“Is that plum noodle soup?” Xiang Xian spotted the noodles Wu Yingzong had bought back and said, “I want some. It’s perfect for summer. Oh, and there are meat pies too. You guys sure know how to enjoy yourselves.”
Everyone was speechless.
Xiang Xian: “What happened just now?”
Chaosheng: “Brother Kun said that when you fought the Demon Person…”
Xiao Kun shot Chaosheng a look to stop him, signaling that since the Demonic Qi had been resolved, there was no need to stir up more trouble and worry Xiang Xian unnecessarily. He simply said, “We encountered Sa Luan, who had fallen to demonic possession, at the Dongting Lake Shore. You got injured, so I hurried back. Chaosheng healed you.”
Xiang Xian remembered. His memory lingered on the final direct clash with Sa Luan.
Wu Yingzong said, “We also ran into Yelu Yari here in Kaifeng.”
“That kid’s got a solid Cultivation Base,” Xiang Xian said. “Did they modify him?”
Xiao Kun sighed. Xiang Xian realized this would worry him and changed his tone: “No big deal. He just got ambushed. Next time, we’ll settle the score.”
The cicadas started chirping noisily again. Xiao Kun leaned against one side of the main couch, deep in thought.
Xiang Xian ate the plum noodle soup, patted Xiao Kun to reassure him not to worry, finished the bowl in one go with the bottom facing up, and asked for another. Wu Yingzong said, “I’ll go buy some right away.”
“Call a runner from outside the alley,” Xiao Kun instructed. “You rest too.”
Wu Yingzong replied, “There’s a wolf guarding outside. The runners won’t dare come in.”
Xiang Xian: “???”
Xiao Kun remembered Wu Yingzong’s letter and realized he had forgotten about it.
Xiang Xian had also completely forgotten: “What wolf?”
Xiao Kun was about to have Baoyin come inside to explain in detail when Mu Qingshan saw his intent and said, “If you let her in, I’ll leave.”
Xiao Kun had no choice but to say, “Fine, let’s fill our stomachs first.”
Wu Yingzong went straight outside without listening to the conversation at the door. He was already used to seeing the Cyan Wolf guarding in front of the Division. In no time, he returned, bringing someone with him.
“I’ve invited back the head chef from Bai Xiao Chun,” Wu Yingzong said as he took out kneaded dough, a cutting board, and all sorts of seasonings from his Qiankun Bag. “What does everyone want to eat? Let him make it fresh for us.”
Chaosheng cheered. The Exorcism Division was a regular customer at the restaurant. The head chef was a amiable middle-aged man who prepared a table of noodle soups for them, along with plenty of refreshing cold dishes like marinated beef and small snacks.
Xiao Kun said to Xiang Xian, “When we received the letter, you were busy. Do you remember? The Cyan Wolf chased the White Deer all the way south from the Northern Regions.”
Xiang Xian guessed the whole story from the beginning and said, “Let me go see. Is she still outside the door right now?”
“Yes, Master,” Wu Yingzong answered. “After the Burning Tail Banquet, she’s been guarding the door.”
Mu Qingshan seemed about to speak but held back. Xiang Xian just glanced at him, and Mu Qingshan cowed a bit. Though Xiao Kun was the boss in the Exorcism Division, everyone knew Xiang Xian wasn’t as easygoing as Xiao Kun.
Perhaps because he usually acted so carefree, but when it came to things he was set on, he never compromised. Mu Qingshan didn’t dare openly threaten him.
Xiang Xian went outside and saw a giant wolf the size of a carriage, entirely blue-gray, lying down taller than two Stone Lions. It stuck out its tongue, panting to cool off.
This was the first time in Xiang Xian’s life he had seen such a massive wolf.
“Esteemed… Wolf Brother? No, Wolf Sister?” Xiang Xian said. “Our Division may be small, but it’s still an official site. With you blocking the road like this, it’s hard for this official to account to the court.”
Xiao Kun followed him out and jumped when he saw the wolf, not expecting it to be so huge.
The Cyan Wolf narrowed its eyes, yawned, stretched lazily, and shrank its body slightly.
“It’s not about the size,” Xiang Xian said. “It’s getting late. Shouldn’t you head home for dinner?”
“The one in charge is finally back.” The Cyan Wolf said lazily, “The Exorcism Division is holding my fiancé. Isn’t that unreasonable? Hand over the White Deer, and I’ll leave right away.”
Xiao Kun: “Stealing a bride? I warn you, don’t refuse the toast and choose the forfeit.”
The Cyan Wolf’s eyes snapped open, its majesty fully displayed.
Xiang Xian gave Xiao Kun a look, signaling there was no need to fight here.
“You two brothers, who exactly is in charge?” The Cyan Wolf restrained its ferocity, tilted its head, sized them up, a hint of coquettishness in its gaze.
Xiang Xian: “This is one of the world’s Grand Demon-Exorcists, the Great Song Demon-Exorcism Division Chief Envoy.”
Xiao Kun: “It doesn’t matter who says it. Xiang Xian is the Deputy Emissary, and I’m the Chief Emissary.”
The Cyan Wolf said, “Why don’t you two discuss it? My request is simple: hand over Mu Qingshan, and we’re friends. Otherwise—”
“What do you want with Mu Qingshan?” Xiao Kun asked seriously.
“Of course, to get married!” The Cyan Wolf replied. “Cyan Wolf and White Deer have been destined lovers since ancient times. What else? Grill him and eat him? What kind of question is that?”
“What if I don’t hand him over?” Xiao Kun hated being threatened. He always yielded to gentleness but not force. He just waited for the Cyan Wolf to make threats, then he and Xiang Xian would team up, beat it down, and it would behave.
