The Creatures That We Are

Chapter 350: Warning

Chapter 350: Warning

The elevator led to the main hall. More than a hundred people, packed full in a fan shape, stared at Gao Yang like they were welcoming an important guest.

In truth, Seven Shadow returning to base safely after losing contact for three days meant a lot to the awakeners.

If even Elder Seven Shadow of the Qilin Guild, ranked 15th on the power ranking list, ended up killed outside, he must have run into a formidable enemy, which would be a sign of major crisis.

Now that they were going to face the last night of the Crimson Tide, some awakeners were getting optimistic. Perhaps Surnamed Li’s prophecy had gone wrong. Or perhaps they had already changed the future.

One more night, and the Crimson Tide would be over. They were staring at hope right before their eyes.

“Captain Seven Shadow!”

Can pushed past the crowd and rushed toward him, followed by Gray Bear, Lithe Snake, Ronnie, and Nine Frost.

“Wait!”

A voice stopped the fifth team.

The crowd parted to make way for Vermilion Bird, who walked up to Gao Yang.

“I have to examine your body to ensure that you’re not a half-human, Seven Shadow.” Vermilion Bird eyed him warily. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“Go ahead.”

Vermilion Bird took a step forward, while White Tiger came up to her from behind, prepared to protect her when necessary.

She reached out to take Gao Yang’s hand.

Soon, a strange energy burrowed into his palm before spreading throughout his body.

Five seconds later, the energy left Gao Yang. Vermilion Bird pulled back, her expression darkening.

“You were critically injured three days ago and almost died.”

“Yes.”

“What happened?”

“I almost got eaten by a Spectre, but I lived and escaped,” Gao Yang said frankly.

The crowd erupted into chatters.

Vermilion Bird had never met a case like his, so she couldn’t confirm if he was telling the truth.

She took a step back. “Given your situation, I cannot confirm if you’re the Seven Shadow we knew.” Vermilion Bird’s eyes darkened. “I’m sorry. I may have to keep you locked up.”

“I understand.” Gao Yang nodded. “But is there no other way to confirm my identity?”

Vermilion Bird hesitated before turning back and hollering, “Any of you able to confirm what he is?”

“I can.” Joker walked out of the crowd and calmly explained with a numb expression, “I can fake a monster’s impression and also identify a monster. Those who have been possessed by a greed monster will show a discrepancy in their energy within half a month. I can tell between an awakener and a half-human by tasting their blood.”

“Is that true?” Vermilion Bird wasn’t immediately convinced.

“It’s true.” Chen Ying nodded. “Joker can tell.”

Swish.

Lithe Snake threw Gao Yang a dagger. Gao Yang caught it easily.

He twirled the dagger around and cut the tip of his index finger shallowly, drawing a drop of blood.

Joker came up to catch the blood with his index finger before tasting it.

A few seconds later, he pulled back and said with certainty, “There’s no energy of a greed monster in his blood. He’s not a half-human.”

Vermilion Bird sighed in relief, her gaze softening. “Welcome back.”

Gao Yang smothered a relieved sigh himself. He had Fresh Snow’s curse in him, but it seemed that Joker couldn’t tell.

“That’s great!” Can rushed up to him in joy. “I told your fortune earlier, Captain. I knew you would be alright.”

“You’re a fortune teller now?” Gao Yang was amused.

“Tee-hee, I played a game of HOK and subtract the headcounts of my side from the headcounts of the opponent’s side. If the result is an even number, it’s a good omen. If it’s an odd number...”

“Alright, that’s quite enough.” Gao Yang knew he shouldn’t expect proper pearls of wisdom from her.

The other members of the fifth team came up to him, equally pleased.

Among the crowd, Qing Ling, Officer Huang, and Fat Jun watched silently rather than join in.

Officer Huang let out a long breath, while Qing Ling turned away without a change to her impassive face.

...

Afterwards, Gao Yang and the fifth team spent some time catching up on what had happened.

Nine Frost and Lithe Snake were the least in danger. They had always been lone wolves even in the mundane world, and they had simple relationships with only a small number of people. During the past few days, they simply kept their phone off and went completely off radar.

Gray Bear had more of a complex social network due to his work, and he was likely to attract suspicion by using his yearly leaves.

Thus, he went and got his leg broken, getting himself admitted to the hospital before going home for bed rest, when in truth he had been hiding on the 52nd floor of the White Lake Hotel.

With the help of Medicine C and the healers of the Guild, his leg had more or less fully recovered.

Can and Ronnie were still students, but they weren’t particularly close to their classmates, and with divorced parents, they weren’t that close to their family, either.

They kept their phones on and remained active on social media platforms. So far, they hadn’t attracted any attention, and neither had they gotten any calls.

Eleven o’clock in the evening, Gao Yang and his team had coffee in the dining area.

Wearing a sensuous low-cut black dress and a pair of high-heels, Liu Qingying came up with a cup of tea.

“Elder Seven Shadow.” Her voice was tender like a lover’s caress, and she enthralled everyone with a simple greeting; those around couldn’t help but be captivated.

Even Can held her breath involuntarily, her eyes glued to Liu Qingying’s seductive presence.

“Ahem!” Gray Bear fake-coughed dramatically and shot Gao Yang a smirk before rising to his feet with his coffee. “Let’s go, fellows.”

They followed suit in understanding, smiling strangely.

Gao Yang suppressed an eyeroll. Gray Bear, why are you obstinate when you should be sensitive, and considerate when it’s not warranted? Are you looking to create a weird scandal about me?

After his teammates had left, Liu Qingying sat down across from Gao Yang and smiled at him. “It’s been a while.”

Gao Yang returned the smile and took a sip of his coffee. “Speaking of which, I don’t think I saw you around the first two days of the Crimson Tide.”

“I came here on the fourth day,” she admitted easily. “Haha, according to past experience, the first few days wouldn’t be that dangerous.”

Gao Yang’s heart sank. She was insinuating something.

“Let’s hope the last night passes uneventfully,” said Liu Qingying.

Gao Yang nodded. “Yeah.”

“Still,” Liu Qingying continued with a smile, “I don’t think it’s likely. I’ve been feeling ill at ease since I woke up today. I have a feeling that something will happen...”

Gao Yang looked up and lowered his voice. “Please be frank with me given the circumstances, Miss Liu.”

“Elder Seven Shadow is quick.” Liu Qingying chuckled and leaned in, revealing even more fair skin under the low-cut dress. She whispered in a voice that only Gao Yang could hear, “Watch out for a certain someone tonight.”

“Who?” Gao Yang frowned.

Liu Qingying looked around to make sure that no one was around. Then she glanced at Gao Yang’s right hand.

Gao Yang extended a hand without missing a beat, allowing Liu Qingying to write a word on his palm.

He pulled back with a grave look on his face. “Is the intel reliable?”

Liu Qingying stopped smiling. “I’m not sure, but according to what I know, the person has been hiding something and has shown a discrepancy between their words and actions. You can never be too careful.”

“I understand.”

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

Liu Qingying sauntered away with her tea.