"To my surprise, Long Yue didn't answer. Instead, she countered, 'You don't know?'
'I haven't opened it yet, so I can't be sure what it is,' Bai Qingcheng replied, not exactly lying. She hadn't opened it. Yao Yao had only said it contained a demon core, and she hadn't dared to open it even at Sabia's laboratory.
Of course, the captive had also said it was Yuwen Chengdu's demon core, so it should be correct.
'Then I'll tell you,' Long Yue said, mimicking Bai Qingcheng's stance with hands behind her back and chest puffed out. 'It's the ashes of the previous generation of 'Shan Hai.' Do you believe it?'
'Yes, why wouldn't I?' Bai Qingcheng played along. 'But what's the use of you digging up this box of ashes?'
'No particular use. We just want to pay respects. Isn't it Han Yi Jie?' Long Yue chuckled.
Han Yi Jie is one of the traditional festivals of Yan Xia. I'd only heard of it, never observed it, and didn't know the exact date. In any case, it's one of the four ghost festivals of the year. The other three are likely Qingming Festival, the fifteenth day of the seventh month, Zhongyuan Festival, and the third day of the third month, Shangsi Festival.
'Paying respects to ancestors is understandable. But if it's for nefarious purposes, digging up the bones of wicked people and summoning malevolent spirits, we at Sabia will not stand idly by!' Bai Qingcheng firmly stated the official stance. She also used this opportunity to declare that Sabia was not allying with the Baize demon tribe of its own volition, but because the Shan Hai demon tribe's actions were perverse, leading the human race and the Baize to join forces once again to resist.
'Heh heh, so you already know,' Long Yue lightly laughed. 'Alright then, I won't hide anything. I know you've ambushed quite a few people, and you have ancient great demons assisting you. The North Sea Whale God has also come, hasn't she?'
Having said that, Long Yue scanned her surroundings. As she turned her head, she happened to see me. Our eyes met, and a subtle, almost imperceptible change flickered in Long Yue's gaze. She probably hadn't expected me to be here.
However, she didn't dwell on it and quickly looked away.
'There are old acquaintances,' Long Yue remarked. 'But we aren't pushovers either. Although the Whale God is powerful, she can't fight off multiple opponents. She might not gain the upper hand fighting us.'
'To fight you, why would the North Sea Whale God need to make a move? I am enough,' Bai Qingcheng's aura suddenly changed, soaring towards the ceiling, enveloped in oppressive black energy. Indeed, she was easily provoked. They had only exchanged a few words, and she was already preparing for a fight.
But I couldn't intervene. She was in charge, and her word was law.
However, Long Yue's aura did not change significantly. She merely leaned forward slightly, adopting a defensive posture. She continued unhurriedly, 'I know you are formidable, but you are, after all, of human flesh and blood. How can you compare to us immortal Shan Hai demons?'
A bit of posturing. Is being a Shan Hai demon truly that glorious? They are clearly infamous.
'Stop the nonsense. If you want the item, you'll have to get past me first,' Bai Qingcheng untied the white silk sash from her waist, her primary weapon. She was ready to fight.
Long Yue remained unfazed, shaking her head and sighing. 'It seems Sabia is truly running out of capable people. You are impulsive, making you barely qualified as an action captain like Lin Xi, but you're too erratic for position 201. Why don't you let me take over the 201 position? I'll definitely lead the team exceptionally well!'
'Are you going to fight or not? If not, then get lost and send the Miao King to see me!' Bai Qingcheng completely abandoned any pretense of negotiation. Watching her, I shared Long Yue's sentiment. Was Sabia really that desperate? Logically, position 201 should be for a strategic decision-maker, not someone like Bai Qingcheng who, after a few provocations, couldn't control her temper. It seemed immature, or perhaps too innocent, or even a bit foolish.
It all meant the same thing.
I actually felt that Lin Xi's personality might be more suited for this role.
'Alright, alright. I don't want to hurt you, so I'll… go back and inform the Miao King. Farewell.' Long Yue seized the opportunity to disengage. After saying this, she cupped her hands in a gesture of farewell and turned to leave.
'You…' Bai Qingcheng was speechless. If the opponent had been a man, Bai Qingcheng would likely have finished him off long ago.
Since Long Yue was female, Bai Qingcheng managed to maintain some composure. However, even her composed state was equivalent to others' unhinged behavior. After hesitating for three seconds, Bai Qingcheng couldn't hold back any longer and shouted, 'Long Yue, since you've come, don't think of leaving!'
With that, Bai Qingcheng leaped into the air and hurled the white silk sash she held towards Long Yue's retreating back."