When the three met, Mr. Xin stood aside, wisely refraining from joining their conversation.
Having been in Yanhe City for so long, he had interacted with the Qinghe Division more than a few times.
He thoroughly understood that in the eyes of these cultivators, he hardly mattered.
If it weren't for his official position, he might barely be considered a colleague of the Qinghe Division; otherwise, he would likely lack the qualifications to speak to them.
"Gentlemen, I'll leave this to you, and take my leave," Xin Hao bowed slightly, preparing to depart.
Mr. Ge and Dai Yao simply nodded at Xin Hao's words without any response.
Only Liou Yuan waved kindly, "Take care, Mr. Xin."
This gave Mr. Xin ample respect, bringing a smile to his stern face as he left.
At this moment, Dai Yao took down the two large hammers from his back and casually placed them on the ground.
Liou Yuan, standing not far from Dai Yao, could clearly sense a slight tremor on the ground as those two large hammers landed.
"Each of those hammers must weigh at least a hundred pounds, two hundred for both, and when swung, the force exceeds a thousand pounds, which no ordinary Star Evil could withstand."
Liou Yuan secretly marveled.
If someone like Dai Yao were an enemy, Liou Yuan would find no peace.
Fortunately, he was a teammate, offering Liou Yuan nothing but reassurance.
Meanwhile, his understanding of Yanhe Government Office, part of the Qinghe Division, grew deeper.
"I wonder how many there are in the Qinghe Division at Dai Yao's level; if there are ten or eight of them, these lower-level Star Evils wouldn't stand a chance."
Dai Yao and Mr. Ge were obviously not working together for the first time; after placing down the hammers, Dai Yao asked Mr. Ge: "Shall we charge straight in, or lure it out?"
"Naturally, it's better to lure it out," Mr. Ge replied without hesitation, explaining: "This Star Evil is parasitic on non-living things; charging in might not even find its true body."
"That makes sense," Dai Yao nodded in agreement.
Even though Liou Yuan's comment made Dai Yao less averse to him.
However, when it came to serious matters, there was no intention to discuss with Liou Yuan.
Liou Yuan was actually quite happy to play a role with low visibility.
As long as he adequately pretended to be useless, danger wouldn't come seeking him first.
Thus, he was pleased rather than offended by Dai Yao's disdain.
"This Dai Yao really is my brother,"
Since Mr. Ge had invited Liou Yuan over, he needed to consider Liou Yuan's face to some extent and began explaining the steps for the upcoming operation.
"Once inside the well, Mr. Dai will face the Star Evil head-on."
"You and I will support from the side."
Liou Yuan couldn't be more eager, promptly responding, "Good!"
As they spoke, Mr. Ge took out his fountain pen magical artifact and began performing magic on the two large hammers placed by Dai Yao.
That was why Dai Yao didn't show any disdain towards Mr. Ge.
Mr. Ge's magic offered tangible help to Dai Yao.
Once both hammers were infused with magic, some fatigue appeared on Mr. Ge's face.
Liou Yuan didn't even hope Mr. Ge would remember him.
This old man was surprisingly attentive to Liou Yuan, forcing himself to imbue magic on Liou Yuan's giant sword as well.
Liou Yuan naturally didn't refuse.
After completing all this,
Mr. Ge showed his true colors, giving Liou Yuan a sheepish grin before saying: "To lure out the Star Evil, we will need Mr. Liou's help."
"The Star Evil senses our cultivator's blood like a cat encountering a mouse."
"Mr. Dai's cultivation is too high; I fear it won't come out."
"I'm old and feeble, lacking any allure whatsoever."
"Mr. Liou's cultivation is just right, and with youthful vigorous blood, it would be most enticing to the Star Evil."
Mr. Ge's words aligned perfectly with Liou Yuan's earlier conjectures.
It seemed that Ms. Qiao and Ping'an targeted Liou Yuan for this very reason.
However, as the matter of fact, hearing Mr. Ge's explanation, Liou Yuan couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable.
"I knew there must be a reason for calling me when they have a cultivator like Dai Yao already."
"Turns out they intended to use me as bait."
"Damn it, I've prepared so much for today."
"This is just… fantastic."
Liou Yuan felt slight displeasure initially but soon turned to inner joy.
He had the yellow jade Buddhist beads which, with his cultivation, could sustain for six breaths, enough time to run from the backyard to the front hall.
Seemingly perilous, the task posed no danger at all to him.
Liou Yuan's job turned out to be simpler.
Since he was just bait, he hardly needed to engage in combat.
"Alright," despite the inner joy, Liou Yuan maintained a blank face, responding lightly.
Mr. Ge also felt a bit guilty, promptly patting his chest to make a promise.
Once the Star Evil was eliminated, he would report Liou Yuan's contributions truthfully, ensuring he received every bit of reward due.
"Of everything this old man said, that statement was the most genuine," Liou Yuan thought internally.
Over on another end, seeing Liou Yuan so cooperative and speaking nicely, Dai Yao looked upon him with higher regard.
He also assured loudly with his strong voice: "Mr. Liou, rest assured, with Dai Yao around, I absolutely guarantee your safety."
The operation's steps were now thoroughly discussed.
The three moved to the back hall, halting in the dining area previously used by Kong Jiao and the other four.
Under the encouraging gazes of Dai Yao and Mr. Ge, Liou Yuan stepped out alone, heading towards the well.
He walked neither too fast nor too slow, keeping his eyes fixed on the well.
Under the starlight, the position of the well lay in tranquil silence; externally, there was no trace of anomaly visible.
Perhaps due to the Evil Star shift.
Right as he stepped out, he perceived a faint malicious aura circling around him.
The nearer he approached, the denser the aura became.
Though Liou Yuan's current physical quality was such that he wouldn't feel cold even when soaked in icy water.
Yet now, all the hair on his body stood up, and a chill ran through his body, making him shiver.
Thankfully, his palm touched the jade Buddhist beads on his wrist, their smooth texture bringing him immense comfort.
Finally reaching within three yards of the well.
There he halted, gently slicing the giant sword across his palm.
Splurt!
A cool sensation hit the center of his palm, blood splattering.
As instructed by Mr. Ge, Liou Yuan directly cut open his palm.
Scorching blood flowed down the giant sword and dripped onto the ground.
The thick scent of blood instantly filled the air.
As the blood aroma spread.
The previously faint malicious aura locking onto Liou Yuan ceased hiding.
Puff! Black mist billowed from the well, filling the entire mouth of the well.
"It's coming!" Liou Yuan's heart trembled, pressing his still bleeding palm onto the wrist donning the yellow jade Buddhist beads.
Raising his gaze towards the well, he noticed intense red eyes seemingly peeling open in the black mist, greedily and maniacally staring at him.
"Mr. Dai! Mr. Ge!" witnessing this, Liou Yuan roared lowly, then without hesitation, turned and fled carrying his giant sword.
"Hiss!" while he sprinted alone, he faintly heard a bone-chilling hissing behind him.
Accompanied by the splashing sound of water sweeping through.
Whoosh!
As if something emerged from the well water, now chasing him from behind.
Liou Yuan dared not look back, fearing even a slight delay would cause him to be caught.
"No, trouble's coming!" However, his speed was half a beat slower than the Star Evil behind him.
Feeling the sound of rushing water nearing, about to touch his body.
At the critical moment, Liou Yuan gritted his teeth, channeling his spiritual power into his right hand, just on the verge of activating the yellow jade Buddhist beads when suddenly…
Boom! A muffled explosion erupted in the front hall.
In Liou Yuan's sight, the prior moment had Dai Yao hidden in the back hall, now shooting forth like an arrow.
Rising a whirlwind, sweeping past Liou Yuan's side.
Liou Yuan only felt a swirl in his gaze, a few strands of hair being tossed up in front, and Dai Yao was already bounding towards the Star Evil behind.
It had to be said, Dai Yao was wild, there was a reason behind his madness.
Mr. Ge, clearly right behind Dai Yao, albeit slower by a full two beats.