Walking out of the inner hall, Xu Er Lang looked around but couldn’t find any maids.

Though the rear compound was the Administrative Commissioner’s living area, it was still part of the Administrative Office. As a government office, it naturally couldn’t have too many beautiful women around—Xu Er Lang understood this.

After walking a bit further, he found the master and disciple pair in a small courtyard to the west, sitting lazily in the sun by a stone table with their bellies full.

Xu Er Lang’s mouth twitched slightly as he put on a stern face:

“Weren’t you two planning to go to the Southern Border? Leave tomorrow then.”

Xu Ling Yin was greatly surprised, exaggeratedly opening her mouth and letting out a long “Ah” sound before looking at Li Na and saying:

“Master, isn’t this the Southern Border?”

“Of course not, we’re still far from my homeland. Well, not terribly far—I could carry you there in seven days and nights of running,” Li Na said, patting her chest.

Xu Ling Yin happily climbed onto her, sitting her little bottom on Li Na’s face.

Li Na swatted her away with a “pah” like swatting a fly. “Didn’t we just say we’re leaving tomorrow? Ling Yin, you’re always so stupid.”

You’re not much smarter… Xu Er Lang coughed and said sternly:

“Why didn’t you save any food for me?”

Li Na quickly passed the blame: “Ling Yin said Second Brother wouldn’t be hungry.”

Xu Ling Yin opened her big eyes and nodded seriously: “Second Pot won’t be hungry.”

Li Na said: “Well, nothing we can do about that…”

…Xu Er Lang was speechless and stormed off.

He’d just had the urge to crack open his sister’s and Li Na’s heads to see what they were thinking.

How could they say such pig-headed things so naturally and seriously?

At this moment, he saw someone enter through the arched courtyard gate—an ugly man with a Lei Gong mouth. It was Sun Xuanji’s companion, the demon he’d brought back from the Southern Border.

As for his name, Xu Xin Nian hadn’t asked.

“Good sir, I am Xu Xin Nian,” Xu Er Lang went forward and bowed.

Guardian Yuan followed local customs with a somewhat awkward bow in return.

“How should I address you?”

“Guardian Yuan!”

What a strange name… Xu Er Lang quickly asked: “Xu Qi’an is my elder brother. Could Guardian Yuan tell me about his situation in the Southern Border?”

Hearing this, Guardian Yuan’s eyes brightened slightly, his attitude changing completely.

“Master Xu is too kind. This Guardian will tell you everything I know without reserve.”

The two stood in the courtyard, and after a deep conversation, Xu Xin Nian gained a thorough understanding of Guardian Yuan.

He was from the Southern Border, a Guardian of the Demon Nation, at the Fourth Rank realm.

His innate divine ability was seeing into people’s hearts, and he had also cultivated the Buddhist Mind-Reading technique. It was precisely because of this ability that Sun Xuanji took notice of him and accepted him as a disciple.

He’s probably not a disciple, just being used as a voice transmitter… Xu Xin Nian, who knew well of Sun Xuanji’s language difficulties, thought to himself.

Guardian Yuan glanced at him and said sadly:

“You guessed right. I’m just a tool monkey.”

Damn, I forgot he can see through my thoughts. It’s so tiring to communicate with someone like this… Xu Er Lang’s face stiffened, and he hurriedly explained:

“Guardian Yuan misunderstands. I didn’t mean to criticize you—Senior Brother Sun noticed your ability out of appreciation for talent, that’s all.”

Guardian Yuan said quietly: “It’s very tiring to communicate with someone like me. Master Xu shouldn’t force himself.”

“…”

Xu Xin Nian steadied himself and silently recited classical texts in his mind to control his wandering thoughts.

Guardian Yuan’s clear blue eyes watched him for a moment before looking away with disinterest.

“What kind of demon was Elder Night Ji?”

From their earlier conversation, Xu Er Lang knew his brother hadn’t spared even female demons.

“Elder Night Ji is of the Fox clan!”

Guardian Yuan answered every question.

Ah, the Fox clan. She must be captivatingly beautiful and seductive. I’d like to see that sometime… Stop, stop, can’t think about that anymore. Learning and regular practice is not a pleasure… Xu Xin Nian reined in his thoughts and, seeing Li Na and Xu Ling Yin not far away had an idea:

“Could Guardian Yuan see what my two sisters are thinking?”

He had often been puzzled about why Ling Yin was so stupid.

Having witnessed Guardian Yuan’s frightening mind-reading ability, Xu Er Lang thought perhaps it was time to uncover the reason for Ling Yin’s slow-wittedness. If he could understand what Ling Yin thought about all day, he could then prescribe the right medicine and perhaps guide her onto the right path.

This would also remove one of his mother’s worries.

The White Ape Guardian nodded and walked alongside Xu Xin Nian to approach them.

His clear blue eyes gazed gently at Li Na and Xu Ling Yin.

Xu Ling Yin and Li Na also noticed the ugly Guardian Yuan, but seeing Xu Er Lang beside him, they paid no mind. The master and disciple pair continued chattering about trivial matters while sunbathing to digest their food.

As he watched, Guardian Yuan’s expression became extremely solemn.

This… Xu Er Lang’s heart clenched as he held his breath, waiting silently.

They waited and waited. After two quarter-hours, Guardian Yuan silently turned to leave.

“Guardian Yuan!”

Xu Er Lang caught up with him and found that this Fourth Rank Guardian from the Southern Border had deep respect showing in his clear blue eyes.

“What exactly did you see?”

Xu Er Lang held his breath after asking.

Guardian Yuan seemed to want to speak but hesitated.

“Please, Guardian Yuan, just say it.”

Xu Er Lang’s expression immediately became solemn.

Guardian Yuan finally nodded and said:

“That Southern Border girl was thinking about what to eat for dinner, what to eat tomorrow.”

? A huge question mark flashed through Xu Er Lang’s mind—in two whole quarter-hours, was that all Li Na had thought about?

“As for that child, I’ve met my match. I never expected a little girl would have such a pure heart.”

Guardian Yuan’s expression was solemn as he slowly said: “Her heart is like a clear mirror, empty of all things!”

Heart like a clear mirror, empty of all things, a pure heart… Xu Er Lang was stunned, never expecting Ling Yin to be so naturally gifted.

But after a few seconds, he suddenly realized—for two whole quarter-hours, the well-fed Xu Ling Yin’s mind had been empty, thinking of nothing?!

Guardian Yuan said gravely:

“I’ve only seen such a state in high monks deeply versed in Buddhist dharma, whose hearts are free of worldly dust.”

At this point, the White Ape Guardian showed admiration and approval:

“Worthy indeed of being Detective Xu’s sister. At such a young age, she has already reached such a transcendent state.”

It’s not like that, Guardian Yuan, you may have misunderstood… Xu Xin Nian opened his mouth, but somehow couldn’t get the words of explanation out.

…

On the Southern Border.

In a hidden valley, Xu Qi’an stood in the empty valley with Shen Shu’s two legs before him. Worth noting, the legs were separate—when Shen Shu was dismembered, his legs had been cut off at the root.

After several days of “collecting” blood essence, the power in these legs had greatly recovered.

The remnant soul attached to the legs was proud and battle-loving, but not cunning. On the contrary, his excessive pride and arrogance made him seem somewhat endearing.

For example, when Xu Qi’an had agreed to remove two sealing nails before fighting him, he had strictly kept his promise, reasoning that defeating Xu Qi’an in an honorable battle and fighting to the death with a powerful opponent was life’s greatest joy.

“Are you ready?”

The remnant soul in the legs conveyed its thoughts: “Remove these two sealing nails, and your strength will approach late Third Rank. Then we can have a good fight.”

Xu Qi’an nodded: “After I remove the sealing nails, we’ll have a fierce battle—the entire Southern Border will be our battlefield.”

Removing the sealing nails would greatly drain Shen Shu.

Shen Shu’s legs seemed to boil with hot blood: “I can hardly wait.”

…

Outside the valley, Night Ji and the others felt the ground trembling and saw a terrifying pillar of energy rise from the nearby valley, tearing through the clouds in the sky.

At this moment, with the valley as the center, beasts within dozens of miles crawled fearfully, birds fell from tree branches, and the lower-ranked demons outside the valley found their legs trembling uncontrollably.

After more than ten breaths, the frightening pressure receded, and the valley fell silent.

But the demon crowd still dared not return, the fear in their hearts not yet dispersed.

“Young Master Xu’s cultivation has recovered some more, just one sealing nail left…”

Night Ji felt genuine joy.

After their time together, she now clearly understood Xu Qi’an’s situation.

Bearing half the nation’s destiny, he was bound to Great Feng’s fate, locked in a life-and-death struggle with the Yun Province rebels. Against such a background, every bit of strength was precious.

“Detective Xu truly deserves his reputation as someone who could kill two Vajra,” Guardian Hong Ying murmured.

Though the demon crowd was afraid, they felt more joy.

Having such an ally somehow made the Demon Nation feel more secure.

Inside the valley, Shen Shu’s legs’ aura weakened as they tiredly conveyed their thoughts:

“Wait here a moment while I go seize some creatures’ blood essence, then we’ll fight.”

Just as they were about to fly away, they suddenly felt an overwhelming, vast energy field envelop them.

“You…”

Shen Shu’s legs “turned around” in uncertainty.

“Venerable one, I cannot fight you now, nor can you go out to seize blood essence,” Xu Qi’an said with a smile.

“You want to go back on your word?”

Shen Shu’s legs were shocked and angry. The thigh muscles suddenly bulged each muscle swelling as if about to explode, gathering power.

At the same time, he expanded his energy, crashing like waves against the containment surrounding him.

Xu Qi’an’s smile remained steady and composed:

“No, not going back on my word—the timing just isn’t right. Of course, no matter how I explain, you won’t understand. So let’s do this by your rules.”

He said coolly: “The strong rule, the weak obey. Now I, as the strongest, command you to sleep obediently.”

Shen Shu was furious, his fighting spirit soaring, his spirit unyielding. The force attacking the containment increased several fold.

“This monk would rather die than submit.”

Xu Qi’an reached out his hand and pressed down hard. Shen Shu’s legs “knelt” with a “bang,” too weak now to move.

Then he took out the jade bottle given by Sun Xuanji, removed the wooden stopper, and sealed the cursing legs of Shen Shu inside.

Devouring creatures to seize blood essence would cause a huge disturbance. Fighting with Shen Shu would likewise cause a huge disturbance.

In the current situation, the Buddhist sect’s scouts must have already spread out to monitor and search for traces of demons.

If Buddhist scouts observed his battle with Shen Shu, Asura would come immediately. Without Sun Xuanji present and the Nine-Tailed Fox not yet returned, Xu Qi’an wasn’t confident he could defeat Asura.

Even joining forces with Shen Shu’s legs, they likely wouldn’t be a match.

And the other dismembered parts were all in a weakened state, not having received blood essence supplements.

But these concerns, these reasons—Shen Shu’s legs wouldn’t listen at all. His mind was filled only with fighting.

Crude legs, unsuited for great matters.

At this moment, Night Ji led the demon crowd into the valley. “Has Master Shen Shu been sealed?”

Xu Qi’an made an affirmative sound and handed the porcelain bottle to her, saying:

“Keep this safe first. Tell the Nine-Tailed Fox that when she returns to the Nine Provinces, she should contact White Ji—I’ll send Shen Shu’s left arm over.”

Night Ji’s delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly:

“Is Young Master Xu leaving?”

“I need to visit the Gu tribe. You can tell me about the Gu tribe’s situation.”

Xu Qi’an walked toward the stone cave with beauty in his arms.

Since he was in the Southern Border, he decided to take this opportunity to visit the Gu tribe and have a talk with that Ancient Gu Granny.

The Seven Fatal Gu had an extremely significant background—he had to understand clearly what it was and why it contained the Gu God’s memories.

Otherwise, his mind wouldn’t be at ease.

“This servant wishes she could accompany Young Master to the Gu tribe, but tribal affairs are too numerous.” Night Ji was reluctant to part.

As they spoke, the two entered the cave. Night Ji sat at the table and said:

“Since you’re going to the Gu tribe, there are some benefits we shouldn’t forget. Let me make a list for Young Master… Young Master?”

She looked bewildered as Xu Qi’an pulled her up and lifted her skirt to her waist.

“You write your list. Spring nights are short—let’s not waste time.”

Xu Qi’an pressed down Floating Fragrance’s waist, making her half-lean over the desk.

…

The next day.

A red giant bird with a forty-foot wingspan soared over the mountains, flying southeast.

“Brother Hong Ying, your speed is much faster than that broken pagoda,” Miao Youfang laughed.

“We Red Birds are the kings of the sky, proud rulers,” Hong Ying responded loudly.

Miao Youfang was stunned for a moment, thinking that “proud” had nothing to do with his brother at all.

But he wasn’t Guardian Yuan, so he immediately laughed and said:

“Well said, kings of the sky indeed! It’s my great fortune to befriend Brother Hong Ying.”

“No, no, no, it’s this Guardian’s honor to befriend Brother Miao—my ancestors’ graves must be smoking with pride!”

Are you sure you even have ancestors’ graves as a demon? Xu Qi’an listened to the man and demon’s mutual flattery and mentally criticized him.

“Ahem!”

He coughed and looked at Mu Nanchi beside him, saying: “Nanchi, I…”

Mu Nanchi turned away, ignoring him.

Although the Pagoda had various supplies and one could live in it for ten days to half a month without issue, Mu Nanchi was annoyed that he had ignored her, waiting so many days before releasing her.

Xu Qi’an patiently explained to her about how dangerous this journey had been, that he had just experienced a life-and-death battle.

He had engaged in a battle of wits and strength with the demon women, extremely draining.

Now that all was accomplished, he had persuaded the demon woman and allied with the Demon Nation.

As Mu Nanchi listened, her eyebrows suddenly shot up:

“Hand!”

The dog of a man had sneakily put his arm around her waist without permission.

Xu Qi’an grinned and said he was afraid she might fall off if she wasn’t steady.

Mu Nanchi “angrily” pushed and punched at him. After playing around for a while, she suddenly realized something and looked around:

“Where’s White Ji?”

“Wasn’t she in your arms…” Xu Qi’an glanced at her embrace. “Oh,” he said, “You threw her out just now.”

“Quick, go back and find her! Don’t let her fall to death.”

Mu Nanchi cried out.

“She won’t die, she won’t die…”