Within a three-building courtyard that is occupied by unmasked Moon Guards—
"Tch."
Having suffered a humiliating defeat, Qing Yue can't help but click her tongue.
For the time being, the constant feeling of anger in Qing Yue's heart has subsided. However, if she encounters Yao Ying again, it is sure to reignite itself.
Cameras have been set up on the outer walls of the courtyard, and are feeding their visuals back to a monitor, which is being watched over by an on-duty Moon Guard.
"Relax a bit, would you? Not like we're in combat right now."
Holding a cold drink in each hand, while walking over is Hong Xuan.
"…Thanks."
Taking the soft drink that is being offered to her, Qing Yue cracks it open, and takes a sip. While she is downing the beverage, Hong Xuan casually asks—
"So, how does it feel to get your ass kicked again?"
"Huk!"
Coughing violently from the drink going down the wrong pipe, Qing Yue raises a middle finger to Hong Xuan.
For reasons unknown to them, Qing Yue's hair, which was originally pale pink has turned white, whereas her horns and eyes have become ruby red.
Recovering enough to speak, Qing Yue looks to the culprit behind her cough, and curses—
"Damn you, surnamed Hong…"
"Can't help myself."
Raising a smile of amusement, Hong Xuan sips her drink with glee, while Qing Yue mutters—
"…Tch, it's unpleasant. But next time… I'll definitely get my revenge."
"Why are you so set on getting the Sinner that did the deed anyways?"
"…I don't know. I feel like… My pride got shattered when she cut off the horn of that demon—that I summoned."
Raising an eye, Hong Xuan remarks—
"So, it's like being seen naked, and because of it, you can't marry anyone but that person now?"
"…?"
Towards this remark, Qing Yue turns to Hong Xuan with an odd expression on her face, and asks—
"What kind of example is that?"
"Apparently, the ancients had this weird tradition."
"Whatever. Where's Xun Yu? As my vice-commander, shouldn't she be here instead of you?"
"Ah, that one is… Well, she said…"
Clearing her throat, Hong Xuan continues to say—
"Instead of taking care of a worthless pipsqueak, I'd rather be praying to my deity."
Twitching her lips, Qing Yue chugs what remains of the soft drink in one go, prior to crushing the can.
"…That unfaithful bitch."
Shrugging her shoulders, Hong Xuan says—
"In any case, Madame Nian has a new directive."
"…Tell me about it."
"From private drone observations, it would seem like NPI is producing a medicinal drug on site. She is ordering us to acquire a sample of that drug—because she suspects it to be related to the opponent's performance. Also, if possible, see what would happen if one of us takes it."
Recalling the strength demonstrated by the NPI agents that they have come across so far, Qing Yue narrows her eyes.
Among those agents, there were a few with a Weapon Spirit True Body state that reached three meters in stature—such a stature was only seen from the Serpent Deity Village's villagers.
"Alright."
Thinking that if she took that drug, she would be able to obtain a better mastery of her own Weapon Spirit True Body state, Qing Yue's eyes gleam with determination.
...…
In a large courtyard that is far from where the Moon Guards are—
"At this rate, it's impossible to meet the quota."
Saying this, Lan Shan heaves a sigh, as he scratches his bald head.
In total, this courtyard is made up of six buildings; considering its spaciousness, this should have been the residence of a wealthy noble in the distant past.
At this time, the buildings of the courtyard are all being used as either a resting area, or a drug concocting area.
Judging by the three stone stoves that are situated to the side, the room Lan Shan and the others are in should have originally been a kitchen.
"…"
In a practiced manner, an NPI agent, who is seated in front of a cauldron, throws a Spirit Extract leaf into the vessel, along with a vial of Carp and a few droplets of practitioner's blood—prior to lighting the burner that is beneath the vessel's belly, and sealing it off with its lid.
"If only we can enter the imperial palace…"
Walking into the kitchen, while saying this is Ning Qiu Heng. Beside him is Zhui Yun.
"Easier said than done."
Saying this, while taking out two vials, containing clear red liquid, Lan Shan hands them over to Zhui Yun, and reminds her—
"Remember, one every two hours only."
"Got it."
Replying as such, Zhui Yun downs the first vial, and stores the second away.
As the medicinal effects of the drug kicks in, Zhui Yun knits her eyebrows together, and a single character, Chì appears in her mind.
Instinctively, Zhui Yun feels like she's still missing another character, but this should mean that she is close to attaining her Weapon Spirit True Body.
"So close…"
"No need to rush."
Towards Ning Qiu Heng's words, Zhui Yun nods, and remarks—
"Breaking into the imperial palace… I wonder if we can find Hua to assist with that."
Towards Zhui Yun's remark, Ning Qiu Heng and Lan Shan raised an eye.
Unlike Zhui Yun, these two have yet to be informed of Long Hua's identity.
Out of curiosity, Ning Qiu Heng asks—
"I know he used to be a part of our company; so, why was he discharged—only to be brought back through a merc contract?"
Raising a frown, Zhui Yun momentarily replies—
"…It's complicated."