Chapter 843: No More Pretending, Time to Show Our Cards

Chapter 843: No More Pretending, Time to Show Our Cards

It’s not my first time sneaking into a prison; Lin Nuo has become a seasoned pro at this. Each time he’s slipped in, the people in the cell were none the wiser.

As long as there’s corruption, there’s an opportunity for him. With enough money, anything can be arranged, and besides, he has means to establish connections with Luo Xiaoxue’s side.

Getting inside makes things a whole lot easier.

Next up is finding the place where the Fox People are imprisoned.

The two of them changed clothes and sneaked in, and things were going surprisingly smoothly; they weren’t discovered yet.

This prison for the Fox People is much larger than your average jail, with an incredibly long corridor lined with small cells for imprisoning the Fox People.

Each cell has iron bars, allowing them to see the Fox People locked inside.

Chained up, covered in dirt, their eyes dull, radiating sheer despair.

It’s just like what Lin Nuo and the others encountered at the foot of the mountain.

With no direction, their fate uncertain, they await either extinction or the humiliation of mere survival.

In any case, it’s not their choice to make.

Among the Fox People, the group of Demon Foxes is the largest, filling the prison in droves with varied fur colors—black, brown, gray, etc.—but none as rare as the silver hue of Ruo’er.

Perhaps it’s just a coincidence, but with so many Demon Foxes around, not a single white fox in sight suggests that rarity makes it precious, and the silvery fur signifies nobility.

Of course, that’s just his perspective; it doesn’t matter what others think.

Luo Xiaoxue followed Lin Nuo, waiting for instructions to act.

Cautious, ever cautious; no reckless moves.

“Are you new here? I’ve never seen you before.”

Eventually, a prison guard noticed something off with the two unknown faces.

“We were just dispatched by the city lord to help with the patrol. We have credentials.”

Lin Nuo had arranged two credentials from a familiar black market vendor, which isn’t technically forgery since with enough money, it’s entirely possible to obtain legitimate-looking credentials in this corrupt system.

The higher-ups are just as crooked, leaving everyone below scrambling for profit.

This chain of interests connects one to the next, and the gains are substantial.

Those who mingle in the black market naturally understand the rules; unlike sect cultivators or Taoists who are unclear about the ins and outs, infiltrating is a challenge.

Even among cultivators, some go undercover, wanting to be heroes in the shadows, but Lin Nuo has found that the “righteous” folks here lack the ability; they can’t slip into the darkness, and if they do, the devious underworld finds out, sending them straight to the afterlife.

The guard examined the credentials, confirmed they were real with a seal, and had no objections.

“You’re new, so just patrol. Don’t act out of line; if you stumble upon traps, you’ll be the ones in trouble.”

The guard warned them, and Lin Nuo maintained a humble demeanor, fitting the role of a rookie without being obstinate.

Soon, the guard walked away, leaving him and Luo Xiaoxue.

The phony smile Lin Nuo wore quickly faded as he returned to his cold, indifferent expression.

“Let’s move. We need to walk through this place.”

“Okay.”

First, they needed to scope out the prison to know who was inside, what traps existed, and where they were, prioritizing caution; this is basic training.

However, after walking for a bit, a group of people approached them.

It was the Dong Wei representatives; they had just rounded up all the Fox People and were now ready to leave.

Luo Xiaoxue’s heart skipped a beat; she recognized the oncoming Dong Wei people—Xu Ku, a figure of some renown within Dong Wei.

And they had met before.

Oh no…

She was really worried, what if they recognized her? Wouldn’t that ruin Lin the Hero’s plan?

Still, she did her best to act natural, not to tense up, just like usual.

Lin Nuo saw such a big crowd approaching; it had to be someone important.

Now playing the part of a sycophant, he had to embody the characteristics of one.

For instance, bowing respectfully when meeting them, and being sincere.

As they were about to pass, Lin Nuo gently pulled on Luo Xiaoxue’s hand, signaling her.

Luo Xiaoxue quickly caught on and together they bowed lightly to the approaching Dong Wei representatives:

“Good day, my lord.”

It was just a formality; in situations like this, these high-and-mighty figures couldn’t care less about the little guys.

They walked past normally, and Luo Xiaoxue exhaled in relief; thankfully, they hadn’t been recognized.

Alright, time to keep moving.

But then…

Xu Ku suddenly sensed something was off.

Having spent so long in Dong Wei, his vision and perception surpassed that of the average person.

“These two have issues.”

Xu Ku saw right through, immediately turning back to Lin Nuo and Luo Xiaoxue, instructing his subordinates,

“Stop them!”

“Yes!”

With that, two of his subordinates approached, shouting at Lin Nuo and Luo Xiaoxue:

“You, stop right there!”

Lin Nuo and Luo Xiaoxue froze slightly, sensing trouble, but stayed calm and halted.

“Turn around.”

The guards shouted, and they had no choice but to comply, facing Xu Ku.

Xu Ku stroked his long beard, moving closer to scrutinize them.

He was particularly focused on Luo Xiaoxue. Though she was disguised, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she seemed familiar.

“Are these two the prison guards here?”

Xu Ku turned to the nearby guard, who replied,

“Report, my lord, they are new, sent by the city lord. I just checked their credentials; they seem legit.”

“New? Then show me your credentials.”

Xu Ku queried, demanding proof from Lin Nuo and the others.

Just give it to him, let him see it.

Lin Nuo and Luo Xiaoxue promptly presented their credentials to Xu Ku, which indeed looked like ordinary documents.

But he wouldn’t let them go that easily.

“This is a crucial place. I’ve never heard of the city lord dispatching new personnel. You two, lock them up. I want to ask the city lord directly when he arrives.”

“Yes!”

His subordinates hurriedly brought over shackles, intending to lock Lin Nuo and Luo Xiaoxue up. This was a precarious moment; what to do?

They were about to be chained up, their movements restricted, and she knew Xu Ku wouldn’t use ordinary handcuffs on them.

He’d use magic, making it difficult to break free.

But surely Lin the Hero has a plan, right?

Luo Xiaoxue noticed Lin Nuo remained calm, expressionless, complying with their demands by lifting her hands to be shackled.

Lin the Hero must have a strategy—taking the shackles first, enduring humiliation, and then finding an opportunity, right?

Just following his lead would be fine.

However…

Just as the guard reached to lock his hands, Lin Nuo threw a punch that sent the guard flying.

“No more pretending, time to show our cards.”

Lin Nuo immediately pulled out a smoke bomb and tossed it to the ground, instantly filling the air with thick white smoke.

Before long, the prison erupted into chaos, the sounds from inside echoing outwards.

Many outdoors noticed the commotion, including Su Kexin within the city.