Chapter 84

Chapter 84

After Sun Rupan called to check on Xu Qiao's condition, the Security Department scheduled the press conference for 5 PM that evening.

Considering that there were already posts on the forum about Zhou Cheng's return to the Second School, the timing was already kind of late. If they delayed any further, the base would fall into chaos again without an official explanation.

After ending the call, Xu Qiao finally started feeling a sense of urgency. She was confident about the beast transformation treatment, but she had never been part of such a large event before.

The lotus flower spirit jumped out, excitedly offering a suggestion: "Wear your favorite green dress, and I'll stick myself in your hair."

Xu Qiao was at a loss for words.

She awkwardly glanced at Qin Chi sitting next to her.

Just as Qin Chi was about to speak, Xu Qiao interrupted him, "Don't encourage him."

Qin Chi paused for a moment and said, "I remember you wearing a black pants and white shirt ensemble. It's very suitable for this occasion—simple and elegant."

Xu Qiao immediately went upstairs to change her clothes.

The lotus flower spirit stayed in the living room's blue vat, voicing dissatisfaction to her male teammate on the sofa, "The black and white outfit isn't good at all. Don't suggest it next time."

Qin Chi, copying the fire dragon, used the water current to respond, "Tonight's press conference is very serious. Wearing a green dress would draw unnecessary criticism to Xu Qiao. But Xu Qiao is good-looking. I believe that even in formal attire, she will be the most eye-catching one at the conference tonight."

The lotus flower spirit read each word happily, "Okay, next time we'll wear the green dress."

About five minutes later, Xu Qiao came back down in the black and white ensemble, her long hair simply tied into a ponytail.

Her eyes were clear and black, her lips red and moist. She had a striking appearance but a gentle and modest personality. The outfit emphasized her intellectual side as a healer or researcher.

Seeing Qin Chi had already put on his black suit jacket, Xu Qiao tucked away the lotus flower spirit and smiled, "Let's go."

The two first went to the lab to meet Professor Lu's team, then headed to the press conference together.

The press conference hadn't started yet, and they were led to a waiting room. As Xu Qiao followed behind Lu Chun, she glanced back and saw that Qin Chi had stopped along the corridor, giving her a look that he would wait there.

Xu Qiao didn't have time to think much. The moment she stepped into the waiting room, she spotted several familiar faces she'd seen on TV.

Marshal Lin Lie, Deputy Marshal Sun Dagui, Security Department Director Sun Jintang, Second School Principal Wei Jian, and Sun Rupan and Lin Shixin, who also belonged to the Security Department.

Xu Qiao's heartbeat quickened immediately.

Sun Rupan, smiling, stepped forward to introduce everyone.

Lu Chun and the two marshals were already old acquaintances, so for them, this was just an ordinary meeting, requiring no formalities.

When it was Xu Qiao's turn, the solemn-faced Lin Lie extended his hand to Xu Qiao and praised, "I heard from Professor Lu that you were a major contributor to the successful resolution of the beast transformation incident. I'm proud that the base has young talent like you."

Xu Qiao tried to maintain her composure, "You flatter me. I just stumbled into the spiritual world first and was able to conduct more experiments thanks to Professor Lu's trust."

Sun Dagui laughed and interjected, "There's no need for this silly child to be modest. You're the second S-class healer candidate in our base, worthy of the term 'talent.'"

Whether it was his reassuring presence or his connection to Sun Fushan, Xu Qiao felt much more at ease in front of Sun Dagui and smiled, "I may not necessarily get promoted to S-class. Don't get your hopes up just yet."

Sun Dagui said, "You definitely will. Not just you, but also Xiao Shan and the others. As long as Professor Lu can find a training method to accelerate your progress, I'm willing to be your coach personally."

Xu Qiao was speechless.

Sun Rupan smiled, "Are you joking? That's more like scaring people. Come over here, Xu Qiao, sit here."

For the next half hour, the two Marshals delved into detailed inquiries about bestialization-related matters. Later, Lin Lie had something to attend to and left, while Sun Dagui escorted the rest to the press conference.

At exactly 5:00 PM, the press conference was broadcast live on all major channels of the base.

In a villa in the central district, Zhao Feng and his four teammates sat together in the living room, all eyes on Xu Qiao.

Her simple formal wear looked special because of her bright, beautiful face, giving off a unique charm. However, nobody dared joke about Xu Qiao, especially in front of Zhao Feng.

The press conference consisted of two parts. The first part included reports from the Security Department, Lv Chun, and Xu Qiao on the bestialization case involving Zhou Cheng, while the second part was a Q&A session with reporters.

Lv Chun stayed calm and collected, and Xu Qiao soon loosened up, answering thoroughly and accurately, with no room for confusion.

The press conference announced a new condition called bestialization and proposed three treatment plans. They urged anyone with symptoms or in need of psychological treatment to visit Lv Chun’s lab as soon as possible. The base's Medical Association would also train a group of healers to cultivate specialists in the spiritual field.

After the broadcast ended, Chu Ling turned off the TV and asked Zhao Feng, "Captain, you wanna go check it out?"

Zhao Feng kept his eyes lowered, as though he hadn't heard.

Another teammate said, "The risk is too high. If the healer messes up and damages the spiritual entities or core, they won't be able to pay for it afterward."

Chu Ling said, "But Xu Qiao has already cured Zhou Cheng. If an A-level healer like her can do it, Professor Lv and the others should be able to do it too. If nothing else works, we can ask Xu Qiao. She's an old classmate, so she'll probably help."

There were solid arguments for both going and staying, and all four teammates turned to Zhao Feng.

Zhao Feng finally said, "Let's wait and see. It's not as serious for me as it was for Zhou Cheng. I've been good these past two months."

In the third ring, at the Jiang family's home, Jiang's mother, remembering how poised Xu Qiao looked sitting among all those important people, felt deep regret. She looked at her son, who was about to leave, with a glimmer of hope. "Xiao Rui, is there really no chance with Xu Qiao anymore? I know I was rude last time, and now I really want to apologize to Xu Qiao..."

Jiang Rui, as usual, remained expressionless. "No need. It was one-sided, and I've let it go. No need to bother her."

For him, just knowing Xu Qiao had become so successful, and being able to see her on TV or online, was enough.

After the official dinner, Xu Qiao went to Lv Chun's lab to grab some research papers and then returned to Ping'an Community with Qinchi.

In the two small courtyards, vegetables were still growing. Without Xu Qiao using her wood-based ability to water them, some of the vegetables might mutate.

Night had fallen, and she stood in the courtyard, watering the plants with her ability and regular water, feeling more relaxed than tired.

At the Lu family's place, Qinchi opened the window and placed the mop aside, asking her, "Do you need help over there?"

The house hadn't been lived in for a few days, and some dust had accumulated. Although using abilities could clean it, Qinchi preferred to do it by hand for his own living space.

Xu Qiao said, "No need. I just need to do more physical labor to clear my mind."

Qinchi checked his wrist device; it was almost 8:00 PM.

When Xu Qiao finished working in the courtyard and looked through the open window, she saw Qinchi taking down a hanging painting and wiping the dust off the frame.

Xu Qiao glanced at the various large and small pieces of furniture in the living room that were nicely arranged but more troublesome to clean in the corners, and smiled. "I think I'll finish before you."

Qinchi, holding the painting, looked over. "When you're done, will you come and help me?"

Xu Qiao said, "...Good night. Oh, and give me the orb."

Qinchi went to the study, then handed her the golden orb through the window. "Good night."

When Xu Qiao pushed up her sleeves to clean the room, the fire dragon initiated a conversation with the lotus flower inside the second bedroom. "Xu Qiao won't read my paper until she finishes hers. Would you like to take a look first?"

Lotus Flower: "If you look too fierce, or too distinctive, I'd have no choice but to tell her."

Fire Dragon: "I'm not ugly."

Lotus Flower: "It's still early. You stay here for now. I'll go help Xu Qiao."

It could help Xu Qiao wash the rags, help her wipe the tables, and even help her rinse the floors and dry them afterward.

After the Lotus Flower left, the Fire Dragon swung the golden orb around, bored.

After an hour of house cleaning, Xu Qiao took a shower and went to bed, without training or thinking. She slept particularly well in her familiar bed.

The next day, Qin Chi went to the Second School for class, while Xu Qiao stayed home to write her paper.

Xu Qiao was interested in the field of beastization, a problem she had identified and resolved. Writing the paper was actually quite enjoyable. Checking materials and making revisions felt neither troublesome nor boring. She finished it in one day. Confident in her work, she sent it to Lv Chun, who returned it the next day with dense annotations.

Xu Qiao: "..."

After two days of revisions, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Xu Qiao sent it again.

Lv Chun: "Received. I'll get back to you tomorrow morning."

She felt an inexplicable sense of anxiety and was about to double-check for any missed issues when the sound of a car stopping came from the street.

The next second, Lin Shixin called. "I was wondering if it's a good time to discuss something now, Miss Xu? Sorry to disturb you so late."

Hearing this, Xu Qiao drew the curtains aside and, sure enough, saw Lin Shixin standing outside the small yard.

She asked, "What is it?"

Lin Shixin looked over. "It's not something I can conveniently discuss over the phone."

Xu Qiao didn’t have a good impression of him and said, "You can, but my teammates need to be there."

Lin Shixin: "If Miss Xu is worried about safety, we can talk outside. I guarantee there will be no offense, and Sun Xuan's arranged A-level guards should be nearby, so you can rest assured."

After thinking for a moment, Xu Qiao agreed. After all, he was an official from the Security Department, and perhaps there was indeed official business.

Two minutes later, Xu Qiao came out.

Face to face, Lin Shixin apologized again and then pointed to his wristband, speaking in a low voice. "I know you're curious about my purpose. Actually, I'm acting on someone else's behalf. Miss Xu might as well talk to him directly."

In a secretive tone, Xu Qiao frowned. "Who?"

Lin Shixin opened his wristband, using his body to block the slightly expanded virtual screen.

On the screen appeared a figure, sitting on a sofa, with gray hair and a smiling face—a face Xu Qiao often saw on TV and forums—the retired former Marshal of Southeast Base, Lin Kunshan, a second-generation S-level Phoenix spiritual being strongman who had led the guards and espers in fighting off beast tides numerous times.

Admiration and respect surged through Xu Qiao.

Lin Kunshan smiled kindly. "I've encountered a problem that perhaps only you can help me with. If you don't mind, can Shixin bring you over now so we can talk in person?"

Xu Qiao's heated mind suddenly cooled down.

No matter how much admiration and respect she had, she didn’t know Lin Kunshan's private life, and it was nighttime.

Politely, she asked, "May I ask what the problem is?"

Lin Kunshan: "The secret concerning me can only be discussed in person. Rest assured, I guarantee your safety with my honor. To be honest, if I weren't concerned about causing unnecessary misunderstandings by appearing in person, I would have come to see you myself."

Xu Qiao remained resistant.

Seeing this, Lin Shixin spoke to the screen, "Miss Xu has a teammate who lives right next door. If we invite him too, it might help ease Miss Xu's concerns."

Lin Kunshan nodded, then finally said to Xu Qiao, "See you shortly."

Xu Qiao felt the pressure from the other party. When Lin Shixin reminded her to invite Qinchi, Xu Qiao couldn't help but think, "If he really wants to see me, he could have arranged it in the daytime, at a mutually trusted public place. Forget it, I was just about to sleep and I'm not going to bother my teammate for a midnight errand."

She turned around to leave.

Lin Shixin's expression darkened, and he instinctively reached for her wrist. An invisible wind blade suddenly appeared, cutting his hand.

Startled and furious, Lin Shixin glared at Xu Qiao, who remained unaware. "This is how you behave?" he demanded.

Xu Qiao turned back, confused.

Lin Shixin held up his hand for her to see.

Xu Qiao realized what happened and quickly looked towards Unit 102.

Qinchi came out of the unit and stood beside her. "Having a problem?" he guessed.

Xu Qiao found it hard to explain. Although she disliked Lin Kunshan's pushiness, he was an S-grade awakened after all. Even if she wasn't afraid of stirring up trouble, she was worried about dragging Qinchi into it.

Trying to avoid escalating the situation, Lin Shixin didn't want to make things worse. He casually wiped the blood from his hand and took the initiative to explain to Qinchi, "Miss Xu is still young, so it's understandable she has many concerns. However, Elder Lin sincerely invites Miss Xu, so I hope you both can do us the favor."

Qinchi understood and asked Xu Qiao, "Are you tired?"

Xu Qiao looked up at him.

Qinchi smiled, "If you're not tired, let's go meet Elder Lin. Let's resolve any issues tonight once and for all."

Xu Qiao pulled him aside, "He's looking for me, so don't get involved in this."

Qinchi directly summoned his car. "If he's looking for you, he's looking for me too. Let's go," he said, turning and opening the passenger door.

Xu Qiao had no choice, and what Qinchi said made sense. If she refused Lin Kunshan tonight, he might send Lin Shixin again tomorrow night.

Lin Shixin drove ahead, with Qinchi following behind.

The more Xu Qiao thought about it, the more uneasy she became. "Should we inform Principal Wei?" she wondered. "No, never mind, I've already troubled you enough, let's not bother Principal Wei."

She thought that Wei Jian was Qinchi's connection. If the Lin family were to cause trouble for Qinchi, Wei Jian might be able to help him.

Qinchi glanced at her and said, "Don't worry, I'm also an S-grade."

His tone was so casual that Xu Qiao was stunned for a moment before realizing what he had just said.

She stared blankly at his familiar, handsome profile.

Qinchi explained while driving, "I didn't tell you before because I was afraid you'd feel pressured in our interactions."

Xu Qiao stiffly leaned back in her seat.

An S-grade powerhouse from the Northeast Base, surname Qin.

Although communication between the four bases was cut off, and people knew little about the other three, not even the full names of their marshals, some A-grade mercenaries still traveled between them, sharing news—including tidbits revealed by high-ranking families. Over time, everyone became familiar with the surnames and spiritual beings of the four marshal families.

Such as the phoenix of the Lin family from the Southeast Base, the flying snake of the Gan family from the Southwest Base, the legendary white tiger of the Li family from the Northwest Base, and—no surprise—the dragon of the Qin family from the Northeast Base.

"The old man’s definitely top-tier."

When Xu Qiao mistakenly thought both Qin Chi and Qin Jiuzhou were A-grade, Qin Chi had mentioned that the old man was top-tier.

So, the top-tier spiritual being of an S-grade from the Northeast Base must be a dragon, right?

The image of that black, transparent claw blade popped back into her mind. No wonder Qin Chi had only shown her one nail. If he had revealed any more, his story about the "ferocious bird" would have fallen apart, right?

In fact, he’d never explicitly said his spiritual being was a ferocious bird. He just never admitted or denied it…

Xu Qiao kept recalling what Qin Chi had said until the black car pulled up to a villa.

Before getting out of the car, Xu Qiao took a deep breath to calm herself.

At any rate, her safety for tonight was assured. She’d settle the score with him later.

Lin Kunshan sat in the living room just as he had in the video, wearing an old-fashioned grey-black robe, emanating the aura of a reclusive master, much like in the occasional life photos he shared after retirement.

He gave Qin Chi a quick glance before turning his attention to Xu Qiao.

Noticing Xu Qiao wasn’t interested in small talk, Lin Kunshan stood up and said, "Let’s go. I’ll take you to a place where you’ll understand when you arrive."

As Xu Qiao moved forward, Qin Chi attempted to follow, but Lin Shixin blocked him, saying, "Even I don’t know the old man’s secrets. Please, Teacher Qin, cooperate and wait here with me."

Xu Qiao stopped in her tracks.

Lin Kunshan, utterly certain that Lin Shixin could handle the insignificant so-called teammate, urged Xu Qiao, "Let's go."

A smirk appeared on his face, but his eyes remained fixed on Xu Qiao, revealing the cold authority of someone accustomed to giving orders.

Before Xu Qiao could make a decision, a flash of gold and red light appeared before her. In the next moment, a massive beast, more than five meters long, loomed in her path.

Dense gold and red scales covered its coiled body, reaching its head, concealed by a gold and red mane.

Two gold and red antlers curved backward, exuding both majesty and danger.

Startled, Xu Qiao stumbled back two steps.

As if sensing her retreat, the enormous dragon's head slowly lowered, and the golden beastly eyes slowly drew closer, emitting an imposing dignity that brooked no challenge.