Chapter 86: Farewell
He Jian sent a video with a message: [Do not save it.]
Jiang Hong opened it, and the video was just seven seconds long, showing a computer screen.
On it, a black dragon covered in golden seal glows flew past a building of over ten stories, breathing fire down onto the street below.
Immediately, the building erupted in flames, causing a massive explosion. Fire burst from the windows, ejecting countless debris.
Jiang Hong was shocked, but the video was quickly retracted by He Jian.
He Jian: [I've deleted it.]
Zhang Xiting: [………………]
Jiang Hong and Jin exchanged glances.
"Is that Lu Xiu?" Jin asked. "But I don’t think it’s him."
"No, it can't be him," Jiang Hong said firmly. "I'm absolutely sure."
Jiang Hong was momentarily speechless, knowing it definitely wasn't Lu Xiu; he would never do such a thing. But why were there seals on the dragon? The only explanation was that Dark Chen Zhen, in order to frame Lu Xiu, had also drawn identical seals on the dark copy!
He Jian: [My brother is on annual leave at home. I sneakily filmed this from his computer. I hope it doesn't bring trouble to me... Also, that was a hotel, many people were staying there, and the entire commercial street around it was destroyed.]
Jin was also shocked, murmuring, "How many people must have died?"
Jiang Hong’s head buzzed with thoughts.
He Jian: [The Exorcism Commission is investigating this, but it’s uncertain if similar destruction will occur elsewhere. There’s huge pressure on the Commission now, higher-ups who have seen the video know it's related to the hidden world.]
"My God." Jiang Hong's mind was filled with unshakable, hellish images. He barely managed to eat some breakfast. Jin said, "Principal Cao will surely find a way."
"The strife in the hidden world," Jiang Hong said in disbelief, "why involve ordinary people in it?"
Jin suggested, "Let's go out for a walk."
Jiang Hong tried calling Lu Xiu, but there was no answer, increasing his worry. He quickly messaged the S-class group, which included him, Cao Bin, Xiao Pi, and Si Gui.
[Are you all okay?] Jiang Hong asked.
There was silence before Cao Bin replied: [You know? We're handling it. Don't worry. Don't mention it to outsiders.]
Jiang Hong felt a bit relieved seeing Cao Bin's message, but Lu Xiu remained silent.
Soon, a call came through from Cao Bin.
"Jiang Hong," Cao Bin said, "you can summon Lu Xiu, right?"
Jiang Hong replied, "Yes, should I summon him? Isn't he at the school?"
Jiang Hong's heart sank. Did Cao Bin's inquiry imply they suspected Lu Xiu too?
"No, he's with me right now," Cao Bin explained. "Keep an eye on your phone. If I call you before noon, don't answer, just summon Lu Xiu immediately. After noon, don't worry about it."
"Okay... sure," Jiang Hong responded, "Is that all?"
Cao Bin confirmed, "Yes, no trouble yet. We're dealing with it. We'll discuss the details when you're back at school."
"Alright, okay." Jiang Hong felt reassured by Cao Bin's calm and steady tone, believing the situation would be resolved.
Jin, overhearing the phone call, didn't comment but casually mentioned, "Principal Cao and Principal Xiang have been working for years to ensure such destructive forces never harm innocent people."
"Right," Jiang Hong realized the immense efforts of Xiang Cheng, Cao Bin, and even Chen Zhen. With Huo Xing acting out, what they faced now was not just a battle between exorcists and villains, but a conflict on a global scale.
"Let's go to Maiji Mountain," Jin suggested, "I want to pray and offer blessings for them."
Jiang Hong nodded reluctantly, his grip on the phone tight, waiting for Cao Bin's signal. Maiji Mountain was shrouded in mist, a serene oasis amidst Gansu's mountainous terrain. The lush greenery and misty air lent it an almost ethereal beauty.
Halfway through the walk, Jiang Hong sat on a bench in the scenic area, nervously glancing at his phone.
No call came from Cao Bin by noon.
Instead, Si Gui sent a message in the group: [Jiang Hong, you can stop checking your phone now. Everything is fine for now.]
Jiang Hong finally relaxed, but there was still no response from Lu Xiu.
Jin took Jiang Hong around Maiji Mountain and arranged a ritual in the temple in the afternoon. Even as evening approached, Jiang Hong occasionally checked his phone for a message from Lu Xiu.
"Shall we return to the school tomorrow?" Jin asked, sensing Jiang Hong's concern.
"Yeah," Jiang Hong agreed, anxious about the unfolding events.
Jin suggested, "Should we leave now?"
"No, no," Jiang Hong replied, "it's too rushed, we should at least..."
"It's okay," Jin assured him, "I want to go back too. My dad has gone to Lanzhou for a meeting, probably about this incident."
Jin quickly arranged flight tickets, packing almost immediately. Jin had only a backpack, and they left for the airport with Jiang Hong's suitcase.
The flight from Tianshui to Xi'an took just forty minutes. As the plane descended, Jiang Hong peered out the window to see Xi'an brightly lit, seemingly normal.
The school group was abuzz with discussion, with many students already back on campus. Suddenly, Zhang Xiting shared a video in their smaller group.
The video, over a minute long, showed a large group of students gathered in front of the administrative building, protesting angrily.
"What's this?" Jiang Hong asked, confused. "What's happening?"
He Jian: [Can't believe it's starting already. I don't want to be in opposition. Oh no, I love you guys!]
Jin and Jiang Hong stood outside the airport, watching the video on the phone.
Zhang Xiting sent a voice message: “The demon students are protesting. The Exorcism Committee wants to take Lu Xu away and suspend classes for an inspection of all demon students. The school is in chaos; they’re surrounding the administrative building, not letting An Jie and the others in.”
Jiang Hong: “Why?”
Jin: “I'll call a car... got it, the nearest one will arrive in three minutes.”
Zhang Xiting: “Because the demon students believe that even if it was Lu Xu's doing, he's the Demon King, he's a dragon. The Exorcism Committee has no right to judge him, much less take him away.”
He Jian: [Oh my, I knew this day would come. Is this the outbreak of human-demon conflict?]
Zhang Xiting: "He Jian, are you coming back? Things seem a bit tense; I'm not sure if Cao Bin can handle it. Jin, where are you?"
Jin speaking into Jiang Hong's phone: "We've reached the airport and are taking a cab back to the school now."
Jiang Hong to Jin: "Haven't our school's demons and humans always gotten along well?"
Jin replies: "That's only within the school. Many students feel that the Exorcism Committee and the school are different…"
"But..." Jiang Hong starts to say more when Jin opens the car door, makes a 'shush' gesture, signaling to be discreet in the car, and Jiang Hong nods in understanding.
However, Jiang Hong also hopes the Exorcism Committee won't take Lu Xu away. But now, it seems the conflict has escalated into a confrontation between the demon students and the human exorcists of the Exorcism Committee.
Right! I have another group!
Jiang Hong quickly checks his groups and finds a contact group used not long ago. During the battle against the ancient gods with the S-level exorcists, they fought side by side. This group still exists, with Chen Zhen and An Jie in it.
Jiang Hong: [You need to show me detailed live footage. I can provide strong evidence and will go with you.] He then tags everyone in the group except Lu Xu.
Unexpectedly, the first person to respond is Lu Xu.
Lu Xu, who had been silent for days, finally speaks: [If anyone dares involve Jiang Hong in this, we'll see what happens.]
Jiang Hong: "......"
Followed by a long silence.
Jiang Hong quickly switches back to message Lu Xu, but after Lu Xu's brief appearance in the group, he ignores him again.
Shortly after, another message appeared in the group.
Chen Zhen: [If you want me to solve the problem, grant me the authority to do so. The pressure isn't just from the Exorcism Committee. You know better than I do who is above them. Does anyone have a better solution? Anyone?]
Jiang Hong didn't know whom Chen Zhen was addressing and hesitated to interrupt.
Soon, someone else replied, and it was Ke Da: [So you're letting Dou Kuan handle this? Why don't you come and see for yourself?]
Jiang Hong glanced at Jin, who seemed unsure whether to avoid looking at Jiang Hong's chat. Jiang Hong, however, gestured that it was okay.
Jin said, "With such a severe incident, the higher-ups must be pressuring Chen Zhen. There might even be accountability."
Jiang Hong: "How did it suddenly come to this..."
However, he had to admit that Yinghuo's move was incredibly cunning, successfully executed at least in part.
"We're almost there," said Jin.
The car stopped at the main entrance. Jiang Hong quickly got out and headed towards the administration building, which was surrounded by students.
"Dou Kuan, come out!" someone shouted.
Then, in unison, the crowd began chanting: "Dou Kuan, come out——!"
Ke Da, with his arms crossed, sat on the railing of the fourth floor, looking down at the students below. The demon students who had returned to school had spontaneously gathered outside the administration building.
Jin made his way through the crowd and glanced at Jiang Hong, who gestured that it was okay and hurried towards the elevator. Swiping his campus card, he found himself surrounded by a group of students wanting to follow him into the elevator.
"What are you doing?" He Zhi Xu, the director, rushed over and said, "You can’t go up there! What are you trying to do?"
"Director Xu," pleaded Jiang Hong, "I need to go up..."
Director Xu gestured with his eyes to let him go, then turned to the other students and commanded, "Everyone, out! Do you not care about your final grades?!"
With Director Xu's authoritative presence, Jiang Hong entered the elevator and reached the floor where the S-class activity room was located, passing by Ke Da, who was sitting on the railing.
Ke Da was shouting down at the students below, "Hey, you can protest all you want! But anyone who dares use magic is challenging me! Stay in line, folks, don't cause trouble!"
Perhaps due to Ke Da's presence, the agitated demon students below refrained from using magic.
As Jiang Hong passed behind Ke Da, Ke Da said, "Don’t go in."
Jiang Hong asked, "Is Lu Xiu inside? What about the others?"
Ke Da replied, "I don’t know. Dou Kuan and An Jie are in there."
Jiang Hong glanced at the S-class activity room from a distance, frowning deeply. He wanted to tell An Jie that Lu Xiu's reverse scale was with him, proving that the dragon that destroyed the commercial street, if it had a reverse scale, couldn't be Lu Xiu.
Ke Da commented, "You’re quite obedient. Should give you a 'Good Student' award."
Jiang Hong: "???"
Jiang Hong thought to himself: At a time like this, you’re still in the mood to joke?
"I'm just listening to you," Jiang Hong says blankly, "You've always been nice to us. You're Xiaopi's good friend, and mine too."
Ke Da said, "What I just mentioned, about not being allowed to enter, didn't mean we couldn't eavesdrop by the door."
Jiang Hong: "......"
Jiang Hong immediately turned around and headed outside the activity room. Ke Da winked at him mysteriously and said, "Whatever you hear, don’t forget to share with your good friend!"
Jiang Hong, feeling helpless, pressed his ear against the door, listening to the conversation inside. Through a side window, he saw several people but no sign of Lu Xu.
Inside the S-Class activity room of Cangqiong University, there was only Cao Bin, playing pool.
The Exorcism Committee representatives were An Jie, Dou Kuan, and a young man Jiang Hong had never seen before. Jiang was certain he hadn’t seen this guy during his internship at the Exorcism Committee.
Dou Kuan seemed really angry, evidently in the midst of a heated argument.
Dou Kuan: "...You need to step in and resolve this, Cao Bin!"
Cao Bin, still dressed in his shirt and vest, was leisurely playing pool. He replied, "Resolve? The students want an explanation, not just my presence. If the principal can’t provide them with answers, what good would my appearance do? Do you expect me to use my personal influence to calm them down and send them back to their dorms?"
"Dou Kuan," Cao Bin stood up, holding his pool cue, and declared loudly, "Everything in this world cannot defy 'reason.' You need to persuade them with logic. I believe the Exorcism Committee should personally explain to them. Without your response, they won't disperse."
The principal is truly… always so formidable!
The young man spoke up, "This is not the first incident. If you keep handling things this way," he said to Cao Bin, "you know what the higher-ups will consider."
Cao Bin replied indifferently, "My direct superior is the Exorcism Committee, not you. You can't order me around."
Finally, An Jie spoke, "Where is Lu Xu? Hiding? Avoiding to face the situation himself, letting you take the hit? Or letting other students stand up for him? That doesn't sound like something he would do."
Cao Bin: "Indeed, it’s not what he would do. He's engaged in something very important. Even if the whole world collapses now, you cannot disturb him."
An Jie frowned and asked, "What is he doing?"
Cao Bin: "After he's done, you can go ask him yourself."
Cao Bin responded effortlessly, his presence overwhelmingly silencing the trio opposite him.
"Where is Lu Xu?" Jiang Hong turned and ran to Ke Da, who was still keeping an eye on the students' movements.
"What did they say?" Ke Da asked instead.
Jiang Hong briefly explained, and Ke Da quickly understood, uttering an "Oh" before saying, "Then he should have an alibi. I also don't think it was him... Doing such a thing is pointless beyond venting."
"What do you mean?" Jiang Hong pressed, "Where exactly is Lu Xu?"
Ke Da: "He seems to have gone on a life-threatening mission. I saw him preparing for it last week."
Jiang Hong, growing more anxious, asked, "What's a life-threatening mission?"
"Life-threatening means to risk one's lifespan..."
Suddenly, Ke Da stopped speaking, realizing something.
"Lifespan?" Jiang Hong queried, "What about lifespan?"
"Nothing," Ke Da quickly corrected, "Don’t worry too much. Cao Bin will handle it. Lu Xu will be out soon, and you can ask him directly. It's not a big deal."
Jiang Hong: "Who is that unknown person?"
Ke Da: "That’s the Exorcism Committee’s superior."
Jiang Hong: "Is he threatening..."
Ke Da: "They threaten all the time. If threats were edible, I wouldn’t need to recharge my campus card. What can they do? Dissolve the university? Let all the demons run loose and leave them to clean up. These people are so ungrateful..."
Jiang Hong was frantic with worry, feeling like Ke Da, despite seemingly answering many questions, ultimately revealed nothing.
Just then, the door burst open, and Dou Kuan stormed out, his face red with fury.
"Cao Bin! Are you trying to rebel?" Dou Kuan turned around, obviously overwhelmed with anger, even uttering the word "rebel."
"Watch the door," Cao Bin replied calmly from inside, "It's made of pear wood; you won't be able to afford it if you kick it down with that meager salary of yours."
Jiang Hong: "......"
As Dou Kuan emerged, the students below started jeering, the situation teetering on the brink of chaos, leaving Ke Da speechless. An Jie and the young man followed Dou Kuan out.
An Jie said, "In that case, I have no choice but to request an official search warrant from the Exorcism Committee."
"Please do," Cao Bin also stepped out, standing unflinchingly at the doorway.
Jiang Hong hesitated to speak, but Cao Bin noticed him, subtly shaking his finger beside his body, signaling him not to say anything.
At that moment, a rumbling sound of a motorcycle erupted outside the administrative building!
It's the Kawasaki H2! Lu Xu finally appeared!
Jiang Hong immediately rushed to the railing, looking down to see Lu Xu in a sleek black racing suit, wearing a helmet, with shimmering streamline strips on his body glowing in the dark, reminiscent of a dragon's body.
"Disperse!" Lu Xu shouted loudly, "I'm leaving!"
The demon students were again in an uproar, with someone shouting, "Teacher Lu!"
Lu Xu didn’t respond, but lifted his helmet-covered head as if looking for someone in the administrative building above.
Jiang Hong watched Lu Xu, quickly picking up his phone and gesturing towards it, meaning to call him!
"Lu Xu—!" Dou Kuan roared, "Are you planning to flee from justice? You'll be wanted!"
"I'll be in the demon sanctuary," Lu Xu said nonchalantly, "you can come and arrest me there, no need for a warrant."
With those words, Lu Xu raised his hand, making a carefree "goodbye" gesture with his fingers. He then leaned over the Kawasaki H2, revved up the engine with a roar, and sped off into the night, disappearing into the darkness.
In the darkness, the glowing strips on Lu Xu's body left a trail of dazzling blue luminescence under high speed.
Chapter 86: Farewell
He Jian sent a video with a message: [Do not save it.]
Jiang Hong opened it, and the video was just seven seconds long, showing a computer screen.
On it, a black dragon covered in golden seal glows flew past a building of over ten stories, breathing fire down onto the street below.
Immediately, the building erupted in flames, causing a massive explosion. Fire burst from the windows, ejecting countless debris.
Jiang Hong was shocked, but the video was quickly retracted by He Jian.
He Jian: [I've deleted it.]
Zhang Xiting: [………………]
Jiang Hong and Jin exchanged glances.
"Is that Lu Xiu?" Jin asked. "But I don’t think it’s him."
"No, it can't be him," Jiang Hong said firmly. "I'm absolutely sure."
Jiang Hong was momentarily speechless, knowing it definitely wasn't Lu Xiu; he would never do such a thing. But why were there seals on the dragon? The only explanation was that Dark Chen Zhen, in order to frame Lu Xiu, had also drawn identical seals on the dark copy!
He Jian: [My brother is on annual leave at home. I sneakily filmed this from his computer. I hope it doesn't bring trouble to me... Also, that was a hotel, many people were staying there, and the entire commercial street around it was destroyed.]
Jin was also shocked, murmuring, "How many people must have died?"
Jiang Hong’s head buzzed with thoughts.
He Jian: [The Exorcism Commission is investigating this, but it’s uncertain if similar destruction will occur elsewhere. There’s huge pressure on the Commission now, higher-ups who have seen the video know it's related to the hidden world.]
"My God." Jiang Hong's mind was filled with unshakable, hellish images. He barely managed to eat some breakfast. Jin said, "Principal Cao will surely find a way."
"The strife in the hidden world," Jiang Hong said in disbelief, "why involve ordinary people in it?"
Jin suggested, "Let's go out for a walk."
Jiang Hong tried calling Lu Xiu, but there was no answer, increasing his worry. He quickly messaged the S-class group, which included him, Cao Bin, Xiao Pi, and Si Gui.
[Are you all okay?] Jiang Hong asked.
There was silence before Cao Bin replied: [You know? We're handling it. Don't worry. Don't mention it to outsiders.]
Jiang Hong felt a bit relieved seeing Cao Bin's message, but Lu Xiu remained silent.
Soon, a call came through from Cao Bin.
"Jiang Hong," Cao Bin said, "you can summon Lu Xiu, right?"
Jiang Hong replied, "Yes, should I summon him? Isn't he at the school?"
Jiang Hong's heart sank. Did Cao Bin's inquiry imply they suspected Lu Xiu too?
"No, he's with me right now," Cao Bin explained. "Keep an eye on your phone. If I call you before noon, don't answer, just summon Lu Xiu immediately. After noon, don't worry about it."
"Okay... sure," Jiang Hong responded, "Is that all?"
Cao Bin confirmed, "Yes, no trouble yet. We're dealing with it. We'll discuss the details when you're back at school."
"Alright, okay." Jiang Hong felt reassured by Cao Bin's calm and steady tone, believing the situation would be resolved.
Jin, overhearing the phone call, didn't comment but casually mentioned, "Principal Cao and Principal Xiang have been working for years to ensure such destructive forces never harm innocent people."
"Right," Jiang Hong realized the immense efforts of Xiang Cheng, Cao Bin, and even Chen Zhen. With Huo Xing acting out, what they faced now was not just a battle between exorcists and villains, but a conflict on a global scale.
"Let's go to Maiji Mountain," Jin suggested, "I want to pray and offer blessings for them."
Jiang Hong nodded reluctantly, his grip on the phone tight, waiting for Cao Bin's signal. Maiji Mountain was shrouded in mist, a serene oasis amidst Gansu's mountainous terrain. The lush greenery and misty air lent it an almost ethereal beauty.
Halfway through the walk, Jiang Hong sat on a bench in the scenic area, nervously glancing at his phone.
No call came from Cao Bin by noon.
Instead, Si Gui sent a message in the group: [Jiang Hong, you can stop checking your phone now. Everything is fine for now.]
Jiang Hong finally relaxed, but there was still no response from Lu Xiu.
Jin took Jiang Hong around Maiji Mountain and arranged a ritual in the temple in the afternoon. Even as evening approached, Jiang Hong occasionally checked his phone for a message from Lu Xiu.
"Shall we return to the school tomorrow?" Jin asked, sensing Jiang Hong's concern.
"Yeah," Jiang Hong agreed, anxious about the unfolding events.
Jin suggested, "Should we leave now?"
"No, no," Jiang Hong replied, "it's too rushed, we should at least..."
"It's okay," Jin assured him, "I want to go back too. My dad has gone to Lanzhou for a meeting, probably about this incident."
Jin quickly arranged flight tickets, packing almost immediately. Jin had only a backpack, and they left for the airport with Jiang Hong's suitcase.
The flight from Tianshui to Xi'an took just forty minutes. As the plane descended, Jiang Hong peered out the window to see Xi'an brightly lit, seemingly normal.
The school group was abuzz with discussion, with many students already back on campus. Suddenly, Zhang Xiting shared a video in their smaller group.
The video, over a minute long, showed a large group of students gathered in front of the administrative building, protesting angrily.
"What's this?" Jiang Hong asked, confused. "What's happening?"
He Jian: [Can't believe it's starting already. I don't want to be in opposition. Oh no, I love you guys!]
Jin and Jiang Hong stood outside the airport, watching the video on the phone.
Zhang Xiting sent a voice message: “The demon students are protesting. The Exorcism Committee wants to take Lu Xu away and suspend classes for an inspection of all demon students. The school is in chaos; they’re surrounding the administrative building, not letting An Jie and the others in.”
Jiang Hong: “Why?”
Jin: “I'll call a car... got it, the nearest one will arrive in three minutes.”
Zhang Xiting: “Because the demon students believe that even if it was Lu Xu's doing, he's the Demon King, he's a dragon. The Exorcism Committee has no right to judge him, much less take him away.”
He Jian: [Oh my, I knew this day would come. Is this the outbreak of human-demon conflict?]
Zhang Xiting: "He Jian, are you coming back? Things seem a bit tense; I'm not sure if Cao Bin can handle it. Jin, where are you?"
Jin speaking into Jiang Hong's phone: "We've reached the airport and are taking a cab back to the school now."
Jiang Hong to Jin: "Haven't our school's demons and humans always gotten along well?"
Jin replies: "That's only within the school. Many students feel that the Exorcism Committee and the school are different…"
"But..." Jiang Hong starts to say more when Jin opens the car door, makes a 'shush' gesture, signaling to be discreet in the car, and Jiang Hong nods in understanding.
However, Jiang Hong also hopes the Exorcism Committee won't take Lu Xu away. But now, it seems the conflict has escalated into a confrontation between the demon students and the human exorcists of the Exorcism Committee.
Right! I have another group!
Jiang Hong quickly checks his groups and finds a contact group used not long ago. During the battle against the ancient gods with the S-level exorcists, they fought side by side. This group still exists, with Chen Zhen and An Jie in it.
Jiang Hong: [You need to show me detailed live footage. I can provide strong evidence and will go with you.] He then tags everyone in the group except Lu Xu.
Unexpectedly, the first person to respond is Lu Xu.
Lu Xu, who had been silent for days, finally speaks: [If anyone dares involve Jiang Hong in this, we'll see what happens.]
Jiang Hong: "......"
Followed by a long silence.
Jiang Hong quickly switches back to message Lu Xu, but after Lu Xu's brief appearance in the group, he ignores him again.
Shortly after, another message appeared in the group.
Chen Zhen: [If you want me to solve the problem, grant me the authority to do so. The pressure isn't just from the Exorcism Committee. You know better than I do who is above them. Does anyone have a better solution? Anyone?]
Jiang Hong didn't know whom Chen Zhen was addressing and hesitated to interrupt.
Soon, someone else replied, and it was Ke Da: [So you're letting Dou Kuan handle this? Why don't you come and see for yourself?]
Jiang Hong glanced at Jin, who seemed unsure whether to avoid looking at Jiang Hong's chat. Jiang Hong, however, gestured that it was okay.
Jin said, "With such a severe incident, the higher-ups must be pressuring Chen Zhen. There might even be accountability."
Jiang Hong: "How did it suddenly come to this..."
However, he had to admit that Yinghuo's move was incredibly cunning, successfully executed at least in part.
"We're almost there," said Jin.
The car stopped at the main entrance. Jiang Hong quickly got out and headed towards the administration building, which was surrounded by students.
"Dou Kuan, come out!" someone shouted.
Then, in unison, the crowd began chanting: "Dou Kuan, come out——!"
Ke Da, with his arms crossed, sat on the railing of the fourth floor, looking down at the students below. The demon students who had returned to school had spontaneously gathered outside the administration building.
Jin made his way through the crowd and glanced at Jiang Hong, who gestured that it was okay and hurried towards the elevator. Swiping his campus card, he found himself surrounded by a group of students wanting to follow him into the elevator.
"What are you doing?" He Zhi Xu, the director, rushed over and said, "You can’t go up there! What are you trying to do?"
"Director Xu," pleaded Jiang Hong, "I need to go up..."
Director Xu gestured with his eyes to let him go, then turned to the other students and commanded, "Everyone, out! Do you not care about your final grades?!"
With Director Xu's authoritative presence, Jiang Hong entered the elevator and reached the floor where the S-class activity room was located, passing by Ke Da, who was sitting on the railing.
Ke Da was shouting down at the students below, "Hey, you can protest all you want! But anyone who dares use magic is challenging me! Stay in line, folks, don't cause trouble!"
Perhaps due to Ke Da's presence, the agitated demon students below refrained from using magic.
As Jiang Hong passed behind Ke Da, Ke Da said, "Don’t go in."
Jiang Hong asked, "Is Lu Xiu inside? What about the others?"
Ke Da replied, "I don’t know. Dou Kuan and An Jie are in there."
Jiang Hong glanced at the S-class activity room from a distance, frowning deeply. He wanted to tell An Jie that Lu Xiu's reverse scale was with him, proving that the dragon that destroyed the commercial street, if it had a reverse scale, couldn't be Lu Xiu.
Ke Da commented, "You’re quite obedient. Should give you a 'Good Student' award."
Jiang Hong: "???"
Jiang Hong thought to himself: At a time like this, you’re still in the mood to joke?
"I'm just listening to you," Jiang Hong says blankly, "You've always been nice to us. You're Xiaopi's good friend, and mine too."
Ke Da said, "What I just mentioned, about not being allowed to enter, didn't mean we couldn't eavesdrop by the door."
Jiang Hong: "......"
Jiang Hong immediately turned around and headed outside the activity room. Ke Da winked at him mysteriously and said, "Whatever you hear, don’t forget to share with your good friend!"
Jiang Hong, feeling helpless, pressed his ear against the door, listening to the conversation inside. Through a side window, he saw several people but no sign of Lu Xu.
Inside the S-Class activity room of Cangqiong University, there was only Cao Bin, playing pool.
The Exorcism Committee representatives were An Jie, Dou Kuan, and a young man Jiang Hong had never seen before. Jiang was certain he hadn’t seen this guy during his internship at the Exorcism Committee.
Dou Kuan seemed really angry, evidently in the midst of a heated argument.
Dou Kuan: "...You need to step in and resolve this, Cao Bin!"
Cao Bin, still dressed in his shirt and vest, was leisurely playing pool. He replied, "Resolve? The students want an explanation, not just my presence. If the principal can’t provide them with answers, what good would my appearance do? Do you expect me to use my personal influence to calm them down and send them back to their dorms?"
"Dou Kuan," Cao Bin stood up, holding his pool cue, and declared loudly, "Everything in this world cannot defy 'reason.' You need to persuade them with logic. I believe the Exorcism Committee should personally explain to them. Without your response, they won't disperse."
The principal is truly… always so formidable!
The young man spoke up, "This is not the first incident. If you keep handling things this way," he said to Cao Bin, "you know what the higher-ups will consider."
Cao Bin replied indifferently, "My direct superior is the Exorcism Committee, not you. You can't order me around."
Finally, An Jie spoke, "Where is Lu Xu? Hiding? Avoiding to face the situation himself, letting you take the hit? Or letting other students stand up for him? That doesn't sound like something he would do."
Cao Bin: "Indeed, it’s not what he would do. He's engaged in something very important. Even if the whole world collapses now, you cannot disturb him."
An Jie frowned and asked, "What is he doing?"
Cao Bin: "After he's done, you can go ask him yourself."
Cao Bin responded effortlessly, his presence overwhelmingly silencing the trio opposite him.
"Where is Lu Xu?" Jiang Hong turned and ran to Ke Da, who was still keeping an eye on the students' movements.
"What did they say?" Ke Da asked instead.
Jiang Hong briefly explained, and Ke Da quickly understood, uttering an "Oh" before saying, "Then he should have an alibi. I also don't think it was him... Doing such a thing is pointless beyond venting."
"What do you mean?" Jiang Hong pressed, "Where exactly is Lu Xu?"
Ke Da: "He seems to have gone on a life-threatening mission. I saw him preparing for it last week."
Jiang Hong, growing more anxious, asked, "What's a life-threatening mission?"
"Life-threatening means to risk one's lifespan..."
Suddenly, Ke Da stopped speaking, realizing something.
"Lifespan?" Jiang Hong queried, "What about lifespan?"
"Nothing," Ke Da quickly corrected, "Don’t worry too much. Cao Bin will handle it. Lu Xu will be out soon, and you can ask him directly. It's not a big deal."
Jiang Hong: "Who is that unknown person?"
Ke Da: "That’s the Exorcism Committee’s superior."
Jiang Hong: "Is he threatening..."
Ke Da: "They threaten all the time. If threats were edible, I wouldn’t need to recharge my campus card. What can they do? Dissolve the university? Let all the demons run loose and leave them to clean up. These people are so ungrateful..."
Jiang Hong was frantic with worry, feeling like Ke Da, despite seemingly answering many questions, ultimately revealed nothing.
Just then, the door burst open, and Dou Kuan stormed out, his face red with fury.
"Cao Bin! Are you trying to rebel?" Dou Kuan turned around, obviously overwhelmed with anger, even uttering the word "rebel."
"Watch the door," Cao Bin replied calmly from inside, "It's made of pear wood; you won't be able to afford it if you kick it down with that meager salary of yours."
Jiang Hong: "......"
As Dou Kuan emerged, the students below started jeering, the situation teetering on the brink of chaos, leaving Ke Da speechless. An Jie and the young man followed Dou Kuan out.
An Jie said, "In that case, I have no choice but to request an official search warrant from the Exorcism Committee."
"Please do," Cao Bin also stepped out, standing unflinchingly at the doorway.
Jiang Hong hesitated to speak, but Cao Bin noticed him, subtly shaking his finger beside his body, signaling him not to say anything.
At that moment, a rumbling sound of a motorcycle erupted outside the administrative building!
It's the Kawasaki H2! Lu Xu finally appeared!
Jiang Hong immediately rushed to the railing, looking down to see Lu Xu in a sleek black racing suit, wearing a helmet, with shimmering streamline strips on his body glowing in the dark, reminiscent of a dragon's body.
"Disperse!" Lu Xu shouted loudly, "I'm leaving!"
The demon students were again in an uproar, with someone shouting, "Teacher Lu!"
Lu Xu didn’t respond, but lifted his helmet-covered head as if looking for someone in the administrative building above.
Jiang Hong watched Lu Xu, quickly picking up his phone and gesturing towards it, meaning to call him!
"Lu Xu—!" Dou Kuan roared, "Are you planning to flee from justice? You'll be wanted!"
"I'll be in the demon sanctuary," Lu Xu said nonchalantly, "you can come and arrest me there, no need for a warrant."
With those words, Lu Xu raised his hand, making a carefree "goodbye" gesture with his fingers. He then leaned over the Kawasaki H2, revved up the engine with a roar, and sped off into the night, disappearing into the darkness.
In the darkness, the glowing strips on Lu Xu's body left a trail of dazzling blue luminescence under high speed.
