Mini World Game Console-Chapter 698 - 699 Hypocrite Qiao Muyi

Have you ever had that moment when the corners of your mouth lift ever so slightly, yet the light in your eyes slowly dims?

That was what Yu Kuangtu was experiencing now.

Although Lianjiang was seemingly the only city in the Mysterious Country attacked by Otherworld enemies, the Tactical Headquarters issued no further orders after the Tactical Bureau reported the collected intelligence. They merely instructed the Tactical Bureau to maintain a 24-hour, three-shift system to guard the city. This was to be expected, as most of the nation's city Tactical Bureaus had already entered a state of emergency.

Mainly, this was because, apart from the Mysterious Country, numerous reports detailed sightings, battles, and slayings of Otherworld enemies in other countries. Even Taoist You Jiu from the Great Wall of the Mysterious Country had personally participated in the Federation's "Yosemite Battle."

Compared to such detailed reports, some even complete with 4K video recordings, the minor skirmishes in Lianjiang naturally went unnoticed.

Not to mention, the report from Lianjiang stated there had been no casualties. People within the Tactical Bureau even joked that the Otherworld enemies who came to Lianjiang must have lost their way. And not only that, but they were also unlucky enough to encounter an enraged Deputy Director Qiao...

However, Yu Kuangtu still had to dutifully stand his shifts at the Tactical Bureau and maintain contact with the Changjiang Monks Corps stationed in the Lianjiang City District. He worked straight through until daylight, managing paperwork, and just when he finally found a moment to catch some sleep, Bai Ji came knocking.

Even using his peeling big toe to think, Yu Kuangtu knew Bai Ji was definitely here about Ren Suo.

After all, while concealing Ren Suo and Dong Chengling's whereabouts from others was easy, Bai Ji was difficult to put off. What if he insisted on temporarily joining the Tactical Bureau to act alongside Dong Chengling and Ren Suo? If the Tactical Bureau was recruiting Ren Suo, ranked 39th, then they certainly couldn't refuse the 9th ranked "Crystal Palace Master" Bai Ji, could they?

But since he had promised Qiao Muyi to help keep Dong Chengling and Ren Suo's whereabouts secret, Yu Kuangtu naturally planned to find a way to send Bai Ji away.

Before Bai Ji came to see him, Yu Kuangtu had already devised a tactic—

As soon as Bai Ji walks in, I'll start by asserting my dominance! Then I'll loudly declare that Dong Chengling and Ren Suo are now important consultants for the Tactical Bureau, and that we will ensure their safety. There's no need for you, Bai Ji, to worry! The affairs of the Tactical Bureau are also none of your business, Bai Ji! Finally, I'll call Li Dan in to show the guest out! An assertion of dominance, a promise, and a refusal—a triple strike, followed by an extra move to show him the door. A perfect combo!

A knock sounded at the door. Yu Kuangtu adjusted his composure slightly, placed his hands on the desk in a commander-like posture, and said in a solemn voice, "Come in."

"Bai Ji, the Tactical Bureau is currently swamped dealing with these Otherworld enemies. I'm very busy right now and don't have time to listen to you—"

Yu Kuangtu's attempt to assert dominance came to an abrupt halt.

His hands fell limply onto the desk, the hairs on his body stood on end, and he stared unblinkingly at the doorway.

Standing there was a man in winter attire that seemed to defy the season. An icy blue scarf with a white diamond pattern was wrapped around his woolen overcoat. He was looking at Yu Kuangtu with a gaze as unyielding as ancient, unmelting ice.

"Surely you're not too busy for just this moment, are you?"

Bai Ji came over, pulled out a chair, and sat down. He looked at Yu Kuangtu and said, "At the very least, you should help me register. I, Bai Ji, am now a Fourth-Stage Cultivator."

A Fourth-Stage Cultivator!

Another Fourth-Stage Cultivator!

Lianjiang had its third Fourth-Stage Cultivator!

The corners of Yu Kuangtu's mouth lifted ever so slightly, yet the light in his eyes slowly dimmed.

He forced a smile and said, "Good, congratulations, Bai Ji. I'll have someone update your information immediately. Your Net of Law account and other benefits will be upgraded. I'll give you a list later regarding national support for Fourth-Stage Cultivators..."

"We can discuss those things later." Bai Ji placed his hands on the table and leaned forward slightly, his aura as a Fourth-Stage Cultivator flaring even stronger. He asked, emphasizing each word, "Ren Suo. Where is he? And Dong Chengling. Where is she?"

"If you say the Tactical Bureau has conscripted them, fine. Let me have a video call with them. That's not too much to ask, is it? Neither of them are researchers, and your reason for conscripting them has nothing to do with secrecy. You just need them to use their awakened spells for routine services. There's no reason to cut off all their contact information, is there?"

Of course, there was a reason!

Yu Kuangtu desperately wanted to retort defiantly, but the pressure from a Fourth-Stage Cultivator was too intense. Even though Bai Ji exuded no killing intent, Yu Kuangtu felt like a child facing an adult, utterly unable to speak boldly.

In that case, he could only resort to his last strategy!

Yu Kuangtu's gaze hardened, and he shouted, "Li Dan!"

"What is it?" Li Dan asked, leaning against the doorframe.

"Is Qiao Muyi at work? Take Bai Ji to her! Also, try to clear my schedule for tonight. I need to cultivate!"

Yu Kuangtu was truly incensed this time. Qiao Muyi was one thing; a Battle Breakthrough was something no one could have predicted. But why did even Bai Ji advance to the Fourth Stage before him!?

Actually, Bai Ji's promotion to the Fourth Stage was quite normal. He had advanced to the Third Stage earlier than Yu Kuangtu, Qiao Muyi, and even Dong Chengling. Besides, he was among the first batch of military Cultivators in the Mysterious Country. With his long training period and high cultivation talent, his promotion to the Fourth Stage was a case of "Water Drop Through Stone"—a culmination of steady accumulation, a natural success.

However, Yu Kuangtu truly couldn't get over this mental block! Even Bai Ji had reached the Fourth Stage! He and Bai Ji, one fire and one ice, naturally had a competitive dynamic. He never expected Bai Ji, who usually spent his days making cakes and ice cream as if he were engrossed in some meticulous craft, to leave him so far behind! If this continued, wouldn't even that fellow Ren Suo be able to climb over him and do as he pleased? No way, no way! He had to advance to the Fourth Stage, even if it meant no romance and no rest! Yu Kuangtu even wondered if his relationship was hindering his cultivation progress. Look at those who had advanced to the Fourth Stage—Dong Chengling, Qiao Muyi, Bai Ji—weren't they all single guys who couldn't even show off a relationship? Yu Kuangtu then thought about the other Fourth-Stage Cultivators he'd encountered: Mr. Chuan, covered in bandages, a mummy-like single guy; You Jiu, a legendary-level single, chauvinistic straight male. So that's how it is! Yu Kuangtu made up his mind instantly. He decided to temporarily stop dating Qin Lian and return to the noble realm of singledom! An unfinished elixir is just poison; not reaching the Fourth Transformation is utterly humiliating! Besides, Qin Lian was starting school now, so they couldn't go on dates anyway.

Li Dan said, "Deputy Director Qiao? Yes, she's at work. But the Tactical Headquarters in Sky Capital was just contacting her. She might not be available right now."

Tactical Headquarters?

Yu Kuangtu was momentarily stunned. Although Qiao Muyi was a deputy director, she handled very few affairs—Yu Kuangtu had tried to give her more responsibilities, but she had refused.

Thus, Yu Kuangtu managed most administrative matters. The Tactical Headquarters usually contacted either the Director or him. Why were they contacting Qiao Muyi directly this time?

Curiosity piqued, Yu Kuangtu went with Bai Ji to find Qiao Muyi. Standing by the door, he heard Qiao Muyi speaking. "…Yes, I've thought it through. I really don't plan to join the Great Wall. Thank you for the Great Wall's generous offer.

"The reason? It's due to some rather personal reasons…

"Yes, I don't have any relatives here, so it has nothing to do with family ties. It's because… I really like Lianjiang. I've grown accustomed to living here and don't want to move.

"What? Three months of paid leave a year? But I really don't want to leave Lianjiang…

"In a few years, the Great Wall might set up a base in Lianjiang? Yes, that means I could indeed return to work in Lianjiang in a few years. Thank you very much for your generous offer, but I really don't plan to be away for too long…

"...The benefits at the Great Wall are that good, huh?

"..."

"Alright, I truly appreciate the Great Wall's high regard and kind consideration for me, so let me be frank. The reason I'm unwilling to leave Lianjiang is that my lover is in Lianjiang.

"...Yes, I know the Great Wall can arrange a job for him. But my lover, how should I put it… he's not very ambitious, rather lazy, very cute, very playful, and a bit clueless, not good at handling interpersonal relationships…

"Of course, the Great Wall can definitely arrange work suitable for his personality. But what I mean is, he and I are the same. Being Deputy Director of the Tactical Bureau already takes a lot of my energy. The high benefits and treatment from the Great Wall naturally correspond to more duties and tasks.

"But I live for life, not for work. I don't want to have my plans with my lover interrupted by some important mission, forcing me to rush off to some unknown battlefield for a fight I might not return from… Rather than regret it later, I'd prefer to refuse a responsibility I can't bear from the outset.

"Of course, I'm not shirking responsibility. But for me, protecting the peace of Lianjiang is precisely the kind of work that allows me to contribute to society while also finding happiness.

"..."

"Yes, that's right. In the recommendation evaluation for Fourth Level Space Cultivator Dong Chengling, I wrote that she declined to join the Great Wall due to 'insignificant personal affections' and strongly hoped the Great Wall would recruit her.

"Hmm, I don't think Dong Chengling should refuse the Great Wall because of 'insignificant personal affections.'

"Yes, you're right. I am also currently unwilling to join the Great Wall due to personal affections.

"Hm? You find my statement odd? No."

Qiao Muyi's voice was full of laughter. "Her personal affections are insignificant, but my personal affections are a matter of the world's survival!"

Qiao Muyi is actually in a relationship? Someone actually likes her, and she likes them back? Yu Kuangtu had thought Qiao Muyi had no interest in men and was just planning to establish a harem within the Tactical Bureau.

Bai Ji also glanced at him in amazement, thinking, you don't even know this? No wonder you can't advance to the fourth transformation. Looks like your brain's holding you back.

Yu Kuangtu frowned slightly, wondering which unlucky fellow in the Tactical Bureau fit these descriptions. And what was with these traits? Is this man a natural freeloader? Could Qiao Muyi be keeping a pretty boy? But on second thought, given Qiao Muyi's personality, her keeping a pretty boy seemed entirely plausible, even reasonable…

Dong Chengling is also in a relationship!? He really didn't know!

Bai Ji gave Yu Kuangtu a speechless look, thinking, others make rapid progress in cultivation and achieve breakthroughs because of their relationships. But you, Yu Kuangtu, not only does your cultivation stagnate when you're in a relationship, but how has your IQ also plummeted…?

Double standards!

The same critique flashed through both Bai Ji's and Yu Kuangtu's minds.

Yu Kuangtu was nearly bursting, wondering which unfortunate soul had caught Qiao Muyi's eye. Now that Qiao Muyi had even turned down the Great Wall, that poor guy would probably never escape her clutches… In contrast, the lucky man liked by Dong Chengling was much better off. Since Dong Chengling wasn't even going to the Great Wall, that fortunate person would surely live a happy and joyful life.

"When did they start dating? I'm really curious who their boyfriends are…" Yu Kuangtu couldn't help muttering.

Bai Ji glanced at him, thinking that Yu Kuangtu must be truly dense, and quite naive, to not guess that there were no 'boyfriends,' only a 'boyfriend.'

"...Thank you for your understanding. I wish you a pleasant life. Goodbye."

Qiao Muyi hung up the phone and said, "You two have been standing outside for so long. Aren't you tired? Come in."

Yu Kuangtu and Bai Ji were slightly startled, then remembered that Cultivators could sense each other's Qi Cyclone unless deliberately suppressed. Now that Bai Ji and Qiao Muyi had just advanced to the fourth transformation, their Qi Cyclones were turbulent and easily detected.

And Yu Kuangtu, still at the third turn, was like the brightest star in the night sky to them.

Qiao Muyi didn't seem to mind that they had overheard her call and looked at them expressionlessly. Bai Ji asked directly, "Where's Ren Suo? And Dong Chengling?"

"..." Qiao Muyi stared at Bai Ji for several seconds, then said, "It's as you think."

Bai Ji paused, then after a moment of silence, said, "...You won't even tell me the location? At least let me send a congratulatory gift."

Yu Kuangtu looked at them blankly, not understanding their cryptic exchange.

Qiao Muyi chuckled, casually waved her hand to set up a Silence Barrier, and then said slowly, "They've gone on an adventure."

Bai Ji asked, "Where to?"

"I can't tell you," Qiao Muyi said. "And even if I did, you couldn't help… If we could help, I'd definitely send you as cannon fodder. But even I am just sitting in the office waiting for news, so your agitation is useless."

Bai Ji was silent for a long time, then sat down, looking dazed. Seeing this, Yu Kuangtu didn't linger. He hurried back to his duties, hoping to free up more time for cultivation.

"You must know some inside information, right?" Bai Ji suddenly asked.

Qiao Muyi glanced at him without denying it.

"Your composure shows that you not only know the inside story but are also very confident they'll return safely…" Bai Ji sighed. "Actually, I've guessed a bit too. Ren Suo always manages to turn danger into fortune…"

Bai Ji looked at his own pale hands. "I thought that by advancing to the fourth transformation, I'd at least be qualified to stand by his side, see the same sights as him, share his burdens…"

Qiao Muyi gritted her teeth. "Are you mocking me?"

"Not at all," Bai Ji stood up and said, "In that case, I won't disturb your work. If there's any news, please let me know."

He sighed. "Don't worry, I won't compete with you for anything. I'm just worried about Ren Suo and Dong Chengling as a friend."

Qiao Muyi said "Oh," looking at Bai Ji skeptically. "You've given up?"

Bai Ji walked to the door, then turned his head to look at Qiao Muyi, though his eyes seemed to be gazing at someone in the void.

He gave a helpless smile. "Given up. He was a chance encounter I could only hope for, but never keep, never possess."

Hearing the sounds of Bai Ji being surrounded by female Tactical Cultivators outside asking for his WeChat, Qiao Muyi narrowed her eyes slightly, tilted her head towards the door, and let out a cute snort.

"As if I'd believe you! All that devoted talk, trying to sweet-talk me? Humph!"

Qiao Muyi opened her computer and created a new email on the intranet.

From: Lianjiang Countermeasure Bureau, To: Tactical Headquarters. Subject: Recommendation Letter for Fourth-Stage Cultivator Bai Ji.