The Unruly Immortals

Zhao Qin, buoyed by the effects of alcohol, prattled on to Li Huowang, seemingly attempting to dissuade him from becoming a bodyguard.

However, at this moment, Li Huowang's attention was no longer on that. A term in Zhao's previous statement had piqued his interest.

"Escort Leader Zhao, what did you just mention about the Astrological Bureau?"

Even though Li Huowang had been in this place for several months now, this was the first time he had heard of such things.

This was a good opportunity to properly understand it.

"The Astrological Bureau? It's said that the place is filled with revered individuals who serve the Emperor. If there's something wicked that neither the constables nor the military can handle, they're counted on to deal with it."

Li Huowang wasn't surprised, as it stood to reason that there would be an entity capable of dealing with such supernatural issues if the Siqi Imperial Court was to maintain stability.

He was only uncertain if these people were trained specifically within the palace or if they were specially summoned from outside.

Seeing that Li Huowang didn't say much, Zhao Qin continued. "But, you see, sometimes they're not that reliable either."

"For example, four years ago, there was a town where for some unknown reason, everyone was massacred."

"Tsk tsk tsk, tens of thousands of people, gone just like that overnight."

As Zhao Qin spoke, he became visibly shaken, completely oblivious to the fact that Li Huowang's fingers gripping his cup were turning white.

Wang Chengxing also chimed in. "I've heard about that too; it was tragic. The dead didn't even have complete bodies."

"How could they do such things, are they not born of parents themselves? They're worse than animals!"

Just then, Li Huowang saw the ferocious-looking Jiang Yingzi approach him.

"Do you see that? Do you see what people are saying about you? How do you, someone like you, deserve to live? Why don't you just go die!"

Li Huowang's breathing began to quicken.

Others might not have noticed, but Bai Lingmiao perceived Li Huowang's distress.

She discreetly swapped places with Chun Xiaoman and covered Li Huowang's trembling hands with her own. "Brother Li, are you alright?"

Li Huowang took a deep breath and with a smile turned to Zhao Qin. "Escort Leader Zhao, let's not discuss matters of the state, such subjects are beyond our concern as commoners."

"Right, right, right! Let the big shots worry about those things. Let's drink, drink! On behalf of my wife, allow me to offer Brother Li another toast!"

"Drink, drink!" Li Huowang directly picked up the jug and poured it into his mouth.

Li Huowang didn't actually drink, and he had even less tolerance for baijiu.

That night, he didn't know when he passed out.

But he found the sensation of drunken stupor quite pleasant, not having to think about anything, not troubled by anything.

"Li Huowang... Li Huowang!"

Hearing the voice, Li Huowang abruptly opened his eyes in his sleep, meeting the hateful gaze of Jiang Yingzi.

Jolting awake to the sight of a young girl covered in blood, missing hands and feet, would startle anyone.

But Li Huowang had grown accustomed to it by now. He glanced at Master Danyang floating above the ceiling and propped himself up on the bed.

The moment he got out of bed clad in his single garment, he immediately clutched his head in pain and sat back down.

"It seems I really can't handle alcohol..." For the first time, Li Huowang felt the agony of a hangover, which might have been exacerbated by heightened sensitivities.

With a "creak," the door was pushed open from the outside. Bai Lingmiao entered, holding a copper basin.

Seeing Li Huowang sitting on the edge of the bed in pain, clutching his head, she hurried over and placed the copper basin on the stand.

With a "splash," water sounded as she wrung out a damp cloth and approached, supporting the back of Li Huowang's head with one hand and gently wiping his face with the other.

Taking the opportunity while she wiped his neck, Li Huowang asked, looking at the face so close to his own, "Where are we?"

"We're still in the Escort Agency. Escort Leader Zhao told me to tell you not to hurry off once you woke up; he's already arranged for someone to look for the Sword Manual."

Li Huowang glanced at the two longswords placed next to his own red Taoist robe and nodded with understanding.

Bai Lingmiao, as if telepathically knowing what Li Huowang was thinking, walked over to him.

She took the longsword and placed it in Li Huowang's hands.

It was the first time that Li Huowang had carefully examined the sword since he had received it.

The sword measured three feet two inches in length and half a finger in width, with a dark tone all over. A deep purple silk tassel floated above the black hilt.

At the grip was a fierce and strange beast, its large teeth bared wide. When touched, it felt as if it could cut the fingers.

Just by appearance, the sword seemed quite ordinary, with none of the traits of a divine weapon.

After thinking, Li Huowang ultimately decided not to unsheathe the sword for a trial.

Not to mention the commotion it would cause, the feeling itself was different.

For some reason, this object gave him an uneasy feeling, much like the "Great Thousand Record."

"Although Master Danyang said this sword poses no threat to me, I still think it's best to draw it sparingly," he said.

"Brother Li, can you still walk? If you can't, I can bring you breakfast to the room," Bai Lingmiao offered.

"No need, I'll be fine after resting a bit. Now that Master Danyang is not chasing us from behind, we can take our time," Li Huowang responded.

As soon as he finished speaking, a chill-inducing triple laughter came from the ceiling.

Li Huowang looked up to see his master's three heads staring at him simultaneously, their eyes full of mockery.

"What are you laughing at!"

"Li, Brother Li?" Bai Lingmiao glanced at the empty ceiling and then back to Li Huowang, a trace of unease rising in her heart.

"It's nothing; let's go down to eat". Li Huowang placed his right hand on her shoulder and staggered toward the door.

By the time he came out, he saw that the day outside was already bright.

The entire Escort Agency was bustling, both in the front and back courtyards.

Zhao Qin had clearly given some orders, as everyone they encountered on the way showed great respect and saluted Li Huowang.

Li Huowang's gaze moved past the wooden pillar on the right and looked towards the lively training field in the distance.

He saw Gouwa, Gao Zhijian, Chun Xiaoman, Sun Baolu, and others gesturing at something with some bodyguards.

"What are they doing?" Li Huowang asked, puzzled.

"Earlier, Gouwa suggested that they give him some pointers, and everyone else ran over to join in the fun. That's how it turned out," Bai Lingmiao explained.

"Heh, always looking for a bargain. Oh, and later, could you stop by the inn and talk to Band Leader Lv? If he doesn't see anyone, he might think we've left them behind," Li Huowang said.

"Mm, got it," she replied.

Li Huowang looked up at Master Danyang and after a moment asked, "There's no trouble with the Immortal Sects, is there?"

Bai Lingmiao's eyes flickered. "No? Brother Li, why do you ask?"

"Good, if there is, remember to tell me. Remember, you're not Li Zhi. If there's any problem, I'll figure out a way to handle it," he reassured her.

"Mm, okay."

Quietness settled around them as they enjoyed the rare calm and slowly made their way to the kitchen.

They had been on the road for a while; it was a rare moment of leisure.

Bai Lingmiao gently leaned into Li Huowang's embrace, her heart instantly filled with sweetness.

"If there's anything, don't hide it from me. No matter how difficult, we can figure it out together. After all, now I... only have you left."

"Mm..."