Chapter 140 – 「Little Hai'er」

For humans, Phantom Demons were undoubtedly the enemy of life—a natural threat to their very existence.

However, the existence of Phantom Demons itself could also generate numerous benefits.

For one, the bodily materials from Phantom Demons were used to craft alchemical potions, alchemical artifacts, and even alchemical weapons.

Moreover, the Bloodline of Phantom Demons was a crucial treasure for creating Hunters, enabling humans to obtain power similar to that of Phantom Demons and allowing them to stand against these threats.

Thus, while deceased Phantom Demons naturally left behind highly valuable materials, living Phantom Demons were even more prized as sacrificial offerings for Bloodline extraction. The demand for them remained consistently high in every Base City across the world.

Under these circumstances, with the opening of the Spirit Demon Abyss Entrance and the onslaught of the Phantom Demon army, many factions in Longyao City undoubtedly sought to capitalize on the situation by capturing large numbers of live Phantom Demons.

These Phantom Demons served as high-value commodities for Bloodline extraction and, in the future, could be used to produce Hunters, thereby strengthening Longyao City’s forces. The city would certainly facilitate this by allowing the circulation of these valuable goods.

In other words…

“There must be channels for transporting live Phantom Demons out of Huaming District,” Xu Qianqian stated with certainty.

“And what’s more, these are officially provided channels.”

This opened up many possibilities for maneuvering.

“But is it feasible?” Su Ming pondered thoughtfully. “Precisely because it’s an official channel, the scrutiny must be extremely strict, right?”

Phantom Demons were inherently Hazardous Species. Even if official channels allowed their circulation for the sake of collective interests, who could guarantee there weren’t other hidden agendas?

After all, firearms were privately manufactured and traded illegally, and even world-class protected species were hunted by greedy poachers willing to risk their lives. How much more so for Phantom Demons, which could grant supernatural power and were valuable in their entirety?

If nothing else, considering the issue of smuggling alone, the authorities would not allow live Phantom Demons to be transported out easily.

Therefore, the scrutiny was bound to be harsh and rigorous.

Under such strict examination, sneaking a Phantom Demon Cub—one that had inherited the Bloodline of a Hazardous Species mutant and had a high probability of evolving into a Nightmare Species—past everyone’s notice would be as difficult as climbing to the heavens.

At the very least, Su Ming believed that if they went through official channels, the Mermaid Girl’s origins would inevitably be exposed sooner or later.

Unless…

“I have connections in the official circles,” Xu Qianqian said simply and nonchalantly, instantly draining Su Ming’s interest in continuing the conversation.

On second thought, it made sense. Xu Qianqian’s father was a high-ranking official in Longyao Base City, equivalent to a national legislator. How could he not have connections in higher places?

And as the daughter of such a figure, having someone in power backing her was only natural.

Still, Su Ming felt a strong urge to denounce such foul backdoor dealings as disgraceful.

Because it made him feel envious and jealous…

“Of course, that’s provided I survive my current predicament first.”

As she spoke, Xu Qianqian couldn’t help but sigh.

Given her current situation, her connections were practically useless.

The reason was simple: she couldn’t get in touch with them.

Otherwise, Xu Qianqian would have already called for help, thwarting Gao Xu and Xu Yanyan’s schemes.”Alright then.” Su Ming appeared rather nonchalant as he said, “Since you already have a plan, we’ll keep this little girl for now.”

After all, this Mermaid Girl looked both adorable and easy to bully, with such great potential—raising her could be quite entertaining.

If Xu Qianqian was willing to help raise her, Su Ming would be even more delighted.

Because, strictly speaking, ownership of this little one belonged to him.

As long as the effects of 【Demon Binding】 remained, control over this Mermaid Girl rested with Su Ming.

No one could take her away.

……

The sky gradually brightened.

When sunlight streamed into the mountain forest, illuminating the woodland cabin, Su Ming and the others woke up one after another.

“Roar!”

“Gurgle!”

“Gaga!”

The Phantom Demons issued their cries one after another, roaming through the mountain forest as if hunting.

Even the Scaled Horn Demon Mutant had left its guard post at the gate, going out to hunt for food.

Both Su Ming and Xu Qianqian had completely recovered.

Xu Qianqian in particular, who had appeared listless and wilted yesterday, now had rosy cheeks, smooth and radiant skin, and brimming with energy. The severe abdominal injury from yesterday had completely vanished, making one wonder if she had actually been injured at all.

“You recovered quite quickly during the latter half of the night.”

Su Ming glanced at Xu Qianqian and made this remark.

Xu Qianqian, who was preparing to wash up, shot a glance at Su Ming and tossed back a response.

“Thanks to you.”

Having said that, Xu Qianqian walked away alone.

Only Su Ming remained, standing there dazed for a moment before finally realizing.

“I almost forgot—this female vampire drank my blood yesterday.”

There was no need to elaborate on how nourishing his blood was for Xu Qianqian.

After drinking such blood, Xu Qianqian’s recovery rate had skyrocketed. Her condition, which hadn’t been recovering well, was now completely restored.

“So I’m just a recovery item and supply item?”

At this thought, Su Ming felt utterly displeased.

“Miling…”

Just then, a timid cry sounded.

Su Ming raised an eyebrow, turned his head, and looked toward the doorway.

There, a mermaid gently swayed her beautiful tail, floating lightly toward the door amid rippling water waves.

Her manner seemed rather furtive.

“Miling miling…”

The soft sounds coming from the Mermaid Girl’s mouth gave the impression she was saying, “Don’t see me, don’t see me.”

Unfortunately, Su Ming was neither blind nor deaf.

“Miling!”

The Mermaid Girl’s startled cry came so abruptly, yet so predictably.

Su Ming grabbed her by the scruff of her neck and lifted her up.

“Trying to run away?”

Su Ming looked at the Mermaid Girl with a teasing smile.

“Miling miling!”

Seeing Su Ming’s “evil” grin, the Mermaid Girl began struggling in panic, like a young girl caught by a kidnapper—vulnerable and pitiful.

“Slap!”

The next second, a jade-like hand reached out and slapped Su Ming’s hand away.

The Mermaid Girl immediately took refuge behind the newcomer as if granted a pardon.

“Bullying Little Hai’er again?”

Xu Qianqian said this to Su Ming.”Who bullied her? She tried to run away and I caught her, alright?” Su Ming protested, then asked curiously, “By the way, what is Little Hai’er?”

Facing Su Ming’s question, Xu Qianqian answered calmly.

“That’s this child’s name.”

There was no need to wonder who Xu Qianqian was referring to.

“Her name?” Su Ming looked at the mermaid girl who had secretly peeked out from behind Xu Qianqian, only to shrink back in fright when she noticed him watching her. He said in surprise, “Don’t tell me you gave her that name?”

“Otherwise?” Xu Qianqian countered instead of answering directly, “We can’t keep calling her ‘child’ forever, can we?”

Hearing this, Su Ming shrugged and said nothing.

While the reasoning made sense, giving a Phantom Demon a name was something Su Ming had never seen before.

“You’re not actually planning to raise her, are you?”

Su Ming couldn’t help but think this way.

Judging by Xu Qianqian’s behavior, it seemed she didn’t just want to hide the mermaid girl as a source of chaos.

Her current attitude couldn’t simply be described as wanting to keep a pet—it was more like she wanted to raise a daughter.

To this, Xu Qianqian neither confirmed nor denied, only saying indifferently.

“Let’s take things one step at a time. We’ll deal with future matters when they come.”

As she spoke, Xu Qianqian turned and walked away.

“Mi-ling!”

The mermaid girl’s figure was instantly exposed in the spot where Xu Qianqian had been standing, startling her once again.

She reflexively tried to fly away but was once again grabbed by Su Ming.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you first?”

Su Ming stared at the mermaid girl—or rather, at the mermaid girl named Little Hai’er—and spoke word by word.

“If you run off randomly this time, I can’t guarantee what those hungry big ferocious ones outside might do to you.”

Hearing such words, the mermaid girl—Little Hai’er—felt Su Ming’s gaze was like he was looking at a delicious snack.

Would she get eaten if she ran outside!?

“Mi-ling mi-ling mi-ling!”

Little Hai’er immediately stopped struggling, looking at Su Ming with teary eyes, hoping he would show mercy, appearing fragile, helpless, and pitiful.

“Ah, this…”

Su Ming’s Dao Heart was instantly damaged.

Wasn’t this cute creature just too lethal?

For a moment, even Su Ming felt a strong sense of reluctance, making him want to release Little Hai’er.

Fortunately, Su Ming came to his senses quickly.

“Calm down, calm down. Women will only slow down my growth. Don’t be deceived by appearances…!”

Su Ming muttered to himself like this, almost needing to chant “Amitabha” to properly calm his mind.

“Mi-ling!”

Little Hai’er continued to look at Su Ming with her pitiful eyes.

“……”

Su Ming’s Dao Heart wavered again.

“Smack!”

A slender jade-like hand slapped Su Ming’s head for the second time.

……

An hour later, Su Ming and Xu Qianqian emerged from the small cabin.

“Mi-ling…”

Little Hai’er followed behind them, looking completely listless, whether because her physical weakness remained or because she had realized escape was impossible and fallen into despair.

“Roar!”

“Gu-ga!”

“Ga-ga-ga!”

A group of Phantom Demons came rushing from all around, sitting in neat rows before Su Ming.However, their gazes still held fear when looking at Little Hai’er.

Su Ming ignored these creatures and turned to face Xu Qianqian.

“I need to return to the B-5 Zone first to reunite with my teammates.”

Having been away all night, he didn’t know how the mission there was progressing.

As members of the same squad, he already often slacked off to conceal his true strength. Now, not only had he been slacking, but he had also been absent without reason. If he didn’t return soon, even Su Ming himself would feel it was unacceptable.

Moreover, being away for such a long time and not being at his assigned mission post was also troublesome.

If discovered by the Defense Line, the Academy, or the authorities of Longyao City that he had abandoned his mission to wander alone outside, he would undoubtedly face consequences.

Su Ming didn’t want to deal with such troubles.

“What do you plan to do? Come back with me?”

Su Ming asked for Xu Qianqian’s opinion.

Xu Qianqian really wanted to tell Su Ming that she would operate alone.

She didn’t want to intrude into someone else’s squad arbitrarily. By nature, she wasn’t overly sentimental and wouldn’t cling to Su Ming so desperately.

Given her personality, proposing to leave and act alone at this point was perfectly normal.

But before she could speak, Su Ming preemptively explained.

“If you want to operate alone, you’d better be mentally prepared.”

Mentally prepared for what?

Of course, mentally prepared to encounter enemies.

“Xu Yanyan is one thing. With your abilities, even if you can’t defeat her, you can still escape,” Su Ming said. “But if you run into Gao Xu again, it will truly be over this time.”

Xu Qianqian immediately fell silent.

After all, she was only a third-year student, with a maximum strength of Two-Star. How could she possibly stand against an Upper-Rank Professional who could treat even Three-Stars as ants?

Yesterday’s events had already shown Xu Qianqian how powerless and weak she was against Gao Xu.

She was a Genius.

In terms of potential and Bloodline, she even surpassed prominent figures like Xu Yanyan.

However, a Genius is just a Genius, not a true powerhouse. Before fully maturing, encountering a genuinely powerful enemy could lead to an untimely end.

“You should come with me.”

Seeing Xu Qianqian fall into silence, Su Ming immediately spoke up.

“With me by your side, you’ll at least be safe.”

These words made Xu Qianqian look deeply at Su Ming.

“What?”

Su Ming was momentarily taken aback by her gaze.

“Nothing,” Xu Qianqian replied indifferently. “I was just thinking about how useless this Genius has become, and why you, who’s a year below me, can be so strong.”

After saying this, Xu Qianqian said no more and walked away directly.

“What was that all about?”

Su Ming scratched his cheek and let out a bitter laugh.

He could roughly understand Xu Qianqian’s complex emotions.

In the current situation, she, one of the top Geniuses in the Demon Hunter Academy, felt so helpless, while Su Ming, this “unknown” ordinary student, could already hold his own against an Upper-Rank Professional without falling behind. Such a contrast would indeed dishearten some proud talents.

Although Xu Qianqian wasn’t exactly disheartened, she had begun to realize the vast gap between herself and Su Ming.

Undoubtedly, at this moment, Xu Qianqian’s feelings were very complicated.As the esteemed Young Miss of the Xu Family, to have fallen to such a state where she now requires others to exhaust their efforts in protecting her—one can easily imagine how she must feel.

However, Su Ming had a feeling.

“Wouldn’t this woman likely use this incident as motivation to strive even harder?”

That was exactly the kind of thing a girl named Xu Qianqian would do.

“Meeling?”

Little Hai’er tilted her head to the side, seemingly unable to grasp the current situation.

Su Ming shot a glance at the Mermaid Girl.

“Still not leaving?”

Su Ming let out a light snort, intimidating her.

“Meeling!”

As expected, Little Hai’er was startled and, with a splash of water, hurried after Xu Qianqian.

Su Ming followed closely behind.

Behind them, a host of Phantom Demons trailed in pursuit, creating a rather spectacular scene.

(End of Chapter)