Chapter 1049: Chapter 727: Ghost Bell_2
As Qu Hong spoke, she interrupted Yang Xiao, glanced around, then mysteriously reached her hand into her clothes. Under Yang Xiao’s surprised gaze, she pulled out a ring from her chest area and handed it to him, whispering, "Take a look at this."
After receiving the ring, still warm from Qu Hong, Yang Xiao paused for a moment as memories surged. It was a bronze ring, with an ancient and majestic design, almost identical to the one they had seen in the mission instance!
"How did a Japanese person’s ring end up in your possession?" Yang Xiao couldn’t figure it out.
"Don’t misunderstand, it’s not something brought back from that world. My squad accepted a bounty mission a few days ago. The target had a tough guard who took out two of my brothers. This ring was found on his corpse," Qu Hong whispered.
"Why are Japanese Apostles appearing here? I recall there was an agreement between both sides not to step into each other’s territories." There was a major battle twenty years ago, which established the foundation of each country’s Apostle powers today.
Qu Hong’s expression turned strange at this, "If it were only once, we could let it pass, but there have been three incidents that I know of this month alone. These guys from Japan are getting restless."
"Is this ring also from the Black Wood Society?" Yang Xiao picked up the ring, noticing engraved markings inside.
"Yes, them. The Heimu Family is a notable Apostle family in Japan, with significant influence. They are known for being aggressive and ruthless, earning the reputation of Blade of Japan on the island."
Qu Hong took the ring back and pointed at the pattern on its surface, explaining in detail to Yang Xiao, "This ring is different from the one we saw in the mission; this one is of a lower rank. The bearer has a status roughly equivalent to an Assistant Chief, considered mid-level officers."
"This person was not weak—a one versus four fight—and killed two of my brothers. The intelligence we gathered didn’t mention someone like him; he must be new and has only recently entered the country."
Yang Xiao had no idea about these matters, which was understandable. Their Rongcheng Patrol Division was located inland, primarily responsible for maintaining stability. The overall combat strength of the Rongcheng Patrol Division was below average among the city’s defense divisions.
Seeing Yang Xiao’s reaction, Qu Hong felt a slight sense of regret. This was her third reason for visiting, hoping to learn from Yang Xiao, the division captain, if there was any significant action planned by higher authorities.
These bounty hunters thrived on risky deals, often operating in the shadows. If the Patrol Defense Office were to conduct a large-scale operation, they would temporary disband and disappear for a while.
Everyone was wise; such individuals, once caught, wouldn’t be acknowledged by the Chamber of Commerce.
"Seems you’re not aware either." Qu Hong shrugged, putting away the ring. She believed Yang Xiao was being truthful.
"I really don’t know," admitted Yang Xiao.
Qu Hong’s sensitive status made it inconvenient for her to stay long in Xiang Ma Town. After chatting for a bit, she planned to leave under the cover of night. Yang Xiao immediately arranged for someone to escort her out of town.
It was late at night. Before coming, Yang Xiao had sent a message to Senior Brother Qingfeng, saying he was back and wanted to see their elder master. Judging by the time now, he had two hours left and needed some rest.
He couldn’t go back to his usual room since Tong Han was using it. Judging by the time, she was likely already asleep.
Fortunately, the Pingxi Marquis’s residence had its perks: a large area and many rooms. Yang Xiao planned to have Ling Yanyu arrange one for him. After all, he wasn’t staying long—at most two days—before heading back to Rongcheng.
Currently, he was the Deputy Director of the Patrol Defense Office and an Action Bureau Specialist, a proper high-ranking official within Rongcheng’s official powers.
However, just as Yang Xiao stepped out of the room, he suddenly noticed a figure standing not far away. Focusing his gaze, it was none other than Tong Han.
"Hey... you’re still up?" Yang Xiao chuckled, stepping forward with a look that said he didn’t visit to avoid disturbing her rest.
Tong Han raised her chin toward the direction Qu Hong had left, "That person has some skill; be careful."
"Don’t worry, she’s different from you. We are friends, but I’m cautious of her too," Yang Xiao replied.
"Okay." Tong Han nodded, turning to walk into the shadows, "I’ve cleaned a room for you, rest early."
"Wait!" Yang Xiao called out to her, "You can continue staying there, it’s fine. I heard you had a fight with Granny Jin, how did it go? Did you get hurt?"
"No, Granny Jin knows about our relationship, so she didn’t go hard on me," Tong Han responded truthfully.
"Hiss—" Yang Xiao sensed the topic was heading in the wrong direction and immediately switched it, "The... the City God Drum I gave you, you’ve taken it away, right? I forgot to tell you, it’s dangerous. Did you experience any side effects when using it?"
"No."
"That’s good." Yang Xiao breathed a sigh of relief, yet couldn’t help but complain, "Next time, you must let me know in advance. It’s dangerous, you know?"
"I couldn’t reach you then; you were caught by Qu Muzhi. Next time... I won’t do it again." Tong Han left after saying this, her figure disappearing from Yang Xiao’s view as she stepped out of the courtyard.
A moment later, Yang Xiao shivered as he recalled. Back then, he was trapped in a scheme set by the People of the Yu Yuan Sect, leading to Qu Muzhi’s team capturing him at a murder scene.
Although it turned out to be a false alarm, Fu Qingzhu had mentioned to him that after learning of his capture, Tong Han immediately approached him, offering to hold off Qu Muzhi so Fu Qingzhu could find someone to rescue him.
At the time, Fu Qingzhu had remarked that if Tong Han had the ability to hold off Qu Muzhi, she wouldn’t have been captured by him in the first place.
