Chapter 172: Becoming a Hero at the City Lord’s Mansion

Chapter 172: Becoming a Hero at the City Lord’s Mansion

Lin Nuo didn’t expect that Liu Shuqin and Su Kexin would wait at the registration point for over half a day to show their respect for talented individuals.

From Lin Nuo’s perspective, the fact that these two were leisurely waiting for their arrival indicated that things were safe at the Sacred Altar, and the powerful fierce beasts had yet to launch a large-scale invasion.

If it were a national-level disaster, hardly anyone would be here waiting for them; even the ordinary folks would be dragged off to the battlefield.

Both Lin Nuo and Ling Meng received shiny five-star emblems, each large enough to fit in the palm of their hands. Thinking back to their previous one-star emblems that couldn’t even fill one palm, those felt utterly pathetic.

They smoothly became members of the Five-Star Group. Ironically, the villain and his disciple were mixing with a group of righteous individuals.

If it weren’t for following his master’s orders, Ling Meng would never have acted as their companion, let alone have any righteous intentions to guard the Sacred Altar and fight the fierce beasts.

After going through the necessary procedures, they became a part of the Righteous Path Organization’s Five-Star Group, illuminated by the light of righteousness.

Lin Nuo was relieved that there was no real-name verification here; he and Ling Meng used fake names, which they were unaware of.

“Congratulations, you two, on becoming part of our Righteous Path Organization’s Five-Star Group! Now, please follow us to the City Lord’s Mansion to meet the lord,” Liu Shuqin said, maintaining her sweet smile, looking every bit the modern-day etiquette lady.

The number of Five-Star Group members was small, and gathering them was difficult. Given that they had eliminated the Poison Bee assassin, their merits were high, making it only natural for the City Lord to summon them for gratitude.

Ling Meng tugged Lin Nuo’s sleeve, and he nodded in agreement, signaling that they could go.

“Alright.”

Lin Nuo followed Liu Shuqin and the others to the City Lord’s Mansion, completely at ease, bringing Ling Meng, the Demon Sect goddess, along with him. After all, they might face various powerful figures of the Five-Star Group.

However, currently, Ling Meng was not particularly powerful and was not yet a well-known demoness. Plus, Lin Nuo had taught her how to conceal her demon Qi and disguise herself. If she didn’t actively use her demon techniques, they wouldn’t recognize her.

Plus, they had just taken down the Poison Bee; although accidentally, they had indeed become heroes vanquishing evil. According to the typical mindset, they hadn’t acted like villains, so no one would particularly suspect them of being the big bad guys.

As an excellent villain, one could freely navigate among righteous groups, hiding in plain sight and erupting in silent fury to wreak havoc.

This was also a good opportunity for Ling Meng to train. In the past, she had been overly proud and flamboyant, practically begging people to know she practiced demon arts. Now was just right for her to become an exemplary villain—strike when necessary, wielding force and wit alike.

The City Lord’s Mansion was grand and opulent, with groups of soldiers forming two rows to greet them as they entered.

Faced with such a display, Ling Meng was quite uneasy, feeling an overwhelming sense of danger around her. Aside from Lin Nuo, everyone seemed to want to kill her.

Lin Nuo patted Ling Meng’s shoulder, chuckling, “Take it slow, don’t be nervous; just get used to it. You’re the future prodigy, and this little gathering is nothing for you.”

Looking into Lin Nuo’s expectant eyes, Ling Meng felt a boost of motivation.

Yeah, if her master could navigate such an environment with ease, she couldn’t fall too far behind.

Both Lin Nuo and Ling Meng donned light gray cloaks, resembling two wizards who had mastered extraordinary arts, just missing a magical staff.

The City Lord was a man in his forties, dressed in bright attire and exuding friendliness. Upon seeing Liu Shuqin and the others, he personally went to greet them.

“Li here has long admired both of your illustrious names. Seeing you today is truly remarkable! Thank you for ridding the people of their troubles…”

Lin Nuo listened to the City Lord’s flurry of polite words with a cold expression, utterly uninterested. After all, he came from the Lin family, and he’s heard quite enough political flattery.

What he really cared about was when they could head to the Sacred Altar. Joining the Five-Star Group was just to get to the Altar, not to lounge around, living off their patronage.

“Please wait here for a moment, as the other Five-Star Group members will be arriving soon. We have important matters to discuss.”

“Sure.”

Lin Nuo agreed and remained in the City Lord’s Mansion, on the lookout for any opportunities to benefit from their hospitality.

……

In the back garden of the City Lord’s Mansion, Lin Nuo and Ling Meng sat in a gazebo.

“Master, I really don’t want to stay here anymore. I don’t like these people.”

“Calm down; this is part of your training. If you can get along with this group, it means you’ve grown. Remember, understanding your opponents is also an essential method to defeat them.”

“But I feel awful here! Those people just drone on about righteousness, and it makes me irritated. I don’t want to deal with them. Hm… suddenly feeling so sleepy…”

Ling Meng yawned, probably because she had eaten too much at lunch and chatted with Lin Nuo for so long that she felt a bit drowsy.

“They’ve prepared rooms for us; you can take a rest,” Lin Nuo pointed at the guest rooms ahead.

“Then let’s rest together! One bed is enough for two of us to squeeze in,” Ling Meng giggled.

“I’ll stay here so I can stay alert if anything big happens.”

Lin Nuo replied calmly.

“Go on ahead. It’s just in front; I’ll keep an eye on you. If anything major comes up, I’ll wake you.”

“Alright then.”

Ling Meng stretched lazily, rubbing her eyes as she walked towards the guest room. In the past, she wouldn’t have been so careless as to take a nap in the City Lord’s Mansion, but with her master Lin Nuo present, she felt secure.

After all, if the sky fell, her master would hold it up. If he said she could rest, she believed it was fine.

Before closing the door, Ling Meng even threw a flirtatious glance at Lin Nuo; however, he ignored her, pulling out a Meat Floss Cake and taking a bite.

The City Lord’s Mansion was vast, with several back gardens. The one Lin Nuo was in had few visitors, which suited him perfectly. Otherwise, every time someone came by, he’d have to face a barrage of pleasantries.

With his mouth and nose wrapped in cloth all day would be uncomfortable, needing to lower it for a bite.

Just as he finished one Meat Floss Cake and was about to start on the second, he spotted a graceful and elegant young lady approaching with a tray.

It was Master Sister Liu Shuqin, walking towards him with a smile on her face.

Lin Nuo quickly stuffed the other Meat Floss Cake back into his pocket and wrapped his mouth and nose back up to avoid being seen by Liu Shuqin.

Nonchalantly, he glanced at the splashing water in the river as Liu Shuqin’s footsteps drew nearer, pretending to turn his gaze away instinctively.

She held a tray containing some pastries, hot dishes, and soup, with steam rising from the hot food and soup.

“Good afternoon, Young Master Wu. I made some soup and pastries specifically for you to taste. Please don’t mind the humble offering,” Liu Shuqin said, placing the dishes in front of Lin Nuo. Upon seeing them, his eyes lit up.

These were all his favorite soups!