I Have a Golden Crow-Chapter 492 - 354 First Encounter with Mr. Li

After returning to the 17th floor, Du Yu bade farewell to Master Qing.

To be exact, he was saying goodbye to Master Qing’s Rotten Wood Avatar.

Du Yu studied this particular Demon Skill closely; it was called "Rotten Wood Shattering."

This Demon Skill was somewhat similar to Xiaoyan’s Shadow-Luring Fire Fox, yet fundamentally different.

The Shadow-Luring Fire Fox was a puppet summoned by Xiaoyan through a Demon Skill, something she could control completely.

But Rotten Wood Shattering·Master Qing wasn’t a summoned avatar; it was a genuine fragment of Yang Qingqing’s own body.

It was just like the Rotten Wood Dragon Fish Du Yu had just seen—the enormous beast capable of breaking into countless Little Dragon Carps.

Each Little Dragon Carp was a part of the Rotten Wood Dragon Fish’s original body.

They shared the same consciousness with the main body and each contained only a fraction of energy, making them virtually incapable of fighting.

This was a pure survival–escape type of Demon Skill.

If faced with a powerful enemy, and Yang Qingqing chose to activate "Rotten Wood Shattering," breaking herself into thousands of Dragon Carps and making a frantic escape...

As long as just one Little Dragon Carp survived, Yang Qingqing would be able to live on.

But, it must be noted—even if she did survive, she’d just be barely clinging to life.

Master Qing would be quite weak for some time afterward.

After all, the energy inside a Little Dragon Carp was only a thousandth of the main body.

This number was fixed and not adjustable.

Of course, if 500 Little Dragon Carps were killed, but the remaining 500 managed to recombine, then Master Qing’s condition would be about half of her peak state.

Even if that’s all just on paper, it’s still a valuable point of reference.

Unless it was a truly desperate life-or-death escape, Yang Qingqing should never shatter all of herself into "Rotten Wood Shattering."

That would basically be crippling herself.

For example, facing one Master Qing, Du Yu wouldn’t even stand a chance.

But if Master Qing split into a thousand pieces?

Du Yu could wade into the crowd of Master Qing avatars and go on a rampage—total massacre, right?

So it’s much wiser to split off a single "Rotten Wood Fragment" to serve as a scout, or liaison officer, instead.

The ultimate use of this Demon Skill isn’t for escape—it’s for survival!

As long as Yang Qingqing leaves one "Rotten Wood Fragment" in Shatang Mansion, no matter how she dies out in the world, she can always "rise from the ashes" back inside the Sea Realm.

But here comes a huge drawback: the other Demon Pets.

When Du Yu switches with the Shadow-Luring Fire Fox, any Demon Pets he has, even his clothes and weapons, are brought along in the transfer.

At its core, that’s a Position Shift.

But "Rotten Wood Shattering" isn’t Position Shift. If your main body—carrying your Demon Pets—gets killed, it’s game over.

Yang Qingqing and the Rotten Wood Dragon Fish could be reborn in Shatang Mansion, sure.

But all other Demon Pets would be left behind on the battlefield—their fate left to chance.

There are so many factors to consider when using this Demon Skill.

After all, this is a Demon Skill—a heaven-bestowed survival method for Demon Beasts. It wasn’t meant for humans in the first place...

After meticulously studying the Demon Skill, Du Yu made a mental note to thoroughly remind Master Qing the next time he saw her.

Even though Master Qing obviously understood it better than he did, Du Yu still wanted to add an extra layer of caution.

After that, he followed his master’s instructions, called Li Mengnan, and, after asking for the location, drove to East District·Pinecone Garden.

This was Du Yu’s second visit to this villa community. The last time was just to grab some furniture from Mr. Li’s garage.

Unfortunately, Mr. Li had been busy at work, so Du Yu didn’t get to see him last time.

This time, as soon as his car pulled into the drive, Du Yu saw a tall man standing in front of the two-story villa’s door.

At the man’s feet was a beautiful-coated Wolf Lake Dog. Judging by its size, the dog must’ve been at Heavenly Level.

Du Yu had met Mr. Li before—outside the newbie training camp, when Li Mengnan stared at this handsome man and said, "I think I saw him in my mom’s wedding photo"...

"Hello, Uncle Li," Du Yu said, opening the door and politely greeting him.

"Hello, hello!" Li Kuanren beamed, nodding vigorously. "Come in, Mengnan will be down in a moment."

"Okay!" Du Yu hurried over and followed him inside.

"Have a seat." Mr. Li gestured for Du Yu to sit on the sofa, making tea as he smiled. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, I’ve heard so much about you."

Du Yu waved his hand humbly, not sure what to say. He could only repeat, "Not at all, not at all."

"Heh." Mr. Li chuckled. "Nannan can be hot-tempered and impulsive. Thank you for looking after her for so long."

Du Yu took the teacup. "Li Mengnan’s really outstanding—kind and attentive. Maybe she just likes to be coddled in front of you.

In the team, Master and the disciples all speak very highly of her."

"Haha!" Li Kuanren laughed heartily. "So, you’re saying she only acts fierce at home?"

Du Yu: "Uh..."

Li Kuanren grinned, changing the subject, "You helped Nannan apprentice under Master Qing, and even contracted a Dust Spirit Deer for her—I really don’t know how to thank you enough."

Du Yu grew serious. "Teacher Li and Mengnan have helped me a lot. This is what I should do."

Mr. Li was deeply moved, and said softly, "Every time Li Hong brings you up, she’s always so proud."

Li Kuanren was so warm and friendly, Du Yu actually felt a little uptight.

He couldn’t shake the feeling Mr. Li’s smile meant something more...?

To be fair, Li Kuanren was also a Demon Tamer, though he hadn’t devoted himself to that path.

He was a small business owner, dealing in Demon Plant Clothing.

Du Yu’s Beard Tree Coat and Black Rock Tree Coat were probably made in Li Kuanren’s factory.

After all, within the Ancient Pine Tower City Realm, there were only a handful of clothing factories partnered with the Great Xia Bookstore.

Li Mengnan had mentioned all of this to Du Yu. In fact, after graduating high school, she finally escaped her mom’s grip, saw her dad again, and realized he was so successful.

No wonder, back in school, any time she asked her dad for pocket money, he always gave plenty.

If not for Li Hong’s objections, Li Kuanren probably would’ve given her even more...

"What are you two chatting about!" Before the girl even appeared, her voice came marching in ahead of her.

With a lively shout, Li Mengnan came bounding down the stairs in three big hops, striding into the living room.

Floating behind her was an adorable Wind Witch.

This was a Heavenly Level Wind Wizard—only 50cm in length.

Once it advanced to Spirit Level, it could even become Mengnan’s cloak.

And it wasn’t just for show—the best part was, it could carry its owner in flight.

"Woo!" On seeing Du Yu, the Wind Witch’s knitted eyes squinted into a smile, and it made a strange noise from its stitched little mouth, happily greeting him.

"Easy, don’t be so hasty," Li Kuanren scolded gently, though it had no real deterrence.

First of all, the peculiar family arrangement meant that, after years apart from his daughter, Li Kuanren completely doted on Li Mengnan now.

Secondly, Li Kuanren was only a Demon Tamer·Initial Stage.

In terms of raw combat power, Li Mengnan could crush her old man with one hand...

But Brother Mengnan is after all both beautiful and kind; she wouldn’t get that filial~

"Tch." Li Mengnan flopped down at the tea table and grabbed a little porcelain cup. "Master Qing wants me?"

Du Yu: "She probably wants to check how you’re doing, and see how your control over the Spiritual Artifact is."

"It’s going great! The Spirit-Slaying Pestle is really nice—it even taught me a Spirit Skill." As she spoke, Li Mengnan flipped her palm over.

In her fair hand, a breeze began to swirl, then turned into a tiny tornado.

Wind Spirit Skill·Shattering Wind Cut!

Li Mengnan had unlocked three Spirit Attributes, all the same as her Demon Taming Attributes: Wind, Fire, and Lightning.

But for her beloved Dust Spirit Deer, Li Mengnan (like Lin Shiwei) chose to specialize in Wind Element.

"Alright, alright—you barely have any Spiritual Qi left. Don’t waste it," Du Yu hurriedly said.

"Okay." Li Mengnan answered softly, obediently clenching her hand so the tornado vanished entirely.

Li Kuanren was a little surprised in his heart. He’d never seen his daughter so compliant!

This...

He couldn’t help but look at Du Yu with an even warmer smile.

Du Yu: "..."

Li Kuanren was sitting right on the other side of the coffee table. Du Yu, as a Great Demon Tamer, didn’t even need to look; he could feel it in the air.

"Here," Li Mengnan picked up some dried fruit from the tea tray and handed it to the panting Wolf Lake Dog beside her.

"Ooo~" The Wind Witch floated over too.

"You get one too," Li Mengnan grabbed another piece of dried fruit.

The girl, surrounded by her Demon Pets, had no clue how awkward Du Yu felt—or how beaming her dad was nearby.

Du Yu suddenly spoke, "Since Master Qing’s waiting, we should go."

Li Mengnan finally realized, springing up, "Oh right, let’s go, let’s go."

Li Kuanren stood up, offering Du Yu a big handshake. "Come by and visit Uncle more often when you get the chance.

Let Nannan give you my number. If you ever need anything, just contact me any time."

"Of course, Uncle Li." Du Yu gave him a firm handshake.

"Aiya, hurry up~" Li Mengnan pushed on Du Yu’s shoulder, steering him toward the door.

Li Kuanren watched Du Yu’s retreating back with a grin—more and more satisfied with what he saw.

A disciple under Master Qing, a key person at the Great Xia Bookstore.

The first Paper Crane Disciple, a young Great Demon Tamer.

Even better, the kid wasn’t arrogant or cocky; instead, he was polite and down-to-earth, with no pretensions.

Compared to all those other Demon Tamers, department officials, or heirs of noble families...

The difference was night and day.

Having run an open-door business for years and mixed in society long enough, Li Kuanren appreciated it even more deeply.

Really nice!

Just... no idea what his daughter was thinking.

No, next time she’s home, he’d have to sound her out.

Of course, Li Mengnan had no idea what her dad was thinking. She’d already hopped into the passenger seat, ready to go back to Xishu Garden with Du Yu.

Though, there was a faint golden glow outlining her body.

"Tss!"

The car screeched to a sudden halt—sharp braking out of nowhere.

"Ah!" Li Mengnan instinctively reached out—one hand across Du Yu’s chest, the other on the glove box.

The habit of protecting Du Yu was clearly muscle memory at this point.

Back when they first started Demon Taming, when it was just the two of them, she always shielded Du Yu.

Li Mengnan turned her head to Du Yu, grinning, "What’s wrong?"

Her smile didn’t quite fit the moment, but with the Golden Body buff on, her face just looked like that.

Du Yu stared dumbly at Li Mengnan. "What are you doing?"

Li Mengnan’s smile was gentle and her voice even softer.

She soothed, "I’m talking with the Spirit-Slaying Pestle. When we meet Master Qing soon, I’m hoping it’ll make a good impression."

Du Yu felt his scalp go numb!

I thought I was seeing the Bodhisattva herself!

"Could you turn off your Divine Technique, please?" Du Yu’s face was a bit stiff as he looked away.

Who could stand this?

The faint golden light faded, and Li Mengnan went back to normal.

She tilted her head at Du Yu, blinking her pretty big eyes, back to her usual playfulness. "You’re really pious, huh?"

Du Yu rolled his eyes and stepped on the gas again. "Keep it up and I’ll have to light incense for you one day."

Li Mengnan beamed, "Sure, just remember to bow a few extra times."

Du Yu: "..."