Douluo Amon: I am the Heavenly Venerable of the Dragon King.

Chapter 586 Qingque's Little Scheme

"Compared to the first reason, the second reason is the key to my decision to take action. If Qingque hadn't asked me, I wouldn't have wanted to trouble Aquaria."

"Oh, right. I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Nan Fusheng, and this guy next to me is Qingque. She's the one who asked me to help you."

Nan Fusheng reached out and poked Qingque's cheek, the gesture carrying a hint of intimacy and casualness, just like the playful banter between old friends.

"Stop fooling around." Qingque slapped Nan Fusheng's hand away with some dissatisfaction, then lazily continued to maintain that Ge You-style reclining posture, as if nothing around her could disturb her current comfort.

"Hello, my name is Bai Xiuxiu."

Bai Xiuxiu bowed slightly, her demeanor exuding grace and poise. "I am truly grateful to both of you for your help this time; otherwise, I would have been in grave danger. I will definitely repay this kindness in the future."

"Miss Bai, there's no need to be so polite," Nan Fusheng replied politely, a faint smile on his lips. Augustus had already relayed detailed information about Bai Xiuxiu to him through the unique communication method of his clone.

He was originally quite interested to see what clever methods Bai Xiuxiu, this little shark who was new to land, would use to get close to him.

However, plans can't keep up with changes. He never expected that the other party would act so recklessly, turning something as simple as entering the city gate into such a dramatic and terrifying situation.

He only helped Bai Xiuxiu to save the day. Otherwise, given the sensitive timing of the Federation's impending military intervention, Bai Xiuxiu's previous actions would have inevitably alerted the military leadership sooner or later.

Just as Aquarius said before, it is reasonable to execute him on the spot.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two fell into a brief silence, and the atmosphere gradually became somewhat subtle and awkward.

Bai Xiuxiu's understanding of Nan Fusheng was limited to knowing his public identity as the governor of Tianhai City; she had no other in-depth knowledge of him.

Nan Fusheng adheres to his consistent "three no's principle"—"no initiative, no refusal, no responsibility"—so it's impossible for him to show excessive enthusiasm and attentiveness to Bai Xiuxiu on their first meeting.

Bai Xiuxiu pondered inwardly how to cleverly and reasonably infiltrate Nan Fusheng's side. She felt helpless; her plans were always disrupted by unexpected changes. She had never anticipated that she would encounter Nan Fusheng so dramatically at the city gate.

Despite Nan Fusheng's assistance, she had to do her best to complete the task assigned to her by Augustus.

This is also the fundamental reason why she resolutely chose to transform and go ashore. It was all to avenge her mother and the people of her clan who were brutally slaughtered!

However, Bai Xiuxiu racked her brains for a long time but still couldn't come up with a comprehensive plan that would allow her to openly infiltrate Nan Fusheng's side and successfully gain his trust.

At this moment, Nan Fusheng, who had been sitting, suddenly stood up and said to Bai Xiuxiu, "Miss Bai, I'm sorry. I suddenly have some personal matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

"It's nothing." Bai Xiuxiu was slightly taken aback, but quickly recovered and asked with concern, "Do you need my help?"

Nan Fusheng shook his head. "It's just some private matter. I can handle it myself."

"Have a safe journey." Although Bai Xiuxiu was inevitably a little disappointed that she had missed an opportunity to get closer to Nan Fusheng, she also knew that these things couldn't be rushed.

If she appears too eager and opportunistic, it may arouse suspicion and make Nan Fusheng realize that she has ulterior motives.

"Qingque, Qingque, it's time to go." Nan Fusheng bent down and gently pinched Qingque's little face, trying to wake her from her languid state.

"Ugh, don't do anything rash." Qingque slapped away Nan Fusheng's mischievous hand and said to him, "You go by yourself, I'll stay here and rest for a while."

"Okay." After thinking for a moment, Nan Fusheng nodded in agreement.

Watching Nan Fusheng's retreating figure, Qingque turned her gaze to Bai Xiuxiu opposite her, generously extending her small hand with a warm smile on her face, and said:

"Although that guy already introduced himself, I'll introduce myself again. Miss Bai Xiuxiu, my name is Qingque. You can just call me by my name; there's no need to add 'Miss'."

"Huh?" Bai Xiuxiu was slightly taken aback, but quickly regained her composure. She extended her small hand and gently shook hands with Qingque, saying, "Hello, Qingque. My name is Bai Xiuxiu. You can just call me Xiuxiu."

Bai Xiuxiu was also somewhat curious about Qingque. After all, according to Nan Fusheng's earlier statement, he would lend a hand, and it was this Miss Qingque who had asked him for help.

However, Bai Xiuxiu had no recollection of having any interaction with Qingque.

"Okay, then I'll call you Xiuxiu."

Qingque addressed Bai Xiuxiu as if they were old friends, then quickly glanced around to make sure no one was watching. She then cautiously leaned close to Bai Xiuxiu's ear and whispered, "Xiuxiu, you're not human, are you?"

Qingque's sudden action made Bai Xiuxiu instinctively feel uncomfortable, and she subconsciously turned her head away.

But when she heard Qingque's words clearly, her pupils suddenly contracted, and she seemed to have been struck by a powerful lightning bolt, instantly freezing in place.

Bai Xiuxiu forced a smile and said, feigning composure, "Qingque, what do you mean by this?"

Qingque sat back down, a mysterious smile playing on her lips, and said, "That's the gist of it. Do I have to spell it out for you, Xiuxiu?"

Seeing Qingque's unwavering expression, Bai Xiuxiu felt a pang of guilt, but she forced herself to remain calm, pretending to know nothing, and said, "I don't know, what are you referring to?"

Seeing that Bai Xiuxiu was still trying to hide it, Qingque smiled slightly and decided not to keep her in suspense any longer, saying directly, "Alright, then I won't beat around the bush. Xiuxiu, you're not human, but a soul beast, right?"

Upon hearing Qingque's words, Bai Xiuxiu could no longer remain seated. The fact that her soul beast could transform into a human was undoubtedly one of her greatest secrets. If it were exposed, she would be doomed and captured by humans in no time.

After all, the value of a 100,000-year-old soul beast is enough to drive countless people crazy.

How could this be? Judging from Aquaria's previous attitude, even a Title Douluo couldn't see through her true form. How could Qingque in front of us see through it? Could she be stronger than Aquaria?

Moreover, if Qingque can see through her true identity, what about Nan Fusheng?

At this moment, as if sensing Bai Xiuxiu's worry, Qingque thoughtfully explained, "Don't worry, Lord Fusheng doesn't know about this. To be honest, you did hide your aura very well, and I was only able to see through you because of some special reasons."

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiuxiu remained vigilant, her gaze still fixed on Qingque, as if trying to discern more secrets from her expression.

"You don't need to be so nervous. I have no ill intentions towards you. In the end, we're pretty much the same." Seeing Bai Xiuxiu's wary look, Qingque simply stopped pretending and spoke frankly.

"Almost?!" Bai Xiuxiu's heart skipped a beat, and she vaguely guessed what was going on. She tentatively asked, "You too?"

"That's right~" Qingque nodded with a smile, and at the same time, a faint aura slowly emerged from her body. Although the aura was not strong, it exuded a unique and mysterious feeling, as if it contained endless auspicious power.

"Emperor, Imperial Auspicious Beast!"

Bai Xiuxiu's pupils contracted sharply again, her eyes filled with shock and awe. Although she had never actually seen a mythical beast in person, the legends and characteristics of imperial mythical beasts were already deeply engraved in the bloodline of soul beasts.

For a high-level soul beast like the Demon Soul Great White Shark, the knowledge of imperial auspicious beasts is naturally passed down in its bloodline.

There's no mistake. Although the aura was faint, the noble and auspicious spirit it contained could not be faked.

"Shh, keep your voice down." Qingque put her finger to her lips, making a "shh" gesture to signal Bai Xiuxiu to be quiet.

Seeing that Bai Xiuxiu seemed about to get up and bow, Qingque waved her hand, gesturing for her to sit down again, and said, "Don't make such a big fuss. Just treat me like an ordinary person."

"Yes, yes." Bai Xiuxiu sat down somewhat awkwardly, but her heart was still in turmoil.

How could this be? Wasn't it said that the soul beasts on land were hunted down in large numbers by soul masters, leaving only a few ferocious beasts surviving in the Star Dou Great Forest? In such a harsh environment, it's truly unbelievable that an auspicious beast could still descend upon the world.

Moreover, why would a mythical beast appear in the human world? And why would it follow Nan Fusheng? Bai Xiuxiu's mind was instantly filled with countless questions.

"Alright, I've revealed my identity. Now it's your turn. Did you come from the sea?" Qingque asked with a curious look.

"Yes, a mythical beast." Bai Xiuxiu immediately nodded in response, "My true form is the Demon Soul Great White Shark."

"Hey, don't call me auspicious beast, just call me by my name, Qingque. Otherwise, it'll be troublesome if someone hears us." Qingque waved his hand and earnestly corrected Bai Xiuxiu.

Then, Qingque asked curiously, "As a sea spirit beast, why did you choose to appear on land?"

Bai Xiuxiu pursed her lips, struggling internally, hesitating whether to reveal the entire deal between herself and Augustus.

After a moment's thought, she decided to say, half-truthfully, "Qingque, I came here for revenge. My mother and my clan were slaughtered by a powerful sea spirit beast, so I came to land to escape my enemies and seek revenge, hoping to find some opportunity to increase my strength."

"I see."

Qingque nodded slightly, a thoughtful expression on her face, and then asked Bai Xiuxiu, "So what are your plans for the future? The human world is very complicated."

"Putting everything else aside, given their current rate of development, you'll need to show your identification even if you just want to enter a city."

"Otherwise, you could easily end up like today, being hunted down as a criminal. Besides, do you have money? It's an indispensable and important currency in the human world."

"This..." Bai Xiuxiu's face immediately turned somewhat embarrassed, as she had indeed never considered these issues before.

Her mind was entirely focused on how to infiltrate Nan Fusheng's inner circle, and she hadn't bothered to learn about the complex rules and necessities of life in the human world. Identification? Federal currency? She had neither of those things.

"Never mind." At this moment, Qingque sighed, her eyes full of concern, and said to Bai Xiuxiu, "You can come with me from now on."

"Huh?" Bai Xiuxiu looked at Qingque in astonishment.

"What do you mean, 'huh'?" Qingque rolled her eyes at her, annoyed, and said, "No matter what, you're one of my compatriots. I can't just watch you wander around the human world; it would be troublesome if something happened to you."

"I'm currently living in the governor's residence in Tianhai City. If I plead with Lord Fusheng, it shouldn't be difficult to bring you in. Of course, if you have other plans, then disregard what I said."

Happiness came so suddenly that Bai Xiuxiu was momentarily stunned and stood there dumbfounded.

Only after hearing Qingque's urging did Bai Xiuxiu snap out of her daze and quickly nodded, saying, "Thank you, Qingque. I'll be bothering you a lot from now on."

Bai Xiuxiu was racking her brains about how to create an opportunity to meet Nan Fusheng again and how to reasonably blend into his life.

Unexpectedly, the most difficult first step of the mission was solved so easily. How could Bai Xiuxiu let such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip by?

"Very well." A sly glint flashed in Qingque's eyes, then she said in a serious tone, "In that case, I'll tell you about some of the rules of the Governor's residence in advance, so you won't accidentally break them later."

"Okay." Upon hearing this, Bai Xiuxiu immediately focused her attention and listened intently.

"First, Lord Fusheng is unaware of my identity. In his eyes, I am merely a slightly special Emerald Demon Bird. Although I can transform into human form, he is completely ignorant of my identity as an auspicious beast."

"So, don't let anything slip in your interactions from now on. As for your identity, I'll cover for you. But make sure he doesn't know you're a soul beast; remember that."

"Yes." Bai Xiuxiu nodded firmly immediately.

"Secondly, besides Lord Fusheng, there are other people living in the mansion, many of whom are very powerful. You must not provoke them."

"Oh, by the way, Lord Fusheng has two wives. But they are not at the governor's residence at the moment. I will introduce them to you when they return."

"Are they very powerful people?" Bai Xiuxiu nodded thoughtfully, wondering to herself if these people were the partners Augustus had mentioned.

"Third, and most importantly, since you've chosen to live in the Governor's residence, you have to pay a price. I will assign you some work later, and you must complete it on time."

At this point, Qingque finally revealed her true intentions: "I'll help you solve your immigration problem, and I'll even take care of your food and lodging. So, you have to work for me as payment. How about that, reasonable, right?"

Bai Xiuxiu nodded without hesitation and said, "It makes perfect sense." In fact, it was a huge bargain for her.

"Alright, let's not delay any longer. Come back with me now. I'll take full responsibility for your work. If you have any questions beforehand, feel free to ask me."

Qingque smiled with satisfaction, immediately stood up, took Bai Xiuxiu's hand, and walked impatiently toward the governor's residence.

Qingque was secretly pleased; she had finally gotten her hands on the laborer. With Bai Xiuxiu's simple and naive little brain, she probably couldn't come up with any good way to sneak into the governor's mansion.

Rather than letting Bai Xiuxiu wander around outside, encountering all sorts of twists and turns and dangers, it would be better for her, Lady Qingque, to lend a helping hand and bring Bai Xiuxiu safely back to the manor.

Anyway, this is a "gift" from Augustus, and she's actually helping Nan Fusheng.

(End of this chapter)