The name "Black Emperor" sounds quite domineering, clearly chosen by the creature after gaining intelligence. Dà Hēi (Big Black) and Xiǎo Lǜ (Little Green) were names given by Huang Jiu, whose naming skills are about as good as mine.
When I saw Black Emperor stay behind, a sense of unease crept into my heart. After all, a beast like it, one with awakened intelligence, probably wouldn't be satisfied with just ten or so blood meals. It probably had conditions it wanted to discuss.
I remained silent as Black Emperor's eyes flickered, and it sat at the door, speaking human language: "Second Brother, I have a request."
It had already spoken, and even though I wasn't too pleased, I nodded in acknowledgment to let it speak.
Black Emperor continued: "In this city, I am considered the Beast King, able to command all the beasts. But a few months ago, a black cat appeared in the southern part of the city. Its power is not inferior to mine, and within a short time, it gathered hundreds of beasts. Now, it can rival me in power."
Huang Jiu added, "I've seen that crafty cat. It's very cunning. If we can subdue it, our Sea, Land, and Air network will cover the entire city."
Black Emperor said, "As long as that cat's around, my subordinates can't even get close. If my subordinates manage to sneak in, it'll end in death or serious injury."
Cats catching mice—it's natural, but when it involves establishing an information network, I can't afford to ignore it.
I asked, "So, you want me to help capture this cat?"
Black Emperor hastily replied, "No need. My Master and I can handle it easily."
"Then what do you want me to do?" I was somewhat confused.
Black Emperor explained, "That cunning cat only appears at night and is hard to catch. I was hoping Second Brother could help clear out its subordinates, forcing it to show itself."
I understood now, but I was uncertain whether it had considered my situation. I'm just a two-legged human—if I went out into the streets fighting stray cats and dogs, I'd likely end up in a psychiatric hospital the next day.
Seeing my hesitation, Black Emperor looked a bit disappointed and said, "If you have difficulties, it's fine. I'll catch it sooner or later."
Its words made me feel uneasy, so I hesitated a moment before saying, "You go back and wait for my instructions. For now, focus on gathering information."
Black Emperor nodded, shook its fur, and wagged its tail before leaving.
Huang Jiu said, "This is a small matter for you. Why are you hesitating?"
I replied, "I'm a human, not a stray cat or dog. Are you asking me to fight them in the streets?"
Huang Jiu paused, then ran to catch up with me and said, "Looks like I was too hasty."
"Glad you understand. But don't worry, I'll figure something out!" I massaged my temples and added, "By the way, the little foot girl came by. She got the address from Hu Wenhui."
Huang Jiu's eyes lit up, "Where is she?"
"She's here!" I replied.
As soon as I finished speaking, the sound of the little foot girl's voice came from the store, sounding timid and fearful.
When we entered the shop, we looked around but couldn't see her. Then, from a small gap between two display cabinets, I heard her voice again: "I'm here!"
Looking closer, I saw her curled up in the small space, hugging her knees. The sight was both pitiful and endearing.
I sighed, feeling a bit helpless, and asked, "What are you doing here?"
The little foot girl said, "I'm scared!"
Sighing again, I scratched my nose awkwardly. It seems that my previous words had frightened her.
Since it was getting late, we needed to head back. I had intended not to take her along, but seeing her frightened expression, I couldn't help but let her temporarily stay inside my blood blade.
When we got home, it was already past 10 PM. Huang Xian'er and Xiao Cui were still watching TV. Seeing us come in, Huang Xian'er stood up to heat up dinner.
I quickly said, "Sister Xian'er, we've already eaten."
She sat back down and said, "Brother, I've been in the city for a while now, it's time for me to go back."
My heart tightened, and I asked, "Sister Xian'er, when do you plan to leave?"
"Tomorrow night," she replied.
She had mentioned when she first arrived that she would stay for only a few days, but I hadn't expected her to leave so soon. I was about to ask if she could stay a few more days until Hu Wenhui and I returned from Shennongjia, but Huang Jiu suddenly sprang out and lunged at her feet, holding onto her calf with tears streaming down its face, shouting, "Wife, don't leave! I can't bear it!"
Seeing its exaggerated performance, I was left speechless. Not unexpectedly, Huang Xian'er kicked it away with a sigh, then turned to me and said, "There are some matters I need to take care of back home. I have to go. Once I leave, you all need to be extra careful."
Her family was part of a large clan, so I knew there would be plenty of things for her to handle. I couldn't stop her from leaving.
With her departure, it also meant I wouldn't be able to make the trip to Shennongjia.
I said, "Sister Xian'er, I've heard that something happened in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains. If you're able to, could you help me find out more?"
Huang Xian'er nodded.
"Wife..." Huang Jiu cried again, and it lunged at her.
I couldn't stand it anymore and stood up, saying, "Sister Xian'er, Xiao Cui and I will rest now. If you hear anything about the mountains when you return, just send someone to let me know."
Huang Xian'er nodded and went back to deal with Huang Jiu. I didn't say anything more, grabbed Xiao Cui, and headed for the bedroom, leaving the couple alone.
Back in the bedroom, while Xiao Cui was washing up, I decided to call Hu Wenhui. After all, I had promised to go, and now that I couldn't make it, I had to let him know ahead of time so he could find someone else.
When Hu Wenhui heard that I couldn't go to Shennongjia, he fell silent for a moment.
I felt a bit guilty and said, "Uncle Hu, I'm really sorry. Huang Jiu's wife is leaving, and I can't leave Xiao Cui alone at home."
Hu Wenhui knew that Huang Jiu's wife was a shape-shifting great demon, and upon hearing this, he said, "You can bring your wife along if you want."
"I'm not sure. I wouldn't feel at ease with her traveling through the mountains, and she wouldn't be able to help much anyway," I pushed back.
Seeing that I had made up my mind, Hu Wenhui sighed and said, "Alright, I'll ask your second uncle."
"Uncle Hu, I'm really sorry," I apologized again.
Hu Wenhui chuckled and said, "No need to apologize. Everyone has their difficulties. Be careful after Huang Xian'er leaves."
I responded, "Mm," exchanged a few pleasantries, and ended the call.
Phew! I sighed, but when I heard the sound of water running in the bathroom, all my worries seemed to evaporate.
I tiptoed to the door, planning to sneak in, but when I tried the door handle, I found it was locked from the inside.
Seems like Huang Xian'er had taught Xiao Cui quite a few things these past few days. I knocked on the door and called, "Wife, do you want me to help you scrub your back?"
"No!" Xiao Cui answered, sounding a little panicked.
I asked again, "Wife, is the water hot enough? Let me in and I'll check it for you!"
Xiao Cui fell silent.
I was burning with curiosity. If it weren't for this being my own home, I'd probably have kicked the door down by now. This thing is really frustrating!