The two of them hopped into the car, spotting in the distance another vehicle tailing them. Thankfully, with the communication channels jammed, their pursuers hadn’t risked deploying any aircraft.
Song Qianqian relayed the situation to Shen Zhaomu, her face betraying her anger, “So now, both the syringe and the list are in their hands.”
Fang Qing interrupted, “Then why are they still after us? They can’t possibly intend to kill us.”
“Are you daft?” Song Qianqian poked him in the head. “They’ve already gone as far as jamming our tactical channels. Who knows who’s really behind this? If they catch us here, for all we know, they could lock us up on some made-up charges. If Brother Shen gets nabbed, his family might be able to get him out. But if we’re caught, we’ll vanish.”
Fang Qing grumbled under his breath, “This is exactly why I despise dealing with that rotten bunch. Had you not dragged me here, I’d be enjoying my retirement now, cozying up with my poison.”
Orca quipped from behind him, “You’re already cozying up with me.”
“Shut it!” Fang Qing snapped, still upset over the situation.
Song Qianqian chuckled, “Also, they didn’t take everything.” She reached into her thigh–
“What are you doing?!” Fang Qing exclaimed, “Don’t be indecent!”
“Don’t overthink it.” Swiftly, she pulled out a passport from beneath her skirt, waving it. “I still have this. It lists everywhere that guy has been. Might not be of much use, but it’s better than nothing.”
Fang Qing’s eyes sparkled, “Nicely done!”
Although the rickety car wasn’t fast, the bustling Flower Street slowed down their pursuers. Thanks to Fang Qing’s aggressive driving and Orca’s navigation through the narrow alleyways, they managed to lose their tail.
For the time being, at least.
Soon enough, a message from Lu Shanhuai arrived, “Yang Zhiming says the channel’s interference covers a 20-km radius centered on Flower Street. Step outside of it, and the Hunter Association’s system should be back online. I’ve dispatched a team of hunters to rendezvous with you at the closest point to, um, ʀɛʄ… ʀɛʄօʀ… that shop… whatever its name was.”
He sent a coordinate 18 km from their current position.
“Not too far,” Shen Zhaomu said, “Just a dozen minutes and—”
He was cut off as the car abruptly stopped.
Orca sighed, “Ah, we’re out of fuel.”
Nobody had a response to that.
Shen Zhaomu checked, “The nearest fuel station is just 500 meters away, around the corner. We can push the car there.”
Golden wisps gathered behind the car, gently propelling it forward. While not as fast as a car in motion, the speed was decent.
Song Qianqian mused, “Having strong psychic powers sure is convenient. No need for manual labor.”
Fang Qing shot back at Orca, “Aren’t you a smuggler? Didn’t you just smuggle a mermaid? How come you’re so broke you can’t even afford a new car?”
Hearing this, Orca went on the defensive. “I was supposed to make a killing, but then the auction was disrupted, remember?”
Shen Zhaomu lit a cigarette, “You blaming me?”
“No, no!” Orca rushed, “It’s my fault for being broke.”
A few minutes of pushing later, they finally saw the fuel station.
Song Qianqian fiddled with her device, cursing, “They’ve locked all the payment methods linked to the Association. Anyone got cash?”
“No.”
“Spent it all.”
Orca sheepishly added, “Do I look like I have money?”
All eyes turned to Long Shiyu. After patting himself down, he produced two coins.
Handing them to Shen Zhaomu, he offered, “For you.” QwQ
A dragon would only share its wealth with its princess.
The rest of them were speechless. They couldn’t help but find it adorable.
Shen Zhaomu, amused, took the coins, patting Long Shiyu’s head, “This should be enough for us to buy a paper bag to put over a head.”
Song Qianqian asked, “What’s the bag for?”
“To rob the place, of course,” Shen Zhaomu easily replied.
Five minutes later.
Orca stood shivering in the cold, a brown paper bag over his head, two holes poked where his eyes were.
Shen Zhaomu rolled down the window, “Just a tip, don’t even think about running.”
“Wh-Why can’t one of you go?”
Shen Zhaomu replied, “We’re basically public officials. Our data is in the system. If the store’s cameras are still working, they could identify us just by our postures. So, it’s your turn. It’s the Association’s time of need.”
“And if I get caught?” Orca whined, “I’m a smuggler, not a robber!”
Song Qianqian retorted, “They sound about the same, so quit playing the victim.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Shen Zhaomu flicked off some ash, “I’ll hire the best lawyers for you. I know some seasoned tricksters who can make the dead seem alive and spin robbery into heroics.”
Vb, Ygmj tfrlajcais kfca.
Kkb wlceafr ijafg, tf gfaegcfv, qjclmxfv, klat j rjmx, “Gglnf, vglnf!” Ktf rabgf’r jijgw yijgfv yftlcv tlw.
Vbcu Hljcdljc rmbivfv tlw, “Lbk vlv atfs rbecv atf jijgw rb delmxis?”
“Pa kjrc’a ws ojeia,” Ygmj gfabgafv, delmxis lcrfgalcu jc fcfgus mjc lcab atf mjg jcv tbqqlcu lcab atf yjmxrfja.
Now Fang Qing could showcase his driving skills. The car zoomed ahead, maneuvering over the rough terrain.
Soon, however, several tactical off-road vehicles appeared behind them, dust swirling. They were the Association’s customized vehicles, but their identifying features had been obscured, making identification impossible.
Gritting his teeth, Fang Qing swerved the car into another alley.
Shen Zhaomu said, “Let me out.”
“No, wait!” Song Qianqian protested, “Sure, you can take them, but there’s too many of them. If you leave evidence and they spin a tale, you’ll be impeached. Do you want to lose your chance at the Chief Hunter title?”
Shen Zhaomu’s eyes darkened, his aura intensifying.
A burning oil lamp manifested by his side.
He was never the type to turn the other cheek. Right now, he felt like breaking some bones.
“Hey!” Song Qianqian called out in alarm.
But Shen Zhaomu wasn’t listening. Just as he was about to yank the door open—
Suddenly, someone grabbed his sleeve.
Long Shiyu: “Sob.”
Shen Zhaomu: “…”
He withdrew his hand, patting Long Shiyu’s head, “It’s okay, I won’t go.”
Song Qianqian sighed, “What have I done to deserve this fate of being a third wheel?”
Fang Qing chimed in, “You wouldn’t believe it. When little Shen first visited my inn, he even said that Shiyu wasn’t his boyfriend. It’s a good thing I saw through it at a glance.”
Fang Qing continued, “Nowadays, single dogs are often baited in and forced to suffer through PDA.”
“That’s too cunning,” Song Qianqian lamented.
Several minutes passed, and the sounds of the pursuing vehicles faded.
Lu Shanhuai sent another message, “Yang Zhiming and some members are working on restoring the tactical channel. You don’t need to go far. The channel will be back online in about five minutes.”
“Finally, some good news,” Fang Qing said, “Just five minutes.”
Song Qianqian opened the window, peeking behind as her long hair fluttered in the wind.
Orca warned, “Ensure your seatbelt is fastened and don’t stick your head out.”
“Shut up,” Fang Qing snapped.
Long Shiyu suggested, “You could be a safety ambassador, then you wouldn’t need to smuggle.”
“To be honest,” Orca murmured, “I’ve always dreamed of wearing a beautiful dress and riding a float.”
Song Qianqian continued to survey their rear.
The night had settled, but as a sniper, her vision was exceptionally sharp, and her psychic powers further enhanced her aim.
No vehicles were in sight. They raced on an unnamed path in Kassand, the spinning wheels occasionally splashing mud onto the car’s red exterior.
Then, without warning, a chilling glint caught her eye.
Before Song Qianqian could react, a torrent of golden particles surged beside her. Turning sharply, her pupils dilated—
A giant scythe had been blocked, sparks flying as it clashed with the particles.
The ambush was sudden but failed to penetrate the golden barrier. The scythe’s sharp end only managed to snip off a bit of Song Qianqian’s hair.
Black strands scattered in the gusty wind, followed by a doe’s call. A massive White Doe, ablaze with cyan flames, leaped over the car’s roof.
Astride the doe was a woman with white hair, wearing a laurel crown, her figure enticing, wielding a colossal black scythe—Bai Yiyi.
Her psychic power, unique to the beast tribe, morphed into both mount and weapon, harboring ancient strength.
Having missed her target, Bai Yiyi’s expression remained impassive. The doe turned, its hooves clicking crisply as it pursued the vehicle. The majestic creature was faster and nimbler than the tactical vehicles, quickly closing the distance.
If they didn’t fend her off, the journey would end. She had genuine murderous intent toward Song Qianqian.
Song Qianqian, still in shock, whispered, “She must’ve figured out about the passport.”
Fang Qing steered sharply, “Let’s see if we can lose her.”
“No use,” Shen Zhaomu countered, “Just keep driving. Song Qianqian, no matter what, hold onto that passport.”
She frowned, “What do we do, Brother Shen…” She turned, but Shen Zhaomu was gone.
Only Orca remained, and Long Shiyu, who was sitting demurely with his hands on his knees.
Song Qianqian gasped, “Brother Shen’s left the car!”
“What?!” Fang Qing exclaimed.
Song Qianqian turned again, “And you, sister-in-law…”
But Long Shiyu too had vanished.
Only Orca remained, looking utterly bewildered, sitting next to a flapping car door. Meeting Bai Yiyi’s gaze, he quickly raised his hands in surrender, “I won’t jump out, I swear!”
Song Qianqian sighed in exasperation, nudging Fang Qing, “We need to turn back!”
But Fang Qing didn’t let up on the accelerator. “…Let’s trust little Shen. He’ll only be at ease after you escape with the passport.”
“But Bai Yiyi is powerful,” Song Qianqian argued. “After all, she’s a candidate for Chief Hunter.”
“Don’t worry. Those relying on mere tricks won’t stand a chance against our dragon slayer,” Fang Qing responded with a grin. “After all, he’s someone who may one day face off against the Dragon King.”
At this, Long Shiyu sneezed.
He had jumped from the vehicle and was making his way back. At the end of a small alley, a golden light shone brilliantly. There, snowflakes gathered furiously in the midst of a storm, and muffled sounds of something being pierced through were heard.
It seemed as if something was shattering the ground bit by bit.
Soon, he saw massive psychic force manifesting as long spears piercing down from the storm. Each strike shattered the surface of the ground, pushing the white doe back repeatedly. Bai Yiyi’s face darkened with every passing moment. Suddenly, with a swift move of her enormous scythe, the white doe took a peculiar leap, using the walls of the alley to dash towards Shen Zhaomu. The pale blue flames on its body shone even brighter, illuminating the night.
Long Shiyu stood on the side of the road.
Not far from him stood a golden spear, formed from psychic power, shining brilliantly. Its beauty hid its terrifying power, as evidenced by the web-like cracks surrounding it.
Before he could study it further, he saw the White Doe, surrounded by a gust of wind, running towards him, leaving behind a trail of fiery marks.
Evil dragons didn’t like wicked princesses.
With that thought, Long Shiyu stepped forward and stuck out his foot—
The white doe suddenly let out a mournful cry, stumbling over and flying forward.
It had been tripped by Long Shiyu, and before it could regain its balance, dozens of spears instantly pierced its body.
These spirit mounts had no blood, but the sight was still gruesome. The white doe was pinned firmly to the ground, unable to move, its eyes wide with terror.
Bai Yiyi, struggling to her feet, suddenly locked eyes with another.
The eyes, ablaze with flames, were both fierce and passionate. If she hadn’t known better, Bai Yiyi would think they belonged to an exotic beast.
But they were Shen Zhaomu’s—her competitor for the future Chief Hunter position, the pride of the association.
That made the situation all the more awkward.
Shen Zhaomu held a dark pistol, now aimed at Bai Yiyi. As he pulled the trigger, the pale blue flames exploded, and another white doe emerged from the flames. It was smaller and more transparent, but Bai Yiyi quickly grabbed its antlers and mounted it. They took off with surprising agility.
The promised five minutes from Yang Zhiming had passed, and the tactical channel came back online.
Kassand was once again under the watchful gaze of the Association.
Shen Zhaomu lowered his gun. There weren’t any bullets in it, to begin with. He hadn’t intended to kill Bai Yiyi.
But what had caused that white doe to suddenly stumble?
Bai Yiyi wasn’t one to make such a basic mistake.
As he pondered this for a few moments, a small head peeked out beside him.
Shen Zhaomu: “…”
He asked, “Why did you follow me down?”
“Just jumped off the car, like you.”
“Why did you come down?”
“I was worried that the wicked princess would harm you.”
Shen Zhaomu chuckled, his anger from earlier inexplicably dissipating.
He said, “It’s too dangerous. Don’t do that again.”
“Oh.” Long Shiyu, tugging at his sleeve, sincerely praised, “You’re really amazing.”
Shen Zhaomu tousled his hair, “Let’s go. The tactical channel is back up, and they won’t come again. Once we reach the main road, we can take a vehicle.” He sent a message to Song Qianqian and the rest, signaling that they’d meet at Fang Qing’s inn.
The two walked through an alley now in ruins.
The night was deep, and this remote area was only lit by distant store lights.
Exiting the alley, they found an artificial river. In stark contrast to the area they’d left, the water was crystal clear. Gentle breezes blew, with streaks of mist weaving through the surroundings. They walked along the bank, the river shimmering with reflected light.
The tense atmosphere seemed to vanish, replaced by an uncanny calmness, as if the frantic chase had never happened.
The sound of flowing water accompanied them as Long Shiyu walked in peaceful silence.
Shen Zhaomu revisited a previous conversation.
He asked, “Why did you come to Kassand back then?”
Long Shiyu mused, “I heard it was easy to make money here, but when I left, I hadn’t earned much.” Remembering that, he still felt indignant. “The boss even withheld my wages! He’s horrible.”
“Who’s the boss? Maybe I can help you get your money back.”
“I don’t remember,” Long Shiyu replied, “He might be long dead by now.”
It was then that Shen Zhaomu remembered—Long Shiyu was a dragon. Time always favored his kind.
Shen Zhaomu’s curiosity got the better of him, “How old are you, really?”
Long Shiyu took a long time to answer.
Finally, he said, “I don’t really know. I’m quite young. Definitely below a thousand.”
Shen Zhaomu: “…”
“But,” Long Shiyu added, “I spent some time sleeping.”
Shen Zhaomu remarked, “You always seem to be sleeping.”
“That’s true.” Long Shiyu conceded.
“Why did you wander off again today?”
“I was hungry.”
“What about Fang Qing? You could ask him for food. Don’t worry, you can eat him into bankruptcy.”
“He got knocked out by his own medicine.”
“He didn’t wear his goggles and mask again?”
“Yes.”
“Why did you join the float parade then?”
“They said they’d give me apples.”
As they chatted idly, a refreshing wind blew from the river.
As they walked, a silvery tail surreptitiously wrapped around Shen Zhaomu’s wrist. Dragons showed affection by intertwining their tail tips—an extremely rare gesture for this fierce race. It was the equivalent of humans holding hands. Since humans had no tails, Long Shiyu settled for the next best thing and gently wrapped his tail around Shen Zhaomu’s wrist.
Looking to his side, Shen Zhaomu saw Long Shiyu smiling brightly, his eyes sparkling.
That genuine happiness seemed to infect Shen Zhaomu too. He looked down and quietly smiled.
The riverside path soon ended, marked off by a barrier. But below, another path led to a solitary convenience store, brightly lit.
Following the lower path, they’d quickly reach the main road of Kassand. Shen Zhaomu could faintly see the lights of vehicles and flyers in the distance.
There was a significant drop from where they stood to the path below. Shen Zhaomu, placing a hand on the barrier, leaped down first. Then he looked up, “Jump down; I’ll catch you.”
He intended to use his psychic powers to buffer Long Shiyu’s fall.
But as Long Shiyu vaulted over the barrier and descended, the wind billowed his garments—those splendid clothes adorned with intricate patterns of flowing fire and celestial bodies.
They suited him well.
The young man had exceptionally captivating eyes.
Shen Zhaomu had seen many beautiful individuals in his life—cold, handsome, gentle, passionate—all with different styles and each with their unique charm. He had come across people who carried the serene grace of moonlight and the irresistible allure of roses. But at that moment, an unfinished phrase came to mind:
Beauty’s sight you may have known…
Acting on impulse, he reached out, pulling Long Shiyu into his embrace.
The light from the nearby convenience store cast long shadows of the two, enshrouding them in half darkness and half light. Under the gentle illumination, Long Shiyu looked radiant, while Shen Zhaomu appeared deep in thought.
“Ah, you caught me,” Long Shiyu said with joy in his eyes, looking up at him.
Perhaps it was the adrenaline from their recent escape, or the late-night ambiance that made emotions run high, even for the fiercest of hunters. An overwhelming sense of familiarity washed over Shen Zhaomu. Old pages turned, and within the dust, a pair of shining eyes stared back.
Neither moonlight nor roses could compare to this brilliance.
Suddenly, Shen Zhaomu knew the ending to that phrase.
Beauty’s sight you may have known,
Yet his brilliance stands alone.
Author’s Note:
One cutesy sob a day: 1/1
TL/N: ngl, I’m kinda proud of the ‘poetry’ hahaha
“Beauty’s sight you may have known, yet his brilliance stands alone” is really beautiful, it fits them so well!
Thank you for the chapter~
So romantic 😍 💕
Fall hard SZM we dare you
Omg that’s so magical and romantic <3333 reminds me of the first time I ever fell in love uwu
He’s softening to Shiyu hehehe
So sweet ❤
This is so sweet :’)🩷
I think Shen Zhaomu may have had a silent, internal cutesy sob, “Ah, you caught me!” Mission accomplished, you caught your prey, darling.