Chapter 309: Unexpected Gains

What? Two hours? Sir, your strength is certainly formidable, but over sixty powerful individuals have already attempted this mission, and not a single one succeeded. In fact, most of them couldn't even catch a glimpse of the Shadow Thief. It's precisely because he appears and disappears without a trace that this mission has a five-star difficulty rating.

Xu Yang smiled calmly and waved his hand. Alright, old man, just wait for my good news. You might have to work a little overtime tonight, because by the time I return after completing the mission, you'll probably already be off duty.

No sooner had he finished speaking than Xu Yang and Xiao Hua left the room in a flash.

Young Master, are you really confident you can complete this mission within two hours? I hear the Shadow Thief's movement technique is incredibly fast.

Well, I don't have that kind of confidence. But as long as we catch him in the act, I'm 100% sure I can subdue him!

It was another dark and windy night.

The streets gradually emptied, but Xu Yang and Xiao Hua continued to search through them.

Young Master, I'm a little scared. This is my first time wandering the streets so late.

Xu Yang chuckled and gently ruffled the child's hair. Don't be afraid. With me here, no one can harm you.

Perhaps it was genuine luck, but after nearly an hour of searching, they finally picked up some clues about the Shadow Thief. Xu Yang also detected the unique divine power fluctuations of another powerful individual in the area.

Heh heh, let's see where you'll run today!

Xu Yang's speed instantly reached its peak. However, because of this, his target noticed Xu Yang's pursuit and simultaneously increased their own pace.

Yet, the Asura power within Xu Yang was incomparable to the other's. Once he locked onto their spiritual energy, there was no escaping him.

Kid, don't waste your effort. Once I set my sights on you, no matter how strong you are, there's no way you can escape!

The cloaked figure seemed to sense the immense spiritual pressure from behind and frantically accelerated.

This time, Xu Yang had no intention of letting the target go. His brow slightly furrowed, and an incredibly powerful dark aura erupted from within him. In an instant, he descended from above, completely locking down his target.

Nowhere to run!

He launched a flying kick.

Xu Yang's kick landed squarely on the target's back, but the next moment left Xu Yang utterly astonished.

The figure he had sent flying was, to his surprise, a little girl.

When he got closer, he saw it was none other than his younger sister, Xiao Tuantuan.

What?!

Xiao Tuantuan wasn't seriously hurt. Suddenly, her big eyes blinked, and with an innocent expression, she wiped away tears and immediately started feigning injury, acting like a true drama queen.

Unfortunately, Xu Yang knew his mischievous sister too well. One glance at her was enough to know exactly what she was thinking. He had no intention of letting her off the hook; with a wave of his hand, he firmly grabbed Xiao Tuantuan and held her close.

I've searched high and low, but who knew I'd find you so easily, little dumpling!

As he spoke, Xu Yang playfully pinched the girl's chubby cheeks, finding them just as soft as ever.

Xiao Hua soon caught up, and she was equally astonished to see such a mischievous, cloaked little girl in Xu Yang's arms.

Young Master, could this be the Shadow Thief we were supposed to catch?

Xu Yang stuck out his tongue helplessly. Isn't it obvious?

So, should we go back and report now?

Xu Yang sighed. Xiao Hua, we might not get those five hundred gold coins. Do you remember the story I told those two earlier today?

Xiao Hua's big eyes blinked as she nodded. Don't tell me this little girl is also one of your companions from the real world?

That's right, she's my sworn younger sister, Xiao Tuantuan!

What Tuantuan? I am the Flying Little Witch, the greatest rogue in the Land of Gods!

Xu Yang made a gesture of wiping sweat from his brow, his face full of exasperation. Give me a break. I could subdue you with one hand. If it weren't for your incredible speed, you would have been caught a long time ago. Enough talk, let's go home with your brother.

Wait, wait! I need to bring my treasure chest with me!

Xu Yang and Xiao Hua exchanged glances, both momentarily stunned.

However, Xiao Tuantuan clearly understood that the man before her was far more powerful than she was. Even if she wanted to run, she had no chance. She accepted her defeat for the day, but no matter what, she couldn't abandon her treasure chest, which she had been collecting for a long time.

So, led by Xiao Tuantuan, Xu Yang and Xiao Hua followed the girl to her hideout. Sure enough, there was a golden treasure chest filled with all sorts of gold, silver, and precious jewels.

My goodness, I didn't realize you were such a diligent little girl! Seeing how wealthy you are, I've decided not to take you back to the mission headquarters. However, on one condition: from today onwards, you must stay with us.

The Flying Little Witch looked at Xu Yang with wide, blinking eyes, her face full of surprise. But this time, for some reason, she couldn't sense any sharpness in Xu Yang's gaze. Instead, she felt a comforting, familial warmth.

Why did she feel this way? The little girl didn't understand at all, but she instinctively nodded.

Thus, Xu Yang made another significant gain that night. Not only did he find Xiao Tuantuan, but he also personally took possession of her private treasury. From that point on, Xu Yang's team no longer had to worry about finances.

Xiao Hua quickly calculated that Xiao Tuantuan's entire private treasury was worth a total of five thousand gold, far more lucrative than completing the mission itself.

Early the next morning, after reporting back to the Duke's mansion, Long Kun excitedly made his way to Xu Yang's lodging.

He was equally shocked when he saw the little girl, Xiao Tuantuan, standing beside Xu Yang.

What's going on? Don't tell me this little girl was also one of your targets?

Xu Yang nodded with a smile. That's right. In the real world, this little girl used to pester you constantly. More importantly, whenever we faced danger, you were always the first to step forward and protect my sworn sister.

Long Kun picked his nose and rolled his eyes at Xu Yang. Your talent is wasted if you don't become a writer! The reason I came so early today is to tell you some big news.

As he spoke, Long Kun handed Xu Yang something resembling an invitation.

This is... an admission ticket to the Spirit Invocation Ceremony!

Xu Yang was momentarily bewildered. What is the Spirit Invocation Ceremony?