Dabao frowned. This situation was similar to the one he had encountered with a monster in a cave before; they were both under control.
Black-clothed person?
Dabao's eyes narrowed. Over these days, he had instructed Baijin to sort through all the abnormal cases, and there, he had indeed found cases similar to the situation in the cave.
Basically, all of them shared a common feature: formerly gentle and hidden monsters had started causing harm and killing people. Or they appeared as already deceased monsters, controlled by an unknown force.
These cases were widely distributed, and almost all the controlled entities were monsters.
There were no ghosts, demons, or spirits involved.
Monsters generally fall into two categories. One type results from coincidentally absorbing the essence of heaven and earth, gaining enlightenment and transforming - such as various animals or even plants and objects, as long as they possess spirits, they can become monsters.
The other type of monster is a different kind of existence; they generally have an ugly appearance, simple thoughts, and only possess brute force, lacking the cultivation and techniques of transformed monsters.
Perhaps that's the reason black-clothed people control them - well-developed limbs with simple minds are easier to control.
Luoyunzhen dispatched a considerable number of disciples to revisit, searching for overlooked or concealed clues. Unexpectedly, the black-clothed people actually came to them voluntarily.
When the monster saw Dabao, it did not attempt to escape or fight back. Instead, it accelerated, single-mindedly wanting to climb to the peak of the Wangyou Palace.
Due to its stiff and hurried movements, its sharp claws tore off fragments of the wooden body of Wangyouge.
Dabao followed closely behind, and with a casual wave of his hand, the monster seemed to be tightly bound by invisible ropes, struggling incessantly in mid-air.
Dabao delved into the monster's soul to find the black-clothed person controlling it.
Usually, to achieve control, one would start with the soul. But Dabao searched for a long time and found no trace of the controller. He only sensed an unusual hostility within the monster.
This hostility was different, as if it came from multiple individuals, for unknown reasons, gathered within the monster's body, making it appear like a vessel of hostility.
Just as Dabao was about to further explore, the formation hidden within the hostility was instantly activated, and the monster was enveloped in a pale flame from the inside out. It soon turned into ashes, and the hostility within it dissipated into the air.
This flame was a purifying fire that could burn everything, including the hostility in the soul. Fortunately, he had withdrawn his divine consciousness in time; otherwise, it would have also been incinerated by the purifying fire.
However, the seemingly decisive action of the black-clothed person, destroying evidence, only strengthened Luoyunzhen's suspicion.
The Purifying Fire Formation was an extremely complex formation. While its original intention was to obliterate evidence by placing it on a low-ranking monster, it inadvertently revealed that this operation was not simply aimed at attacking the Wangyouge.
...
Gu Lingling was awakened by a sharp chirping sound. She suddenly opened her bloodshot eyes and rubbed her forehead. Couldn't they wake her up gently?
The chirping sound was fixed in her mind. Although it was Gu Lingling's first experience, due to the memories of the previous owner, she was not unfamiliar with this way of summoning.
Carefully, Gu Lingling got up and saw that the side beside her seemed empty. She reached out, but the blanket was cold, indicating that Dabao had been gone for a long time.
This brat...
Before, Dabao had also disappeared inexplicably in the middle of the night. At first, Gu Lingling had been anxious, but he always returned on his own after a while. She would be worried, and he would remain indifferent.
No matter how she asked, Dabao would not speak. Over time, Gu Lingling had grown used to it, thinking that he probably just went out to relieve himself.
So, upon discovering Dabao's disappearance again, Gu Lingling just cursed him silently in her heart and quickly got up to put on her shoes and outer robe.
Fortunately, her room was on the ground floor. She carefully walked through the corridor, trying not to make any noise, and was not noticed by anyone along the way.
There was a small path at the back door of the Wangyouge; the miasma there was sparse. Gu Lingling covered her mouth and nose, held her breath, and quickly passed through the path. Just when she felt like she was running out of breath, everything suddenly became clear in front of her, the miasma disappeared, the stars were shining, and the night sky was clear without a cloud.
It had been a long time since she had seen such a clear night sky. Although there wasn't much miasma near her room, at the height of the second or third floor, there was usually mist drifting in, nearly blocking the view of the sky.
For a moment, Gu Lingling was a little dazed and didn't even notice the person standing in the shadow of the trees.
The tree shadow fell on the man, but it couldn't hide his tall figure.
The man furrowed his brows slightly, seeming somewhat displeased.
He coughed as a warning, and only then did Gu Lingling realize that there were others nearby.
"Oh, why are you in such a hurry? You know my identity, you're just a low-ranking disciple of the Eroding Bone Sect. Even if there is some intelligence, it can't be something urgent. Plus, I don't have any intelligence. Oh, yeah, the Wangyouge is so stingy that it can't even afford to hire a sweeper. Is that considered intelligence?" Gu Lingling didn't pay any attention to the man's dissatisfaction.
The original host was a spy for the Pure Gate, and Gu Lingling was well aware of this. She also knew that the original host had exchanged information many times with the contact person, but according to her current status, she only learned about what was publicly known. Sometimes she even found out later than other sects.
Therefore, their meeting was just a formality. After all, the Pure Gate did not have much hope for Gu Lingling anymore.
Sending her here was the biggest mistake made by the decision-makers. They had not expected Gu Lingling to be so useless.
Moreover, Gu Lingling also had her own selfish motives. From the moment she arrived, she deeply knew her future miserable fate. However, constrained by the original owner, who was nothing more than a cannon fodder in this world, without the protection of a protagonist's aura or a powerful backer, it was also unlikely that she could directly break ties with Wu Guo Men, because the consequences were likely to be settled by Wu Guo Men before Luo Yunzhen took action.
So, Gu Lingling had already made plans to conceal all the previous experiences, especially the encounters with Luo Yunzhen and the various unusual incidents. After all, nobody would suspect her, considering her as a waste of space at the Forgetful Pavilion who had experienced some incredible things. It was probably even less credible to divulge about meeting the Sect Master.
The man clearly did not expect Gu Lingling's indifferent attitude. His cough came to an abrupt stop, then after a pause, he started coughing again, but this time, it seemed to have a hint of sincerity in it.
Gu Lingling furrowed her brow, not expecting him to maintain such an attitude. Wasn't she always able to get away with things like this before? What's wrong today? Did he take the wrong medication?
"Big Dog, what's wrong with you? Are you sick? Or have you been drinking?" Why are you so serious today? Isn't it usually enough for you to just report back as usual? Besides, given my status, it's already good enough to know these things." While saying this, Gu Lingling was a considerate person and, without waiting for "Big Dog" to answer, expressed her understanding of his helplessness: "Okay, okay, I reckon you can't report back properly. You might as well say that Luo Yunzhen... likes men."
As soon as the words were spoken, the man's body stiffened. Even in the pitch-black darkness, one could see his shoulders tense as if his worldview had been profoundly shaken.
However, Gu Lingling didn't feel ashamed of her impulsive remark; in fact, she became even more seriously absorbed in thinking about this question.
On the martial arts field, Luo Yunzhen and Bai Jin's interaction was again seamless and tacit. That idiotic steward couldn't even discern the subtext in Luo Yunzhen's words, but Bai Jin understood every word and every expression of Luo Yunzhen. If there wasn't some kind of bond between them, Gu Lingling wouldn't believe it.
Gu Lingling nodded earnestly, but if that was the case, what did the relationship between Luo Yunzhen and Tao Fanru mean? Moreover, there seemed to be no character like Bai Jin in the original work...
Gu Lingling furrowed her eyebrows, pondering over this profound and complex issue.
The man finally couldn't help but emerge from the shadow of the trees. The starlight was shimmering at this moment, even though there was no moon, the surrounding scenery was still clear and discernible.
The man was dressed in elaborate brocade. The inner garment was a lighter shade of blue, neat and elegant, with the lines of the waistband embroidered with cloud patterns drawing a smooth shape. Underneath the blue outer robe, with each step, the garment revealed itself now and then.
In his clear hands was a long sword embedded with gemstones. The blue gemstones refracted a clear light, making it refreshing to the eyes.
Gu Lingling was somewhat dazzled by the blue gemstones and had to shield her eyes with her hand.
"Big Dog, what's with the thing you're holding? It's so dazzling?"
"It seems you're quite attentive to Big Dog, huh?"
This voice... Gu Lingling was surprised and quickly lowered her hand, and the person in front of her finally realized it and moved the sword away, allowing Gu Lingling to finally see his appearance.
This person's face was like starlight, with a gentle yet resolute air, and a handsome appearance.
"Du Xiuming..."
Gu Lingling couldn't help but murmur.
Du Xiuming heard Gu Lingling dare to call out his name directly and was somewhat displeased: "Audacious."
Gu Lingling reacted, straightened her attitude, and modestly saluted, saying, "Young Master."
Du Xiuming was the supporting male character in the original work, who started having a mutual affection with Tao Fanru, but after Tao Fanru met Luo Yunzhen, her heart gradually turned towards him. Unable to bear the betrayal of his lover, Du Xiuming deliberately arranged for Tao Fanru to be exposed, leading to the heart-wrenching and bittersweet love-hate drama between Tao Fanru and Luo Yunzhen.
Du Xiuming was the catalyst in the entire novel for the emotional development between the main characters. He elevated the originally mundane love story to a bittersweet romantic narrative that defied societal standards and was both heart-rending and inspiring.
Of course, Du Xiuming also had another role - he was the subject of unrequited love for the original owner.
Gu Lingling felt awkward. The original owner was blinded by love for Du Xiuming, disregarding her own humble status, and had pursued Du Xiuming, attracting disdain and scorn. The original owner was completely unaware and considered Tao Fanru to be her love rival, making a fool of herself.
Even the reason she came to the Forgetful Pavilion as an undercover was because the original owner's simple-mindedness led her to believe that coming here would make Du Xiuming take notice of her. But after a year, the only one she had contact with was the same background accomplice, "Big Dog".
And her beloved Du Xiuming never took her into account, he was only interested in Tao Fanru, and he now seemed to be replacing "Big Dog" to meet her.
After all, Du Xiuming had always ignored the original owner.
Gu Lingling couldn't help but sigh. She was indeed a true cannon fodder, existing as a target in all respects, with an inherent despicable quality. The original owner had previously had a fiancé named Liao Fei Xing, but now the engagement was automatically dissolved due to the destruction of the Gu Family. There were many women who admired Du Xiuming, but he never paid any attention to Gu Lingling, not even with disdain or aversion, because Gu Lingling was completely beneath his notice.
While Gu Lingling's attitude was respectful, she seemed a little embarrassed at most, having just been openly dismissive of her work and getting caught by the big boss momentarily; Gu Lingling was scared of what to do if Du Xiuming got angry and punished her.
Gu Lingling's reaction caught Du Xiuming by surprise for a moment, but only for a moment. In fact, he had no reason to meet with a lowly disciple like Gu Lingling. However, having received intelligence that Luo Yunzhen seemed to be seriously injured and was unaccounted for, Du Xiuming thought it was a good opportunity to seize the Radiant Light Decision, so he deliberately came to confirm it.
Du Xiuming was cautious in his actions. He wouldn't favor one side, nor would he act rashly; only by gathering as much information as possible could he make a comprehensive decision.
"Careless words, direct address to the master's name, what should be the penalty?"
Du Xiuming raised an eyebrow, and the Light Yang Sword in his hand emitted a faint blue light, representing the sky, and thereby symbolizing Du Xiuming's upright and resolute character.
"Fifty lashes..."
Gu Lingling blurted out with her tongue hanging out. Darn it, if she really got 50 lashes, she'd be living off the wind for a good few months.
Gu Lingling said with a bitter face, thinking about her and Da Bao's miserable life. Tears almost welled up in her eyes, feeling so damn unjust.
Gu Lingling pouted, her eyes still a little red. If this had been in the past, she would have begged for mercy, but Du Xiuming had a narrowed gaze, seemingly disapproving of Gu Lingling's temperament.
"However…" Du Xiuming waited for Gu Lingling's next sentence. He actually overestimated her just now. Gu Lingling lifted her head, getting rid of her earlier timidity: "The subordinate doesn't want to evade punishment, but the current situation is different. If the subordinate is injured, the Forgetful Pavilion will surely suspect the subordinate and it may delay the young master's plan. So, let the young master mete out the punishment once the task is completed."
Gu Lingling's words were neither servile nor avoiding responsibility; they were entirely in consideration of the overall situation.
Du Xiuming looked at Gu Lingling's bowed waist and had a sense of determination.
"In consideration of your focus on the overall situation, I'll remember the fifty lashes for now."
Although Gu Lingling was just a small pawn, Du Xiuming didn't want to ruin his whole plan due to a small mistake.
Gu Lingling lowered her head, sighed softly, and thought to herself that by the time that happened, she would have already run away. Who would still be waiting for you to hit them? Dream on.
"Is there any rumor or strange things happening at the Forget Worry Pavilion recently?" Du Xiuming, in blue clothes and with a blue sword, emitted a hazy light under the glittering starlight. If you looked closely, his face bore some resemblance to Luo Yunzhen, except that Du Xiuming didn't have the otherworldly temperament of Luo Yunzhen and looked more like an earthly nobleman.
Du Xiuming, knowing that what Gu Lingling said about "liking men" was just nonsense, asked. After a moment of contemplation, Gu Lingling thought about the things she had experienced, and which had no connection with Tao Fanru.
Gu Lingling didn't know if Du Xiuming had seen Tao Fanru before, so she only mentioned taking Luo Yunzhen to the martial arts field and inquired about the guard's health.
Unexpectedly, after listening, Du Xiuming was even more silent than when he heard about Luo Yunzhen's "preference for men", apparently not believing it.
"If you don't believe me, you can ask Tao Miss. We were all together at the time."
Du Xiuming couldn't figure out Luo Yunzhen's tricks, but seeing Gu Lingling's demeanor, she didn't seem like she was lying, as Luo Yunzhen never did anything without a purpose.
Du Xiuming had always been compared to Luo Yunzhen by the people of the Immortal Sect. Besides having the same age and similar appearance, they also had equally meticulous thoughts.
It was one thing to be completely surpassed by Luo Yunzhen, like Liao Feixing, but the most awkward was Du Xiuming. Without Luo Yunzhen, he would have been the number one nobleman, but with Luo Yunzhen, he was always overshadowed by him.
It was no longer just a simple family feud with Luo Yunzhen, but a long-term suppression, a situation of "you have me or else me, I have you or else you", longing for Luo Yunzhen to disappear forever.
Watching Du Xiuming deep in thought, Gu Lingling bowed and took a few steps back before leaving.
"Wait." Gu Lingling was startled and turned around, awaiting Du Xiuming's instructions. "I heard you picked up a kid?"
Gu Lingling was surprised and looked up at Du Xiuming, who still maintained a noble appearance.
"Master, I did pick up a child. The child seemed pitiful, as if he had been separated from his parents, so I'm currently taking care of him."
Gu Lingling replied cautiously, unsure of Du Xiuming's intentions. Was he aware that she wanted to leave the Pure Gate and take care of the child? Or was it a reminder that no matter what she did, she couldn't escape the Pure Gate's scrutiny?
Du Xiuming didn't comment on Gu Lingling's response, gently closed his eyes, and signaled that Gu Lingling could leave.
Now Gu Lingling felt a little uneasy. It seemed that she had to be more careful in the future and not give anyone a handle on her.
As soon as Gu Lingling left, a delicate figure emerged from the miasma.
When Du Xiuming saw this figure, his contemplative eyes suddenly lit up. He took a step forward, then immediately stopped, then remembered to wave his hand, dispelling the miasma. He no longer appeared calm and composed but resembled a young man experiencing the first stirrings of love.
"Fanru?"
Upon hearing someone call her name, Tao Fanru looked somewhat bewildered, as Du Xiuming didn't even notice he had purified the miasma for her.
Tao Fanru suddenly snapped out of her daze, and upon seeing Du Xiuming standing in front of her, her expression was not as surprised as Du Xiuming had expected. Instead, it was tinged with some resistance and avoidance, a state Tao Fanru had never experienced before.
"Xiuming, did you call me here for something?"
Tao Fanru looked a little weary. Her usually rosy lips were a little pale, and her bright and calculating eyes seemed a bit glazed, as if she were troubled by some problem.
"The matter is not important, Fanru. Are you not feeling well?"
Du Xiuming stepped forward, reached out to hold Tao Fanru's shoulder, but she dodged it discreetly. Du Xiuming was taken aback and forgot about his intelligence, concerned about Tao Fanru's condition instead.
Tao Fanru, with her head down, had been thinking of Luo Yunzhen ever since she arrived at the Forget Worry Pavilion. Then, it was merely for her grand cause, pondering how to get closer. For Tao Fanru, only those three words puzzled her.
But once she saw Luo Yunzhen at the martial arts field, the three words "Luo Yunzhen" took on a concrete form in her mind. Combined with her inexplicable obsession, Tao Fanru couldn't help but pay attention to her own feelings.
"I'm fine. You have other things to attend to. Don't let me delay you. Recently, Luo Yunzhen wanted to select attendants, but he was held up by something. I didn't have a chance to come into contact with the Radiance Decision."
"Held up by something? What kind of problem? Maybe it's because he's still recovering from his injuries and has released..." Du Xiuming's brow furrowed, finding this information suspicious.
Tao Fanru blinked and said, "It doesn't seem like it. Luo Yunzhen is very meticulous and wouldn't do something so overtly suspicious. Besides, it's true that there's a case involving the mortal realm's royal family that he needs to handle personally."
It was indeed true, but it wasn't Luo Yunzhen handling the case. However, it was a secretive matter involving the royal family, so Pavilion Master Jinglong personally went to handle it, and only a few knew about it, Tao Fanru being one of them.
As to why she chose to cover for Luo Yunzhen, even Tao Fanru couldn't understand it.
"With the rampant monsters in various places appearing crazed, it's dangerous to be out and about without me. Be careful when you're out cleaning up filth."
After finishing the matter at hand, Du Xiuming's eyes softened. Recently, various immortal sects had received numerous reports of abnormal behavior from monsters. These cases varied in severity but shared a common feature – they were inexplicable.
All things in the world had their own rules. Birds had wings to fly, and water had sources to flow. These rules also included vengeful ghosts bringing calamities and monsters being violent.
However, these abnormal monsters weren't necessarily bloodthirsty, yet they were brazenly slaughtering and had attracted the attention of the various immortal sects.
"Fine."
Tao Fanru replied dismissively, deepening Du Xiuming's concern. However, he also knew that although Tao Fanru appeared delicate, she was strong-willed and never wanted to rely on others.
"Fanru, I got a protective charm from a temple for you. Wear it, and it will keep you safe."
As Du Xiuming said this, he made a motion to take something from his long sleeve. However, there was nothing in his sleeve. Instead, with this action, he quickly activated the charm and turned his spiritual sense into a small protective charm pendant that he placed on Tao Fanru.
With a light touch, he put the pendant on her and gently kissed her forehead, then finally let Tao Fanru go.
Rotten vegetables!
Gu Lingling looked down in distress, then raised her head, already wearing a carefully pleasing face.
"Don't misunderstand, don't misunderstand, I just came out to find..." my son...
"You noticed too, there's something unusual?"
Bai Jin didn't even have the intention to observe Gu Lingling's expression, he was staring around with a guarded look.
He was meditating in the room just now when he suddenly felt a strong hostility, and at the same time, a weak aura of Luo Yunzhen. Bai Jin was worried because Luo Yunzhen was already seriously injured and still running around.
He was worried that an accident might happen to Luo Yunzhen, but when he came out to check, the hostility had disappeared, and Luo Yunzhen's aura was also gone. Except for the slight signs of a struggle remaining on the building, everything was as normal as it could be.
But Bai Jin didn't dare to slack off, because from the current situation, it was impossible to tell whether Luo Yunzhen was safe and sound, or had an accident. He had to make sure.
Gu Lingling didn't expect to run into Bai Jin. She thought it was just a night watchman, thinking that she could get away with a few kind words. But Bai Jin was an elder, and very shrewd. It wouldn't be so easy to deceive him.
Following Bai Jin's words, Gu Lingling said, "That's right, that's right. I felt something was wrong when I was sleeping just now. I came out and looked around but found nothing."
"Then why didn't you report it to the court?"
"So many elite disciples haven't noticed anything unusual. If a low-level disciple like me says there's a problem, I'm afraid no one would believe it," Gu Lingling said, pretending to be reluctant.
This explanation did make sense. But although the hostility was strong, it disappeared in an instant, making it difficult for someone with average skill to sense it, let alone Luo Yunzhen, who deliberately concealed his aura.
Bai Jin finally withdrew his gaze and scrutinized Gu Lingling, this disciple really surprised him. "Oh? Since elite disciples couldn’t sense it, how did you, as a low-level disciple of the Corrosion Bone Court, perceive it?"
This Bai Jin was really quick to react. Gu Lingling hadn't even realized the loophole in her excuse. Bai Jin looked down at Gu Lingling because he wanted to catch her violating the rules like a headteacher who had all the information but still waited for Gu Lingling to explain further, and then pointed out her loophole with disdain.
The two of them were embarrassing, but then there was a faint voice in the mist. Gu Lingling and Bai Jin couldn't help but look in the direction of the sound.
Gu Lingling was excited. It seemed she had escaped this ordeal. Whoever it was, it was definitely abnormal to be out at this late hour. Bai Jin had already taken a defensive stance, his sword appeared with a shimmer, and the light forced the mist to dissipate.
After waiting for a long time, the foggy mist was still white, and no figure could be seen, but the voice was slowly getting closer.
Gu Lingling felt a chill on her back. Hearing the voice without seeing anyone, this was a standard element of a horror movie. Although she had encountered evil spirits and even a fierce ghost once, that time was straightforward and not as terrifying as this. The unknown was what frightened her the most.
Quietly, she hid behind Bai Jin and asked softly, "Elder Bai, could it be a ghost?"
Bai Jin laughed in exasperation. It was embarrassing for a disciple of the Forgetful Court to fear ghosts, and even less intimidating than the eerie tone of Gu Lingling's voice in her ear.
Finally, a pale pink figure appeared in the mist, and before Bai Jin could react, Gu Lingling had pushed him aside and rushed over.
"Da Bao! You've made your mother so worried. Where did you go?" Gu Lingling anxiously grabbed Da Bao, who emerged from the mist, and touched his face with her hand, feeling cold. He seemed to have been outside for a long time.
Gu Lingling then noticed that Da Bao's hair was damp, and water was dripping from it onto her hand as she checked for injuries. Even in the darkness, the blood-red liquid was particularly glaring, but there was no bloody, pungent smell. Instead, Gu Lingling smelled a faint, refreshing fragrance.
Too concerned with Da Bao's "injury," Gu Lingling didn't notice the fragrance, which was actually Da Bao's usual scent.
"Da Bao, what's wrong with you? Did you hurt your head?" Gu Lingling's voice trembled, and she nervously felt Da Bao's round head, during which Da Bao didn't resist, letting Gu Lingling push his head from side to side.
His indifferent gaze was fixed on the shocked Bai Jin, who was still holding his sword, seemingly displeased with the scene in front of him.
Bai Jin quickly sheathed his sword, placing both hands on his chest and shrugging, indicating absolute compliance. Besides being surprised, Bai Jin was more shocked and disbelieving as he looked at Da Bao, glancing at Gu Lingling.
Da Bao gave an inconspicuous glance at Gu Lingling, who was examining him, and subtly shook his head at Bai Jin, indicating that he should keep quiet and not reveal anything.
Bai Jin got the confirmation, and though he was smiling with his mouth wide open, there was a hint of amusement in his eyes, and his tear mole became even more vivid due to the curvature of his eyes.
Unexpectedly, Luo Yunzhen, who was wrapped up in "important matters" today, actually went to cheapen himself as someone's "son."
Thinking back to how Luo Yunzhen deliberately made him personally teach the class, including the Corrosion Bone Court, and "accidentally" came to the Martial Arts Field, intentionally selecting the disciples who were sweeping.
It turned out that all of this was for this low-level disciple in front of him.
But this disciple was somewhat interesting, clever and flexible. No wonder she could subdue the unruly Luo Yunzhen, and made him let go of the special period of his Yuan Infant to handle the court's affairs. Under the pretense of "important matters" entwining him.
It had to be noted that Luo Yunzhen rarely suffered injuries, but once he reverted to the state of the Yuan Infant, besides Bai Jin, no one had ever even heard of, let alone seen him in that condition.
Bai Jin couldn't help but look at Gu Lingling with a higher regard.
After warning Bai Jin, chubby little hands held Gu Lingling's wrist, and in response to Gu Lingling's questioning gaze, pushed her away.
After dealing with the monster, whether it was due to the influence of the hostility or the excessive consumption of spiritual power in repairing the barrier, Luo Yunzhen's aura was in disarray.
In the depths of the poisonous fog and the dense pests at the bottom of the Forgetful Courtyard Valley, there was a spring, the water of which was as bright red as blood, yet it exuded a faint, cold, and ethereal fragrance. What's more, this blood spring was an excellent remedy for injuries.
The first time Gu Lingling found Luo Yunzhen, he was actually going to the blood spring to heal. Finally, she kept him with her as a lost child, and that was because Luo Yunzhen would go to the blood spring for healing every night. Otherwise, with his character, he wouldn't have let Gu Lingling treat him like a child and knead him.
Realizing that Da Bao was not injured, Gu Lingling felt relieved, and then put on the stern act of a strict mother, scolding him and pretending to be angry, "What are you running around for in the middle of the night? If you don't tell me the reason today, I will spank you."
As she spoke, Gu Lingling even made a spanking motion.
Da Bao instinctively covered his buttocks, but the memory haunted him, and his face turned dark.
Bai Jin, who had been spectating, was initially amused, but when he saw Gu Lingling scolding Luo Yunzhen as if he were a son and about to spank him, his reaction quickly changed from surprise to shock, like riding a roller coaster.
Dare to hit Luoyun Zhen? Bai Jin couldn't help but take a few steps back, hoping not to be splattered with blood in a while.
But what made him even more frightened was that Luoyun Zhen's tender little mouth actually hesitated for a few moments and said in a barely audible, but milk-toned voice, "Pee, pee."
Bai Jin felt like he must be dreaming, and a nightmare at that.
When Dabao first spoke, Gu Lingling was comforted, but she felt more pride. She rubbed Dabao's reddened face and said, "Is that right? Look, as long as you answer your mother's questions, you don't have to be spanked, so good children must speak."
Gu Lingling took Dabao's little hand, shaking it and gesturing to him, "Quick, say goodbye to uncle."
Dabao: "..."
Bai Jin: "!!!!!!"
"No need, no need, you two hurry back, it's late at night and the dew is heavy, don't let the child catch a cold."
When he said the word "child," Bai Jin felt like he couldn't straighten his tongue, he could see the murderous look in Luoyun Zhen's eyes.
Bai Jin forced an unnatural smile, which scared Gu Lingling into hiding Dabao behind her, looking as if she was staring at a strange old man.
Since that night, Dabao had once again crossed Gu Lingling's bottom line. Even on normal days, he would occasionally speak a few words in a soft, gentle tone that melted Gu Lingling's heart, but whenever she tried to coax him to say more, Dabao would tightly shut his mouth, seeming a little angry.
During this time, the monsters became unusually frequent. In addition to going to the blood spring for healing at night, Dabao also had to return to the Worry-Free Palace to handle the backlog of cases.
While Luoyun Zhen didn't think much of it, Bai Jin was starting to struggle. The increasing intensity of the blue color in his eyes led to him feeling dizzy during the day, almost causing embarrassment.
Bai Jin had also indirectly asked Luoyun Zhen why he didn't handle official duties during the day. At that time, Luoyun Zhen was carefully pondering the frequent anomalies in various places behind the desk, and when he looked up, his eyes, as deep as if embedded in the ice field, seemed calm before the storm, containing danger within their tranquility.
After that, Bai Jin dared not ask again. In fact, later on, he also understood why. During the day, Luoyun Zhen had to accompany that little girl. How could there be time to deal with these "trivial matters"?
Although the number of cases increased during this time, most of them were caused by monstrous disasters, or they were third-tier or higher cases. It seemed that the abnormal activities of the monsters in the world were causing vague signs of unrest.
Even first and second-tier cases didn't fall into Gu Lingling's hands, according to her rank, she was just a newcomer who had been there for only a year.