novelapdf Chapter 147 Bai Xiang's Confidence
Chapter 147 Bai Xiang's Confidence
In contrast to the continuous rain in Yancheng, Huzhou City was still brightly lit by the moon and stars, with the night breeze carrying the unique warmth of early summer.
Inside the Jiang residence, the windows of the rooms were open.
This is Jiang Mu's bedroom.
Since that guy left, Bai Xiang has come to clean it every day, keeping it spotless.
It felt as if that person would push open the door at any moment and shout that they were hungry and wanted to eat.
After tidying up, the woman sat on the edge of Jiang Mu's bed, lost in thought.
She did not light the lamp.
The disguise mask used to conceal his appearance had been removed and casually placed beside his pillow.
The moonlight poured through the window like quicksilver, flowing over her.
It reflected a face so beautiful it could eclipse the moonlight.
She only needs to sit there quietly, and she exudes an air of elegance and nobility, yet also aloofness and solitude.
That was the unique majesty of those who had long held high positions.
At this moment, however, the moonlight hue has transformed it into a breathtakingly gentle beauty.
It was as if she were a fairy from the moon palace who had mistakenly descended to the mortal world, and was feeling a strange longing for the everyday life of humankind.
"I wonder what that guy is doing right now?"
Bai Xiang gazed at the boundless night sky outside the window and murmured to herself.
Very strange.
When that bastard left, she wasn't really that upset.
It lacked the poignant sorrow of parting found in traditional storybooks.
There was no heart-wrenching worry.
He was as calm as if he were simply going to the Demon Slayer Bureau office to clock in as usual, and would return before sunset.
But when dusk truly fell, the courtyard was quiet, a lazy figure was missing from the dining table, and that familiar, slightly teasing voice could no longer be heard... Bai Xiang's heart felt as if it had been gently squeezed by a hand.
It doesn't hurt.
But it felt eerily empty.
It was only then that she belatedly realized that the guy had really gone on a long trip.
Moreover, they went to a place ravaged by war and overrun by demons.
It is very dangerous.
The young girl, Yuan Aqing, is simple and straightforward; her longing is written all over her face.
Every time she ate, she would rest her chin on her hand, gaze longingly at the door, and mutter, "I miss my master."
Several times, as she spoke, her eyes welled up with tears, and she secretly wiped them away.
And what about her?
She always acted nonchalantly.
Even when Ah Qing asked her with red eyes, "Don't you miss Master, Sister Bai Xiang?" she only slightly curved her lips, shook her head and smiled faintly, looking completely unconcerned.
Yet, a lingering feeling, like a vine, quietly grew in my heart, entwining me, and I could not express it to anyone.
"This guy, he doesn't even bother to send a letter to let us know he's safe."
Bai Xiang had a slight complaint, her fingers unconsciously drawing circles on the bed sheet.
Habits are a terrible thing.
I can no longer hear that annoying guy's glib tongue.
No longer does that guy constantly take the opportunity to touch her hand, put his arm around her waist, or even shamelessly rub against her...
She found it very uncomfortable.
On the contrary, I feel a bit nostalgic.
Of course, Bai Xiang doesn't consider this to be love.
It's friendship!
After all, who is Bai Xiang?
She was once a princess of a country, a powerful figure who held the position of emperor or empress.
She was a woman devoid of emotion.
She never cared about love, which was such an ethereal and easily fooled people, and had no intention of possessing it.
It's simply that I unexpectedly got along well with Jiang Mu, and felt that he was a friend I could talk to and trust. Between friends, touching hands, putting arms around each other, and playfully teasing each other are perfectly normal.
Yes, that's for sure.
Bai Xiang sighed softly, leaned back, and lay limply on the bed.
The moonlight outlined her slender and graceful figure, exuding a languid and lonely beauty.
His nostrils twitched slightly.
I could vaguely smell the lingering scents on the pillow and bedding.
That was the scent that belonged only to that man.
It has a very unpleasant smell.
Bai Xiang frowned and sniffed again.
Just as her emotions were slightly stirred and her thoughts were beginning to wander.
"Chirp!"
A clear and melodious cry suddenly came from the night sky outside the window.
Resembling a bird but not quite, it pierces the silence.
Bai Xiang suddenly opened her eyes.
The lingering languor and confusion in his eyes vanished instantly, replaced by clarity and sharpness.
Her gaze drifted to the window, and her jade-like fingers swiftly formed a hand seal. A wisp of spiritual light, like a firefly, flickered from her fingertip and disappeared into the night. Then, she straightened her clothes and slowly walked out of the house.
After a while.
A lithe, black figure, almost blending into the night, silently drifted down like a falling leaf into the shadows of the eaves.
"Greetings, Master!"
The newcomer was completely wrapped in a tight-fitting night suit, with a black veil covering his face, revealing only a pair of calm and bright eyes.
She knelt on one knee, her posture respectful.
Bai Xiang stood with his hands behind his back, his voice cool and clear: "Any clues about the Pisces jade pendant?"
The female guard shook her head:
"Your Majesty, following your previous instructions, I have investigated extensively, but still have not found any concrete clues about the jade pendant. However..."
She paused for a moment, then looked up at Bai Xiang:
"During our investigation, we unexpectedly discovered traces of the 'Black Armored Guards'!"
"What?!"
Bai Xiang's expression changed drastically.
She stepped forward, staring intently at the female guard, her breathing quickening slightly: "You mean the Black Armored Divine Guard? That's impossible!" As the last descendant of the Mirror Kingdom's royal family, she knew the Black Armored Divine Guard's background better than anyone else.
That was the strongest divine weapon in the Mirror Kingdom.
They are living dead blessed by the power of the witch god, immortal and indestructible.
However, this existence has a fatal weakness: it is bound to the fate of the Mirror Kingdom and the power of the Witch God.
With the fall of the Mirror Kingdom, the collapse of the Witch God's altar, and the dissipation of the Witch God's power, these immortal divine weapons should also have turned to dust.
When she was the high priest, she personally confirmed that the connection had been severed.
How could it still exist?
The female guard said in a deep voice:
"At first, I couldn't believe it either, but after carefully examining the traces left at the scene, it is indeed the Black Armor Guards, there is no mistake! Moreover... I dare to guess that it should be the great general who commanded the Black Armor Army back then, Huo Zhan."
"General Huo Zhan?!" Bai Xiang was shocked again.
That's the God of War of the Mirror Kingdom.
Even the renowned General Chang of Daqing suffered a great loss at the hands of Huo Zhan back then.
If he really isn't dead...
wrong!
Bai Xiang forcibly suppressed her turbulent emotions, and reason quickly returned.
When the power of the sorcerer god disappeared, General Huo Zhan, as the one most deeply connected with the divine power, should have been the first to suffer the backlash and die. They clearly witnessed it with their own eyes.
If a normal person dies, there might be secret techniques such as possession of another's body to bring them back to life.
However, the Black Armored Guards are essentially classified as demons and evil beings. Once their origin is dissipated, they are truly gone.
"If he really is Uncle Huo, and he's still alive, why hasn't he come looking for me?"
Bai Xiang's tone was filled with doubt.
The female guard shook her head:
"This subordinate is unaware. After discovering traces, I attempted to follow them, but the trail quickly went cold, and we are currently unable to determine the General's exact whereabouts. However, based on his general movements, his area of activity should be in the vicinity of Yan City."
"Yancheng?"
Bai Xiang was slightly taken aback.
Subconsciously, the man's face appeared in my mind.
What a coincidence?
She extended her slender finger and gently pressed it against her lower lip, lost in thought.
Moonlight flowed across her stunning profile, creating a play of light and shadow.
After a moment, a resolute glint flashed in her beautiful eyes, and she spoke:
"Here's what we'll do: you set off immediately and personally investigate Yancheng."
"I'm giving you a 'Witch God Feather.' If General Huo is still alive, as long as you're nearby, this feather will guide you to find him." As she spoke, she pointed her fingers like a sword and touched her forehead.
Close your eyes and concentrate, then gently pull outwards.
A pure white feather, radiating a faint, holy glow, floated out from between her brows and hovered in front of the female guard.
The female guard respectfully accepted it with both hands and carefully put it away.
"in addition,"
Bai Xiang's eyes flickered, and she casually instructed, "When you arrive in Yancheng, while you're at it... find out about Jiang Mu's situation." "Jiang Mu?"
The female guard looked puzzled.
Bai Xiang said calmly:
"That's the owner of this courtyard. He changed his name and is now exorcising demons in Yancheng."
After you get there, keep a close eye on him. See if he's in any life-threatening danger. If he is... help him out from the shadows if you can, and don't let him die easily.
The female guard's eyes turned somewhat strange.
She had followed her master for many years and knew that he was cold-hearted and never cared about the life or death of others except for the great cause of restoring the country.
Now they're specifically instructing me to take care of a man?
Bai Xiang felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze, coughed lightly, and explained with a straight face:
"Don't overthink it, he's still useful to me. The reason I'm staying in this courtyard is actually to use him for some things."
The female guard hesitated for a moment, but ultimately couldn't suppress her curiosity and worry, and dared to ask:
"If I may be so bold as to ask... what does Your Majesty intend to use this person for? Is this person worthy of Your Majesty's trouble?"
Bai Xiang was speechless when asked the question.
What are you doing?
How would I know what to do!
Her eyes darted around, and she casually made up a story:
"Hmm... that fortune teller mentioned before that the chance for the Pisces Jade Pendant to reappear might lie in this place."
I've been thinking, perhaps it's related to Jiang Mu in some way.
Staying here is to observe more closely.
The female guard's eyes remained suspicious.
Master's reason sounds so far-fetched.
Bai Xiang felt slightly annoyed by the other person's gaze, and the air of authority that comes with long-standing superiority naturally emanated from her.
She raised her chin slightly, her gaze turned cold, and her voice deepened:
"What? Are you questioning my decision? Since when have I needed to explain the reasons behind every action I take?"
The female guard trembled, immediately knelt on one knee, and bowed her head, saying:
"Your Majesty's plans are far beyond my comprehension. I have overstepped my bounds; please punish me!"
Bai Xiang's expression softened slightly, and her tone became gentler:
"I know what you're worried about. You simply think that I'm all alone in a room with a young man, and you're afraid that I'll develop feelings for him and ruin our plans to restore the kingdom."
The female guard did not deny it.
Bai Xiang snorted coldly and flicked her sleeve, saying:
"You underestimate me too much."
I have never taken any man in this world seriously, not even the Emperor of Daqing. This Jiang Mu is nothing more than a demon slayer with a bit of cleverness; why would I possibly fancy him?
Moreover...
You should know best that I suffer from a strange illness.
In this world, do you think there is any man who can get close to me?
"How dare you touch my body?"
Hearing this, the female guard finally felt completely relieved.
Yes.
Her Highness is bound by a restriction; any man who touches her will be repelled and may even suffer a backlash.
Since they can't even have physical contact, how can they talk about personal feelings?
"I was overthinking it, I'm just being foolish," the female guard said with shame.
Bai Xiang continued calmly:
"Although I am a woman, I am not as obsessed with love and romance as you think."
Up to now, I have not uttered a single word in front of Jiang Mu, nor have I shown him my true face.
There is absolutely nothing wrong between us.
Do you think he can take advantage of me? Is he even capable of doing so?
Even if he did possess some special means to touch me, I still have my bottom line!
Bai Xiang said this without any hesitation.
They are very confident.
After all, all she's gotten so far is for that guy to touch her hand, hug her a few times, give her a kiss on the cheek, and that's it!
What's so bad about that?
If that kid wants to go any further, it's absolutely impossible!
Hearing her mistress's resolute and confident words, the female guard felt even more ashamed, realizing that she had judged her mistress with her petty mind and had desecrated her purity and virtue.
"Your subordinate will depart for Yancheng immediately and will certainly not fail in your trust, Master!"
The female guard said.
Bai Xiang nodded slightly, no longer dwelling on the matter, and instead gave the following instructions:
"By the way, after you get there, besides finding out about his safety, you should also keep an eye out for any other women around him."
Or perhaps he's getting close to some woman, or they're having some intimate interactions.
Everything must be investigated thoroughly, down to the smallest detail, understand?
The female guard was taken aback: "Huh? Why is that?"
Bai Xiang said in a serious tone:
"If the Pisces jade pendant is indeed related to him, it's hard to guarantee that other forces or individuals aren't also eyeing him."
We need to seize the initiative, understand?
……yes!"
Although the female guard felt something was off, her master's words made perfect sense, and she was speechless.
After receiving the order, the female guard vanished into the night in a flash.
Bai Xiang stood under the corridor, gazing in the direction of Yancheng, and gently bit her lower lip.
"That bastard, probably not many women like him."
Yancheng, the hut where we stayed.
"Achoo!"
Jiang Mu, who was reviewing files by the light of an oil lamp, suddenly sneezed loudly without warning.
He rubbed his itchy nose, looked out at the deep night, and muttered to himself:
"What's going on? Who's cursing me? It can't be that aunt Bai Xiang from Puxin thinking about me, can it?"
"Hmm, probably not."
Seeing that it was getting late, Jiang Mu closed the file and prepared to rest.
Arriving at the bedside, Jiang Mu saw a set of clothes that Shui Miaozheng had left behind when she came earlier. Without thinking much about it, she casually put it aside.
Then he blew out the candles and went to sleep.
He has enough clothes to change into right now and isn't in a hurry to wear anything.
The next morning, Jiang Mu got up and washed up as usual.
The rain continued incessantly.
The gloomy sky felt like a piece of old cotton wool soaked in water, weighing heavily on people's hearts.
Shui Miaozheng had already prepared warm water and salt, and stood under the eaves, glancing at Jiang Mu from time to time.
Seeing that the man's expression was normal and he did not show any unusual reaction, nor did he change into the clothes she had sent him that day, she breathed a sigh of relief, but a sense of loss inexplicably welled up inside her.
It seems... he hasn't noticed yet.
But then, a sense of loss crept into my heart like an undercurrent.
After all, she had warmed it up close before it "accidentally" slipped in.
Did he not notice at all?
After the meal, Jiang Mu put on a heavy raincoat and a bamboo hat, then called to Ming Cuicui, Zhu Chang, and the others, and once again stepped into the vast rain to conduct their routine patrol. The continuous heavy rain had caused occasional small-scale flash floods.
Many of the talisman traps that had been painstakingly set up were either washed away or lost due to changes in the terrain.
The location needs to be re-evaluated and reinforced.
The Demon Slayer squads that were conducting reconnaissance at the front were also sending back messages continuously.
The demon army remained silent, showing no signs of large-scale mobilization.
This seemingly endless downpour appeared to have halted the advance of those bloodthirsty demons, allowing the taut defenses of Yancheng a precious respite.
Before we knew it, another three peaceful days had passed.
The rain came in varying degrees of intensity, but it never truly stopped.
The scattered monsters around Yan City have become increasingly rare, almost disappearing, thanks to repeated sweeps and cleanups.
The calm before the battle actually carried a sense of unease, like the impending storm.
Shui Miaozheng spent most of her time at the outpost.
They devoted themselves to studying the strange runes imprinted on the mine demons, trying to find clues about the person behind it all.
What drove her a little crazy was...
The stack of "adulterated" clothes remained quietly lying on Jiang Mu's bedside table.
It didn't budge.
Several times, she tried to sneak in and retrieve that shameful undergarment while Jiang Mu was away.
But whenever she thought of Jiang Mu's absurd "jealousy" in the brothel that day, she forced herself to hold back.
"Forget it, let's wait and see. Young people have a short temper; they'll need to be used sooner or later..."
That was the only way she could console herself.
On the fourth day...
An urgent report suddenly came from the Demon Slayer Bureau within the city, stating that the demon army seemed to have made new moves.
Yan Wu, the prefect of Yancheng, urgently summoned the prefects of various prefectures to a meeting.
Upon receiving the news, Shui Miaozheng looked grave. She briefly instructed Jiang Mu to temporarily take charge of the defense of the garrison, while she hurriedly headed into the city to attend a meeting.
Jiang Mu was enjoying her freedom.
He was having breakfast alone in the house.
Just as they were enjoying their meal, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door.
But then Ming Cuicui stormed in, her face flushed red, clearly very angry.
Behind her, Zhu Chang followed with a helpless expression.
He was still holding her sleeve, as if trying to dissuade her from something.
Ming Cuicui shook off his hand, turned around and glared at him fiercely. Zhu Chang was embarrassed and let go of her hand.
Jiang Mu put down her chopsticks, looked at the two of them, and smiled:
"What's going on? Did the young couple have a fight so early in the morning?"
"Master, we've been bullied!"
Ming Cuicui walked up to Jiang Mu, tears welling up in her eyes, and said through gritted teeth.
Were you bullied?
Jiang Mu was taken aback, and the smile on her face faded slightly: "What happened? Tell me slowly."
"Master, it's really nothing serious, it's just..."
Zhu Chang forced a smile, wanting to interject and explain.
"Shut up! Did I tell you to speak?"
Ming Cuicui interrupted him again, glaring at him fiercely, then turned to Jiang Mu and spoke rapidly.
"Master, this is what happened. Today, while our team was patrolling the old forest near the border of the defense zone outside Jingouzi Village, we discovered a newly unearthed rat demon's nest."
There were about twenty first- or second-tier rat demons inside, but they were no match for the enemy.
We cleaned it up as we went along.
But just as we finished killing them, before we even had a chance to clean up the demon corpses, another team of Demon Slayers rushed out of the nearby woods, claiming that they were the ones who discovered the demon's lair first.
He had originally left someone to keep an eye on things while he went back to get help, but we stole the credit.
Taking advantage of their numbers, they not only stole all the demon corpses, but also spoke extremely rudely!
Upon hearing this, Jiang Mu's brows immediately furrowed.
Good guy.
In broad daylight, they're trying to steal my monster?
The last time someone did something this shameless was with Wenhe's subordinates, that bastard from Biyang.
Jiang Mu asked:
"Which Demon-Slaying Division are they from? Yancheng?"
Ming Cuicui pursed her lips, ignoring Zhu Chang's frantic winking and gesturing, and said loudly:
"They're not from Yancheng, they're from your Huzhou City!"