Chapter Ninety: In Chengdu, Seeking the Color Demon

After spending several days at home, Hua Feng and Yun Meng found themselves unaccustomed to such a tranquil life and decided to set out as soon as possible to complete the A-level mission they had been assigned.

April 10th, 2118. Hua Feng and Yun Meng bid farewell to Hua Feng’s parents and headed toward their mission destination—Chengdu, the city renowned since ancient times for its beauties.

This time, they switched to a multifunctional vehicle capable of traversing land, sea, and air. To save time, they charted an aerial route and sped toward their target. Developed by Great Wall Motors, the leading brand of new energy vehicles in Huaxia, this car boasted impressive features and excellent value for money. Earlier, Hua Feng had asked Shen Qiu to order several of these vehicles from the official website for the use of the Farmstead Hall’s leadership. Everyone was thoroughly satisfied with its performance, preferring it even to the Mercedes-Benz 689 RV he had once driven home—a vehicle worth over sixteen million dollars but only capable of land and water travel. Yet, price reflects purpose; each model has its own strengths, and comparing costs across different functionalities is ultimately meaningless.

Thinking of their destination, Hua Feng’s mind drifted to someone who had once helped him greatly—a fox demon, a creature unlike any other: Nangong Li. Her friend, Panda Mozart, resided in the Bashu region. Memories are a territory no one can avoid, whether an ordinary person or a master of spiritual energy; Hua Feng felt this truth deeply. With the car on autopilot, the two had little to do but chat occasionally and gaze at the clouds, lost in thought as passenger planes and vehicles passed by. Across the azure sky, a silver streak sped forward, carrying them toward their destination.

Time flowed quietly, the beloved by his side, everything seemed so blissful. After a while, they found themselves nestled together, drifting into sleep.

In the demon realm, on Heavenly Fox Mountain.

Inside a house constructed entirely of wood atop a towering tree, a breathtakingly beautiful woman reclined by the window, gazing at the moon. If not for the pair of fluffy, white fox ears atop her head, no one would doubt she was an extraordinary beauty.

“Miss, are you thinking of Young Master Hua Feng from the human realm again?” a young servant from the Heavenly Fox clan asked gently.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Xiao Yue. I would never miss that heartless man. He hasn’t sent a word all this time—the human world’s network is linked to ours, so he could easily text me to ask how I’m doing!” Nangong Li’s tone carried a hint of complaint.

“The clan chief says that humans are the most complicated beings in the world—their hearts are tangled and unlike us demons, who are straightforward. So, Miss, it must be hard for you. I haven’t met any humans myself, but I think anyone who weighs on your heart must be different. After all, every race has good and bad; as long as he’s kind to us, human or demon, it doesn’t matter.” As she brushed Nangong Li’s hair, Xiao Yue spoke softly the intimate words she dared not share with others.

“Yes, he is different. Thank you, Xiao Yue. When Father recovers, come with me to the human world; I’ll show you a world full of wonders.”

Beneath the moonlight, Nangong Li could no longer count how many times she’d longed to leave the demon realm for the human world to find Hua Feng. But her father, injured during a battle with the Eagle King while defending Heavenly Fox Mountain, needed her care, so she had to suppress her yearning and stay by his side. Still, having a plan gave her hope.

Chengdu.

Having parked the car, Hua Feng and Yun Meng went to a nearby restaurant for a bite. Each ordered a bowl of Chongqing noodles, topped with chili powder—the oily, spicy appearance awakened Hua Feng’s appetite. Amid the lively chatter, they finished their meal, sweat beading on Hua Feng’s forehead, while Yun Meng’s nose and brow glistened with delicate drops.

“Ah… Brother Hua Feng, it’s been so long since I’ve had Chongqing noodles; I’m not sure I can handle this level of spice anymore,” Yun Meng managed to finish her bowl, shimmering with oil.

Hua Feng handed her a napkin to wipe away the sweat, cleaned his own face, and took a sip of tea to ease the burning. Thankfully, the chili’s heat only affected their heads, leaving the rest of their bodies unscathed.

All around them, people came and went, each with their own expressions. Though the world’s population had declined compared to the past, Huaxia still accounted for a third of humanity. With foreigners visiting for tourism and study, Chengdu remained as bustling as before the war. Despite the absence of some scenes once imagined in science fiction, technology had advanced manifold since those days. Many elders, centuries old, still clung to pre-war habits, like the uncles and aunts chatting around Hua Feng, most of whom were over a hundred—witnesses to the great changes of the era.

“Xiao Meng, where do you think this ‘Flower Picker’ from the mission list will show up? We know he’s nearby but not exactly where. Someone like him must be cautious. Where should we look for him?” Hua Feng asked as they settled onto a sofa and ordered jasmine tea, chatting amid the noisy crowd. They enjoyed this ordinary yet rare taste of everyday life.

“The targets of this thief seem to be college students. Why don’t we stake out the university district? With our subtle psychic detection, covering the whole area wouldn’t be a problem. We just need to focus on the young, pretty girls; I’m sure a guy like that won’t stop his crimes. When we spot him, we’ll capture him in one go.” Xiao Meng clenched her fist, as if to embolden herself.

“Alright, let’s do it. Off to the university district. You’re so clever, Xiao Meng! Mmm… ah.” Hua Feng suddenly kissed Yun Meng.

“Oh my, there are so many people here,” Yun Meng covered her flushed cheeks, her ears turning red.

“What’s there to be afraid of? We’re legally married, and besides, in this day and age, no one cares about little gestures like this. My wife…” Hua Feng whispered as he gently embraced her.

“Ugh, you men are all the same…” Yun Meng feigned annoyance, just a little.