To this day, with Li Dingtian presiding over Dongwu City, the Mutant Beasts didn’t dare venture too close.
"It seems our plan to create clouds and rain to envelop Dongwu City in a torrential downpour has been exposed."
The moment the Single-Horned Black-Scaled Python learned its subordinates had been attacked by the Spiritual Artifact Lightning Cannon, it knew. The enemy was retaliating for its earlier attempt to create the downpour. It was also a warning: the plan had been exposed, and it was not to try anything similar again.
"Lord Single-Horned Black-Scaled Python, since our plan has been exposed, what should we do now?" the gray-brown owl Mutant Beast leader asked.
"..." Questioned by its subordinate, the Single-Horned Black-Scaled Python fell silent. It had no idea what to do next either.
’After all, this plan to summon storm clouds and assault Dongwu City with a downpour wasn’t my idea. Some other fellow had instigated it.’
"I need to carefully plan our next move. You’ve worked hard. Go back and get some rest," the Single-Horned Black-Scaled Python said.
"Yes."
Leading its subordinates to carry out the plan of assailing Dongwu City with a torrential downpour had indeed been exhausting for the gray-brown owl Mutant Beast leader.
Moreover, the terrifying attack it had just experienced had left it thoroughly frightened.
It was now physically and mentally exhausted. So, when its direct superior told it to go home and rest, the gray-brown owl Mutant Beast leader was actually overjoyed.
With that, it flapped its wings and took to the sky, speeding toward its lair.
The Single-Horned Black-Scaled Python watched its subordinate depart, its eyes filled with vexation. It had acted on impulse when it accepted the other’s suggestion to retaliate against Dongwu City.
After all, more than a decade ago, it had led its followers into battle against Li Dingtian, the City Lord of Dongwu, and suffered a crushing defeat, leaving it gravely wounded.
It had only fully recovered in the last few years. It would be more than willing to take revenge if it could.
’But Li Dingtian is too strong. I was no match for him over a decade ago, let alone now.’
’He must be even stronger now. My hopes for revenge are dwindling.’
With the plan’s exposure and such an obvious warning, the Single-Horned Black-Scaled Python, already deeply wary of Li Dingtian, was terrified. It feared Li Dingtian might come for it personally.
’No, I can’t stay here. I have to find a new place to lay low.’
As the gray-brown owl Mutant Beast leader vanished over the horizon, the Single-Horned Black-Scaled Python made a decision. Fearful that Li Dingtian would hunt it down, it resolved to abandon the waterhole it had called home for many years.
A faint golden Spiritual Light flickered in the Single-Horned Black-Scaled Python’s crimson eyes. An invisible force manipulated the surrounding water vapor, pulling it swiftly toward the massive beast.
The wispy vapor condensed, growing until it formed a large, white cloud.
SPLASH...
With a splash, a white cloud suddenly rose from the valley floor.
A closer look would reveal a massive, pitch-black Mutant Beast sprawled atop the white cloud.
Carried by the cloud, the Single-Horned Black-Scaled Python ascended thousands of meters into the sky. Its colossal body, shrouded by the white mist, became virtually invisible to the naked eye.
Its crimson eyes peered through the clouds to get its bearings. Then, the cloud carrying the Single-Horned Black-Scaled Python shot forward.
The Single-Horned Black-Scaled Python had left its lair for two reasons. The first was to avoid being hunted down by its enemy. The second was to find the one who had suggested creating the storm to attack Dongwu City and ask what to do next.
...
Within Dongwu City, a horse-drawn carriage stopped at an inn’s entrance. The passenger thanked the driver, stepped out, and walked toward the inn, holding an umbrella of a kind the driver had never seen before.
In her room, the plain-looking Qin Muqing lay on her bed, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling. Her eyes were unfocused, her thoughts adrift, lost in who-knows-what.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK...
"Who is it?" The knock snapped Qin Muqing from her reverie. She sat up and called out.
"It’s me."
Hearing the familiar voice, Qin Muqing immediately got out of bed. She slipped on the embroidered shoes placed neatly by her bedside and walked to the door.
"Benefactor, you’re back!" Qin Muqing said, opening the door to find Lin Li standing there.
"I’m back." Lin Li walked into Qin Muqing’s room. "And... about that. Please stop calling me ’Benefactor.’ You can just use my name."
"How could I possibly do that?" Qin Muqing said. "Benefactor, you saved my life. You even took me in and gave me a job. It wouldn’t be right for me to address you so informally."
Lin Li sat down at the table, poured himself a glass of water, and took a sip. He looked at the earnest, simple woman before him, then smiled and shook his head.
"It feels strange when you keep calling me ’Benefactor.’ How about a compromise? I won’t insist you use my name, but you have to stop calling me ’Benefactor.’"