Chapter 16: No More Takeout for Now

Soon, three soldiers in uniform entered through the door. When they saw Mo Qianxun being grabbed, they immediately rushed over and pulled the boy’s hand away.

“Who are you? Are you here to cause trouble?” Squad Leader Wang asked sternly, eyeing the three men.

“We’re not. And who are you?” Anxin, upon seeing their military attire, paused for a moment in confusion, then glanced back and forth between them and Mo Qianxun.

“Can’t you see our uniforms, comrades? We have other matters to attend to. If you’re not causing any trouble, we’ll be on our way,” Squad Leader Wang said coldly, glaring at the three.

Anxin realized this would be the end of the matter. She looked at the boy beside her, who immediately stepped back behind her.

Back in the car, Mo Qianxun gazed out the window at the three who had just left, still standing there in a daze, watching them go.

Anxin probably couldn’t understand how a lone girl like Mo Qianxun could have any connection to the military.

“Do you know those three?” Squad Leader Wang asked through the rearview mirror as he drove.

Mo Qianxun shook her head. “No, but I’ve seen a photo of the girl in the middle. It seems she’s somehow connected to me.”

“Heh, I bet that connection’s a curse. The way she looked at you wasn’t friendly at all,” one of the soldiers beside Mo Qianxun suddenly remarked.

Mo Qianxun nodded; it wasn’t a pleasant thought. The life they enjoyed now could very well have been hers.

Thinking about the identification report that had yet to be finalized, Mo Qianxun sneered inwardly. Did Anxin even realize that her true identity was already known to her?

When Mo Qianxun arrived, Hu Meier and the others had been waiting a long time.

Mo Qianxun pulled a small cart while the others placed the roasted chickens they had prepared onto it.

“Meier, these are the things you ordered,” Mo Qianxun said, handing over the items Hu Meier had requested. “Don’t forget to leave a good review!”

“I know, when have I ever missed giving you a good review?” Hu Meier said helplessly, shaking her head as she took the bag and pulled out a nine-tailed fox plush toy.

“Too cute! It’s even more adorable than it looked in the picture,” Hu Meier said, cuddling the plush toy affectionately.

Pulling the cart, Mo Qianxun looked toward Elder Liu. “Elder Liu, here are the 150 roasted chickens you asked for. Since you didn’t specify the flavor, they’re all original, but we’ve prepared dipping sauces.”

“Thank you. I’ll have them brought over right away,” Hu Liu said, eyes gleaming with a word: want.

Soon, Hu San arrived with the agreed payment. He also gave a look of desire when he saw the small cart beside Mo Qianxun.

“If you don’t mind, this cart is yours. Please take good care of our business,” Mo Qianxun said, amused by the expressions of the two elders. It was just a small cart; it didn’t cost much.

“That’s very kind of you,” Hu Liu said, pretending to be modest, but promptly started pulling the cart and goods.

Hu San handed Mo Qianxun a small pouch. “This is a Qian Kun bag. The payment you requested is inside. There are no markings, and anyone can use it. You just need to open it with your mind.”

Looking at the Qian Kun bag in her hand, Mo Qianxun could only say one thing: this was a good deal.

“Oh, about the dishes for the banquet…”

“We’ve already started preparing. We guarantee they’ll arrive on time.”

“That’s good. I’ll be going now. Someone from the Netherworld has arrived, so I must go entertain them.” Hu San nodded to Hu Liu, smiled, and gave Mo Qianxun a nod before leaving.

Curious, Mo Qianxun asked Elder Liu, “Elder Liu, is the Netherworld the same as the Underworld?”

“Of course not. The Netherworld is the Netherworld, ruled by the King of Ghosts. The Underworld is the Underworld, ruled by the Emperor Fengdu, who is ranked among the immortals. Though both involve ghosts, they are different realms.”

Mo Qianxun suddenly understood. “So they’re not the same.”

“Enough chit-chat. I need to get ready too. There will be many outsiders in Qingqiu these days. When you trade with Meier, be careful. There could be those with ill intentions targeting you,” Elder Liu said thoughtfully, handing Mo Qianxun a branch. “This is a branch from the Vine Worry Tree. I carved a formation into it that can help you block one fatal attack.”

Mo Qianxun examined the seemingly ordinary branch in her hand and nodded. She had to admit, the plants in Qingqiu looked plain but were quite powerful.

After Hu Meier and the others left, Mo Qianxun returned to the group with the branch.

Squad Leader Wang and the others immediately gathered around. “Why did that old man give you a branch?”

“Elder Liu said the branch has a formation carved into it that can help me block a fatal blow.”

They all fell silent as they looked at the branch. “Heh, heh, who would have thought that such a common-looking branch could be so formidable? It’s basically a protective charm.”

Mo Qianxun shrugged. “He said there will be many outsiders in Qingqiu soon, and he’s worried I might be attacked while delivering for Meier.”

“That guy’s really nice. I’m starting to have a whole new opinion of the Qingqiu fox clan,” one soldier said with a smile as he looked at the branch.

“Let’s head back now.”

Meanwhile, on Hu Meier’s side, just as she finished arranging her purchases, the Grand Elder arrived.

“Great-grandfather, what brings you here?”

“Meier, I’m here to remind you that there have been many outsiders around lately. For safety’s sake, you should avoid trading with the otherworld for now. They’re just ordinary people, but if outsiders discover their secrets, both you and she could be in danger.”

Hu Meier understood the gravity of the situation and wore a serious expression. “Don’t worry, Great-grandfather. I won’t be ordering takeout these days. I heard that Daoist priests from the cultivation world will also be coming?”

“Yes, they will send people to attend, but whether it’s that particular person, I don’t know.”

“I understand.” She was not the type to blame others easily.

After learning that Hu Meier wouldn’t be ordering takeout these days, Mo Qianxun remained calm, but 008 was unsettled.

[Host, but you have a daily order task.]

Mo Qianxun shrugged helplessly. “There’s nothing I can do. You’ve seen, their concerns are not unfounded. What if I really get attacked by bad guys? Can you guarantee my absolute safety?”

008: ...