Chapter 307: Is It Really Okay to Talk About This in Front of the Person Involved?
Luo Wusheng initially thought Night Crow's visit today was mainly to verify the intelligence that Xuan Ming had sent back to the Six Gates Bureau and to test his current strength.
Otherwise, what kind of guest would come unannounced and take a sneak attack at someone like him?
Well, the Six Gates Bureau indeed couldn't openly appear right now. Not to mention that they were likely still covertly chasing down traces of the Netherkin Nation alongside a host of other experts. Even if that weren't the case, in the current political climate of the royal city, the Bureau—being the only imperial-affiliated agency known to the public—would spark a media frenzy if they openly associated with Luo Wusheng.
There were already countless eyes waiting to see if the Empress would make an appearance today.
And she had, sort of. Though the one who showed up was her Mortal Alter Ego.
Still, for two high-ranking members of the Six Gates Bureau to visit him early in the morning on his first day back, albeit discreetly, was a sign of their respect for him and their acknowledgment of their mutual rapport.
This made sense. Both Night Crow and Kirin had a certain level of familiarity with Luo Wusheng.
Kirin's presence, in particular, wasn't surprising—after all, she was the first person Luo Wusheng had met in the royal city, and they shared the closest relationship. Especially since they had only parted ways yesterday when Kirin's Taoist Alter Ego had left him.
Once they assessed his strength, they'd likely exchange a few words and leave, right? The royal city was chaotic, after all, and the Six Gates Bureau should be swamped with work.
But—
"—So you see, Brother Luo, these two have quite a mutual affection for each other. It's just that their duties keep them apart. Given my relationship with you, wouldn't it be wonderful for Susu to lend a hand at your Pavilion? This way, she can assist you regularly, and when needed, she can also serve as a liaison between us and the Six Gates Bureau. A win-win, don't you think?"
Luo Wusheng's expression grew increasingly peculiar as he listened to Night Crow's pitch.
His cute junior sister, who had been sitting beside him earlier, had already excused herself.
Not because she was too busy to join them, but because even the mischievous demoness couldn't bear to stay.
Who would've expected that Night Crow, a high-ranking officer of the Six Gates Bureau, would spend two entire incense sticks' worth of time rambling about a subordinate's undercover operations!?
'So that's why he sent Miss Su over to Old Wang last night...'
But this buildup wasn't leading where it seemed.
Luo Wusheng could clearly tell that Night Crow was trying to deepen their relationship. And not just him—anyone could see it.
Chit-chatting about trivial matters, leveraging Old Wang's connection to a wealthy patron to bring the Pavilion and the Bureau closer, and finally pushing for a stronger bond between him and Night Crow himself.
Now they were calling each other brothers.
What was Night Crow trying to achieve? Was the Six Gates Bureau really this idle?
Luo Wusheng glanced at Kirin, whose expression seemed as though she was barely holding it together, and then smiled faintly.
"Old Wang and Miss Su do seem to share a deep connection, and we could certainly use more hands at the Pavilion. Let's do as you suggest, Brother Night Crow."
As a boss, he had to support his subordinates' love lives.
"That's great! This way, Susu won't have to struggle with her role as an undercover agent, and her family can even draft an engagement contract with your Pavilion. Speaking of engagements…"
At this moment, Luo Wusheng understood.
The hidden agenda had been revealed.
Night Crow had clearly learned about his engagement to the Empress from Xuan Ming!
So this whole charade of building rapport was to…
Subtly probe this matter in front of both parties involved?
Thud.
A soft sound came from the table.
It was Kirin tapping the table lightly, interrupting Night Crow mid-sentence.
"These days, with the Netherkin Nation incidents and the upcoming Human Immortal List, the Six Gates Bureau has much to handle. We shouldn't overstay our welcome," she said coldly. "Let's get to the point."
Night Crow froze.
'I underestimated this. I should've briefed Kirin on the engagement beforehand... Oh well, I did sense a slight fluctuation in aura when I brought it up. I couldn't pinpoint where it came from, but Xuan Ming's intel should be accurate...'
Satisfied that his objective had been roughly achieved, Night Crow adjusted his collar, flipped his hand, and placed something on the table.
"You're right. Here."
"This is the jade talisman to lift the barrier around the Wandering Immortal Inn," Kirin explained. "The commotion at the inn earlier attracted too much attention. Given the current climate, the Six Gates Bureau temporarily sealed it off to contain the situation. But now that you're back, it naturally belongs to you again."
The fact that Luo Wusheng was the new owner of the Wandering Immortal Inn was already public knowledge.
Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Night Crow handed over the jade talisman but quickly composed himself.
"In addition to this item, I also have some intriguing information…"
<+>
Luo Wusheng's expression turned even stranger as he watched the two Six Gates Bureau officers teleport away.
"Taoist Sect Chief Disciple, Ji Yanyao, is temporarily acting as the Pavilion Lord of the Taoist Artifact Pavilion…"
Night Crow had indeed shared some intelligence before leaving.
He left behind a few pages of documents regarding recent developments in the royal city, which Luo Wusheng hadn't yet had time to review.
But his parting comment...
He claimed the information was fresh, straight from the Bureau's spies, and hadn't even been disseminated yet. A heads-up for the Demon Artifact Pavilion to prepare in advance.
Yet delivering such news in front of the person involved—was that really appropriate?
Moreover, hadn't Xuan Ming already returned to the Six Gates Bureau? If they'd leaked news of the engagement, wouldn't they have also mentioned his positive relationship with the Taoist Sect Chief Disciple?
'Forget it. These matters don't need immediate attention.'
Luo Wusheng dismissed his thoughts about the Taoist Artifact Pavilion. To him, it was no longer relevant.
The new information merely added a label to the Taoist Artifact Pavilion in his mind: "Her Majesty's Taoist Alter Ego current residence."
What mattered more…
Luo Wusheng weighed the jade talisman in his hand.
He had been contemplating where to activate the Holy Saint Token, but now it seemed unnecessary.
With the talisman, he could lift the Bureau's barrier or simply enter the inn himself.
This made the sealed-off Wandering Immortal Inn the most suitable location.
But…
"What happened that day needs an explanation…"
Thinking about the inn brought back memories of the so-called good fortune that could alter his fate. Comparing his current self to before, he recalled the turning point for his transformation. Taking a deep breath, he muttered:
"Where on earth has that white-haired little girl gone off to?"
- - - - - - - - - -
Note: If you want to see more chapters of this story, please join my Patreon[1], for $5 each month, you can read all of the available chapters.
Patreon Account: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=93297024[2]
Latest Chapter In Patreon: Chapter 459: Perhaps This Is the Reason?[3]
Link to the latest chapter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/chapter-459-this-145189084[4]
[1] https://www.patreon.com/user?u=93297024
[2] https://www.patreon.com/user?u=93297024
[3] https://www.patreon.com/posts/chapter-459-this-145189084
[4] https://www.patreon.com/posts/chapter-459-this-145189084