Ye Xueya shrugged with regret. "I thought I could delay her for a bit, but she left so quickly. Missed a good show."
She lowered her head, continuing to immerse herself in the plot of Barbarian King Detective Conan wreaking havoc at the distillery.
Soon, a deep rumble echoed from the distance. Countless pitch-black flying birds covered the sky. Beneath the black clouds, a racing White Horse came to a sudden halt before the high walls.
On horseback, Huai Shi glanced around. His gaze finally settled on the familiar-looking Sublimator on the wall. He quickly remembered the woman who had fought with him for the Dark Gold Level Items in the elevator, and a look of realization crossed his face.
"Ye Xueya?"
"Yes, it's me." Ye Xueya appraised him, nodding in admiration. "Haven't seen you for a few days, and you've really shaped up, young man!"
Huai Shi didn't reply, simply raising his hand and tossing a Trident and a package towards her.
"These are Yuan Zhao's. He asked me to give them to you."
Ye Xueya beckoned with her finger, and the items flew up, landing beside the comics next to her. After glancing down at them, she couldn't help but shake her head.
"That kid is stubborn, awkward, likes to play the Hero, and is too set in his ways. Thanks for looking after him these past few days."
"He saved me," Huai Shi looked up, telling her seriously. "At the final moment, he turned the tide!"
Ye Xueya raised an eyebrow slightly, as if surprised, then soon broke into a gratified smile.
That Little Brag, he's made quite a decent friend...
"She headed that way."
Ye Xueya raised her finger, pointing. "Out this way and then southwest, probably towards the Shiodome area. Her mother's family has some connections with Shinra; she's likely heading towards the Seven Star Group now, right?"
After a pause, she revealed a wretchedly mocking smile.
"Too bad, she's too late."
She exclaimed with schadenfreude, "Twenty minutes ago, Xiao Xian killed everyone from the Seven Star Group. How tragic... Say, are you confident you can beat your senior sister?"
Huai Shi paused, stumped by the question, and shook his head helplessly. "Hard to say... Anyway, thanks."
"Don't mention it."
Ye Xueya waved goodbye. "Safe travels."
"Alright."
Huai Shi turned his horse and galloped towards Shiodome. Countless Ravens took flight, forming a black cloud, guiding the White Horse forward as if escorted by a thousand troops.
Ye Xueya quietly watched his departing figure, rubbing her fingers together, trying to suppress the unbearable itch in her heart. It's a pity... If only we had met at the Border. If I could encounter such an excellent opponent in a different place, we could definitely have a thrilling fight, couldn't we?
She sighed with regret, then called out loudly to Huai Shi, "Ah, by the way, remember to come by later when you have time! I have something to discuss with you!"
Huai Shi rode off without looking back, whether he heard her or not, unknown.
Amidst the rapid drive, the pitch-black Hearse suddenly slammed on its brakes, screeching to a halt by the side of the road, nearly throwing Lin Yu, who was in the passenger seat venomously uttering Curses, out of her seat.
"What's going on?!"
She looked back furiously, glaring at the driver. The street was clearly empty; there was no need for such an abrupt stop. "I told you, I'm in a hurry!"
"Apologies, guest."
The driver, wearing sunglasses, turned his head stiffly, his tone wooden. "We've just received a notice from headquarters. We regret to inform you that our service to you is temporarily suspended. You need to exit the vehicle."
"Why?!"
Lin Yu was infuriated. "I paid!"
"We will compensate you tenfold for your payment."
The Hearse driver monotonously announced the notice from headquarters: "Due to your public assault on a distinguished honorary citizen and the subsequent destruction of Ueno Park, one of Xiematai's prides, which has caused an extremely negative impact.
Following a meeting and deliberation, the Municipal Administration, Little Cat Paradise, and the Monastic Fellowship have jointly issued an expulsion order against you. The expulsion order will take effect in twelve hours.
Effective immediately, all public services in Xiematai will cease to be available to you, including but not limited to: taxis, dining, accommodation, and supply stores..."
No one was left in the empty carriage to hear the rest.
Before he had even finished speaking, Lin Yu had already pushed open the car door and staggered away.
She gritted her teeth in fury, running disheveled through the streets, her nails digging into her palms in humiliation. This cursed, godforsaken place… even a bunch of Border Variants, destined to live under someone else's roof, dare to be so unappreciative!
In the dead silence, the sharp cawing of Ravens suddenly pierced the air.
When she whirled around abruptly, she glimpsed black flying birds perched on the rooftop, their crimson eyes reflecting her pale face. Unbeknownst to her, countless Ravens had already settled atop the roofs, like an audience punctually taking their seats, quietly bowing their heads to watch.
Their eyes were savage and cruel.
Waiting for the grand show to begin.
The CLATTER of iron hooves on the earth, like the beating of war drums, sounded from afar.