Chapter 550: Return (8/10, resting, requesting moon tickets)

Now that Lord Han's condition is stable and the research results are out, it's time to bring him out for inspection.

"So, Lord Han, what level of strength do you think you are now?"

"I did a slight test before—my lower bound is the weird transformation of Xiao Xuedou, so at least Blood Rank or higher; as for the upper limit, I haven't tested it yet. Half-Step Rain Rank is out of the question, maybe I can barely try Cloud Rank, though I might be around Human Rank."

Lord Han was originally Half-Step Rain Rank, having fallen from Rain Rank to Half-Step Rain Rank.

Now he's between Human Rank and Cloud Rank—that's another drop in power.

But at least he has combat ability now, instead of being just a head, helpless and at others' mercy.

When You Sisi heard Lord Han had strength between Human Rank and Cloud Rank, her eyes instantly lit up.

It was now the second night's deep hours, the latter half of the night.

The third day, which Fang Yue had mentioned earlier, was imminent—the day the Weird Army would arrive.

But Tian Erjun hadn't returned, and Fang Yue was trapped by Black Cloud, his movement severely restricted.

Under such extreme scarcity of high-end combat power, Lord Han's sudden emergence as a combatant was an unexpected blessing.

As for Lord Han's appearance… cultivation is inherently defying heaven; if the body suffers an accident, seeking alternative methods is merely a desperate measure—there's nothing to be said about it.

"By the way, Lord Han, this morning, Ye Baiyi…"

Because Lord Han's situation was so shocking, You Sisi had forgotten to mention Fang Yue.

Now that she understood the situation, she quickly brought up Fang Yue.

"Black Cloud… increased?"

Qing Chen and Lord Han stared at each other, with Xiao Xuedou's dog head between them.

"His Weird Curse 【Wu Yu】 has worsened."

Lord Han sighed—he couldn't do anything about it; all he could do was strengthen his combat power and lend Fang Yue a hand when needed.

"No… solution…?"

You Sisi clenched her lips tightly, fists clenched.

"Lord Han, Lady You, Black Cloud is just dark cloud—if Captain Night hides somewhere sheltered from rain, won't that avoid the danger?"

"It's not that simple—his palm's 【Weird Curse】 likely has hidden tricks; it's not an ordinary Weird Curse…" Lord Han sighed.

"Maybe it really isn't that simple, but under current conditions, Captain Night is still safe—he just needs a reliable rain-shelter to avoid 【Night Rain】—assuming that massive dark cloud actually produces 【Night Rain】."

"Hmm… yes, that's true—Captain Wu, any suggestions?"

Captain Wu smiled faintly: "What if we put Captain Night into the Underground Stronghold?"

"Underground Stronghold?"

Lord Han paused.

"No!" You Sisi spoke up immediately, frowning at Captain Wu: "The Weird Army is about to arrive—sending Ye Baiyi in there is sending him to die!"

Lord Han and the others thought the same, but Lord Han wanted to hear Captain Wu's next point.

He knew Fang Yue and Captain Wu were close—Captain Wu had no reason to harm Fang Yue.

"You misunderstand—I didn't mean putting Captain Night into the Underground Stronghold now, but after the Weird Army emerges, placing Captain Night into the now-empty Underground Stronghold."

"I think Black Cloud won't follow him inside, right? At most, it'll hover above him in the sky—so even if 【Night Rain】 falls, it won't reach Captain Night."

"And if the dark cloud really does produce 【Night Rain】, a mobile Captain Night inside could use 【Night Rain】 to aid us—two benefits at once."

Captain Wu's words left everyone in thought, except Tian Dan Zhi Yuan Wu, who asked curiously: "If all you need is to avoid rain, why not just have Ye Ge hide anywhere in Qingsi County?"

At this, everyone couldn't help but smile bitterly.

"Of course there are rain-shelter spots in Qingsi County—but if we fight the Weird Army, those shelters will be easily destroyed. Captain Night's massive Black Cloud and 【Night Rain】 will be the first targets."

"But in the Underground Stronghold, 【Night Rain】 won't easily reach him. Even if Weird creatures return to the Underground Stronghold, Captain Night fights in an environment similar to normal conditions—he can simply ignore 【Night Rain】."

Captain Wu's logic was sound, but You Sisi still frowned.

"I still disagree—if the Weird creatures discover Ye Baiyi's condition, they'll spare no cost to eliminate him first, even sending everyone back into the Underground Stronghold. He'll be in extreme danger."

"Exactly—so we must hold the Underground Stronghold… or rather, after the Weird Army emerges and Captain Night enters the Underground Stronghold, immediately destroy its entrance! Of course, specifics depend on the situation—if the dark cloud above Captain Night is merely Black Cloud, then no special treatment is needed; fight normally in Qingsi County."

You Sisi wanted to say more—she didn't want Fang Yue in danger.

But Lord Han silenced her with: "I'll personally stay by his side to protect him."

With Lord Han guarding him, even entering the Underground Stronghold would greatly increase his safety.

The group discussed further details, then went to visit Fang Yue, chatting with him from afar about the plan.

Fang Yue, focused on practicing his sword, nodded offhandedly in agreement.

After all, the true nature of the Black Cloud above him was still uncertain.

Seeing Fang Yue's calm mood and stable condition, You Sisi felt somewhat reassured. She looked up at the Black Cloud—it seemed larger than before. After asking Yu Baiyi, she confirmed another cloud had gathered.

Preoccupied with these troubling matters, You Sisi arranged the last group of villagers into the shelter zone.

This kept her busy all night.

When the morning of the third day arrived, You Sisi led everyone in tense vigil at the Underground Stronghold's entrance—when she finally heard the first good news: Tian Erjun had returned.

Yes, Tian Erjun, who had gone for reinforcements, had returned!

You Sisi excitedly led others to greet him, but saw Tian Erjun and the long line behind him, their faces tense.

"Has Qingsi County been overrun and fallen to the Weirds?! What happened inside?!"

Seeing You Sisi, Tian Erjun's eyes reddened as he pointed at the vast Black Cloud above Qingsi County and shouted.

You Sisi sighed helplessly and explained everything to Tian Erjun.

"What?! Ye Baiyi's Weird Curse erupted? Of all times…"

Tian Erjun was frustrated but still asked about Fang Yue's condition.

Learning Fang Yue was unharmed, merely temporarily isolated, he relaxed.

"You must be You Sisi, the current Chief Qingyi of Qingsi County."

Resting now, can't keep going. Feeling off today, will rest well and update early.

Finally, please vote for monthly tickets! Today's double monthly tickets—just get us to fifth place in the gaming category, that's all I ask, please please please!

(End of chapter)