Chapter 426: Me, Hua City, Gu Qianqian

Under the night sky, an old cargo truck sped along the mountain road skirting the Taoyuan Scenic Area.

Inside the truck, Lu Yibei was still buried in the materials she had gotten from the haunting chat group, occasionally looking up to ask Jiang Li a question or two that she couldn’t answer herself.

“How did this fox spirit end up like this? She looks just like that textbook protein queen, Iris. Do you think she ran into some pervert when she was seeking a title? Poor thing.”

Jiang Li shot Lu Yibei a look and replied irritably, “If she really ran into a pervert, shouldn’t she have turned into a super hot blonde loli?”

“Oh~! Good point, I didn’t expect you to know so much!” Lu Yibei nodded.

Jiang Li glanced at Lu Yibei and said bluntly, “Because I know that’s your type.”

“Hey, this haunting called the Bedside Woman-if you go to bed at night with your shoes pointed toward the bed, she’ll climb up and kill you. If you point your shoes outward, she can only wander by the bed. So if I point one shoe at the bed and one outward, what’ll she do?”

“She’ll probably just keep jumping back and forth by the bed,” Jiang Li said flatly.

“And this Echo Bug, it repeats whatever people say. If I recite the Midnight Watchers Society’s membership oath, will it repeat after me?”

“No idea, nobody’s tried.”

“……”

The psychics and hauntings crowded in the back seats just stared at Jiang Li and Lu Yibei’s back-and-forth, utterly baffled.

They never expected the usually aloof Lu Yibei to be such a chatterbox, and even more surprising, that someone in this world would actually respond to her endless trash talk without getting annoyed.

If it were us, we’d have told her to shut up ages ago!

Isn’t there any way to make her quiet down?

Just as the group of psychics and hauntings were thinking this, a loud, clear cry suddenly sounded from outside the window, and the annoying chatter in their ears abruptly ceased.

Hearing that inexplicably familiar magpie call, Lu Yibei froze for a moment. Following the direction of the sound, she saw a familiar scene.

In the distance, the mountains of the Taoyuan Gorge were faintly shrouded in a soft red glow, as if a great fire was spreading-even the thick clouds overhead were tinged with red.

A beam of intense light, like boiling molten steel, churned above the depths of the gorge, pouring out a dazzling brilliance.

Accompanied by the magpie’s cry, Ley Line Energy surged from all directions above the Taoyuan Gorge, spreading across the sky like a golden aurora.

And Gou Meng’s figure, now so small as to be almost invisible, looked like an invisible pair of scissors, cutting a straight path through the aurora, heading directly for the “sun” deep within Taoyuan.

Then…

The sun went out, silently and without a sound.

So effortlessly, it felt as if someone had simply turned off a lamp.

There was no wail of death or thunderous roar-only a terrifying storm of psychic energy fluctuation still swept across the sky, turning into a scorching wind invisible to the naked eye.

Lu Yibei stared blankly at the lingering Ley Line Energy in the sky until Jiang Li’s voice sounded in her ear, pulling her back to herself.

“So this is what a war between catastrophe-class hauntings looks like…”

Lu Yibei looked at Jiang Li. Even someone as unflappable as Jiang Li had a trace of shock in her eyes after witnessing that scene.

However, the shock in Lu Yibei’s heart far surpassed that of Jiang Li or the noisy bunch in the back seat.

Because…

She had seen a scene very similar to this in the Dream she had on the plane to Tang City.

Because…

As a fellow King of Hauntings, she could see that the Ley Line Energy controlled by Gou Meng had dimmed by more than half in that seemingly silent clash just now.

“Is something wrong?” Sensing Jiang Li’s unease, Jiang Li asked softly.

Jiang Li shook her head and said lightly, “Nothing’s wrong! Let’s just stick to the plan.”

Back at Chunfeng Residence, Gou Meng had said that before the city barrier was activated, no matter what happened deep in Taoyuan, she would suppress it herself. My task was only to deal with those illegal psychic organizations and prevent them from interfering while she was suppressing things, so her efforts wouldn’t be wasted.

She trusts me, so I should trust her too.

At least, until I’ve dealt with those guys, I should trust her… Jiang Li thought.

–

At the same time as the upheaval in Taoyuan, on the outskirts of Tang City.

“Pfft-!”

With a muffled sound of flesh tearing, the blade of a pitch-black giant axe, as tall as a person’s shoulder, was gripped by a slender arm and yanked viciously from the corpse of a haunting covered in chitinous armor. Thick, foul-smelling blood splattered everywhere.

“Hah-!”

Xing Yuan swung the giant axe, shaking off the blood, then turned to look at a new operator behind her and said coldly, “See that, newbie? In situations like this, there’s no need to waste time talking sense to these things. Just kill them.”

With that, she didn’t wait for the operator’s reply, but strode straight toward the waiting golden horn not far away, raising an eyebrow slightly and asking, “Well? What’s the situation?”

“Intelligence from Taoyuan,” golden horn said, handing the phone to Xing Yuan.

She glanced at it, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly. “Has the show already begun? golden horn, notify everyone on the list I gave you before. Tell them to pause their interception work and come with me to Taoyuan.”

“But, Calamity, she…” golden horn hesitated.

“You mean she hasn’t sent any news yet?” Xing Yuan said, gently patting golden horn’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. If it’s her, she has plenty of ways to lure those guys into the encirclement.”

“……”

Why is Madam Inspector-General so sure?

Could Calamity really be like those anonymous reports said? golden horn wondered.

–

An old truck rumbled down the road.

There was still a short distance to the main entrance of Taoyuan Scenic Area when faint sounds could be heard from afar-someone cackling, someone sobbing, and even more people whispering.

“Did you hear that?” Lu Yibei looked in the direction of the sound and spoke softly.

“Yeah.” Jiang Li nodded slightly, as if understanding her meaning, and sped up, heading toward the main entrance of the scenic area.

Seeing this, Lu Yibei knowingly took out the [Face-Changing – spell formation solidified mask] she had gotten from Jiang Li and put it on her face.

Considering that Ms. Rabbit and Suolang Baima might still be mingling among those illegal psychic organizations, it was necessary to change her appearance a bit.

Besides, what if something went wrong?

At least someone else could take the blame, so those illegal psychic organizations wouldn’t come after me for revenge! Lu Yibei thought.

Watching Lu Yibei’s face gradually transform into Gu Qianqian’s, Jiang Li was stunned for a moment and asked in surprise, “You know her?”

“Who?” Lu Yibei tilted her head.

“The girl who sells masks.”

“I also sell nukes…”

Halfway through, Lu Yibei suddenly came to her senses and pretended to swing her pink fist in mock anger.

“Her! She’s from my school. We had a bit of a conflict during a school event before, and just thinking about it now still makes my teeth itch with anger.”

Jiang Li shot Lu Yibei a sidelong glance and said irritably, “So, you’re going to offend people while wearing her face?”

“What else can I do?” Lu Yibei straightened her back and said righteously, “It’s already brave enough for me to do this. Someone has to take the blame for me, right?”

“If I don’t let my enemy take the blame, should I let my friend take it?”

“……”

Isn’t this a bit too petty?

The psychics and hauntings in the back seat silently complained, giving Lu Yibei strange looks and secretly vowing never to offend this menace.

Just then, Lu Yibei suddenly turned around, startling the psychics and hauntings into shrinking back.

“Everyone, I’ll be counting on you later…”

Halfway through, she paused and added, “If anything dangerous happens, prioritize your own safety. You can ditch the two of us and run at any time.”

Hearing this, Jiang Li was slightly stunned. She glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, her gaze meaningful.

She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but she vaguely felt that Lu Yibei seemed different from before.

And this change gave her an inexplicable sense that “it was meant to be.”

–

Five minutes later.

Lu Yibei and Jiang Li, following the psychics and hauntings disguised as Hu Yue’s group, traced the noise to the No. 1 viewing platform of Taoyuan Scenic Area.

Under the night, the viewing platform, which should have been quiet, was packed with figures and bustling with noise, as if it had suddenly returned to tourist season. Yet the guests were a tour group from hell.

At this moment, the vast platform was crowded with ghosts, filthy and unclean auras drifting in the air, psychic energy fluctuations filled with negative emotions stirring up half-real, half-fake bizarre illusions.

A disheveled woman in a tattered white dress stood among the crowd, opening her crimson lips and letting out a chilling laugh.

A group of Miracle Order members in gray-white robes embroidered with “Miracle Flower” argued loudly with a group of half-human, half-insect hauntings.

In front of the security hut, several children with swollen faces tore at a lump of unrecognizable flesh like beasts, crimson blood mixed with bits of viscera splattering everywhere…

After a quick survey of the surroundings, Lu Yibei and Jiang Li silently exchanged glances, seeing the same thing in each other’s eyes.

[Everyone here is a villain!]

This scene was like a Halloween procession gone mad. Just looking at it made Lu Yibei panic.

She had imagined such a scene on the way, but imagining it was nothing like seeing these guys’ ferocious or bizarre appearances in person, feeling the psychic energy fluctuations filled with negative emotions emanating from them.

The upheaval deep in Taoyuan had unleashed a shocking psychic energy fluctuation, exceeding the expectations of most psychics and hauntings, causing them to retreat from the center of Taoyuan in panic.

However, those who dared to sneak into Taoyuan and participate in the assassination of Gou Meng were all hardened, bloodthirsty types. They might not be especially strong, but their mental fortitude was top-notch.

After the initial panic, they quickly calmed down. Even if they couldn’t trust each other, they still temporarily gathered together, exchanging information and opinions.

Jiang Li stood in the corner, quietly listening to their conversation, observing without a word for a moment, then exchanged a glance with Lu Yibei.

[It seems their opinions aren’t unified. They’re vaguely split into three factions, plus a dozen or so small groups huddling together for warmth. Strangely, there are no Eclipse Society members present-I wonder where they’ve gone.]

Lu Yibei looked at Jiang Li and nodded.

[I can tell. It’s a mess, like a pot of shrimp, century egg, lean pork, and three-delicacy congee.]

After exchanging glances with Jiang Li, Lu Yibei began to secretly observe the various groups on the viewing platform, listening to their fragmented conversations and falling into thought.

Judging from their behavior and what they were saying…

On the east side were a dozen or so psychics led by Miracle Order members, advocating for risking it all for riches. According to the original plan, after the city barrier was activated, they would sneak into Taoyuan to plunder.

It must be said, there’s a reason Miracle Order has so few people.

They always seem to believe in miracles, charging ahead when uncertain, chasing that faint glimmer of hope in the midst of crisis. When they faced the Midnight Watchers Society’s siege before, they did the same thing.

This is classic cult behavior.

Encouraging people to die-if that’s not a cult, what is? Lu Yibei thought, silently spitting in the direction of those Miracle Order members.

On the west side of the platform, near the security hut, a group led by several hauntings had gathered. Their view was that as long as the green hills remain, there’s no fear of running out of firewood-they planned to avoid the sharp edge for now and retreat from Taoyuan.

Lu Yibei greatly appreciated this “life comes first” attitude.

However, if that’s the case, things get tricky!

If they’ve already decided to withdraw from Taoyuan, my intel might not be enough to tempt them.

Does that mean I’ll have to use PLAN B? Lu Yibei thought, a bit troubled.

When Gou Meng had previously entrusted Lu Yibei with that half-true, half-false secret, she had underestimated the impact of Fuyang’s power awakening and overestimated the courage of these illegal psychic organizations’ members.

A secret passage leading directly to the Fusang divine tree’s cave, a flaw in Gou Meng’s power, and the real reason behind Fuyang’s power’s decline…

Just these three points might increase the odds of snatching Gou Meng and Fuyang’s “legacy,” but given the current situation, it’s still not enough to make all the illegal psychic organization members risk their lives to follow Lu Yibei deep into Taoyuan.

After a brief moment of thought, Lu Yibei’s gaze shifted to the last remaining quarter of psychics and hauntings, her brows furrowing as a [confused.jpg] flashed through her mind.

These guys are just ridiculous. In Lu Yibei’s view, their brains are probably-no, definitely-messed up!

They simply wanted to stay and watch the spectacle. Every time they talked about the soon-to-appear, firework-like, dazzling scene in Taoyuan, they got so excited it was as if they were about to have a physical climax, screaming and shouting uncontrollably, even touching and kissing each other, doing all sorts of unsightly things.

Damn! Your fetishes are way too weird, I can’t talk with you people…

Lu Yibei grumbled inwardly, then whispered almost inaudibly into the ear of the psychic disguised as Hu Yue, and under the fake Hu Yue’s lead, happily joined the “escape” crowd.

Hiding herself in the last row of the crowd, she turned to look at Jiang Li beside her.

[If the Midnight Watchers Society were to attack now, they could wipe everyone out in one go. No one here would be able to escape.]

Jiang Li glanced sideways at Lu Yibei. [Just imagine it. If they really started fighting here, at least half of them would be able to break through the Midnight Watchers Society’s encirclement.]

Following Jiang Li’s gaze, Lu Yibei looked around. After confirming the surrounding terrain, she completely agreed with her assessment.

This viewing platform was built against the mountain, like a giant fan embedded in the mountainside, with only one side against a rugged, steep cliff, making escape impossible.

Of the other three sides, one faced the rift valley, which narrowed as it descended, with a raging river at the bottom. If all the illegal psychic organization members could be driven into it, it would be convenient for a massacre.

The east side of the platform was a low, lush hill, where sturdy pines and withered shrubs intertwined, forming plenty of natural cover for confusion.

Another side was a slope about three hundred meters long, inclined at about 60°, covered in shrubs, with a main road at the bottom connecting to the scenic area’s main entrance.

For psychics and hauntings whose average psychic energy fluctuation exceeded Class B, this terrain was almost as easy as flat ground.

The Midnight Watchers Society operators led by Xing Yuan didn’t have a numerical advantage over these illegal psychic organization members. Their combat strength might be a bit higher, but it was definitely not enough to crush them.

These members of illegal psychic organizations aren’t fools either. The reason they chose to gather here is probably to make it easier to retreat quickly in case of an emergency.

So, if a fight breaks out here, there’s a seventy to eighty percent chance that Gu Qianqian will end up dead not long after, Lu Yibei thought.

Thinking of this, she looked at Jiang Li and gave her a meaningful glance.

[Meow Meow-chan, if I decide to go with PLAN B, are you confident you can get me out when they attack me?]

Jiang Li thought for a moment, then looked at Lu Yibei seriously.

[I’ve observed these guys-none of them, whether Spirit Pattern or haunting types, show any sign of having speed talents. I’m at least fifty percent sure I can get you out. [heart emoji]]

How much? Only fifty percent? Why didn’t you say so earlier? Lu Yibei pressed her forehead.

Fifty percent is way too risky.

Even counting my Paper Cicada Immortals, there’s only a seventy to eighty percent chance we could get out unscathed. That’s just not going to work!

As Lu Yibei was thinking, her phone suddenly vibrated. She took it out and glanced at the caller ID, and out of habit, hung up the call.

Why is Shui-Ge calling now, seriously!

Wait, Shui-Ge!

Lu Yibei’s eyes lit up, but quickly dimmed again.

Even though Shui-Ge’s speed could definitely shake off any psychic or haunting here, what’s the use if they’re not here?

That red Death Owl signal Xing Yuan sent out was very clear-[No Bai Kai operators from Hua City’s Midnight Watchers Society allowed to participate in the operation].

“Bzz bzz-bzz bzz-!”

The phone vibrated again; Bai Kai was calling once more.

Hang up, hang up! Shui-Ge, please stop calling, I’m not going to answer.

Knowing someone could help but is far away is like scrolling through barbecue, cake, and spicy hotpot videos when your stomach’s growling in the middle of the night.

You can only look, not eat. All it does is add to your frustration and drool-what’s the point?

Lu Yibei thought as she was about to put her phone away, when suddenly a message with pictures from Bai Kai popped up on her screen.

Bai Kai: [Beibei, I’m here to save you! I’m at the Tang City Midnight Watchers Society now, where are you? [pic][pic][pic]]

The photos were of Bai Kai in front of the locked doors at the Tang City Midnight Watchers Society, each one in a classic middle-aged auntie group pose-clearly not their first time.

Why is Shui-Ge in Tang City? Weren’t they banned from participating?

Whatever, I’ll ask later.

Since Shui-Ge is here, then… why not have some fun with them?

Lu Yibei thought, her gaze sweeping over the psychics and hauntings on the observation deck, her eyes igniting with a fire called “excitement.”

Then…

She quietly opened a certain app and started [location sharing] with Bai Kai, adding: “Shui-Ge, you can definitely make it in twenty minutes, right? You have to be on time! Not a minute more, not a minute less!”

Jiang Li’s gaze fell on Lu Yibei, frowning as she watched her for a moment, then silently sighed.

From what she knew of Lu Yibei, if she went more than ten minutes without speaking, she was probably holding back some mischief.

Just like a big move that needs to charge up.

Meanwhile.

The psychic disguised as Hu Yue, skilled in Fuji and precognition, suddenly seemed to sense something and shivered violently.

She looked up at the sky, fear and confusion in her eyes…

–

A corner of Observation Deck No. 1 in Taoyuan.

A member of the Miracle Order stood before a small group formed by several solitary psychics, passionately explaining their doctrine and trying to recruit them.

They didn’t notice a girl quietly approaching, standing not too close or too far within the crowd, hiding her presence.

“…So, as I was saying, without weathering the storm-“

“Where did this flash flood come from!”

Lu Yibei’s sudden interruption made the Miracle Order member pause, but he quickly continued.

“…Endure hardship to taste the sweetness-“

“It’ll just make your heart more blocked up!” Lu Yibei chimed in again at just the right moment.

“…” The Miracle Order member was silent for a few seconds, then composed himself and continued, raising his voice and speeding up as if to prove his point.

“In this world, the Heavenly Father is everywhere, so miracles are everywhere… When God closes a door for you, there will always be a window left open.”

The Miracle Order member finished his long speech, secretly pleased that the troublemaker hadn’t interrupted this time. Just then, a delicate voice, like a persistent ghost, floated over.

“If the Heavenly Father is so powerful and can bring endless miracles to the world, why not help open the door? So, who’s stronger, Him or God?” Lu Yibei whispered.

“Who! Who’s talking nonsense? If you’ve got the guts, come out here!” The Miracle Order member finally lost it and roared in anger.

“Me!” Lu Yibei shouted, stepping out from the crowd with pride. “I am Gu Qianqian from Hua City. What advice do you have for me?!”