Chapter 69: Medicine Cabinet

“The Thunder Assassin’s Guild is a massive organization, and most of its elite assassins are from the Dark Crow Tribe, specializing in assassinations by flowing through walls.”

“I know that!” Lulutina proudly raised her hand to answer. “This shows the Dark Crow Tribe has a bright future ahead!”

“Indeed, a promising future,” Han Nuo nodded. “You are the key to this mission.”

“Alright, what do I have to do?”

“The Thunder Assassins’ concealment ability is incredibly strong. Our Information Network and innate abilities alone won’t be enough to find them. So, we have to lure them out.”

“You want to use me as bait? To draw them out using my Dark Crow ability so they come after me as a pawn?”

“Exactly. But the benefits don’t end there. You can also seize this opportunity to align with the Thunder Assassin’s power and receive professional assassin training,” Han Nuo coaxed. “Think about it, professional training from local assassins— they can greatly improve your Sequence efficiency and turn you into a real powerhouse.”

Lulutina shrugged nonchalantly. “Though I know you’re using me, you’re right—this is definitely good for me.”

“…You’re clever for such a young age.” Han Nuo was a bit frustrated that such a child had seen through his intentions.

“Of course I have to be smart. I can’t be like Wu Xiaomi, disappearing without a trace.”

“…”

The atmosphere suddenly turned heavy.

“Sister Xiaozhi, have you gone live yet?”

Realizing she’d mentioned a forbidden name, Lulutina quickly changed the subject.

“No, not yet.”

“Come on, the last video hit over a hundred million views in three days and was selected as the platform’s treasure! The whole world is eagerly waiting for you to stream live! Isn’t this the perfect chance to rake in some points?”

Bai Xiaozhi obviously knew.

Polopolo’s revenue from creations was real points for strategists.

The last duel between Wu Xiaomi and Baigu was recorded by Lulutina from the audience and handed over to Bai Xiaozhi to upload.

With over a hundred million views, the reward points were considerable, yet Bai Xiaozhi didn’t even dare to check the backend.

The whole world was talking about Niao Xiaomi and Bai Xiaozhi, spawning countless derivative videos. Opening Polopolo’s homepage, all that appeared were “event discussions” and “Siren Dance” imitators.

But at the center of the storm, Bai Xiaozhi remained silent, staying far away from this so-called “phenomenal hotspot.”

She didn’t even dare to open Polopolo.

Because she was afraid to see her own video thumbnail.

She feared seeing the intimate photo from the fitting room, the pain piercing her heart, shattering her dignity and image.

She would break down in tears.

She dreaded anyone mentioning that night; she feared recalling that heartbreaking dance.

It made her suffocate.

“Forget it, I’m really dumb.” Lulutina slapped herself. “Alright, tell me what to do. How do I lure them out?”

“First, pretend you’ve been captured, then we print newspapers everywhere with headlines like — [12-Year-Old Dark Crow Genius Thief! Mastermind Behind the Xilin City Museum Heist Caught!]”

“I get it, then they’ll break into the prison to get me?”

“Right.”

“What if they don’t break in?” Lulutina asked.

“Then you escape by yourself.”

“Are you joking? The whole world knows I have the Dark Crow Sequence now; how can I soften the walls and get out?”

“That’s your problem.”

“…”

No anger, Lulutina, no anger.

Deep breaths.

The girl took several deep breaths.

Bang—

A fist hit Han Nuo’s face.

“Sister Xiaozhi should’ve shut your mouth that night.”

“Then you’d be one less smart brain.”

“Ugh! Shameless!”

“Extra! Extra! Law’s Net is wide and tight! [Dark Crow Thief Who Plundered Xilin Museum Caught Today! Thief Only 12 Years Old!]”

“Museum owner Wilson will appear in court personally!”

The newsboy’s cries echoed through the streets and alleys.

Despite Polopolo’s fast information spread, newspapers still held an unshakable position in Feisi City.

Of course, this wasn’t an ordinary newspaper.

The images were printed with Sequence magic, moving and sounding, vividly recreating the news scene.

—Dark Crow Thief?

Wu Xiaomi heard the newsboy’s shout.

Isn’t that Lulutina?

Little Crow got caught?

Or was this part of the plan?

“I advise you not to get any ideas. Your only task now is to heal and practice your Sequence of Spells.”

Xiao Luobo did an aerial split and covered Wu Xiaomi’s ears with her feet, drowning out the newsboy’s voice.

“You have to learn all the 81-100 Spell Sequence in half a month! Or the witches will eat me!”

[I don’t think so, she’s actually pretty nice.]

“Ha! What kind of idiot brain are you to believe in witches? This is the Salacious Witch we’re talking about!”

[But she hasn’t harmed me…]

“Why do you think she clings to you? She’ll come for you sooner or later! She’ll hypnotize and brainwash you until you lose your sense of self, and the world will only be her—you’ll obey her without question… That’s the Salacious Witch’s specialty!”

[Oh… seems not so bad?]

“…Well, that’s settled.”

Xiao Luobo had nothing to say.

[After all, my life is already sold to her…]

“Idiot! You can back out!”

[I can’t beat her.]

Hmm?

Seeing that, Xiao Luobo suddenly sat up energetically. “So, if one day you can beat her…”

[Then I won’t have to work anymore~]

“Idiot! Moron! #%$@!”

Xiao Luobo flipped up one of Wu Xiaomi’s ears, wildly scolding her in frustration.

Wu Xiaomi instinctively shook off her and swept her hand over Xiao Luobo’s head.

Xiao Luobo wasn’t giving up; she grabbed a strand of Wu Xiaomi’s hair and swung like a swing right in front of her face.

She perched on Wu Xiaomi’s nose.

“Wake up! Little Leek! She’s just plotting to use your body and mind, waiting to harvest you like a leek—grow one, cut one!”

[I trust my instincts.]

“Think carefully! Why did you meet her by such a coincidence? Why did Bai Xiaozhi get sick with a strange illness that science can’t explain? Don’t you suspect anything? This is a trap!”

[…]

“This is the witches’ favorite fishing method—corner you, then appear as a savior to trick you into giving your soul… Foolish child! Stop being stubborn!”

[I don’t believe it…]

Xiao Luobo rolled her eyes in exasperation.

By the way, how did you meet Sister Witch?!

“Me?”

Xiao Luobo didn’t expect the topic to turn on her.

“Well… pretty normal. I stepped on a hunter’s trap, got caught and sold as a pet to a rich young lady.”

[Then?]

“Then I lived in a cage for years, just like now.”

[Then?] Wu Xiaomi raised the paper slip again for reuse.

“Then I met her. I wished for freedom and to become a carefree powerhouse like the Spirit of Abundance. The price was that I had to do something for her later. You know the rest.”

[…Aren’t you supposed to repay her with your body or something?!]

“You watch too many tales from Liaozhai! Do you think everyone’s that stupid?”

Indeed.

No further argument.

How do you know Liaozhai? So you’ve read it too!

Ah—

The inner door opened.

The witch’s footsteps sounded hurried.

“I’m going away for a few days, Luobo, remember to remind her to take her medicine on time. You’ll handle the injections.”

[What’s going on?]

“The shop is temporarily closed these days. Wu Xiaomi, don’t run around. You beat up Zang Gu, but his allies are still around. If you ruin their plans, they’ll come after you.”

Got it.

Nodded obediently.

“Mm.”

The witch opened the door and hurriedly left the courtyard.

The witch was not home.

During a break, Wu Xiaomi lay on the bed bored, lazily wagging her tail.

So boring.

Eyes not good, can’t watch videos.

[Xiao Luobo, are you scrolling Polopolo?]

“Yeah, why?”

[Did anyone praise me?]

Xiao Luobo glanced at the rankings.

Top heat: [Wu Xiaomi x Bai Xiaozhi – Siren Dance (Rain Prayer Version)].

Second: [Wu Xiaomi – Siren Dance (Original Version)].

Third: [Mang Gu’s Breaking of the Seal Full Process Explanation].

Fourth: [Siren Dance Cosplay and Dance Guide].

Fifth: […]

Wow, not a single top ten trending video was unrelated to Wu Xiaomi.

“I think you don’t need any more praise,” Xiao Luobo said.

If no one praises, then no one praises— you’re so polite…

Wu Xiaomi drooped her tail disappointedly.

Thought her dance was good back then.

Turns out it was just self-delusion?

People always overestimate themselves subconsciously.

She thought she’d been realistic all her life.

Turns out she’s just a deluded fool…

Sigh—

So miserable.

“Look on the bright side— not the whole world revolves around you. At least the 50th hottest video isn’t related— you know what it is? ‘Don’t Laugh Challenge.’”

I know, I know, stop it, I know I’m not even as good as that.

The girl clearly misunderstood something.

Xiao Luobo chuckled; she was waiting for Wu Xiaomi to open her eyes so she could greet this surprise.

“Your blindfold slipped off. Don’t think about it. You can’t see now, so just rest well.”

Xiao Luobo climbed on Wu Xiaomi’s head and tightened the blindfold at the back.

Wu Xiaomi lay motionless.

So annoyed!

Giving up!

…

Ciris’s mood was utterly confused right now.

As a proud Thunder Assassin, he was exposed by a screw-up… but that wasn’t a big deal.

He had plenty of experience hiding.

As long as he slipped into a civilian’s house and intimidated the homeowner, they would cooperate.

Once the guards left, he’d be safe.

In theory, today should’ve gone the same way.

Breaking into a house, threatening the owner… good, the owner is a timid girl who can’t even open her eyes.

Such a person would break under a little scare and obey.

While thinking this…

Pia~

A Vine whipped him out onto the street.

Ciris was stunned.

Before he could escape again, the private troops surrounded him.

Captured and brought here.

—The mansion of wealthy tycoon Wilson.

“Speak. Who sent you?”

Wilson wasn’t home. The interrogation was handled by the butler.

An elderly butler, face normal, probably between sixty and seventy-two years old.

“I told you, I’m just a traveling merchant,” Ciris croaked, defending himself.

“Traveling merchant? Sneaking into the master’s mansion? Not doing business, but skulking around like a thief?”

“My goods were robbed by a bunch of damn refugees. I had no choice; I wanted to take a boat home. I came to borrow some money.”

“Borrow?”

The butler smirked.

He picked up a small knife and sliced Ciris’s cheek.

“All of Feisi City knows my master hates being asked for money.”

“I’ll pay it back soon,” Ciris gritted his teeth, enduring the pain.

“Will you? You’re quite the joker.”

The butler put down the knife and wiped the blood off his hands.

“Have you found that girl yet?” he asked the servant holding a tray.

“No clues.”

“An entire week with no leads. Do you plan to use your body to appease Lord Zang Gu’s anger?”

“N-no!” The servant trembled. “We really can’t find her.”

The servant opened Polopolo on a screen. “Look, the whole world is searching for her, but she’s missing! No news at all!”

“Useless.”

The butler slapped the servant’s ear, causing it to ring.

“If you can’t find her by the end of this week, you’ll be lying on the interrogation table!”

“Understood, understood!” The servant kowtowed repeatedly.

Ciris raised his head sharply, splattering blood everywhere.

He stared at the screen the servant held.

“Closer. I think I’ve seen her before.”

“That’s right, it’s her!”

Ciris was ecstatic.

Blessed am I, Ciris!

Though he didn’t know why these bastards were looking for the girl, this girl…

No doubt, this was the pretty shop clerk who just turned him away at the door!

“I know her. I just saw her!”

“Where is she?!”

“Let’s make a deal! Release me, and I’ll take you to her!”

……

Half a month to learn the 81-100 Spell Sequence. Wu Xiaomi thought it would be hard.

Especially since she couldn’t see, learning would definitely be difficult.

But in reality, it wasn’t.

“The 81-100 sequences are quite simple, basic sequences. Probably why your White Space opened the Sequence Exchange function — these are meant to build foundations and aren’t difficult.”

“Besides, I must admit your perception is quite sharp. Especially with your ability to activate Sequence 79 – Spirit Hunting Instinct, your mimicry and attention to detail are excellent! These things come naturally to you!”

“Ahem, anyway, this was my mistake. You’re barely a genius.”

Wu Xiaomi finished all the homework the witch assigned in just one afternoon.

But learning too fast wasn’t always good…

Without courses, the rest of the time felt empty and aimless.

“Then keep learning. After spells, study Shaman and Combat Technique sequences. Build a solid foundation to handle all situations… Hey! Where are you going?!”

[I’m worried about Lulutina.]

“Worrying won’t help! She’s locked up, and you in your state will only cause trouble!”

Makes sense, but doing nothing is not an option.

“Sigh… stay put, I’ll go gather info for you.”

You’re going?

How?

“The witch has many treasures here. Maybe there’s a potion or something to dissolve the Vine Lock chains on our necks. Move a bit, we’ll search.”

Good!

“Not this one, a bit to the left.”

“Not this either, keep going left.”

Most of the medicine was in one cabinet, cold with a chill mist filling it.

To make it easy for Wu Xiaomi to get medicine, the cabinet was unlocked.

“Pour this onto the chain, be careful not to corrode yourself.”

Following Xiao Luobo’s instructions, Wu Xiaomi poured every potion on the chains to test.

“That’s it! That’s the one!”

The chain started sizzling.

Snap—

The neck felt suddenly light.

The Vine Lock shattered.

“Well done! Perfect, Wu Xiaomi!”

Xiao Luobo flipped excitedly, carefully corroding the vines near Wu Xiaomi’s neck to completely dissolve them.

“I’m off to scout info now. I’m leaving. Stay home and be good!”

[Stay safe!] Wu Xiaomi typed, “If there’s danger, contact me!”

“Mm…”

Freed, Xiao Luobo jumped up, grabbed the door handle with her weight, and opened the front hall door.

Slipping through the crack, she darted into a passing carriage and sped away.

Ah, Xiao Luobo left.

Even more boring.

The witch wouldn’t be back for days.

Speaking of which, forgot to have Xiao Luobo help with injections before leaving.

Now feeling dizzy again.

Big mistake!

“Is it this?”

Wu Xiaomi carefully touched the medicine cabinet.

Trying to find something shaped like a syringe.

Unfortunately, after messing up the cabinet earlier, everything was in disarray and nothing could be found.

She accidentally knocked over some potion—probably a poison.

If she didn’t inject soon, she’d fall asleep.

Found a syringe… is this it?

No matter!

She grabbed it and carefully pushed it toward the port on her wrist.

Missed the mark.

Forget it, wrong!

She jabbed hard into her thigh, enduring the pain to inject.

Feeling somewhat better?

But weirdly dizzy, like the world was spinning wildly.

Could she have injected the wrong medicine?

Plop—

She stumbled and fell beside the cabinet.

Alright.

Definitely the wrong one.

She struggled to get up, still awake, and kept searching…

Here was another syringe; maybe this was the right one?

Zzz—

Hmm…

Still not right.

Why did the witch’s cabinet have so many syringes?

What were the medicines she took before?

Maybe this one?

Smelled a bit like…

Forget it, try it—

Ha! This tastes good! Definitely not medicine, probably chocolate beans!

One more~

What about this bottle?

Drip—

What is this?! Too bitter!

And the taste is off. Definitely not.

Next bottle, next bottle…

Ten minutes later.

Burp—

Wu Xiaomi belched, eyes half closed, sprawled among the medicine bottles.

Hey, found lots of tasty little pills— definitely candy the witch secretly hid.

Who’d have thought you, with your delicate brows and big eyes… burp would secretly stash candy and eat it… burp!

So full.

No idea if she took the right medicine, but she felt full and couldn’t swallow another pill.

Content.

Bang—

The door was kicked open roughly.

A group of private troops stormed into the Witch’s Shop.

But as soon as they entered, they had to shield their eyes.

“What’s that?! Soft, glowing… so dazzling!”

Multicolored lights flashed around the girl, like a human-shaped glowing orb.

Feeling like it could explode at any moment.