Chapter 9: Satisfying Curiosity

This was an exceptionally generous sum, considering that the average wage hovered around three thousand star coins. Taking on part-time work during leisure hours was equivalent to earning an extra income.

The intelligence division had cleverly disguised itself as a bar, so the comings and goings of a diverse crowd wouldn’t attract undue attention.

Sun Ninglong nodded in understanding; her sect had a similar intelligence network, though theirs operated on a grander scale—entire villages or cities formed part of the sect’s intelligence web.

Before long, someone else pushed open the bar door.

He wore a high-collared coat and, upon entering, removed his hat and hung it on the coat rack by the door.

Sun Ninglong immediately sprang off her stool, rushing over with excitement. “Uncle Wu!”

Wu Mo laughed heartily, scooping Sun Ninglong into his arms and spinning her around. “Little Su Su, it’s been a week since I last saw you. Have you missed me?”

“Of course! Where’s the big snack pack?”

The shameless foodie didn’t hide her true nature.

“I brought it.”

Wu Mo pulled a large bag of snacks from his backpack and handed it to her.

“Thank you, Uncle Wu.”

She blew him a playful kiss, making Wu Mo burst into laughter. Their joyful voices filled the bar.

This handsome, sun-kissed gentleman was a regular at the bar. He was also one of the most doting patrons, having witnessed Sun Ninglong’s growth firsthand.

Wu Mo gently rubbed his forehead against Sun Ninglong’s small face. “Little one, it’s late. You should rest.”

“I’m waiting to give you good news—I got into the Star Alliance Academy.”

Wu Mo’s smile slowly faded. He took a deep breath and turned to Zou Shuyi. “She’s so pure and lovable. She shouldn’t have to face such a harsh world so early.”

Zou Shuyi replied, “She’s been able to see spirit entities since she was very young. Early exposure isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”

Sun Ninglong had been brought home by Zou Shuyi when she was only eight months old. On one occasion, while out shopping, the infant pointed at a spirit entity and asked if it was a projection.

From that moment, Zou Shuyi knew Sun Ninglong couldn’t have an ordinary, carefree childhood like other children.

Sun Ninglong had been confined mostly to the bar since she was little, rarely venturing outside—that was the reason.

Wu Mo and Xing Yuan exchanged glances; being able to see spirit entities as an infant was an astonishing gift.

Sun Ninglong had no clear memories of her infancy—only fragmented recollections. At that age, being able to cleverly question whether spirit entities were mere projections was likely the limit of her understanding.

“Fortunately, she’s a homebody. As long as she has toys and mechanical gadgets, she can play quietly for hours,” Zou Shuyi said, taking Sun Ninglong from Wu Mo, patting her small bottom. “You need to adjust your schedule and stop being so willful.”

“If you show me what the intelligence report says, I’ll go to sleep immediately.”

“No bargaining.”

“That’s not bargaining, just satisfying my curiosity—just one look. Please, godmother?”

Zou Shuyi was helpless. “Fine, but don’t ask me if you don’t understand it.”

The report was filled with technical jargon.

Sun Ninglong skimmed past the jargon, quickly picking out words she could comprehend to summarize the intelligence.

“Number 3 Xingkui Street—unexplained phenomena reported. The residents of this house are a newlywed couple who, within three months of moving in, began experiencing dizziness, nausea, worsening tinnitus, and auditory hallucinations, constantly feeling watched.

The usually cheerful couple started arguing incessantly, suffering severe mental distress, suspecting unstable energy fields in the residence. They reported it to the police, who advised them to temporarily relocate while specialists investigated.

Agents have ruled out energy interference.

The couple’s mental state improved after leaving, but nightmares grew more frequent, seemingly compelling them to return to the house.” — Report provided by Star Alliance Intelligence agents #XXXX and #XXXX.

“Xingkui Street is just two blocks away. It’s so close, yet we knew nothing about this.”

In the cultivation world, news of something happening just beyond two mountains would spread within two hours.

Zou Shuyi advised her to pay attention to the details. “The young couple only lived there three months. You have to understand, young people rarely get close to their neighbors.”

Zou Shuyi’s words made Sun Ninglong ponder; it seemed true. She had observed before, but only superficially.

She had always been immersed in her world of forging and preferred to resolve any threat with sheer strength.

Different social environments led to different ways of interaction.

Wu Mo frowned, disapproving of Zou Shuyi’s approach. “She’s still small. You shouldn’t show her these things—she’ll become curious.”

“She starts school in a week, Wu Mo. She promises, if she doesn’t like the Star Alliance Academy, I’ll transfer her to First Kindergarten,” Zou Shuyi reassured him. “Sorry to bring up Vinnie, but you can’t keep living in fear. Ninglong is smart; she knows what she’s doing. We can’t restrict her choices.”

Wu Mo’s daughter had also been a student at the Star Alliance Academy, a top scholar with a mischievous spirit, bearing a striking resemblance to Sun Ninglong.

She died while assisting Wu Mo’s ex-wife on a mission.

Wu Mo had never forgiven himself, regretting agreeing to his ex-wife’s request that ultimately led to Vinnie’s death.

He slumped onto a tall stool, pulling a chocolate from his coat pocket. “Little one, can I have one more hug before bedtime?”

Zou Shuyi glanced down at Sun Ninglong, who immediately smiled sweetly and granted Wu Mo’s request.

Hugs among friends were common; Sun Ninglong embraced Wu Mo warmly, comforting the man who had suffered the grief of losing a daughter.

A week later, Xing Yuan helped Sun Ninglong pack all her belongings—two large suitcases and two backpacks.

She wanted to bring everything to school. She had heard the school had geothermal furnaces powered by earth’s core fire—a perfect tool for forging.

“Aren’t you going home?”

Zou Shuyi wasn’t accompanying her to the Star Alliance Academy.

After observing for two days, she knew Xing Yuan was attentive and that Sun Ninglong would be well cared for. There was no need to trouble herself with the journey and disrupt her schedule.

Sun Ninglong replied, “I will! But I can’t fix machines at home. Anything I can’t fix there, I’ll bring to school.”

“With all that junk, you really know how to fuss.”

Sun Ninglong blew three rapid kisses in succession, loving this bold and affectionate gesture.

She comforted Zou Shuyi: “Alright, beautiful, I won’t keep chatting. My courses aren’t set yet, and I need to get to school early. Xing Yuan said if I’m late, classes will be full.”

Zou Shuyi crouched and kissed her cheek. “Once you arrive at the academy, contact me to let me know you’re safe. And no corrupting the other children.”

“Hopefully, the other troublemakers don’t corrupt me. After all, I’m still young and easily influenced by adults. And the only one who’s ever corrupted me is right in front of you.”

Sun Ninglong’s remark left Zou Shuyi speechless.