The Creatures that We Are

“I have thought it through,” Chen Ying said with determination.

She had her reasons.

For one, she trusted Gao Yang. For another, Nine Scions were more than capable of grabbing the Rune Circuits now. They wouldn’t be able to resist.

And finally, Chen Ying believed this was part of the test. As the leader of the group. Gao Yang had to make sure that they were truly joining the Nine Scions rather than setting up a trap with the Rune Circuits as a lure.

If the Nine Scions left with only the Rune Circuits, and Chen Ying’s team still managed to maintain their calm, it would prove their goodwill and determination to join the Nine Scions.

“Herb Snail,” Chen Ying called out.

Herb Snail smiled and entered a wall of the auditorium.

Soon, half of his body emerged from the floor, holding two Rune Circuits. With a twist of his wrist, he threw them to Gao Yang.

Gao Yang quickly made a double to catch the Rune Circuits, checking their authenticity and making sure there wasn’t a curse.

Nainai jumped to Gao Yang, shrinking to the size of a thumb and landing on Gao Yang’s shoulder.

“Gao Yang,” Chen Ying called out.

Gao Yang stopped walking but didn’t turn around.

“Don’t make us wait too long. This isn’t a safe place to be.”

Gao Yang didn’t answer. In a flash, he was gone, leaving a blue pool of moonlight behind.

…

A minute later.

In the back mountain of the Eleventh Highschool, Gao Yang entered the dark forest with Nainai in his pocket.

“Thirty-six,” Gao Yang said the code.

A few seconds later, Qing Ling, Can, and Nine Frost appeared.

Can was in the middle with her hands on each of their shoulders.

“Did it go well?” Nine Frost asked.

Gao Yang raised his hand, which was holding two Rune Circuits. “The Damage Rune Circuit and the Life Rune Circuit. Both are the real deal.”

“Whoa, awesome!” Can’s eyes lit up with excitement. “It feels like a dream. We now have four Rune Circuits!”

“It seems that Chen Ying and her team genuinely want to join us,” said Nine Frost.

Gao Yang nodded. “My hunch said that too. Still, we should observe them for a few more days. You and Can are to keep an eye on them, but don’t get too close.”

“Roger that,” said Nine Frost.

Gao Yang handed Qing Ling the two Rune Circuits. “Carry the Damage Rune Circuit with you. Give the Life Rune Circuit to Lithe Snake.”

At the moment, Gao Yang had the Guard Rune Circuit. The Support Rune Circuit was with Ke Yo. All of their Rune Circuits were carried by different people rather than by the same person like the case with Qilin.

For one, Gao Yang didn’t want to leave all the eggs in the same basket. For another, he wanted to check if Talents from serial number 13 to 100 could reach level 8.

Lithe Snake’s Gecko and Qing Ling’s God of Blades were level 6, but they could reach level 7 at any time. If they could merge with the Rune Circuits and achieve level 8, the Nine Scions would gain substantial power.

Qing Ling nodded slightly, turning on her heels after grabbing the Rune Circuit. When Gao Yang didn’t move with her, she looked over her shoulders at him. “Are you not coming with?”

Gao Yang smiled faintly. “You should head back first. Nainai and I have something to do.”

“Okay.” Qing Ling didn’t ask.

…

Walled City of Ten Dragons, three o’clock in the afternoon.

The barbecue place mainly saw patrons during dinner time and later at night. The kitchen was already busy with prep work in the afternoon.

Liu Qingying entered her restaurant, and as usual, she went to the back room to deal with some everyday tasks before returning to the counter, smoking hookah leisurely while waiting for patrons to arrive.

The beaded curtain at the door rustled. A patron came in. It was Bumblebee from Team Vermilion Bird.

He was tall and burly, wearing an oversized camouflage parka and a T-shirt printed with a yellow car that could transform into a robot. Around his neck was a heavy SLR camera.

“Miss Liu!” Bumblebee greeted with feigned nonchalance, but his smile was a little nervous.

“Oh, isn’t it the boy from Team Vermilion Bird?” Liu Qingying lowered her hookah and smiled. “You didn’t come here at this time for a meal, did you?”

“Haha, no.” Bumblebee scratched his head with a smile. “I’ll be frank, Miss Liu. I’m planning a photoshoot for a character, and I think you’ll be the perfect cos…”

“Ah, I’m too old for that.” Liu Qingying chuckled while covering her mouth. “I’m not meant for a hobby of the young ones.”

“No, no. It’s simple. You just have to put on a costume and some makeup,” Bumblebee enthused. “The character has long silverish-gray hair just like you. She’s tall, fit, and has a special air about her. You’re made for the role!”

“Don’t worry, Miss Liu! I’m not asking for your service for free. I…I’ll pay you.”

Liu Qingying held his gaze with a strange smile.

A few seconds later, she winked at him. “Alright, but I’m not cheap.”

“Of course!” Bumblebee seemed happy.

“Come. Let’s talk inside.” Liu Qingying walked out of the counter and returned to her office. Bumblebee followed her in, locking the door behind him.

Liu Qingying drew the curtains and took out a small jammer from her drawer. A slight white noise filled the office immediately.

“Haha, not bad,” Bumblebee said in a purposefully lowered voice and a dramatic tone. “You saw through this Empress’ disguise.”

“Nainai, I heard that your Shapeshifter has reached level 7. Your disguise has gotten much better.” Liu Qingying pointed at her bright clear eyes. “But to me, you’re not good enough.”

Instantly, Bumblebee turned into Nainai in a sailor uniform. “Impossible! This Empress is a master method actor. I played him flawlessly with an inferiority complex, shyness, nervousness, and traces of desires.”

“Have you forgotten that I’m intersex?” Liu Qingying smiled lightly. “Men’s desires for me won’t be pure, but tinged with pity or disgust. It’s difficult to do with method acting. You’ll have to be truly immersed in the role. I’ll suggest you turn into a woman if you want to fool me next time.”

“Ah, that so.” Nainai memorized her tip and added that to her acting database. She opened her right hand. A thumb-sized man was standing on her palm, Gao Yang.

Gao Yang didn’t turn big. His replicated Scale only had a use time of 20 seconds. Once he had shrunk down, he could maintain the state with the passive storage time, but if he turned big now, he wouldn’t be able to use the Talent again.

“Oh, Elder Seven Shadow’s here too.” Liu Qingying was still used to calling him Seven Shadow.

She extended a hand. Gao Yang teleported to her palm.

She lifted her hand to her chest and smiled. “To what do I owe the honor, Elder Seven Shadow?”

To make sure she could hear him well, Gao Yang raised his voice and said, “You sold the intel that Nine Frost had Telepathy to the Qilin Guild!”

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