In a couple of days, when Auntie is free, I'll go to the Heaven Dou Royal Academy to visit your foster mother and Xiao San."
If not for the fact that the upcoming matter concerned the future survival and development of the Moon Pavilion, Tang Yuehua would have loved to go with Tang Yin right away to see her sister-in-law and Tang Hao's son, Tang San.
But she could only postpone it. After all, the Moon Pavilion was extremely important to her, and her sister-in-law, now a teacher at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. The same went for her nephew, Tang San.
"Mmm, it's fine if Auntie goes later. Foster Mother, Xiao San, and I aren't going anywhere."
Tang Yin didn't insist that Tang Yuehua go today.
However, his "green light" mission regarding his aunt might have to be delayed. After all, this was only their first meeting—it wasn't realistic to expect to win her over so easily.
While Tang Yin and Tang Yuehua were deep in conversation, on the other side of the city, at the auction house…
Xiao Wu and Tang San had been watching the stage intently ever since their auction item was brought up. They wanted to see how much it would sell for.
On stage, the auctioneer was giving his introduction:
"The next item up for auction has been praised by our appraisers as the most ingenious weapon. Esteemed guests, though it may appear small, its power is astonishing."
As he spoke, the auctioneer picked up the Sand-Shadow Needle Launcher from the tray.
"Even our appraisers could not determine how this weapon was crafted. However, once activated, it can instantly fire thirty-six steel needles. Within a range of fifteen meters, these needles can penetrate one centimeter of steel plate and are coated with a paralyzing toxin. Additionally, a cloud of mist is released upon firing, serving as concealment. This is a rare and invaluable self-defense weapon, capable of being used three times. If utilized properly in battle, it can easily render an opponent helpless."
After the auctioneer's explanation, interested bidders quickly purchased the hidden weapon, earning Tang San and Xiao Wu a considerable sum of gold coins.
Afterward, the two left the auction house, intending to continue exploring the city. Now that they had money, Tang San wanted to buy better materials to craft something that could serve as a trump card—both to protect himself and Xiao Wu.
"Xiao Wu, look! There's a materials shop up ahead. I'd like to check it out."
"Mhm!"
The two headed toward the shop, but before they could reach it, a man suddenly bumped into them.
Tang San and Xiao Wu reacted swiftly, sidestepping just as the man collided with them.
The man, having knocked into them, didn't say a word and quickly fled.
Xiao Wu glared angrily at the fleeing figure and was about to shout at him when she realized something was missing.
Tang San noticed the same.
"Thief! How dare you steal from me in broad daylight? Stop right there!"
Xiao Wu pointed at the thief and yelled furiously.
Hearing her, the thief only ran faster.
Without a second thought, Xiao Wu gave chase, determined to get their money back. But to her surprise, the thief's speed was strange—though he seemed slow, every time she was about to catch up, he would suddenly pull ahead again, further enraging her.
Confident in Xiao Wu's abilities, Tang San initially thought she would quickly retrieve their money and teach the thief a lesson.
But when he noticed Xiao Wu getting farther and farther away, nearly disappearing from sight, his expression darkened with worry.
"This is bad!"
A sudden realization struck him, and his face paled. By now, Xiao Wu had already chased the thief into an alley. Reacting immediately, Tang San sprinted after them.
However, the thief was evidently very familiar with the layout of Heaven Dou City—and his speed was extraordinary. After luring Xiao Wu into the alley, he suddenly accelerated, leading her deeper into the maze of streets.
Before long, Tang San completely lost sight of both Xiao Wu and the thief.
When he finally reached the alley they had entered, they were already gone without a trace.
"Who was that?!"
A terrible premonition gripped Tang San as he tried to recall who he might have offended.
That man was clearly no ordinary thief.
A normal thief wouldn't possess such skill—his speed had surpassed Xiao Wu's, meaning his strength was likely above hers.
Yet no matter how hard he thought, he couldn't imagine it being Xue Beng.
"I have to find Xiao Wu, now!"
The sense of dread grew stronger, filling him with unease. Following his instincts, he rushed through the streets in search of her.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the city…
Xiao Wu had been led to a deserted corner.
The "thief" was none other than one of Xue Beng's subordinates, who had been keeping an eye on her.
Now that he had lured her here and separated her from Tang San, it was time to knock her out and deliver her to Xue Beng's bed for his enjoyment.
"Give us back our money, or you'll regret it!"
Seeing the man stop at a dead end, Xiao Wu still hadn't realized the danger she was in. Focused only on retrieving their money, she glared at him, ready to attack at any moment.
"Oh? Make me regret it, then."
Xue Beng's subordinate beckoned mockingly, a sneer on his face.
Xiao Wu couldn't tolerate being looked down upon by a mere thief.
Determined to reclaim their money, she decided not to hold back.
Whoosh—
In a flash, she lunged at him, her slender leg slicing through the air in a powerful downward kick meant to knock him out in one strike.
But to her shock, the man effortlessly blocked her attack with one hand and taunted, "Tsk, is this all you've got? Doesn't look like you're getting your money back."
"Why don't you come quietly? Be a good little concubine for my master and serve him well. That way, I won't have to hurt that delicate little body of yours."
Hearing this, Xiao Wu finally understood—this had been a trap all along.
Not only had he lured her here, but he also intended to kidnap her and force her to become some "master's" concubine!
Fury burned in her chest.
"You want to capture me? Then let me show you just how powerful Sister Xiao Wu is!"
"Second Soul Skill: Charm!"
Her soul ring lit up as she activated her second soul skill, attempting to charm the man in front of her.
But her opponent was a Soul King—nearly a Soul Emperor—with a will as unshakable as stone. Against his level, her Soul Elder-tier charm skill was utterly useless.
"Pointless. The gap between us is too great. Just come along quietly."
Xue Beng's subordinate smirked coldly, raising his hand to knock her unconscious and deliver her to His Highness.
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