the others out to the mountain.


    Neither Wu Ling nor the vige chief had the upper hand in the battle. The both of them tumbled down to the ground and simply sat there while gasping for air. With the most basic ofmands, they merely ensured that the Gu worms did note any nearer. Xiao Ya, like a puppet, stood behind Wu Ling.


    ¡°Xue Yin!¡± Xue Feng looked at the beauty that Xiao Ya blossomed into. He called out excitedly, but she did not respond.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on!¡± Xue Feng turned to Bai Wu and asked.


    ¡°She was turned into a Gu vessel,¡± Bai Wu replied solemnly. He did not care what was going on before him!


    ¡°What! How dare you!¡± Xue Feng was engulfed in anger. Dark clouds began to rise and gales came unexpectedly! The misty drizzle and blowing winds made it hard to open one¡¯s eyes!


    ¡°Hey! What are you doing?!¡± Bai Wu shouted. He suddenly felt that something ominous was in store.


    With the dark sky as a backdrop, blood-red words began appearing erratically in front of everyone¡¯s eyes.


    ¡®Alert, alert, attention to all yers, escaping...¡¯


    Before he could finish reading, Bai Wu was suddenly turned over. He was upside down in the air, and a heap of soil came crashing down, burying him!


    ¡°Unforgivable!¡± Xue Feng roared. He grabbed a hold of Xue Yin and escaped the confines of the soil.


    After a loud thud, nothing else could be heard.

 Chapter 183 - Entering the Catacomb (2)

    <h4>Chapter 183: Entering the Catb (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°This...where is this? Anyone there?¡± the crew-cut man asked anxiously. The surrounding was pitch ck. Not even the five fingers of the hand could be seen. Silence was all that the endless void cared to reply with, in addition to the sound of creeping and crawling.


    ¡°Anyone? Someone?¡± He felt around in the dark, and his voice began trembling.


    ¡°...stop crying. How can you be less brave than I am?¡± Fang Lingzi had just woken up. All she heard was someone¡¯s soft sobbing. She despised it due to her straightforward attitude. It was as though she had forgotten the asion when she held the businessman¡¯s hand and cried.


    ¡°There¡¯s...there¡¯s someone? Fang Lingzi, is that you? I...I thought I failed the mission...¡± Once he heard Fang Lingzi¡¯s voice, the crew-cut man cried tears of joy and became emotional.


    ¡°Does anyone have a light on them?¡± The businessman stood close to Fang Lingzi and asked out loud. The pitch-ck void felt rather constrained; even breathing felt hard.


    ¡°I, I have a lighter.¡± One of theirrades gradually woke up. He felt in his pants pocket and took out the lighter.


    ¡°Wait...¡±


    Pt-tss! Boom!


    A loud exploding sound was produced just as there was a spark from the lighter. The entire empty space was illuminated by a phosphine fire that was as bright as daylight, and the person who wielded the lighter was sent flying by the pressure of the sudden explosion. Hended on the wall just opposite with a loud thud, then fell onto the ground. Goose-feather-like arrows shot out immediately from a few pre-determined directions and pierced his body. Before he could even speak, the system had already gotten rid of him.


    ¡°What¡¯s our situation here?¡± the crew-cut man asked disconcertedly.


    ¡°It¡¯s an old catb. The wandering deity brought us to some old, unnamed tomb. Traps are littered everywhere. You¡¯ll lose your life if you¡¯re not careful. Where is our elder?¡± the businessman promptly asked and remarked after analyzing the surroundings.


    The group of people looked at each other, repeatedly. They were dismayed because Bai Wu was nowhere to be seen. Once again, they all looked at each other, and discovered that there was a total of sixteen people in the group.


    ¡°What does this mean then? Did weplete the mission or not?!¡± the crew-cut man questioned nervously.


    They werepletely surrounded by flickers of dark, erratic fires. It was rather terrifying, to say the least. No one could exin the situation urately; in other words, they knew what was happening but felt unable to say it all out. When would days like thate to an end? Was it a deity or demon who trapped them inside? On what grounds were they trapped?


    All of them were fed up of that never-ending flight from danger. They had to spend their days being afraid and constantly on edge, fearing that the next one to die would be themselves. What about those who managed to get ten thousand gold coins? Where did they go? Were they really able to go home, or were they sent to yet another dimension, where they would have to continue fleeing from danger? Some of them suddenly lost the willpower to forge ahead; they simply sat on the ground with their backs toward each other and waited to die.


    ¡°Hey, is there anybody there?¡±


    ¡°Bai Wu, Lingzi, can you hear my voice?¡± With caution, Sheng Ya felt about the tunnel within the crevice, then yelled out.


    Those who just sat down stood back up again! There were still people! They were not the only ones who struggled, there were otherrades who could keep thempany! Giving up should never be done on a whim; whether it is a was a high overhanging cliff or a homnd that would only appear in one¡¯s dreams, one can never predict what the future may have in store.


    ¡°Sheng Ya, I¡¯m here!¡± Upon hearing Fang Lingzi¡¯s voice, Sheng Ya came running over happily.


    The frontmost person was an unbearably tired Xu Lan; Sheng Ya was behind him, and behind her was Zhang Fei. Fang Lingzi went up to Sheng Ya and held her hands intimately.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Bai Wu?¡± Xu Lan could not help but ask. He looked all around him, but nowhere did he see that tall figure or hear that erotic yet rxed voice.

 Chapter 184 - Bai Wu’s in the Coffin

    <h4>Chapter 184: Bai Wu¡¯s in the Coffin</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Even Zhang Fei and Xu Lan who were situated one kilometer away found their way here. However, the elder who was with them all along was nowhere to be seen. Those who followed him lowered their heads in grief as Bai Wu had taken great care of them throughout the journey.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Bai Wu?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s pupils widened as he walked towards the businessman with trembling legs, where he gripped his cor and questioned him loudly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± the businessman replied calmly while he retracted from an agitated Xu Lan.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know? F*ck! Aren¡¯t you guys supposed to be together!¡± All of a sudden, Xu Lan was enraged and he punched the rockery beside him with a ¡®pang¡¯.


    ¡®tter... rumble...¡¯ The rocks from the rockery started crumbling down, followed by the mounted rocks above their heads. Heaps of loess started copsing, making it difficult for them to keep their eyes open.


    ¡°Look at what you¡¯ve done! Let¡¯s find a ce to hide first!¡± The businessman was undaunted by the situation andmanded them while walking towards the direction of the light emitted by the phosphine fire.


    The air was very thin in the catb. Combustion of the phosphine required oxygen, and it would only ignite when oxygen was abundant. They might even find a way out if they kept on following the light.


    Sheng Ya held Xu Lan¡¯s hand and lead him forward. He was in a nk state as his heart was left behind at that wooden building, the ce where Bai Wu wasst seen. While they were on their way here, they saw the remains of Gu worms all over the ce. When the Gu worms left the vessel for a certain amount of time, they will die if they did not burrow themselves into the body of a host. They even found the corpses of the vige chief and Wu Ling. Their bodies werepletely distorted after being devoured by the Gu worms. It was an unbearable sight to behold.


    The most important thing was that Bai Wu disappeared as well!


    They passed through the dark and narrow alley and reached an open space that was brightly lit. There were exquisite murals all over the walls,and it surrounded the raised podium in the center of the open ground. Rattling chains bridged the podium and open ground together. There were a total of eight iron chains that connected it to the ground. Each chain had its own mermaid pedestal. It was said that those grave lights fuelled with mermen oil would continue to burn for a hundred thousand years once they were ignited.


    Underneath the chains was a surging subsurface stream, the rumbling sounds could awaken the deaf. The st created by the subsurface stream pounded on the orderly chime-bells on the podium, creating a melodious tune.


    ¡°Hey, guys! Don¡¯t head over first, beware of ambush!¡± Curiosity kills the cat, Xu Lan could not help but remind them when he saw them climbing onto the iron chain with such eagerness.


    ¡°Xu Lan, aren¡¯t you going over?¡± Sheng Ya grabbed a handful of ash and asked worriedly. No one was in a good mood since they knew that Bai Wu had gone missing. However, this was not the time to wallow or grief, they should think of a way to escape from there.


    Perhaps Bai Wu was also searching for them anxiously on the other side at this very moment.


    ¡°Elder? Elder! Quick! Everybody,e over and look! It¡¯s the elder!¡± Someone gathered up the courage and walked towards the coffin, where he suddenly yelled out loud.


    ¡°No!¡± Xu Lan nked out for a short while before rushing over as if he was possessed. He ran towards the crystal coffin that was situated at the center.


    Bai Wu was still wearing the clothes given by Wu Ling. It was covered in stains but there was no sign of him being hurt. He looked very sereneying down in the coffin.


    ¡°Bai Wu? Bai Wu?¡± Xu Lan was both surprised and delighted, where he shook Bai Wu and tried to wake him up. However, no matter how hard he tried shaking and yelling, there was no reply from Bai Wu. The only reply was the echo that reverberated around the whole space.


    ¡°Bai Wu! F*ck! F*cking wake up! Who gave you the permission to sleep here!¡±

 Chapter 185 - System Error

    <h4>Chapter 185: System Error</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The businessman tried to help Xu Lan to his feet. However, due to Xu Lan¡¯s weight or for other unknown reasons, he was unable to lift him up. It was as if that he lost his backbone and resolved into a pool of mud.


    ¡°Humph! Don¡¯t think that I¡¯ll let you off like this! If you¡¯re not going to wake up, I¡¯m leaving!¡±


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan roared as he held onto Bai Wu. ¡®A man does not shed tears easily¡¯, but the businessman saw tears flickering in Xu Lan¡¯s reddened eyes.


    ¡°Motherf*cker! I¡¯m really leaving! I¡¯m nevering back!¡± Xu Lan stood up and said bitterly with his fist clenched tightly, tears fell down his cheeks.


    ¡°Is that really the elder? Could it be that he bears some resemnce to him?¡± Someone mumbled carefully.


    ¡°Are you silly! Resemnce? How can it be such a coincidence that the bite mark on his leg by the Gu worm was exactly the same?¡± Another person pped the back of the man¡¯s head and said with exasperation.


    Markings spread on Bai Wu¡¯s leg, with the bitten area as the origin. The vines had also crept up his calf.


    ¡°... Let¡¯s go, all of us can¡¯t just stay here. Let¡¯s see if we can follow the subsurface stream and flow out of here,¡± Xu Lan said suddenly after remaining silent for quite some time. His calm demeanor was totally different from the man who just had a nervous breakdown.


    ¡°You n to bring him along?¡± Zhang Fei asked astonishingly when he saw Xu Lan securing Bai Wu over his back.


    ¡°We are left with the mission from Yanyi vige. However, the vige chief and Wu Ling are dead, leaving us trapped in the catb. If we can figure out why Yanyi vige only gives birth to female babies, the dimension can transport us back to the safe zone.¡±


    Xu Lan ignored Zhang Fei and carried Bai Wu to the open ground in front of him. He would not leave Bai Wu here in the coffin regardless.


    ¡°Yes! We haven¡¯tpleted our mission yet! Nevertheless, how did an unofficial deity possess such powers that he could send us all here into the catb?¡± the crew-cut guy asked puzzledly. Xu Lan¡¯s eyes shed and an evil thought suddenly emerged in his mind. If somebody died in exchange for Bai Wu, would hee back to live?


    ¡°When the sky turned dark, did you guys look clearly at those red wordings that appeared?¡± Xu Lan pondered furtively about the huge wordings that emerged in the sky without notice, as well as that vile thought of his.


    ¡°No, at that point in time, the vige chief and Wu Ling had reached a stalemate. Bai Wu only spoke one sentence and that unofficial deity became hostile all of a sudden. When we regained consciousness, we were already in the catb,¡± the businessman said firmly after recollecting his memories.


    ¡°Since we did notplete the mission, we are still in the middle of the mission. The blood-red wordings float across the air, ¡°Warning, warning! yers, please take note, escape from Yanyi vige! A hidden mission has been triggered by the unofficial deity traveler. There are no specific details on this mission. You will receive a thousand gold coins if youplete this mission without any upper limit. Only those yers who can figure out the reason why Yanyi vige had no male offsprings will be transported back. We wish you a safe trip.¡±


    ¡°...So, the unofficial deity and the master of the dimension are ountable for our trip to this catb? So, in other words, this event happened by chance? The master of the dimension had no idea if any of this will happen at all, or else there wouldn¡¯t be a warning right?¡± The businessman hesitated and asked while he exchanged looks with Zhang Fei and Sheng Ya.

 Chapter 186 - Back to Origin

    <h4>Chapter 186: Back to Origin</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    It was evident that Zhang Fei and Sheng Ya saw that string of words as they nodded. Xu Lan had already discussed this matter before they gathered. At that moment, they were just surprised and made conjectures on their own. However, when the businessman mentioned it again, everyone¡¯s hearts began to flutter. This meant that there was some form of error in the system!


    The businessman borrowed a small mirror from Sheng Ya and put it in front of Bai Wu¡¯s nose and mouth. There was no condensation at all. Xu Lan caressed Bai Wu¡¯s cheeks, the cold sensation froze his whole body. It was as if he was the lifeless one instead of Bai Wu.


    ¡°... Humans were born to live. Nothing is more important than life.¡± Zhang Feiforted Xu Lan with a heavy heart while he patted on his shoulders.


    Sheng Ya sat beside Bai Wu. She did not have the courage to hold his hand. Who was she? It was an unrequited love all along. All of a sudden, she was envious of Xu Lan. At the very least, he could hold Bai Wu in his arms righteously, nurse him and caress him. He was also allowed to weep and grief for him.


    ¡°The subsurface stream¡¯s current is too strong. It¡¯s also too deep, we can¡¯t reach the bottom. Besides, we have no clue about the situation down there.¡± The businessman changed the subject.


    ¡°Did anyone discover anything peculiar when we came in?¡± On one hand, Xu Lan caressed Bai Wu¡¯s tear mole at the corner of his eye. On the other hand, he drew the route that they journeyed and the ones before they gathered with the mirror he picked up from the floor.


    ¡°Taichi?¡± The businessman studied the four routes mapped out by Xu Lan. There were all kinds of obstacles in between. Inbination with the podium that was connected by the eight iron chains, it showed some resemnce to Taichi Bagua.


    ¡°Uhm, look at the podium. The position of those chime-bells was precisely calcted to allow the st from the subsurface stream to orchestrate the ancient tunes. In addition, the catb is structured with ancient eastern architecture. It¡¯s welded together using wood and rocks but there¡¯s a crystal coffin in the middle. Isn¡¯t this peculiar?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s jet ck pupils were intimidating yet mesmerising, as if there was a bottomless subsurface stream beneath, luring others to explore.


    ¡°Hey, it makes sense after you pointed it out!¡± The crew-cut guy nodded in ordance. This made him respect Xu Lan even more.


    ¡°I think we should take a look at it again, perhaps we may find some clues on how to escape from here,¡± Xu Lan said andughed with appreciation while looking at the crew-cut guy.


    Taichi generated twoplementary forces ¨C Yin and Yang ¨C while the two forces generated four aggregates. The integration of both Yin and Yang would be separated at the end. The only possible way to find any clues was to let both forces interconnect at the point of origin.


    Each iron chain had the width of a fist. The chains were covered with nks that were starting to rot away due to erosion by the subsurface stream. Nheless, it did not dampen their eagerness to escape, where all of them could return to the podium again.


    At that moment, the st from the subsurface stream shot up, orchestrating a melodious tune together with the chime-bells. The burning mermenmp were not affected by the surgent subsurface stream, illuminating the whole dimension to be as bright as day.


    Xu Lan returned to the crystal coffin. He was in such a hurry to remove Bai Wu from it and did not inspect it carefully. The crystal coffin had delicate carvings. It was translucent and free from impurities. The bottom of the coffin was pitch ck, it was as if one could view the trends of the subsurface stream.


    Why was it empty beneath the coffin? How did the tomb builder manage to fit the crystal coffin into this aperture? Where did the owner of the crystal coffin disappear to? Why was Bai Wu lying in there? Xu Lan was perplexed by these questions and reached out his hand to touch it.


    ¡®Rumble... Rumble...¡¯ The podium started to move!

 Chapter 187 - Entrapped by Hidden Mechanism

    <h4>Chapter 187: Entrapped by Hidden Mechanism</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The whole podium started to rotate, which produced nking sounds as it rotated. The subsurface stream sted strongly, the chime-bells on top of the podium bellowed when the sts pounded against them. The crystal coffin sunk slowly until the entire base was submerged beneath the podium.


    ¡°What happened?¡± The businessman came over immediately. He then asked Xu Lan with a surprised look, ¡°You activated the hidden mechanism?¡±


    Xu Lan frown and kept a death stare on the sinking crystal coffin. The darkness did not change ording to the trends of the subsurface stream. The podium shuddered violently instead, creating swirls of dust in the air.


    ¡°Quick! Secure it! Don¡¯t let it sink!¡± Xu Lan shouted suddenly while pointing toward the crystal coffin.


    A group of baffled people gathered around. Although they did not understand what Xu Lan had in mind, they still joined forces to carry the crystal coffin. Some of them pushed the crystal coffin to one side, the others stuffed rocks into the groove, which gradually reduced the sinking speed of the coffin.


    ¡®ng... ng...¡¯ The moment when the crystal coffin stopped moving, the sounds of the internal machinery inside the dimension went off. Instantly, the exquisite murals started toe alive. Goddess with gossamer robes and the magnificent and mighty general started moving on the walls. Some carried bows and arrows, there were also people ying zithers and drums. It was as if they were holding a grand ceremony.


    All of a sudden, the sounds from the zither, thumping drum, and darting arrows all charged toward the podium.


    ¡°This!¡±


    ¡°We fell into a trap! Quick! Fall back!¡± the businessman urged as they return to the open ground with a stern expression.


    ¡°No! If we leave, there¡¯ll be no other way for us to escape from this ce!¡± Xu Lan shielded Bai Wu from the arrows by holding him within his arms and said without batting an eyelid.


    ¡°But!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no other way! Why was the hidden mechanism activated once the coffin ceased moving? The mechanism was set to kill all of us. We were safe when we started our journey but we were attacked halfway through. This should be the centermost of the catb and the hidden mechanism was activated when we moved the coffin. Think about it, aside from preventing outsiders from entering, the tomb builder would also prevent those who had entered from leaving!¡±


    Xu Lan avoided the darting arrows with difficulty. Luckily, he had a few moves up his sleeves as he was trained before. Several feeble members that got killed by the poisonous arrows. There was froth at their mouths and their bodies started turning ck. Pungent white smoke starteding out from the bodies. After a short while, the only thing left was a pool of blood on the floor.


    ¡°... The arrows are poisonous! Be careful guys!¡± The businessman was contemting Xu Lan¡¯s analysis and did not know how to answer.


    ¡°F*ck! We¡¯ll die here if we don¡¯t move! Can¡¯t we head over to the other side ande back after the poisonous arrows stopped shooting?¡± the crew-cut guy asked fearfully.


    ¡®Swoosh, swoosh.¡¯ There were no signs of ceasing at all. The shooting of poisonous arrows increased in speed and force instead.


    ¡°You pathetic peasants! How dare you use Xue Yin as a Gu vessel! I¡¯ll let you feel the pain of Gu worms gnawing on your bodies! I want all of you to be buried with Xiao Ya!¡± The furious voice of the unofficial deity, Xue Feng, red in the sky.


    ¡°F*ck! What the hell is this! We were not involved in Xiao Ya¡¯s death! Furthermore, Wu Ling is already dead!¡± the crew-cut guy shouted toward the sky.


    The crew-cut guy¡¯s voice echoed throughout the empty chamber. Just when his sound faded away, the crystal coffin opened instantly. All sorts of nauseating venomous worms started crawling out from the coffin.

 Chapter 188 - Disagreement

    <h4>Chapter 188: Disagreement</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Xu Lan! This...¡± Zhang Fei stared at Xu Lan hesitantly.


    ¡°What should we do?¡± Fang Lingzi asked with a quivering voice.


    ¡°Should we still stay here?¡± the businessman frowned as he asked with uncertainty.


    Even though venomous worms were crawling out, Xu Lan insisted on remaining at the tform. Meanwhile, the businessman suggested for everyone to find refuge at the chamber opposite. With Bai Wu gone, Xu Lan and the businessman assumed the role of a leader. Both of them were capable and could make dispassionate judgments. Unfortunately, they did not see eye to eye on the current matter.


    ¡°This is my personal opinion and I strongly suggest for us to stay here. The final decision will be determined by the will of the majority.¡± Xu Lan¡¯s temples were throbbing and his muscles tensed as he remained on guard.


    Despite that Xu Lan found the crystal coffin strange in the beginning, he did not expect it to be filled with Gu worms. If they were to remain on the tform, they would be attacked. However...


    Xu Lan had a bad feeling about it and decided to stand by his decision. The businessman felt conflicted as he watched more and more Gu worms rushed out of the crystal coffin. Xu Lan sprinkled the small bottle of white powder from Wu Ling onto the floor, which did not do much besides dying the Gu worms temporarily.


    ¡°What should we do? If we don¡¯t make a move now, we¡¯ll be stuck here!¡± Zhang Fei asked worriedly.


    ¡°Yes, yes! What should we do?¡± everyone chimed in.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go! Head over now!¡± the businessman gritted his teeth and made up his mind. He walked over to the iron cable.


    The rest of the yers heard the businessman and immediately followed suit. They hurried over to the iron cable and ran along the suspension bridge.


    ¡°Are you guys sure about staying here?¡± the businessman asked Sheng Ya and the crew-cut man, who remained rooted by the edge of the iron cable.


    After ncing at Xu Lan, Sheng Ya shook her head at the businessman. The crew-cut man spat on the ground and picked up the wooden mallet. He red at the Gu worms that were crawling over.


    The businessman shook his head and started crossing the iron suspension bridge.


    ¡°Why wasn¡¯t the item from Wu Ling working?¡± the crew-cut man asked in confusion.


    ¡°Perhaps these are a different kind of Gu worms. They should be corpse Gu worms,¡± Xu Lan said with uncertainty.


    Right at that moment, the mural on the wall froze and the melody stopped. If it was not for the fallen arrows on the ground, Xu Lan would not believe his eyes. After the melody faded away, the Gu worms moved at a higher speed. It did not take long for them to cover half of the tform.


    ¡®Rumble... Rumble...¡¯ The tform started moving again. However, the crystal coffin did not sink deeper this time around. The iron suspension bridge was nging from the tension. Suddenly, the iron cable broke and the tform spun faster and rose higher. Xu Lan noticed that when the iron cable snapped, the Gu worms froze on the ground.


    ¡°Sheng Ya! Xu Lan! You guys...¡± Fang Lingzi ran to the edge of the chamber and wailed. The businessman caught her arm in the nick of time and stopped her from falling.


    All sixteen iron cables snapped from the tension. The tform slid below the chamber. The subsurface streampped against the tform and the chime-bells buzzed tragically.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    ¡°Ah! Venomous snakes! Hurry up and run!¡±


    ¡°Everyone, stay alert!¡± Loud noises could be heard from above. Some people fell into the stream¡ªsomething seemed to be chasing them. The fallen ones floated along the treacherous current.


    ¡°What are you holding?¡± Xu Lan stared at the wooden mallet in the crew-cut man¡¯s hands. The Gu worms were only one meter away from them. It would not be long until the worms caught up to them.

 Chapter 189 - Stopping the Corpse Gu Worms

    <h4>Chapter 189: Stopping the Corpse Gu Worms</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°The wooden mallet for the chime-bells. Hurry up and think of a solution! We can¡¯t just stay here and get bitten to death!¡± The crew-cut man did not understand why Xu Lan was focusing on something so trivial when they had a bigger problem.


    Xu Lan threw the ss bottle at the chime-bells and the chime-bells replied with a piercing ng before humming lowly. The white powder sttered all over the ground and the Gu worms moved away from the spots with the powder.


    ¡°Hand the mallet over and carry Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan ordered the crew-cut man.


    ¡°... the elder is dead,¡± the crew-cut man murmured as he handed the wooden mallet over.


    ¡°F*ck off! I dare you to say that again!¡± Xu Lan was burning with rage. He kicked the crew-cut man¡¯s calf and cursed at him angrily.


    ¡°We¡¯re barely surviving ourselves, why should we bring along a dea¡ªburden...¡± The crew-cut man kept his mouth shut after seeing the frightening expression on Xu Lan¡¯s face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Sheng Ya stepped forward and said calmly.


    Xu Lan took a good look at Sheng Ya. He found the weak yet calm girl adorable. After gratefully handing Bai Wu over to Sheng Ya, he snatched the wooden mallet from the crew-cut man. There were still people falling from above and disappearing into the current. Even though they were curious about what happened up there, they focused their attention on dealing with the corpse Gu worms.


    The crew-cut man was fending off the corpse Gu worms with the iron cable that snapped off earlier. Sheng Ya dragged along Bai Wu as she trailed behind Xu Lan.


    ¡®ng...¡¯ Xu Lan knocked on the chime-bells with the wooden mallet. The Gu worms did not respond.


    ¡®ng... ng...¡¯ Xu Lan knocked on two chime-bells randomly. This time around, he noticed the corpse Gu worms pausing momentarily.


    ¡°Heck! Don¡¯t stop! They stopped! These freaks paused for a moment! Sheng Ya, did you see that?¡± the crew-cut man who stood as their first line of defense got a good view of the situation and shouted excitedly.


    The corpse Gu worms were at his feet, giving him a good shock. He swung the iron cable in his hand wildly. Xu Lan applied some of the white powder from Wu Ling onto his hands earlier, this should protect him from being bitten by the Gu worms.


    ¡®ng, ng, ng...¡± Xu Lan rang three different chime-bells and saw no response. He went back to ringing the two chime-bells he rang earlier and saw a momentary pause in the Gu worms¡¯ movement.


    Xu Lan rang all of the chime-bells to identify the set of chime-bells that would stop the Gu worms from advancing. The result was an ancient tune. As he started ying the tune, the Gu worms did not advance. In fact, they began to retreat.


    When Xu Lan sped up the tempo, the Gu worms retreated at a quicker pace. The tform spun and rose higher. Themotion above died down, and Xu Lan yed his tune on the chime-bells with full focus. He did not stop until all of the Gu worms retreated into the crystal coffin. The crystal coffin resurfaced and rested in the middle of the tform.


    ¡°Soul-summoning tune?¡± Sheng Ya went pale after hearing the tune Xu Lan yed, she asked curiously.


    ¡°Heck! We¡¯re not monks, why do we need to ring the bell! What the heck is that even?¡± the crew-cut man sighed as he wiped the sweat off his face. Xu Lan shook his head, making clear that he did not know too.


    ¡°Thank god we escaped unscathed. There were a few times where I was almost bitten by the corpse Gu worms. I don¡¯t even know how¡ª¡± the crew-cut man rubbed his arms and turned to look at the spacious chamber. He gasped.


    There were seven or eight people in the chamber and none of them were alive. The chamber was full of venomous insects and snakes, it was a gory sight.


    ¡°... Xu Lan! The crystal coffin is moving again! Hurry up and y the tune!¡± Sheng Ya who barely escaped death observed with a heavy heart. The second she turned around, she saw ck Gu worms crawling all over the crystal coffin.

 Chapter 190 - Soul-Resurrecting Tune

    <h4>Chapter 190: Soul-Resurrecting Tune</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Heck! This is too intense!¡± Xu Lan shivered and cursed angrily; Yet to recuperate from the shocking sight, they had to immerse themselves in the battle once again.


    The bells rang again and the tune echoed in the spacious chamber. The Gu worms retreated into the crystal coffin and even the subsurface stream seemed less treacherous.


    ¡°Xu Lan...¡± At the chamber opposite, the businessman stood up weakly and shouted grudgingly.


    When Xu Lan turned around, the businessman was right before him. Xu Lan was shocked and leaned on the chime-bells. The crew-cut man and Sheng Ya looked at the unworldly businessman. They looked at the corpses on the ground and gasped in horror.


    ¡°Hurry up, ring the bell! This is his soul!¡± Sheng Ya shouted at Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan leaped over the soul and nced at the corpses in the chamber. He took a deep breath and yed the tune again. More and more of theirpanions returned to the tform. They looked at the trio begrudgingly, with a hint of regret.


    ¡°Sorry, everyone. I should have listened to Xu Lan and remained on the tform,¡± the businessman apologized solemnly.


    Fang Lingzi held on to his arm and looked at Sheng Ya. She was a year younger than Sheng Ya, a youngdy in her prime. It was unfortunate that she had to die in this unknown catb.


    ¡°... Elder?¡± someone shouted.


    Xu Lan¡¯s hands became heavier, he refused to ept the fact that Bai Wu died. He felt a lump in his throat, he did not have the courage to raise his head and look at Bai Wu.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan from afar and whispered with a heavy heart. He was not afraid of death but he hated to see Xu Lan being sad.


    Xu Lan was shivering so hard that he struggled to hold the wooden mallet in his hands. His face was pale and he gritted his teeth. He could not find the courage to raise his head to look at Bai Wu.


    The businessman moved away from Xu Lan and let Bai Wu get closer to him. Bai Wu tried to hold Xu Lan¡¯s face in his hands, but his hands went right through Xu Lan¡¯s face.


    ¡°... I¡¯m sorry,¡± Bai Wu apologized sadly.


    ¡°I refuse to ept your apology!¡± Xu Lan roared and turned his head away from Bai Wu.


    The entire chamber was eerily quiet and no one said a word. Xu Lan rang the chime-bells in silence. Suddenly, a loud bang came from the inside of the crystal coffin that took everyone by surprise.


    The sharkmps in the chamber started turning, the eight sharkmps were parallel to the ones on the tform. As themps shone, the hidden mechanism at the bottom began to operate. The stone bridge extended from the bottom of the sharkmps onto the tform. The crystal coffin exploded and the water from the subsurface stream rushed up like a fountain, presenting a jade box to everyone.


    ¡°F*ck! F*ck! This... This...¡±


    ¡°Sheng Ya, why don¡¯t you have a look at that?¡± Even though Xu Lan¡¯s responded more subtly than the crew-cut man, his excitement was palpable. He instructed Sheng Ya as he rang the chime-bells.


    Sheng Ya retrieved the jade box. There were a codex and a map within¡ª¡¯soul-resurrection¡¯ and the floorn for a catb!


    The codex started with, ¡®Those who die, they head to Yama, the King of Hell; the unyielding ones, they remain in this world. In the form of a soul, they are uninhibited. A technique exists, to bring back the dead, to save their souls from being taken away. I have much to do in this world, but I have met my tragic end as destined. I advise against the use of the said technique, and here it shall rest, along with me in my final resting ce.¡¯ The manuscript for ¡®soul-resurrection¡¯ was attached at the end of the codex.


    ¡°Give it to me!¡± Xu Lan snatched the codex from Sheng Ya before she managed to read everything out loud. This was the first time he raised his head to meet Bai Wu¡¯s gaze. Bai Wu was clothed in white, he looked at Xu Lan with a grim expression on his face.

 Chapter 191 - Escaped From the Catacomb

    <h4>Chapter 191: Escaped From the Catb</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Papa!¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan!¡±


    Everyone was shouting Xu Lan¡¯s name.


    ¡°Pft...¡±


    Xu Lan spat another mouthful of blood, dyeing his shirt, the chime-bells, and the wooden mallet red. Even then, he continued ringing the chime-bells ording to the arrangement in the codex. All souls, with the exception of the ones whose body had fallen into the subsurface stream earlier, returned into their respective bodies. They walked onto the tform and looked at Xu Lan worriedly.


    Bai Wu floated toward Xu Lan and screamed for him to stop. Even when Bai Wu¡¯s voice was hoarse from all the screaming, Xu Lan remained unmoved. Xu Lan¡¯s handsome face gradually lost its form and he looked weaker and thinner. He seemed to be shouldering an unbearable weight; his straight back arched under the weight, the scar on his brow lost its vigor and rested weakly like a caterpir in fall.


    ¡°Papa!¡± By then, Xu Lan had yed the soul-summoning tune thrice. Bai Wu was still circling around Xu Lan and shouting anxiously.


    ¡°Heck! Why aren¡¯t youing back to life yet? Cough...¡± Xu Lan cursed with a pair of red eyes. He spat another mouthful of fresh blood on the chime-bells. The businessman walked over with Fang Lingzi. They tried to offer constion but was halted by Xu Lan¡¯s sad moan.


    ¡°Bai Wu, don¡¯t you have anything that you miss about this world?¡± Sheng Ya lowered Bai Wu¡¯s body on the ground and sat next to him. She watched as his soul floated in mid-air.


    Xu Lan stopped ringing the chime-bells. He looked at Bai Wu with a gaping mouth as he realized he had yet to ask if Bai Wu was willing toe back to life!


    ¡°What are you babbling about? I have something I love dearly in this world!¡± Initially, Bai Wu could notprehend the rationale behind Sheng Ya¡¯s question. When he saw Xu Lan¡¯s empty gaze, he was shaken to his core and his heart ached. His floating soul flickered delicately; the body next to Sheng Ya woke up in shock.


    Bai Wu got up and sprinted toward Xu Lan, ¡°Papa...¡±


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re back!¡± Xu Lan looked at Bai Wu without blinking his eyes. He patted Bai Wu¡¯s shoulder before making his way toward the businessman and the others.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Before Xu Lan managed to take a step, he copsed onto the ground. Bai Wu caught him and cried out loudly.


    The catb was shaking from the dragon¡¯s might and the walls ttered loudly. The connecting chamber became unstable. The exquisite murals and the vault began to crumble. Xu Lan¡¯spanions did not have time to care about Xu Lan who fainted due to excessive bleeding; instead, they roamed around the chamber in search of an exit.


    ¡°Follow me!¡± Xu Lan rescued these people. Bai Wu wondered if Xu Lan would be angry at him for not taking care of them? When that crossed his mind, Bai Wu calmed down immediately and ordered for everyone to follow him.


    Bai Wu was shrouded amidst the thick white mist when he reappeared before everyone in the form of a giant dragon. With a sweep of his thick tail, he created a crack that spanned across one meter in the chamber.


    ¡°Ow, get up!¡± The leader of the dragon n nced at the fragile humans beneath him as he exhaled white smoke from his nostril. Bai Wu carried Xu Lan and offered his tail to the rest of the group.


    ¡°Hold on tight!¡± He extended his giant wings and propelled himself upward before soaring into the sky.


    ¡°Ow...¡± His sharp shriek sent the rocks in the catb flying down. He dodged the flying rocks and charged forward.


    ¡°Light! There¡¯s light! The catb is about to copse! We¡¯ve found our way out!¡± the crew-cut man shouted in excitement.

 Chapter 192 - An Appalling Mission

    <h4>Chapter 192: An Appalling Mission</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu protected everyone from the falling giant rocks and found a way out of the catb. They left the eerie ce behind and were greeted by the blue sky. Everyone was cheering happily on Bai Wu¡¯s back and some even wept tears of joy.


    ¡°Sit still! Wouldn¡¯t want any of you to fall!¡± Bai Wu reminded them out of good intention. Everyone sat down; some hugged Bai Wu¡¯s neck and some clung onto his wings. Those who could not find a ce to grip were holding on to theirpanions for dear life.


    Bai Wu was circling in the sky before he swooped down. He prated through the thickyers of clouds before finallynding on the wooden tower at the mountain top.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this Wu Ling¡¯s ce?¡± Zhang Fei was the first to get off. He was helping everyone to get down when he saw the dark brawny man who was tied to the pir.


    ¡°Uh huh, ignore him. Let¡¯s go in and get some rest,¡± said Bai Wu as he waited for everyone to get down before turning back into his human form.


    The businessman looked at Bai Wu in confusion. Even though Bai Wu looked like the same person on the outside, he could not help but notice the maturity in his every move. Bai Wu¡¯szy voice became low and solemn, one could say that it was almost irresistible.


    ¡°Are you really Bai Wu?¡± He wondered if something had gone wrong during the soul-summoning, perhaps a different soul took advantage of that and came back to life in Bai Wu¡¯s body.


    Bai Wu frowned and replied, ¡°The one and only.¡±


    For some reason, the businessman found it hard to dismiss Bai Wu¡¯s reply. Prior to this, he had a lot of questions on his mind. All of them died down after one look from Bai Wu.


    The mountains spanned across the area endlessly and were decorated with greenery. The clouds in the sky presented themselves in different kinds of shapes and the gentle breeze created a rxing atmosphere. Bai Wu took a seat where Wu Ling used to sit.


    ¡°Wow, to think that we¡¯re back at Yanyi Vige! After everything that we¡¯ve gone through, we¡¯re back at where we first started.¡±


    ¡°The mystery of Yanyi Vige is still unresolved. Perhaps we can finally find out what¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡°Is Xu Lan awake?¡±


    ¡°No, but Bai Wu made sure that he¡¯s settled down.¡±


    ¡°Sigh, what a...¡±


    ¡°Cough, cough!¡± Bai Wu coughed displeasedly and clenched his fists. The chattering voices faded away and everyone stood in attention.


    ¡°Let¡¯s sort out everything that we¡¯ve gone through over the past few days and do a headcount. Even though the mystery of Yanyi Vige is important, I¡¯m more concerned about the loophole in the system. Personally, I¡¯m not affected by it. It¡¯s only a matter of time before I¡¯m out of here. However, this dimension will continue to exist and more people will lose their lives here. I¡¯m sure that Xu Lan would not want to see this. So please, try to recall if there¡¯s anything suspicious.¡±


    Bai Wu sat in the main hall and looked at his audience solemnly. Everyone lowered their head, even the crew-cut man was listening to Bai Wu respectfully.


    ¡°Am I clear?¡± Bai Wu frowned and asked in displeasure.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Bai Wu rxed after hearing everyone¡¯s reply. He stood up and walked over to the businessman, giving him a few solemn pats on his shoulder.


    It was not necessary for an emperor to do everything by himself. So long as the emperor found himself a trusted aide, his trusted aide could make him the ruler of the world¡ªexactly what Zhuge Liang was to Liu Bei.


    ¡°Wow, I didn¡¯t expect so many of you to make it back alive. Would you like a cup of tea?¡± A petite shadow shed through. A girl came in with a teapot and asked cheerfully.


    ¡°You! You! You...¡±


    ¡°What?¡± The girl leaped forward andnded right in front of Zhang Fei before asking cheekily.


    ¡°You, aren¡¯t you dead?¡± Zhang Fei stuttered and moved his chin away from Xue Yin¡¯s fingers.

 Chapter 193 - Bai Wu’s Two Faces

    <h4>Chapter 193: Bai Wu¡¯s Two Faces</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°When did I say that I was dead?¡± Xue Yin¡¯s beautiful facial features scrunched up when she pouted disappointedly.


    ¡°F*cking hell! Didn¡¯t the Gu worms eat up all of your flesh? How¡¯s it possible that you¡¯re still alive?¡± The crew-cut man jumped up and eximed as though a scorpion had stung him.


    Xue Yin¡¯s tender smile rapidly turned into a frown when she heard the crew-cut man¡¯s words. Her curiosity was aroused once more when she turned and noticed Bai Wu walking toward the room downstairs. She pranced over and looked up at him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem shocked at all. Why is that?¡± She could see that everyone around her was very much astonished; they all had a surprised expression, except for Bai Wu, that is.


    ¡°You¡¯re in my way.¡± Bai Wu held in his temper.


    ¡°Tch. You haven¡¯t told me yet. Why are you not the least bit amazed? You¡¯re no fun.¡± Xue Yin pouted and remarked unhappily.


    ¡°I SAID. GET OUT OF MY WAY! If such a huge catb appeared with a snap of the fingers, do you think it¡¯s really so baffling that you¡¯re still alive?¡± A deep frown appeared on Bai Wu¡¯s face as he walked past Xue Yin.


    ¡°Tch...¡± Xue Yin looked at Bai Wu as he left, then angrily pped her own thigh.


    Xu Lan still had not woken up. His face was pale andpletely drained of blood; his brows were locked tightly and cold sweat formed on his skin. Bai Wu sat in front of the bed and held his hand, nting a sincere kiss on it.


    ¡°Are you angry? You are, aren¡¯t you? I was too worried about you at the time, the thought of returning from the grave didn¡¯t even pop up in my mind,¡± Bai Wu softly recalled.


    Who would have the time to think about anything else when the love of your life stood in front of you, covered in blood? All Bai Wu could think of was how to let it all stop. Xu Lan was angry at him for certain. He knew that something was not right when he heard Sheng Ya¡¯s words. It was as though...as though the whole world cast him aside, leaving him lonely and helpless.


    ¡°Papa. You can wake up anytime now. If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll have to kiss you again.¡± It was both an appeal and a threat at the same time. He finally felt what Xu Lan had felt earlier when thetter carried Bai Wu¡¯s ice-cold body.


    ¡°Mm, this is a nice ce indeed. Do you remember how you helped me take out all that sexual Gu?¡± Bai Wu gave Xu Lan a soft kiss and smoothened Xu Lan¡¯s eyebrows. He then traced a finger through Xu Lan¡¯s nose bridge, lips, and Adam¡¯s apple.


    In reality, Xu Lan was not fond of wearing white-colored clothes. He hated washing them because they could never be washedpletely clean. After Liang Yu provoked him by being his rival in love, Xu Lan slowly began wearing white clothes, and during that period, it was Bai Wu who helped to wash them.


    Like scarlet plum blossoms on the pure-white snow, Xu Lan¡¯s fresh blood was both eye-catching and vibrant in color. It was a bright contrast to the copper-colored tan that resulted from his duties as a cop, and it looked genuinely erotic. Throughout their time together, this was the first asion ¨C after Xu Lan confessed, that is ¨C where Bai Wu was able to look at his body at such close range and in such detail.


    ¡°Papa, please wake up. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯ll do to you if you don¡¯t wake up soon.¡± Despite knowing that Xu Lan was not facing any mortal endangerment, Bai Wu still wished that he would wake up and open his eyes. Most importantly, Bai Wu¡¯s hand was bing increasingly naughty, and such actions were no different from a wild animal!


    Without breaking his gaze, Bai Wu¡¯s fair hands caressed the bronze skin, making for a garish sight! He swallowed his saliva anxiously.


    ¡°Papa...¡±


    ¡°... You¡¯re awake!¡± As if he had no concept of bashfulness, Bai Wu jumped up excitedly and hugged Xu Lan, and then gave him a tight kiss.


    ¡°Can you get down from me, please?¡± Xu Lan massaged his own temples and asked softly.


    ¡°NO!¡± Bai Wu declined strongly and disyed the imposingness that so characterized him as a leader of the dragon n. His movements though were theplete opposite ¨C he acted like a spoiled child and rubbed himself against Xu Lan.

 Chapter 194 - Bai Wu’s Naughty Intentions

    <h4>Chapter 194: Bai Wu¡¯s Naughty Intentions</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°... You¡¯re pressing me down so hard that it hurts!¡± Xu Lan eximed in discontent.


    Bai Wu leaped down from the bed and looked guiltily at Xu Lan. ¡°Pain...it¡¯s painful?¡±


    Xu Lan ¨C who was not in a good mood ¨C red at Bai Wu and began getting off the bed when Bai Wu used one hand to pick him up and then threw him back onto the bed.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡± Xu Lan asked dumbfoundedly.


    ¡°Have a good rest. Don¡¯t you mind them.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s pouted his lips to express his extreme dissatisfaction toward Xu Lan¡¯s attitude.


    ¡°Where are we? Why do I feel like this ce...¡± Xu Lan scanned the room and a blush immediately began rising up his neck. He felt as though his words were trapped in his throat, and he found himself unable to spit them out.


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s with this ce?¡± Bai Wu supported himself on both of Xu Lan¡¯s shoulders. He slowly and mischievously went up to Xu Lan as he asked that question.


    ¡°Y-you... Don¡¯t youe near me!¡± Bai Wu shoved Bai Wu away and stammered.


    ¡°Hmm. I feel weak in my whole body and I¡¯ve got no strength to get up. What¡¯s to be done about that?¡±


    The corner of Bai Wu¡¯s lips began to curve into a smile; the tear mole at the corner of his eyes began seducing Xu Lan like poison. As long as Xu Lan declined, even if it was slight, those reddened eyes were obsequiously looking at him, full of guilt. Xu Lan took one step back, and Bai Wu took one step forward. In the end, Bai Wu pressed his whole body down on Xu Lan¡¯s.


    Bai Wu gave Xu Lan a light peck on the edge of his lips. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Papa. Back then, my whole heart was poured out onto you. That was why I wasn¡¯t affected by the soul-summoning tune.¡±


    Xu Lan¡¯s widely-opened eyes were giving Bai Wu a death stare. A handsome face of impable proportions was right in front of Xu Lan, and its scarlet eyes were being apologetic.


    ¡°So, it¡¯s my fault then?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mean it that way. I just wanted you to know. You are the most important thing to my heart, too important!¡± Bai Wu reacted instinctively in reply. Afraid that he would miss a single microexpression, his eyes were fixated on Xu Lan.


    ¡°I, I know. Could you please get up now!¡± Xu Lan turned away and replied awkwardly.


    ¡°Papa. I¡¯d like to kiss you.¡± Bai Wu was engrossed in seeing the flush rise to Xu Lan¡¯s ears. He took the chance to blow some air into his ear.


    All Xu Lan felt was a feverish heat, which was partly a result of shyness, and partly a result of anger!


    F*cking hell! When Bai Wu did all those shameful things to him while he was unconscious, did Bai Wu ask for his opinion of that? Why did he not ask Xu Lan when Xu Lan had already woken up? After all that, Bai Wu still had the audacity to be so thick-faced and ask for a kiss!


    F*ck all that nonsense!


    ¡°Move over! Now! I want to get down from the bed!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s temper began to re up and a barrage of scolding ensued. He took a fist to Bai Wu¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Your body hasn¡¯t recovered yet. Please lie back down. You needn¡¯t worry about what¡¯s happening outside. I¡¯ve arranged everything. I took great trouble to watch over Papa. Shouldn¡¯t I be getting some reward for that?¡±


    Bai Wu threw himself on Xu Lan and sloppily bit his neck.


    ¡°F*CK! What kind of reward! I haven¡¯t... Where are you putting your f*cking hand?!¡± An ice-cold hand was ced abruptly on Xu Lan¡¯s chest, frightening him to the point where he started shivering.


    ¡°Papa. I want to kiss you.¡±


    ¡°...¡± Xu Lan looked away and remained silent.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu stared with his reddened eyes; his hand remained still and was ced right on Xu Lan¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Kiss, kiss, kiss! F*ck! Kiss!¡± Xu Lan put on a heroic and martyr-like expression and ced his face right in front of Bai Wu¡¯s, all while bursting out in admonishment.


    Bai Wu shed a vibrant smile that was simr to the blossoming of mountain flowers. It was more beautiful and genuine than the scene in Xu Lan¡¯s dream.


    If Xu Lan knew that things would escte to such heights, he would have refused everything sternly from the very beginning!


    Now though...


    Bai Wu apologized sincerely while rubbing Xu Lan¡¯s waist carefully, all while beaming with a content smile on his face.


    Outside, Zhang Fei was standing at the door. He was bewildered and unsure of how he should begin his sentence.


    ¡°Is something the matter? Do tell if there is. If there isn¡¯t, please don¡¯t stand there like an eyesore.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s cold voice resounded. Zhang Fei knew instinctively that the remark was directed at himself.


    ¡°The wandering deity came back.¡±

 Chapter 195 - Stealing Fortune Away

    <h4>Chapter 195: Stealing Fortune Away</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu sat cross-legged on the main seat of the main hall and swirled a cup of tea in his hand. He waited calmly for Xue Feng to begin talking. The wandering deity, Xue Feng, was seated to Bai Wu¡¯s left on the same table and they had vastly different demeanors. Xue Feng was a stern-looking young man, whose anger, if present, was not outwardly disyed; Bai Wu was dignified and proud, with a noticeable domineering quality and solemn austereness.


    ¡°I listened to Xue Yin¡¯s side of the story. It was I, that had been too reckless. I am truly sorry.¡± Xue Feng stood up and bowed respectfully to everyone; with that, he indicated his regret. He then pped his hands and servant girls entered immediately in a single file with handfuls of goods. Those who survived the previous ordeal were seated at the two sides of the main hall. From the time they entered the dimension, their thoughts had always been focused on surviving. With the sudden respectful treatment, warm tears started to pool in their eyes.


    ¡°This is my humble gift. It is not enough to convey my deepest regret toward everyone,¡± Xue Feng remarked guiltily. He took the gifts from the jade tray and handed them out to everyone.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for those. We can¡¯t use them anyway,¡± Bai Wu voiced out abruptly. Xiao Feng was just beginning to hand out the Lingzhi mushrooms, but his hands stopped awkwardly in mid-air. He was in a position where he could neither take it back nor give it out.


    ¡°Cough cough, perhaps you can keep them for now.¡± Xu Lan let out a timely cough and remarked. While doing so, he took the Lingzhi mushrooms and once again ced them back on the jade tray. Xue Feng looked at Xu Lan appreciatively, but he did not expect to be red at by a pair of calm and half-closed red eyes that snapped open wide in an instant.


    ¡°Enough with all this. I¡¯d like to ask; how much do you know about Yanyi Vige? And also, what¡¯s with the catb?¡± Bai Wu asked. His expression did not seem too pleased; all he wanted was to lock Xu Lan up so that he was the only one who could look at Xu Lan.


    ¡°Cough cough, I don¡¯t really know that much. I think it¡¯s better if Xue Yin were to talk about it.¡± There was a slight change in Xue Feng¡¯s expression. He took a step backward and sat back down on the chair, then tilted his head and replied to Bai Wu.


    After Bai Wu was resurrected inside the tomb, he could feel that the remaining poison had been expelled from his body. Previously, he took great care to conceal his dragon might so as not to attract public attention, but that was no longer the case. At that very moment, it was emanating from his person in a steady stream.


    Xue Yin pouted when Xue Feng pushed her to center stage. She initially harbored some curiosity toward Bai Wu, but after he ignored her, she felt averse toward him and had an instinctive desire to abhor him.


    ¡°What do you want to know? I don¡¯t know much either. My consciousnesspletely disappeared when Wu Ling turned me into a Gu vessel,¡± she replied impatiently.


    ¡°Regarding Yanyi Vige¡¯s inability to bear any male children, does it have something to do with you?¡± Bai Wu asked sternly, as though he paid no mind to Xue Yin¡¯s curtness.


    ¡°... It¡¯s because I stole all their luck.¡± She answered timidly with a voice that was akin to the humming of a mosquito.


    Bai Wu sipped a mouthful of tea. It was elegant, fragrant, and had a delightful aftertaste; it was a good tea, no doubt. His expression of satisfaction caused everyone at the main hall to feel much more at ease; they too lifted their cups and had a drink. Xue Yin noticed that there was not much of a reaction toward her words, so sheplied gently.


    She was a mortal who practiced cultivation. Due to some reasons, she acquired Dao <sup>1</sup> and became a deity with no official title. Her young ignorance led her to touch upon some prohibited rules, so she was sentenced to pass through her kalpa <sup>2</sup> in the world of mortals as a result. Yanyi Vige became the ce where she had to pass through it. The initial n was for it to end when the vigers threw her and left her to die, but little did she know, Xue Feng took a nap, which in turn enabled Wu Ling to save her. She was then secretly turned into a Gu vessel.


    With her continued presence in Yanyi Vige, Xue Yin continued seizing the vige¡¯s luck and fortune, causing the vige to be devoid of male babies. All the while, Xue Feng was unable to locate her because she was a lifeless Gu vessel, but when Bai Wu forced out the sexual Gu that was bred using her flesh, Xue Feng was able to track it down.


    The whole episode led to the events that followed after.


    Prior asions had seen the group experience demons and ghouls, so a deity was somethingpletely unexpected! Bai Wu frowned and red at Xue Yin without blinking.

 Chapter 196 - Bai Wu Hungers for A Decision

    <h4>Chapter 196: Bai Wu Hungers for A Decision</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°In conclusion, there are no boys because you took away all of Yanyi Vige¡¯s fortune. So, if you leave, the whole problem would be solved, am I right?¡± Bai Wu asked with a frown.


    ¡®Congrattions to all the yers. You havepleted the mission and have acquired seven hundred gold coins. In escaping the catb, you have alsopleted a hidden mission and acquired another one thousand gold coins. Due to a mistake in nning that led toplications on your behalf, an additional two hundred gold coins will be awarded. Your bodies will be transported back within five seconds.¡¯


    Before Xue Yin managed to answer, everyone¡¯s mind went nk immediately. When they woke up again, they were all lying down beside the well. A gloomy Bai Wu dragged Xu Lan into the room and gathered the rest of the group inside.


    ¡°Once the system detects that we¡¯vepleted our mission, it will automatically transport our bodies back. But there were still plenty of problems that were left unresolved within Yanyi Vige. That is why I¡¯d like to ask everyone¡¯s opinion of this particr matter.¡± Bai Wu massaged Xu Lan¡¯s hand and asked.


    ¡°Elder, back at the wooden house, Elder mentioned something about a loophole in the system. What was that all about? Could it be that we are able to find a loophole and escape?¡± Zhang Fei stood up and eximed with full of emotion. When facing Bai Wu, he could not help but use honorifics.


    ¡°It was simply a guess. Didn¡¯t we just get two hundred gold coins as constion? This ce shouldn¡¯t have existed to begin with. It shouldn¡¯t have any authority to rule over anyone¡¯s life!¡± Bai Wu took a fist to the table, resulting in a loud thud that split the table in half.


    Xu Lan watched as Bai Wu grew up slowly and steadily. A spontaneous feeling of pride was present in Xu Lan¡¯s heart. Fathers could be good people too; not everyone would be like the elder Xu ¨C where both love and hate could run deep. Not even death could cleanse him of his evilness. It was not as though every single person was like the man who had the guts to have an affair but never had the courage to show himself. Many fathers were like Xu Lan, giving it their all and silently investing themselves in their children until they became adults.


    ¡°Oh, one more thing.¡± Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan¡¯s proud and knowing smile, then pulled the man before him and said, ¡°Xu Lan, is my lover.¡±


    The house erupted inmotion since no one foresaw that Bai Wu would announce his rtionship with Xu Lan in such grandiose fashion. Even Xu Lan was shocked, and he subsequently cast an angry look at Bai Wu. With pursed lips, Bai Wu shook his head and pulled Xu Lan to his side.


    ¡°Although we call each other father and son, we are not blood-rted. He is simply an ordinary person. HOWEVER. Everyone has the right to love and be loved. I¡¯d very much hope that there will be no gossip. I¡¯ll get riled up easily if there was any. Do all of you understand?¡± Bai Wu said in all seriousness.


    ¡°We understand.¡± Those who were previously engrossed with Xu Lan and Bai Wu¡¯s interactions let out a silent hiss, looked down immediately, and kept mum.


    ¡°What? Am I deaf?¡±


    ¡°We understand!¡± The crowd roared emphatically.


    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s enough, Bai Wu,¡± Xu Lan pulled at Bai Wu¡¯s clothes and said angrily.


    ¡°Hm? Haha, it seems that Papa¡¯s not too happy. Alright, we¡¯ll put this aside and not talk about this for the time being. Let¡¯s get serious now. Does anyone think that the system¡¯s malfunction on this asion could be a loophole?¡±


    ¡°... It¡¯d be nice if we could ask Xue Feng and Xue Yin about the things that happen in this world. It¡¯s unwise to make decisions based on these probability issues.¡± Dejected, the businessman shook his head and answered without certainty.


    ¡°No, up till now, I still want to treat it as a loophole. I want to crush it because this kind of thing shouldn¡¯t have existed in the first ce.¡± Bai Wu calmly stated his thoughts, and was valiant enough not to let other people call them into question!

 Chapter 197 - A Black Cat in the Crack

    <strong>Chapter 197: A ck Cat in the Crack</strong>


    Trantor: EndlessFantasy Trantion Editor: EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu uttered his thoughts but seemed to y them down; still, it was like a nuclear warhead exploded right then and there, shattering everyone to pieces. They were still unable toe to their senses even after some time had passed; all they did was stare nkly at Bai Wu.


    ¡°Elder...what do you mean by that?¡± The crew-cut man stammered and asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Literally speaking, I¡¯d like to break this strange equilibrium. I¡¯ve already mentioned the reasons for wanting to do that.¡± Bai Wu had a go-ahead-and-praise-me expression as he looked to Xu Lan, who was beside him.


    When the bombshell was dropped, everyone inside the house felt afraid, but despite that, there was also a sense of anticipation. They were all hoping that Bai Wu would really be able to bring them away and escape all the destruction. The things that they went through there were utter nightmares!


    Xu Lan subconsciously felt his pocket. At the very beginning, it was where he ced his Yunyan Special cigarettes. Later, it became a ce to store Bai Wu¡¯s favorite lollipop. Muchter still, he kept his handkerchief there, but as ofte, Bai Wu had been keeping the handkerchief for him. Xu Lan¡¯s pocket was empty, and just like his feelings at that exact moment, they had turned into an empty space where not even a single wisp of fogginess was present.


    He was an ordinary person, there was no doubting that. Like others, he too had the right to love and be loved, so was it wrong to like Bai Wu? Why did he have to act all sneaky in front of everyone? Bai Wu was holding Xu Lan¡¯s hand tightly. Xu Lan¡¯s broad palm wrapped Bai Wu¡¯s and was lending him an invisible strength.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s going to be that way, we must remember in detail anything that happens around us. I¡¯m not sure if anyone here knows what¡¯s the Butterfly Effect, but when the system is as big and intricate as this, the affected range of any problems that arise will definitely be vast no matter where the problem may be.¡± The sound of Xu Lan¡¯s righteous voice somewhat calmed everyone¡¯s mood.


    Everybody began thinking, ¡®Even if it were not true, at least they had Bai Wu to guide them safely out of the system.¡¯


    ¡°Alright then. We¡¯re all very tired, so that¡¯ll be it for today. Please have a good rest, everyone.¡± Bai Wu ordered firmly before he stood up to survey the surroundings.


    Xu Lan nodded and left some words of constion for the others. He then followed Bai Wu back into the room. At the outset, Xu Lan never felt that it was inappropriate since it had always been that way from the very beginning. His sudden realization only came when Bai Wu sat on the bed and looked at him with a huge smile.


    After the shower, his heat had yet to disperse, but the blush was already creeping up slowly. Embarrassed and not knowing what to do, Xu Lan simply stood there. Bai Wu on the other hand, stood by the bed and looked naughtily at him; those scarlet eyes appeared to implore Xu Lan to hurry ande nearer, while the tear mole was emanating a seductive charm.


    ¡°Papa, won¡¯t youe over?¡± Bai Wu rushed calmly to Xu Lan and held his hand, then asked in aposed manner.


    ¡°I...I just realized, there are some things I haven¡¯t told them, I¡¯ll go out for a bit.¡± Could it be that the events in Yanyi Vige were all a dream? Where did thed get so much energy from?! Xu Lan touched his own bottom. He wore his clothes in a hurry and opened the door to head out.


    All of a sudden, a strong wind appeared, and white mist came pushing in from the other side of the door. It swept Xu Lan along and ced him right into Bai Wu¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Mm? Papa wants to go out?¡± With a wave of the hand, Bai Wu caused the white mist to leave obediently out of the room. After closing the room door, the mist surrounded the whole house.


    ¡°I, uhh...¡± Xu Lan¡¯s words were interrupted by Bai Wu¡¯s enchanting smile; his lips were invited to engage in a tango of the tongue, and his body was pushed onto the bed.


    Once those who are young have their first taste of lust, it was no telling whether they would be satiated. The mist surrounding the house turned from white to pink, then pink to red, but even the house next door was unable to hear anything.


    Sometimeter, they both fell asleep. Only then did the multicolored, cloud-like mist slowly dissipate. They were weed with thefort and quietness that was long overdue and they slept until about eight or nine in the morning.

 Chapter 198 - Master of the Dimension

    <h4>Chapter 198: Master of the Dimension</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    As if being tossed around by the dimension was not enough, Xu Lan had to endure another round of being tossed around by Bai Wu. Previously, Xu Lan had a strong and robust physique, but it was wearing thin rather conspicuously; whenpared with Bai Wu, Xu Lan¡¯s leanness was all the more evident. Bai Wu propped his own body up in order to count Xu Lan¡¯s eyshes. He found Xu Lan¡¯s coppery, sun-tanned skin to be adorable, regardless of how he looked at it; even the scar above Xu Lan¡¯s eyebrow was so cute that Bai Wu almost melted.


    It was that man, Xu Lan, who once cared for Bai Wu wholeheartedly and was sleeping beside Bai Wu. From that point onward, Bai Wu could only wear his heart on his sleeve, for there was nowhere else he could go. He bent forward and kissed Xu Lan, and in his own world, he held on tight and never let go.


    ¡°Mm?¡± The poking of a heated, stiff, rod-like ¡®gun¡¯ was what woke Xu Lan up. He opened his eyes in a daze and felt Bai Wu kissing him.


    ¡°Papa, you¡¯re awake?¡± Bai Wu remained on top of Xu Lan and looked at him with tender eyes.


    ¡°F*ck! Get down from me now...¡±


    Hoarseness caused his rich and deep voice to sound rather erotic. Bai Wu looked at him with an expression that appeared to increase gradually in heat. After that, Xu Lan strictly forbade Bai Wu to call him ¡®Papa¡¯. When those fine lips uttered the word ¡®Papa¡¯ syble by syble, Xu Lan felt soreness in his whole body along with a grave feeling of shame. It escted to a point where Bai Wu became more intense: he deliberately moved closer to Xu Lan¡¯s ear and called out in a cloying voice.


    Bai Wu stared at Xu Lan with glowing eyes, akin to a cheetah that had gotten a hold of its prey in the pitch-ck night.


    Xu Lan awkwardly pushed him. ¡°You! Get down now!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± Bai Wu leaned himself on Xu Lan¡¯s body and said patiently.


    ...


    By mid-morning, the rest could no longer wait, so they went and knocked on Bai Wu¡¯s door.


    ¡°Elder, are you awake?¡±


    Bai Wu had just crawled up, and the anger which he had tried to control had nowhere to be released. With no idea which unlucky idiot would face his wrath, he opened the door with a loud thud and looked crossly at the person who came.


    ¡°WHAT IS IT!¡±


    Those sudden words scared the hell out of him. He took one look at Bai Wu¡¯s face and trembled while pointing at the sun.


    ¡°To-today, we didn¡¯t receive any mission.¡±


    Bai Wu took one step and mmed the door shut, leaving the person terribly shaken. Once midday came, everyone was already standing by the well, pacing back and forth uneasily. Bai Wu was swarmed by all of them as soon as he stepped out.


    ¡°Elder...¡±


    ¡°Elder, this...¡±


    ¡°Enough. Don¡¯t be too anxious. It seems that there weren¡¯t any neersst night, plus we don¡¯t have any missions today, so this strange urrence further reinforces my guess.¡± Bai Wu squinted and said in all seriousness.


    ¡°So what do we do now? I don¡¯t suppose we¡¯ll just sit down and wait to die?¡± The businessman came forth and remarked, to the support of a few others.


    ¡°...check the five elements of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth. See what situation they¡¯re in when there¡¯s no mission assigned. Zhang Fei, Sheng Ya, Mr. Businessman, Mr. Crew-Cut and I, the five of us will each lead a group to those five elements. Whoever has a wristwatch on them shall return to this spot after two hours.¡±


    Bai Wu walked over to the well and looked into it before giving out the solemn order.


    ¡°Yes!¡± The crew-cut man was the first to stand up and answer.


    ¡°Will do,¡± the businessman said. A row of ten or so people was further divided into five groups. Each of those groups were to head toward a different element.


    ¡®Meow!¡¯ came a cat from the well just ahead of Bai Wu, causing him to turn his head abruptly. A boundless void appeared right in front of Bai Wu, and with the deep, dark well as its axis, it gradually began splitting open. The ck cat was hanging for dear life on the edge of the void, and it looked at Bai Wu while crying out in despair.


    Bai Wu was frozen stiff from head to toe, and he simply stood still. Xu Lan noticed the change and pushed the crowd aside to get to him. Xu Lan followed Bai Wu¡¯s gaze and looked down.


    ¡°This...¡±

 Chapter 199 - Framing the Target

    <h4>Chapter 199: Framing the Target</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    While the kitten floated around in mid-air and meowed, behind it was emptiness and quietness that knew no bounds. Xu Lan¡¯s nerves were stretched taut all of a sudden, and his brain was telling him: ¡®That¡¯s the void!¡¯


    Astonished, Xu Lan looked at Bai Wu, as if to ask, ¡®Why did ite so quickly this time?!¡¯ If they were to count based on the dimension¡¯s calctions, they were only there for a few days!


    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing more you¡¯d like to ask, go ahead and carry out the respective tasks. I¡¯ll only need Papa here with me to handle this.¡± Bai Wu wore a gloomy face and remarked hoarsely.


    Although all four of them ¨C Zhang Fei, Sheng Ya, the crew-cut man, and the businessman ¨C noticed that something seemed off, they did not ask for fear of being impetuous. Instead, they each brought their own group to check on the status of each element. After they had all gone off, Bai Wu rxed and once again walked over to the well.


    The cat waspletely ck in color, save for a pair of hopeful, emerald eyes. Sunlight shone into the well and caused its pupils to contract, and with an almost needle-like shape, those eyes stared at both Xu Lan and Bai Wu.


    ¡°This...this is the crack? Why is the ck cat able to stay in there safe and sound?¡± Doubts began surfacing in Xu Lan¡¯s heart and he asked uneasily.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure either. I¡¯ve never encountered a situation like this before.¡± Bai Wu looked askance at the cat. He then tried, in vain, to stretch out his hand in order to carry the cat up.


    The ck cat seemed oblivious to the dragon¡¯s wing for it all of a sudden. Initially, it was shouting its heart out, but at that moment, its voice appeared to have vanishedpletely. It thenzily stretched its body, while its thin pupils looked as though they were glowing with cold light.


    ¡°Oh dear, my little precious, however, did you end up here? I¡¯ve been looking all over for you.¡± Just as Bai Wu¡¯s hands came into contact with the ck cat, a ray of golden light shot out from the void. A gust of wind ruthlessly surged over to Bai Wu, preventing him from touching the cat in the nick of time.


    His scarlet pupils contracted, and he made sure to quickly shield Xu Lan behind himself before examining the surroundings.


    ¡°Come out!¡± Bai Wu shouted. The whole void trembled, and his powerful dragon might force whoever was hiding in the well to show themselves.


    ¡°Haha, isn¡¯t this our former leader? Why are you here?¡± A giant, ck dragon came out abruptly from the well. The dragonnded audibly in front of Bai Wu, sending shockwaves through the ground.


    The dragon¡¯s body was wholly covered in conical scales and it was already in battle mode. Its ears opened and closed like a fan, swaying from front to back, while its strong and sturdy wings were fanning out the wind. Its head was held high like a king who looked cynically at all living things.


    ¡°Tch. Why should I report my whereabouts to a traitor?¡± Bai Wu sneered. A thick mist began enveloping the dragon, while a scarlet radiance shed through.


    ¡°Hmph, you¡¯re still as good as always, with your mouth, that is. As of now, you can¡¯t even set foot on your own homnd. How will you contend with me?¡± Angered by Bai Wu, the ck dragon mocked him contemptuously.


    ¡°You!¡± Bai Wu stepped forward and swiped his tail, but it was caught by the ck dragon. ¡°On ount of my ancestral lineage, aren¡¯t you also afraid that you¡¯ll have to chase me out when I return?¡±


    ¡°Bai Wu?¡± Standing between the two dragons, Xu Lan was so tiny that he was almost antlike. The actions of swiping the tail and catching it resulted in waves; those waves were enough to send Xu Lan flying off several meters.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu called out hoarsely. He turned to carry Xu Lan into his embrace, then asked softly if Xu Lan was injured.


    ¡°Li Xiu once said he met a white dragon who was reluctantly put in a position of forbearance. He suspected it was you, but at first, I wasn¡¯t too keen on believing it. Well, have you really turned so weak that you needed the protection of humans?¡± The ck dragon taunted him with an exaggerated tone.

 Chapter 200 - Traitor

    <h4>Chapter 200: Traitor</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    After ascertaining that Xu Lan was unhurt, Bai Wu shot the ck dragon a hardened look. Dragon might began materializing from Bai Wu¡¯s entire body, and like vines, they lunged at the ck dragon.


    ¡°Tsk. You really wanna see what I¡¯m gonna use against you? Would you like to try it out?¡± The ck dragon was unable to hold its own, and the materialized dragon might force it to take a few steps back. With a thud, the ck dragon was pushed against the edge of the stone well.


    ¡°TELL ME! Why did youe here?!¡± Bai Wu shouted frostily. His conical scales thickened unexpectedly and they were pressing directly on the ck dragon.


    ¡°Hehe, what¡¯s wrong? Must I still report to the former n leader when I¡¯m out admiring the flowers in the back garden? Your ferociousness is scaring my little kitty to death,¡± the ck dragon retorted intractably.


    Bai Wu nced at the ck cat, which was on the ck dragon¡¯s back, and saw much sombreness. In that momentarypse, the ck dragon managed to break free from the tethers. It jumped to one side and chuckled.


    ¡°Tell me! Were you the one who did all this?¡± Bai Wu broke his cold expression to reveal the anger in him and with extreme rage , he called out, ¡°Qiao Yi!¡±


    ¡°Hm? So, it seems you still remember my name, Leader. Haha...I wouldn¡¯t have the skill to do all that. This here is a cute little pet that had been cared for with much dedication. Just yesterday she suddenly made googly eyes and kept on begging me by saying that there were a group of intruders in her backyard garden. And hey, it was such a coincidence to see you here.¡± Qiao Yi shed a cold smile. He then took the ck cat from his back and lifted it to show Bai Wu.


    All that could be heard was a thump, followed by the sight of a woman¡¯s exquisite figure: a pretty woman had appeared in front of Bai Wu.


    ¡°Ka Daiwen?¡± Bai Wu was inplete shock! He never knew that Ka Daiwen was able to transform into a cat.


    ¡°What are you doing?! Why aren¡¯t you putting me down! I called you over here with good intentions and now you¡¯re making a fool of me!¡± Without so much as looking at Bai Wu, Ka Daiwen turned to Qiao Yi and shouted angrily.


    ¡°Why would I do that? He¡¯s been here for so long and yet he¡¯s never mentioned you or me, but now that the dimension¡¯s broken, you told me to make the reveal. Is it possible that you still like him?¡± Qiao Yi waggled his eyebrows, smiled, and returned Ka Daiwen to his back.


    ¡°You, what nonsense are you talking about? How could I still like him?!¡± Ka Daiwen snorted in disdain as if her tail had been stepped on and all her fur stood on its end.


    ¡°Tch! If only that were the truth!¡± Despite the doubt that was evident in Qiao Yi¡¯s eyes, he did not ask any further.


    ¡°Ho, I assume you¡¯ve never seen any movies or read any novels. Do you know why the viins always die so quickly?¡± Out of sheer mind power, a chair made of dragon¡¯s might materialized on Bai Wu¡¯s back, making sure that Xu Lan was properly held in ce. Halfway through the sentence, Bai Wu was already flying toward Qiao Yi.


    When he stretched out his ws, a red spear appeared immediately and was thrust directly toward Qiao Yi.


    ¡°Movies, novels, what are those? I wonder, who¡¯s the viin that¡¯s attacking the leader of the dragon n now?¡± Qiao Yi sneered and with much ease, he dodged the spear that was flung over.


    Along with the spear came a gust of condensed cold air. Its coldness tainted the w that Qiao Yi was using to block the spear, and it was so cold that he was shivering. Qiao Yi meant to ask a few more questions, but Bai Wu gave him no such luxury. In rapid session, every physical resource was used by Bai Wu in order to execute his never-before-revealed mastery of air.


    ¡°Heh, what he¡¯s trying to say is, those who talk a lot are always the first to die.¡± Even in astonishment of Bai Wu¡¯s ability to control the external elements, Xu Lan still managed to lecture Qiao Yi.


    ¡°Haha! Funny!¡±


    Qiao Yi¡¯s dragon ws unfolded backward, and an unknown gas abruptly propelled him forward as fireballs began exploding behind him. After aiming a w at Bai Wu, the void erupted in a loud rumble. The exploding gas surged forward some ten plus meters and crashed right through a mud brick house until it reached a big tree behind the house. The entire dimension broke out in a loud pounding, followed by the echoes of shattering sounds.


    ¡°Those who talk a lot have the most insight. You, for example, are going to be the ex-leader for all eternity!¡± A huge fireball was raised up by Qiao Yi. It floated in the air and was the size of a football field!


    ¡°Bai Wu! Are you alright?¡± Xu Lan asked worryingly.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. The dimension is going to copse. How long do we have left until the otherse back?¡±

 Chapter 201 - The Dimension Was Destroyed

    <h4>Chapter 201: The Dimension Was Destroyed</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu wiped the corner of his mouth and watched the burning fireball hanging up in the sky. He trampled on the buildings and marched toward Qiao Yi. Xu Lan felt his blood boil; he was excited and worried at the same time. Bai Wu would have to hold these people off for another fifteen minutes for them to make it back in time. Within that time span, Bai Wu must destroy the dimension designed by Ka Daiwen and evade the attacks from Qiao Yi.


    ¡°Bai Wu, are you sure about this?¡± Xu Lan asked worriedly.


    Bai Wu took a step forward and smiled gently at Xu Lan, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Papa. I¡¯m sure that I can handle Qiao Yi. Though, I¡¯ve no idea how I should destroy the dimension. After destroying this dimension, there will still be a second dimension or even a third!¡±


    Bai Wu tried to smile in his dragon form. The corners of his mouth curled all the way up to his ear; Xu Lan almost had a heart attack from the eerie sight. Bai Wu¡¯s anger was palpable.


    ¡°I might have a way,¡± Xu Lan said with a serious tone.


    ¡°What will that be?¡± Bai Wu was watching Qiao Yi¡¯s every move. He replied without turning his head.


    ...


    The giant fireball spun out of Qiao Yi¡¯s hand like a spinning top, charging at Bai Wu mercilessly. Bai Wu extended his hands forward and the air crackled. An iceberg appeared mid-air, resisting the assault of the fireball. Their collision sent sparks and ice chips flying all over. It was a messy sight.


    ¡°El... Elder?¡± The crew-cut man returned with hispanions and was shocked by what he saw. More and more people hurried over; some fell on the floor and some even peed in their pants.


    ¡°Ryle, are you going to keep taking the side of the evildoer?¡± Bai Wu yelled at Ka Daiwen. Ka Daiwen¡¯s curvy body paused momentarily. She turned her head and refused to look at Bai Wu.


    ¡°Ryle, aren¡¯t you curious why Bai Ling fell into a deep slumber?¡± uttered Bai Wu.


    ¡°Ka Daiwen, don¡¯t listen to him! Hurry up and help me out, let¡¯s stop him from returning to the dragon n!¡± Qiao Yi yelled at Ka Daiwen. He was as strong as Bai Wu. Even if he could not emerge as the victor, he would not be trampled all over by Bai Wu.


    ¡°Why did Bai Ling fall into a deep slumber?¡± Ka Daiwen stood up and asked.


    The temporary distraction created an opening for the fireball to breakthrough the iceberg. Bai Wu withstood the impact of the giant fireball with his broad chest. The sizzling sound of flesh being torn apart could be heard; the pungent scent of charred flesh was overwhelming.


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan yelled with a pair of red eyes.


    Ka Daiwen was horrified. She leaped down from Qiao Yi¡¯s back and hopped over to Bai Wu. She tried hard to hold her own against Qiao Yi.


    ¡°Ka Daiwen! Don¡¯t forget how we defeated Bai Wu back then!¡± Qiao Yi was seething with anger. The fireball was shattering the dimension, causing pieces of it to fall downwards.


    Fresh ck blood dripped along Bai Wu¡¯s body, a puddle of ck blood gathered by his feet.


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡± Ka Daiwen and Xu Lan shouted in unison.


    ¡°Pft, cough, cough. I... I¡¯m fine!¡± Bai Wu spat a mouthful of fresh blood on the fireball, causing the fireball to sizzle! ¡°Papa! Do you know what to do?¡±


    Xu Lan nced at Bai Wu and gritted his teeth. He slid down from Bai Wu¡¯s tail and directed for everyone to move toward the well. When Qiao Yi and Bai Wu were fighting, a crack appeared above the well. The endless void was chuckling in a disturbing manner.


    After everyone moved away, Xu Lan shouted at Bai Wu, ¡°Alright!¡±


    Suddenly, Bai Wu caught the fireball with one hand and Ka Daiwen in the other. He tossed the fireball at Qiao Yi. When Qiao Yi was trying to dodge the fireball, Bai Wu leaped into the void with Ka Daiwen in his arms!

 Chapter 202 - Escaped From the Void

    <h4>Chapter 202: Escaped From the Void</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Qiao Yi thought he was hallucinating¡ªhow else could everyone, including Bai Wu and Ka Daiwen, disappear from his sight within that brief moment? If it was not for the horrifying sight of the battlefield, Qiao Yi would have been convicted that everything was but a hallucination.


    Kacha, kacha, kacha! The shattered pieces of the dimension started to fall, nearing the edge of destruction.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Qiao Yi took a punch at the crumbling dimension. He turned around and left with resentment.


    Meanwhile, Ka Daiwen who was in the void realized that she had been ambushed by Bai Wu. However, she could not express her anger as Bai Wu was lying in Xu Lan¡¯s arm weakly. Frustrated by theck of an outlet to express her anger, she stomped her feet repeatedly.


    Their fellowpanions had yet to realize what was happening as they were too preupied with resisting the immense pressure in the dimension.


    ¡°Ryle, won¡¯t you consider helping them? Would you please do it for me?¡± Bai Wu looked at Ka Daiwen and said weakly.


    ¡°Hmph! You¡¯re nothing more than a loser. Why should I?¡± Ka Daiwen snickered.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about him, it¡¯s about you! All of these people are in here because of your hellish dimension! Who are you to decide if everyone should live or die?¡± Xu Lan did not n to get involved, but he could not hold back after hearing what Ka Daiwen said.


    ¡°Them? They didn¡¯t do anything wrong, but it¡¯s simply their fault for being weak. Just as how you humans make cats and dogs your pets, I need some form of entertainment to kill time as well. I once befriended an antelope who died under your guns; I once made a promise with an elephant who was ughtered before I could fulfill my promise. Who are you humans to decide their fate?¡±


    Ka Daiwen borated angrily as she curled up in pain.


    ¡°Undeniably, the phenomenon that you¡¯ve just described is real. However, it doesn¡¯t mean that all humans are evil. You¡¯re attacking people indiscriminately, how are you different from those people whom you hate?¡± Xu Lan had nothing to say about Ka Daiwen¡¯s usation. All he could do was shift the focus in hopes that he could sway her to rescue theirpanions.


    ¡°Ryle, I understand how you feel, but I must remind you that no two humans are the same,¡± Bai Wu stood up in pain and appeared in his original form. He was still bleeding and his blood was dripping in the disappearing dimension.


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan shouted fearfully. He thought Bai Wu knew his own limits, which was why he did not expect Bai Wu to be so severely injured!


    ¡°Hmph! I¡¯ll do you a favor just this once!¡± Ka Daiwen said to Bai Wu as she transformed into her original form¡ªa ck cat. The dragon and the cat supported the dimension as they tried to soften the impact for everyone.


    ¡°Why...¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Ka Daiwen stopped Bai Wu from talking and focused on resisting the pressure.


    After quite some time, right when they were at the brink of exhaustion, a beam of bright light appeared before them. Xu Lan did not experience any difort this time, he was only worried about Bai Wu. He proceeded to move everyone out of the void. Atst, he walked out of the void with Bai Wu in his arms.


    ¡°We finally made it out alive!¡± Fang Lingzi said excitedly while tugging on the businessman¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Hahaha, I guess there¡¯s always a way out of everything! I can¡¯t believe that I made it out alive!¡± the crew-cut manughed hysterically.


    ¡°We have to thank Xu Lan and the elder for that, and...¡± Zhang Fei nced at Ka Daiwen, the murderer who rescued them¡ªwho also happened to be a ck cat.


    ¡°Hey! Bai Wu! Where have you been? I haven¡¯t seen you for a month now,¡± Xiao Xiao hollered from some distance away after noticing Bai Wu¡¯s return.

 Chapter 203 - Lao Chen Was Admitted to the Hospital

    <h4>Chapter 203: Lao Chen Was Admitted to the Hospital</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    She was surprised by what she saw¡ªBai Wu¡¯s chest was charred, his burnt clothes were drenched in his blood. When she got closer, she caught a whiff of roast meat.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Uncle Xu, what happened to Bai Wu?¡± Surprised by how severely injured Bai Wu was, Xiao Xiao asked with slight displeasure.


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story. Hurry up and get us an ambnce!¡± Xu Lan was worried sick about Bai Wu. After all, Bai Wu had never sustained such serious injuries ever since Xu Lan rescued him!


    Once again, Xu Lan set foot in the city hospital at Whitehorse City. The doctor at the emergency department was still the same young and handsome doctor, while Bai Wu remained as the patient. The only difference was, Bai Wu was a grown man and the doctor did not look at him with disdain.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Xiao Xiao paced back and forth in the corridor, she seemed more anxious than Xu Lan who was seated on the bench.


    ¡°Stop walking around, would you? My head hurts from watching you do that,¡±ined Xu Lan, who was asionally ncing at the elegant ck cat seated next to him.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? You¡¯re still in the mood to y with the cat? Seeing how Bai Wu is severely injured but you escaped unscathed, I¡¯m guessing that he took all the damage for you again. Uncle Xu, I don¡¯t understand this. Is your heart really made of iron?¡±


    To Xiao Xiao, the way Xu Lan looked at the cat suggested that he was nonchnt about Bai Wu¡¯s predicament. Xiao Xiao noticed something was wrong with Bai Wu back when she was taking his photos. After ditching her boyfriend to visit Bai Wu, she found out that Bai Wu was living in repression all this while. Xiao Xiao could not help butsh out at Xu Lan.


    Xu Lan stood up and shouted at Xiao Xiao. ¡°Heck! What do you want me to do? Rush in and monitor the doctor as he operates on Bai Wu? What makes you think that... Sigh, forget about it. There¡¯s no point for me to bother myself with a kid like you...¡± He massaged his temple and sat down again.


    Xiao Xiao was surprised by Xu Lan¡¯s reaction. She finally calmed down and took a seat quietly.


    Xu Lan was aware of his sweaty palms and tensed muscles. Still, no one was out yet. After a long time, the lights in the operating room finally went off.


    ¡°Doctor? How, how¡¯s he doing?¡± Xu Lan rushed forward and asked the doctor worriedly.


    ¡°Phew, he¡¯s fine. Just make sure that he¡¯s well rested,¡± the doctor borated slowly after taking off his mask.


    ¡°That¡¯s great, that¡¯s great. Thank you, doctor.¡± Xu Lan felt the load being taken off his mind and trailed after the stretcher. As Xu Lan followed Bai Wu back to his ward, he noticed how pale Bai Wu¡¯s lips were. With a thickyer of gauze wrapped around his chest, Bai Wu smiled cheerfully at Xu Lan.


    ¡°Heck, only someone like you can smile after everything that happened. What happened to your vigor!¡±


    Xu Lan was angered by Bai Wu¡¯s silliness. Xu Lan knew that Bai Wu was holding back on Qiao Yi, but his act of injuring himself to gain the enemy¡¯s confidence was unnecessarily convincing! Bai Wu used to be a crybaby who wailed whenever Xu Lan was slightly mean to him; yet, at that moment he was merely chuckling like a silly boy.


    ¡°Did everyone get out?¡± Bai Wu looked around and did not see anyone but Ka Daiwen, who was seated unwillingly on Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Excuse me, excuse!¡± Before Xu Lan could respond, the nurses brought another stretcher over hurriedly.


    Xu Lan immediately made way and moved toward Bai Wu¡¯s stretcher. Unfortunately, he did not move in time and ended up bumping into an anxious man.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°Meng Chengjun?¡±

 Chapter 204 - Comforting Meng Chengjun

    <h4>Chapter 204: Comforting Meng Chengjun</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan had a frown on his face when he anxiously called out to the man. He then looked at the stretcher. With eyes wide open, he took deep, bellow-like breaths, and his mouth was spitting out white foam.


    ¡®Oh f*ck, what the hell happened?¡¯ Xu Lan looked at Meng Chengjun suspiciously and thought. After the stretcher was sent into the operation room, the doctors and nurses lowered their heads and uttered something under their breaths. The door was then promptly closed shut.


    Having sent Bai Wu back to the ward, he asked a few simple questions, then left Ka Daiwen there and rushed back over to Meng Chengjun.


    ¡°What¡¯s the story here?¡± At first, Meng Chengjun was unable to recognize Xu Lan, mainly because thetter was much thinner than before, andpared to a month ago, his appearance seemed to have aged by a few years.


    ¡°Uncle, he, he got into a fight with Sergeant Xiao. He didn¡¯t regain his strength, not to mention his asthma and high blood pressure acted up at the same time...¡± Meng Chengjun shed a bitter smile.


    Xu Lan always felt that Meng Chengjun was being fake. That impression came mostly because of the ever-present feigned smile on Meng Chengjun¡¯s face. For the first time, Xu Lan learned that Meng Chengjun could feel so helpless and had something other than that fake smile.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Everything¡¯ll be alright.¡± Xu Lan shook his head and patted Meng Chengjun on the shoulder while uttering words offort.


    ¡°He¡¯s been admitted a few times now, but this is the first time he¡¯s like this...¡± Meng Chengjun spread out his palms and ced them on his face as if to wipe away all traces of depression.


    Xu Lan sighed and sat beside him. They were both grown-ups and men at that. Words, at a time like this, were superfluous.


    ¡°Did you bring any cigarettes?¡± Xu Lan asked out of the blue.


    ¡°... This is a no-smoking area.¡± Meng Chengjun did not anticipate that question and thus replied expressionlessly.


    ¡°F*ck! Go to the toilet then, you¡¯ll be sitting around here doing nothing anyway.¡± Xu Lan let out a muted scolding and looked at Meng Chengjun as if he was a ghost. Sure enough, Xu Lan found himself unustomed to mingling with such people. Despite all the benefits that came with ying by the book, being too straight and narrow might drive him insane.


    Meng Chengjun snorted and let out a chuckle, then got up, patted his own behind, and headed toward the toilet. He did not know if Xu Lan was genuinely stupid or ying stupid; after taking credit for so much of Xu Lan¡¯s work, the man still came tofort him as though nothing had happened.


    ¡®Pa-ta...¡¯


    With the flicker of a blue me, Xu Lan borrowed Meng Chengjun¡¯s cigarette and took a deep puff. It was ages since hest smoked, and the feeling he got ¨C where his whole body, as well as all his bones, rxed immediately ¨C was truly indescribable.


    ¡°Is the case settled yet?¡± Xu Lan licked his lips and lifted up the cigarette with his hand. Ah, it was Chunghwa. No wonder he felt energetic when he smoked it. Still, Xu Lan preferred his Yunyan Special <sup>1</sup> ; it was always best if the cigarette suited one¡¯s tastes.


    ¡°Mm. After we caught that hooligan, we never touched ¡®Sparrow¡¯ again. When it came to that Zhao kid, there were never any clues to begin with. Just a few days ago, Lan Er found out that someone from Laos logged into the game, so Sergeant Xiao urgently requested to contact the informer whom we stationed in Laos. It was also this that led to their argument.¡±


    Meng Chengjun blew out a puff of smoke. Xu Lan was unable to see Meng Chengjun¡¯s emotions clearly due to the haziness, but he knew instinctively that there was a hint of disapproval when Meng Chengjun mentioned Xiao Feng.


    ¡°Was anyone hurt?¡± Xu Lan squinted and asked.


    ¡°None. That¡¯s why it¡¯s so hard to deal with!¡± Meng Chengjun let out a bitter chuckle, then put out the cigarette by pressing the cigarette butt to the dustbin. ¡°I¡¯ll go back and take a look.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Xu Lan nodded and also put out his cigarette. After Meng Chengjun had left, he headed to the opposite end of the inpatient department.


    Bai Wu looked on while the doctor pointed a water gun on his wounded flesh. It was painful, but once he rxed, he immediately fell into a deep sleep.


    ¡°Cough, cough...¡± Xu Lan awkwardly coughed. Ka Daiwen immediately red at him coldly.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡± Xu Lan asked.

 Chapter 205 - Bai Wu’s Past

    <h4>Chapter 205: Bai Wu¡¯s Past</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan forced out a smile and asked as gently as possible, ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    ¡°About what?¡± Ka Daiwen folded her arms, looked at Xu Lan with distrust, then asked in disdain.


    After getting Xiao Xiao to leave, Ka Daiwen transformed into a human. Her beautiful face and exquisite figure made her seem as though she was in her early twenties. If Xu Lan had note to terms with his own feelings prior to that moment, he would surely have admired Ka Daiwen in secret. Nevertheless, he was thinking of ways to minimize her interaction with Bai Wu, especially if it was a situation where both of them were alone.


    ¡°Uhh, for example, why is Bai Wu traveling back and forth all these dimensions with no way of going back? Why was he framed and lost his position of leadership? And how would he be able to return? Stuff like that.¡± Xu Lan shrugged his shoulders and asked softly.


    She looked at him from head to toe and asked, ¡°Who are you to ask me all this? Why should I even talk to you about it?¡±


    ¡°Haha, don¡¯t be rash. We have a saying that goes, amiability makes you rich, do you know that? And girls also get wrinkles easily if they get angry too much. By then, it might not just be Bai Wu, maybe even the other members of the dragon n might not like you.¡± Xu Lan touched the scar above his eyebrow and curled his lips in a smile.


    ¡°You!¡±


    Ka Daiwen flung her sleeves all of a sudden and walked angrily out of the ward. Xu Lan promptly went out as well.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about why Bai Wu lost hismanding position.¡± She relented atst and looked at the colors of the fast-setting sun.


    ¡°Mm. I can understand.¡± Xu Lan leaned on the railings and looked up to the sky in the same manner as Ka Daiwen.


    The Koi-colored sunset shone upon the red horizon while a cool breeze brushed through. Xu Lan tried milking his vocabry for words, but the only two adjectives he could find were ¡®beautiful¡¯ and ¡®rxing¡¯. He could not help but smile: a woman¡¯s sensibility was something he could never understand.


    After Qiao Yi defeated Bai Wu, thetter ¨C with a ruined constitution ¨C fled to the dragon n¡¯s borders. Qiao Yi feared that Bai Wu woulde back stronger in the future, so in light of that, he ordered all the dragons to do their best and find Bai Wu. Dead or alive, he made every effort to see Bai Wu, and finally, he found a dying Bai Wu in Qinglong Mountain. Whichever way one looked at it, Bai Wu was fortunate enough to bear the purest and noblest lineage among the dragon n. Qiao Yi did not dare to kill him there and then, so all he could do was lock Bai Wu up to be subjected to daily mistreatment.


    Tang was originally Bai Wu¡¯s right-hand man, but after hearing Qiao Yi¡¯s ideology, he too assisted in Bai Wu¡¯s entrapment. He never foresaw that Qiao Yi would disregard their agreement and decide to kill Bai Wu. Distraught at seeing a desperate Bai Wu being persecuted and killed, he secretly rescued Bai Wu out in order to hide Bai Wu in a different dimension.


    Once Qiao Yi found out, he flew into a fit of rage. Despite sending out arge number of capable assistants to search for Bai Wu, he was nowhere to be found. In the end, an ancient spell was somehow dug up; utilizing the same bloodline as Bai Wu¡¯s to block up any contact between the dragon realm and other dimensions, a protective screen was set up, isting Bai Wu from the dragon realm forever. Whatever dimension Bai Wu may be in, and regardless of how long he was in that dimension, he would remain unable to find the dragon realm.


    ¡°That terrible, huh? How scared of Bai Wu is he? He doesn¡¯t seem weak to me,¡± the baffled Xu Lan asked. To him, it was like a battle for the throne, something that seemed so foreign and so exciting.


    ¡°In other dimensions, Bai Wu can only use eighty percent of his powers at most,¡± Ka Daiwen said, then continued, ¡°but the remaining twenty percent is the most menacing.¡±


    ¡°I see. So, that means he¡¯spletely unable to find his way back home?¡± Xu Lan paused almost imperceptibly as he touched the stubble of his chin, then raised an eyebrow and asked.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Xu Lan spat out a mouthful. On the one hand, he despised his rejoicing heart, on the other he loathed Qiao Yi¡¯s vicious and sinister methods, for it was ill-fitting of a man.


    ¡°Xu Lan, we¡¯ve searched all over for you. Is Elder okay?¡± Fang Lingzi asked dispiritedly while holding her knees and gasping coarsely.


    ¡°We¡¯re fine. And you? Why are you still here?¡± Xu Lan frowned when he saw some ten plus peopleing out in session from behind her.

 Chapter 206 - Wang Meng and Xiao Feng

    <h4>Chapter 206: Wang Meng and Xiao Feng</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°We want to see Bai Wu¡¯s injury.¡± Sheng Ya looked at Ka Daiwen from head to toe, then returned her gaze to Xu Lan. There was an indescribable feeling in her heart as she uttered those words.


    ¡°...cough, room six-o-four, do you want to take a look? I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s awake at this time though.¡± Xu Lan unknowingly smiled, but in his heart, he was upset.


    ¡®Motherf*cker! Here alone, there were two young women who liked Bai Wu, and that was not counting Xiao Xiao, who had just left! Sure! Go ahead!¡¯ Xu Lan silently held a grudge against Bai Wu for that!


    ¡°We asked around a bit just now. This totally isn¡¯t the ce we lived in! Where is this?¡± Fang Lingzi pouted and asked doubtfully.


    ¡°Yeah, we just asked a few people and they all said they¡¯ve never heard of Gongli <sup>1</sup> Country.¡± The crew-cut man rubbed his head and was simrly dumbfounded.


    ¡°They said that the Central Science Park here is an institution instead of an actual park...¡± Zhang Fei came closest to having something he knew; at least there was a Central Science Park there!


    ¡°...it¡¯s a parallel universe. I¡¯m sure all of you know what that is. Each one of you, for example, came from different worlds but were gathered together in the mission system. This is no different. It¡¯s simply another parallel universe.¡± Xu Lan ced his hands in his pant pockets and felt a handkerchief. It alleviated his jittery frame of mind.


    ¡°So, what do we do now? Is there any way for us to return?¡± The businessman was as calm as always, leading Xu Lan to consider enlisting him to be a detective.


    Hah, he wondered if Lao Chen removed him from duty. After all, his attitude was more impulsive than before.


    ¡°There is. You need to go through the void again and again, to many different ces. Only then can you find your way back to your own world.¡± Xu Lan squinted and smiled.


    ¡°...we¡¯ll visit Elder first, haha, I wouldn¡¯t want to go through all that again, my heart can¡¯t take it.¡±


    Fang Lingzi said that while cing her hand earnestly on her chest. The others looked at each and forck of a choice, they followed her to see Bai Wu.


    ¡°A woman¡¯spassion.¡± Ka Daiwen looked at Xu Lan and scoffed at his way of handling things.


    ¡°Hehe, you? Using an aphorism? And I thought you looked down on us humans.¡± Xu Lan shot back satirically and rushed forth to catch up with the others. Bai Wu risked his life to save them all, so how could he simply send them back to such dire circumstances once again?


    ¡°Ah f*ck! Can¡¯t you restrain yourself for a bit? It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t know that the old man has blood clots, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure. He¡¯s riddled with illness. If it backfires on you, I sure as hell wouldn¡¯t want to join you in your hardship!¡±


    ¡°Hm? You sure about that?¡±


    Before Xu Lan climbed up the stairs to the sixth floor, he heard a familiar voice resounding through the corridor. His heart leaped in glee as he walked over and chanced upon Wang Meng and Xiao Feng, who were both walking out of the elevator.


    ¡°Meng Zi, Officer Xiao!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s body rxed tremendously as if the impure energy in his heart was expelled out through his sudden utterance.


    Wang Meng ¨C who was holding a bouquet of flowers ¨C was given a shock. He turned his head suddenly and saw Xu Lan standing conspicuously in the middle of the walkway.


    ¡°Oh f*ck! Xiao Xu! You son of a b*tch! Is it really you?¡± Wang Meng gave the flowers to Xiao Feng and ran over to pat Xu Lan on the back.


    ¡°Hehe, it¡¯s really me, but if you keep patting my back, I might no longer be!¡± Xu Lan answered painfully.


    ¡°F*ck! Where did you go, you b*stard? Your phone isn¡¯t reachable, your house is empty, you just disappeared out of nowhere and we all thought you were dead!¡± Wang Meng once again patted Xu Lan firmly on the back, causing him to nearly kneel down.


    ¡°Uh, it¡¯s a long story. Let¡¯s find some time to have a long chat. Aren¡¯t you guys going to visit your patient?¡± Xu Lan could not hold off against Wang Meng¡¯s hardened patting, but the main point was that Xiao Feng simply indulged him in his bullying of others!


    Tsk. How unprincipled!


    ¡°Oh, f*ck I almost forgot the serious stuff. Where will you beter? We¡¯lle over to look for you after this.¡± Wang Meng pped his own forehead and eximed.

 Chapter 207 - Zhang Fei’s Colleague

    <h4>Chapter 207: Zhang Fei¡¯s Colleague</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    By the time Xu Lan went in, Bai Wu was awake. His lips curled in a smile, but when he saw the throng of people behind Xu Lan, the smile was immediately suppressed.


    ¡°Elder, how are you?¡±


    ¡°Bai Wu...¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan said that there were too many of us, so we¡¯d have to stay at the entrance of the operation theatre. If Fang Lingzi didn¡¯t manage to find him, we wouldn¡¯t have known that you were here.¡±


    With eyes half-open Bai Wu listened indifferently and could not help but curse silently to himself, ¡®It¡¯d be better if you weren¡¯t able to find me!¡¯


    ¡°He¡¯s just finished the operation, and the doctor said he needs to rest more.¡± Xu Lan took a seat on the chair beside the bed and folded one leg over the other; he then looked at the group of people in front of him. Fortunately for him, he sold his inheritance at a good price and was able to afford the intensive care ward. If it were the regr ward next door, he would have received numerousints from the other patients.


    Having heard Xu Lan¡¯s remark and seen Bai Wu¡¯s look of discontent, everyone dropped the subject. They quietly lined themselves in two rows and squatted on the ground in order to minimize their presence as best as they could.


    ¡°Why are you all squatting there for?¡± There were a few things that Bai Wu wanted to talk about with Xu Lan, but after looking around in speechlessness, he asked ineffably.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have anywhere else to go. The only person we know here are Elder and Xu Lan.¡± Fang Lingzi pouted and remarked unhappily.


    ¡°...Papa, Xu, Xu Lan, here...my chest is a bit painful.¡± Out of habit, Bai Wu called out, but when Xu Lan red at him, he corrected himself and rubbed his hands guiltily.


    Those who squatted on the ground were all in shock. When Bai Wu was in front of them, he always took charge of things. Even if Xu Lan was there, he would intentionally let Bai Wu step forward to manage the general situation. After hearing Bai Wu¡¯s coquettish voice, they looked at him as though they saw a ghost. They looked at Xu Lan again and saw his chivalrous look: it was something they found to be even more terrifying than a naked Xiao Ya.


    ¡°Mm.¡± Xu Lan stood up, walked over to the bed, and pressed the call bell. ¡°I¡¯ll find a couple of cheap hotels for them, then I¡¯lle back. What do you want to eat?¡±


    Bai Wu was joyed when he heard those words. A flush of red immediately colored his pale face and he shed a smile. ¡°I wanna eat chocte cheesecake.¡±


    ¡°He can¡¯t eat chocte. Not yet.¡± The young doctor held a medical record and walked to Bai Wu. Though he could no longer recognize Bai Wu, the doctor¡¯s memory of Xu Lan was still fresh.


    ¡°Mm. Okay. I¡¯d still like to bring some food for him to fill his tummy. Is there anything else he can¡¯t take? He mentioned just now that his chest was in pain, doctor, can you check and see if something¡¯s the matter?¡± Xu Lan nced at Bai Wu and saw that his mouth was nted to one side and his head was titled too. Xu Lan could not help butugh, and after blurting out a few sentences, he ushered the group of people out and left with them.


    Perhaps Xu Lan did not check his luck with the Yellow Calendar before going through the void. If he did, then perhaps there would not be too many chance encounters on that day! With one simple act of going to the toilet, Zhang Fei disappeared, and it took a great effort to finally find him. Unexpectedly, there was a ¡®pestilent demon¡¯ following close behind him.


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey, why are you here?¡± Xu Lan rubbed the back of his head and smiled; he felt awkward but remained courteous nheless.


    ¡°Hey, we¡¯ve traveled far and wide looking for you, but here I am finding you so easily. You gave us a real hard time trying to look for you!¡±


    An impably attired man was behind Zhang Fei, and upon spotting Xu Lan, the man immediately went up to greet him. Just as Xu Lan extended a hand, the man instantly grabbed it and twisted it behind Xu Lan¡¯s back. Thankfully, Xu Lan still remembered his basics, so he lowered his center of gravity and opportunely broke free.


    ¡°You f*cker! Can¡¯t you talk nicely? I¡¯m a civilized person, you know!¡± Xu Lan spat out.


    ¡°Zhang Fei, who¡¯s this? Why did he want to hit Xu Lan?¡± Sheng Ya asked.


    ¡°Yeah, do you know him? He looks quite handsome.¡± Fang Lingzi opened her eyes wide and stared at him while asking curiously.


    ¡°He¡¯s my colleague, Liang Yu.¡±

 Chapter 208 - People Who Do Not Belong in This World

    <h4>Chapter 208: People Who Do Not Belong in This World</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°You... You don¡¯t belong here, right?¡± Sheng Ya looked at Zhang Fei and eximed.


    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯ve no idea.¡± Zhang Fei was deep in thought after replying.


    Liang Yu seemed to carry a pair of earphones everywhere he went. Decked in a ck suit and shiny leather shoes, he looked exactly like that day when he sent Bai Wu to the Central Science Park. Xu Lan recognized him immediately.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Bai Wu? Qin Lao has been nagging us to find both of you!¡± Liang Yu said as he yanked on Xu Lan¡¯s arm, steering him toward the hospital.


    ¡°Oi! What are you doing! Do you think your behavior is appropriate in a civilized society like ours?¡± Even though Liang Yu seemed scrawny, Xu Lan found it hard to free himself from his grip.


    ¡°Why are you here at the hospital? Where¡¯s Bai Wu?¡± Liang Yu nced at Xu Lan and sneered at his bad taste.


    ¡°How would I know? I¡¯m here for my wife. Speaking of which, I need to hurry home and cook her some porridge. Don¡¯t even talk to me about Bai Wu! He¡¯s the reason why I was drawn into the void. Ever since I was attacked, I¡¯ve been in a weakened state,¡± Xu Lan spoke as he gestured at his arm under Liang Yu¡¯s grip.


    Xu Lan acquired the skill of bluffing from his days spent as a policeman. Liang Yu looked at Xu Lan in suspicion before turning to look at Zhang Fei.


    ¡°He¡¯s here for his wife?¡±


    Zhang Fei was stunned at first, he gaped in surprise. Xu Lan red at him, ready to pounce if Zhang Fei so much as uttered a wrong syble.


    ¡°Yes! We¡¯re here for his wife,¡± Sheng Ya tapped on Zhang Fei¡¯s hand before stepping forward to reply.


    ¡°Uh huh, yes,¡± Zhang Fei lowered his head and replied. As Bai Wu and Xu Lan were dating, their exnation was, to a certain extent, true.


    ¡°Xu Lan, Uncle... When are we going for a meal? I¡¯m starving and sleepy,¡± Fang Lingzi took Sheng Ya¡¯s hint and started whining.


    ¡°Uh huh, we¡¯re starving,¡± said the businessman after getting pinched by Fang Lingzi. Everyone chimed in and urged Xu Lan to head out for a meal.


    ¡°Heh, young man, I still have to bring them for a meal. Shall we chat again another day?¡± Xu Lan wrenched his arm free from Liang Yu¡¯s hand. ¡®Darn it, it¡¯s definitely going to bruise,¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    Liang Yu looked up at the depressing sky before turning to look at Xu Lan, ¡°What a coincidence, I¡¯m nning to have my meal too. Let¡¯s have a meal together, my treat.¡±


    ¡°This...¡± Xu Lan wanted to reject Liang Yu¡¯s offer. He decided to keep his mouth shut after seeing Liang Yu¡¯s determined gaze. He knew that the more he said, the likelier it was for him to give away himself.


    Since Liang Yu wanted to treat all of them to a meal, Xu Lan decided to make use of the opportunity. He brought the entire group to the grand Whitehorse Hotel and ordered almost everything that was on the menu.


    ¡°Everyone! It¡¯s been a stressful few days, enjoy the meal! Don¡¯t hold back and eat all you can! We can always order more if there isn¡¯t enough.¡± Even though Xu Lan was addressing everyone, the only person he was staring at was Liang Yu.


    Liang Yu rested his clenched fists on his thighs. Despite that his veins were almost popping, the smile on his face did not fade.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± If his memory served him right, Xu Lan was certain that Liang Yu did not belong in this world. He went through a torturous time trying to travel through the void.


    ¡°Qin Lao was invited to head over in order to provide technical assistance on a case. I followed him.¡±


    ¡°Which case is this? Isn¡¯t Qin Lao in Biotechnology?¡± Xu Lan had a few drinks with everyone and waited until the right time to ask.


    ¡°928.¡±

 Chapter 209 - Li Xiu Was Rescued

    <h4>Chapter 209: Li Xiu Was Rescued</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Fang Lingzi, bring my wife some foodter. I won¡¯t being over tonight as I¡¯ve run into some old friends.¡± Xu Lan was certain that the businessman would tag along if Fang Lingzi were to visit Bai Wu, which was why he had nothing to be worried about.


    It was almost summer and the temperature was rising steadily. The heat from the warm breeze was hard to ignore after a few alcoholic drinks. Xu Lan undid two buttons on his shirt and stared at Liang Yu with a serious look on his face.


    ¡°Sparrow Game was it?¡± Xu Lan took another sip of his drink and asked. Even though most of them did not know Xu Lan used to be a policeman, Xu Lan practiced his professional ethics and did not say much.


    ¡°... Uh huh, how did you find out about this? The investigation has been going on for quite some time now, I heard it bears semnce to Li Xiu¡¯s case,¡± Liang Yu decided not to ask further after recalling that Xu Lan used to be a policeman.


    Xu Lan snickered; he disagreed with Liang Yu. Li Xiu created excuses for his selfish desires, it was a cruel and despicable act. If anything, at least the 928 incident was merely a simple murder.


    Everyone else at the table could not understand their conversation, but they found it strangely amusing. They tuned in as they carried on with their feast.


    ¡°Hmph, he¡¯s hopeless. Even at the very end, he was still trying to make himself look good!¡± Xu Lan took another meatball and cursed, ¡°Whatever! It¡¯s over now.¡±


    Xu Lan looked around and noticed that everyone was almost done with their meal. He stood up and walked everyone out as he thanked Liang Yu against his will. He wondered what would be a good way to get Liang Yu off his tail. He could not visit Bai Wu with Liang Yu following, not when it meant risking Bai Wu being captured.


    Indeed, it would be difficult for them to capture Bai Wu at this point. Upon realizing that, Xu Lan felt relieved. After all, Bai Wu was no longer a helpless crybaby.


    ¡°Li Xiu escaped.¡±


    ¡°What? Heck!¡± Xu Lan stood up and mmed his palm on the table, he asked in shock and anger.


    ¡°I read it on the news. Apparently, someone rescued Li Xiu without anyone noticing,¡± Liang Yu sighed and borated.


    At that point, Xu Lan¡¯s shirt was soaked. There were plenty of people who shared the same name, no matter what Qiao Yi said, Xu Lan would not have thought that Li Xiu from the other world was connected to the Li Xiu that Qiao Yi spoke of.


    How then, could Liang Yu¡¯s appearance be exined? Have no one realized the differences between the current world and the previous world?


    ¡°I... I shall make arrangement for everyone. Stay with me for now,¡± Xu Lan massaged his temples and uttered the words through his gritted teeth.


    ¡®I should¡¯ve known that there¡¯s more to this! Li Xiu could tell that Bai Wu isn¡¯t a human in just one nce and since then, he¡¯s been plotting against Bai Wu!¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    Xu Lan felt chills creeping up his feet, causing him to shiver. Xu Lan wondered what he can do. After watching the battle between Bai Wu and Qiao Yi, he understood that it was a world that he could never interfere with. In their world, Xu Lan was nothing more than a speck of dust.


    Liang Yu received a call from Qin Lao in the middle of the meal and had to leave. This created the perfect opportunity for Xu Lan to visit Bai Wu at the hospital. Before he even went into the ward, he heard a mixture of cheerful, solemn, and low voices. He pushed open the door and walked in with a straight face.


    ¡°Xiao Xu, you¡¯re back!¡± Wang Meng stood up and asked cheerfully. Xiao Feng held him back and caught him off guard, causing him to stumble into Xiao Feng¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Heck! Are you sick or what?¡± Wang Meng pointed at Xiao Feng¡¯s nose and started scolding. He pushed Xiao Feng away and patted Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder, enquiring about what happened to Xu Lan over the past month.


    Meanwhile, Bai Wu and Xiao Feng looked at each other. They were staring at Xu Lan and Wang Meng with a huge frown on their face.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to do something about it?¡± Bai Wu asked with a pout.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing that I can do about it. He¡¯s be more matured and opinionated, won¡¯t even let me touch him at night.¡± Bai Wu wondered if he heard Xiao Feng right, as he discerned a hint of grievance from Xiao Feng¡¯s tone.


    ¡°Heck! Baldie Chen is in trouble? Haha, after all these years, he finally got what he deserved! I¡¯m loving how this is turning out. What is he being investigated for?¡± Xu Lan smiled cheerfully as he recalled how Baldie Chen used to bully him.

 Chapter 210 - Much Desired Tranquility

    <h4>Chapter 210: Much Desired Tranquility</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Lao Chen went out of his way to scheme for Meng Chengjun¡¯s benefit. In the end, Meng Chengjun became his downfall.


    Due to Xu Lan¡¯s sudden disappearance, Lao Chen approached the Provincial Party Committee with the intention of bribing them to rece Xu Lan with Meng Chengjun at themendation ceremony. His actions attracted the attention of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.


    The investigation oue was announced yesterday and Xiao Feng visited Lao Chen. During their conversation, Lao Chen became agitated and in turn, his blood pressure rose. Subsequently, Lao Chen was rushed to the hospital.


    The four of them talked at length and Xu Lan found out about the current situation at Whitehorse City. The key events were, Xu Lan had been deposed due to his absence without notice, a new chief was scheduled to take office the day after, and there was no new information about 928 as the enemies were alerted.


    Xu Lan and Wang Meng enjoyed talking to each other. Meanwhile, Bai Wu yawned in his bed while Xiao Feng depleted his phone battery while waiting for the conversation to end. Bai Wu urged Xiao Feng to leave with Wang Meng.


    ¡°Heck! Xiao Feng! You! You...¡±


    ¡°Papa...¡± Xu Lan was halted by Bai Wu when he tried to walk everyone out. He was surprised by Bai Wu¡¯s low and sexy voice.


    ¡°Heck! Are you addicted to it now?¡± Xu Lan yelled to mask his embarrassment.


    ¡°I... I need time to change how I address you,¡± Bai Wu whispered after being scolded by Xu Lan. He felt wronged yet happy at the same time.


    ¡°Pft, didn¡¯t you refuse to acknowledge that I¡¯m your father back then? What¡¯s going on now?¡± Xu Lan chuckled and fell back into his seat. He crossed his arms and tried to fall asleep.


    ¡°Papa! How can you still fixate on this even after I¡¯ve apologized to you?¡± Bai Wu was anxious and even tried to stand up.


    ¡°What are you doing? Fine, fine, it¡¯s my bad. It¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s just call it a night shall we?¡± Xu Lan got up hurriedly and held Bai Wu down. Bai Wu took advantage of the position andtched onto Xu Lan. He gestured at the empty spot next to him.


    ¡°Sleep here,¡± Bai Wu said in an innocent tone.


    ¡°You...¡±


    Before Xu Lan could reject Bai Wu, he found himself in bed and tucked in under the nket. After tucking Xu Lan in, Bai Wu hugged him andy intimately on his chest.


    ¡°I¡¯ll address you as my uncle then. With the exception of Xiao Zhang, everyone here thinks that I¡¯m your nephew. Right, Uncle Xu?¡± Bai Wu gave Xu Lan¡¯s stubble a peck and chuckled happily.


    ¡°I saw Liang Yu today. He¡¯s the one who intended to capture us back when we first tried to travel through dimensions,¡± Xu Lan sighed andbed his fingers through his hair as he spoke fearfully.


    ¡°...¡± When he looked down, he was surprised to find Bai Wu asleep. He chuckled after realizing how hard the little one tried to stay awake just to spend more time with him.


    He decided to work things out as he went. Xu Lan adjusted the temperature to twenty-six degrees Celcius before tucking himself in.


    It waste spring, early summer. The spring rain fell endlessly at night while the trees outside tried to absorb as much nutrients as they could before summer came. With sufficient sunlight in the summertime, the trees would grow and prosper.


    Fang Lingzi and the businessman were sent away by Wang Meng. It was unsure when Ka Daiwen left. At that moment, Bai Wu and Xu Lan were the only ones left. The duo cuddled to sleep.


    A quiet and peaceful night used to be a luxury to them; how many peaceful nights did they have left?


    The water in Sancha River was disturbingly ck. Eerieughter could asionally be heard, as though the river was waiting for its next victim to leap in. Lao Cheny on the sickbed, it was not certain how many days he had left. Liang Yu and Qin Lao discussed at length; the new chief was on his way.

 Chapter 211 - I’ll Look After Him

    <h4>Chapter 211: I¡¯ll Look After Him</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Although the beds in the intensive care ward were rtivelyrger, it was still cramped. This was evidenced by the struggle both men faced when sleeping together. As Xu Lan stood in front of the window and stretched his muscles, a vivacious Bai Wu went over and hugged him tightly.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±


    ¡°Mm...¡± Bai Wu ced his chin at the base of Xu Lan¡¯s neck and began nuzzling intimately.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be meeting Wang Meng soon. I¡¯lle back to check on you during noon,¡± Xu Lan said calmly after pushing Bai Wu away and putting on a shirt.


    ¡°I¡¯m all healed now. I want to go with you.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Xu Lan declined without hesitation. Sergeant Xiao, who dealt with the 928 Incident, was the only person Xu Lan knew there. Having chatted with Liang Yu the day before, Xu Lan felt that it was unwise to let Bai Wu walk about in the open.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like they can catch me anyway,¡± Bai Wu sneered with disdain. It seemed like he had heard the conversation from the previous night.


    Eventually, Bai Wu¡¯s reddened eyes and cloying voice led Xu Lan to stop resisting. With a facepalm, he begrudgingly brought Bai Wu along. Bai Wu was pleased with himself for being able to have his way with his devious scheme, but he vehemently suppressed his delight and obediently followed Bai Wu to the local police station.


    It was thought that the case could be solved within a short period of time, but it dragged on for more than a month because there were no leads. The task force was then moved to the local police station.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu!¡± Wang Hao dropped all his documents onto the floor in surprise, the instant heid his eyes on Xu Lan. The ensuing sound drew out the other members of Team 2. Sullenness, dissatisfaction, gloominess, and helplessness umted on each of their faces. Those feelings appeared spontaneously upon seeing Xu Lan.


    ¡°Mm. I¡¯ve let all of you down. I¡¯m now unemployed, so don¡¯t be like that.¡±


    Those jokers had been Xu Lan¡¯s subordinates. All of them, most notably Wang Hao, were like family to him. Wang Hao was his partner, his brother, and someone who was willing to risk life and limb for him, but Xu Lan disappeared for a month without even considering everyone¡¯s feelings.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu! You¡¯re back for real! The chief has been sacked and a new chief will take office today. Will youe back here? We¡¯re all hoping that you can.¡± Xiao Zhang lowered his head and uttered softly.


    ¡°Exactly! Sergeant Xu! We really hope you¡¯ll return!¡±


    They rattled off their requests for Xu Lan to sit for the entrance exam that was being advertised at the time. However, they gave no thought as to whether Xu Lan could actually pass the exams, given that it was years since Xu Lanst touched the entrance examination reference books!


    ¡°Try to persuade your uncle, Bai Wu. To be unemployed now when the economy is at a low; even a meal will be hard toe by!¡± Wang Hao coaxed and nced at Bai Wu, who was behind Xu Lan.


    Under the gaze of Team 2, Bai Wu stepped forward. Xu Lan muttered embarrassedly, ¡°Actually, I still have the inheri...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll look after him!¡± Neither being obsequious nor supercilious, Bai Wu¡¯s low voice rang through the office. His stately and irrefutable character intimidated all those who were present there, including Xu Lan.


    A wave of warmth surged from the depths of Xu Lan¡¯s heart. Raising this ¡® young woman <sup>1</sup> ¡® was not in vain! Despite the fact that Bai Wu said the words without meaning them, Xu Lan still felt that warmth.


    ¡°Who¡¯s looking after who now?¡± Meng Chengjun¡¯s gleeful voice abruptly sounded from the doorway.


    As it turned out, Xu Lan¡¯s sudden return caused Team 2 to forget that they were supposed to wee the new chief. Meng Chengjun went instead and briefly showed him around. Just as they reached the doorway, Meng Chengjun heard Bai Wu¡¯s bold words and paused inquisitively for a moment.


    ¡°Haha, the child was kidding, you...¡±


    Xu Lanughed candidly and turned to look at Meng Chenjun. Midway through the sentence, he saw a figure that was familiar and strange at the same time. Xu Lan¡¯s pitch-ck pupils immediately contracted, he stumbled a few steps, only to be held by Bai Wu. That person was equally stunned, he then pushed aside everyone else so he could walk over to Xu Lan.


    ¡°How could it be you?¡± Xu Lan asked the throat-tickling question after calming himself down.

 Chapter 212 - Ditching the Wife for the Son

    <h4>Chapter 212: Ditching the Wife for the Son</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Holding tight to a tobo pipe, the person behind Meng Chengjun was no less surprised. He tore through the crowd, stepped forward, and looked at Xu Lan with mixed feelings.


    ¡°You¡¯re acquainted?¡± Meng Chengjun asked with a smile as a hint of awkwardness shed through his face.


    ¡°We¡¯ve worked together before,¡± Hu Cheng spoke before Xu Lan could.


    Hu Cheng had a moment of selfishness and betrayed Xu Lan. Even though Sun Fei did not bring the subject up with the others, Hu Cheng knew that Sun Fei distanced himself after all that happened. Ever since Li Xiu was captured, Hu Cheng never saw Xu Lan again, and it made him resent not being able to rify things to Xu Lan. He med himself incessantly whenever he thought about it. He never would have imagined that he would see Xu Lan again someday, and at that moment, his emotions were getting the better of himself.


    ¡°... Who would¡¯ve thought that the new Chief is an old friend, haha, what fate. Mm, I came here looking for someone. Both of you take it slow, I¡¯ll excuse myself. Chief Hu, we¡¯ll chat another time,¡± Xu Lan said forthrightly. He put on a fake smile and patted Hu Cheng on the shoulder.


    ¡°Xu Lan...¡± Hu Cheng showed his yellowed teeth beginning to call out to Xu Lan but he immediately changed his mind, ashamed to do so.


    At that point, Xu Lan became extremely worried. If Liang Yu and Qin Lao¡¯s presence were to be regarded as a mere coincidence, then Hu Cheng¡¯s appearance would effectively destroy the delusion that Xu Lan was fooling himself and the others.


    ¡°Bai Wu, this... Why did such a thing happen?¡± Xu Lan dragged Bai Wu into the washroom on the same floor and asked anxiously.


    ¡°... I don¡¯t know either. Up till today, I¡¯ve never experienced anything like this.¡± Bai Wu thought for a moment and replied with a frown.


    Xu Lan gave Bai Wu a solemn look. He did not know what to do. In the end, they were brought back to the office because Wang Meng went to the toilet and noticed the both of them.


    Things got awkward from then on. Xu Lan pushed open the door and saw three men, all seated with straightened postures. There was no reaction from Xiao Feng, but when Qin Lao and Liang Yu saw who was entering, the both of them immediately stood up.


    Qin Lao propped himself on his walking stick and hurried unsteadily toward Xu Lan. Xu Lan was worried for Qin Lao¡¯s hobbling, fearing that a slight misstep might cause him to fall.


    ¡°You! You. I didn¡¯t believe it when Liang Yu told me. You¡¯re still alive?¡± Qin Lao had seen Xu Lan disappear before his own eyes. A perusal of the pertinent information revealed that a wormhole was the only possible exnation, and after all that, Xu Lan and Bai Wu were still alive and standing right in front of him ¨C in the flesh.


    Qin Lao stretched his aged, trembling hand out and tried to touch Xu Lan. So far, there was no information on whether humans could or could not utilize a wormhole to pass through space and time. Scanter still was information on whether humans could even survive the ordeal.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Annoyed, Bai Wu smacked away Qin Lao¡¯s trembling hand and slotted himself in between Qin Lao and Xu Lan. He then gave Qin Lao a distrustful look.


    ¡°You¡¯re that dra... You¡¯re Bai Wu? Ah, Bai Wu.¡± Realizing his slip of the tongue, Qin Lao promptly corrected his sentence. He murmured while both his hands grasped his walking stick firmly.


    ¡°Er, hehe, Qin Lao, you¡¯re here too? Well, since you¡¯re all busy and I have no business here, I¡¯ll excuse myself.¡± Xu Lan took one look at Bai Wu and hurriedly pulled him out of the room.


    ¡°Stay right where you are!¡± Noticing that Xu Lan was leaving, Liang Yu shouted abruptly, ¡°You told me yesterday that you couldn¡¯t find Bai Wu, and yet the both of you are here today?¡±


    ¡°ording to what you¡¯ve said, it¡¯s only normal that we¡¯re both here together,¡± Bai Wu replied with a cold chuckle.


    ¡°Hmph. You were in such a hurry to get rid of me yesterday. I was wondering how much you love your wife. Is she really okay with you having such a grown-up son?¡± Liang Yu blurted.

 Chapter 213 - Dimensional Disorder

    <h4>Chapter 213: Dimensional Disorder</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°!¡± Bai Wu immediately shifted his attention to Xu Lan. He locked his eyes onto Xu Lan in a death stare so intense that it was almost capable of burning a hole.


    ¡°Eh, young brother, you may be able to put whatever you like in your mouth, but you have to be careful about whates out of it. Indeed, I was anxiously rushing home to check on my wifest night. I bumped into Bai Wu just this morning,¡± Xu Lan answered resentfully while avoiding eye contact Bai Wu.


    ¡°Hm? And how did you guys know each other? I sense some bad blood <sup>1</sup> , perhaps it¡¯s better to sit down and talk about it.¡± Wang Meng noticed the change in atmosphere and quickly became the peacemaker.


    ¡°Hehe, no need. Since you¡¯re all busy, we¡¯ll be leaving.¡± Xu Lan shed an awkward smile, turned around and started walking out. Little did he expect that Bai Wu suddenly grabbed his hand, stumbled slightly, and got him to re-enter the room again.


    ¡°Keep calm, and exin everything clearly.¡±


    After gnashing his teeth loudly, Bai Wu¡¯s voice finally escaped past his mrs. His first reaction was that of disbelief since Xu Lan had been keeping himpany in the ward the night before. On second thought, he began to wonder why Xu Lan came to him sote. By that time, it was already in the wee hours of the morning, and furthermore, Xu Lan had had a few drinks.


    The atmosphere in the room was both awkward and weird. Wang Mengpletely forgot what the exact topic of discussion was. With a shake of the head, Xiao Feng dragged him out of the room. A nice way of describing that action was that they were giving the others some space, but in reality, Wang Meng and Xiao Feng simply did not want to be dragged into the issue.


    Bai Wu sat crossed-legged on a chair. Like two rays of light, Bai Wu¡¯s gaze never once shifted away from Xu Lan¡¯s body. Liang Yu, meanwhile, helped Qin Lao sit down, and the three of them waited for Xu Lan to start exining.


    ¡°F*CK! What the hell is all this! You¡¯re making me look like Imitted some terrible crime! Didn¡¯t I say that my wife was in the hospital? I should be the one to ask how and why both of you appeared here! Can¡¯t you feel that things are a bit off?¡±


    Xu Lan was in a foul mood. Once he sat down on the sofa, he crossed his legs sloppily.


    ¡°Hmph! It¡¯s obvious you were with Bai Wu! The only reason I believed your nonsense was because I¡¯m not empathetic <sup>1</sup> !¡± Liang Yu sted.


    ¡°Well, if he¡¯s not with his wife, then who else would he be with? You? It sure is a weird day today. Everyone just seems to turn up here and bark around.¡±


    Bai Wu was roughly able to figure out what Xu Lan was trying to say, but he dreaded the idea of continuously keeping their rtionship a secret. He wanted the world to know that Xu Lan was his and that no one could mock his Xu Lan! If only he could do so...


    ¡°You!¡±


    ¡°Forget about it! Let¡¯s continue with our business.¡± Qin Lao grasped his walking stick and struck the shiny floor twice, producing an audible sound. Liang Yu hissed immediately and stared at Bai Wu with pent up anger.


    ¡°Just as you were surprised to see us here, it never crossed our minds that we would see you again too. When Xiao Yu told me that he met you, I didn¡¯t believe it. Does this mean that you traveled through the wormhole and came back?¡± Qin Lao¡¯s leisurely expression was filled with confoundment as he shifted his gaze between Bai Wu and Xu Lan.


    ¡°Yes indeed, we came back through the wormhole, but this world isn¡¯t the world that I first met you in...¡± When it came to the crux, Xu Lan did not beat around the bush. He promptly hurled the entirety of whatever doubts he personally had.


    Out of all the people Xu Lan knew, Qin Lao¡ªbeing someone who specialized in the field of biotechnology¡ªwas the only person who could understand the reasons behind the phenomenon. Without holding back, Xu Lan narrated¡ªsystemically and in precise detail¡ªwhatever he saw, heard, and experienced during the past two days.


    ¡°... If what you say is true, then there¡¯s only one exnation.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Xu Lan

 Chapter 214 - A Familiar Face from the Asylum

    <h4>Chapter 214: A Familiar Face from the Asylum</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°To a certain extent, the wormhole must have changed the order of the dimensions, creating holes in each parallel dimension. That is why we appeared here.¡± Qin Lao frowned hard and exined.


    ¡°But you¡¯re not from this dimension in the first ce, haven¡¯t you noticed it at all?¡± Xu Lan found it to be unfathomable. Then again, perhaps his sheer astonishment was due to not having the same sort of expertise or knowledge as Qin Lao had.


    ¡°If it¡¯s a direct shift from one dimension to another, then surely everyone would have noticed something, but I came here because Sergeant Xiao invited me over. It¡¯s the same thing with Hu Cheng, whom you¡¯ve just seen. He only came to Whitehorse City because of his appointment. The dimension is making a trade-off due to the dimensional disorder.¡± Qin Lao spent some time in deep thought before replying gravely.


    Looking outside the window, one could see the bright shining sun and the beauty of a spring day. Despite being hit by the sun¡¯s rays, Xu Lan did not feel warm. All he felt was coldness, as though the only thing wrapping him was the exoskeleton of a cicada. Both his legs were trembling, and his lips became purple.


    Bai Wu would certainly not be able to distance himself from any responsibility arising from the disorder. It might even be the case that Bai Wu¡¯s existence directly corrtes with the interconnection of those parallel dimensions. Xu Lan looked worryingly at Bai Wu, unsure if thetter even had any method of remedying the situation. He nearly spilled the beans when he looked at Bai Wu the following moment!


    Motherf*cker! Bai Wu took some grapes from the table and ate them without a care in the world!


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± Bai Wu answered perplexedly after hearing his name being called out so suddenly.


    ¡°The dimensions are going crazy, aren¡¯t you the least bit worried?¡± Xu Lan propped up his head, and in utter helplessness, he massaged his temples and questioned.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to be worried about? We¡¯ll just go with the flow <sup>1</sup> . Worrying¡¯s not gonna do us any good...¡± Bai Wu popped another grape into his mouth and replied nonchntly. ¡°You¡¯re still by my side, so there¡¯s nothing for me to worry about.¡±


    Xu Lan was momentarily speechless. No words of rebuttal coulde out of his mouth, but a gush of redness started rising to the tip of his ear.


    ¡°We must pay close attention to this whole situation. If the whole of space and time is entering chaos, then we might not know what¡¯s going to happen next!¡± Qin Lao stood up and eximed, clearly taking the matter very seriously. Xu Lan sympathized with the remark and nodded.


    ¡°Since the situation is as such, leave Bai Wu in our hands. We¡¯ve almost finished our discussion with Sergeant Xiao, and it¡¯s about time we head back and see if we can do some research on him and find a solution.¡±


    In his hazy state of mind, Xu Lan was still nodding. Bai Wu had to throw a grape at him to jolt him back into consciousness. Startled, he jumped and stood up.


    ¡°Hey hey, Qin Lao, you should do your research on this incident first. If pushes to shove, I¡¯ll bring Bai Wu over. I have to bring him to meet my wife now. Besides, you still don¡¯t have any leads for the 928 Incident, right? You should get back to business.¡± Xu Lan pulled Bai Wu up from the chair and smiled as he pushed Bai Wu out of the room.


    Wang Meng and Xiao Feng were leaning on the railings and having a smoke, but as soon as they saw Xu Lane out, they put out their cigarettes and disposed of them in the garbage bin.


    ¡°How was it, Xiao Xu? Have you settled everything?¡± Wang Meng was the first to speak.


    ¡°... It was nothing serious. Anyway, why was Qin Lao invited over? Is the situation really that dire?¡± Xu Lan took the cigarette that Xiao Feng offered. After cing it behind his ear, he frowned and asked.


    ¡°All I did was phone them and ask if they could send someone over to assist us. Qin Lao came just like that. I¡¯m sure you remember the olddy who broke out of the mental asylum? We found out about her background.¡± Xiao Feng took a deep breath and blew out a cloud of smoke.


    ¡°Her appearance and even her name were changed. And you¡¯re acquainted with this person. It¡¯s simply beyond reason!¡± Even at that precise moment, Wang Meng was utterly clueless as to how that woman did it.


    ¡°I know her?¡± Who is it?¡± Xu Lan curled his lips and asked, puzzled by Wang Meng¡¯s nk expression.

 Chapter 215 - The Raging Bai Wu

    <h4>Chapter 215: The Raging Bai Wu</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Wang Meng nced at Xiao Feng before lowering his head. He kept his mouth shut and this piqued Xu Lan¡¯s curiosity. Xu Lan urged them to spill the beans.


    ¡°I suppose you are familiar with the famouswyer in Whitehorse City, Song Xi?¡± Xiao Feng extended his arm and gave Xu Lan a pat on the shoulder.


    ¡°Stop... Stop joking around!¡± Xu Lan took a step back and red at Xiao Feng. Xiao Feng had such a serious expression on his face that no one would have thought that he was messing around with Xu Lan.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a joke, we¡¯re being serious. In fact, she admitted it herself. This is why we invited Qin Lao and the rest over to help us out,¡± Wang Meng tried to exin the situation to Xu Lan after noticing how he seemed to be in disbelief.


    Bai Wu had been scowling from when Song Xi¡¯s name was first brought up. Unfortunately, Xu Lan did not have any attention to spare to observe Bai Wu¡¯s reaction. If what Wang Meng said was true, Song Xi definitely had something to do with the serial killings in Whitehorse City. In fact, she might even be the person behind the Sparrow Game!


    ¡°... Any news from Laos?¡± After pursing his lips for a long time, Xu Lan finally found his voice.


    ¡°We have been monitoring the inte activities and we found out that someone in Laos logged onto the terminal recently. Director General Chen sent someone over to Laos to look into it, but the person never returned. Xiao Feng got in touch with Director General Chen in hopes of getting his help, but we didn¡¯t expect the old man to send the person away and pocket his sry. Shortly after, Director General Chen was admitted to the hospital.¡±


    Wang Meng said with a hint of disdain.


    ¡°Huh, but Song Xi is at Whitehorse City all this while! Doesn¡¯t that show that she¡¯s not connected to the Sparrow Game?¡± Xu Lan did not feel good after finding out that the proud woman could potentially be a serial killer. He felt something heavy stuck in his chest, something that he could neither swallow nor spit out.


    ¡°Given the technological convenience, she can control the game remotely in Laos, Europe, or even the United States,¡± Xiao Feng gave Xu Lan a merciless reality check.


    ¡°Uhm, but the IP address pointed to Laos. Even if Song Xi is the olddy, it doesn¡¯t prove anything. We still need to look for solid evidence,¡± Xu Lan nodded before borrowing a lighter from Xiao Feng to light his cigarette up.


    ¡°Papa!¡± Bai Wu whispered gloomily with an icy expression on his face. His thin lips were tightly pursed, his silverish white hair amplified his gloominess. ¡°You seem to be taking a close concern on matters rting to Song Xi?¡± he said.


    Song Xi was the woman Xu Lan fell in love with. After finding out that Song Xi was the crazy woman from the Zhao family, Xu Lan cared deeply for her¡ªhow ufortable would this make Bai Wu feel! ck dragon¡¯s might emanated from Bai Wu as he marched casually toward Xu Lan.


    ¡°Ugh...¡± Wang Meng¡¯s tall and sturdy body withered like a deted balloon. As Xiao Feng stepped forward to catch Wang Meng, Xiao Feng stumbled and sat on the ground. The dragon¡¯s might hovered menacingly on top of them, making it difficult for them to breathe.


    ¡°Bai Wu, what do you think you¡¯re doing! Hurry up and retract it!¡± Xu Lan felt an invisible giant palm strangling him, making it impossible for him to breathe. The entire building seemed to be drowned in Bai Wu¡¯s dragon¡¯s might. It was eerily quiet. Everyone found it impossible to remain standing. They stumbled and sat on the ground.


    ¡°Papa... Why do you always think about Song Xi? What¡¯s the point of protecting these weak humans?¡± Xu Lan felt as though Bai Wu was walking on his beating pulse. Bai Wu lifted Xu Lan¡¯s chin with his fair index finger as he spoke menacingly.


    ¡°Heck, what kind of nonsense are you spouting? Hurry up and retract...¡±


    ¡°No! Look at me! You can only look at me!¡± Bai Wu shouted in rage.

 Chapter 216 - Sense of Security

    <h4>Chapter 216: Sense of Security</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    As Bai Wu¡¯s ck dragon¡¯s might intensified, Xu Lan felt like he was being crushed by a gigantic rock and knelt in pain. Xiao Feng, Wang Meng, and everyone in the police station were moaning in pain.


    ¡°... Hurry up and stop this nonsense, they can¡¯t survive this!¡±


    ¡°Papa, why are you being so nice to these weak humans?¡± Bai Wu asked with a pair of bloodshot eyes, his tear mole lightened up and was dyed into a light tint of red.


    ¡°Heck! What are you going on about? No one was born strong. Listen to me, stop...¡± Xu Lan said as he tried to wiggle his way out.


    ¡°I hate them! I hate humans!¡± Bai Wu was angered. The floor started to shake and the ster on the wall began to crumble.


    ¡°Selfish and timid, it makes me nauseous whenever I think of their ugly personalities! Whether it¡¯s Li Xiu, Hu Cheng, or Song Xi, all of them are fulfilling their selfish desires by masking them under their glorious excuses!¡±


    Xu Lan was stunned¡ªthis was the first time Bai Wu expressed his opinion on humans. He never knew this was what Bai Wu thought of humans.


    ¡°I¡¯m a human too,¡± Xu Lan stared at Bai Wu and spoke softly.


    ¡°No! You¡¯re not the same! Ever since the day you rescued me, I know you are different from the rest of them!¡± The pressure increased and Wang Meng¡¯s nose started to bleed.


    ¡°Bai Wu, are you sure what you feel for me is love? Are you sure that it¡¯s not just reliance?¡± Xu Lan asked sadly.


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s love!¡± Bai Wu was frightened by how calmly Xu Lan asked his question. He immediately retracted some of his dragon¡¯s might as he wanted Xu Lan to look at him.


    The sun shone through the windows once again, expelling the chilliness in the room. Xu Lan pushed away Bai Wu¡¯s hand gently and stumbled over to help Wang Meng up.


    ¡°Papa, I... I didn¡¯t mean that. I¡¯m just... I¡¯m just unhappy because of the Song Xi incident...¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you head home first and we¡¯ll talk about this when I¡¯m back,¡± Xu Lan turned around and said to Bai Wu.


    Bai Wu¡¯s heart fell when he heard Xu Lan. He let his hand dangle. He could sense the distrust and distance from Xu Lan¡¯s tone.


    Besides Wang Meng and Xiao Feng, no one knew what they had just gone through. The duo finally realized the difference between themselves and Bai Wu¡ªBai Wu was a dragon who did not belong in their world.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but could you both please keep this a secret?¡± Xu Lan apologized in shame.


    ¡°... He¡¯s right, you know. It¡¯s just that his analysis wasn¡¯t thorough. So, both of you are not biological father and son?¡± Xiao Feng asked.


    ¡°Uh huh, he used to be younger. I didn¡¯t expect him to grow up this quickly,¡± Xu Lan replied as he smiled bitterly.


    ¡°Xiao Xu, you should head home. It¡¯s not entirely his fault, he justcks a sense of security,¡± Wang Meng sighed and nced at Xiao Feng before speaking.


    ¡°Sense of security? How do I give him that? Will he develop a sense of security if I continue to let him have his way? Pft, I think I¡¯m too nice to him, which is why he¡¯s been acting like a spoiled brat. Forget about him, let¡¯s talk about Song Xi,¡± Xu Lan snickered as he tried to keep his anger in.


    ¡°Are you sure he¡¯ll be fine? I¡¯m worried that he¡¯ll take revenge on the general public,¡± Xiao Feng cocked his head and looked at Xu Lan in distrust. He turned around and nced at Bai Wu who was on his way out.


    ¡°Heck! Forget about it! If you guys don¡¯t n on telling the truth, stay away and don¡¯te looking for me again!¡± Xu Lan replied agitatedly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll tell!¡±

 Chapter 217 - Hatred For Humans

    <h4>Chapter 217: Hatred For Humans</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Wang Meng showed Xu Lan the files while Xiao Feng sent Qin Lao and the others back. Even though Song Xi admitted that she was thatdy in the mental asylum, she refused to cooperate and help with the investigation. For now, this was put on hold.


    ¡°Take a look, here¡¯s everything you need to know. There are two main discoveries. First of all, we found out that someone has been offering sacrifices to the Zhao brothers. Secondly, we noticed that the Sparrow Game terminal came online in Laos recently.¡± Wang Meng piled the stack of files up on the table and briefed Xu Lan about the situation.


    ¡°Uh huh, I¡¯ll take a look and let you know if there¡¯s anything that I¡¯m uncertain about. Why don¡¯t both of you head out first, you couple are such an eyesore,¡± Xu Lan replied nonchntly and nodded.


    Xiao Feng invited Xu Lan over as he had been in charge of the 928 incident all this while. Moreover, Xu Lan had the ability to spot new information and important clues that others could not. Even though he was discharged from his position and his presence here at the office was inappropriate, Xiao Feng still decided to invite him over. If the case could be solved, Xu Lan might even be weed back into the police force.


    ¡°You have a sharp tongue but I know you mean well. You¡¯re like Xiao Feng, unresponsive and keep your thoughts to yourself. Sometimes if you choose to share, maybe problems wouldn¡¯t be problems anymore.¡± Wang Meng chuckled, patting Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder. After noticing how Xiao Feng red at him, he rolled his eyes proudly.


    ¡°Officer Xiao is an enigma? Why didn¡¯t I know about this? I feel like I¡¯ve been fed with plenty of your affectionate exchanges since when we first met,¡± Xu Lan asked as he flipped through the documents.


    ¡°Uh...¡±


    ¡°This is not worthy of your attention. You should go through the documents first.¡± Xiao Feng covered Wang Meng¡¯s mouth and dragged him out, feeding Xu Lan with another round of their affectionate exchange.


    ¡®Sense of security? I¡¯m neither an enigma nor an insensible person. How do I give him a sense of security?¡¯ Xu Lan chuckled as he thought. He directed his attention back to his documents again.


    So, he chose to forget about how he subjected Bai Wu to psychological abuse. It was not his intention for Bai Wu to feel wronged and upset.


    Meow¡ª


    After some time, he heard a cat on the sofa. He was certain that there was no cat back when he first entered the room. He immediately stopped flipping through the documents and looked up. He was greeted by a woman in disheveled clothing who was lounging seductively on the sofa.


    ¡°Phew, I thought you¡¯ve left.¡± Xu Lan breathed out and asked as he massaged his temples.


    ¡°Bai Wu didn¡¯t do anything wrong...¡±


    Before Ka Daiwen was done talking, the documents flew out of Xu Lan¡¯s hands. The sharp edges of the paper cut Kai Daiwen¡¯s soft and supple skin. She nced at Xu Lan with the pride that characterized the dragon n.


    ¡°It¡¯s not his fault, I was the one at fault. Could you please let me spend some time alone?¡± Xu Lan fished out his handkerchief from his pocket and rubbed away the blood seeping out of Ka Daiwen¡¯s delicate face.


    ¡°Look.¡± Ka Daiwen grabbed Xu Lan¡¯s hands. ¡°Whether it¡¯s human or other beings, you¡¯re able to treat everyone without discrimination. You¡¯re still so nice to me despite knowing that I dislike you. So, how is Bai Wu any different from everyone else? Did you give him a sense of security at all?¡±


    ¡°Would you say that I was being nice to you if I injured you? Your understanding does not make any sense at all!¡± Xu Lan rolled his eyes and retracted his hands forcefully.


    ¡°Bai Wu and I, we¡¯re of the same species. What makes you an exception then? You¡¯re like the floating log amidst the raging sea. You really should ask Bai Wu why does he hate humans so much; why is it that he does not have any human friends other than you. Give this a serious thought.¡±


    Ka Dai vanished into thin air after she was done talking. It was as though she was never here.

 Chapter 218 - The Forgotten Child

    <h4>Chapter 218: The Forgotten Child</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Alright,e in when both of you are done with your cheesy exchange of affectionate acts. I still need to get back.¡± Xu Lan said with hostility pushing open the door and seeing Wang Meng helping Xiao Feng light up his cigarette. He nced at them from the corner of his eyes.


    ¡°Heck, you¡¯re the one who sent us out of the room!¡± Wang Meng replied in confusion.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, just listen to what he has to say.¡± Xiao Feng ran his fingers through Wang Meng¡¯s hair and hooked his arm around Wang Meng¡¯s neck as they made their way into the office. He asked, ¡°What did you find out?¡±


    Xu Lan arranged the documents on the table. He circled the areas where he had questions about in red and gestured for them to take a look at the documents.


    ¡°Uh, these were sorted out by Lan Er and Xie San. I didn¡¯t think that there were any issues with them. Is there something wrong?¡±


    When they talked about work, Xu Lan and Xiao Feng were the types to get into their zone immediately, undisturbed by external distractions. After picking the file up, Xiao Feng toned down on his cheekiness and started reading with great concentration.


    ¡°Uhm, there are a few questions. I¡¯ll ask you about them as you read through the files,¡± Xu Lan said as he was tapping his pen against the table.


    Firstly, there was the hooligan who was arrested by mistake. Xu Lan was present when the incident took ce. Due to their mistake, the perpetrator was alerted. Unfortunately, the administrator of the Sparrow Game was an independent entity and the terminal was called upon only when necessary. This was the reason why Xu Lan could not get to the core of it even after investing hundreds of thousands. The question arose¡ªhow did the suspect find out that the administrator had appeared and escaped shortly after?


    The second issue concerned the woman who escaped from the mental asylum, Song Xi. Five years ago, Song Xi started making a name for herself in Whitehorse City and there were traceable historical records about her. If Song Xi existed with the help of some form of technology, it would suggest that another human life was involved¡ªthe real Song Xi. However, their research did not suggest anything as such. How could this be exined?


    Thest issue concerned the terminal appearing in Laos recently. If this game was directed at the Chengdu mining incident, everyone who wasid off has passed away. So, what exactly prompted the suspect to reactivate the game?


    ¡°Uhm, we¡¯ve discussed on the first issue. The suspect has a strong counter-reconnaissance ability and was present when we were baiting him or her. Due to that, we¡¯ve lost our best chance to capture the suspect. As for your second question, you¡¯ve brought up our blindspot. I¡¯ll have Xie San to look into itter. I have a feeling that there¡¯s going to be another round of bloodshed in Whitehorse City...¡± Xiao Feng replied with a serious expression on his face.


    ¡°Onest question, I¡¯ve always found it suspicious how the second son of the Zhao family suddenly died of sickness. Did any of you follow up on this?¡± Xu Lan handed over the files to Xiao Feng and looked at him with his arms crossed over his chest. He was not expecting an answer as there was no report about the child at all. No one took his remark seriously!


    ¡°Xiao Xu, what¡¯s with your impressive observation skills?¡± Wang Meng was stunned by Xu Lan¡¯s borations. He leaped toward Xu Lan and pped his shoulder in excitement.


    ¡®Shush!¡¯ All of the files in Xu Lan¡¯s hands flew and dropped onto the ground.


    ¡°Uh, heh, I¡¯m so sorry about that. You¡¯re so impressive that you took me by surprise.¡± Wang Meng picked up the files and exined. From the sight of Wang Meng¡¯s back, Xu Lan recalled the moment when they first met.


    It was such a horrible experience that Xu Lan would never want to go through again.


    ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t know about that. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m going to make a move now.¡±


    ¡°Sure, sure, sure! Hurry up and make peace with Bai Wu. We¡¯ll drop you a call if there¡¯s anything,¡± Wang Meng teased.

 Chapter 219 - Earning A Living

    <h4>Chapter 219: Earning A Living</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan stood hesitantly outside the door, unsure whether or not to enter. All of a sudden, the door was flung open by Bai Wu.


    ¡°You don¡¯t n oning in?¡±


    With reddened eyes and a hoarse voice, it was as if Bai Wu had been sitting in a corner and crying. Xu Lan was still standing at the door, but the aroma of freshly cooked rice was already greeting his nose. He craved it to the point of salvation. Indeed, it was a long time ago since hest tasted Bai Wu¡¯s cooking.


    ¡°COME IN!¡±


    Xu Lan nodded affirmatively and closed the door in excitement. He then trailed behind Bai Wu. Four dishes and a pot of soup wereid out on the table in order of Xu Lan¡¯s preferences. Bai Wu went and scooped some rice for Xu Lan. Then, still d in an apron, he sat opposite Xu Lan and prepared for criticism.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never been truly living my life even though I¡¯ve been alive for thirty years. I never thought that my Bai Wu could make such delicious meals!¡± Xu Lan uttered words of praise while wolfing down his food.


    ¡°If it¡¯s delicious, eat some more.¡± Bai Wu did not know whether Xu Lan was simply currying favor, but at that moment, Bai Wu felt that Xu Lan was somewhat cute. Although cuteness did not really pair well with a big and robust man butpared to Bai Wu¡¯s original form, Xu Lan was definitely much cuter.


    ¡°Hm, why aren¡¯t you eating?¡± Xu Lan could not help but ask. It was only after putting the chopsticks down did Xu Lan realize something: Bai Wu had yet to touch a pair of chopsticks from the moment they came in.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t washed my hands, and I¡¯m not hungry...¡± Bai Wu replied with a frown.


    ¡°Damn! So, you¡¯re avoiding me huh!¡± Xu Lan let out a pfft andughed. He ced his chopsticks down and got up to wash his hands. He subsequently scooped a bowl of rice for Bai Wu before finally sitting back down.


    ¡°You can start eating now, right? We have a saying, ¡®a couple of germs won¡¯t do you any harm¡¯.¡± The table was rather small, so Xu Lan straightened a few strands of Bai Wu¡¯s stray hair.


    Bai Wu stepped back abruptly and sat down. He covered his reddened face and stared at Xu Lan in shock.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why is your face so red? You don¡¯t feel well? I left you alone for a moment and youe up with some sneaky idea?¡± Xu Lan rushed across the table and walked over to Bai Wu. He ced his hand to Bai Wu¡¯s forehead and said, ¡°I don¡¯t feel a fever either.¡±


    Someone was perceptive indeed. That perception was incredibly top-notch, especially when invoking the wrath of the other person! During Xu Lan¡¯s bewilderment, all he could see was Bai Wu¡¯s handing over to grasp the back of his head. Bai Wu then pressed his forehead lightly against Xu Lan¡¯s.


    ¡°Whose forehead is warmer now?¡± A breath of hot air blew against Xu Lan¡¯s face, causing a blush to rise from his neck all the way to his ears.


    ¡°That, this, I, you...you, where did you get the money to buy all the ingredients,¡± Xu Lan stammered helplessly. Bai Wu chuckled, released him, and sat demurely back down again.


    Once he was free from Bai Wu¡¯s grip, Xu Lan was able to take a breath of fresh air. He then sat back embarrassed, on the opposite chair. ¡°Yes, where did you get the money?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I say I wanted to look after you?¡± Bai Wu handed over an ATM card and said, ¡°Whatever money I earn will be saved in here. Take the card. The password is six zeroes.¡±


    ¡°You earned this? Bai Wu, I didn¡¯t teach you to do bad things, did I?¡± Xu Lan wore a frown and asked suspiciously.


    ¡°No, I got the money from modeling.¡± It was his first time getting paid, allowing him to support Xu Lan. Bai Wu found it hard to control his emotions, and like the surging of the Qiantang River, those emotions came in waves.


    ¡°Model? Like this?¡± Xu Lan simply grabbed a magazine and pointed at the figures on the cover.


    Bai Wu nodded.


    ¡°F*CK! Keeping you hidden was troublesome enough, yet you went out and showed your face in public! Seriously!¡± Xu Lan ced the chopsticks down with a nk. His words were infused with silent forbearance and a touch of sarcasm.


    ¡°I... I didn¡¯t. I just wanted to honor my promise.¡± He thought that Xu Lan would be happy, but the man turned out to be angry instead. He neither knew what he did wrong nor did he have any clue as to why Xu Lan was so infuriated.


    ¡°Do you have any idea what models do? There are holes in the dimension and you¡¯re acting as though nothing¡¯s happened! Qin Lao¡¯s watching your every step like a tiger. He¡¯s prepared to capture you and conduct experiments on you, yet you¡¯re in the mood to be a model?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not scared! I¡¯m not scared of them! They¡¯re not important! I¡¯m only scared of you, Papa, why can¡¯t you think of me for once?¡±

 Chapter 220 - I Can Change

    <h4>Chapter 220: I Can Change</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Sparkling, translucent teardrops began streaking across Bai Wu¡¯s cheek; they fell silently onto the floor. It was like a thousand catties worth of force smashing into Xu Lan¡¯s heart and destroying it beyond recognition. He stared inanimately at the profusely-tearing Bai Wu.


    ¡°I- I did that for your good,¡± Xu Lan exined hoarsely.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s for my good. Papa¡¯s always considerate toward me, and Papa even wanted to find a girlfriend for me! But have you ever considered how I feel?¡± Akin to thementable groan of a dragon, Bai Wu asked disappointedly.


    ¡°They all said I¡¯ve never given you a sense of security. Is that true?¡± Xu Lan questioned uneasily.


    ¡°Yes! Never! Never have you ever! You blindly impose upon me what you think is best for me, but you not once have you considered whether it was something I really wanted! Xu Lan, I¡¯m no longer your son, I¡¯m your lover! We are equals!¡±


    Bai Wu roared hysterically at Xu Lan. It was the first time Xu Lan saw him react that way.


    ¡°What should I do then?¡± Xu Lan trembled as he took the cigarette from his ear. He tried lighting it a few times but was unable to do so.


    ¡°Can you not be so rational? Just depend on me a bit more, trust in me a bit more, and show your love for me a bit more. Just a bit more will do...¡± Bai Wu raised his head up and wept in sorrowful desperation.


    ¡°I do love you! Why does everyone say that I don¡¯t! What else am I supposed to do for you to believe me!¡± Hard-pressed, Xu Lan stood up and begrudgingly bellowed.


    ¡°I can no longer tolerate being treated as a son and being given familial love. My heart is tired of wearing this mask, but I can¡¯t take it down. I can¡¯t keep deceiving others and myself, and you¡¯ve never tried reversing our roles.¡± The tearful Bai Wu looked directly at Xu Lan and sobbed while making that remark.


    ¡°F*ck, I¡¯ve never seen anyone show their assh*le to their son! Would I let you f*ck me if I treated you as a son? Before all that, I was truly unable to differentiate my feelings, Bai Wu!¡±


    Xu Lan erupted in shouts and pulled Bai Wu closer by grabbing his shirt cor.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Listen carefully! My feelings toward you are not those of father-and-son. I¡¯ve never been in a rtionship before, much less with a man! If don¡¯t know how to make you happy, what makes you think I know how to be in a rtionship? You can teach me, though. Whatever you feel I should do, I will do my best to go in that direction. Is that okay?¡±


    Bai Wu¡¯s tears were still flowing, and the tear mole at the corner of his eye had turnedpletely dark red. He nodded unconditionally amidst the choking emotions. Xu Lan¡¯s eyes were reddened by then. Pressing down on Bai Wu¡¯s head, Xu Lan gave him a sincere kiss. An amalgamation of unrestricted joy in Bai Wu¡¯s heart turned the tearful bitterness into sweetness. Bai Wu slowly pushed Xu Lan onto the sofa and kissed him lightly with added sincerity and passion.


    ¡°You should be closing your eyes now, Papa...¡± Bai Wu ¨C whose fairplexion was covered in tear stains ¨C kissed Xu Lan¡¯s eyelids while saying so.


    Even though he was not able to see Bai Wu¡¯s excited and gradually reddening face, Xu Lan obediently closed his eyes. He wanted to change for the better so he could give Bai Wu that sense of security.


    Bai Wu twirled Xu Lan¡¯s short hair and slowly traced his finger across Xu Lan¡¯s face. Despite the fact that Xu Lan was sleeping right beside him, he always felt unable to hold on to Xu Lan. It was as if at any moment, Xu Lan would leave him. However, everything had changed and it was all going to be okay. It was all because Xu Lan said he would change, and that gave Bai Wu some peace of mind.


    ¡°Xu Lan...¡± Bai Wu intimately kissed the tip of Xu Lan¡¯s hair and softly crooned.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Xu Lan struggled for a moment but he felt powerless to open his eyes, so he responded simply.


    ¡°Xu Lan,¡± Bai Wu called out once more.


    ¡°Mm, I¡¯m here.¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan!¡±


    ¡°F*ck! You, nghh...¡±


    Since the cramped sofa was incredibly ufortable, Bai Wu wrapped Xu Lan¡¯s legs carefully around his waist before carrying the man into the bedroom. Along the way, there were countless tiny actions which startled Xu Lan, causing him to shout out loudly in his red-faced state.

 Chapter 221 - I’m Not Used to It

    <h4>Chapter 221: I¡¯m Not Used to It</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Tell me about everything that happened before we met,¡± Xu Lan requested. He tossed a walnut cookie that Bai Wu made into his mouth, but not before twirling in between his fingers first. He then crossed his legs and sat on the woolen nket.


    Xu Lan had slept until ten o¡¯clock at night but was roused awake by his grumbling tummy. Even though he said that they could get some takeout, Bai Wu still insisted on waking up to make some snacks for him. The attentive Bai Wu had already cleared up the sofa and mopped the room floor a few times. Xu Lan had atent fear of that antique sofa and threatened to sell it off.


    ¡°... There¡¯s nothing to talk about. They¡¯re not good things.¡± Bai Wu, who was positioned in front of the oven, stared nkly and replied hazily. His past was nothing but repetitive acts of humiliation, abuse, and abandonment. There was no need to tell Xu Lan about all that unpleasantness.


    ¡°What if, back then, I was the same as the others?¡± Xu Lan asked mncholically.


    ¡°No ifs!¡± Bai Wu shot back and ttered against the small weak oven. That night was not a tranquil one in Xu Lan¡¯s home, and the lotus flowers were not blooming outdoors. The poor sofa and pitiful oven could only suffer the abuse and shed silent tears.


    ¡°Bai Wu, not everyone looks at you that way. You met me, right? There¡¯s plenty of other good people out there, you just haven¡¯t met them yet.¡± Xu Lan ate another walnut cookie.


    Bai Wu smiled slightly. He walked over and pointed at his own empty mouth. Xu Lan chose the biggest cookie and handed it over to him, but he simply frowned and shook his head.


    ¡°Use your mouth.¡±


    ¡°... We¡¯re two grown men and still, this...¡± Xu Lan paused for a moment before finally speaking timidly.


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu said nothing further and sat disappointedly opposite Xu Lan. Picking up a small cookie, Bai Wu tossed it into his mouth and nced at his phone. Thepany had called him quite a few times.


    Xiao Xiao was the one who introduced him to the job. Model scouting agencies contacted her after seeing the few pictures she previously took of him that were posted on the inte. She randomly picked the most famous agency and sent over a CV. After Bai Wu returned, everyone was contacting him directly and asking him to sign contracts. The money in the ATM card, Xiao Xiao exined, was royalty from the use of his pictures.


    Xu Lan looked at Bai Wu ufortably. After a while, he stretched his trembling hand and tugged at Bai Wu¡¯s shirttails.


    ¡°Hm? Xu Lan! Come closer!¡± A blush appeared on Xu Lan¡¯s bronze skin and lingered on his face. With eyes that did not know where to look, he was holding a cookie between his teeth and tugging shyly at Bai Wu¡¯s shirt. Bai Wu stood up, held Xu Lan¡¯s chin, and pulled him closer.


    As soon as Bai Wu bit the cookie, Xu Lan wanted to break free, but the hand that held Xu Lan¡¯s chin had no intention of letting go. The situation remained like that until Bai Wu finished the cookie, but seemingly wishing to continue expressing himself, Bai Wu licked the corner of his mouth before finally letting the man go.


    The walnut cookie was crisp and vorful. Entering the mouth, it melted away into a velvety mush, swirling across the tongue as well as leaving its fragrance across his teeth and lips. It was as delicious as devouring Xu Lan whole.


    ¡°I, think it¡¯s a bit excessive for me. I¡¯m not, I¡¯m not used to it. Even if, even if its... I won¡¯t do this.¡± Xu Lan wiped his mouth. His face remained red.


    ¡°Mm, I know. It¡¯s just that, I wanted to do it.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s bright, round eyes seemed to smile as they stared at Xu Lan.


    ¡°Uh, don¡¯t look at me like that.¡± Xu Lan covered his eyes suddenly; his voice was low and hoarsely rich.


    ¡°Why?¡± Bai Wu asked, bewildered.


    ¡°I, I want to kiss you,¡± Xu Lan said. His eyes were red as he looked down embarrassedly.


    ¡°... Muahaha, no problem, I¡¯m here and you can kiss me all you want!¡± Bai Wu moved the remaining walnut cookies away from the nket and pulled at Xu Lan with one hand, sending him tumbling to the ground.

 Chapter 222 - Interrogating Song Xi

    <h4>Chapter 222: Interrogating Song Xi</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    As the first ray of morning sun prated the window and hit the warm bed, the simple and unborated furniture showcased the attentiveness of its owner.


    Xu Lan was woken up by the ring of his ringing phone. He mumbled as he picked up the call.


    ¡°Hey, Xiao Xu, do you intend oning to the station? We¡¯ve already brought Song Xi over.¡± Wang Meng was on the other end of the line with his characteristic bright and jolly voice.


    ¡°Hm?¡± Upon hearing Song Xi¡¯s name, Xu Lan flipped over in search of a warm spot. He did not expect to find some cold, empty bedding beside him.


    ¡°Bai Wu?¡± he murmured. Momentster he called out again, but slightly louder this time.


    ¡°Hey, Xiao Xu, have you sweet-talked the boy yet? Are youing or not?¡± The man¡¯s voice was crisp and clear despite them talking over the phone. Xu Lan turned again to his other side and buried his head there.


    ¡°Wait, I¡¯ll...¡±


    ¡°Hm? What is it?¡± Bai Wu pushed open the door. He was all dressed up and ready to go; his soft hair was smoothened toward the back and held in ce with some water, while his face disyed an unwavering determination. With sunlight radiating all over his body, he looked just like Apollo bringing out the sun from underneath a dome.


    ¡°Why are you up so early?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s spoke with his back was facing Bai Wu.


    ¡°Mm, the manager¡¯s letting me take a look around the office. If everything goes well, I can start working. I said I wanted to support you, remember?¡±


    Bai Wu knelt with one knee on the bed and looked at Xu Lan. He was surprised that Xu Lan¡¯s pale face still had not regained any energy. He kissed Xu Lan¡¯s forehead and covered Xu Lan with the nket once again.


    ¡°Song Xi¡¯s at the station. Wang Meng asked me if I wanted to go.¡± Xu Lan waved the phone about and asked.


    ¡°... Mm, I¡¯ve made breakfast, once I wash my face and rinse my mouth, I¡¯ll be ready.¡± Bai Wu stood up and adjusted his shirt cor.


    ¡°I can choose not to go since I¡¯m no longer a police officer. If there¡¯s anything I did wrong, please tell me.¡± Xu Lan flipped over, looked at Bai Wu, and whistled before making the remark.


    ¡°Oh f*ck, Xiao Xu, can you not be so unprincipled! I told you to sweet-talk him, not to spoil him!¡± The call was still ongoing and Wang Meng exasperated voice passed through the radio waves and reverberated across the room.


    ¡°Oh, just go. If you don¡¯t, you won¡¯t be at ease anyway.¡±


    Bai Wu walked over, ended the call, and urged Xu Lan to get up. Bai Wu watched as Xu Lan walked over to the dinner table and dressed him up before leaving as if insinuating that he must not embarrass himself in front of someone who he once openly loved. It made Xu Lan feel somewhat ufortable.


    Song Xi was already at the station when Xu Lan arrived. She wore a Qipao that was as red as a maple-leaf. She was full where it mattered most and lean in all the right ces. Her fair thigh was even exposed somewhat, giving off an air ofposure and refinement.


    ¡°Well, well, you¡¯re here. I thought the one at home wouldn¡¯t let youe.¡±


    Wang Meng was a loudmouth, speaking loudly once Xu Lan entered the room as if he was worried that no one would notice Xu Lan¡¯s arrival. What Wang Meng did not know was that Xu Lan once liked Song Xi. Xu Lan cast a sideways nce to him and pinched him in a hard-to-reach part of his body.


    ¡°Lawyer Song.¡± Xu Lan sat awkwardly in front of Song Xi. ¡°How are you these days?¡±


    ¡°Mm, I¡¯m good,¡± she replied with a befitting elegance.


    ¡°Er, Lawyer Song, I¡¯ve heard you and the Zhao familydy from the mental institution are...¡±


    ¡°Xu Lan. You don¡¯t need to feel uneasy. I am the mentally derangeddy from the mental institution, but that¡¯s all I can say. No matter how you ask, there¡¯s no other answer.¡±


    In contrast to Xu Lan¡¯s cautiousness, Song Xi was tantly confessing her role, although she omitted her reasons for doing so.


    ¡°Really? Well, since you put it that way, Lawyer Song, there¡¯s nothing much for me to say. Still, I have some questions, and I simply want to confirm them with you.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Song Xi began to frown. Her guard was up as she looked at Xu Lan.

 Chapter 223 - Diversion

    <h4>Chapter 223: Diversion</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan took the water offered by Wang Meng and passed it over to Song Xi. At that moment, he was no longer the silly young man whocked confidence when he was around her, but the investigator who was in charge of the case.


    ¡°The information shows that the Zhao brothers were in theirte thirties back when the mining incident took ce thirteen years ago. However, Song Xi is twenty-eight years old this year. Am I right?¡± Xu Lan asked as he flipped through the files while circling the relevant parts in red.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°So, when did you start adopting Song Xi¡¯s identity?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea.¡± Song Xi nced at her watch and answered impatiently.


    ¡°Alright then, let me ask another question. What kind of sickness was your second son suffering from?¡± Xu Lan asked without beating around the bush.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know! I don¡¯t know! Son? I don¡¯t have a son!¡± Song Xi wrapped her arms around her head and sank her fingers in her hair as she shouted in agony.


    ¡°Uh, Lawyer Song, you should calm down. Rx, we can talk about something else if you don¡¯t know anything about this.¡± Xiao Feng was smoking by the window; he stubbed his cigarette and walked over to console Song Xi.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know! I don¡¯t know anything about this. I beg your mercy, please stop asking me about it!¡± Song Xi shivered and pleaded as she stared ahead nkly.


    ¡°Xixi, Xixi are you okay? I¡¯m here to bring you home.¡± Being his usual careless self, Wang Meng forgot to shut the door. A smartly dressed man frowned as he witnessed the scene unfolded before him.


    ¡°Xixi, what happened? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here. Don¡¯t be afraid, don¡¯t be afraid.¡± Zhao Ran rushed past the door and made his way to Song Xi. When Zhao Ran stroked her back gently, her body tensed up momentarily before she finally leaned against him and teared up uncontrobly.


    ¡°Officer, please exin what¡¯s going on! Xixi came here voluntarily to help with the investigation. If you have solid evidence, you can arrest her right away. What do you think you¡¯re doing, terrorizing her because you can¡¯t find any evidence against her?¡± Zhao Ran, who was in a rage, asked in an icy tone.


    ¡°Uh, we didn¡¯t do anything. The camera...¡± Xiao Feng pulled Wang Meng away and sent him tumbling onto the sofa before offering his apologies to Song Xi.


    ¡°Why...¡± Wang Meng pouted unhappily.


    ¡°That¡¯s because we don¡¯t have any evidence,¡± Xu Lan shook his head and patted Wang Meng¡¯s shoulder. It seemed that Song Xi was a dead end.


    Zhao Ran gave Xiao Feng a stern warning and did not leave with Song Xi until hearing Xiao Feng promise that this would not happen again.


    ¡°Pft, anyone would seem like a poor thing when they are crying!¡± Wang Meng could not help but to make a remark as he was angered by how Xiao Feng acted.


    ¡°Officer Xiao, any news from Qin Lao about the daughter-inw of the Zhao family?¡± Xu Lan asked with a serious expression.


    ¡°Qin Lao sent me the resultsst night. ording to his data, there is nothing abnormal about Song Xi. The stic surgeon also confirmed that Song Xi has never undergone any surgery,¡± Xiao Feng said as he lit up another cigarette while observing the traffic in the city.


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! How can a woman who was in her forties or fifties transformed into a beautiful twenty-something without any external aid? There¡¯s definitely something going on unless she lied!¡±


    After Xiao Feng lit up his cigarette, Xu Lan wanted to reach for a cigarette himself. However, he dismissed that thought after touching his pocket.


    ¡°Why would she lie?¡± Wang Meng asked in confusion.


    ¡°A diversion!¡±


    ¡°To confuse us!¡± Xiao Feng and Xu Lan answered at the same time.


    Xu Lan and Xiao Feng¡¯s gaze met, both of them had a joyous expression on their face. Wang Meng found himself more confused than before.


    ¡°Heck! Exin yourself please!¡± Wang Meng was unhappy. He felt that his thought process was not as quick as Xu Lan and that hindered him from being the perfect partner to Xiao Feng.


    ¡°No worries, he can exin it to you at night. For now, we should focus our attention on the son of the Zhao family, who died from illness, and his brother. Let¡¯s find out if he has any sons. The orphan of the Zhao family, this is getting interesting. Right, I didn¡¯t know that there¡¯s a Zhao Group Corporation here at Whitehorse City? Are they a family business or...?¡± Xu Lan asked with a smile, his scheming mind wasing up with different ideas.


    ¡°Eh, why? Are you suspecting President Zhao? Even though I¡¯m rtively new here, but I know that you¡¯ve been paying close attention to the gossips about Lawyer Son.¡± Xiao Feng looked at Xu Lan with suspicion.


    ¡°Heck! What are you talking about?¡± Xu Lan raised his feet and gave Wang Meng a kick.


    ¡°What? I¡¯m not the one who said this! Why don¡¯t you kick him instead? What did I even do?¡± Wang Meng stood up and scolded Xu Lan ruthlessly.


    ¡°Whether it is you or him that I kicked, it would be the same anyway,¡± Xu Lan said as he made faces at Wang Meng.


    ¡°Knock knock, Sergeant Xu, the chief knows that you¡¯re here and he would like to have a word with you,¡± Wang Hao said ufortably.

 Chapter 224 - Hu Chengs Apology

    <h4>Chapter 224: Hu Cheng¡¯s Apology</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Wang Meng stopped choking Xu Lan and immediately sent him on his way.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, when are you free? The members of team two would like to have a reunion with you. We haven¡¯t heard from you for over a month now, you didn¡¯t even send us a letter...¡±


    The young men felt that they were abandoned by Xu Lan. They had seen first hand how Lao Chen handled things and could understand the reason behind Xu Lan¡¯s departure.


    ¡°Yeah, we should have a reunion. I¡¯ll decide on the venue and let all of you know,¡± Xu Lan nodded before continuing, ¡°what does the chief need from me?¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t say. I was told to bring you to him,¡± Wang Hao replied.


    Both of them made their way to the office. Wang Hao reminded Xu Lan about the reunion before leaving him by the door.


    ¡®Knock, knock...¡¯


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Xu Lan pushed open the door and was choked by the smoky scent. Hu Cheng was smoking from his tobo pipe while reading through the files. After noticing Xu Lan¡¯s difort, he opened the windows hurriedly. Hu Cheng smiled at Xu Lan with his yellow teeth.


    ¡°You¡¯re here! Have a seat. Would you like some water?¡± It was a rhetorical question, as Hu Cheng had already passed Xu Lan a ss of water.


    ¡°Chief, I heard that you wanted to talk?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh. It¡¯s no big deal actually.¡± Hu Cheng smiled.


    ¡°Heh, if there isn¡¯t anything, I¡¯ll make a move now. Bai Wu is waiting for me at home,¡± Xu Lan said, emphasizing on Bai Wu¡¯s name his reply. He stood up and was about to leave.


    ¡°Xu Lan!¡± Hu Cheng halted Xu Lan after seeing that Xu Lan was leaving for real. ¡°Xu Lan, I¡¯m sorry for making such a decision back then.¡±


    Xu Lan looked at Hu Cheng with a crooked smile on his face.


    ¡°Uh, everyone has something that they want to protect. I can understand where you¡¯reing from.¡± Being able to understand why Hu Cheng did what he did and being angry at him for what he did were two different things altogether. Xu Lan felt it was unnecessary to forgive someone who betrayed him.


    ¡°That has been bothering me and I haven¡¯t been eating or sleeping well because of it. When Qin Lao brought up the offer, I...¡± Unsure of how to express his guilt, Hu Cheng paused momentarily.


    ¡°Are you thirsty? Would you like to have some water?¡± Xu Lan offered the warm water to Hu Cheng.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Lao Hu, have you ever forgiven those who harmed Hu Hai?¡± Xu Lan queried.


    ¡°Both of you just can¡¯t forgive me, can you?¡± Hu Cheng looked at Xu Lan, unsure of what to say. The office was saturated with the air of his shame and regret.


    ¡°Sometimes I¡¯m quite easygoing, sometimes I¡¯m not. When Bai Wu is involved, it¡¯s always thetter. I can understand where you¡¯reing from, Lao Hu, I really do. However, being able to understand you is as far as it gets.¡± Xu Lan smiled in a polite and distant manner.


    ¡°They¡¯ve been talking about you all these years. Honestly, I don¡¯t think I did anything wrong. If you were in my position, I¡¯m sure you would¡¯ve done the same. Unfortunately, Sun Fei did not forgive me and soon, even Teacher Wang found out about it.¡± Hu Cheng lowered his head and exined miserably.


    ¡°Uh huh, you¡¯re right. Hence, there¡¯s no point for you to bother yourself about it. I heard about Li Xiu¡¯s escape, mind telling me what¡¯s that about? He should¡¯ve been sentenced to death back then! Heck!¡± The moment Xu Lan mentioned Li Xiu, he felt a shiver down his spine. The perfect suspect!


    ¡°Uhm, Li Xiu was rescued by an unknown creature. The creature was seen on the surveince footage when it tried to break into the prison cell. After that, the surveince footage remained in a nk and blurry state. When it finally resumed its normal operation, Li Xiu already went missing,¡± Hu Cheng replied, putting some thought into it.


    ¡°No clue at all?¡± Xu Lan pursued further.


    ¡°After Li Xiu left, the surveince footage showed a ck tail. It looked exactly the same as Bai Wu¡¯s,¡± Hu Cheng said.

 Chapter 225 - Bringing Xu Lan Home

    <h4>Chapter 225: Bringing Xu Lan Home</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan spaced out as he recalled how arrogant Li Xiu was when they captured him. What Xu Lan did not expect was for Li Xiu to be backed by such powerful allies. It would seem that Li Xiu was definitely working with Qiao Yi!


    ¡°... Bai Wu has a white tail, you¡¯ve seen it before right?¡± Hu Cheng gave Xu Lan a weird look. Xu Lan immediately defended Bai Wu out of reflex.


    ¡°Yes, I have.¡±


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s it. I¡¯m going to leave now,¡± said Xu Lan, who was disgusted by the smokey scent in the house.


    ¡°Okay, talk to you soon.¡± Hu Cheng chuckled. Xu Lan wondered if Hu Cheng¡¯s yellow-stained teeth would scatter about when he bit into something particrly hard.


    After walking out of the office, Xu Lan noticed themotion in the hall. Hu Cheng trailed after Xu Lan to find out what was going on. Xu Lan saw Bai Wu standing in the middle of the crowd; he was chewing gum and wore a hoodie with a pair of shorts. Bai Wu noticed Xu Lan¡¯s presence immediately and waved at him with a smile.


    ¡°He¡¯s grown so much!¡± Hu Cheng said in disbelief.


    ¡°Uh huh, I¡¯m heading down now.¡± Xu Lan refused to borate further and hurried down.


    ¡°Xu Lan, I¡¯m here to bring you home.¡±


    Bai Wu shouted when he saw Xu Lan made his way down. The crowd at the hall became more interested after hearing Bai Wu speak. The people from the office on the second and third floor rushed out to watch the fun.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± asked Xu Lan. He did not know whether tough or to cry upon seeing the scene.


    ¡°I¡¯m here for you. I got the manager to send me here. Instead of walking, I get tomutefortably in the car.¡± Bai Wu smiled cheerfully as he made his way through the crowd to Xu Lan.


    ¡°Great! Haha, give me a second. I¡¯m going to bid Wang Meng and the rest goodbye.¡± Xu Lan wanted tob his fingers through Bai Wu¡¯s hair, but he realized that their height difference made it impossible for him to do it now. He retracted his hand in embarrassment.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, they know you¡¯re leaving,¡± Bai Wu said as he nced at Xiao Feng and Wang Meng who were smiling from the third floor. Wang Meng waved at Xu Lan with his right hand, signaling for him to leave.


    Bai Wu, being the gentleman that he was, opened the car door for Xu Lan and shielded his head as he got into the car. Bai Wu was excited to introduce Xu Lan to his manager. Somehow, Bai Wu managed to make a normal van seem ssy. After seeing how happy Bai Wu was, Xu Lan felt ashamed and made a mental note to get a car soon.


    ¡°I don¡¯t oppose to your rtionship, but you must keep this a secret. Got it? Bai Wu came to the interview today. The tutors thought that he has great potential and decided to invest heavily in him,¡± said the manager. He was sending a message to Xu Lan.


    ¡°Why? Everyone around us knows about this!¡± Bai Wu asked as he was unaware of the nature of his upation.


    ¡°... All the more reason for you to minimize the number of people who know about this!¡± The manager replied furiously.


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu nced at the manager. It made him feel like he was sitting on needles. ¡°This is my personal life and he is the reason I decided to work in the first ce. I want the whole world to know that Xu Lan belongs to me!¡±


    ¡°Pft, fine. Don¡¯t scare the manager off. Control yourself.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s deration swept the gloominess away. The sun shone warmly.


    ¡°Alright, what about Song Xi?¡± Bai Wu could not resist asking.


    ¡°Pft, her boyfriend came to pick her up earlier,¡± Xu Lan replied his question cheerfully.


    ¡°Are both of you acquainted with the president¡¯s wife?¡± The assistant asked curiously.

 Chapter 226 - The President’s Wife

    <h4>Chapter 226: The President¡¯s Wife</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°What? Song Xi is the president¡¯s wife?¡± Xu Lan asked shockingly.


    ¡°... Ourpany is a subsidiary of Zhao Group Corporation. The president often brought along his fianc¨¦e during inspections, that¡¯s why we referred to her as the president¡¯s wife in private.¡±


    The manager had an obvious shift in attitude towards Xu Lan after hearing that he was acquainted with Song Xi, where he answered all of his questions patiently.


    ¡°Zhao Group Corporation owns many other subsidiarypanies?¡± Xu Lan asked while he set up the recorder.


    ¡°Yes, they do. The Zhao Group invested in many ventures, including real estates, hotels, and sportsplexes. Each venture is managed by their correspondingpanies.¡± The manager was skeptical if Xu Lan was friends with the president since he was unaware of such things.


    ¡°May I ask how long has thispany been established?¡± Xu Lan asked excitedly. He shifted forwards and anchored his hands on both of the seats as if he was very interested in the news and gossip.


    ¡°Ourpany was only established two years ago, which is rtivelyte if youpare it to otherpanies that dabble in real estates and stock investments.¡±


    ¡°Do you know when did the Zhao Group Corporation started gaining a stable footing in the corporate world? I have never heard of them before this?¡± Xu Lan led him on.


    ¡°This is beyond the scope of my knowledge. I was working under Meng De Media until two years ago before it was acquired by Zhao Group. That¡¯s when I came to know about it,¡± the manager answered.


    Bai Wu focused on the photo album in his cell phone. He did not disturb Xu Lan when he saw him asking questions with such enthusiasm.


    He had a few pictures of him taken when the manager brought him around to familiarize the environment today. Bai Wu chose a few good-looking ones and requested the photographer to send it to him. He wanted to show Xu Lan how he looked like while he was working.


    Xu Lan felt a little disappointed after hearing the manager¡¯s answer. He remained disgruntled and uninterested throughout the journey.


    ¡°The Zhao Group Corporation owned so many properties, it must be the umtion of the hard work of several generations,¡± Xu Lan said dejectedly after letting out a sigh.


    ¡°Not true, the Zhao Group Corporation only started to flourish in the corporate world a few years ago. I heard that it began to bloom after the new president took over,¡± the manager said after adjusting his sses.


    Xu Lan was busy chatting away, asking about matters rted to Song Xi and thepany. Bai Wu presented his cell phone to Xu Lan awkwardly. It was a vibrant and energetic series of sports photos.


    ¡°Hmm, it looks good. Can you send me to the police station?¡± Xu Lan asked the manager after patting Bai Wu¡¯s head.


    ¡°Xu Lan! We¡¯re going back to eat now. I haven¡¯t eaten anything since morning,¡± Bai Wu went off in a fit of pique when he saw Xu Lan remained so focused on the case.


    ¡°F*ck! Why didn¡¯t you eat? Manager, please stop at the side,¡± Xu Lan Smacked Bai Wu on his head and scolded worriedly.


    The manager was not interested to watch these two fooling around. He let them down shortly after saying a few words. Xu Lan gave a call to Xiao Feng and Wang Meng. This was supposed to be a proper date but it ended up being another case discussion session. Shortly after, Wang Hao and Xiao Zhang arrived. Coincidentally, Meng Chengjun brought Hu Cheng to dine in at the same ce, where they joined in together with the bunch.


    Bai Wu looked so gloomy that it was as if his face was covered in ayer of ash, but he kept his temper under control.


    ¡°This 928 case has been on the desk for such a long time, I believe it already became a worry in everyone¡¯s mind. Since it¡¯s such a rare asion that we¡¯re all here, let¡¯s put it into perspective,¡± Xiao Feng took the lead as the group leader of the task force.


    ¡°Fair enough. There are some aspects of the case that I am still uncertain with since I just joined. This is a great opportunity for us to gather and interact with each other,¡± Hu Cheng said after gulping down a mouthful of alcohol.


    ¡°In order to save time, we will pass on the past events. We will focus on the newly discovered leads!¡± These were the exact words that Xu Lan intended to refute Hu Cheng, but Wang Meng said it out first. Xiao Feng red at him shortly after he sat down. He was puzzled as he had no idea what he said wrongly.


    ¡°Pfft, haha. Great, I have some news,¡± Xu Lanughed heartily while he chose a piece of tender beef slice and put it into Bai Wu¡¯s bowl.

 Chapter 227 - Reintroduction

    <h4>Chapter 227: Reintroduction</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xiao Feng had ordered Xie San to investigate Zhao Ran. Song Xi¡¯s affairs came after that. Lan Er found Song Xi¡¯s parents, but they werepletely unaware of her situation.


    ¡°I was in charge of the investigation regarding the son of Zhao family who suddenly fell ill.¡± Wang Hao raised his hand and said after he saw everyone had finished their part.


    ¡°What¡¯s the current situation?¡± Hu Cheng asked.


    ¡°Let me put it this way, there were not many people who knew about this since all of the neighbors moved away due to the demolition. I¡¯m not sure how reliable is this piece of information since it¡¯s just hearsay,¡± Wang Hao stared directly at Hu Cheng with his gleaming eyes. Wang Hao had a habit of staring at one¡¯s eyes when he was speaking.


    ¡°Stop beating around the bush and spit it out! Quit babbling nonsense!¡± Xu Lan put down his chopsticks and crossed his fingers. He rested his chin on the back of his hand and red at Wang Hao angrily. What kind of bad habit was this for one to brush-off his responsibility before mentioning anything.


    ¡°Er... It was true that the kid had fallen ill. However, it wasn¡¯t any sort of acute disease, but a chronic sickness simr to leukemia. In the end, they had to send him away because they did not have sufficient funds for the treatment. Therefore, they announced to others that he died from illness,¡± Wang Hao said quickly with his head lowered as he dared not make eye-contact with Xu Lan.


    ¡°I gathered simr types of rumors, but I have one more to add on,¡± Meng Chengjun was smiling and maintained a calmposure. Even though his uncle was lying in the hospital with his life on the line, his face did not portray any excess emotions.


    ¡°Hmm? What good news do you bear, Sergeant Meng?¡± Xu Lan asked with interest after he peeled a shrimp for Bai Wu. Xu Lan sincerely admired people like him, but at the same time, he was also d that he was not like him.


    ¡°Laos found something on his side, and we sent some of our guys to investigate. It was a small hotel for rent. The person was also very careful, he wore a cap and mask whenever there¡¯s surveince.¡±


    ¡°What kind of lead is this? You didn¡¯t get anything then?¡± Wang Meng asked rhetorically.


    ¡°Haha, we found out that the person was in contact with Song Xi,¡± Meng Chengjun said with a smile despite Wang Meng¡¯s verbal attack.


    ¡°Hmm? At first, we thought that Song Xi wasn¡¯t involved. Looks like it is even moreplicated than we imagined,¡± Xu Lan massaged his temples and said helplessly.


    ¡°She had already admitted that she was involved in it, why did you exclude her? If it was up to me, I would¡¯ve followed the lead and investigate her until the end! Humph!¡± Bai Wu gobbled up the rice in his bowl and chewed furiously as if he held strong grudges against it.


    ¡°...¡± There was a temporary moment of silence at the table before a bunch of grown man burst out inughter. Their boisterousughter was so loud that it caught the attention of the servers.


    ¡°Ahem, it¡¯s not a big deal. We¡¯ll just carry on with the investigation. Since everybody is here today, I have something to announce!¡± Xu Lan stood up in all seriousness and poured a ss of alcohol.


    ¡®Ding¡¯, there was a sudden tick in Bai Wu¡¯s head. He looked at Xu Lan stiffly.


    ¡°So far, you guys are the only ones I have. Since all of you are here, I¡¯ll take this opportunity to inform you guys,¡± Xu Lan picked up a stiffened Bai Wu. He was surprised that a man like him who was free-spirited and could not care less about anything in this world was showing signs of anxiousness in this moment of time.


    ¡°I know all of you know about Bai Wu. We presented ourselves as uncle and nephew. There were also other appetives but I¡¯m not going to list them down. He keptining that I wasn¡¯t able to provide him security. Therefore, I will reintroduce his identity to everyone today¡ªXu Lan¡¯s lover.¡±

 Chapter 228 - Denouncement

    <h4>Chapter 228: Denouncement</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Bai Wu is my lover!¡±


    A colorful array of confetti exploded in the room. Some of them looked at Xu Lan and Bai Wu gleefully as they finally came to fruition. There were also some who stared at them with big round eyes in astonishment. Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan with his reddened eyes, his hand that was held by Xu Lan was also trembling. The tear mole near the corner of his eye turned red, simr to his crimson red cheeks.


    ¡°... Xu Lan...¡± Bai Wu whimpered.


    He had never expected Xu Lan to reintroduce him in this manner to everyone. Although he never shunned from it, this waspletely a different notion from Xu Lan admitting it verbally. Bai Wu gradually lowered his head, his longshes shadowed his reddened eyes. Inside them were filled with roaring waves, overwhelming him with forces strong enough to topple mountains and overturn seas.


    Xu Lan raised his ss and drained it in one gulp. Although he felt a little awkward, he continued to finish his speech.


    ¡°I am not here to get your approval, I just wanted to inform you guys. Another thing, Bai Wu is going to work as a model, the manager has no intention to let the public know about our rtionship as it is still a taboo. So, I hope you guys will keep it to yourselves.¡±


    ¡°Xu... Sergeant Xu! This...¡± Wang Hao was the most surprised one among the others. Xu Lan was his partner who went through thick and thin with him and was definitely a straight guy. He wanted to ask something, but before he could gather and phrase his words, Xiao Zhang gave him a pinch. He turned toward Xiao Zhang with a puzzled expression on his face.


    ¡°So, that¡¯s all. Let¡¯s continue eating. I gathered all of you here today specifically for this matter.¡± Xu Lan patted Bai Wu¡¯s shoulders and sat down. Bai Wu kept his head low, his expression could not be seen clearly. Xu Lan then noticed that his face was drenched by tears gushing from his eyes after he sat down.


    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t cry. Sit down and eat, I have something to give you after we head home.¡± A pair of jet-ck eyes gazed at Bai Wu smilingly. Bai Wu felt that as if there was some kind of magical power that kept luring him towards it, like it longed to possess more of his gaze.


    ¡°Xu Lan, what shall I do? I¡¯m so thrilled that my heart is going to explode with happiness,¡± Bai Wu muttered with tears flowing down.


    ¡°Pfft, just eat.¡± Xu Lan quirked up the corners of his mouth andughed, before greeting each of them to eat. All of them were chatting away cheerfully around the table, it was such a harmonious sight.


    Wang Meng was shocked when Xu Lan told him about this. Although Xu Lan was not a trivial person, he was considered as a man of principle, not too rigid but rather traditional. If he could go so far to do this for Bai Wu, Bai Wu must be the one for him.


    ¡°So, Bai Wu is your wife then...¡± A voice with hidden anger traveled from the entrance. It was Liang Yu. The door of the private room was pushed open, behind Liang Yu was Qin Lao, followed by a ck cat that strode arrogantly as it entered.


    ¡°Uhm.¡± Xu Lan stared at Liang Yu cautiously and made a throaty sound.


    Qin Lao tottered his way in with the support of his walking stick. Wang Hao that was sitting beside the door passed his stool over to the older man.


    ¡°What, you can¡¯t treat this old man a meal?¡± Qin Lao pounded his walking stick and asked angrily with a raspy voice that old people possess when he saw Xu Lan was on guard.


    ¡°Humph, that¡¯s not it. It¡¯s obvious that you intend to take him away, but I can¡¯t let him go. It¡¯s only natural that you¡¯re not wee.¡± Xu Lan removed his stool and brought Bai Wu over to Qin Lao and poured him a drink. His words made Bai Wu blush immediately, just after he regainedposure. Xu Lan always had the ability to make him blush with his unintentional words.


    ¡°Humph, I had a chat with my old colleagues recently. They observed that there¡¯s some abnormal activity in the dimension. I¡¯m sure that you guys have something to do with it?¡± Qin Lao asked while he sized Bai Wu up.

 Chapter 229 - Blissful Harmony

    <h4>Chapter 229: Blissful Harmony</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan retracted the winess right after he heard what he said. Xu Lan¡¯s expression slowly turned cold. He looked around the room before he passed the winess to Bai Wu and poured himself another one. Then, he brought Bai Wu up to the front of Qin Lao.


    ¡°Qin Lao, why are we mentioning this in such an asion. Let us both make a toast for you.¡± Xu Lan presented the winess with both of his hands as if he was serving tea while he gave a kick to a nk looking Bai Wu.


    ¡°...Here¡¯s to you.¡± Bai Wu passed the ss to him over the toast.


    Qin Lao sized the person in front from left to right before letting out a sigh and took the ss from Xu Lan and gulped the drink down in one breath. Liang Yu held him back when he was about to ept Bai Wu¡¯s ss, ¡°QIn Lao, you¡¯re drinking too fast.¡±


    ¡°Ahem... I am getting old and losing my grip.¡± Qin Lao coughed roughly. Liang Yu stood up instantly to ease his cough by stroking his back.


    ¡°Hmm, you should rest if you¡¯re old, don¡¯t hold onto something and go against it perpetually,¡± Bai Wu said with a sly grin. The ck cat crawled up his arm to his shoulder when he put the ss down onto the table.


    ¡°You! What do you mean!¡±¡®Thump¡¯, Liang Yu leaped up like a short-tailed rabbit who got its tail stepped on. He red at Bai Wu angrily with widened eyes.


    ¡°In its literal meaning. Come on guys, let¡¯s eat. Today¡¯s a good day, I am really d that I get to share a meal with you guys with this identity.¡± Bai Wu¡¯s reddened eyes were filled with joy. He toasted to each and every one of them, the atmosphere in the room started to lighten up again.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do the cross-cupped wine shall we?¡± Wang Meng screamed as he tried to stir up the atmosphere. Wang Hao joined in immediately and brought over the winess towards both of them while he muttered some harmless swear words. Other than the liquor-centered chocte that was given by Shen Xiang, this was Bai Wu¡¯s first encounter with alcohol. Nheless, he took the winess from Wang Hao without uttering a word, threw his head back and chugged it.


    The confetti cannons went off again, the whole team of people entered the room, driving the atmosphere of the room towards its climax.


    Someone put on soothing music in the background, and Xu Lan and Bai Wu were urged to drink the cross-cupped wine. They started toasting from one table to another, their faces turned flushed red from a blush pink. The whole room was filled withughter and chitter-chatter.


    Xu Lan allowed Bai Wu to drink wholeheartedly after seeing him toasting everybody with such enjoyment. Wand Meng and Xiao Feng looked at Xu Lan with a benevolent smile the entire time, which made him slightly embarrassed.


    Qin Lao could not bear to disrupt such a blissful scene. He drank a few sses to entertain Xu Lan and the guys but kept on drinking. If it was not for Liang Yu who acted like his old mother and stopped him from drinking further, he probably would have had a heart attack. His impression of Xu Lan was not that bad. As a researcher, it was as if he had won the lottery to find such sort of research materials. He was also impressed that Xu Lan solved such a high-profile case.


    Bai Wu hugged Xu Lan and acted coquettishly after he was drunk. Everyone was already used to Bai Wu¡¯s mood swings. They spected that he probably went to Sichuan and learned the art of face-changing in Sichuan Opera.


    Xu Lan sent off each and every one of them off and told them not to tease Bai Wu about it. He had to drag him back to the apartment with much effort. If Xu Lan was drunk, he would have kept on vomiting and holding onto others to spill his guts. However, Bai Wu was different. He just slept soundly after getting drunk without making a fuss. Xu Lan felt ashamed inparison to his own behavior.


    ¡°Papa...¡± Bai Wu held tightly onto Xu Lan throughout, not wanting to let go for a single moment, as if he was a giant pillow.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    ¡°I like you,¡± Bai Wu muttered before snuggling into afortable position and dozed off.


    ¡°...¡± Xu Lan caress Bai Wu¡¯s soft silver hair, the corners of his mouth could not help but to curve upwards.


    ¡°Hmph, looks like you¡¯re very satisfied with the current condition.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±

 Chapter 230 - The Days are Numbered

    <h4>Chapter 230: The Days are Numbered</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Humph, looks like you¡¯re pleased about what happened today.¡± The ck cat strode graciously and jumped in from the old camphor tree outside of the window in an unhurried manner, beforementing in a disdainful tone.


    ¡°Uhm, it¡¯s fine. I can¡¯t let you take him away can I?¡± Xu Lan sneered and stood up to shut the windows. He did not want to have uninvited guests to appear in his house at any time.


    ¡°Hehe, if I managed to take him with me, he would not have ended up like this. It seems that you really took my words into consideration. This had set his mind at ease, but you overlooked one problem...¡± Ka Daiwen spun around and sat on the fluffy carpet in the bedroom.


    ¡°What problem?¡± Xu Lan fixed his gaze onto Ka Daiwen, he stared so intently as if she might do something earth-shattering if he did not pay close attention to her. Bai Wu was drunk, he could not contend against her with his strength alone.


    After Ka Daiwen licked her fleshy paw and groomed her fur, she tilted her head and looked over to Bai Wu on the bed. Xu Lan followed her gaze and almost fainted.


    The newly purchased Simmons was deformed due to Bai Wu¡¯s crushing weight, pressing it down to the floor. The strong tail wrapped around his body. He looks like a young dragon who just broke away from its parents¡¯ protection, trying to curl himself up with all of his strength. Bai Wu had transformed into his original form somewhere along the way. The silverish white scales covered his whole body. He was also gradually growing bigger, filling up the entire room in no time.


    ¡°This... Why did he change suddenly?¡± Xu Lan asked puzzledly and stood there helplessly. Cracks start to form around the room, making crackling sounds.


    ¡°He¡¯s drunk, it¡¯s just that he identally let out his mostfortable form.¡± Ka Daiwen licked her own tail and said lightly.


    ¡°The mostfortable form?¡± Xu Lan muttered. Although Bai Wu had transformed into the dragon form several times, it had never crossed his mind that he had been living in the human form all the time.


    ¡°Haha, seems like he didn¡¯t mention this to you.¡± Ka Daiwen sized up Xu Lan with distaste. Suddenly, a cloud of ck smoke engulfed her and when it dissipated, an exquisite, youngdy appeared in front of Xu Lan.


    ¡°The original form is always the mostfortable form regardless of the time or situation. Bai Wu had been with you for such a long time and you don¡¯t know of this?¡± Ka Daiwen directly exposed the side of Bai Wu that he was unwilling to show Xu Lan. ¡°However, Bai Wu¡¯s dragon form will expedite the distortion of dimension. You certainly can¡¯t be oblivious of this. There¡¯s already disorder in the dimension, all kinds of creatures from each dimension are mingling with each other. The dimensional crack is happening as we speak.¡±


    Ka Daiwen crossed her slender legs and said seriously while she strokes her hair.


    ¡°Huh? I thought Bai Wu¡¯s anger would expedite the formation of dimensional cracks. Since the dimension is already is a mess, this shouldn¡¯t cause much of a problem then.¡± Xu Lan gave a look toward Bai Wu who almost burst open the room, before saying with his lips curled to one side.


    ¡°A soundly sleeping Bai Wu definitely wouldn¡¯t cause any substantial effect on the order of the whole dimension. Nheless, Qiao Yi could still trace it back to here by following the clues from the dimension! If this happens, it¡¯ll spark a huge war...¡± Ka Daiwen shared her worries.


    ¡°... Qiao Yi¡¯s able to find us here!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s whole body shuddered and whispered.


    Xu Lan had seen how Qiao Yi and Bai Wu fought during theirst battle with his own eyes. Although they reserved part of their strength, the whole world was in chaos as they were able to control all things mentally, turning everything around them into weapons. If they started a war, it would be a war that no man could intervene! Xu Lan realized that the ce that they were living in now would be destroyed. There would only be river filled with blood and corpses that could line thousands of miles.


    ¡°Li Xiu, I saw the informants that Qiao Yi nted in the parallel dimension. Your days are numbered...¡±

 Chapter 231 - Live Experiment

    <h4>Chapter 231: Live Experiment</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan gasped and turned around. He stared at Ka Daiwen with cowbell-like eyes. He was trembling with anger coursing through his whole body. Bouts of air were escaping his lungs through his heavy breaths.


    ¡°F*CK! You saw Li Xiu already?¡±


    Ka Daiwen tilted her head and nodded apprehensively, startled by the sheer intensity of Xu Lan¡¯s reaction.


    ¡®Rumble, rumble...¡¯


    ¡°Hey! Upstairs! What the hell are you doing! The building is cracking!¡± The wall connecting the bedroom to the living room was unable to bear the pressure rumbled and copsed. The ruckus scared a man on the second floor. He was having sex in broad daylight, and after losing his erection, he cursed loudly in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°...¡± Xu Lan frowned as he looked at the circumstances before him. ¡°Can I wake him up now?¡±


    Ka Daiwen casted a sideways nce at Bai Wu. With her disorderly ck mist, she gracefully climbed up Bai Wu¡¯s body and used her paws to cover his nostrils.


    ¡°... Ohh, Papa...¡± A confused Bai Wu opened his eyes halfway and saw a pair of faintly discernible emerald eyes among the ck mist. Startled, he jumped up and backed off, resulting in a loud tter. Xu Lan smiled bitterly while rubbing his forehead. He wondered if the house was still habitable.


    Bai Wu nced around him and looked back at Xu Lan with a frightened expression. White mist began rising as he lifted Ka Daiwen by the neck. He then walked over to Xu Lan slowly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Papa. I didn¡¯t know it would be like this...¡± The swaying chandelier crashed audibly along with the rest of it. Bai Wu lowered his head and crushed the rubble beneath his foot, afraid of looking Xu Lan in the eye.


    ¡°Ah, forget about it. We should get a new home.¡± Seeing Bai Wu¡¯s disposition, Xu Lan swallowed whatever curse words that were on the verge of being spat out. He helplessly continued his sentence and said, ¡°Also, a car. It¡¯ll be easier for you to go to work.¡±


    ¡°Mm, but why is she here?¡± Bai Wu squinted and asked disgruntledly as he cautiously ced Ka Daiwen between them. Back then, he should never have epted Xu Lan¡¯s suggestion to bring Ka Daiwen along, because, in recent times, she was always around them. She was a distraction and there was always a possibility that she might be the cause of an ident in waiting.


    ¡°Li Xiu is here. Would Qiao Yi alsoe here when the timees?¡± Xu Lan did not answer Bai Wu¡¯s question but instead asked a question of his own.


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu seemed offended. He threw Ka Daiwen onto the bed and replied in dismay, ¡°If hees, so be it. He might not even make it. You don¡¯t need to bother yourself with all this, I¡¯ll handle it.¡±


    ¡°You disgrace! I know you hate humans, but if you and Qiao Yi start battling, don¡¯t you realize what effect that will have here? Please don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve never thought of all that!¡± While saying so, Xu Lan lifted his hand and motioned as if to p Bai Wu, but thetter stood unflinchingly and did not even blink. In the end, his palm was redirected to his own face instead of Bai Wu¡¯s.


    ¡°XU LAN! What are you doing?!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s face became swollen immediately. Bai Wu grabbed his hand roughly and reprimanded him.


    ¡°Do we still have enough time to go to another dimension? This... this is the ce that I grew up in.¡± Xu Lan grasped his fist and asked solemnly.


    ¡°There isn¡¯t any time left! Xu Lan! Look at me when I speak!¡± The sound of Bai Wu gnashing his teeth was extremely loud. He was trembling with exasperation and grasping Xu Lan¡¯s hand in a nearly bone-breaking grip.


    ¡°Am I that unworthy of your trust? I said I¡¯ll handle it!¡± Bai Wu snarled and forced Xu Lan to look directly at him. Within the stillness of the room, the veins on Bai Wu¡¯s face were bulging along with the continuous pulsation of his temples.


    The lingering after-effects of emotion had yet to subside, and coupled with his raging fury, his heart felt as though it was burning! He had the impression that he would always have to live in the shell of being a child; always hiding under Xu Lan¡¯s subjective idea of a protective umbre.


    ¡°I will find Li Xiu as fast as I can. Qiao Yi¡¯s pursuit of me is simply to prevent me from ever going back to the dragon n. I¡¯ll tell him that I will never step foot in there again...¡±


    ¡°NO!¡± Upon hearing those words, Ka Daiwen leaped up to Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder and looked at Bai Wu straight in the eye. ¡°In order to preserve his position, Qiao Yi is conducting modification experiments on the dragon n¡¯s strongest warriors. Many of those valiant and fearless warrior dragons died in the experiments. Those who resisted him were stripped of their original bodies, and have been locked up in all kinds of enclosures...¡±


    ¡°! He¡¯s using his own kind for experimentation! Why didn¡¯t you say this earlier!¡± Bai Wu grabbed Ka Daiwen by her neck and slowly began tightening his grip. His pupils, zing with wrath.

 Chapter 232 - House-hunting

    <h4>Chapter 232: House-hunting</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    There was no news from Xiao Feng¡¯s side for the time being. After admonishing Xu Lan a few times, Bai Wu left, carrying Ka Daiwen with him. Xu Lan frowned at the situation inside the house. Thendy would being over soon, and he was unable to imagine the amount of scolding he would get or the total amount that would have to be paid.


    Xu Lan was ovee with boredom, and in trying to relieve himself of it, he phoned Wang Meng and invited him out for a meal. Xiao Feng picked up the phone instead, but Wang Meng¡¯s groaning could faintly be heard in the background. A shocked Xu Lan hung up immediately, turning his attention to the city¡¯s unending hustle and bustle.


    The days were longer during summertime, and the sun was still high in the west side of the sky. As Xu Lan was taking an aimless stroll, a small brochure was shoved into his hands. With the bright, clean walls of a skyscraper reflecting a garish amount of sunlight, Xu Lan squinted and lifted his hand upzily to shield his eyes. His eyes were greeted with a cold, unfeeling, high-rise building that was created from the piling up of reinforced concrete. Three words were written on top of the building: ¡®Zhao Real Estates¡¯.


    ¡°Eh, how did I end up here?¡± he mumbles as his lips curled into a smile. He was coincidentally on the lookout for a new house. He walked in wondering if he would be able to get some discounts on the basis of having friendly rtions with them.


    The female sales agent dly weed him once she saw him enter. She took another look at Xu Lan and she ¨C along with her ck, unpadded shoes ¨C paused for a moment. Bai Wu was rushing and had no time to dress Xu Lan up. As a result, Xu Lan wore a white short-sleeved shirt that was stained yellow after numerous washes, a pair of flower print shorts, and a pair of flip-flops. In addition to his dark and suntanned skin, he also had an unkempt beard and since it had been a while since hest had a haircut, his undercut was fast approaching the style of an artist. Nheless, he walked with a swagger into the sales department of Zhao Real Estates.


    ¡°Hello sir, are you here to look at some houses?¡± The saledy smiled in a very business-like manner and asked cordially. She looked simr to a certaindy from a certain country, who also had fake smiles.


    ¡°Mm, yes, looking for a house.¡± Before Xu Lan said anything else, the saledy brought him to see their house models. Soon after, a big-bellied middle-aged man came in, apanied by an elegant and beautiful woman. The saledy immediately casted Xu Lan aside and hurried over to greet them.


    Xu Lan simply rolled his eyes. If he wanted Bai Wu to befortable, he could neither buy a ce that was upstairs nor one that was in the city center.


    ¡°Do you only have this kind?¡± Xu Lan pointed to a row of extremely small models. He twitched his mouth and asked, ¡°Are there any bigger ones? Something with a garden maybe.¡±


    ¡°Err, we do, but are you sure you want to look at them?¡± the saledy answered hesitantly. She thought that perhaps he was unfamiliar with the condition of the property market during the past few years.


    ¡°Mm, yes. It would be better if the house is a bit secluded and is all on its own. I prefer peace and quiet.¡± Xu Lan nodded affirmatively.


    The saledy brought him to see the vi district. All of them were detached European-style houses. Some vis had a garden, while others had a swimming pool; a few units even had both.


    ¡°How about this one?¡± Xu Lan stopped at one that had a garden at the back and a swimming pool on the roof. He posed the question while rubbing his chin.


    ¡°Darling, I wanna see this one.¡± A delicate finger with red nail polish pointed at the house in front of Xu Lan. She was leaning on the big-bellied middle-aged man when she made the remark.


    ¡°Yo, where did this peasante from? You¡¯re making a mistake, aren¡¯t you? You, of all people, want to buy this house?¡± Despite her pretty face, her words were anything but. Xu Lan tch-ed upon hearing them.


    ¡°I, I want to buy it. I saw it first.¡± Xu Lan nced quickly at them but could not be bothered by their actions.


    ¡°You wanna buy it? Do you have the money? You¡¯re just a na?ve peasant who just entered the city. Do you know how expensive this house is? You still wanna buy it?¡± The prettydy replied mockingly. She found it amusing that a peasant was fighting over a house with her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, actually. I just think this house is neat. So, this one will do.¡±


    ¡°What! YOU! Darling! I don¡¯t care! I want this house!¡± She swung her lips and jiggled the middle-aged man¡¯s arm in a tantrum.


    ¡°We fancy this one. You may look for another one. Kiss kiss, my darling, you can stop swinging my arm now.¡± From behind, the middle-aged man bit the woman¡¯s ear and replied.


    ¡°Heh, I fancy this too. Well, everything¡¯s on a firste, first serve basis right?? I was the first to say I wanted to see this house, wasn¡¯t I?¡± Xu Lan retorted in disdain.


    ¡°F*ck your mother. I said I fancy it, so it¡¯s mine! What dog a*s logic is that firste first serve nonsense. Customer service, bring us to see the house.¡± With a fierce-looking face, the man spat a few profanities and pushed Xu Lan away. He then called out to the saledy.


    ¡°Er, this...this...¡± The saledy looked awkwardly at Xu Lan and walked over to the man.


    ¡°I saw it first.¡±


    ¡°F*CK YOUR MOTHER!¡± The man was about to deliver a kick!


    ¡°STOP!¡±

 Chapter 233 - Buying A Car and A House

    <h4>Chapter 233: Buying A Car and A House</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Without waiting for Xu Lan to make a move, the fat man stumbled, stopping only when his red-naileddy propped him up.


    With impable attire, Zhao Ran stood in front of the middle-aged man. Song Xi was just behind him. On previous asions, Xu Lan would always feel inferior whenever he saw Zhao Ran, but at that time, he felt unflustered after seeing how much Song Xi depended on him.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯ve already bought this house a few days ago. I prepared it as a gift to mydy, for her to treat it as her holiday home,¡± Zhao Ran replied in a calm and self-indulgent manner. Song Xi¡¯s face turned red and she tugged his arm, saying, ¡°How about you look at a different one?¡±


    ¡°What? Did you buy it already? Have you paid for it? But I want...¡±


    The paunchy man hurriedly pulled on hisdy¡¯s arm, indicating for her to keep quiet. He then smiled and apologized to Zhao Ran. Xu Lan felt that his own skills at evaluating women were not that great. Perhaps the foul-mouthed woman was pretty in the opinion of the man because he was blind in one eye.


    After the couple took barely two steps, Zhao Ran went over to Xu Lan. In a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, he said that he would bring Xu Lan to see some houses. He smiled, knowing that the couple could hear him clearly. Thedy was so angry she almost grew a beard. She pinched her man on the waist a couple of times, eliciting some ouches from him.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Officer Xu.¡± Zhao Ran invited Xu Lan into the office. ¡°I was hasty this morning. I originally wanted toe to the station tomorrow and offer you my sincerest apologies. I didn¡¯t expect you to bump into you here.¡±


    Like a good wife and loving mother, Song Xi personally grounded some coffee beans and made coffee for them.


    ¡°No, no, no, I¡¯m unemployed now. And besides, we made a mistake this morning.¡± Xu Lan sat cross-legged and sloppily drank his cup of coffee. He then gestured with his hands and said, ¡°I never knew when you guys got married since I¡¯m always not around. I really don¡¯t think I can sit through it, otherwise even I would want a piece of that cake.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re teasing, Officer Xu. I myself would like to wed Xixi, but Xixi hasn¡¯t agreed. The only thing I could ask from her was that we get engaged. I worry someone might steal her away from me.¡± At the mere mention of Song Xi, Zhao Ran looked like someone who was sealed in a pot of honey. His smile was so sweet that it made Xu Lan feel nauseated.


    ¡°Hehe, alright, alright. When the dayes, make sure you invite me. I¡¯ll continue looking at houses if you¡¯ll excuse me,¡± Xu Lan sneered, stood up, and waved them goodbye.


    ¡°Officer Xu, whatever I said earlier was simply to prevent any unnecessary conflict. The house that Xixi and I bought was not that one. If you want to take a look, I¡¯ll immediately get someone to apany you,¡± Zhao Ran said sheepishly.


    Xu Lan twitched an eyebrow and nodded without saying anything. He was satisfied with the house, and Zhao Ran could even introduce an interior designer to lend a hand in renovation works. The earliest he and Bai Wu could move in was by the end of that year. The saledy¡¯s eyeballs nearly fell out from her eye sockets when she saw that an unsophisticated ¡®peasant¡¯ could write a check numbering in the millions within a few hours. It also took six hundred thousand just topensate for hisndy. For the first time, Xu Lan was spending money extravagantly; just looking at the check in hand gave him a heartache.


    Once he was done surveying the house, he went to a 4S automobile shop and bought a jeep. He was rather excited since it was the first time he owned his own car. His hands trembled when he held the steering wheel. Being subdued and steady yet rough and wild, Bai Wu would certainly love that ything, Xu Lan thought. He just had no idea when Bai Wu woulde back, so after that, he went in search of a new home to rent.


    Bai Wu was still unable to locate Li Xiu; he had to start from scratch because there were absolutely no clues. Nheless, he simply had to find Li Xiu! He always thought that his beef with Qiao Yi was simply for the royal position, but he never imagined that Qiao Yi would be so deranged as to use the warrior dragons for live experiments!


    An audible thud was produced when Bai Wu rammed his fist into the hundred-year-old tree beside him. A deep dent was left in the tree trunk and leaves began falling to the ground.


    ¡°Where did you f*cking see Li Xiu!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s eyes were scarlet red and he was fuming in extreme anger; his hand grabbed Ka Daiwen by the neck and interrogated her.

 Chapter 234 - Bias

    <h4>Chapter 234: Bias</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lanid on the bed with his cell phone in hand, unsure whether or not he should call Bai Wu and ask how things were on his end. The phone then began ringing abruptly, causing him to lose his grip. It promptly fell on his forehead.


    ¡°Hey?¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Xu, are you crying?¡± Wang Hao asked in a probing and suspicious manner.


    ¡°F*ck! If you have something to say, say it! If you need to fart, do it quickly!¡± Xu Lan massaged his nose, which gave him a thick nasal quality in his scolding voice.


    ¡°Er, uh, Sergeant Xu. There¡¯s some new progress in the results of the investigation. The director general requested that youe and take a look at them. After all, you¡¯ve been following the case from the beginning.¡± Xu Lan was imagining Wang Hao¡¯s reaction at that time: the man was probably rubbing his hands, wanting to look directly at Xu Lan but afraid to actually do so.


    ¡°Have all of you been eating sh*t when I was away those few months? What else am I supposed to follow up? I¡¯ve been fired, you hear me.¡± Xu Lan pinched his nose and clicked his tongue as he retorted.


    ¡°Hehe, Sergeant Xu always nags and speaks the truth. Are you immersed in the tender, addictive charms of love right now? Sigh, when will the timee for me to say goodbye to the fivedies of my hand?¡± Wang Hao lowered his voice, and all of a sudden, his desire to gossip was ignited.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I gift you something for yourst birthday?¡± Xu Lan teased while using his hand to feel the empty space beside him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bring it up again! Some d*ckhead was jealous of my beautiful ¡®wife¡¯, and it shocked me to find a toothpick inside of her! Motherf*cker!¡± Wang Hao became extremely angry whenever he thought about that. He harbored grave suspicions that Xiao Zhang, after a good cleaning of the teeth, disposed of the toothpick by stabbing it into his ¡®wife¡¯ and destroying ¡®her¡¯. However, his ¡®wife¡¯ was never in the living room to begin with! Grr!


    ¡°... Serves you right for not taking care of it. Alright then, I¡¯ll continue sleeping, gonna hang up now.¡± Having waited for Bai Wu the whole night, sleepiness sank in and Xu Lan could no longer keep his eyes open. At that point, the phone began ringing again, this time it was Hu Cheng <sup>1</sup> ¡®s voice.


    ¡°Xu Lan, there¡¯s something you shoulde and see.¡± It was Liang Yu. His voice was apanied by Qin Lao¡¯s coughing in the background. The coughing was like a reproaching of Liang Yu¡¯s meddlesomeness.


    Xu Lan did a kip-up and was now sitting upright on the bed. He frowned and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°... It¡¯s hard to exin through the phone, but it might have something to do with Bai Wu.¡± In clear and simple terms, Liang Yu struck directly at Xu Lan¡¯s weak spot. Thetter hung up, wore some clothes, and rushed over to the police station.


    ¡°I told you, as long as you mention Bai Wu, he¡¯lle by himself. You don¡¯t even need to invite him.¡± Liang Yu handed the phone over to Wang Hao and remarked leisurely while looking around the room.


    ¡°Cough cough, talk less!¡± Qin Lao covered his mouth with a fist and coughed. As soon as Liang Yu realized his slip, he lowered his head and sat back down, minimizing his presence as much as possible.


    When Xu Lan returned to the world where he originally came from, he stayed there for about one or two months. At the third parallel dimension, it was only about three or four months. However, in the first parallel dimension, Xu Lan disappeared for five years. Qin Lao used every resource avable to find Bai Wu, and the searchsted five years as well. After searching for days and days on end, Liang Yu¡¯s patience was quickly eroded into nonexistence. Now, whenever he saw Xu Lan, he felt a fire burning inside of him; it was an anger that had no outlet to vent on. In addition to being fooled once before, his rage was all the more extreme.


    The door opened with a thud and Xu Lan¡¯s voice was heard. ¡°What did you find?¡± He ced his hands on his knees and panted heavily.


    ¡°Xiao Xu, you came here a bit too quickly, don¡¯t you think?¡± Wang Meng questioned in surprise. Xu Lan faced Liang Yu and waved up both hands in agreement to Wang Meng. As fast as it was, surely it was too fast?


    ¡°The room I rented is very near. I drove here.¡± Xu Lan regained hisposure and went to sit beside Qin Lao. He gulped down two cups of water and asked, ¡°What did you discover?¡±


    ¡°... Dimensional fluctuations.¡±

 Chapter 235 - What Does This Have Anything to Do with Bai Wu?

    <h4>Chapter 235: What Does This Have Anything to Do with Bai Wu?</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°We¡¯ve detected dimensional fluctuations at the mental institution and Laos. In fact, these fluctuations happened at the same time,¡± Qin Lao said solemnly.


    ¡°Ourrades at Laos have inspected the hotel and the surveince footages from the surrounding areas. There¡¯s nothing odd about them. As a result of the B and R Initiative, the Zhao family frequented Laos. Here are the information about the Zhao family and Zhao Ran. Do have a look.¡± Wang Meng pulled out two file pockets from the stash of documents and passed them to Xu Lan.


    ¡°Song Xi probably resented our investigation. She hasn¡¯t divulged anything other than her identity. We couldn¡¯t find anything on the child as he resided in the nail houses.¡±


    ¡°Uh huh, what about the dimensional transmutation at Laos and the mental asylum that took ce at the same time? Dimensional fluctuations are happening all over the world, am I right?¡± Xu Lan asked as he flipped through the files.


    ¡°Yes. The world that we are in now is akin to a sieve. It is filled with voids everywhere. However, our report shows that the frequency, speed, and trajectory of the voids are strangely simr. It is as though these voids are a single entity,¡± Liang Yu borated.


    Zhao Ran was twenty-six years old. He was two years younger than Song Xi. Three years ago, the Zhao family announced that they had a son overseas, and he was going to return to the country and take over the family business. Back then, the Zhao family was not as affluent and it was only reported by non-mainstream media. Prior to that, the Zhao family kept Zhao Ran¡¯s existence as a well-protected secret. There was not much information about him, aside from the fact that he spent only five years to obtain a Master¡¯s degree in Economics and a Ph.D. degree in management. Transferring between schools was a norm for him, and he finally settled down in Whitehorse City after his mother married into the Zhao family.


    There did not seem to be any connection between the reputable Zhao family who came to fame quickly in Whitehorse City and the Zhao family who used to be residents in the nail houses. The only obvious connection would be the surname they share, Zhao. If they were rted at all, it would probably be that they shared the same ancestors five hundred years ago. Xu Lan wondered if he was being unreasonably suspicious of Zhao Ran. He reached into his pocket and felt the white handkerchief wrap itself around his hands.


    ¡°Do you guys think it¡¯s possible for a void to appear at the same time in different locations?¡± Xu Lan stared at Qin Lao as he asked.


    ¡°I know it sounds ridiculous, but the possibility of it happening is real.¡±


    ¡°Oh? That¡¯s interesting. How would it be possible?¡± Xiao Feng took a long drag and breathed out smoke rings as he asked.


    ¡°The Universe is multidimensional, it¡¯s just that we can¡¯t perceive some of the matters andtitudes. For some reason, the parallel dimensions are merging into one. As a result, dimensional cracks are formed and we¡¯re seeing things from differenttitudes.


    However, the influx of foreign matters will upset the bnce of our dimension, causing a greater crack to form and disrupting the space-time equilibrium in the process. Whenever the crack appears at a location, there will be a counterpart of the location withstanding the energy generated by the crack. If the existing energy at the counterpart could not withstand the force of the new energy, a new crack will be formed. This is just like a rucksack with an open bottom,¡± said Qin Lao.


    ¡°What does this have anything to do with Bai Wu then?¡± Xu Lan was confused by the exnation. He flipped through the files and voiced out the reason why he was there. After everything, he would rather not be a chess piece in someone else¡¯s game.


    ¡°... Are they aware of Bai Wu¡¯s real identity?¡± Qin Lao whispered as he was confused by Xu Lan¡¯s candor. Qin Lao thought if everyone knew about it, Bai Wu would not have been allowed to roam around freely and mingle with the public.


    ¡°Qin Lao, what you¡¯re saying is that the person who appeared at Laos and the mental asylum could have been the same person? The suspect took advantage of the crack, which exined how he or she managed to operate the game andmitted crimes at different locations within the same time frame?¡± Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°This is not entirely impossible,¡± Qin Lao nodded and looked at Xu Lan with admiration.


    ¡°Do we have any information on Zhao Ran¡¯s mother? No news about the woman who has gone crazy?¡± Xu Lan looked at Wang Hao as he tapped his index and middle fingers on the files.

 Chapter 236 - The Subsystem of the Sparrow Game

    <h4>Chapter 236: The Subsystem of the Sparrow Game</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Xiao Xu, I¡¯m seriously suspecting that you¡¯ve installed a listening device in the station! How else are you supposed to be privy to all these new information that we¡¯ve just found out!¡± Wang Meng stood up in shock and gave Xu Lan a p on his back.


    ¡°Cough cough... That¡¯s a crime. Since the files mentioned that Zhao Ran has a mother who remarried, logically we should look into it. Director General Hu, all the information we have pointed toward the woman who escaped from the mental asylum. Do you think you can get in touch with the mental asylum again and try to get some information on her? Any files or photos would do. What do you think?¡±


    Xu Lan closed the files and fidgeted with his pen.


    ¡°Officer Xiao, what¡¯s your opinion on this?¡± Instead of answering Xu Lan¡¯s question, Hu Cheng directed the question at Xiao Feng.


    When Baldie Chen was presiding at the office, he was wary of the task force as he did not want them to steal his thunder. As a result, he put on a show and never participated in the task force¡¯s investigation. After taking over, Hu Cheng tried to do away with the culture fostered by Lao Chen and actively helped the task force in their search for leads. Under his leadership, the police station and the task force worked hand-in-hand to solve the 928 case.


    ¡°Personally, I admire Xu Lan¡¯s investigative skills. However, I have a question in regard to this incident. Based on the files, I don¡¯t see how Zhao Ran is connected to the incident. Why are we still on his tail and wasting our resources on him? On the other hand, we seem to disregard Lan Er¡¯s hard work and the results of his investigation on the Sparrow Game?¡± Xiao Feng asked as he breathed out rings of smoke.


    Hu Cheng tapped on the table twice with his tobo pipe. He refilled the pipe with more tobo leaves before smoking again. The table was cluttered with files rting to the Sparrow Game.


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop investigating on mother Zhao, we should stop wasting time on Laos since it¡¯s of negligible significance. As for the investigation on the Sparrow Game, we will need to have a further discussion considering how we acted prematurely thest time. Judging how our opponent has such strong counter-reconnaissance ability, I don¡¯t think he will fall into our trap so easily,¡± Hu Cheng uttered through his yellow teeth.


    ¡°Officer Xiao, any news from Lan Er and Xie San?¡± Xu Lan held Xiao Feng¡¯s opinion in high regard. He decided to stop obsessing over it after Xiao Feng voiced his queries.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother asking, there was barely anything. Lan Er was dragged into the subsystem of the Sparrow Game. He got closer to death than he was to the main perpetrator,¡± Wang Meng cursed.


    ¡°What? You guys made a subsystem? Aren¡¯t you worried that you¡¯ll scare the suspect off?¡± Xu Lan mmed his gel pen onto the table and roared. He squinted his eyes as he stared at Xiao Feng.


    ¡°When Lan Er first suggested this, I did not agree with him. However, when he presented the data to me, I chose to believe him.¡± Xiao Feng stubbed his cigarette and replied solemnly.


    ¡°What did the data say? Didn¡¯t Meng Zi say that the n failed?¡± Xu Lan sat straight and asked in anticipation noticing that there was something more to this.


    ¡°Lan Erbed through all of the information rted to the Sparrow Game and he found out that the game is closely connected to a public health website. The website targeted the elderly and there were plenty of articles written on Pneumoconiosis. These articles are distributed through location-based SMS, directing them to the Sparrow Game¡¯s website and prompting them to download the mobile application for the Sparrow Game forum. While the forum is full of treatment ns for Pneumoconiosis, there are also subtle hints directed at the patients, encouraging them tomit suicide.¡±


    As the links were customized based on user information, the users were disyed with contents specially curated for them. The real forum link was only shown to those who fit into the criteria. If the users followed the instructions on the forum, they would end up having a nervous breakdown and chose to end their life. For those who did not fit into the criteria, they would end up at a normal management website. In that website, there were different tiers of management who would distribute death-rted messages.


    Thetter website was a n B to throw the policemen off their investigation. After reading the horrifying posts in the forum, normal people would exit the forum out of fear. The only ones who would stay and read through all of the posts would be the police who were in the middle of their investigation.


    Whether it was Xu Lan or Xie San, the suspect was monitoring their every moves on the website. This website was the perfect tool for the suspect to influence the decisions made by the police.


    ¡°... So all of the money I invested had gone to waste! Back then, I was surprised by how badly designed the website was and wondered how he manages to target the mining crowd.¡±


    ¡°Lan Er found the right link and felt an invisible pull toward the site. It was as though the site was magical. Lan Er went behind our back and continued to gather information on the site. In fact, he even shared his personal posts on the site,¡± Xiao Feng said.


    ¡°If he went behind all of you, how did you guys find out about this?¡± Xu Lan recalled that Wang Meng mentioned something about Lan Er losing his life. He knew that the story behind this was not going to be anything cheerful.


    The room was shrouded in a depressing atmosphere and even the warmth from the sunshine could not dispel the gloominess. Those who were outside of the room envied how calm and collected the people in the room seemed, whereas those who were in the room envied the carefree and cheerful nature exhibited by those who were outside.


    ¡°We lost touch with Lan Er for about a week. As the files on their desk piled higher, Xie San broke into Lan Er¡¯s room out of frustration...¡± Xiao Feng gulped and seemed really reluctant to recall the incident.


    ¡®Bam!¡¯ Xiao Feng threw a strong punch at the sofa, causing a crack to form on the surface of the leather sofa.


    ¡°Dang it! When we capture the b*stard, I¡¯m going to skin him alive!¡± Wang Meng gritted his teeth and clenched his fist before shouting.


    Sometimeter, Xu Lan got in touch with Lan Er and was surprised to see that he was stick-thin. His ribs were protruding and he was constantly shivering under his nket. The forbidden tune was yed in every room, causing a great deal of confusion to his mind.


    The house was filled with a damp and moldy scent. Objects were scattered everywhere¡ª a broken porcin bowl, a pillow with cuts on it, a blood-stained ashtray, a sharp Swiss Army knife... Consuming psychedelics, burning oneself with cigarettes, carving on one¡¯s body, wrist cutting, he carried out all of the tasks detailed on the website.


    This series of action caused severe damage to Lan Er¡¯s psychological wellbeing. Lan Er attacked Xie San and scolded Xie San for stopping him from ascending to the heavens. Lan Er was still undergoing psychotherapy and Xie San stayed right by his side to prevent him from harming himself. This was why Xiao Feng suggested stopping the investigation on mother Zhao. They were short-handed.


    ¡°What about the subsystem?¡± Xu Lan noticed that Xiao Feng and Wang Meng did not feel like discussing what happened to Lan Er. He immediately diverted the topic.


    ¡°This is the other breakthrough about the Sparrow Game that I wanted to talk about,¡± Xiao Feng said with a deep frown. He hoped that this information would help the case as it was something that Lan Er put his life at risk for.

 Chapter 237 - The Subsystem of the Sparrow Game (2)

    <h4>Chapter 237: The Subsystem of the Sparrow Game (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°This might be the first time that the Sparrow Game failed to capture its prey. During the time period when Lan Er was in the hospital, there was a desperate influx of strongly suggestive dark articles. Lan Er tried to kill himself in the hospital, but fortunately, he was rescued. He was asionally sober and that was when he told us about the incident. At the end of his story, he suggested for us to build our work on this special case.


    This time around, we dare not let anyone deal with the forum alone. We arranged for a few people to work under the same IP address while dealing with our opponent. We¡¯re unsure what our opponent¡¯s state of mind was because he continued to be on our tail and refused to let us go. A few days ago, our ount got dragged into a subsystem. The active users on the subsystem are those who were involved with the Chengdu mine. This time around, the scope isn¡¯t confined to those who were involved in the mine shaft where the ident took ce, but the entire mine itself.


    Most of these people are suffering from Pneumoconiosis and they are alwaysining about their bad luck, their hatred on the society, and their desire to take revenge on society. Their topics of discussion are mainly focusing on how to torture their neighbors¡¯ dogs, molest young girls, and murder their wives. However, almost all of them have a keen interest in locating the mine owner and carrying out illegal punishments on him!¡± Xiao Feng exined.


    ¡°Huh? You¡¯re telling me that such a forum exists?¡± Wang Hao folded his arms on his chest and leaned back. There were goosebumps all over his body.


    ¡°I think a big part of the reason why Lan Er was looped into the subsystem had something to do with the mine owner. Lan Er got his hands on the mine owner¡¯s personal information and forged an identity...¡± Xiao Feng leaned back on the sofa and covered his eyes with his hands. He emanated helplessness around him.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s allocate more manpower on the inte-rted investigation. Meng Chengjun and Wang Hao, both of you and your respective team are to assist Officer Xiao. Xiao Zhang, bring some men with you and look into the escapees from the mental asylum. For now, let¡¯s just leave Zhao Ran alone, we can¡¯t act without solid evidence substantiating our hypothesis,¡± Hu Cheng said as he tapped against his tobo pipe.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Xu Lan felt lost and did not know what to do. He stood still and watched as everyone continued to work on the tasks that they were assigned. The disruption in the space-time equilibrium took Xu Lan¡¯s pride and confidence away. He became more cautious. He found it difficult to focus and he knew this would cause apse in judgment sooner orter. In fact, this was probably the reason why he made a misjudgment when it came to Zhao Ran and also failing to protect Lan Er!


    ¡°Alright. That¡¯s all for today, everyone¡¯s dismissed,¡± Hu Cheng stood up and tapped his tobo pipe against the table as he spoke. Everyone else stood up too and proceeded to work on the tasks assigned to them.


    ¡®What happened to my sharp observational skills? My fearlessness and decisiveness? Everyone in the station believes that I¡¯m capable of solving the case, even the task forceplimented me on my unique perspectives as they were incredibly helpful to the case! Yet, what am I doing now?¡¯ Xu Lan wrapped his arms around his head and buried his fingers amidst his short hair as he whimpered in guilt.


    ¡°Xiao Xu, you should head home if you¡¯re feeling unwell. We¡¯ll let you know if there¡¯s anything new,¡± Wang Meng said with a heavy heart. He patted Xu Lan on his shoulder as he made his way out with Xiao Feng.


    ¡°Qin Lao, can I talk to you please?¡± Xu Lan said with his head bowed, his gaze fixated on the tip of his shoes.


    Liang Yu wanted to remain next to Qin Lao but he was sent away by Qin Lao instead. At that moment, Xu Lan and Qin Lao were in the room alone.


    ¡°Qin Lao, I need a favor. This is something that only you can do. If you decided to help me out, I can convince Bai Wu to help you out with your research,¡± Xu Lan said calmly and emotionlessly.


    ¡°Haha, it seems like the meeting today really took a toll on you. Spill, what is it?¡± Qin Lao chuckled.

 Chapter 238 - Visiting Lan Er

    <h4>Chapter 238: Visiting Lan Er</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    After getting Xiao Feng¡¯s permission, Xu Lan went to visit Lan Er who was still in an unstable state. Lan Er¡¯s body was full of horrifying injuries, it was hard to imagine what he had gone through. How did the system got past Lan Er¡¯s defenses and made him work toward the goal as determined as the pilgrims at Jerusalem?


    ¡°When Meng Zi told me that you have returned, I honestly did not believe in him. How are you both?¡± Lan Er was in his blue and white striped hospital clothing. He was resting in bed and smiled after noticing Xu Lan.


    ¡°We¡¯re good, thank you.¡± Xu Lan was ashamed and kept his gaze away from Lan Er. He fumbled with his pocket and replied ufortably.


    ¡°Haha, you guys must make good use of these great materials so that the pain and suffering that I¡¯ve gone through will be worth it,¡± Lan Er chuckled candidly.


    Xie San walked in grumpily. He nced at Xu Lan and greeted him with a curt nod. He reced the flowers in the vase with the flowers Xu Lan brought over. When he was done, he sat next to the hospital bed and started cutting apples quietly.


    Wang Meng and Xiao Feng came in after Xie San. Suddenly, the ward was transformed into a makeshift office. Lan Er offered his opinion when it came to things that mattered.


    ¡°Right! I heard that you and Bai Wu are a thing now?¡± Lan Er asked out of nowhere when they were taking a break. He wondered curiously as he always thought Xu Lan was a straight man and could not fathom how he developed for Bai Wu all of a sudden.


    ¡°Uh huh, that¡¯s right,¡± Xu Lan smiled gently when he thought of Bai Wu. He was not as gloomy as he was during the case discussion anymore.


    ¡°Haha, Meng Zi¡¯s instinct is spot-on! Do I owe you a meal?¡± Lan Er nced at Wang Meng and raised his brow as he said teasingly.


    ¡°Heck! Hurry up and recover so that you can buy me a meal! You must buy me a meal!¡± Wang Meng cursed.


    ¡°You know, we actually saw. We saw Bai Wu when he got angry,¡± Lan Er was munching on the apple cut by Xie San when he said casually.


    ¡°Lan Er!¡± Xiao Feng shouted urgently.


    Xu Lan¡¯s heart fell. His muscles tensed and his brows furrowed. He was unsure why Lan Er brought the matter up all of a sudden and he started scanning through the people in the room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we mean no harm. Now that we know, there¡¯s no need for you to hide it anymore. If you are facing any difficulties, you can talk to us about it too. After all, we¡¯re all on the same boat now. I heard you¡¯re not feeling yourselftely? That won¡¯t do. Sergeant Xiao speaks highly of you and we¡¯re really looking forward to having you as our colleague once the case has been solved. If you were to continue in such condition, it¡¯ll put all of us in a tough spot.¡±


    Lan Er said everything in one go, without any aggression whatsoever. Xu Lan was embarrassed. Meanwhile, Xie San stepped out for a phone call. Xiao Feng and Wang Meng were both looking at Xu Lan with hints of disappointment in their eyes.


    ¡°I knew something was going on with you! Xiao Xu, do you not see me as your brother anymore? What¡¯s going on with youtely? You haven¡¯t been doing much ever since you told us that you¡¯re going official with Bai Wu!¡± Wang Meng rolled his sleeves up and charged at Xu Lan. Fortunately, Xiao Feng held Wang Meng back and saved Xu Lan¡¯s face from his attacks.


    ¡°Sorry, I won¡¯t repeat this anymore. I¡¯ve found someone to partner up with now and I think it¡¯s best for you guys to be kept in the dark. It¡¯s nothing glorious, not to all humans.¡± Xu Lan smiled bitterly.


    ¡°Now that you know, you should really buck up! Stop using your resignation as an excuse!¡± Xiao Feng started smoking and the entire ward was filled with smoke instantly.


    Xie San walked in with a thermos mug and boxes of take-out food. He nced at Xu Lan briefly before putting the food on the table.


    ¡°I saw Bai Wu at the emergency room earlier.¡±


    ¡®Bam!¡¯


    ¡®Tap, tap, tap...¡¯

 Chapter 239 - Burning with Anger

    <h4>Chapter 239: Burning with Anger</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Xu Lan? Why are you here?¡± Ka Daiwen looked indignantly at Xu Lan, who was panting and rushing toward her.


    ¡°YOU! Him! How is he? What happened?¡± Xu Lan leaned against the wall and asked urgently. He nced worryingly in the direction of the emergency room.


    ¡°He bumped into some thugs and was beaten up.¡± One sinct sentence was enough for Ka Daiwen to summarize Bai Wu¡¯s day.


    ¡°Hello? Qin Lao. Send over Liang Yu to the city hospital. Your research subject is here.¡± Xu Lan speedily took out his phone, called Qin Lao, then dragged Ka Daiwen over to the information desk.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡± Ka Daiwen tried feebly to break free of Xu Lan¡¯s grip, but her efforts were futile.


    Not only that her body was covered with bloodstains, but it was also covered in cuts too. It was as if something sharp had shed against her skin. A high-waisted belt was holding up her skin-tight clothes, but her clothes were fairly ragged and barely able to cover up her round, towering assets. Meanwhile, her ck booty shorts were so soaked that blood could be wrung out of it. A scabbard was fastened on her thigh, and when Xu Lan came over, she was in the midst of disinfecting herself with alcohol. Surprisingly, she bought it with the money that she had on her.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you letting me make a phone call? We¡¯ll be making the headlines in Whitehorse tomorrow if we simply barge in and appear here in the hospital!¡± Xu Lan grabbed a curtain from God-knows-where and used it to cover Ka Daiwen¡¯s body. He subsequently brought her to the emergency room.


    ¡°Which is more important? A headline or a life? Bai Wu¡¯s battle with those thugs left him nearly dead. Can¡¯t I send him to the hospital?¡± Her anger aggravated her scar and the sudden onught of pain made her grimace.


    ¡°F*ck! So, you DO know that life is important! Then why don¡¯t you f*cking know how to treat your own wounds!¡±


    ¡°Ay, here I can¡¯t...¡± Before Ka Daiwen could process why Xu Lan got so angry suddenly, she was already ced on a bed. The doctor that subsequently came in was then threatened by Xu Lan: he ordered the doctor to clean up her wounds and give her an emergency blood transfusion. By the time she woke up, she was red-faced and staring at the doctor. Xu Lan was long gone, and she surmised that he was rushing to see Bai Wu.


    Eventually, the matter did not be the next day¡¯s headlines. It was not because the news did not spread fast enough, but rather, Qin Lao was able to suppress it. Right when the doctors were unable to find a match for Bai Wu¡¯s blood type, Liang Yu had just reached the hospital.


    On that asion, there was no need to build a rock-hardboratory, since they did not need to worry about Bai Wu¡¯s resistance toward the research. It yielded a number of results, and Qin Lao had endless praise for Xu Lan¡¯spromise. He was so happy that there was even a bounce in his step. He was smiling and waving at just about anybody he met.


    ¡°Tch, shameless businessman.¡± Xu Lan sneered despicably while sitting beside Bai Wu.


    Ka Daiwen omitted from telling what exactly happened to Bai Wu, for she feared that it would make everyone feel even more agitated.


    Both of Bai Wu¡¯s brow ridges were broken and his right eye socket was deeply indented, causing his right eye to protrude outward in a frightening manner. His nose bridge was broken and askew, while his left cheekbone was split open. Three of his ribs were broken, arge part of his back was burnt, and there was also a crack in his shoulder de. There were visible wounds on his tail and his left calf bone had ruptured.


    Xu Lan¡¯s eyes became red just by looking at Bai Wu¡¯s wounded human state. He wished he could uncover the identities of those inhumane thugs immediately and execute them by cing them in front of a firing squad for ten minutes. When he saw that Bai Wu, unable to maintain his human form due to his poor condition, was reverting back to his dragon form, Xu Lan fell onto the ground. Like a madman, he grabbed Ka Daiwen and begged her to tell him which shameless evil dragon was responsible for the injuries!


    Bai Wu¡¯s strong and powerful wings sustained grave damage; they were bitten off and mutted to an unrecognizable state. There were teeth on his sturdy tail, and his ws were stripped of skin and flesh, revealing only his white bones. His left leg curled under his body. The pain was so severe that it elicited a groan and heavy breaths. Pieces of flesh had been gouged out of his chest, and they were torn to shreds. Strips of it were dangling from his abdomen like fish bait. No part of his body was left untouched: it was either burn marks, knife wounds, or scars resulting from dragon ws.


    Even in that state, Bai Wu still risked his life to save Ka Daiwen from the army of warrior dragons. As soon as he found the dimension that Xu Lan was in, he fainted.


    ¡°Xu Lan! Calm down!¡± Ka Daiwen grabbed Xu Lan¡¯s cor and tried to forcefully restrain him.


    ¡°F*ck your mother! Calm down? You want me to calm down? How do you expect me to calm down!¡± Both of Xu Lan¡¯s eyes were blood-red. His neck began reddening too as he gnashed his teeth loudly.


    ¡°That¡¯s why he didn¡¯t want you to see him like this! I should¡¯ve listened to him and brought you here after his wounds were healed! Do you think you can win in a fight against them? Those monstrous experiments? Those elite members of the dragon n? What do you expect to do if you find them!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll bomb them all!¡± Despite the cold sweat saturating his shirt, Xu Lan¡¯s burning anger dried them up again. Blue veins were popping out of his head while his hand pushed Ka Daiwen away fiercely and emphatically.

 Chapter 240 - If I May Be So Bold as to Ask a Favor

    <h4>Chapter 240: If I May Be So Bold as to Ask a Favor</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Relying on his own self-healing capabilities as well as the effects of Qin Lao¡¯s medicine, the wounds on Bai Wu¡¯s body were not as mangled and mutted as they were before. However, a week had passed and Bai Wu still did not show any sign of regaining consciousness.


    Xu Lan was an atheist who never believed in Gods or spirits, but at that time, he turned to the heavens and prayed that Bai Wu would wake up again. All his basic needs seemed to be met inside theboratory, and he had no intention of leaving the ce. The blood vessels in his eyes dted as a result of his refusal to sleep since he feared that Bai Wu would disappear silently once he closed his eyes. Xu Lan was visibly bing thin, and Qin Lao simply shook his head at Xu Lan¡¯s continual wasting away.


    ¡°Qin Lao! Can you do some research on Bai Wu¡¯s constitution and create a weapon that can hold its own against their own kind?¡± Xu Lan¡¯s forefinger and middle finger were stained with tobo. Immersing himself in the choking smoke seemed to be the only way he could acquire some peace of mind. Dark circles surrounded his eyes while his face was adorned with stubble. Hisck of care toward his own appearance made him look like a beggar, and when he frigidly posed his question, his voice was husky from all the smoking.


    Whenever Xu Lan maintained hisposure, he was kneading the handkerchief in his pants pocket. It was Bai Wu who washed it previously. Xu Lan was still able to sleep for the first few days by holding on to the handkerchief, but once it was stained by the stubborn and acrid smell of smoke, he could no longer fall asleep.


    ¡°What kind of weapon?¡± Qin Lao massaged his temples in exhaustion and asked.


    ¡°Whatever! With gunpowder, without gunpowder, biological weapons! I want them dead!¡±


    Xu Lan¡¯s teeth were chattering as he uttered his sentence. The hand that held his ¡®Yunyan Special¡¯ was unable to properly direct the lit cigarette to his mouth. Xu Lan felt as though his heart exploded whenever he thought of Qiao Yimanding a group of mutated warrior dragons to find Bai Wu. The blood in his veins was surging with pure anger. Perhaps as a result of being with Bai Wu for too long, Xu Lan was producing unopposable energy when he spoke, and everyone in theboratory felt its pressure.


    Snap! Liang Yu was making notes when his pencil broke in half. Even though Bai Wu¡¯s external injuries showed signs of improvement, his internal functions showed none. On the contrary, it deteriorated to the point where the machine failed to even detect anything!


    ¡°No. I cannot do that.¡± Qin Lao ced both hands on his walking stick and declined regretfully.


    Xu Lan lifted his head up abruptly and stared at Qin Lao with bloodshot eyes. At that precise moment, Qin Lao did not dare to move. He felt as though a giant python was firmly biting onto him. An intense feeling of dread began surfacing from the bottom of his heart and it crept up his backbone, causing drips of cold sweat to form.


    ¡°He¡¯ll wake up!¡± Liang Yu remarked. He closed his notebook and poured a ss of hot water for Qin Lao.


    ¡°Heh. You said that a week ago. You said the same thing four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, and now? When the hell is he going to wake up?¡± Xu Lan sneered. The corner of his eyes became moist all of a sudden.


    ¡°...¡± The unexpected silence in the atmosphere was a very terrifying thing, for therein contained a stream of endless possibilities, though sometimes there would only be one answer.


    Xu Lan received a call from Xiao Feng, who exined that there were new developments in the case. He hoped that Xu Lan woulde, noting that there was a real possibility of apprehending the suspect.


    ¡°Xiao Xu, where have you disappeared to for such a long time? Did something happen? Is it okay if you came?¡± Wang Meng grabbed the phone from Xiao Feng and asked worriedly.


    ¡°I cane. I¡¯ll be there soon.¡± Xu Lan¡¯s thumb gently rubbed theboratory¡¯s special frosted ss. A blur was all he saw. He gnashed his teeth immediately, and fresh blood began dripping from the corner of his lips.


    If Bai Wu... Xu Lan would surely grab a cannon and bomb the whole lot of those dog b*stards. Only then would he leave! He could only feel at ease by participating in the investigation and solving the case once and for all.

 Chapter 241 - Mama Song

    <h4>Chapter 241: Mama Song</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan pushed the door open. For that brief moment, no one could recognize him: it was not because Xu Lan dressed haggardly, but rather, he was stooping. They could not help but rub their eyes.


    It should be known that Xu Lan became particrly concerned about his reputation after all that happened with the Xu family. He conducted himself in a very self-disciplined manner and his posture was straightened at all times. He was worried that someone might castigate him and that word might spread back to that bunch of people. Xu Lan treated everyone with honesty and sincerity; he handled matters swiftly and decisively too. There was never a time where he was seen in such a depressed state!


    ¡°Xiao Xu, are you okay?¡± Wang Meng walked over to pat Xu Lan on the shoulder. Only then did Wang Meng notice that Xu Lan was much thinner than he appears! Even a p might be sufficient to take hisst breath away.


    ¡°Cough!¡± Xu Lan stumbled and nearly fell face down onto the floor. Almost immediately, he stood back up firmly and waved his hand to indicate that he was alright.


    ¡°Are you really sure you¡¯re okay?¡± Hu Cheng asked uneasily.


    ¡°Sergeant Xu...¡± Xiao Zhang opened his mouth but was unsure of what to say.


    Xu Lan found a chair to sit and took out his Yunyan Special cigarettes. It took a few flicks of the spark wheel for the lighter to work. He spoke right after the cigarette was lit. ¡°I¡¯m alright. I¡¯m so sorry to have made you guys worry. So, what new developments are there in the case?¡±


    Despite the fact that most of them inside the building were heavy smokers, Xu Lan¡¯s smoking still managed to make them feel choked. They looked at each other and wondered what happened to Xu Lan. All at once, the smell of tobo leaves, ¡®9.9¡¯ cigarettes <sup>1</sup> , and Yunyan Special cigarettes were blending together. The whole office was so thick with smoke that seeing each other¡¯s faces were difficult.


    ¡°There are some results from Xiao Zhang¡¯s end. The leader of Sparrow Game wishes to meet with Lan Er.¡± Xiao Feng took out a document and circled some areas in red before handing it over to Xu Lan. Some connections to the Zhao family wife were outlined on the disy board for analyzing leads. That was precisely the person that Song Xi imed to when she came and surrendered herself.


    Squinting, Xu Lan scrutinized the documents in hand. Sure enough, the woman was not dead, and furthermore, she is the most important connection to the 928 Incident.


    In the second year, after the Zhao family¡¯s younger brother passed away, the woman hadpletely disappeared from the mental institution and her whereabouts were unknown. Finally, it was concluded that the worker who sweeps the floor daily had let her out. In the end, Xiao Zhang was still able to find her ¨C she was on top of a burial mound belonging to the Zhao family¡¯s younger brothers. Initially, he wanted to find out the surnames of both brother¡¯s wives, thinking that it could be a clue. As luck would have it, someone had just finished offering their sacrifices there. By checking the register and looking at the surveince footage, he managed to discover the woman.


    The most astonishing part was ¨C she was Song Xi¡¯s Mama!


    Once again, Xu Lan flicked the spark wheel a few times and lit the cigarette that was between his lips. He read the information in hand very carefully. Xiao Zhang meanwhile, was conveniently checking calls and messages between Mama Song and Song Xi. Among those conversations, there was indeed a mention of the public security bureau impersonation incident that happened eight years ago, as well as the mine incident some thirteen years back.


    ¡°Our guess is that Mama Song might be the criminal. The tenseness in recent developments, might have led her to direct Song Xi to impersonate her.¡± Xiao Zhang summed it up.


    ¡°Hm? If it weren¡¯t for her carelessness in offering her sacrifice, we might never have discovered the existence of Mama Song. So, where did she get the pressure from? Song Xi is 28 this year, and the patient from the asylum disappeared around seven years ago at most. Surely you¡¯re not telling me there was betrayal in the Zhao family before all that happened?¡± Xu Lan curled his lips and asked.


    ¡°Er... That must mean Mama Song is inhumane!¡± A young man who was one of Xiao Zhang¡¯s subordinates mumbled to himself.


    ¡°Officer Xiao, what do you think?¡± Xu Lan turned to Xiao Feng and asked.


    ¡°They¡¯re ying a game of cat and mouse with us.¡± Xiao Feng¡¯s left index finger knocked the table intermittently.


    ¡°We still need to discuss this information. So, onto the Sparrow Game, what¡¯s the situation there?¡± Xu Lan took out a piece of A4 paper and afterparing the clue diagrams, he crossed Mama Song out.

 Chapter 242 - Kidnapped for Ransom

    <h4>Chapter 242: Kidnapped for Ransom</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Sparrow Game¡¯s leader wrote an article to Lan Er just this morning. He clearly wants to meet. Even the date and time is explicitly given,¡± Xie San remarked.


    ¡°The cat is throwing food to the mouse,¡± Xiao Feng said. ¡°Still, we expended a fair amount of effort and were able to locate the owner of the mine in Chengdu. He¡¯s still alive. Now, the mouse can also throw food to the cat, enticing it to appear at wherever the mouse wants it to appear.¡±


    ¡°So, what you¡¯re trying to say is, we beat them at their own game by giving them a banquet and arresting the suspect in one fell swoop? What if we catch a scapegoat instead?¡± A crackling sound was produced when Hu Cheng held up his tobo pipe and smoked from it. His sharp, falcon-like gaze twinkled in radiance.


    ¡°The mine owner safe in our hands. We¡¯re vigorously treating his mental state. I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll go so far as to wield a knife and kill someone in public. Be it the real owner or a scapegoat, once we confirm his identity, we¡¯ll definitely be able tomence the next step! What we need to do now is to seize this moment!¡± Wang Meng stood up and eximed. Righteous indignation was filling his chest, and after finishing his sentence, he was given an encouraging reward: a pat on the head by Xiao Feng.


    ¡°From the subsystem, we can see that the suspect is only targeting the mine ident that happened thirteen years ago. Today, the only remaining person is the mine owner. The rest of those responsible have already met with Yama <sup>1</sup> . That is why the criminal will not give this opportunity up. He may well know that it¡¯s a trap, but he¡¯ll still lie on his stomach and peek inside to see whether his target is actually present. It just so happens that we can exploit this to cast a bigger, and in the end, we can reel in our catch slowly! Is this what you are trying to say, Officer Xiao?¡±


    Something seemed to amuse the scar above Xu Lan¡¯s eyebrow. It was twisting and jerking as if it was even more excited than Xu Lan was!


    ¡°Yes. That is precisely my point.¡±


    The process ofw was extensive and rigorous; merciful though it may be, it would never let the guilty escape. Two groups of people have taken over the 928 case within the six months of investigating it. The criminal would finally be unmasked and the truth woulde to light! Xu Lan and Xiao Feng looked at each other and smiled. All of a sudden, the room was filled with an odd coldness, startling them and causing them to shiver.


    ¡°We must take our time to properly consider how we are going to cast this huge.¡± Xu Lan then let out a heartyugh, for it was the first good news in what had been a long week. As soon as he thought of that, his smile disappeared, as if it was dragged down by a thousand catties worth of force.


    Circles and drawings were aplenty on the tactics board. Equally numerous were the suggestions and ns, but none seemed adequate. Something just seemed to be missing, and that something had everything to do with life or death!


    Xu Lan shook his pack of cigarettes. He bought them just beforeing to the station, but all that was left was one cigarette left. He ced thest cigarette between his lips and passed the box to Xiao Zhang. He then continued discussing the n to protect the mine owner with Xiao Feng and Hu Cheng.


    ¡°We may have a good card on our hands, but we cannot go so far as to let our target brave death just to break free of our,¡± Hu Cheng remarked.


    ¡°Even if he¡¯s aware that we know of his n, we have to make him think that whatever he¡¯s doing is safe,¡± Xu Lan said.


    ¡°Argh, it feels like a kidnap for ransom. The criminal knows that a police report has been made, but still he changes location, threatens his hostages, and does everything he can to escape the clutches of the police,¡± Wang Meng shouted from behind them while holding a cup in his hands.


    ¡°! ! !¡±


    ¡°Cough, cough! The f*ck! Xiao Feng, do you want me to f*cking kill you!¡± Xiao Feng got up suddenly, held the back of Wang Meng¡¯s head, and transferred smoke from his lungs into Wang Meng¡¯s mouth with a kiss. Wang Meng was so exasperated by the action that he jumped up and spilled the tea all over the floor.


    The three of them looked at each other and smiled ¨C they instantly had a n. A ransom could be demanded, but it was a gamble. The higher the stakes, the more likely they were able to attract the criminal.


    Those pair of pitch-ck pupils did not turn gloomy because of what happened at home, rather, they were disying even more resilience.

 Chapter 243 - I Want to Devour You

    <h4>Chapter 243: I Want to Devour You</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Aftering up with a general framework, Xiao Feng and Hu Cheng worked on the details. When Xu Lan was done with his cigarette, he rested on the sofa while waiting for Xiao Zhang toe back with a new packet of cigarettes. Xu Lan felt rxed and ended up falling asleep in the noisy and smokey office. Greenish dark shadows lurked under his eyes and his stubble was long and rough.


    ¡°Bai...¡±


    ¡°Hush!¡± Wang Meng saw Bai Wuing in and tried to greet him but was hushed by Bai Wu, who gestured with an index finger on his lips.


    The people in the office opened up a path for Bai Wu, who made his way to a sound-asleep Xu Lan.


    ¡°Bai Wu?¡± Xu Lan felt someone carrying him. Xu Lan asked, half awake, with a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Uh huh, I¡¯m here. Get some sleep.¡±


    Bai Wu embraced Xu Lan and stroked his back gently. Xu Lan closed his eyes and tears were flowing. Bai Wu patted off his tears gently andnded a soft kiss between his brows.


    Wang Meng red at Xiao Feng and made his way out with a few other men. Hu Cheng walked out and everyone followed suit. After they shifted their base to another room, Bai Wu and Xu Lan were left alone in the room.


    Bai Wu held Xu Lan¡¯s hands and started wiping the yellow stains from the cigarettes off his fingers. He became a lot skinnier than before, to the point that Bai Wu could not feel his weight when he was carrying him. It pained Bai Wu to look how exhausted Xu Lan was. Bai Wu traced Xu Lan¡¯s face with his fingers, from his forehead to the spot between his brows, from his nose bridge to the corner of his eyes, from his lips to his chin. Bai Wu gently caressed Xu Lan, touching him as though he could not get enough of him.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m exhausted. I¡¯m going to get some rest,¡± Xu Lan murmured as he rolled deeper into Bai Wu¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Bai Wu chuckled.


    Even though it had been a torturous week for Bai Wu, he could feel Xu Lan next to him all the time, giving him the strength to wake up from the dream. In the dream, Xu Lan was right by his side and supported him as he faced the challenges. It was no different from when he was conscious. He could not tell if it was a dream or reality.


    When Xu Lan left him, his consciousness detected Xu Lan¡¯s absence. Yet, he could still see Xu Lan appearing before him. The happy scenes started to fade and nightmares followed. He was drowned in a huge wave of excruciating pain.


    Bai Wu used some tricks to force himself to wake up from his dream. He rushed over in excitement.


    ¡°?!¡± Xu Lan woke up in Bai Wu¡¯s arms. ¡°Bai Wu?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh?¡± Bai Wu smiled seductively at Xu Lan.


    ¡°Heck, you! You! You!¡± Xu Lan threw punches at Bai Wu¡¯s chest, causing his chest to turn red.


    Bai Wu coughed and leaned back on the sofa. Xu Lan regretted immediately after he remembered how Bai Wu was not as agile and strong as before.


    ¡°I thought... Sigh, it¡¯s alright. As long as you woke up, everything¡¯s fine. Have you eaten?¡± Seeing how Bai Wu rushed over immediately, he definitely had not eaten anything yet. Xu Lan left Bai Wu¡¯s embrace to look for food to feed him with.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move. Let me hug you for a while more. I¡¯m not hungry, I want to devour you...¡± Bai Wu hugged Xu Lan tightly and whispered into his ears.


    ¡°Heck! You!¡± Xu Lan raised his hand. Before he managed tond his punch, he saw the blood stain on the corner of Bai Wu¡¯s mouth. Xu Lan fished around for his handkerchief as he wanted to wipe the bloodstain off. After noticing the stench of cigarettes on his handkerchief, he put it back into his pocket and kissed the corner of Bai Wu¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back, Qin Lao will find a way,¡± Xu Lan sobbed.


    ¡°Uh huh, I know. I just wanted to hug you,¡± Bai Wu whispered. He did not know that his body had be so much weaker.

 Chapter 244 - Swept Him Off His Feet

    <h4>Chapter 244: Swept Him Off His Feet</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Even though Xu Lan was embarrassed by it, heplied and let Bai Wu carry him back to the research institute. Bai Wu teased him ceaselessly and did not so much as looked away from him. Qin Lao was weing them by the door. When Bai Wu got closer, Qin Lao attacked him with his thick walking stick.


    ¡°Are you trying to suicide? You¡¯re a fast runner aren¡¯t you, disappearing in the blink of an eye! You too! Don¡¯t you know what he¡¯s going through? Why are you condoning his reckless actions?¡± Qin Lao scolded and gestured furiously.


    Bai Wu did not fight back. He refused to let Xu Lan down. When Qin Lao was tired from hitting him, Bai Wu whimpered for his forgiveness. It was difficult to be mean to Bai Wu when he looked so pitiful.


    ¡°Qin Lao, please take a look at him,¡± Xu Lan said as he took out a handkerchief from Bai Wu¡¯s pocket while shoving the one with the stench of cigarettes back into his pocket.


    Once again, Bai Wu returned to the stark whiteboratory. Different kinds of tubes were attached to his body and countless instruments surrounded him. The instruments disyed messages that Xu Lan could not understand. After everything, Bai Wu still ended up back in theboratory.


    Xu Lan squatted with his hands around his head. If only they did not escape and resist back then, things would have taken a different and happier turn. Bai Wu would have been able to avoid these sufferings.


    ¡°Xu Lan, don¡¯t cry. I wanted all of these and I¡¯m happy as long as I have you. I¡¯m at my happiest when I¡¯m by your side,¡± Bai Wu detected the hint of moisture in the air and consoled Xu Lan. He knew that Xu Lan did not want him to lie down in theboratory and be experimented on like ab rat.


    Xu Lan¡¯s guilt intensified after hearing Bai Wu¡¯s words of constion. He became even angrier at himself.


    Bai Wu reached for Xu Lan¡¯s hair and caressed him gently. When it came to Bai Wu, Xu Lan was always overly cautious. Bai Wu wished for Xu Lan to live freely and happily, especially when the oue would turn out the same regardless of how Xu Lan dealt with it.


    Bai Wu fell asleep. As Xu Lan could not understand the curly lines and cursive words on the instruments, he had no choice but to ask Qin Lao.


    ¡°How is it going?¡±


    Qin Lao shook his head and did not reply. By forcing himself to wake up, Bai Wu caused damage to his body. It was not beneficial for him at all. The only benefit that came from his action was being able to see Xu Lan and it made Xu Lan feel better.


    ¡°Qin Lao, please keep the conversation we had a secret from Bai Wu,¡± Xu Lan requested earnestly.


    ¡°... If he knew about it, he definitely would not let you do it. However, I¡¯m not confident that the experiment will be sessful,¡± Qin Lao replied helplessly.


    ¡°All the more reason why I can¡¯t let him know! This is thest thing that I can do for him.¡± Xu Lan made up his mind. His voice was icy and devoid of warmth.


    ¡°I still have to make a trip to the police station. As we¡¯re dealing with an extremely sly suspect, we will have to study the feasibility of the n,¡± Xu Lan said.


    ¡°Okay, please stay safe,¡± Qin Lao reminded Xu Lan endearingly.


    ¡°Will do.¡±


    It was not the height of the summer yet and the night was still cooling. In his short sleeve shirt, Xu Lan walked on the main street and found himself at the Sancha River. This was where he met Bai Wu, and...


    ¡°Have you started the preparations?¡± Ka Daiwen appeared as a cat. She wagged her tail as she made her way toward Xu Lan.


    ¡°Uh huh. I hope that this isn¡¯t your n to deceive me,¡± Xu Lan replied in a nasal tone.


    ¡°Of course, I want Bai Wu to survive too.¡± The ck cat blended into the night, only her green eyes were visible.


    It became colder once he got closer to the river. Xu Lan crossed the Sancha Bridge and headed toward the police station.

 Chapter 245 - Poisoned

    <h4>Chapter 245: Poisoned</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡± Xu Lan pushed the door to the cafe open and ordered a cup of coffee before joining Xie San and Wang Meng. Xie San was typing speedily on the keyboard and Wang Meng stared hard at the surveince footages for fear of missing any details.


    Xiao Feng was acting as the owner of the Sparrow Game, in reference to the event that unfolded on the first of June. ¡®Pft, he¡¯s so young at heart,¡¯ Xu Lan thought. Xiao Feng was talking to the mine owner at the corner while Hu Cheng observed closely somewhere nearby.


    What would they be talking about? The mining ident that took ce thirteen years ago? The mine owner was a heartless man who paid his way out of the trouble even though lives were lost because of him. Who would have known that someone woulde after him yearster?


    It was only a matter of time before karma caught up with him. Everyone who was rted to the mine died and the main culprit was the only one left...


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing strange so far. However, Sparrow published a new article. It seemed like he took notice of this,¡± Xie San continued typing and answered without raising his head.


    ¡°After generating so much attention, it¡¯d be strange if he hadn¡¯t noticed it. It¡¯s fine, he¡¯s exactly where we want him to be,¡± Xu Lan looked at the monitor and said with a raised brow.


    ¡°However, we must keep a close eye on the mine owner. This can¡¯t go wrong! Right, how¡¯s Lan Er?¡± Xu Lan frowned, this was when things usually went wrong.


    ¡°Physically, he¡¯s recovering. The main problem is with his psychological condition. It¡¯s hard to say really. I think it¡¯s going to take some time for him to recover, let¡¯s just take it slow,¡± Wang Meng shook his head and asked the waiter for a refill.


    Xu Lan knocked on the table with his knuckles. He took over the walkie-talkie and spoke to Xiao Feng. Xiao Feng tensed up immediately and nced at Xu Lan.


    ¡°Will he take the risk?¡± His question hung over their head.


    ¡°Who knows? Better be safe than sorry.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    The waiter served the mine owner with a cup of Irish coffee that had a strong alcoholic scent. Xiao Feng was chatting away with the mine owner when the mine owner took a sip of the coffee. Xiao Feng thought Xu Lan sent them the coffee. They heard a bam and the mine owner copsed on the table without any prior signs.


    ¡°Bobcat, what¡¯s happening? Why did the bait copse?¡± Hu Cheng fired his questions anxiously at the walkie-talkie.


    ¡°Heck!¡± Xu Lan immediately made his way forward. There was amotion at the cafe after the crowd noticed that one of the patrons copsed. People were pushing their way out. Hu Cheng ran toward Xiao Feng to check on the mine owner¡¯s condition.


    Fresh blood was dripping from the mine owner¡¯s mouth and nose. His pupils were dted and he seemed to be in critical condition.


    Xiao Feng stood up and looked around. He noticed a person in a cap who was trying to leave.


    ¡°Get him! Don¡¯t let anyone go!¡± He shouted into the walkie-talkie, alerting the policemen who were ambushing outside.


    ¡°Call 120. Bring him to the toilet and try to purge it from his system. Pack the coffee up and look for the waiter!¡± Xu Lan took a good look around as he gave out instructions calmly. He dragged Xiao Feng along as he ran toward the kitchen.


    ¡°Can anyone tell me what the heck is going on?¡± Wang Meng removed his headset and mmed it onto theputer. He stood up and made his way out to address the crowd gathering in front of the cafe.


    Wang Meng¡¯s intimidating build silenced everyone. The loud chatter became softer, someone started toin about how ipetent the police in the Whitehorse City was, as someone was poisoned to death in broad daylight.


    ¡°How did you know that he died of poison?¡± Xu Lan shot an icy nce at the middle-aged man curling up in the corner.

 Chapter 246 - Fiery-eyes Golden-gaze

    <h4>Chapter 246: Fiery-eyes Golden-gaze</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The man had a huge protruding stomach as if it was almost busting the belt open. Under his head of thinning hair was a pair of mousy-looking eyes and a reddened nose full of rosacea. The man lifted his head and stared at Xu Lan who was suppressing his anger with a fearful look.


    ¡°How did you know that he was poisoned to death? It was just a drill, guys please don¡¯t panic. The reason I told all of you to stay behind is to prevent any misunderstanding, in case somebody starts telling tales irresponsibly as what this man here did. After all, you¡¯re held liable for thements you post online!¡±


    Xu Lan emphasized thest sentence on purpose while he stood in front of the man with the rosacea-reddened nose and examined him in a condescending manner. He waved his hand to signal the others to leave, but he grabbed the rosacea-nosed man¡¯s arm with the other hand, not allowing him to escape.


    ¡°Try yelling and see? Hmm?¡± Xu Lan cackled and stared at him with an ill-intentioned gaze. The knife scar at the corner of his eyebrow looked like a beast that wanted to swallow him whole and chew him down to the bone. The rosacea-nosed man was terrified by his gaze and was left speechless, where he fell to the ground weakly.


    They split up into a few groups. Some of them sent the mine owner to the hospital, some collected the coffee back for testing. The others escorted the rosacea-nosed man and the waiter back.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Xu Lan. I didn¡¯t expect them to act so fast, I couldn¡¯t react in time...¡± Xiao Feng was leaning on the sofa and pressing his temples. He felt a feeling of sadness creeping up. Just a second ago, Xu Lan reminded him to be careful about the safety of the feed. The next second, the person had copsed in front of his own eyes.


    ¡°I also thought of it suddenly. The caretaker is smarter than the kidnapper. Forget about it, Wang Hao just called, he said that the mine owner is already out of danger. We need to send more guys over for 24-hour protection. If something happens to him again, I doubt that we¡¯ll be able to catch hold of him again,¡± Xu Lanmented with a hand on his forehead.


    ¡°We¡¯ve already questioned the waiter, he¡¯s not the guy we¡¯re looking for. He said that someone ordered an Irish coffee, but he only gave it a stir and sent it away without drinking. The waiter even gave a second look, but the guy wore a cap and his face was hidden under the mask he was wearing,¡± Xie San said while looking at the surveince. It was obvious that the waiter was not lying.


    ¡°What about the rosacea-nosed guy?¡± Xu Lan took out a pen to scribble on a piece of paper.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t have a clue. He just read ording to the words on the tissue after epting the money in the washroom,¡± Xie San answered with disgust.


    This made things moreplicated. The suspect was not only aware of the meeting in the cafe between the police and the bait, but he had also clearly figured out the thoughts of the police!


    ¡°Officer Xiao, can Lan Er be discharged from the hospital? I want to let him substitute Wang Hao. I have to assign him with some tasks which can only be handled by him alone,¡± Xu Lan asked while he touched his chin.


    ¡°Yes, but I want to know why do you sense that the criminal will be there?¡± All of a sudden, Xiao Feng directed the question at Xu Lan. This must be more than a coincidence!


    Xu Lan was in charge of the ¡®928 incident¡¯ from the beginning. Xu Lan had always been able to notice new leads that others failed to identify, and he executed it efficiently and urately. Once Xu Lan left from the case, the whole operation almost came to a halt.


    ¡°What do you mean, Officer Xiao? Are you suspecting me being the thief who cried ¡®thief!¡¯ ?¡± Xu Lan was enraged by the way Xiao Feng interrogated him suddenly, but instead of being angry, he asked him back with a cold smile.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it that way. I just wanted to know why did you remind me to take note of the bait¡¯s safety out of the blue!¡± Simrly to Xu Lan, Xiao Feng also had the astuteness that a member of the criminal investigation branch would have.


    He had given instructions to investigate Xu Lan as he intended to transfer him to the province branch. Fifteen years ago, Xu Lan had no records on paper. The only thing was that he started to study in an unknown college and graduated eight years ago before he joined the police force in Whitehorse City. Besides that, he was diligent and hardworking without demanding anything in return. Meng Chengjun was always the one who took the credit of his work. Before this, Xu Lan¡¯s distinctive insights made him feel as if he regretted not having met earlier. He also sympathized with his background, but he was horror-struck when he gave a second thought about it.


    ¡°Xiao, what are you f*cking saying!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Xiao Feng bellowed out at Wang Meng who jumped to his feet and stared at Xu Lan eyes like a hunting eagle.


    ¡°Haha, Officer Xiao, such fiery-eyes and golden-gaze you have. You can see through everything, huh!¡± Xu Lan rocked back and forthughing, his heartyughter rang throughout the whole office.

 Chapter 247 - Xue Yin and Xue Feng

    <h4>Chapter 247: Xue Yin and Xue Feng</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan leaned on the table and bellowed withughter. Heughed and pped at the same time, to an extent of almost giving himself a stomach cramp. Xiao Feng¡¯s spection was not utterly unwarranted because Xu Lan had always been the closest to finding the truth and the suspect.


    ¡°Catch him!¡±


    ¡°Xiao Xu!¡± Xiao Feng and Wang Meng stood up simultaneously, each of them grabbing one side of his shoulder. One had a worried expression and the other was furious.


    ¡°Let go of him!¡± An oriole-like voice emerged from the entrance. An exquisitedy pushed the door open and a cat walked in ¡ª she was Ka Daiwen.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Xu Lan asked angrily. Did he not ask her to apany Bai Wu and stay by his side?


    ¡°He told me toe over. He¡¯s worried about you,¡± the way Ka Daiwen carried herself exhumed elegance. She gently brushed away the two hands on Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder and sat down.


    The anger in Xu Lan¡¯s eyes intensified. What if the evil dragon found its way here with Bai Wu¡¯s current condition!


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys curious why Xu Lan knew that something dangerous will happen?¡± Ka Daiwen pped and instantly, the room was covered in ck mist. As everyone was panicking, a man and a woman appeared in the room. After having a closer look, they were Xue Feng and Xue Yin from Ka Daiwen¡¯s dimension!


    ¡°F*ck! Xiao Feng, can you pinch me, I¡¯m not dreaming, am I! How is it possible for two humans to appear in the room out of nowhere!¡± Wang Meng said while he pinched Xiao Feng¡¯s waist. Xiao Feng was in such pain that seethed with baring teeth and sprung away. ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt! Looks like I¡¯m really dreaming!¡±


    ¡°Pfft... I¡¯m meeting with a fool!¡± Xue Yin went to the front of Wang Meng leisurely, her attire danced in the wind when she moved. She used her dainty hand to hook onto his chin and said smilingly.


    ¡°Xue Yin, don¡¯t be rude!¡± Xiao Feng berated her with a lowered voice. Xiao Feng red at Xue Yin and pulled Wang Meng behind him.


    ¡°I¡¯m Xue Feng, a wandering deity who has not been conferred an official title. This is my sister, Xue Yin,¡± Xue Feng tugged Xue Yin to the front and said politely.


    ¡°F*ck! F*ck! A cultivator! Cultivator! Xiao Feng, quick! Give me a pinch! I¡¯m scared that I won¡¯t wake up anymore!¡± Wang Meng yelped noisily. Xiao Feng shot him a re.


    ¡°Xu Lan, what¡¯s happening?¡± Xiao Feng did not believe in deities or demons, he only had one faithmunism!


    ¡°I met brother Bai Wu a few days ago, that¡¯s why I followed him here. I did a divination on him just now. It showed that he will encounter a fatal disaster, but his fate shows no signs of darkness,¡± Xue Feng said it like a deity with an unworldliness spirit.


    The ce where Ka Daiwen kept her ythings in a coffin-sized ce. She used the dimensional cracks to teleport them through each parallel dimension and teleported back using some kind of facility upon missionpletion. The people and things throughout the whole experience were not only real but also scrambled in between the parallel universes due to the disorder in the dimension.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware of it until Xie San told me that the system had released a new chapter. I immediately thought of the caretaker¡¯s diversion scheme previously, and I wondered if he¡¯ll repeat the same trick again and take action when we¡¯re defenseless. Since he¡¯s really good at counter-reconnaissance, it¡¯s impossible that he¡¯ll stay quiet when he knows that we¡¯re plotting against him.


    Then I recalled about what Xue Feng had said to me, that¡¯s why I reminded you. However, I didn¡¯t expect him to act so quickly! I¡¯m so sorry that I¡¯ve caused this misunderstanding. I should¡¯ve rified with you beforehand, but as you know, sometimes we act ordingly to our intuition without any valid reason. Of course, there¡¯re also those ... people around me who also helped me out.¡±


    Xu Lan sat on the chair and massaged his stomach while he exined with his hands opened wide. It looked like he definitelyughed too hard.


    ¡°Let¡¯s pack up and leave?¡± Xu Lan suddenly stood up and patted his bottom as he announced to everyone.


    ¡°Where to?¡± Wang Meng asked puzzledly.


    ¡°Uhm? To meet the suspect?¡±

 Chapter 248 - A Mole

    <h4>Chapter 248: A Mole</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan walked towards the exit without waiting for the others to respond. Xiao Feng sprung up from his chair, and Wang Meng followed closely behind.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that there¡¯s something fishy going on? Why can the opponent always guess what¡¯s our next step and sessfully escape before we can get hold of them?¡± Xu Lan lighted a cigarette but pulled it out when it was ignited, thus no smoke came out of his mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m still suspicious of you and I don¡¯t really trust you right now,¡± Xiao Feng said slowly after staring at Xu Lan. He suspected Xu Lan because he sensed something fishy in the first ce! Was he in his right mind! Only a handful of them decided discreetly to meet the owner, not even the guys who were carrying out the mission knew about it.


    ¡°Haha, if that¡¯s the case all of us are suspicious? I don¡¯t have the time to conspire with the caretaker, not when I don¡¯t have enough time to apany Bai Wu,¡± Xu Lan yawned while he continued driving his jeep towards the hospital. He unexpectedly disyed his affection to the guys on board, which angered Xie San!


    ¡°What do you know about this?¡± Xiao Feng was filled with suspicion but remained calm and asked.


    ¡°How can I let it out easily? What if there¡¯s a suspect in the car, wouldn¡¯t I lose my newly discovered lead?¡± Xu Lanughed gently and shrugged as he answered.


    ¡°F*ck you! Are you f*ucking suspecting Xie San and I?¡± Wang Meng sprung up from the back seat and punched Xu Lan in his shoulder with a loud ¡®pang¡¯, but he missed and itnded on the pit of his neck.


    ¡°Ptui!¡± Xu Lan spat out of the window. One of the car windows would have been struck with the blood-spattered spit. His extended his hand backward to extract a tiny tapping-device, but he put it back after giving it a shake.


    ¡°I just bought this car, have you guys tried it out? Bai Wu picked me up yesterday with it,¡± he was hinting that Bai Wu discovered this device. Xu Lan temporarily eased the tension of his nerves when he mentioned Bai Wu. His facial muscles also rxed for a bit and barely came up with a passing smile.


    ¡°Who the f*ck wants to ride your car! I¡¯m not interested in your stupid car!¡± Xiao Feng nced at Wang Meng, signaling him not to go overboard with his berating. Then, he retrieved a small booklet and wrote down a few names. There were Hu Cheng, Wang Hao, and Meng Chengjun, excluding the four of them.


    Xu Lan took the booklet that was handed to him and struck off Hu Cheng. The dimension was not damaged when this incident happened, he would not have known a thing. That being said, only Wang Hao and Meng Cheng Jun were left!


    Xu Lan squinted, hiding his emotions behind those deep, gloomy gaze. The scar at the corner of his eyebrow looked terrifyingly ferocious.


    ¡°We have to rush to the hospital!¡± Xiao Feng¡¯s heart dropped when he saw Xu Lan¡¯s expression and urged.


    ¡°F*ck! I asked you about Lan Er!¡± Xu Lan became agitated all of a sudden and grabbed a bunch of his hair. At this rate, he would be bald in no time!


    Xiao Feng lowered his head while pinching his nose bridge, no one knew what was he thinking. Xu Lan stopped talking and they reached the hospital after a short while. Once he got down of the car, Xu Lan saw Bai Wu sitting calmly with his legs crossed, staring at him as he walked towards him.


    ¡°Why are you here? How¡¯s your body?¡± The curved corner of his mouth sunk instantly and asked worriedly with a raspy voice.


    ¡°Uhm, Ka Daiwen told me everything. I was worried about you, that¡¯s why I came over.¡± Bai Wu stood up to adjust Xu Lan¡¯s cor while he answered with a smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go up,¡± Xiao Feng said in a muffled voice.


    Bai Wu wanted to hold Xu Lan¡¯s hand but he subtly avoided it by following Xiao Feng. Bai Wu hastened his footsteps and grabbed Xu Lan¡¯s arm, where he pinched him, all the while pouting unhappily.


    ¡°Stop it, I¡¯m working,¡± Xu Lan reprimanded with a lowered voice.


    ¡°So what? Isn¡¯t the maning over soon?¡± Bai Wu said carelessly.

 Chapter 249 - Fishing

    <h4>Chapter 249: Fishing</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°How is he?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still unconscious. The doctor said that we have to look at tonight¡¯s condition,¡± Wang Hao said. They detected potassium cyanide in his coffee. The mine owner was lucky that he only had a small sip, or else he would not be able to see the light anymore.


    ¡°Uhm, okay. Hao Zi, I need a favor from you.¡± Xu Lan put his hand across Wang Hao¡¯s shoulder and said in his ear.


    ¡°S... Sir!¡± Wang Hao was so shocked that he was speechless. How long has it been since Xu Lan had mentioned his nickname? It was since Xu Lan borrowed money from him!


    Wang Hao sensed that Xu Lan encountered some issues, thus he did not bring it up. Furthermore, Xu Lan was fired after a few demotions, it was not appropriate if he continued to address him ¡®sir¡¯ in front of Lao Chen! So he stopped calling him that.


    ¡°S... Sir, you can tell me about it. I will definitely go no matter what!¡± The skinny youngd stared at Xu Lan with a determined gaze and said without hesitation. Xu Lanughed and waved his hand to signal Wang Hao to leave. They had to n this chess game!


    Not long after, the mine owner regained consciousness. Hu Cheng lightly tapped away cigarette ashes and looked at the person on the hospital bed, shocked. Meng Chengjun also rushed back and circled the mine owner while he gasped for breath.


    ¡°He¡¯s awake? That¡¯s lucky,¡± Meng Chengjun said with a smile, but his tone made others ufortable.


    The mine owner was not entirely a good person, it could be even said that he had a rather poor track record. He did quite a number of bad things, where he allowed others to invest in his miningnd to do real estate. He also tempered in the timber industry and marked up the price of the wood so that he could pocket a huge amount of profit. The caretaker did not foresee that the mine owner had not been to the mine and gotten pneumoconiosis. That was the reason why ¡®Sparrow¡¯ was not able to get his attention! Therefore, he changed his n and started threatening the mine owner.


    The mine owner was terrified of death as he had a family back home and he had not finished spending his earnings yet. He came over to file a police report sobbing, where he was entertained by Lan Er. Then, it was followed by all the things that happened next.


    ¡°Director-General Hu, Officer Xiao, you guys have to save me! I don¡¯t even know if the thing that¡¯s haunting me is a ghost or a man, but I¡¯m sure that they¡¯re crazy. They wouldn¡¯t stop hassling me!¡± The mine owner held onto Xu Lan because he was the person nearest to him. It was frustrating to look at those reddened eyes.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re awake, you should return home. It¡¯s not safe for you to stay here,¡± Hu Cheng said while letting out a sigh.


    ¡°Just stay put, they¡¯ll be able to rescue you if there¡¯s an emergency situation!¡± The corner of Xu Lan¡¯s mouth curled up and said cruelly.


    Hu Cheng looked at Xu Lan and said nothing. Suddenly, he felt like Xu Lan was a jinx. Xu Lan was involved in both major cases that urred throughout his lifetime! He was not sure that if the case met Xu Lan or Xu Lan made the case!


    ¡°Who¡¯s guarding tonight?¡± Hu Cheng asked after giving a thought.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to worry when there¡¯s surveince everywhere. A good man doesn¡¯t even have a long life. If he gets better, we can even arrest him right away,¡± Xu Lan scoffed.


    The mine owner¡¯s face dropped when he heard Xu Lan. If it was not for others showing him some respect, he would have definitely jumped to his feet and scold him!


    ¡°This...:¡±


    ¡°Director-General Hu, you guys must be quite tired after guarding for the whole day. Why don¡¯t you guys go back and rest? Don¡¯t worry about Xiao Xu¡¯s babbles, we¡¯ll stay here tonight.¡± Wang Meng pushed Hu Cheng out and said with an honest smile.


    Meng Chengjun nced at Wang Meng and look around before nodding his head and walked out. Hu Cheng was exhausted after these two days. He felt at ease to go home after hearing what Wang Meng had said. If only he knew that this group of people would wake him up in the middle of the nightter, he would definitely charge forward and give a few kicks and punches.


    As a matter of fact, Wang Meng and the guys did not go and visit the mine owner. They were waiting for somebody! The mine owner looked at them pitifully while they leave one after another until the room was left with only him, yet he dare not even utter a word.

 Chapter 250 - Plead Guilty

    <h4>Chapter 250: Plead Guilty</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Hu Cheng and Xiao Feng were sitting in the middle with Xu Lan and Wang Meng on both sides. The widescreen was disying the scene in the interrogation room. A youngd was sitting right up, the 600-wattmp shone so brightly that it caused their retinas to see white scatters everywhere.


    ¡°What a f*cking tight lip, he¡¯s not willing to say anything!¡± Wang Meng scolded in frustration.


    ¡°Let me handle it.¡± Xu Lan stood up and walked towards the interrogation room after he said that. He specifically let Bai Wu dress him today, looking prim and proper when he opened the interrogation room¡¯s door. He was already covered in a thinyer of sweat after he entered the room as it was almost noon and the light was emitting more heat.


    ¡°President Zhao.¡±


    ¡°I never thought that it¡¯ll be you!¡± Zhao Ran opened his eyes to look at the person who entered the room but lowered his eyebrow after merely raising it. He spoke in disdain as if he felt the disappointment from losing to a formerly defeated opponent.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. Do you plead guilty?¡± Xu Lan unfastened two buttons. He felt like a fool as he specially dressed up for this as if he was going to meet his lover!


    ¡°Haha, plead guilty? I did nothing wrong, you¡¯re going against thew by detaining me! I won¡¯t say a thing, you can ask mywyer when he arrives,¡± Zhao Ran said nonchntly. He did not budge even when it was Xu Lan¡¯s turn to be the interrogator.


    ¡°This is not any other country, we can¡¯t arrest you without any valid reason, President Zhao.¡± Xu Lan drank a sip of water before passing the files to the front of Zhao Ran and signaled him to take a look at it.


    ¡°Someone notified you that the mine owner is still alive right? Or else, you wouldn¡¯t have appeared in the hospital.¡±


    ¡°I already said that I went into the wrong room! I was supposed to visit aunty, she¡¯s not feeling quite well these days!¡± Xu Lan raised his hand to stop Zhao Ran from continuing. It took quite an effort to catch hold of him! He was as slippery as a loach!


    Xu Lan humphed lightly and threw the cell phone in front of Zhao Ran. Mama Song was happily ying mahjong with the neighbors. She looked perfectly healthy, showing no signs of being unwell.


    ¡°With such irrefutable evidence, you can¡¯t get away from it regardless whether you plead guilty or not. I¡¯m not here today to listen to your arguments! I¡¯m here to look at your admission of guilt!¡± Xu Lan pointed towards the camera and said, ¡°All of our conversations would be recorded on tape and it¡¯ll be submitted for the court hearing.¡±


    Zhao Ran lowered his head and remained silent.


    ¡°Why did you go to the hospital to look for the mine owner?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already said, I took a wrong turn!¡± Zhao Ran insisted. Xu Lan noted down Zhao Ran¡¯s answer on his notebook. Surely this bastard would not think that he could escape from legal sanctions? Xu Lan snickered!


    ¡°Okay, do you recognize these people?¡± Xu Lan took out several photos and passed to Zhao Ran. The photos were assigned with a code, there were Song Xi, Mama Song, mine owner, his father, the Zhao brothers, a few strangers and some of the deceased.


    ¡°I recognize some, but not all of them,¡± Zhao Ran said.


    ¡°Hmm? Select those that you recognize, then.¡±


    Zhao Ran took out the photos of Song Xi, Mama Song, and his father. He was holding the photos tightly in his hand, not having any clue about what Xu Lan was nning to do.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you recognize this?¡± Xu Lan removed one of the photos. There was a gorgeous-looking middle-ageddy who wore a pure white dress. Zhao Ran took a nce and shook his head.


    ¡°But the DNA test showed that the both of you have biological mother-son rtionship.¡± Xu Lan observed the spare photo in his hand carefully and found that she shared some simrities with Zhao Ran. Instantly, Zhao Ran¡¯s expression turned cold, his fingers that were holding the photo started to tremble.

 Chapter 251 - Pouch Effect

    <h4>Chapter 251: Pouch Effect</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Mother? How did you locate her? I have almost forgotten about her existence!¡± Zhao Ran snickered.


    ¡°Uhm, our investigation shows that she is Zhao Er¡¯s ex-wife. This may be disrespectful but you¡¯re probably Zhao Er¡¯s son,¡± Xu Lan said with conviction and not suspicion. They were too fixated on the elder brother¡¯s two children to the point that they overlooked the fact that Zhao Er was once a married man. Xu Lan did not give Zhao Ran a chance to exin himself before continuing with his bombardment.


    ¡°Xiao Zhang learned about Mama Song when he was looking into the missing people. Through Mama Song, he learned about your mother and noticed that you are an investor in the little hotel owned by your mother in Laos. The hotel was situated right next to the Zhao family¡¯s project. Is this true?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Afterall, she is my mother. She is old and unattractive to men now, I can¡¯t just watch her die of starvation on the streets,¡± Zhao Ran spoke with zero respect for his mother. He was probably bothered by the fact that he was abandoned.


    ¡°Uh huh. However, we found this on herputer and her phone,¡± Xu Lan said as he showed him a smart phone with the Sparrow Game frozen on the screen.


    As Zhao Ran did not speak, Xu Lan refrained from talking too. When Hu Cheng and Xiao Feng walked in, they were tempted to give Xu Lan a good bashing. They were wondering how did Xu Lan get his hands on these files!


    ¡°Uh, you guys are here. I was just about to tell you about this.¡± Xu Lan smiled apologetically as the information came to him not long ago.


    Wang Meng marched in and was about tond a punch on Xu Lan¡¯s back. Bai Wu intercepted his punch. The bruises on Wang Meng¡¯s wrist were as green as Xiao Feng¡¯s face.


    ¡°Cough cough, it¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s focus on what¡¯s important.¡± Xu Lan chuckled and invited everyone over, as the events that were about to unfold were the highlights that no one should miss.


    Song Xi was the first to walk in. She was holding a thermos mug filled with chicken soup. Zhao Ran trailed behind. They were here to visit Mama Song. For some reason, Mama Song fell sick and was rushed into the hospital by Zhao Ran. When they came in, Mama Song was no longer in the ward. The mine owner was the only one there.


    Zhao Ran stared for a moment before sending Song Xi out and waking the mine owner up. He whispered in the mine owner¡¯s ears and showed him something. The mine owner was terrified and curled up in shivers at the corner. Zhao Ran seemed to be satisfied with the reaction he elicited from the mine owner. He offered another serving of chicken soup to the mine owner, who furiously flipped the mug and spilled the chicken soup. When the mine owner started to m his head repeatedly against the wall, Zhao Ran left the room with the thermos mug in his hand. That was when Bai Wu caught him in his tracks!


    This was the reason why Zhao Ran was brought here as a suspect.


    ¡°What is this? She¡¯s still into games at her game?¡± Zhao Ran took a nce before snickering.


    ¡°Of course not. This phone and theputer did not belong to your mother, but they are yours, right?¡± Xu Lan tossed the fingerprints report toward Zhao Ran.


    ¡°Is it my fault that she¡¯s too attached to my old belongings like old phone and oldputer? It¡¯s just a game. Are you telling me that there are people who have never yed games?¡± Zhao Ran remained calm andposed in spite that the evidence all painted him in a negative light.


    ¡°Uhm, why don¡¯t you meet someone then?¡± Xu Lan was not angered by Zhao Ran¡¯s illogical defense, as Zhao Ran probably thought that Xu Lan did not have solid evidence against him. Xu Lan pped and Ka Daiwen walked in.


    A person whose hands were cuffed trailed after her. It was Li Xiu!

 Chapter 252 - Closing the Case

    <h4>Chapter 252: Closing the Case</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Zhao Ran was shocked! He stood up abruptly but was dragged backward as he was cuffed to the chair. His wrists were bruised and there were bloodstains. After noticing Li Xiu¡¯s presence, Bai Wu tensed up immediately. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. If Xu Lan did not hold Bai Wu back, he would have beaten Li Xiu into a pulp.


    ¡°I warned you to watch out if you were ever caught by me again! How dare you show up here?¡± Bai Wu¡¯s threatening fists sent shivers down Li Xiu¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Zhao Ran, are you still refusing toe clean?¡± Xu Lan shouted as he pushed Li Xiu toward Zhao Ran. Hu Cheng stepped forward and cuffed Li Xiu with Zhao Ran.


    Blood drained from Zhao Ran¡¯s face as he asked Xu Lan in fear, ¡°You, how did you find him?¡±


    ¡°Are you surprised? Did you think that your n was perfect, with a scapegoat and all? Pft, we happen to be working with Li Xiu¡¯s nemesis!¡±


    When Qin Lao told Xu Lan about the dimensional cracks in Laos and Whitehorse City shared the same frequency, Xu Lan knew that there was more to this. It was highly likely that Zhao Ran discovered some sort of power to travel through the void and subsequently managed to transfer the crime scene to a different ce. This would exin why they had not been making good progress with the investigation.


    Shortly after, Bai Wu ran into Li Xiu when he was engaged in a battle against the dragon n. Bai Wu did not think twice about capturing Li Xiu. Over the past few days, Li Xiu was bullied so much in Qin Lao¡¯sboratory to the point that he feared the sight of Bai Wu.


    ¡°When did you all begin to suspect me?¡± Zhao Ran stopped defending himself and withered in his seat.


    Xu Lan coughed. He felt bad and nced at Bai Wu subconsciously. Xiao Feng took the hint and stepped in to answer Zhao Ran¡¯s question.


    ¡°A lot of people were involved in the 928 incident. Throughout my career, I¡¯ve never worked on a case bigger than this. Initially, we thought that the game was invented by a psychopath to entertain himself. However, through Xu Lan¡¯s analysis, we began to realize the true nature of the case.


    Your biggest mistake was making Song Xi impersonate Sir¡¯s wife. Based on the information we have, she was supposed to be a dead person. Song Xi¡¯s sudden confession made us investigate into it again. This was when we invited Qin Lao from the Central Science Park. He was the person who discovered the spatial connection between the two ces. I shall borate more on this, but first, let me point out all of your mistakes.


    Secondly, you showed interest in Bai Wu when Xu Lan went to buy a house the other day. The level of interest that you showed was abnormal, especially when no one besides us knew about Bai Wu. Of course, there was a reason why Xu Lan chose to purchase his house from Zhao¡¯s Properties.


    Thirdly, you showed too much concern for the mine owner. The Sparrow Game was executed meticulously. When everyone from the mine received their punishment, it was logical for the creator of the game who had not been able to get ahold of the mine owner to desperately want to locate him. Heh, but to think that you were so crazy to the point that you enlisted someone from our team to look for the mine owner!¡±


    This person was a terrifying and meticulous individual who killed mercilessly. Up till then, he was responsible for seven deaths. To the public, he was the perfect gentleman; In reality, he was rotten to the core!


    ¡°Pft, I did not know that I¡¯ve made so many fatal mistakes. I was using Song Xi and Mama Song to confuse the police, but little did I know that I¡¯ve actually nted a time bomb for myself! This is unfair! My biggest regret is not being able to kill the vicious demon!¡± Zhao Ran looked at Bai Wu with hatred in his eyes, ready to devour himpletely.

 Chapter 253 - There Is a Dragon in the Sky

    <h4>Chapter 253: There Is a Dragon in the Sky</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Alright alright, cut the story. Since you¡¯ve admitted, hurry up and sign here so that we can pack up and leave early too!¡± Wang Meng urged impatiently.


    ¡°Xu Lan, you are not thinking that Song Xi is innocent, are you? Is she a sliver of pure moonlight in your heart?¡± Zhao Ran asked andughed hysterically.


    ¡°I have always known that you approached Song Xi because of the ongoing investigation. As I expected you to be feeling low for some time, I wanted to make use of the opportunity to get closer to you. However, I did not expect you to leave, which left me with no chance at all! Regardless, she has been an invaluable help to me in ways that you could not think of!¡± Zhao Ran spoke with a sense of superiority.


    Bai Wu looked at Xu Lan before turning to look at Zhao Ran. His gaze was intense and it was obvious that he was trying to control his emotions. Even then, there were white mists surrounding him. Xu Lan snickered and held Bai Wu¡¯s hands helplessly.


    ¡°There was nothing between Song Xi and I. Was that why you went for Wang Hao? To divert our attention to Laos?¡±


    ¡°Pft, the young man was in quite a bit of debt. I used that fact to my advantage once. However, after your return, he refused to be taken advantage of by me again!¡± Zhao Ran replied dissatisfactory.


    ¡°Heck!¡± Xu Lan stepped forward and threw a punch, turning Zhao Ran¡¯s face into a bloody mess.


    ¡°To think that you involved so many people as your aplices! You¡¯ve ruined their lives! Hurry up and leave your thumbprint, I¡¯m done talking to you!¡± Xu Lan said as he rubbed his fists. Bai Wu held Xu Lan¡¯s fist and Xu Lan walked out impatiently.


    When all the pictures wereid out before Meng Chengjun, he did not bother to deny and admitted to everything immediately. Meng Chengjun stayed close with Lao Chen for all the little perks that came with. Somewhere down the road, he wanted to make a name for himself. This was when he got manipted by Zhao Ran.


    ¡°Pft, you are all beasts disguised as gentlemen! What nonsense!¡± Wang Meng cursed and made them sign and leave their thumbprints on the papers.


    Once the 928 incident came to an end and Xiao Feng and the rest left the city, there was nothing that Xu Lan missed here anymore. Hu Cheng smiled with his yellow teeth, offering to buy everyone a meal. As he solved a big case right after being promoted, he had a bright career ahead.


    ¡°Useless! How many times do you want to lose to Bai Wu?¡± A violent roar echoed in the air, suppressing everyone with an invisible pressure.


    ¡°Oh Lord! Lord, please save me! He, he dug out my dragon bone!¡± A glimmer of hope appeared in Li Xiu¡¯s dead eyes. He yanked on his handcuff and shouted hysterically.


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Bai Wu charged forward and gave him a solid punch on his face, shutting him up for good. ¡°Get out!¡±


    The sunny sky was covered with dark clouds, thunders could be heard everywhere. The clouds did not respond to Bai Wu, they wereughing loudly instead. The sharp and eerie waves ofughter were piercing his mind, making his heart shiver.


    Suddenly, a sharp w cut through the dark clouds, showing a head covered in scales. Two rows of sharp white teeth revealed themselves to the crowd. A pair of eyes as big as fists scanned through those who were standing on the ground condescendingly, two long dragon horns were protruding like antennas as it pped its ears at Bai Wu. It seemed like the bulging sharp area on the back of its head lend it bravery. Its wings were pping, and it stared fiercely at everyone.


    Qiao Yi breathed out gently and a fireball charged toward the pedestrians, causing them to yell in pain. Qiao Yi stomped its feet and the tall buildings shook precariously. With a wave of its arm, the reinforced concrete fell onto the cars and humans, causing total chaos.


    ¡°Ah! Dragon! Dragon! Evil dragon!¡±


    ¡°Run! Hurry up and run!¡±


    The dark clouds thickened and the thunders became louder, acting as the perfect backdrop for Qiao Yi¡¯s dragon¡¯s might. The entire Whitehorse City was in a state of panic, the streets were noisy and the people were running for their lives. Cars were stuck in congestion and the drivers honked incessantly. Everyone was trying to run away from the scary dark clouds.


    ¡°Mommy, there¡¯s a dragon in the sky.¡±


    ¡°Mommy? Ahh! Ahh!¡± The sharp ws pierced the woman¡¯s chest, sttering fresh blood on the child¡¯s face, hands, and clothes. The woman¡¯s hands were frozen perpetually at the moment when she was caressing the child¡¯s face.


    ¡°Hahaha, this is fun!¡± Qiao Yiughed loudly and swung the woman ten feet away.


    ¡°Ahh! Ahh! Mommy, mommy...¡± The child¡¯s wailing attracted Qiao Yi¡¯s attention. The ws as sharp as a steel knife returned once more.


    ¡°Bam!¡±

 Chapter 254 - An Intense Battle

    <h4>Chapter 254: An Intense Battle</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu broke through the ss panel in his half-dragon form and rescued the child. Then, he patted the child on his back, telling him to hurry up and leave.


    ¡°Pfft... Haha! You¡¯re still so kind!¡± Qiao Yiughed, the bottom of his eyes covered in ayer of frost. He looked into the sky and breathed fire, sending sparks flying into the crowd. The fire spurred on where the sparks had fallen, it was impossible to extinguish the fire that was burning stronger and stronger.


    ¡°Start dispersing the crowd!¡± Bai Wu shouted and grew bigger in size. He stood before Qiao Yi in hisplete dragon form. The white dragon and the ck dragon red angrily at each other. Bai Wu swung his left arm backward and icy frost rushed out of his palm, extinguishing the fire created by Qiao Yi.


    ¡°Fei Er said you challenged the team of warrior dragons alone and have sustained serious injuries. Why is it that I don¡¯t see any signs of injuries at all?¡± Qiao Yi asked coldly. ¡°The team of warrior dragons consists of twelve warrior dragons, and only three returned from their battle against you! Where did you bring them?¡±


    ¡°What can I say, your dirty tricks are too weak. Are you seriously asking me where the trash went?¡± Bai Wu scratched his ear and replied. ¡°It goes without saying that they¡¯ve gone to see Bai Ling!¡±


    ¡®Kacha, bam!¡¯ When Bai Wu was done speaking, lightning struck and charged toward Bai Wu.


    ¡°Bai Wu!¡± Xu Lan was dispersing the humans who were running around like lost animals. A strike of lightning charged toward Bai Wu furiously.


    A pair of silverish white wings extended three meters long and intercepted the lightning. Not even the sturdy scales could withstand the power of the lightning, which burned a huge hole through the silverish white wings. The wings were singed and emitting ck smoke. Xu Lan was stunned and he stood motionlessly at a loss for words.


    ¡°Go!¡± Bai Wu shifted his wings away slowly and saw Qiao Yi¡¯s sharp ws making their way to Xu Lan.


    Before Xu Lan could react, an ice wall exuding chilliness manifested atop of him. Xu Lan pursed his lips and murmured.


    ¡°Go!¡± He red at Xu Lan and shouted coldly.


    Cold sweat crept up Xu Lan¡¯s spine, soaking his shirt entirely. Xu Lan could only dream about intervening in a fight like this. His presence here did nothing besides serving as a distraction for Bai Wu! He felt a wave of hopelessness emanating from the bottom of his feet, encapsting him in an endless abyss.


    Qiao Yi came onto him too fast, so fast that Xu Lan did not have time to react. Even though Bai Wu had been running around cheerfully, Qin Lao shook his head pessimistically all the time. The data showed that his body was not in good condition and his condition was worsening. As for the weapons that Xu Lan asked for, there had not been any news from Qin Lao yet.


    ¡°Haha! Look at you, protecting a mere human. I would like to see what¡¯s so special about him,¡± Qiao Yi replied with a burst of disturbingughter.


    ¡°How dare you!¡± Bai Wu roared deeply from his throat. White mists rose up around him, his red eyes shed through the white mists.


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I? You would know that our n loves smart creatures like them. They can sing and dance, it would be great to have them as pets,¡± Qiao Yi spoke and looked at Xu Lan. The man was clumsy, far from exquisite and sweet, Qiao Yi could not fathom why Bai Wu was obsessed with him.


    ¡°Die!¡± Bai Wu raged and his giant body charged toward Qiao Yi in a sh! His dragon ws reached forward as they trapped Qiao Yi in a semicircr ice wall. Qiao Yi was under attack by sharp ice thorns of different sizes!


    Qiao Yi tried to melt away the ice thorns as he breathed fire out of his strong jaw.


    As the ice and fire shed in the air, water dripping from the melted ice formed a puddle on the ground. Bai Wu¡¯s ice was too thin, Qiao Yi was able to counterattack with a strong fireball. The fireball sent Bai Wu flying.


    ¡°Cough, cough...¡± Bai Wu spatted a mouthful of fresh blood. The dash of red was jarring against the backdrop of his silverish white stomach.


    ¡°Even though it¡¯s impossible for you to return to the dragon n, I cannot rest easy knowing that you¡¯re still alive somewhere in the world. I would like to know how did a traitor from the dragon n manage to win over Ka Daiwen!¡± Qiao Yi replied angrily. He was seething in a medley of anger, resentment, and jealousy.


    Qiao Yi raised his hand and a small me wiggled out of his palm. The me grew at a palpable speed. It grew into the size of a table, then ake... As the fireball grew bigger, Bai Wu stumbled and tried to stand up tall.


    ¡°Haha! Bai Wu, go ahead and meet Bai Ling!¡± A fireball as big as a ser field appeared midair. Qiao Yi snickered as he watched Bai Wu struggled to prop himself up by leaning against the tall building. With a swing of his hand, the burning fireball rolled toward Bai Wu.


    ¡°Qiao Yi!¡± Ka Daiwen appeared out of nowhere and crawled onto Bai Wu¡¯s shoulder effortlessly.


    ¡®Boom!¡¯

 Chapter 255 - Enmity

    <h4>Chapter 255: Enmity</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Qiao Yi was not hostile in nature. Two hundred years ago, everyone was living in harmony. Ka Daiwen was chasing after Bai Wu, with Qiao Yi close behind and Hong tagging along. Their rtionship was like a snake with the tail in its mouth, endlessly chasing after one another. However, time was not akin to fine wine whereby it would mellow down over the years.


    Since Bai Ling was devoured by the Mother Nest, Bai Wu had no reservations and treated Ka Daiwen as a sister. He was still young at that time but there were already some plots going on within the n. If it was not for his bloodline, his situation might be even grimmer.


    Ka Daiwen was someone who only remembered the good things. One moment, she was weeping, grieving to Qiao Yi about Bai Wu¡¯s heartlessness, but once Bai Wu returned, she would be ecstatic. Qiao Yi could only watch her with a bitter heart and sore eyes. Tang patted on Qiao Yi¡¯s shoulders tofort him. Simr to how Ka Daiwen only had eyes for Bai Wu and none for Qiao Yi, Qiao Yi only noticed Ka Daiwen and not Tang¡¯s sister. The entanglement between them were interlocked with each other, there was no way out.


    Hong was Tang¡¯s younger sister. She was rather feisty and had a voluptuous body. She was nothing like Ka Daiwen¡¯s refined elegance, and her ideas were rather short-sighted. Hong secretly gave Ka Daiwen the nutmegs that she discovered during her flight while she crouched beside her and whispered beside her ear.


    Ka Daiwen¡¯s wings pped gently, alternating between a fast and steady tempo. Finally, she took the nutmegs from Hong¡¯s hand and asked Bai Wu out to practice flying. During practice, Ka Daiwen had an ident, where Bai Wu tried to save her but ended up hurting himself. Qiao Yi rushed over right after Ka Daiwen passed the nutmegs to Bai Wu.


    Two dragons were cuddling in the greenish-blueke, one was white and the other was ck. It was such a garish sight! He stared with his blood-shot eyes, it was as if he was drenched with boiling chili oil from his head onwards. The jealousy in his heart was like green grass fields that finally received the spring breeze, growing frantically over the whole mountain. Suddenly, a pair of pping jet-ck wings grabbed Ka Daiwen.


    Ka Daiwen was stunned. She had no idea why was Qiao Yi here. How could he be restrained by a firewall, Qiao Yi was unable to utter a word since he lost his voice.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Ka Daiwen asked angrily with an exasperated expression.


    ¡®Why am I here? I followed you everywhere day in, day out, but you just never noticed that there was a Qiao Yi behind you. Your eyes could only see Bai Wu who knew nothing about love!¡¯


    Qiao Yi did not speak. Ka Daiwen¡¯s questioning was already bitter enough to leave him speechless. From this moment onwards, the seed of hatred reached the point of no return and grew into a towering tree. It went on up until today...


    The dainty little ck cat perched on Bai Wu¡¯s shoulder while fireballs blotted out the sky. The heatwave burnt down all the trees along the path, the moisture in the trunk was vaporized into white foam while making hissing sounds.


    Qiao Yi roared until both his eyes were blood-red and extended his wings to fly over. He was almost at the verge of exhaustion, but before he could even gather his strength again, he forced himself to catch hold of another fireball. The smell of burnt flesh lingered around the nose, six meters of wings were spread out and barbequed until they were crispy. Xiao Yi spat a mouthful of blood onto the floor with a muffled sound.


    ¡°I¡¯ll follow you back if you let Bai Wu go today!¡± Ka Daiwen curled up on Bai Wu¡¯s shoulder and said. Her fur was almost burnt off due to the heatwave.


    ¡°You... you¡¯re willing to follow me back?¡± His voice was filled with joy, where he turned over instantly to look at her. He was trying to suppress his anger after seeing her condition before he reached out his dragon ws carefully to retrieve her.


    ¡°Cough... cough. No! She can¡¯t go back with you!¡± Although Qiao Yi shielded some of the fireballs, Bai Wu was still badly injured. His silverish white scales were smoked until they were pitch ck, but he was struggling to hold himself up and not copse!


    ¡°Pfft! Who do you think you are? How dare you stop her?¡± Qiao Yi whipped his dragon tail and smacked Bai Wu on the leg with a ¡®pang¡¯. He took a few steps back to prevent his newly recovered leg from breaking again. Bai Wu¡¯s body was already worn out after battling the army of dragons all by himself. His foundation was not that stable in the first ce. It was an arduous task to fight with Qiao Yi who was in his peak performance.


    ¡°You have toe with me, but I can¡¯t let Bai Wu go either!¡± Qiao Yi¡¯s tone was vicious as he tried to forcefully snatch Ka Daiwen over.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go back with you! I will mate and raise baby dragons with you. However, if you harm Bai Wu¡ªeven if you send out ten armies or a hundred armies of dragons¡ªyou will never have me.¡± Ka Daiwen said calmly.


    Qiao Yi was ecstatic, but after giving it a thought, he felt pathetic. Bai Wu was already banned from returning to the dragon n, Qiao Yi sent out such an enormous army in a hurry just because Bai Wu took away Ka Daiwen when the dimension copsed. Whenever he thought of how Ka Daiwen abandoned him mercilessly and ran towards Bai Wu, Qiao Yi would be enraged with jealousy!


    ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯ll let him go! You¡¯re reallying back with me right, Ryle?¡± Qiao Yi asked eagerly with a burning gaze.


    Ka Daiwen nodded. A furless cat was not easy on the eye, but Qiao Yi felt that she was the prettiest Ryle. The razor-sharp dragon ws slowly retracted while he retrieved her carefully.


    ¡°Cough... cough... Ka Daiwen! You can¡¯t do this!¡± Bai Wu vomited blood out of desperation, but he was not able topete with Qiao Yi.


    Ka Daiwen¡¯s meaty paw stepped onto the solid ck dragon w, where she was met with an embrace instantly. Bai Wu tried to stop them, but he was hit with a fireball as big as a table¡ªbang!


    ¡°Ryle! Ryle! I knew you will return!¡± Qiao Yi was like a child with candy. He spread his jet-ck wings and curled up his long tail as he held Ka Daiwen up and spun around!


    ¡°Go and look for Xu Lan. Actually, Qiao Yi really likes me. I¡¯m a little tired watching you two disying your affection towards each other. However, don¡¯t forget what I told you!¡± Ka Daiwen said calmly while she was lifted by Qiao Yi and spun around like a sphinx cat.


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Humph! Since Ryle had already said it out, I won¡¯t make things difficult for you, but you won¡¯t be so lucky if we meet again in the future!¡± Qiao Yi told Bai Wu scornfully.


    Bai Wu¡¯s sat on the ground and could not get up¡ªhis shin bone broke again. He gritted his teeth and stared at Qiao Yi! ¡®My current strength is still too weak! Too weak!¡¯ He roared in his heart. His eyes were crimson-red, with his scales rattling loudly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Ryle. You have no idea, the elders urged me to breed dragon hatchlings every year, but I...¡± His eyes reddened as he spoke. His fascia opened and shut rhythmically as if he was trying to hide the excess emotions.


    ¡°Master! Save me please, they extracted my dragon bone! I¡¯m no different from those lowly humans anymore!¡± Li Xiu wailed and whine when he saw Qiao Yi leaving. Xu Lan was too busy evacuating the crowd that he totally forgot that Li Xiu was still in the police station.


    ¡°Pfft, you didn¡¯t do as you were told and still dare to show up in front of me? I¡¯d saved you twice already, why should I save you a third time?¡± Qiao Yi scoffed and said. He lowered his voice to the minimum because he was afraid that he would upset Ka Daiwen.


    The ck mist and thick clouds slowly gathered around Qiao Yi. The sky gradually turned bright again and the thunders slowly came to an end. After Qiao Yi was covered entirely in the ck mist, they disappeared in a blink of an eye. The sight of the aftermath was unbearable¡ªthe path, houses, and trees were all scattered in a mess. The citizens that were hiding previously emerged and started to clean the roads and help the wounded. Those who helped and the ones being saved embraced and wept with joy as they carried them to the ambnce.


    Bai Wu retracted from his dragon form and stared at the scene in front of him dully. His hatred for humans was not as strong as before. It might be because he stayed there for such an extended period of time, or it could be because of Xu Lan.

 Chapter 256 - Good Times

    <h4>Chapter 256: Good Times</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan came back to look for Bai Wu, where he dragged Bai Wu¡ªwho was half a head taller than him¡ªback to the research institute. Qin Lao and his team would have a full te again. After this battle, Bai Wu¡¯s body became even weaker. Not even the powerful healing ability of the dragon n could make him better. Nheless, Bai Wu still reserved some strength to maintain his human form. He could still joke around with Xu Lan every day as if nothing of such had happened.


    Xiao Feng and Wang Meng went back to the station. They also wanted to bring Xu Lan back, but he shook his head and refused. He was still tired and did not want to work at the moment. Moreover, Qin Lao moved his research institute over here to facilitate the research process.


    The media industry of the Zhao family had copsed. In fact, they had nothing left. Song Xi bathed in tears all day. She did not even have the mood to face all thewsuits. However, anotherpany discovered Bai Wu¡¯s potential. They paid the marypensation for the breach of contract. Within a short period of time, Bai Wu was packaged into an online influencer with a puppy-like personality.


    Xu Lan looked at the magazine in his hand, inside his mind he was thinking that these people are absolutely blind. This person... this dragon was like an Asura that emerged from hell when he was angry, not a single bit of resemnce to a puppy. Ka Daiwen narrated the scene of Bai Wu battling against a group of dragons to him before, it was a hundred times or even tens of thousand times more astounding than the duel between QiaoYi and him.


    The dragon warriors were made up of the strongest twelve warriors from the dragon n, hand-picked by Qiao Yi himself. They were transformed in various aspects with the aid of drugs, technology after multiple experimental trials. Although they were inferior to Qiao Yi, their ability was still equivalent to half of Qiao Yi. This also meant that there were five to six Qiao Yi attacking Bai Wu at the same time! Xu Lan would be trembling with rage whenever he thought of this.


    For the sake of the photo shoot, his eyebrows were modified into a more feminine look. A pair of crimson-red eyes with a tear mole below it. With his high nose bridge and thin lips¡ªwas it right to package him into a puppy look? Although he was covered in makeup, it did not conceal his heroism.


    Even though Xu Lan was not used to seeing Bai Wu like this, he still kept everything that Bai Wu brought back. He drove him to work every day in his small jeep, took him out for lunch at noon and sent him to the research institute at night. He had nothing else to do except for this. Bai Wu¡¯s colleagues thought that he was his sugar daddy, but this sugar daddy dressed quite sloppily and was a little hard on the eyes!


    Bai Wu was aware that there were rumors and whispers going around, but he did not bother about it. He ran towards Xu Lan to give him a big hug whenever Xu Lan arrived and tried to sneak a kiss if he could. No matter how many times Xu Lan scolded Bai Wu, he did not restrict himself, and instead had gotten more and more daring! After a while, Xu Lan gave up and stopped telling him off, it would just give him a headache if he continued!


    Initially, Bai Wu wanted to hide Xu Lan, he did not want anybody to see him. However,ter on, Bai Wu thought of showing him off to the public for everybody to see.


    His affection for Xu Lan originated from theic book that Xiao Xiao gave him. After having a taste of pleasure, he went to seek for his mentor again since he used up all kinds of methods and positions that he learned from the book.


    Since Bai Wu was introduced to the inte, he gained a lot of new tricks. He liked to ask Xu Lan out for a movie and always purchased the corner tickets of the midnight showtimes. He started out with kissing and moved on to touching and ended up in the sukhasana pose! He knew how to purchase stuff online to help with extension. He also made sure to caress and go full on during forey, before going into the main course. When he had time, he would ask Xu Lan out on trips and confess their love for each other. Finally, he would carry a bag along with him to throw the used condoms into the rubbish bag.


    Xu Lan was a man in his thirties, where he was in the prime of his life. If it was within Xu Lan¡¯s eptable limits, both of them would go for it. Even if it exceeded Xu Lan¡¯s boundaries, after seeing Bai Wu¡¯s reddened eyes with a pitiful gaze when he begged, he would just turn a blind eye and let him have his way.


    Bai Wu could really take care of people, especially Xu Lan. Every morning, he would wake up very early to make breakfast for Xu Lan. If they were going out for a date, he would match Xu Lan¡¯s outfit. However, they would be extremely crumpled whenever they got back. The more angry Xu Lan was, the more euphoric Bai Wu was. Motherf*cker, it would not be surprising if the entire Whitehorse City was showered with Bai Wu¡¯s descendants!


    Nheless, good times always passed quickly. After enjoying days like these for half a year, it was already early winter. Qin Lao called and told him they found the reason.

 Chapter 257 - Research Outcome

    <h4>Chapter 257: Research Oue</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan hurriedly brought Bai Wu to the research institute. Qin Lao took down his sses excitedly and gave him a hug before letting him into theboratory.


    ¡°Xiao Xu, I think I found a regr pattern of the way the dimension transforms. I called you guys here today mainly to test it out and see if it works!¡± Qin Lao showed him his research oue to both of them enthusiastically.


    Theboratory was separated by a custom-made tempered ss. There was nothing inside, but Xu Lan could instinctually feel a sense of oppression. When he moved closer, a dark void appeared on theputer screen. When Qin Lao altered some data, the void in theboratory disappeared instantly. After switching back to the previous data, the void reappeared on theputer.


    Xu Lan was so shocked that he could not speak. The void just appeared in front of their eyes like a magic trick.


    ¡°Can the void be designated to a specific parallel dimension?¡± Xu Lan asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I wanted to tell you. I discovered it when I spoke to you previously. Bai Wu stalled a huge amount of time in all three parallel dimensions and dragons appeared in all three worlds. He also mentioned himself that the nature of the dimensional crack was to send him back to his own world.


    The first dimension had Huaxia, where we first met each other. You guys went through a huge case¡ªLi Xiu¡¯s merciless murder. All victims were women and they had their breasts cut off and private parts sewn shut.


    The second one was the dimension with games. You experienced all kinds of creatures including deities, demons, and monsters.


    Finally, you came back to the original dimension, which is here. However, the dimensions started to lose order and collide with each other.¡±


    When Qin Lao finished talking, Liang Yu passed a stack of papers to Xu Lan and Bai Wu. It was filled with equations and forms written in horrendous handwriting.


    ¡°I had a discussion with a sinologist, and this was the result of our deductions using the dimensional equation. Thest page consists of the requirements needed to build this void. We made the dimensional crack that was disyed on theputer screen by following these requirements,¡± Qin Lao continued.


    Xu Lan had no clue as to what the equations meant. He could only understand ¡® Female represents Yin, forgoing it forms ¡±Yue¡¯ while covering it forms ¡®Ri¡¯ <sup>1</sup> . There was another character, ¡® Mu <sup>2</sup> ¡® that was scratched off by the pen. It looked like Qin Lao had refuted this possibility as the answer after researching. The other piece of paper had something written on it, ¡®Demons and monsters are evil and since evil has no roots, it would not be grounded.¡¯ Another one had ¡®Primeval state of chaos¡¯ written on it, where all the things that happened in all of the worlds happened within it.


    ¡°How can we find the parallel dimension that Bai Wu was from?¡±


    ¡°We can link all three clues together. ¡®E¡¯ represents the sun¡¯s energy, and we use ¦Á and ¦Â to represent the two unknowns respectively ¡ª evil and the primeval state of chaos. We also utilized the special material that we used to build the Jiaolong submarine to make a protective case for the mini camera. After umpteen trials, we finally found the passage to the dragon n.¡±


    Qin Lao pointed towards theboratory. The LED screen from the outer wall of theboratory disyed a luscious forest. The camera was hanging on the tree, projecting one dragon after another, all of them were huge and strong.


    However, the atmosphere was not quite friendly. The ck dragons were exceptionally burly, and they fought whenever they met each other. They govern each attribute ording to their will. For instance, Bai Wu governed ¡®Ice¡¯, Qiao Yi dominated ¡°Fire¡¯, one of the dragons controlled ¡®Wind¡¯, and another controlled ¡®Electricity¡¯.


    Bai Wu kept a straight face and remained silent from the start. When he saw the situation in the dragon n, his expression was even gloomier and almost let out the original form of his dragon¡¯s might.


    Xu Lan turned to thest page, the equations were all scratched off. The warped dimensional crack was not measured by ¡®energy¡¯ and ¡®time¡¯ anymore. Simrly, the general theory of rtivity stated that the dimensions were not absolute, but rtive instead. Atst, there were pen marks that poked repeatedly on the primeval state of chaos.


    ¡°What is the primeval state of chaos?¡± Xu Lan asked.

 Chapter 258 - The Presence of Buff

    <h4>Chapter 258: The Presence of Buff</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°This is the ce you¡¯ve met Bai Wu for the very first time. In the end, it all went back to the origin into the primeval state of chaos. We devised a hypothesis if we keep on increasing the energy level and charge it into the stable dimension with the administration of force and superluminal motion at the same time in order to disrupt the dimension. Atst, we have this dimension.¡± Qin Lao pointed at the void that was disyed on theputer screen.


    Xu Lan¡¯s migraine started again, but he could not bear to expose the truth after seeing Qin Lao¡¯s satisfied and proud expression. He used his hand to push Bai Wu.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°How about you give it a try? I couldn¡¯t find it before this,¡± Xu Lan said after licking his chapped lips.


    ¡°No, I have to go. The manager called me just now and asked me to go over for work.¡± Bai Wu nced towards Xu Lan, his head was lowered and his expression was hidden. He kept his cellphone in his pocket after finish talking and walked towards the door.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Come back here!¡± Xu Lan was holding his fist where he tried to suppress the tremor in his heart and shouted at Bai Wu¡¯s back, ¡°Come over here to try.¡±


    ¡°My body hasn¡¯t recovered yet, it would be a fruitless attempt.¡± Bai Wu raised his eyebrow and shrugged while he said helplessly.


    ¡°ording to the data, your body has recovered about seventy percent. Ka Daiwen also told me that you¡¯ll face some aversion when you¡¯re out there, and your body will recover around eighty percent. The other twenty percent would get better over time after you return to the dragon n. Also, based on your status, you can receive an additional twenty percent of energy? This is cool, it¡¯s literally like a buff.¡±


    Liang Yu dictated word by word while holding the notebook. When he mentioned about Bai Wu¡¯s additional twenty percent, his eyes brightened up and raised the volume of his voice.


    ¡°We¡¯re going now? Ka Daiwen also mentioned that Qiao Yi used the blood of my n to cast the forbidden spell and denied my existence.¡± Bai Wu stared piercingly at Xu Lan with his reddened eyes. Xu Lan felt his piercing gaze and lowered his head after inhaling deeply.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try it, Qin Lao put in a lot of effort in this.¡±


    ¡°Tch, what if I got beaten to death by Qiao Yi after going there? What if I won¡¯t be able to return forever? You knew that I will go back one day sooner orter right? Has this been your n all along?¡± Bai Wu was not angry, instead, he snickered. He turned around and walked speedily towards Xu Lan and held his chin up to force him to have direct eye contact.


    ¡°Bullsh*t! I will definitely go together with you! I¡¯ve said before, I already adapted to the pressure of the dimensional crack,¡± Xu Lan spat and struggled to release himself from Bai Wu¡¯s hand, leaving five finger marks on his face.


    ¡°If youe along with me, how can I protect your safety? Ka Daiwen already went back, and Qiao Yi will not return anytime soon, let¡¯s just stay put...¡±¡±p¡¯, before Bai Wu could finish saying, Xu Lan raised his hand and gave a p on his face.


    Bai Wu¡¯s face was instantly left with the mark of Xu Lan¡¯s palm that was more intense than the mark on his chin.


    ¡°How about Ka Daiwen! What should your n do! Will you be able to turn a blind eye even when you knew Qiao Yi was experimenting on them?¡± Xu Lan pointed at Bai Wu¡¯s nose as she spoke, trembling with anger.


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu¡¯s chest heaved forcefully. He gritted his teeth and breathed heavily but was hesitant to make a sound.


    ¡°Enter the void first to regain your strength. I¡¯ll find you after I gather my equipment. Stop thinking about unnecessary things.¡± Xu Lan regretted a little, Bai Wu¡¯s face was naturally pale, but his entire face was reddened after one p.


    ¡°I won¡¯t go there. This is just a normal dimensional crack. If I got rejected by the dragon n, I will wander through all the dimensions again. How are you going to find me?¡± Bai Wu was not convinced, he flung away from Xu Lan and left without giving a thought.


    ¡°Eh... This is also a problem. How can we solve the secrets of their n? If it¡¯s possible to solve it, when will the daye for that?¡± Qin Lao shook his head.


    ¡°Blood! The forbidden spell is a defense made of blood right? We can use blood to overwrite it! It¡¯s not like there isn¡¯t a solution to the forbidden spell, we just have to find the right method!¡± Xu Lan knew what the dragon n meant to Bai Wu, especially not after he knew that Qiao Yi was experimenting on the n!


    What is Qiao Yi nning to do!

 Chapter 259 - Wang Meng is in Trouble

    <h4>Chapter 259: Wang Meng is in Trouble</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    It was already night time when Xu Lan prepared to look for Bai Wu. Wang Meng called up and asked him out for a meal with a sobbing voice. Xu Lan¡¯s heart sank and asked for Wang Meng¡¯s address and drove over hurriedly.


    In the winter season, it is freezing cold with chilly winds soughing through the streets. Wang Meng only wore ayer of clothing, he sat on the stone block outside of the train station while he sniffled. His eyes turned red the moment he saw Xu Lan got down from the car.


    ¡°What are you doing? Get in the car, it¡¯s so cold!¡± Xu Lan pulled Wang Meng up to his feet and took off his own jacket to put around him.


    ¡°Achoo! Hey, now that you¡¯ve mentioned it, it¡¯s fu*king cold!¡± Wang Meng rubbed his hands together and exhaled warm breath. After rubbing for a while, tears started to fall.


    Xu Lan lighted a cigarette and passed to him. He bought it after Bai Wu left, ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Motherf*cker! He... he... he had an affair... The person came to find me several times. I don¡¯t want to be with him anymore.¡± Wang Meng took the cigarette and gave it a smoke. He could feel that his whole body was bitter.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to confront him about this? Could it be a misunderstanding?¡± Xu Lan had not experienced this before, so he did not know how to start. He smoked the cigarette and flicked the ashes on the car window while he spoke.


    ¡°I... I saw them kissing with my own eyes. That b*stard made the first move, what¡¯s more to say? He was so desperate when he saw that I caught him, he took away my identification card and froze my savings! He¡¯s a f*cking lowlife!¡± Wang Meng shedded tears while he scolded. Xu Lan searched throughout his body and could not find a piece of tissue. He only had the handkerchief that he brought along with him at all times. He unwillingly passed it to Wang Meng so that Wang Meng could blow his nose.


    ¡°Uhm, let¡¯s eat first. It¡¯s only been half a year. Seeing you in this condition, you definitely wouldn¡¯t eat properly after you go home huh?¡± Wang Meng lifted his head but his eyes turned red instantly. He lowered his head again after a brief moment. Xu Lan was shocked by the sight he saw!


    ¡°F*ck! Let¡¯s eat first!¡± Xu Lan put more pressure on the elerator and found a hotel. He brought him in but was stopped by Wang Meng.


    ¡°No, he¡¯ll find me here. Let¡¯s go to a restaurant,¡± Wang Meng said fearfully, the person who always leads a fast life half a year ago was gone.


    Xu Lan apanied him and drank a fair amount of alcohol. He reprimanded Xiao Feng from the top to bottom and back. While he was at it, he received a call from Bai Wu asking why was he not at home in this hour. Xu Lan answered a few sentences, slurring his words and started scolding again.


    It was for his own good. Why did he need to throw tantrums? His brothers were tormented by Qiao Yi to the verge of death, and he also could not wait to go back but he chose not to tell Xu Lan. He wanted to bear everything on his own, he did not treat Xu Lan as his family at all!


    It was like when he went to search for Li Xiu alone to beat him up so that Li Xiu could be punished; like when he was worried about Xu Lan being unfamiliar during his first mission, he gave up the opportunity toplete the mission and went to look for Xu Lan, where he even dressed up as Luffy; like when he just finished battling with the dragon warriors and still have strength to catch Li Xiu and find Zhao Ran¡¯s mother.


    He thought that Xu Lan would not know if he did not tell him. Just as how he mentioned Xu Lan always treated him like a child, he stubbornly showed only the good side to him.


    ¡°... You¡¯re drunk, I¡¯lle and pick you.¡± Bai Wu paused to think then said coldly.


    The boss of ¡®Good Taste¡¯ ran out of luck, two big guys sat down in the shop. No one else dared to enter for a meal. Besides that, these two men kept scolding loudly and even gathered a crowd, leaving him out of business for the day!


    Bai Wu reached the provincial capital after two hours of journey by car. An hour has passed since he met up with Xiao Feng before they found them, only to see them still drinking.


    ¡°What happened? Why did Xu Lane to the provincial capital all of a sudden?¡± Bai Wu asked coldly, radiating power without even getting angry.


    ¡°Hmm, a small matter. We quarreled.¡± Xiao Feng was in the bureaucracy for more than two decades, where he exudes a calm and leisuredposure. He said after puffing out a ring of smoke. Of course, thisposure was seen after he found Wang Meng.


    The restaurant gradually quiets down. Both of them drank a lot. Xu Lan started vomiting everywhere while Wang Mengid on the table and snoozed off. Suddenly, he sat up and scolded something. Bai Wu could not bear to see this anymore. He walked over quickly and carried Xu Lan out of there.

 Chapter 260 - Successfully Crossing to the Other Side

    <h4>Chapter 260: Sessfully Crossing to the Other Side</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    For some reason, Bai Wu made apromise when doing it that night. Xu Lan was left to rub his own buttocks and fumed in anger!


    F*cking hell, there was once he failed to control Bai Wu during their lovemaking session and Bai Wu transformed into a half-dragon state. Xu Lan was given quite the shock after realizing that Bai Wu¡¯s member was slowly erging within him! Needless to say, the session was a stressful one. F*cking hell, once Bai Wu discovered how pleasurable it was, he continuously pestered Xu Lan for it, but Xu Lan vehemently refused! On that night, however, the pain transmitted from Xu Lan¡¯s backside was exactly the same as that particr session!


    As soon as Xu Lan was able to get down, he immediately escorted Bai Wu to theboratory. He wanted Qin Lao to give Bai Wu as hard a time as possible! F*ck!


    ¡°Xu Lan, are you sure you¡¯re not going toe with me?¡± Reluctant to part ways, Bai Wu grasped Xu Lan¡¯s hand and asked.


    ¡°GO! Scram! It¡¯s not like I won¡¯t be joining you there! MMP!¡± Xu Lan was erupting in anger; Bai Wu wasughing innocuously; Qin Lao was stupefied!


    Liang Yu stood at the door and opened it for Bai Wu. Thetter¡¯s mouth was open as if he about to say something, but Xu Lan simply lifted a leg and kicked him into the room. In doing so, he aggravated his painful backside, and being too embarrassed to let out a shriek, he grimaced in pain.


    After the door was closed, Qin Lao started the process of manufacturing the dimensional crack. On that particr asion, he specifically utilized the additional blood samples that Bai Wu provided. The experiments had been a sess, but whether or not it could really be applied to the real world remained to be seen.


    The crack began to slowly take shape and envelop Bai Wu. It was like a meat grinder that twisted and warped Bai Wu in it. Xu Lan rushed to enter the room, but Liang Yu got a hold of him as soon as his hand touched the door.


    ¡°The creation of a space-time disorder is simply an illusion. You can take a look at the image on theputer. It¡¯s projected by infrared rays. Bai Wu is still Bai Wu...¡± Just as Liang Yu brought Xu Lan up to theputer, theputer screen became nk white, and nothing was disyed.


    ¡°... He¡¯s gone,¡± Qin Lao said.


    ¡°Will this have a significant impact? How will I find him againter?¡± Xu Lan felt an unease in the depths of his heart. ¡°How are things now?¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t had the chance to test it out beforehand, but if Bai Wu seeds, it¡¯s a good sign,¡± Qin Lao answered prudently.


    Xu Lan nodded. His eyes were glued to theputer screen. They fitted an incredibly sturdy video camera on Bai Wu¡¯s body, and its method of operation was not dissimr to the Hubble Telescope. All information hitherto gathered were also obtained using the same method.


    After God-knows-how-long, Xu Lan¡¯s eyes were red from staring at theputer screen. It was only then did Bai Wu re-appeared at the fringe of the crack with a faint illumination on his body. The journey was not as smooth as previous asions where he would have entered immediately into a parallel dimension as soon as the pressure wore off. At that moment, Bai Wu was rejected by the dimension, and he could no longer re-enter it! His movement was limited to pacing back and forth. If within a certain period of time, he neither entered the dimension nor left it, there was a possibility that he would be transported to a different ce.


    By then, Bai Wu had already transformed into his dragon state in an attempt to use his ws and explore the area. In an instant, a semi-transparent protective screen appeared in the space. It was illuminated in a design of a beehive by a lightning-fast electric current, and it sent Bai Wu flying.


    ¡°BAI WU!¡± Xu Lan was feeling extremely anxious for Bai Wu.


    Evidently, Bai Wu¡¯s actions did not bear fruit. He sneered and shook his head, then fished out a drug that Qin Lao had prepared for him. The drug was administered by injection and was able to change his blood type locally. Qin Lao developed it on his own ord during Bai Wu¡¯s hospitalization ¨C when it was discovered that Bai Wu had no matching blood type.


    One syringe, then two, then the third and fourth... A handful of syringesy beside Bai Wu¡¯s feet, but the protective screen was still impervious.


    ¡°BAI WU...¡± Despite knowing that Bai Wu could not hear him, Xu Lan still could not help but shout. His hands were sweaty and beads of sweat were dripping from his forehead.


    Onto thest syringe ¨C a red one. Bai Wu took a deep breath and inserted it into his forefinger. He rubbed the blood between his fingers and touched the protective screen. If it did not work, he would have no choice but to go back.


    From one meter away to one inch away to one centimeter away, and then a bang. The thought of what might happen next did not cross Bai Wu¡¯s mind. He also unprepared for it, but under that circumstance, he passed through the protective screen andnded on the ground with a thud.


    He saw blue skies and white clouds, clear waters and green mountains, chirping insects and singing birds, as well as fragrant flowers.


    ¡°HE DID IT! XU LAN! Let me check the red reagent to determine its blood sample. You need to get up now. As time passes by, it is likely that the other side will notice the hole and seal it up,¡± Qin Lao urged.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Xu Lan carried his backpack and dashed impatiently into theboratory.

 Chapter 261 - A Futile Search

    <h4>Chapter 261: A Futile Search</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Despite having traveled through the dimensional crack and arriving at the dragon n, Xu Lan did not see Bai Wu anywhere. Worried, he thought to himself and wondered if he was able to prevent another dragon from discovering him. They seemed to like keeping things as pets, because thest time Xu Lan went there unguarded, they locked him up and treated him as a house pet. If back then, the dragon did not ultimately beat him up, he might not have known when he would be able to see Bai Wu.


    Xu Lan walked around aimlessly. He was surrounded by majestic mountains, azurekes, lush green forests, and mighty dragons. It was like he entered the Jurassic Period in the blink of an eye. The dragons conversed in a chant-likenguage that Xu Lan could not understand. However, there was no doubt that they were far more menacing, intelligent, and formidable than their Jurassic counterparts.


    Most of them livedfortably in gigantic houses that were made out of stone, but the weakest dragons were banished to the dark caverns in the hilltops. They interacted as humans did: they had their own society, their own activities, and were divided ording to their status and ranking.


    Bai Wu must have ran into some trouble since he was not waiting for Xu Lan at the same spot. Xu Lan nced at his quartz watch. He had been wandering around for 84 hours, but even though three and half days had passed, he did not take even a second¡¯s worth of a break. He took out apression biscuit, bit into it, and washed it down with water. He was afraid to drink too much since he had no idea how long it would take for him to find Bai Wu. Time seemed to pass in a simr way to the first time when Bai Wu was transported away by the crack: all Xu Lan could do was search aimlessly for him!


    He tore open some thick, two-meter high weeds, and saw a bunch of smooth rocks in front of him. A stream of water was flowing underneath the rocks, and some unidentified creatures were emitting a rustling sound. Xu Lan then filled up his water bottle, leaned against the rock, and slept.


    His continuous search for Bai Wu ¨C of which he went two days and two nights without sleep ¨C made him incredibly tired. The longer he was there, the more uneasy he became, and the only thing he could do was continue searching without sleep or rest.


    ¡°Awoo...¡±


    ¡°Huoo!¡±


    The dragon n¡¯s loud roars and rumbling sounds of battle woke Xu Lan up. In his semi-conscious state of mind, he hid behind a huge boulder and peeked carefully to see what was going on. At that point, perhaps it would have been better if Xu Lan did not peek, for he nearly jumped out from behind the rock: who else could that giant white dragon be if it was not Bai Wu!


    Bai Wu was considerably biggerpared to when he was with Xu Lan, and at that moment, he was battling against three ck dragons. His silver-white body, however, was covered in cuts and bruises; his flesh was ripped open and exposed, while fresh blood dripped down and stained the area of battle.


    ¡°... Ngehehe!¡±


    ¡°Awoo, uugh!¡± A stream of lightning crashed down from above and struck Bai Wu on his back. Bai Wu stumbled and stepped into a creek. The water subsequently turned red, and so did Xu Lan¡¯s eyes!


    ¡°Bai...¡± Xu Lan stopped himself just as he was about to call out. His voice would certainly cause even more trouble since Bai Wu would be distracted and would have to spare some time in order to protect him!


    Bai Wu¡¯s injuries did not deter the three ck dragons, but rather, they attacked even faster and more brutally, clearly intending to end his life!


    With a swipe of his hand, Bai Wu attacked by conjuring an ice wall. Before the wall could strike the ck dragons, the sudden uprooting of a huge tree obstructed the wall and shattered it into pieces. Before Bai Wu could react, a gale of wind came surging directly at him, slicing through stone like daggers.


    ¡± Huo huo <sup>1</sup> ...¡± Bai Wu could not avoid it in time, and a series of fresh wounds appeared on his body.


    Upon seeing the scene, Xu Lan¡¯s throat became tight and his eyes became red. He cupped some water from the creek and washed his reddened, bloodthirsty face! He red at the ck dragon behind the rock. With lightning-quick reflexes, he fished out a handgun from his backpack!


    ¡®Bang! Bang! Bang!¡¯


    ¡°Xu Lan!¡±

 Chapter 262 - Gunshots

    <h4>Chapter 262: Gunshots</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The air was filled with Xu Lan¡¯s energy, but for some reason, Bai Wu failed to detect it at first! Once the gunshot was heard, Bai Wu immediately dragged his wounded body and rushed over to protect Xu Lan.


    ¡°Awoo awoo awoo!¡± After being attacked, the huge dragon came for Xu Lan, but not before letting out an explosive roar that caused trees and stones to furl. Fortunately, Bai Wu was using his own body as a shield. If he did not, Xu Lan would have been sent flying by the dragon¡¯s might. All three dragons seemed to be in pain, but in spite of that, they were stilling for Bai Wu! With the strength of a python and the nimbleness of a snake, the three elements of lightning, wood, and wind came surging forth all at once.


    ¡®Bang! Bang! Bang!¡¯ Xu Lan was unable to see what was happening before him. The only thing he heard was three loud bangs. His legs trembled from the resulting quake, and even the water in the creek stopped flowing.


    ¡°...¡± After a substantial amount of time had passed, Bai Wu turned to look at Xu Lan. His reddened eyes peered closely and with much concern.


    ¡°Bai Wu...¡± Xu Lan cried out. His reddened eyes turned even redder after seeing the wounds on Bai Wu¡¯s body. Bai Wu took a deep breath. White fog then began enveloping him and he transformed back into the form that was familiar to Xu Lan.


    ¡°We must first find a safe ce.¡± Bai Wu stretched his hand to take Xu Lan¡¯s backpack with the intention of carrying it, but Xu Lan vehemently refused and held on tight.


    ¡°Your wounds are too serious. I brought some simple medications. Let¡¯s get your wounds disinfected first.¡±


    Xu Lan said that as he tried opening the bag. Subduing a 70-kilogram man was not at all hard for Xu Lan, but during that exchange, he was trembling so hard that it was difficult to even open the zipper. Bai Wu grasped Xu Lan¡¯s hand gently, wrestled the bag away, then carried it on his back. His next action was to hold Xu Lan¡¯s hand and head for the mountains.


    ¡°We must find a ce, cough cough. These defeated warrior dragons will quickly be noticed.¡± As Bai Wu spoke, he covered his mouth with his hand, but blood was seeping through the spaces between his fingers.


    From then onward, Bai Wu never said a word no matter how much Xu Lan asked him. He also did not let Xu Lan walk ahead of him. Instead, he led Xu Lan in search of a cave where they could rest. Once they found one, Bai Wu closed his eyes and copsed on the ground. He remained unconscious regardless of what Xu Lan did to wake him up!


    Time passed two times slower than normal in the dragon n. By then it was only the evening of the second day. When Bai Wu broke through the barrier, Qiao Yi noticed that something was off, but because thetter was preparing for his marriage ceremony with Ka Daiwen, he ordered the remaining three warrior dragons to seize Bai Wu. Nearly 80 hours of non-stop battle took a serious toll on Bai Wu¡¯s body. Once he found Xu Lan and could finally breathe a sigh of relief, he copsed instantaneously.


    Even in his unconscious state, Bai Wu held on to Xu Lan¡¯s hand and did not let go. Why then, did he have to leave the point of entry in the first ce? Xu Lan smiled bitterly. Xu Lan dragged Bai Wu into the cave. He disinfected Bai Wu¡¯s wounds and applied some of Qin Lao¡¯s medicine. Bai Wu¡¯s previous injuries had given Qin Lao a significant amount of precious data, and although the medicine samples were unsteady and had many side effects, Xu Lan brought them with him nheless!


    ¡°Cough cough!¡± When nightfall came, Bai Wu began to have a fever. He was dripping in cold sweat from head to toe. Xu Lan tried to feed him some anti-inmmatory medicine, but his mouth could not be opened. The only thing that could be done was to lift his head up by the chin and administer the medicine mouth-to-mouth. Xu Lan felt heartbroken when Bai Wu kept mumbling the word ¡®cold¡¯. Xu Lan dared not light a fire, so he took all the clothes from the bag and used them to cover Bai Wu. Still, the shivering continued.


    ¡°F*CK! What kind of dog a*s medicine did Qin Lao give! It¡¯spletely useless!¡±


    Xu Lan cursed out, then took off his clothes and hugged Bai Wu. In the past, both of them did have sessions on the spur-of-the-moment, but as of then, Bai Wu was unable to respond to him. In order to save a life, Xu Lan had to do a one-man show!


    Xu Lan had no clue as to whether Bai Wu¡¯s fever had dropped, and to what extent if it did. When the fever first kicked in, Xu Lan was taking leadership, but after that, his thoughts werepletely centered on worrying for Bai Wu¡¯s condition.


    When Bai Wu finally released his load, he was able to open his eyes slightly, Xu Lan immediately lost all self-control. Doing those kinds of things seemed able to heal him, so the thrusts became deeper and harder.


    Finally, Xu Lan was sitting on top of Bai Wu, and thetter¡¯s mother*ckingher regions were transforming abruptly into a dragon state. Xu Lan was so shocked that he fainted before managing to catch a breath!

 Chapter 263 - The Search for Tang

    <h4>Chapter 263: The Search for Tang</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Xu Lan rarely had dreams, especially after he got together with Bai Wu. When Bai Wu was a still a child, Xu Lan¡¯s daily thoughts were how to take care of him, but after Bai Wu grew up, Xu Lan did not have the energy to dream because he was always being f*cked <sup>1</sup> . At that moment, however, Xu Lan was dreaming while his mind was aware that it was a dream.


    He dreamed of being wrapped in the embrace of Bai Wu¡¯s dragon form. It was a dazzling sight from the top of the blue dome sky. Surrounding them were a multitude of dragons in green, ck, and red. Some of them were cleaning Bai Wu¡¯s scales, while others were fanning Xu Lan. There were even those who were stirring up incense in the censer.


    Bai Wu felt as though Xu Lan was waking up, so he lifted his head and extended his tongue to lick Xu Lan¡¯s cheek. Right when Xu Lan was about to give a scolding, two ck dragons entered, bringing another ck one with them. The sickly dragon looked familiar to Xu Lan, he stood up to take a closer look.


    ¡°Agh!¡± Raw pain started emanating from his backside, jolting him awake! ¡°F*CK!¡±


    Boy oh boy, Xu Lan was grimacing in pain while Bai Wu was sleeping like a log! Bai Wu¡¯s posture was simr to that in the dream: he was all curled up and Xu Lan was sleeping in the coil of Bai Wu¡¯s chest and head.


    Upon hearing Xu Lan¡¯s voice, Bai Wu opened his eyes hazily and asked, ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±


    Xu Lan was fuming so hard that it hurt his brain. He looked away and said nothing. The sound of sobbing and trembling were then hearding from behind. Bai Wu quickly put on some clothes and hugged him while cing his jaw on his shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I couldn¡¯t control myself.¡±


    Xu Lan thought that Bai Wu was unable to control himself because of heated passion, but it was actually because Bai Wu changed unconsciously into his morefortable dragon state as a result of being the in the dragon n. Essentially, both were states offort, but their connotation waspletely different. Moreover, Bai Wu had previously promised that a simr situation would never happen again!


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk to you right now! You better stay away from me, I can¡¯t promise that I won¡¯t identally shoot you!¡± Xu Lan had a gloomy face when he spat out those words from the cracks between his teeth.


    ¡°... What kind of gun is that? Normal bullets cannot even prate a red dragon¡¯s scales, but yesterday, it only took one shot from you to have the warrior dragons gasping for air,¡± Bai Wu asked when the subject of guns was brought up. Being an ice-based maniptor, each and every word that Bai Wu uttered at that time was cold and emotionless. His frostiness made Xu Lan¡¯s blood curdle.


    ¡°I persuaded Qin Lao to do research on a new weapon. I didn¡¯t expect it would work.¡± Xu Lan turned his head stiffly and replied somewhat diffidently.


    ¡°... Xu Lan. I sincerely hope you won¡¯t interfere with the n¡¯s affairs, just as I did not interfere in your cases.¡± Bai Wu sighed and remarked imperatively.


    ¡°I, at that time... Okay.¡± Xu Lan wanted to exin at length, but in the end, he simply looked down and replied. He prepared for the worst before arriving there, but he could not take it when he saw Bai Wu¡¯s condition the day before.


    Just as Xu Lan wanted to protect Bai Wu, Bai Wu also wanted to protect Xu Lan. The problem was that the dragon n were much stronger than humans. Xu Lan¡¯s association with Bai Wu, though minimal, might result in the entire n shifting their hatred toward Xu Lan if they were not able to defeat Bai Wu. If that happens, then...


    ¡°I¡¯m going to save Tang soon. You wait here. If I don¡¯te back tonight, you, you have to go home. Do you understand?¡± Bai Wu turned Xu Lan¡¯s body so they were facing each other. He then ced his hand on Xu Lan¡¯s face.


    ¡°Like hell, I will!¡± Xu Lan pped Bai Wu¡¯s hand, which caused even his own face to turn red.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡± A heartbroken Bai Wu pulled Xu Lan into his embrace. He took a look at Xu Lan¡¯s face and released Xu Lan only after he was sure that it was nothing serious.


    ¡°I want to go too.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t argue. I will return tonight. My strength here can be raised to its maximum. They won¡¯t be able to win against me.¡± Bai Wu searched the bag for a good long time and finally found a dog-skin ster, which he applied to Xu Lan¡¯s face.


    ¡°Bai Wu! Can you treat me normally? Even though I may not be as strong as all of you, I¡¯m still a man! I can share your burden! Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve never once thought of bringing me into your world?¡± Xu Lan was finally able to understand the suffering Bai Wu felt when he treated thetter as a kid! At that point, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Bai Wu may be looking at him as though he was an infant!


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought of it before! There¡¯s not a single moment I don¡¯t wish to present you to Bai Ling and let all the n members know that you are my partner! But it can¡¯t be done now!¡± Bai Wu disregarded Xu Lan¡¯s anger and simply went up to kiss the ster before getting up to leave.


    ¡°I want to follow you. Right now. I can¡¯t stand all the f*cking waiting that I have to do here.¡± Xu Lanughed in spite of the anger and replied insipidly. By then, the gun capable of killing giant dragons was raised atop his head.


    ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 264 - The Search for Tang (2)

    <h4>Chapter 264: The Search for Tang (2)</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Bai Wu flew past the various high cliffs and perilous peaks. He was at a height where many dragons were unable to fly at, so the chances of being discovered were very low. Qiao Yi started using the original prison, and a new and more suitable prison could only be found at that height. Xu Lan was sitting on Bai Wu¡¯s back, shivering due to the cold. His teeth also chattering and it was difficult to even utter a word.


    Ka Daiwen had furnished him with some clues. In the midst of battle, Bai Wu heard Ka Qi<sup>1</sup>mention Lunsu<sup>2</sup>. Lunsu was a continuous and uninterrupted mountain range, where peaks alone number in the twenties or thirties. As of then, Bai Wu had only managed to exclude one such peak.


    ¡°If you defeat Qiao Yi, will you return with me?¡± Xu Lan was sitting on Bai Wu¡¯s shoulders, observing the way Bai Wu extended his head into the caves to check the situation inside.


    ¡°... Of course. I¡¯ll be with you wherever you are.¡± Bai Wu paused momentarily. He then curled his lips in a teeth-baring smile and replied.


    ¡°But if you defeat Qiao Yi, the dragon n wouldn¡¯t have a leader, right? Don¡¯t you intend to stay back and be the new leader? And also, for us to be together will create chaos in the dimension. The whole human world has already been flipped upside down, and ording to Qin Lao, it is because of us. If I stay here, this world will be destroyed too.¡±


    It was the first time that Xu Lan spoke bluntly about their future, and a bright red word was pasted right in front of them: impossible.


    ¡°That is why we must save Tang. Qiao Yi and Ka Daiwen will be getting married tomorrow, and his warrior dragons are gone. We can seize this chance and defeat him.¡± Bai Wu avoided the crux of Xu Lan¡¯s question.


    ¡°WULFJVI<sup>1</sup>.¡± A green dragon was pointing a weapon directly at Bai Wu. It was speaking in anguage that Xu Lan could not understand, but from the context, he surmised that it was asking who Bai Wu was.


    The dragon n was far stronger and smarter than humans. They also had their ownnguage, but they can master othernguages in a short span of time if the need arose. When Qiao Yi spoke to Xu Lan for the first time, neither understood the other, butter on, Qiao Yi seemed to have picked up on humannguage and was able to converse in a way that Xu Lan couldprehend.


    ¡°IJFIDD.¡± Bai Wu spoke a sentence and trapped the green dragon instantly in his immense dragon might.


    Upon hearing themotion, a number of soldier dragons began surging out from the cave, carrying weapons with them. Those that were first in line to surround Bai Wu were frightened, but soon after they looked at him with their angry, bead-like eyes. A group of green dragons was the first to attack. Bai Wu fanned his six-or-seven-meter-long wings and sent ice arrows flying toward the army.


    The green dragons were not able to ward off Bai Wu¡¯s dragon might, let alone the ice daggers that came spiraling toward them. In the blink of an eye, only one ck dragon remained on top of Cangsu Mountain<sup>1</sup>.


    ¡°JIWJFERINFKVFN.¡±


    ¡°ISODVIDN.¡±


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu spoke no further and rushed directly into the cave. He used his dragon might suppress the ck dragon while also attacking it with ice.


    Muchter, when Xu Lan could understand dragonnguage, he recalled whatever that was said on that asion. As it turned out, Qiao Yi manipted his own murderous conspiracy to make it look like Bai Wu was the betrayer. Owing to Bai Wu¡¯s inability to bear and ept the fact that Bai Ling had been swallowed by the Mother Nest, he chose to turn his back on the whole dragon n.


    Things worsened when they discovered Xu Lan¡¯s existence. To think that the esteemed dragon n¡¯s former leader was relying on a lowly human, was a subordinate who killed the dragon n¡¯s warriors, and was an enemy of the whole n! They were all made to despise Bai Wu¡¯s existence!


    Despite having had a night to recuperate, there was no denying that Ka Qi and the others had wounded Bai Wu. Bai Wu¡¯s body was no longer like before; he had to use even more strength because more and more ck dragons were gathering upon hearing the ruckus. In a sh, Cangsu Mountain was covered in dense ck clouds. Rain began falling, gales were rising, wind and snow intertwined, sand and rocks were flying in all directions: it was as if the eight immortals were crossing the sea and disying each of their abilities all at once.


    ¡°Fuahhh...¡± Bai Wu once again spat out a mouthful of blood, staining his silver-white scales with a ring red color. He protected Xu Lan while he was rushing into the prison. Sounds of dripping water could be heard in the damp, cool cave. The water droplets mixed with drops of Bai Wu¡¯s blood as they were dripping onto the ground. Xu Lan¡¯s heart was also trickling: he felt apprehensive but refrained from doing anything hasty. He simply held on to his clenched, sweating fist and looked at everything that was going on right in front of him.


    ¡°HWENVN.¡±


    At the end of the tunnel, the cave was unexpectedly wide, and there was even a shining light. Bai Wu turned around abruptly and sealed the entrance with his dragon might. Using his own blood as a vector, he drew upon the energy of the Mother Nest and utilized an unprecedented amount of force to trap all the ck dragons in the tunnel. Scarlet-red crystals had adorned Bai Wu from head to toe!


    Tang was locked up in the innermost area of the prison. His dragon bones were taken out and he waspressed into a shrimp-like ball. All of his limbs were shackled up and he was lying on the ground like a tortoise.


    ¡°Tang!¡±

 Chapter 265 - Heading to the Mother Nest

    <h4>Chapter 265: Heading to the Mother Nest</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Tang did not expect Bai Wu to return for him. He felt guilty for not believing that Bai Wu could prate the barrier set up by Qiao Yi. Tang was embarrassed to the point that he could not even raise his head in front of Bai Wu.


    ¡°Oh, you feel sorry now? What were you doing all this while then?¡± Xu Lan was dissatisfied at how Bai Wu was badly injured and still had to drag along a disabled dragon with him.


    Tang shivered and his eyes under the scales turned red immediately.


    ¡°Xu Lan!¡± Bai Wu said displeasedly.


    ¡°Forget about it. I¡¯m dumb and don¡¯t know anything.¡± Xu Lan shrugged and turned his head away.


    ¡°Xu Lan? You¡¯re the human that Qiao Yi was talking about?¡± Clearly, Tang did not expect to see Xu Lan as he knelt there. He was so shocked that he asked in Mandarin.


    ¡°Tang, too many questions,¡± Bai Wu spoke sternly. Tang nced at him and kept his mouth shut.


    In Whitehorse City or other ces, Bai Wu was once Xu Lan¡¯s child and his current lover. Bai Wu had not failed in making Xu Lan feel loved.


    When Bai Wu was in the midst of the dragon n, he was noble and strong. He felt obliged to lead the dragon n, which was why he spoke with solemnity and grace.


    ¡°Qiao Yi is controlling the entire dragon n now. He even said that he would begin invading other parallel dimensions after his wedding with Ka Daiwen, turning them into the territories of the dragon n. He is going to start with... your area.¡±


    Tang nced at Xu Lan and replied with heavy breathing. He took into ount the fact that Xu Lan did not understand theirnguage and chose to converse in Mandarin.


    ¡°What!¡± Xu Lan almost jumped in shock! ¡°If he¡¯s attacking after the wedding, doesn¡¯t that mean that he¡¯s going to make a move tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh. He told the entire dragon n that this is his gift to Ka Daiwen and the dragon n. After bing the leader, Qiao Yi allowed for marriages between dragons of different ranks. There will be growth in the poption. Hence, everyone supports Qiao Yi¡¯s operation.¡±


    Tang was not fluent in Mandarin and it took him a lot of effort to get his point across.


    ¡°Uh huh, I know. Ka Daiwen mentioned something about this,¡± Bai Wu murmured. He was unsure where to lead Tang to.


    ¡°How are you dealing with this so calmly? They have the ability to enter every parallel dimension, disturbing the peace and order in the process. The universe is going to fall into a state of chaos! Do you want the Bai Ling incident to repeat itself?¡±


    Tang scolded after failing to elicit a response from Bai Wu.


    Bai Wu took a nce at Tang and retracted his dragon¡¯s might. Without the protection of the dragon¡¯s might, Bai Wu fell. The ck dragon and the white dragon were stuck on the cliff of Cangsu Mountain.


    Fortunately, Bai Wu managed to muster up the strength to catch Xu Lan. Otherwise, Xu Lan would be crushed from the fall.


    ¡°You! How serious are your injuries?¡± Both Tang and Xu Lan were surprised. They spent a significant amount of time with Bai Wu, and yet they did not realize how serious Bai Wu¡¯s injuries were.


    There were countless holes on Bai Wu¡¯s wings and some of his bones were broken. There were wounds all over his body and his scales were falling off. The wound on his stomach was beginning to rot, giving off an unpleasant stench. The fresh scars on his back were a bloody mess, it was ufortable for Xu Lan to look at them.


    The injuries he sustained on his leg had yet to heal. He was limping and his bone poked through the scales and exposed itself to the air.


    Besides the injuries on his leg, all the other injuries Bai Wu sustained showed no sign of recovery.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me! You!¡± Xu Lan¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears. When he ran his hands over the smelly wounds, he found himself at a loss of words. He wondered how did Bai Wu survive the battle when his body was in such a terrible state.


    ¡®Why didn¡¯t he say anything about this? Am I not worthy of his trust?¡¯ Xu Lan thought.


    ¡°My wounds will heal when I get back to the dragon n. These injuries are only here because I¡¯ve received heavy blows these two days. Otherwise, I would¡¯ve recovered long ago.¡±


    ¡°This is what I¡¯m worried about. I don¡¯t want you to cry and worry for me. It¡¯s fine, don¡¯t cry.¡± A rush of white mist shed by, Bai Wu hugged Xu Lan gently and consoled him.


    He consoled Xu Lan the way Xu Lan once consoled him.


    ¡°Leader, what do we do now? Going up against Qiao Yi in our current physical state is as good as hitting the stone with eggs!¡±


    Tang spoke with impressive fluency in Mandarin, yet that did not capture Xu Lan¡¯s attention. Xu Lan¡¯s gaze fixated on Bai Wu¡¯s wounds. At that moment, he became sure of his decision.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the Mother Nest.¡±


    ¡°What?! Are you insane? Why would you go to the Mother Nest?¡± Tang replied loudly and stared at Xu Lan as though he had seen a ghost.


    ¡°Yes! You¡¯reing with us. Bai Ling told me the way to emerge safely from the Mother Nest. She guarded this piece of information with her life and I trust her,¡± Bai Wu said with certainty.


    ¡°Alright then.¡±

 Chapter 266 - Crashing the Wedding

    <h4>Chapter 266: Crashing the Wedding</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    It was a joyous asion for the dragon n. After waiting for over two hundred years, the leader of the dragon n was finally getting married to the partner he loved dearly.


    The sound of gongs and drums could be heard everywhere. The dragon n had its unique entertainment. Besides dancing and singing, they had a lot of other fun activities lined up as well.


    Qiao Yi held Ka Daiwen¡¯s hand in his own, and he was happy. He was so nervous that his hand was moist all the time and his legs shivered nervously.


    ¡°Ryle, from today onwards, you¡¯re mine.¡± Qiao Yi rested his head against Ka Daiwen¡¯s forehead as he said.


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Ka Daiwen answered through the white veil.


    After having her dragon bone extracted and reced with a cat¡¯s spine, Ka Daiwen could no longer transform into a dragon. Even if she tried to transform, she could only turn into a lowly human being.


    To make sure that the wedding looked harmonized, Qiao Yi ignored the objections and decided to have a human wedding. He transformed into a human too.


    ¡°The groom, do you take the bride to be your wedded wife and promise to love her,fort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live?¡±


    ¡°I, I do.¡± Qiao Yi was so touched that he almost cried a tear.


    ¡°The bride, do you take the groom to be your wedded husband and promise to love him,fort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him, for as long as you both shall live?¡±


    ¡°...¡± Ka Daiwen looked around and saw that everyone had transformed into their human form. They did so out of concern for her feelings and at that moment, they were looking at her eagerly.


    ¡°The bride, do you promise to do so?¡± The green dragon acting as the priest repeated with a shivering voice.


    ¡°Ryle...¡± Qiao Yi¡¯s heart was heavy and he felt as though a rock was crushing his throat.


    ¡°I...¡±


    ¡°I object!¡± Bai Wu appeared at the makeshift church. He was dressed in a white suit and made his way slowly toward the middle of the church.


    The hall broke into a chaotic fit and noisy chatters could be heard.


    ¡°You!¡± Qiao Yi looked at them icily before continuing, ¡°Ryle, you, all of you...¡±


    He turned around and looked at Ka Daiwen anxiously. He tightened his grip on her hands, as though he was worried that Ka Daiwen would fly away if he loosened his grip for even the slightest bit.


    Ka Daiwen nced at Bai Wu before lowering her head. Her longshes covered her eyes as they batted rapidly. Her dark hair under the veil and her fair skin made it impossible for Qiao Yi to resist from touching her. However, when Qiao Yi tried to touch her, he felt as though his hands were scalded and he retracted his hands immediately.


    ¡°Ka Daiwen,e over.¡± Bai Wu smiled as he waved at Ka Daiwen.


    Ka Daiwen removed her veil and raised her head to look at Bai Wu. She pushed away Qiao Yi¡¯s hands before reaching out for the ring in front of the priest.


    ¡°Ryle, no...¡± Qiao Yi pleaded as an intense wave of fear and grievance hit him.


    ¡°Bai Wu! I was nning to let you live for another day or two! I didn¡¯t think that you¡¯d be digging your own grave!¡± The light in Qiao Yi¡¯s eyes began to dim, he roared and charged over.


    The entire hall shattered into pieces and pieces of clothing scattered everywhere. Yellow, red, green, and ck dragons circled around them furiously. Qiao Yi expanded and appeared in his armed form, he sent a fireball flying toward Bai Wu.


    Right at the moment when Bai Wu was about to sh with Qiao Yi, Tang appeared out of nowhere and protected Bai Wu from the dragons. He made sure that Bai Wu could focus all of his attention on battling against Qiao Yi.


    Under the blue sky and white clouds was an intense battle. The wedding was ruined. Ka Daiwen toyed with the ring as she watched everything unfold.

 Chapter 267 - Battle

    <h4>Chapter 267: Battle</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    His dragon w reached forward and caught the burning mes with a long polearm. The polearm was in a in white crystal form. It crackled aftering into contact with the mes. Dark clouds covered the sun, the raging wind pped mercilessly against the dragon armor creating sparks in the process. The dragon was forced to move backward in order to resist the giant rock. A strike of lightning appeared behind the fireball, attacking directly at an unimaginable speed.


    A hint of shock shed through the red eyes. In response, the white dragon wings extended themselves to dodge the lightning. The white wings were encapsted in an invisibleyer of dragon¡¯s might and were emitting ck smoke. The dragon ball turned bright red from the burn. It charged at the giant dragon that was buried amidst the darkness. Time froze and everything became still.


    The absolute sense of authority emanated and the dragon soldiers could feel the invisible pressure mid-battle. They turned around to look and were surprised to find their leader resisting the giant rock.


    ¡°Qiao Yi, is this the fruit of your experiment?¡± Bai Wu murmured, his voice echoed in the air.


    He retracted his dragon wings and produced dragon chants in rage. His dragon¡¯s might expanded its coverage and sent the lowly ranked dragons such as the green dragons, the yellow dragons, and the red dragons kneeling on the ground. The ck dragons were the only ones who could still move around.


    The rocks and gravel danced in the strong wind and froze when they were around Bai Wu. The giant rocks fell without warning.


    ¡°Leader!¡± Tang who was cornered by the ck dragons saw what happened and shouted.


    With his hind legs charged, he took out a sharp sword and turned the protruding portions on his dragon wings into sharp little knives that soared into the sky. They fell onto the ground uniformly, the tremors sent the ground shaking and the river running.


    ¡°You went back to the Mother Nest?¡± Qiao Yi stepped out of the ck mists. He was barely a dragon anymore.


    Irregr horns grew on his head and sharp fangs cut through his lips. Blood was dripping from the fangs. His eyes were so huge that they took up most of his face. Colors were shing in his eyes while sparks and lightning circled around his neck. The lightning created electric currents and rain. While one of his wings burned in fiery mes, the other wing was nothing more than dark and withered wood. His thick and ck scaly dragon tail was covered by unknown green, purple, and red metal. His pulsating blood vessels were palpable.


    The ck dragons that was battling against Tang paused and turned to look. Tang was confused. He followed the ck dragon¡¯s gaze and was surprised by what he saw.


    ¡°Did you think that you can go up against me aftering out of the Mother Nest? Pft, Bai Wu, you¡¯re at most slightly stronger than Bai Ling. However...¡±


    The river rolled in rage and charged toward him mercilessly. The giant waves were encapsted within the ck mist and they carried electric sparks. Qiao Yi moved with lighting speed and wiggled his way into the giant wave, expanding his body twice as big as he was before. He appeared as the leader of the dragon n and stood tall and proud. The strong dragon¡¯s might ignited his will to fight. He looked up and roared before extending his wings and swooping down like a leaning tall building.


    In the middle of the dark sky, a Golden Wildde appeared. The de was growing bigger and its rays were dispersing the surrounding ck mists. As Qiao Yi swooped down on Bai Wu, Bai Wu grabbed onto the Wildde and flew toward Qiao Yi.


    Bai Wu moved at what seemed like the speed of light. The next moment, the Golden Wildde was standing right at the heart of the giant wave. The Golden Wildde began to fade, leaving behind nothing but golden rays. The giant wave that stood at about over ten meters began to copse, rushing into the dark ground. The impact of the crash could reach anything and everything.


    The melodic tunes from the Mother Nest could be heard in the dark. The tunes were light, gentle, and soothing...

 Chapter 268 - Original Sin

    <h4>Chapter 268: Original Sin</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Dragon chants caused the waves to surge forth; they struck against the dusky earth and engulfed everything in its path. n members began wailing in pain and anguish. The ck, ink-stained water resembled ropes and leg irons, trapping them in their step and preventing them from moving.


    Even though the Golden Wildde was firmly thrust into Qiao Yi¡¯s scary-looking chest, his strength seemed to be increasing exponentially. It was a duel between the leaders of the dragon n, and involving oneself in it was not an option. When the substance of their dragon might collide, violent sparks ensued from the sudden explosion. Then, he pped his wings and caused a zing me to envelop him.


    ¡°The Wildde! The Golden Wildde! Agh! Agghhh!¡±


    ¡°Lea... Leader! Mother Nest... Mother Nest is swallowing us!¡± The n members¡¯ dragon form began shrinking visibly and they curled up on the ground. In contrast, Qiao Yi remained unaffected by Mother Nest¡¯s Golden Wildde. Instead, he was getting stronger!


    ¡°What the hell did you do to them!¡± Bai Wu looked up and let out a long hiss. He then turned his hand over and stretched it out. Golden particles that were originally diffused in the air began to condense slowly.


    ¡°HAHA! Do you think that you can wrestle your position from me just by being baptized by the Mother Nest? HAHA! You clearly have no idea what I¡¯ve been doing and how much hard work I¡¯ve put in during these past ten years!¡± With full of contempt, Qiao Yi looked askance at Bai Wu before looking at his own state. He shrugged his shoulders indifferently andughed.


    ¡°I have no intention of wrestling anything from you. As if killing off all white dragons was not enough, you took the n members and performed experiments on them! What the hell are you thinking!¡± Bai Wu exploded while squinting his eyes and pping his wings slowly.


    ¡°Tch. Didn¡¯t I mention before that I wanted all the other dimensions to be subordinate territories of the dragon n? The growth here was so quick that our world was long incapable of sustaining our daily basic needs. I did all this for the sake of the dragon n, and I received their approval too.¡±


    Two opposite and ipatible ends of the color spectrum ¨C ck and white ¨C were towering over the ground. Their bodies did not move an inch, but their dragon might was wrestling in the air and producing audible sparks.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that your destruction of the parallel dimensions will result in the extermination of the whole n! Your vigorous expansion schemes are founded on your faulty decision-making!¡±


    Colors were used to designate rankings and status within the dragon n: there were red, yellow, green, purple, ck, and white dragons. In order to preserve stability within the n, Bai Ling stipted that coption must only be done with those of the same lineage. As soon as Qiao Yi ascended to leadership, the regtion was done away, leading to a one-third increase in poption over the past ten years!


    ¡°Did I do something wrong? Haha! Hear their shouts, oh how they adore and respect me! We¡¯ve prospered by leaps and boundspared to when you guys were ruling. Why must you be the protective leader simply because you are a white dragon? Why must coption only be done amongst those of the same lineage? Why must Ryle chase after you without so much as giving me a single look? Is it simply because you are the leader? HAHA! HOW LAUGHABLE! I am the strongest now! The whole n answers to me, and very soon, EVERY PARALLEL DIMENSION WILL ANSWER TO ME! HAHA!¡±


    Qiao Yi let out a loud, evilugh. Relying on his formidable healing abilities, the wound inflicted by the Golden Wildde had already healed, leaving behind only a scar that was dripping in blood.


    A bunch of gigantic trees were uprooted and flung toward Bai Wu. He spread his wings and used his feet to push him off the ground. With a loud bang, he managed to escape to the air and evade the logs.


    ¡°They¡¯re your own selfish interests! Sooner orter, the dragon n will be destroyed in your hands!¡± After a sh of light and a banging sound, Bai Wu was shrouded in a white fog. The thick, milk-like fog prompted some oing dark matter to retreat instinctively.


    ¡°BWAHAHA! Personal gain! What else can¡¯t we have? The dragon n is the strongest entity in all the worlds. Is it wrong for us to get what we want most?¡± Qiao Yiughed maniacally. His sinister cackles forced Ka Daiwen to cover her ears tightly.


    ¡°Desire and original sin...¡± The thick fog dissipated and Bai Wu spoke slowly while stepping on a cloud and moving forward.


    The low-sounding chants became even faster and more urgent than before.

 Chapter 269 - Protection

    <h4>Chapter 269: Protection</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Qiao Yi¡¯s eyes became radiant upon hearing them. He roared wildly and pped his me-red wings so he could soar along with the heat thermals. His bones began piercing through flesh and scales. They emerged frighteningly, shockingly, and in rapid session.


    Everyone let out a gasp of surprise immediately after the white fog dissipated. The former leader was disying a whiteness that was purer than anything disyed before ¨C he had turned into the perfect white dragon!


    A white radiance was surrounding Bai Wu as he pped his white wings to remain hovering in the air. His dragon might disperse unrestrainedly and it was enough to cause all n members to acknowledge his greatness. The tiny speck of vermillion was shed off of his elegant horns, and his icy eyes stared at Qiao Yi like the grim reaper. His powerful wings, robust body, and sturdy long tail were akin to an artist¡¯s meticulous sculpture: they were disyed before everyone¡¯s eyes, catching all of them off guard.


    Qiao Yi took a step back. With a loud bang, he came for Bai Wu and attacked at high speed. Bai Wu curled his pure white wings and wrapped them around himself. He rose into the air slowly. Faint snowkes began falling from above; decorating the ground below. As always, he had grandeur, nobility, and gracefulness; it was as if he never left his position in the first ce. In addition, all those past experiences ¨C which he could not bear to think about ¨C seemed to have never happened at all. At that moment, time appeared to have slowed down.


    Xu Lan brushed off the snowkes on his head. His nose was red from the cold and he began coughing. There was phlegm in his throat and he was unable to speak. Xu Lan did not belong in their world.


    The speed with which Qiao Yi swooped down did not seem to decrease in the slightest. A bunch of formless arrows surged toward Bai Wu and wrapped him up. Just as the dark matter was about to swallow him whole, his snow-white wings swooshed open in the sky. With a span of seven or eight meters, they caused the dark matter to back off and cower. It was as though a saintly ray prated through the dark smoke and illuminated the ground below it.


    Crystals were falling down in a stream, and with a swishing sound, they all turned into ice needles that darted toward Qiao Yi.


    ¡°Such a measly trick!¡± Qiao Yi chided in disdain. The ice needles disintegrated with a simple p of his ming wings. Lightning coursed through his withered dragon bones, and a resplendent brightness was emanated.


    Bai Wu said nothing and instead, repeated the same movement of rising slowly while being wrapped in his own wings. The snowfall increased to a point where a thickyer of snow was carpeting the ground. Qiao Yi was not about to let Bai Wu have a breather. Like an impatient falcon, he chased after Bai Wu with his bloodthirsty ws.


    The sky exploded with lightning and thunder. A thunderbolt bombarded the ice wall that Bai Wu had set up. It prated the icyyer with a snake-like nimbleness, entering loudly into the solid armor and generating a deafening sound and a cloud of ck smoke.


    ¡°So what if you¡¯ve been baptized by the Mother Nest? The dragon n¡¯s power is all mine now, even Mother Nest! What¡¯s there for me to fear? HAHA!¡± Qiao Yi could not resist howling withughter. At first, he thought that Bai Wu would be formidable after emerging from the Mother Nest, but as it turned out, Bai Wu¡¯s strength was barely one-third of Qiao Yi¡¯s.


    ¡°You¡¯re drawing power from everyone?¡± Bai Wu finally spoke, though his sentence was less of a question and more of a statement. ¡°At this height, maybe they won¡¯t get injured.¡±


    He lowered his head and saw his n members writhing around on the ground like ants. They were calling out in pain. The suffering was too much for them and they crawled in search of somewhere they could go to. Low chants seemed to be sounding off beside their ears, urging them to keep on going.


    From his teeth-filled mouth to his fierce-looking eyes, Qiao Yi¡¯s face was trembling, he was not restrained by flesh and muscle, and was even more of a monstrosity than before! A simple flip of the hand produced a ze and another, and then a few more. Later, a fireball that was able to cloak the earth was heading toward Bai Wu!


    ¡°Are you afraid that they¡¯re hurt? HAHA! Shouldn¡¯t you be more worried about yourself?¡± The fireball was covered in buzzing electricity, and it was spurred forward by the dark matter!


    ¡°... You¡¯re unfit!¡± Bai Wu¡¯s icy eyes shattered abruptly, and a golden ray shot out from within. The Golden Wildde that disappeared earlier on appeared once again in the air!


    Bai Wu¡¯s ears could no longer hear the Mother Nest¡¯s chants!

 Chapter 270 - The Sound of Gunshots

    <h4>Chapter 270: The Sound of Gunshots</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    Pure whiteness turned into golden light, causing the sky to explode and the atmosphere to fulminate. Various colored energy balls were merging with each other in the air, causing such raucous and rumbling that even the deaf could hear the sounds. The sky was dark on one end and shining with light on the other. If the golden light was somewhat forced to retreat, the five-colored light would move forward marginally. They were locked in a tussle and neither was giving way to the other. One side of the sky was pouring buckets, while light from the other side passed through the thick clouds and illuminated the n members¡¯ emaciated bodies.


    The dragon chants began weakening and the members were finally able to regain some of their cognizances. They stared at the two great forces doing battle in the air.


    ¡°Cough cough, why don¡¯t I have any strength?¡± A warrior dragon held up his bony ws and asked in confusion.


    ¡°Simply standing underneath the two mighty dragons doing battle is enough to consume all our energy! That is the true existence of a king!¡± The dragon knight¡¯s leadermented.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t you feel like your strength is draining from your body?¡± Another knight was staring at the glistening ray of light that was emanating from the energy stone embedded in its chest. All of its energy was concentrated there, and suddenly, it disappeared!


    ¡°... This is the vitality stone that Leader has imnted in us when we were being modified.¡± Another ck warrior dragon fluttered his wings and howled.


    ¡°...¡±


    Bang!


    A sh between the Golden Wildde and the ck lightning resulted in a loud spark. ck dust and golden snowkes fell onto the ground along with dark red blood.


    ¡°Bwahaha, I never thought that your skills would increase just by going through Mother Nest¡¯s baptism. Do you really think you can escape in one piece?¡± In the midst of darkness, blood was flowing out of Qiao Yi¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°... I don¡¯t expect toe out unscathed.¡± Scarlet-red blood covered the whole of Bai Wu¡¯s golden body. Blood was oozing from each scale, but he still fought Qiao Yi with all of his might.


    Hearing those words, Qiao Yi paused. Heughed even more maniacally than before, coughing up blood as he cackled.


    ¡°HAHA! YOU WANT TO TAKE ME DOWN WITH YOURSELF? Don¡¯t you want that lowly human anymore?¡± he sneered. At the same time, the power of a lightning-quick thunderbolt came greeting Bai Wu¡¯s body.


    ¡°Ptoo!¡± In a momentarypse of concentration, his left golden wing suffered yet another attack. It left a hole in the wing, the smell of burnt proteins was dissipating in the air.


    Bai Wu suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. He reacted immediately by throwing himself in Qiao Yi¡¯s direction and facing thetter head-on. It was only natural that Bai Wu abhorred parting with Xu Lan, but he could not let the entire dragon n die just like that. The effects of disrupting dimensional order were clear to see, and Bai Ling¡¯s sacrifice must not be in vain!


    Even before entering the Mother Nest, Bai Wu was already nning to take Qiao Yi down with him. Earlier confrontations between the two had enabled Bai Wu to be aware of Qiao Yi¡¯s formidable strength, and in addition to that, Qiao Yi had just absorbed the n members¡¯ strength! That was precisely why it was even more unforgivable!


    He had ordered Tang to send Xu Lan off. If Qin Lao was able to send them here, then, needless to say, he would be able to bring Xu Lan back! Mother Nest was the ultimate destination for the dragon n: everything had to undergo the Mother Nest to reachpletion, including life and death. More than a decade ago, Qiao Yi exploited a blemish ¨C that Ka Daiwen was Bai Ling¡¯s child. He forced the leader to voluntarily enter the Mother Nest and be smelted, but Bai Ling was not able toe out of it after that.


    How could Ka Daiwen live with herself!


    ¡®Rumble, rumble!¡¯


    A pure golden color took up one side of the sky, while a charming rainbow color [1] filled the other side. Their rumbling sound was incessant while their radiant light shimmered and sparkled! Blood saturated the ck fog, causing blood rain to begin pitter-pattering onto the ground! Blood-red snowkes were floating down, too.


    ¡°Ngehehe!¡±


    ¡°Hohoho!¡±


    With another rumble, both dragons were free-falling from a thousand-meter height!


    ¡°BAI WU! NO!¡± Xu Lan rushed out from a huge boulder like a madman. Disregarding his own life, he reached out his hands to try and catch Bai Wu.


    It was at that precise moment that Qiao Yi hurled a fireball right toward Bai Wu!


    ¡°NO!¡±


    ¡®Bang! Bang! Bang!¡¯ White smoke was emanating from the muzzle of a gun...


    ¡°NO!¡±


    Xu Lan¡¯s and Ka Daiwen¡¯s voice rang out one after the other. Tang unfolded his wings and stood under Bai Wu, waiting to catch him. Qiao Yi, meanwhile, grabbed Ka Daiwen and crashed directly onto the ground.

 Chapter 271 - Establishing A Passageway

    <h4>Chapter 271: Establishing A Passageway</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    The serum-filled bullet entered Ka Daiwen¡¯s body. It affected the rapid dissolution of her cells. Her vital signs were disappearing fast. Qiao Yi went insane and channeled whatever energy he had remaining into Ka Daiwen.


    It was not enough! He desperately stood atop the highest peak so he could let Ryle have onest look. If she was not with him, to begin with, would there still be any meaning to anything at all?


    Qiao Yi hissed madly, causing dragon chants to fill the sky and rock the earth. Xu Lan¡¯s ears bled as a result!


    ¡°Cough cough, Qiao Yi, send me to the Mother Nest.¡± Ka Daiwen handed over her engagement ring, but Qiao Yi¡¯s dragon ws were so robust that the ring could not fit.


    ¡°No! NO! It¡¯s okay, Ryle, you¡¯ll be fine!¡± His stiff bones were not able to simply bend. All he could do was hug Ka Daiwen in emptiness as he frantically wore the ring on his fingernail and eximed sadly.


    Dragon chants were sounding urgently and rapidly beside his ear. All of a sudden, the vegetation began losing its fresh green color, and the ground started to crack. The n members ¨C who were barely alive ¨C copsed to the ground; they roared and screamed in a mess of confusion. The sky turned dark in an instant, while blood was streaming out of Xu Lan¡¯s eyes, nostrils, and mouth.


    ¡°Why did it turn out like this?¡± With a bloodstained mouth, Xu Lan ran hurriedly over to Bai Wu, and even thetter could feel his energy slowly draining away.


    Qiao Yi continuously absorbed every single energy source avable to him. As long as it was a source of energy ¨C be it the earth, a river, grasses, or trees ¨C he absorbed it.


    ¡°Ptoo, cough cough, Qiao Yi, stop it!¡± Ka Daiwen looked at the change in the surroundings and shouted rmingly.


    Qiao Yi, however, was deaf to his surroundings. He even channeled his own energy into Ka Daiwen¡¯s body, but most of her internal organs were suffering from various degrees of injury.


    ¡°Xu Lan.¡± Bai Wu transformed into his human form and crawled to Xu Lan¡¯s side. Xu Lan¡¯s energy was drainingparatively slower, perhaps because he was not originally a part of that world. Even so, his flesh and muscle had shrunk by about twenty percent. Dragons who were of lower status had already turned into an empty, skin-wrapped skeleton! The remaining portion of their bodies had disappeared.


    ¡°Bai Wu, I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have interfered. I saw... I saw that he was still attacking you even though you were unable to defend yourself.¡± Xu Lan was experiencing a fear that he had never experienced before. He had meddled in the affairs of Bai Wu¡¯s n, and he was afraid to invoke Bai Wu¡¯s wrath.


    ¡°Mm. I know. Can you open up the passageway?¡± Bai Wu did not ask how he managed to slip from Tang¡¯s grasp and return. Instead, he tried his best to curl his lips into a smile.


    ¡°...¡± Bai Wu¡¯s heart ached when he looked at Xu Lan¡¯s bloody face. He reached out to Xu Lan¡¯s face to wipe them off, but fresh blood came pouring out once more. Xu Lan remained silent.


    ¡°First things first, establish the passageway. In a moment, Tang and I will send Qiao Yi to the Mother Nest. Then we¡¯ll leave together!¡± Bai Wu said and did not let Xu Lan have a say on the matter. He ced his bloodstained hands on Xu Lan¡¯s face and stroked gently.


    ¡°Can we really leave together? I still have another bullet in my gun.¡± Xu Lan trembled as he took the handgun from his waist. Out of the five bullets, there was one remaining.


    ¡°Yes. Cover your ears!¡± Bai Wu kissed Xu Lan¡¯s forehead while saying so, his expression turned gloomy.


    As soon as Xu Lan covered his ears, Bai Wu seized away all the equipment that Xu Lan had on him. Bai Wu quickly found the injection and gave Tang a look. The passageway was then opened.


    ¡°Bai Wu. I will leave. Just let me look at you a bit more.¡± Xu Lan stared deeply into Bai Wu¡¯s golden eyes. He was unable to determine if it was blood or tears that were flowing out. The atmosphere was distinctly tranquil, but the wind was blowing fiercely as if it was also in tears.


    Bai Wu stood motionless. They both looked silently at each other as though they were trying to etch the memories of each other deep inside their minds. White fog then rose abruptly and Bai Wu disappeared within it. Tang stood immediately in Xu Lan¡¯s way and forced him to leave.


    He could not, he could not let Xu Lan stay there. He could not bear to imagine the consequences if Xu Lan were to see him die since Xu Lan already saw it once back in the catb. Bai Wu no longer had any energy to fight Qiao Yi; thetter had already destroyed the entire dragon n.

 Chapter 272(END) - The End

    <h4>Chapter 272: The End</h4>


    <strong>Trantor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion <strong>Editor: </strong>EndlessFantasy Trantion


    ¡°Time to eat!¡± After cleaning his hands, Wang Meng walked out to the courtyard and called out. Once Xu Lan regained consciousness, hepletely renovated his Western-style house into a traditional Chinese one: there was a courtyard, a pagoda, and a pavilion in the middle of ake. Everything that was needed was avable, like a small-scale version of The Surging Waves Pavillion.


    After getting into an argument with Xiao Feng, Wang Meng was ced in a tight spot. With nowhere else to go, he was forced to hide away in Xu Lan¡¯s ce. He frequently came to Xu Lan and cried his heart out. His actions infuriated Xiao Feng tremendously, but there was nothing that Xiao Feng could do about it.


    Liang Yu fell gravely ill after bringing Xu Lan back from the dragon n. He barely survived the ordeal and was nearly left for dead after falling sick. His every breath was wholly dependent on expensive medications, and being bed-ridden for nearly a year, his appearance had aged by about 20 years.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in and eat.¡±


    Qin Lao was visiting Xu Lan that day, and since he had nothing to do, it was like killing two birds with one stone. Time passed quickly and it was already noon. Supported by his walking stick, Qin Lao stood up and patted Xu Lan¡¯s shoulder lightly while beckoning him to go in.


    Xu Lan wrapped his overcoat tightly and nodded. It was early autumn, but Xu Lan was already wearing a marten-fur coat. It was a birthday gift from Qin Lao some three years ago. Wang Meng dug it out and draped it over Xu Lan because it was windy during Xu Lan and Qin Lao¡¯s game of chess in the courtyard.


    ¡°Qin Lao, is there really no way to recover him? I¡¯ve been dreaming a lot recently. I dreamt that he was covered in blood and digging a passageway.¡± Xu Lan coughed out some blood on his hand.


    Six years. It was six years since he was rescued by Liang Yu. He suddenly felt somewhat grateful that his old man had left a sizeable inheritance to him due to all the persecutions in the past. Xu Lan was able to simply resign himself to fate because of that.


    ¡°... Liang Yu called me a few days ago. He said that there was some progress. Soon, I believe.¡± Qin Lao sighed. Since he was already very old, he handed all his experiments to Liang Yu. Other than keeping Xu Lanpany, there was nothing else that Qin Lao could do.


    ¡°Why are both of you still looking so distracted! Come and eat already!¡± Wang Meng lost his patience from all the waiting, so he went out once more and urged them.


    Stifled emotions apanied the meal. Like an old man, Xu Lan once again started his long-winded talk, saying that life was short and that one should never sulk at the expense of one¡¯s true love. Naturally, Wang Meng was exasperated, so much so that he threw his bowl upstairs!


    ¡°Sigh, why don¡¯t you ever listen to advice?¡± Xu Lan sighed and mumbled before cing down his chopsticks.


    ¡°Liang Yu said that he detected the existence of life.¡±


    Ever since Xu Lan returned, not a word was mentioned of the events that happened in the dragon n. However, a few isted phrases from Liang Yu were able to provide a rough idea of how dire the situation was back then. Other than the area where Xu Lan was at, the entire dimension turned ck, even to the point that oxygen was thin in the air. Bai Wu¡¯s back was carbonized, but he used his wings to create a tight space that would protect Xu Lan at all costs.


    ¡°Back then I thought he was already... I never thought...¡± As Xu Lan spoke, his eyes nced across the courtyard. He then gazed nkly at the dark sky above. There were no more tears to be shed.


    The deterioration of cells was so rapid that even the pinnacle of Qiao Yi¡¯s strength was unable to counter it. In the end, Ka Daiwen could not be saved. The entire dragon n perished too, including Bai Wu. When Xu Lan pushed over Tang¡¯s corpse, Bai Wu had beenying in the icy snow for God-knows-how-long. Xu Lan shouted until his throat was bleeding, and those tiny drops of blood became frozen from the cold.


    He hugged Bai Wu and found afortable ce toy down. As soon as his body hit the floor, the bundle containing the stray bullet rolled out. Was there any meaning to Xu Lan¡¯s life if Bai Wu was gone? The stray bullet exploded unexpectedly, and right after that, Bai Wu used thest of his strength to carry Xu Lan in a tight embrace and fly out of harm¡¯s way. Liang Yu was certain that it was Bai Wu¡¯s dragon might because Bai Wu¡¯s remains were found nearby. Still, Xu Lan was unable to forgive himself.


    ¡°... Wait a while. Maybe we can send you there. At least his efforts wouldn¡¯t be in vain.¡± Qin Lao supported himself on his walking stick and trembled as he got up. The doctor said that Xu Lan¡¯s will to live was bing weaker, but despite treatment, his medical condition only grew worse.


    ¡°.. Okay.¡± Xu Lan forced a smile so Qin Lao would not worry too much, but little did he know, the smile caused Qin Lao to feel even sadder instead.


    Once Qin Lao left, Wang Meng was brought back home by an angry Xiao Feng. Xu Lan was left all alone in the spacious courtyard. Nightfall came quickly, and the darkness brought about a sense of unease.


    Dreams involving Bai Wu were hard toe by, but they were oddly frequent as ofte. It delighted Xu Lan and he was eager to sleep early. In the dreams, Xu Lan was able to see Bai Wu¡¯s handsome mien as well as feel his hot chest and muscr arms. Xu Lan¡¯s lips curled into a rare smile. He dreamt that Bai Wu was standing in the middle of a lush field of grass, beaming with a smile under the radiant sunlight and opening his arms out wide.


    The scene then changed into one where Bai Wu was half-kneeling on top of the bed and calling Xu Lan to wake up. Sunlight shone through the window curtains, creating lines of light and shadow on Xu Lan¡¯s face. Bai Wu could not resist giving a kiss. He ripped off the nket and joined Xu Lan under the covers.


    ¡°Mm?¡± Xu Lan mumbled and turned to hug Bai Wu before sleeping back again.


    ¡°Time to wake up and eat.¡±


    ¡°Mm... Hug me.¡±


    ¡°... I guess you can eat me then.¡± Bai Wu giggled and bit Xu Lan¡¯s ear.


    In the midst of his deep sleep, a bright ray of light shed unexpectedly in the vacuous night sky.


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