Chapter 1236: Towering Rage
The topic Yang Haoran had proactively raised was an extremely sensitive one for any couple, be they lovers or husband and wife.
When it came to such matters, some people would choose to remain silent, while others would opt for an honest confession.
Yang Haoran’s decision to bring it up on his own was purely out of inner guilt, and his chosen method of handling it was to confront reality head-on.
Some matters, after all, must be brought into the open to be truly resolved; evasion only works for a moment, not a lifetime. Moreover, constant evasion would, imperceptibly, increase one’s psychological burden.
While not everyone agreed with this sentiment, Yang Haoran did, and he acted accordingly. After all, some things couldn't be hidden forever; the sooner they were discussed and dealt with, the sooner he could relax.
Xu Meijing claimed indifference, even showing disdain on her face regarding the matter, but Yang Haoran knew that with Xu Meijing’s strong personality, she must surely be feeling a little uncomfortable inside. Yet, he would rather Xu Meijing be uncomfortable for a moment than uncomfortable for a lifetime.
However, just as he was about to make another promise to Xu Meijing, the two of them suddenly sensed a power fluctuation outside the villa, and this fluctuation was Spirit Power, unique to their Underworld Office.
Their expressions shifted slightly, and a look of confusion appeared in their eyes, precisely because the Spirit Power emanating was quite potent.
Xu Meijing frowned slightly, then spoke coldly. Yang Haoran naturally understood what she meant.
"You mean, this person isn't one of your Night Watchers. So, they're from another city?"
Yang Haoran asked, and Xu Meijing nodded affirmingly.
"Definitely not my person. As for where they're from, or what purpose they have in coming here, we'll find out when we go out and meet them."
As these words fell, Xu Meijing tried to struggle free from Yang Haoran's embrace, but Yang Haoran didn't release her; instead, he held her even tighter.
"Smiling Tiger, what are you trying to pull?"
Xu Meijing gave Yang Haoran a side-eye, her voice tinged with dissatisfaction.
Yang Haoran didn't care in the slightest about this moniker. Not only was his heart currently filled with the previous matter, but even without it, he would never take it to heart if Xu Meijing addressed him that way.
Yang Haoran didn't wear his usual faint smile; instead, his face was serious, just as it had been when he made his promise to Xu Meijing moments before.
"Xiao Jing, I hope you can believe me. My promise just now was not a joke, nor was it meant to deliberately try to make you happy."
At this moment, Yang Haoran had no mind to care who was outside. He had only one thought: to say all the words he hadn't managed to finish, in one breath.
Seeing Yang Haoran so uncharacteristically serious, Xu Meijing could tell he wasn't joking with her. She could also feel the sincerity in Yang Haoran's words, which made a warmth flow through her heart.
She looked expressionlessly into Yang Haoran's eyes. Several seconds later, a smile finally appeared on her face, and she lowered her head to kiss Yang Haoran's forehead.
"I believe you."
Although Xu Meijing's words were just four short ones, Yang Haoran could also feel that she wasn't being perfunctory but speaking from the heart. Thus, like Xu Meijing, his smile also returned.
"Alright, kiddo, there's someone outside. It's not good to make them wait too long. Let's hurry out and see."
Xu Meijing patted Yang Haoran's shoulder and said in a seasoned, almost pompous tone, with the proper air of a big sister.
Yang Haoran smiled, gave Xu Meijing a thumbs up, and then uttered only one word.
"Cool!"
The two left the living room and went outside the villa. In front of others, they naturally wouldn't continue their intimate embrace. After all, both of them were Emissaries of Death from the Underworld Office; hugging and cuddling intimately would be quite unseemly.
Yang Haoran wouldn't have minded as much, but with Xu Meijing's personality, she'd rather die than reveal even a hint of feminine tenderness in front of outsiders.
The two appeared outside the villa and successfully met the visitor. However, when they saw clearly who the visitor was, both Yang Haoran and Xu Meijing froze.
Not only did they freeze, but the visitor also froze.
This visitor caused Xu Meijing and Yang Haoran both extreme surprise. They probably never dreamed that this person would appear here at this very moment.
Because this person was none other than Huo Laoban, Yang Haoran's bitter, life-and-death enemy!
Neither of them had expected Huo Laoban to appear here at this very moment, so both were greatly shocked, even showing their inner shock on their faces.
As for why Huo Laoban revealed a look of shock, it was because he, too, never dreamed that Yang Haoran would be here at this very moment, and furthermore, that he would emerge from the villa together with Xu Meijing!
None of the three were ordinary people, nor were they simple individuals. Thus, the shock on their faces quickly vanished.
"Greetings, Divine Envoy!"
After the shock on Yang Haoran's face disappeared, it was immediately replaced by his faint smile. This time, since Luo Yao wasn't present, he no longer addressed Huo Laoban as Guardian but directly as Divine Envoy.
Last time, with Luo Yao present, if he had addressed Huo Laoban as Divine Envoy, where would Emperor Luo Yao be placed? That was why he had addressed Huo Laoban as Guardian.
As for Huo Laoban addressing him as Divine Envoy Yang at that time, that was Huo Laoban's way of addressing him. He wouldn't concern himself with it, nor could he control it. He simply wanted to do his own part well, so that no minor detail would cause him trouble or displease Emperor Luo Yao.
"Divine Envoy Huo!"
Though a little reluctant, Xu Meijing still paid her respects to Huo Laoban. However, compared to Yang Haoran, her attitude was far from respectful.
With Xu Meijing's personality, she was unwilling to bow to others. So, even if she was forced to pay respects, she wouldn't display extreme deference.
Moreover, in Xu Meijing's view, although Huo Laoban had become a Guardian, he might not necessarily be stronger than herself. If they were to fight without holding back, one-on-one, it was not certain who would win or lose.
Xu Meijing actually didn't know how strong Huo Laoban currently was, but she was very confident in her current strength, which was why she unilaterally believed Huo Laoban might not be her match.
Xu Meijing's attitude towards Huo Laoban wasn't as respectful as Yang Haoran's, but Huo Laoban first fixed his gaze on Xu Meijing, showing no intention of taking offense at her less-than-respectful attitude.
"Heh heh, Divine Envoy Xu, long time no see. I've wanted to come and see you for a long time, but unfortunately, for a considerable period, I had important matters to deal with, so I couldn't spare the time to visit. I hope you don't blame me."
Huo Laoban's words had a slightly ambiguous tone. Upon hearing them, Xu Meijing frowned slightly, then turned her head to look at Yang Haoran beside her.
Seeing that Yang Haoran's expression hadn't changed because of Huo Laoban's words, Xu Meijing inwardly sighed in relief.
Xu Meijing knew that Yang Haoran seemed to have some issues with Huo Laoban, and coupled with the fact that she had known Huo Laoban longer than Yang Haoran, she worried that Yang Haoran might misunderstand because of Huo Laoban's words.
However, although she was inwardly relieved, she didn't fully let down her guard, because she knew that Yang Haoran's smile could not be used as a standard to judge his inner emotions. Therefore, some things that needed to be clarified had to be stated clearly in front of Yang Haoran, lest he truly overthink things.
Huo Laoban took in Xu Meijing's reaction. A hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, but then he seemed to sense something on Xu Meijing, and his expression instantly changed.
"If Divine Envoy Huo wishes to come to my Ancheng to inspect work, I naturally welcome it. If Divine Envoy Huo does not come, I'm naturally happy to be at ease; there's no such thing as blaming you or not, after all, I don't want my Ancheng to be constantly watched closely by the higher-ups. However, Divine Envoy Huo, please refrain from saying such things again in the future, as they easily cause misunderstandings."
As Xu Meijing spoke, Huo Laoban came back to his senses. His expression instantly returned to normal; even though Xu Meijing's words were highly disrespectful to him, a Guardian, his expression didn't change again.
"Heh heh, my apologies, it was my oversight. I will be more careful next time."
Divine Envoy Huo responded with a smile. He didn't put on any airs of a Guardian, giving the impression that he was still an Emissary of Death of the same rank as Xu Meijing. Not only that, he even took the initiative to apologize to Xu Meijing.
Seeing that Huo Laoban had apologized, Xu Meijing naturally felt embarrassed to press the matter further. Regardless, the other party was now a Guardian, and she was merely an Emissary of Death. The words she had just spoken were quite impolite, and since the other party didn't verbally take offense, it would be a bit inappropriate for her to continue to dwell on it.
"Divine Envoy Huo, your visit here this time, I imagine, isn't just to simply come and see me. If there are any other tasks, please feel free to give your orders."
Xu Meijing didn't want to spend too much time with Huo Laoban, so she proactively shifted the conversation to the main point. Her underlying meaning was simple: if you have something, state it; otherwise, you may leave.
Although Xu Meijing didn't explicitly say it, Huo Laoban was a discerning person and naturally understood the underlying meaning of her words.
"Heh heh, I do indeed have a very important matter to discuss with you this time. It's nothing to me, but for you, it's a huge stroke of good fortune."
Huo Laoban said with a smile. He didn't directly state the main point but instead kept Xu Meijing in suspense.
"Oh? Such good fortune? That's quite surprising to me. Divine Envoy Huo must have seen the situation in Ancheng; I haven't achieved anything significant. And yet, benefits can still fall upon me?"
Xu Meijing spoke, her tone reflecting surprise and doubt, but no hint of pleasant surprise.
Huo Laoban saw that Xu Meijing showed not even a glimmer of pleasant surprise and couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. However, he didn't show it in the slightest on his face.
"If nothing unexpected happens, after our Jingling Continent Underworld Office martial arts competition concludes, I will take over the region formerly governed by the Emperor. We have been friends for many years, and now that I've risen, I naturally won't forget you. To ensure you have a better future in the Underworld Office, I've decided to transfer you out of Ancheng. Take this time to prepare, so you won't have to leave in a hurry then."
Huo Laoban's words not only made Xu Meijing's expression change but also caused Yang Haoran's expression to shift slightly, though this change was very subtle, flickering and disappearing quickly.
"Transfer me out of Ancheng? To where?"
Xu Meijing, who had processed the information, showed no joy on her face; instead, her brows furrowed even deeper. From her reaction, it wasn't difficult to see that this matter, to her, was not the good news Huo Laoban claimed it to be; at least, she didn't consider it good news.
Huo Laoban naturally also saw that Xu Meijing wasn't the slightest bit happy and instead displayed obvious resistance to the matter. Yet, he turned a blind eye, as if he hadn't seen the expression on Xu Meijing's face.
"As for where you'll be transferred, I will naturally make arrangements then. Divine Envoy Xu, you have no need to worry; just pack your bags and wait for the transfer order to arrive."
As these words fell, Huo Laoban glanced at Yang Haoran with a smile. Without speaking, he merely scanned Yang Haoran before returning his gaze to Xu Meijing.
Seeing Xu Meijing scowling, showing no intention of replying, Huo Laoban continued with a smile.
"Heh heh, it seems I've come at an inconvenient time today, but at least the message has been delivered. I won't disturb Divine Envoy Xu any further. After all, I've just become a Guardian, and there are many matters I need to attend to, so I cannot stay here long. We shall meet again in a month."
At this point, Divine Envoy Huo looked at Yang Haoran again. This time, he didn't just glance at Yang Haoran but smiled and looked at him for several seconds before speaking.
"Heh heh, Divine Envoy Yang, you must put in your best effort! The Emperor thinks highly of you. Don't disappoint him."
These were the first words Huo Laoban had spoken to Yang Haoran today, and also the last.
As these words fell, Huo Laoban had no intention of waiting for Yang Haoran's reply. With a light wave of his hand, he tore open space, then stepped into the spatial rift.
"Respectfully seeing off Divine Envoy Huo!"
Yang Haoran bowed deeply towards the spatial rift. Although his attitude remained as respectful as before, at this moment, the faint smile on his face had deepened considerably.
As for Xu Meijing, she didn't bow to Huo Laoban as Yang Haoran did. She stood rooted to the spot, said nothing, nor did she make any movement, simply watching Huo Laoban leave with a scowl, watching the spatial rift heal.
Earlier, when she first realized the visitor was Huo Laoban, Xu Meijing, though inwardly reluctant, had still paid her respects to Huo Laoban out of deference to the rules. Even if her bow wasn't overly respectful, at least she did it.
But now that Huo Laoban had left, she couldn't even be bothered to go through the motions. From this, it was clear that she must surely be extremely displeased inside, and had developed considerable resentment towards Huo Laoban.
Huo Laoban came suddenly and left just as suddenly. From beginning to end, he left after only a few words, and his departure was extremely decisive, without any lingering or hesitation.
His decisive departure was, of course, inextricably linked to Xu Meijing. If Xu Meijing's attitude towards him had been a little warmer, and she had invited him into the villa to sit for a while, he certainly wouldn't have left so quickly. After all, he had traveled all this way not just to say a few words to Xu Meijing.
Unfortunately, Xu Meijing not only didn't invite him into the villa to sit but also displayed strong resistance towards him. Coupled with Yang Haoran's presence, Huo Laoban was a discerning person and naturally wouldn't choose to stay and invite humiliation.
When Huo Laoban stepped out of the spatial rift again, he found himself high above the depths of the Xinyang Mountain Range.
At this moment, Huo Laoban no longer wore the smiling face he had presented to Xu Meijing and Yang Haoran. His trademark smile was gone, replaced by a grim expression.
"Damn it, truly damn it! I can't believe I was one step too late; the Pure Yin Qi in her body has already been taken!"
Huo Laoban said through clenched teeth, the anger in his heart distorting his facial features. As these words left his mouth, his inner fury was not vented; instead, it grew even stronger. Finally, he could no longer suppress the rage within him and, infuriated, brought a palm down towards the ground.
Boom! ! !
With a deafening roar, a large mountain below was directly flattened by Huo Laoban's palm strike. Dust and smoke billowed, the ground shook violently, and many unfortunate birds and beasts perished as a result.
Only after this strike landed did Huo Laoban's inner fury find some degree of release. He took a deep breath, and his contorted expression gradually softened.
Although the fury in his heart had found some release, it hadn't completely vanished. At this moment, Huo Laoban still held intense fury, merely subsided considerably compared to before.
"Among those close to Xu Meijing, there's no one else but Yang Haoran. From today's situation, the Pure Yin Qi in Xu Meijing's body must have been taken by Yang Haoran."
Huo Laoban spoke coldly. A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and his tone carried a strong killing intent, directed entirely at Yang Haoran.
"That damned Yang Haoran! I haven't settled the score with you over Xia Yu yet, and now you've stolen a march on me again by taking the Pure Yin Qi from Xu Meijing's body! I've noted this debt. When the time comes, new debts and old debts, I will settle them all with you at once. You just wait!"
Huo Laoban spoke coldly, the killing intent revealed in his tone even more intense than before.
Before becoming a Guardian, it wasn't easy for him to get rid of Yang Haoran, because both of them were Emissaries of Death, of the same rank, and eliminating the other naturally required some stratagems. Now that he had become a Guardian, his status was no longer comparable to Yang Haoran's. Thus, in his eyes, getting rid of Yang Haoran would be effortless, even without anyone being the wiser!
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