Love, Gun, Cupid

"Teacher Yang, this is someone you care about a lot," Mu Mian said with a hint of jealousy.

"Of course I care about her, because she has never hurt me."

After saying that, Lin Jiade shut his mouth, and Mu Mian also fell silent. Jasmine spoke up, "Can Jianlan manage on her own?"

“If she can’t hold on, even if we join her, it won’t help,” Lin Jiade replied.

“Although Ragnar has some influence in the Western Provinces, I can’t understand how he came to Fuxing City and swaggered in front of us like this,” Jasmine said. “Did the Empire make another deal with him, risking my life?”

“Possibly,” Kapok replied. “You have the life you have now because of the help of the Hehuan family, but now that her family is in danger, the enemies who were previously quiet may start to stir again.”

"Humans really are not trustworthy," Jasmine muttered.

Lin Jiade offered a defense: "It's just a possibility. Maybe he sneaked in without official permission. You see, we were investigating the Black Cat, and he just happened to be lying in ambush there. I think it's possible that these two things conspired beforehand to use the mysterious passage after the Black Cat swallowed me to transport Ragnar here without anyone noticing."

Neither Kapok nor Jasmine knew anything about the Holy Land. Lin Jiade didn't ask Jianlan, but he figured she probably didn't know either, since according to Old Mu... no, Ice Cave, the Holy Land's guardians were directly under the control of Brilliant City.

Kapok's car had been destroyed. She made a phone call, and soon after, a woman with the same face as Kapok arrived in a car.

“Xuanling, did you bring my dog?” Mumian asked.

"I brought it, Lady Kapok," Xuanling replied hesitantly.

As they got into the car, Lin Jiade and Xuanling exchanged a glance. Xuanling was also the Kapok he remembered, and at the same time, she was on the same side as Di Tao in the power struggle within the Hart family.

Now that Kapok has emerged victorious, the supporters of Peach have naturally been purged. Bellflower has become Kapok's subordinate, but not in her original form. Now, her body is wrapped in a black, tight-fitting latex suit, and the ears and tail on the suit make her look like a catgirl.

Xuanling drove Lin Jiade and the others to the outskirts of the city, where a new overpass was under construction to alleviate traffic congestion caused by the city's earlier irrational urban planning.

The construction team responsible for building the overpass was paid for each day they worked. They would come and work for three or four hours every afternoon, then collect their wages and leave, all within the contract's deadline. As a result, the bridge was built extremely slowly.

The construction team's laziness actually made things easier for Lin Jiade and his group. From afar, Lin Jiade saw the guardians of the holy land forcing the black cat and Teacher Yang, who was being held captive by the black cat, to the edge of the overpass.

Xuanling drove through the construction warning barrier, drifting sideways, and Lin Jiade and the others got out of the car. Mumian opened the trunk, and Lin Jiade saw Mumian's dog—Di Tao, wrapped in black latex and walking on all fours—come into view.

Chapter 18 Henrietta Eck (6→5)

Like Xuanling, Ditao was also wrapped in black latex, with dog ears and a tail appearing on the top of its head and tailbone. The difference was that Xuanling retained its individuality, while Ditao had truly become a dog.

As soon as Kapok released Ditao, Ditao excitedly spun around in circles, sniffing everywhere. Finally, she smelled Lin Jiade.

Lin Jiade stepped back, feeling uncomfortable at the scene before him. The person in question, however, jumped up happily, wrapped his arms around Lin Jiade, and opened his mouth to breathe heavily.

If this were a dog, Lin Jiade would have affectionately patted its head, but the other party was a human, a human he had once wanted to take revenge on. Seeing that Di Tao had become like this, he suddenly lost the desire for revenge.

"Go down!"

At Kapok's command, Ditao lay down and rubbed her cheek against Lin Jiade's thigh, her wagging tail indicating that she was in a state of extreme excitement.

Jasmine frowned: "What kind of twisted sense of humor is this?"

“If the ground peach wins, my fate will be even worse than this,” said the cotton tree.

"Your family is really... never mind."

The Bellflower and the Peach Blossom are excellent additions to the fighting force. The Bellflower is alright, she just fights wearing somewhat sexy clothes, but the Peach Blossom... Lin Jiade saw the other party turn around, bit the hilt of the knife with his teeth, and drew out a curved scimitar.

"Are you sure about her... Never mind, I won't ask anymore."

Right now, rescuing Teacher Yang is the priority. Lin Jiade put one arm around Jasmine's waist, pointed his sword diagonally downwards, and released the energy stored in the sword, pushing him into the battlefield in one fell swoop.

Jasmine raised her hand and unleashed a lightning spell. The moment the exorcising spell hit the black cat, it let out a wail. The shadow shrank, revealing Teacher Yang inside.

Lin Jiade's left leg frantically absorbed the energy reserves in his body. After charging for a few seconds, he jumped into the air with maximum energy output, and then released the energy stored in the sword in one breath, allowing him to complete a double jump in the air, leaping over the crowd and landing behind the black cat, where he hugged Teacher Yang.

The black cat turned around, and the humanoid figure she had created emitted a venomous gaze, filled with... jealousy?

Lin Jiade didn't have time to think, because the monster waved its hand, and a black vortex gathered in its palm and was pushed out. Lin Jiade turned around and shielded Teacher Yang in front of him. The force from behind pushed him off the overpass.

Ice Cave rode her wand and chased after them. She caught Lin Jiade in mid-air, and then Lin Jiade pulled her down with him. Lin Jiade barely managed to activate the spell in his waist but couldn't control it precisely. The three of them were in Brownian motion in the air, and finally crashed into the riverbank and rolled down the river until they stopped at the railing.

Lin Jiade's vision was completely black. His mouth, nose, and mouth were sealed by something soft yet heavy. He was familiar with this thing, and subconsciously felt that Teacher Yang was truly unpredictable. Such a small person had such fierce firepower.

"what……"

The voice above told Lin Jiade that this wasn't Teacher Yang, but an ice cave. He got up, regaining his sight and the ability to breathe. He looked at Teacher Yang, who was hugging his waist.

After checking, he found that Teacher Yang was still unconscious, occasionally showing signs of pain. This was probably the work of the black cat.

"Are you alright?" Lin Jiade looked up and asked.

"I am fine."

The ice cave's reply was faint, like a mosquito's buzz. Lin Jiade noticed that the other person's collar had burst open, revealing fair, soft flesh and the edge of a pink bra. There were also bloodstains near the chest.

Lin Jiade touched his lips and felt dried blood. His shield had shattered sometime during the night, and the wound on his lips was probably related to the button that had disappeared from the ice cave.

Was this a favor I received from a girl, or was it just me joking around with a male classmate?

Now is not the time to think about these things. Lin Jiade picked up Teacher Yang. On the other side, the battle of the Holy Land Guardians ended. They rode down with their staffs and found Lin Jiade and the ice cave by the riverbank.

"It's good that you're all alright."

The guardians of the holy land are centered around a magical old woman whose cute magical girl costume is stretched out of shape, turning into a short shirt and miniskirt, revealing her barrel waist and elephant legs. With every step she takes, the swaying of her fat makes Lin Jiade dizzy. My God, this mental pollution is too terrible.

With the comparison in mind, Lin Jiade felt that the little teacher Yang in his arms was as slender as a young girl, while the old Mu next to him was a real magical girl.

“We failed to capture it, but it won’t be causing any more trouble for the time being,” said the old woman. “I am Henrietta Eck, captain of the Guardians of the Holy Land of Renaissance City.”

"Lin Huang, a magic researcher."

“Thank you for your assistance, although there are quite a few people who know the truth.” Henrietta glanced at the overpass. “I will acknowledge your contribution in the report I submit to Brilliant City. You can expect to receive a medal and a reward. Now, please hand over the lady in your arms to us.”

"Thank you."

Lin Jiade took a step back while holding Teacher Yang: "But I refuse."

"We are professionals and will handle this matter properly."

Lin Jiade shook his head and said, "When we were on the broken bridge, there were seven of you behind that monster. When the monster cast a spell on me, none of you... none of you used any spells to support me or hinder the monster."

Don't tell me you didn't realize it, that you were short of energy, and that you just... wanted the monster to kill those in the know, and then kill the monster, so that you could both deal with the monster's influence and block information related to the Holy Land.

If Ms. Yang falls into your hands, I can hardly imagine what she would suffer.

Ice Cave frowned: "We've always been protecting the city, we're not the bad guys you think we are!"

"Coincidentally, the superhumans are also protecting the city. However, they don't care about the casualties of any particular ordinary person; they are protecting the concept, the group, while the individual is irrelevant."

Lin Jiade couldn't believe that the Holy Land Guardians were so unyielding and would betray their teammates. Henrietta said, "Judging others by your own standards? Introducing the filth of your own circle here."

We don't attack the black cat because we're afraid it will trade its life for another, sacrificing itself to bring the city into its darkest hour, which is from midnight to four o'clock on the night of the full moon, when monsters will surge toward the holy site, attempting to break into the real Fuxing City from Fuxing City.

We're all here, and there's no time to deploy. So, more monsters will break into the real Fuxing City and transform into cats.

This generation is not too scary yet. They must seduce human pregnant women and use the method of cuckoo in the nest to give birth to the next generation. The next generation will then be able to transform into humans. The longer they live, the stronger they become. After living for thirty years, they will reach the peak of their power.

Conventional detection spells are completely useless. Just imagine how dangerous it would be if the human population were full of monsters like these.

"So, what does this have to do with Teacher Yang?" Lin Jiade asked.

“She made a contract with the black cat,” Henrietta replied.

Chapter Nineteen: Forced Buying and Selling

Ice Cave explained, "We call those who establish relationships with monsters that intrude into reality 'contractors.'"

Contractors fall into two categories. One type signs a contract with a monster, which seems mutually beneficial, but in reality, the monster finds a scapegoat and kicks them aside once they are no longer useful.

The second type involves those who actively seek power. After becoming pregnant, they intentionally mate with monsters, giving birth to monster offspring. They then enter into a contract with these offspring, which becomes exceptionally strong. The monster offspring will obey their mother's commands, and those born in this way will possess extraordinary power.

“Teacher Yang is the former type. She doesn’t even have a boyfriend. She’s just an unlucky guy,” Lin Jiade said. “I suppose the monster will find another scapegoat. She’s no longer useful. I will take responsibility for monitoring her. If I find any connection with the monster, I will notify you. I can swear by oath-keeping magic.”

The guardians of the holy land did not answer; chains emanated from the tips of their wands and rushed toward Teacher Yang, who was in Lin Jiade's arms.

Lin Jiade tossed Teacher Yang into the air, took out his celestial weapon and swung it around in a circle. At the same time, he activated the Lionheart spell. The spell's amplification of his body and his rage combined to create astonishing brute force that repelled all attacks.

The chains fell to the ground, and Teacher Yang landed in Lin Jiade's arms. He raised his sword and said, "I'm not good at fighting monsters, but I'm very good at fighting humans."

After defeating the King of the Forest in the virtual space, Lin Jiade was brimming with confidence. He looked around and didn't notice that the full moon had quietly cast a mark on his sword.

Just then, Di Tao rushed over and stopped in front of Lin Jiade, lowering its body, raising its tail, and letting out a warning growl from its open mouth.

Subsequently, Kapok, Bellflower, and Jasmine arrived. Lin Jiade's side was still outnumbered, but they also gained an advantage—they were all very skilled at killing.

The ice cave was caught in a dilemma. At first, she thought it would just be a reunion with old friends. She and Lin Jiade would quietly get things done, watch the dawn together, exchange a smile on the way back, and when they met again, everything would be peaceful and serene.

Why did it turn out like this?

Henrietta and Lingard both looked towards the ice cave, seeking her support. On one side was a longtime comrade-in-arms, and on the other a classmate with whom she had a good relationship. The ice cave didn't want to lose either side, so she said, "Why don't we..."

"Ice Cave, the Holy Land's guardians' rules forbid you from being a peacemaker. You are angering the Holy Land. Since this great being can bestow blessings upon you, it can also bring down punishments."

Based on the captain's position and our friendship, regarding the ice cave, I think this choice isn't difficult to make.

Unfortunately, the ice cave couldn't make up its mind. In her seven years as a guardian, she had never faced a moral dilemma. The strong can make decisions in moral dilemmas, while the weak helplessly watch time pass, trying to find a change and hope in procrastination.

And so, in the ice cave's futile delay, the holy land's punishment arrived. A golden spear pierced through the ice cave, its tip passing through the stain Lin Jiade had left on the ice cave's chest and protruding from behind.

Lin Jiade glanced at his acquaintances, but Henrietta rushed towards him, trying to snatch the woman from his arms. Di Tao pounced on her but was stopped by the other guardians of the holy land. Jasmine, Kapok, and Bell also encountered their respective opponents.

Henrietta's wand gleamed at the tip; strength had never been about looks. Lingard always respected his opponents, so he responded with all his might, crimson flames surging on the blade. Before the wand clashed with the celestial weapon, an ice spear descended from the sky.

Lin Jiade and Henrietta retreated simultaneously. Seeing Jianlan standing on the ice spear with one foot, Lin Jiade was delighted, while Henrietta retreated and said, "You have an evil aura about you."

"Because witchcraft is inherently an evil force."

Jianlan looked down at the crowd: "I am the leader of the Special Tactical and Rescue Service Team of Fuxing City, registered ID Korobochka."

This is the first time we've met like this. I never imagined the urban legends were true—the sacred site, the guardians of the sacred site dressed in strange clothes.

Secular forces (by the standards of the Holy Land's guardians) are Henrietta's biggest headache. In the eyes of the woman who calls herself Korobochka, all she sees is greed. The name Korobochka reminds her of the young prodigy she heard about when she went to the City of Brilliance to plead her case last time.

Now, Korobochka's appearance can hardly be described as that of a young girl.

"All incidents involving the existence of supernatural forces in this city fall under my jurisdiction. Madam Guardian of the Holy Land, please cooperate with my subordinates," Jianlan said.

Lin Jiade became Jianlan's temporary worker, giving the latter a more legitimate reason to learn from her. Lin Jiade looked at Jianlan and, seeing the coldness accumulating in her eyes, couldn't help but praise her, saying that she had mastered Korobochka's art to a near-perfect degree, with only a few subtle differences between the two personalities.

At this moment, a sense of unease welled up in his heart, but he quickly suppressed it. Now, troubles were piling up one after another, and he neither wanted nor had the ability to deal with any more. Before Jianlan spoke, he assumed that nothing had happened to her.

"Secular forces have no jurisdiction over us. We are directly under the Central Bureau of Religious Affairs - Holy Land Management Section. If you want to discuss this matter, you need to apply to the Special Statistics Bureau - Magic Registration Section first, and then the Arbitration Committee will decide."

“If it’s a fellow professional, I have to go through all these complicated procedures, but if it’s investigating a suspect, then I only need to sign an arrest warrant.”

Jianlan smiled. "After all, the guardians of the holy land are just a legend, while what I see before me is a group of unregistered people who possess extraordinary powers. They have caused some damage to the Yijing residential area on the outskirts of the city and the current Bailu Lane overpass."

So it's reasonable for me to do my duty and take these people who are vandalizing the city back for questioning, isn't it? Or could we both take a step back? I won't pursue the damage you caused on my turf, and in return, you can't lay a hand on them.”