Chapter 69. Participating in combat after the memorial service...

The third day after the siege.

A memorial service was held at the Imperial Capital Cemetery to bid farewell to the professionals who perished in this battle.

Inside the Imperial Capital Cemetery—the Dragon Fang Squad stood at the very back, near the entrance gate (only S-rank and above squads were invited to the cemetery to mourn; other squads could only watch via live stream, just like ordinary citizens).

Originally, Jiang Bo and his team, as the main players in this event and former SSS-level retired teams, had also received invitations, but they had no interest in these superficial rituals and declined.

For various reasons, the Operations Department transferred this opportunity to the Dragon Fang Squad, which is currently only at the A-level.

For various reasons, Dragon Fang, as one of the only three A-level teams present, participated in this mourning ceremony.

The blond, middle-aged priest in front, wearing a loose, white-gold robe, held a black holy book in his hands. His tone was very heavy: "Because of the efforts of these warriors, we were able to safely overcome this crisis... We are deeply saddened by this..."

The pastor's eulogy was broadcast over the cemetery, which spans more than a thousand acres, via microphone.

The paths in the cemetery were densely packed with professionals dressed in various black clothes, their heads bowed and their expressions somber.

Lin Xiaoxiao was expressionless, wearing a black fitted dress with white confetti pinned to her chest. A black veil covered her face halfway under her black hat, revealing only her delicate red lips and pointed chin.

She held the black cat that had run back last night in her arms, and with one arm around Xiao Weizhi, who was also dressed in a black suit, with her hair all combed up and wearing sunglasses, her teammates, who were also dressed in black, stood beside her.

Redtail was left at home to be cared for by Uncle Jiang and the others because her fur color was too bright and not suitable for such occasions.

Lin Xiaoxiao moved her numb left foot slightly. Sure enough, standing upright with only her left foot as the weight on her body still caused some pressure.

Xiao Weizhi reached out and put his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Then, he gently pulled her closer, using his arm to give her some support, and asked softly, "Is your left leg hurting? Can you still hold on?"

After gaining leverage from Xiao Weizhi, Lin Xiaoxiao felt much more at ease and immediately lowered her voice to reply, "I can still hold on."

Wang Hao deliberately lowered his voice, which was filled with deep weariness, and said from the side, "Boss, I can't hold on, I'm so sleepy."

Jiang Tao forced a yawn and agreed, "Yes, I'm very sleepy."

After the siege ended, the Dragon Fang Squad members slept soundly for three days.

If they hadn't received a last-minute notification from Xiao Weizhi, these guys would probably still be catching up on sleep.

Cheng Cheng yawned and muttered to himself, "You two, can't you see what kind of occasion this is? Is it appropriate to say things like this now?"

Upon hearing Cheng Cheng's words, Wang Hao and Jiang Tao immediately shut up, obediently bowing their heads and adopting a solemn and devout demeanor.

Lin Xiaoxiao couldn't help but purse her lips and smile. She tried to suppress the smile several times, but couldn't. So she changed her posture, pretending to be sad and crying, and buried her head on Xiao Weizhi's shoulder to hide her smile.

Following her movements, Xiao Weizhi relaxed his shoulders slightly and turned his head to let her bury her head in him for a more comfortable position.

Thirty minutes later, the mourning ended, and the citywide live broadcast was shut down.

After greeting the captains of the two SSS-level squads in the front row, the priest walked through the crowd to leave.

As the blond, middle-aged priest was about to leave the cemetery, he passed by the Dragon Fang Squad. His gaze swept over Cheng Cheng, who was standing in the Dragon Fang Squad. He held the Holy Scripture in his arms, bowed slightly to Cheng Cheng, and silently greeted him before leaving.

Many people at the scene were surprised by the actions of this special pastor and bishop, and they all cast inquiring glances at Cheng Cheng.

The Dragon Fang Squad followed closely behind the priest and bishop as they left the cemetery.

Before they went their separate ways, Xiao Weizhi asked his friends if they were interested in attending the victory celebration banquet held by the Operations Department five days later.

As a result, the friends present all expressed their disinterest, preferring to attend a celebration banquet where they had to maintain proper decorum and speak insincerely.

They'd rather stay home and rest, and it would be even better if someone invited them to a resort for a vacation later.

Faced with this almost explicit reminder, Xiao Weizhi sighed helplessly and agreed.

He promised that once he finished dealing with his own affairs and attended the victory celebration banquet at the operations department, he would take everyone to a resort for a relaxing vacation.

After a burst of cheers, the team members left the cemetery separately and went home.

Sitting in the flying car, Lin Xiaoxiao rested her hand on her cheek, smiled, and tilted her head to ask, "Weizhi, aren't you going to ask me if I want to go to that celebration party?"

Xiao Weizhi's gaze had been fixed on the documents in his hand, but after hearing what she said, he turned his head at a 45-degree angle, a slight smile playing on his lips, and deliberately raised an eyebrow, asking, "Oh? Do you want to go?"

Looking at Xiao Weizhi's handsome smile, Lin Xiaoxiao subconsciously swallowed, her voice a little tight: "I don't want to go, I want to stay home and sleep."

Xiao Weizhi nodded with a smile: "Okay."

Ultimately, Lin Xiaoxiao couldn't resist Xiao Weizhi's allure.

Five days later, she took his hand, wearing a bright silver tight-fitting long dress, and set off for the victory celebration banquet at the operations department.

The celebration banquet was held at the most luxurious 8-star hotel in the capital.

The hotel has 128 floors, with each floor covering an area of ​​more than 4,000 square meters. There are also four auxiliary buildings of more than 50 floors each at the four corners, which are connected by four super-large curved semi-circular staircases. With the entire building covered with reflective mirrored glass, the hotel looks very high-tech and fashionable.

Holding a black cat in her arms, Lin Xiaoxiao stood on the completely transparent glass elevator with Xiao Weizhi by her side, looking out at the orange sunset shining on the thick clouds, creating a breathtaking scene that could not be painted with a brush.

Red Tail perched on Xiao Weizhi's shoulder, hopping back and forth. After looking at one side, it turned around and climbed to the other side, its six fluffy tails occasionally brushing against Xiao Weizhi's face.

The treasure-hunting rat, which was tucked into Xiao Weizhi's pocket, also stood on tiptoe, its little paws scratching at the edge of the pocket, sticking its head out to look at the scenery of the clouds.

Xiao Weizhi's hair, which was originally neatly combed back, was now messed up by the red tail, and there were many red hairs that had fallen from the red tail on her shoulders. Because she was wearing a silver suit today, it looked particularly conspicuous.

His tone was somewhat helpless, but he didn't accuse him: "Redtail, shall I hold you while you watch?"

Redtail flicked Xiao Weizhi's cheek with its tail and raised its little head high: "No, Redtail wants to see for itself."

Lin Xiaoxiao couldn't help but burst out laughing when she heard Xiao Weizhi and Hongwei's conversation.

The black cat in her arms lazily raised its eyes, glanced at her, then closed them again, falling into a state of dozing.

Twenty minutes later, the elevator successfully arrived at the top floor of the hotel.

After the elevator doors opened, there was a table next door where people could register their names.

Several staff members dressed in blue gowns sat there, smiling warmly and speaking gently as they checked the guests' invitations and names one by one.

The celebration banquet venue was decorated in a very luxurious style, with crystal, gold, Roman columns, carvings, silk and other elements creating a super gorgeous hall.

Inside, many professionals dressed in formal attire strolled about, exuding elegance and charm... their smiles were gentle yet distant.

As soon as Xiao Weizhi and Lin Xiaoxiao registered their names and entered the venue, familiar people came up to greet them.

Gu Qingqi appeared arm in arm with his fiancée Wen Feifei, greeting them cheerfully: "Weizhi, you're a bit late. Old Shen, Old Lu, and Old Pei arrived a long time ago. You're always the last one to arrive."

Xiao Weizhi gave a cold laugh: "It's still evening, the sky hasn't darkened yet."

Just as Xiao Weizhi and Gu Qingqi were exchanging barbs, Wen Feifei's gaze swept over the black cat in Lin Xiaoxiao's arms and the red-tailed cat perched on Xiao Weizhi's shoulder.

Finally, his gaze fell on Lin Xiaoxiao's face, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and his smile became even more fervent.

Xiao Weizhi put his arm around Lin Xiaoxiao, bickering with Gu Qingqi as they walked toward their other three childhood friends.

Lin Xiaoxiao greeted Shen Bi'an, Lu Xumo, and Pei Shuyan with a smile. Her gaze fell on the female companions beside them. Just as she was about to greet them, the name of the three people she knew before caught in her throat, and the smile on her lips froze.

The women accompanying them were not the same three as last time; instead, they were three beautiful girls whom they didn't recognize at all.

Shen Bi'an, being observant and perceptive, noticed that Lin Xiaoxiao's smile had become somewhat stiff. He roughly guessed what she was thinking and cheerfully changed the subject: "Sister-in-law, how did you teach her? Weizhi is now actually willing to let her pet step on her shoulder. You've even cured her germaphobia. Amazing!"

As Shen Bi'an spoke, he gave a thumbs up.

As she was leaving, Lin Xiaoxiao casually asked the black cat, red-tailed cat, and treasure hunter if they wanted to come along.

Unexpectedly, all three of them came out, so she could only carry one in her arms and two on her shoulders as she prepared to go out.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Weizhi took the initiative to accept the two small weights, Red Tail and Treasure Hunt. If Black Cat hadn't prevented him from touching them, he probably would have taken them over as well.

Lin Xiaoxiao smiled and explained, "He is a bit of a germaphobe, but it's not to a very serious degree."

The four people, who had grown up together and knew Xiao Weizhi's temper well, couldn't help but twitch their lips when they heard this.

Is her OCD not severe? It seems she doesn't know the same person as them.

Or perhaps, the allure of love is truly immense, capable of making a germaphobe accept a molting monster standing on their shoulder.

The four exchanged glances, about to make a complaint, but under Xiao Weizhi's threatening glare, they chuckled and nodded: "That's right, that's right, his germaphobia isn't particularly severe."

After chatting for a while, the banquet officially began.

The opening was a welcoming address by Jiang Dehai, the highest-ranking commander of the operations department, a ninety-year-old, silver-haired, but very energetic eighth-level expert.

After raising their glasses together, the guests were free to do as they pleased.

To the accompaniment of melodious music, people either gather in twos and threes to chat or hold hands and dance together on the dance floor.

Xiao Weizhi and the group of four went to the side to talk about something. Lin Xiaoxiao was holding a black cat and choosing her favorite dessert at the buffet table, with a red-tailed cat eagerly waiting to eat at her feet.

Wen Feifei approached gracefully, holding a glass of champagne. She swirled the wine in her glass, her tone gentle yet tinged with anger: "Miss Lin, didn't you go a bit too far in that matter?"

Lin Xiaoxiao placed the food tongs she was holding onto the tray beside her, somewhat puzzled: "Is this too much?"

What did she do? Did she pass by? If I remember correctly, they haven't seen each other since the last auction.

Upon hearing this, Consort Wen's expression stiffened, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she feigned surprise, her eyes filled with obvious inquiry: "You didn't know about that matter?"

Lin Xiaoxiao frowned, puzzled, and asked, "What should I know?"

Wen Feifei's expression remained one of astonishment, as if she couldn't believe that Lin Xiaoxiao was unaware of the situation. She had come over angrily seeking an explanation, only to find that the person involved was completely unaware.

Wen Feifei raised the wine glass in her hand to her lips, drank it all in one gulp, and then said with a bitter tone, "It's nothing, I'm just a little envious of you. Young Master Xiao has protected you very well."

Lin Xiaoxiao was even more puzzled. Wen Feifei came over in a rage and then said some incomprehensible things.

What's going on here?

Wen Feifei rubbed the lipstick off the rim of the cup with her gloved hand, her eyes half-closed, her gaze fixed on the smooth floor, as she pondered how to subtly steer the conversation back on track.

A woman in a bright red strapless dress with long, wavy hair cascading down her back approached, her eyes haughty and disdainful, her tone sharp: "You're Xiao Weizhi's new girlfriend? Tsk, even worse than the last one. The last one, though a down-on-his-luck person, was at least in our circle."

The woman paused, then fanned herself with her folding fan with a half-smile, as if trying to dispel the nauseating smell from her nose: "I didn't expect you to pick a lame little rat this time. Your taste is as bad as ever."

Thinking of the relationship between Gu Qingqi and Xiao Weizhi, Wen Feifei forced herself to interrupt the woman's sarcastic remarks: "It's been a long time, Miss Wang. Perhaps we could have a drink?"

The woman named Miss Wang glanced at Wen Feifei with disdain and sneered, "Miss Wen, didn't your family teach you basic manners? Why are you interrupting when others are speaking?"

Wen Feifei's left hand, hidden under her skirt, was clenched into a fist, but her smile remained gentle and polite: "Miss Wang, although my family's etiquette is not the best, it is still passable. At least we would not behave so rudely in public."

Miss Wang's face immediately turned cold. She closed her folding fan and stared intently at Lin Xiaoxiao and Wen Feifei. Just as she was about to continue speaking, the person next to her whispered a reminder and urged her to stop.

Finally, she just sneered and left, lifting her skirt: "Well done, I'll remember that, Miss Wen, little mouse, goodbye."

Before leaving, Miss Wang glared fiercely at Lin Xiaoxiao.

Lin Xiaoxiao frowned deeply, feeling somewhat bewildered.

This Miss Wang appeared out of nowhere, made a few sarcastic remarks, and then disappeared just as suddenly. What's going on here?

In a later conversation with Wen Feifei, I learned that the aristocratic circles in the capital were clearly divided into classes and extremely exclusive. Sarcasm and ridicule were commonplace, and if you accidentally offended someone, you might be targeted without even realizing it.

Every time Xiao Weizhi took Lin Xiaoxiao out, he would make arrangements in advance to prevent those who were blind to her from daring to say anything inappropriate, sarcastic, or cynical.

This is the place that Consort Wen envies the most.

Because Wen Feifei's family was only considered third-rate in the capital, being with Gu Qingqi was seen by those people as her marrying above her station.

Gu Qingqi, however, was not so attentive. Over the years they had been together, Wen Feifei had always been the one to face the barbed words of these noble ladies.

As for why Wen Feifei came here today, it's because her appraisal center got into some trouble recently.

It was later discovered that the Xiao family was behind it. They assumed that the words spoken at the auction that day had offended Lin Xiaoxiao, and that she had Xiao Weizhi do it.

Since Lin Xiaoxiao was unaware of this, then it must be a 'lesson' arranged by Xiao Weizhi.

Lin Xiaoxiao awkwardly explained, "I really didn't know about this. I'll go back and tell Weizhi to stop it immediately."

Wen Feifei gently shook her head: "It's alright, it's all in the past."

After they started chatting, it seemed like they could bury the hatchet.

As they talked, they discovered they had many similar interests, and their relationship quickly grew closer. They agreed to meet up more often in the future.

After Consort Wen left, Xiao Weizhi returned after finishing his conversation.

He put his arm around Lin Xiaoxiao's shoulder, his brow furrowing slightly: "Why did she come looking for you?"

Lin Xiaoxiao glanced at him with a half-smile: "You came to tell me something."

After the banquet ended, Lin Xiaoxiao took Xiao Weizhi's arm in arm as they rode in the elevator. Her expression was somewhat serious as she fell into deep thought.

During the banquet just now, I seemed to vaguely see Guo Duo'an, the God of Justice, and Jiang Dehai, the initiator of the banquet, chatting happily in a corner of the banquet.

Did she see it wrong, or did the two of them actually know each other?

If it's a mistake, that's fine; they're just strangers with similar builds. But if they actually know each other, then the situation is completely different.

Filled with doubt, Lin Xiaoxiao and Xiao Weizhi had just gotten off the flying car when they saw Sister Luo standing at the door waiting.

It's past 11 p.m., most of the family should be asleep by now, so why are all the lights on?

Xiao Weizhi asked in a deep voice, "Sister Luo, why aren't you resting at this hour?"

Sister Luo's voice was a little tense: "Young Master, we have guests at home."

guest?

Lin Xiaoxiao was a little puzzled. Was it inappropriate for guests to arrive at this time?

Upon entering the living room, they were surprised to see Guo Duoan, whom they had met before, sitting in the guest seat.

Sitting opposite him was Uncle Jiang, who had a beaming smile on his face; it was clear that the two knew each other.

They had been talking for quite some time before Xiao Weizhi and Lin Xiaoxiao returned.

Guo Duoan put down his teacup and greeted him with a smile, "Sorry to bother you again by coming uninvited."

The moment they met, Lin Xiaoxiao knew that the person she had met at the banquet was none other than Mr. Guo Duoan, the official under the name of the God of Justice.

Her lips twitched, and she reached out and secretly pinched Xiao Weizhi's waist, signaling him to speak.

Xiao Weizhi instantly understood Lin Xiaoxiao's idea. He coughed twice, his voice tight due to the sharp pain in his waist: "Welcome, welcome. Let's go to the study to talk in detail."

He didn't know the man's name, so he could only greet him vaguely.

Guo Duoan was a well-informed man, and he guessed that Lin Xiaoxiao did not want others to know that they knew each other, so he immediately smiled and said, "No problem, Young Master Xiao, the guest is at the host's beck and call."

A dozen minutes later, in the Xiao family study.

Lin Xiaoxiao and Xiao Weizhi sat on a two-seater sofa, while Guo Duoan sat on a single sofa opposite them. Tea sets and snacks were laid out on the table in the middle.

Guo Duoan crossed his arms, ignoring Xiao Weizhi beside him, and looked at Lin Xiaoxiao with a smile: "Miss Lin, Lao Jiang kept trying to chat with me at the banquet, and I really couldn't get away, so I could only visit you late at night. I hope I haven't disturbed you."

Lin Xiaoxiao looked somewhat helpless, and although she said it was presumptuous, her actions showed no sign of embarrassment.

She gave a dry laugh: "What can I do for you?"

Guo Duoan took out a pure black token from his spatial storage, placed it on the table, and pushed it toward Lin Xiaoxiao.

The token was covered with dense, golden, scribbled patterns. Looking at it, one could vaguely see a pitch-black void, as if it were trying to suck one's soul in—it was incredibly eerie.

Guo Duoan explained softly, "I was entrusted to deliver a token to you that allows you to enter the City of Divine Favor. That person asked me to tell you that she is waiting for your arrival in the City of Divine Favor."

Another divinely favored city? Another mysterious figure?

Lin Xiaoxiao almost laughed in anger. Why was everything being treated like a riddle? Why couldn't she just say what was on her mind?

She reached out to take the token.

Guo Duoan suddenly leaned forward and pressed his hand on the token, staring intently at Lin Xiaoxiao with a sinister look and an unusual emotion.

He reminded you in a very soft voice, "After you get this token, don't rush to the City of Divine Favor. Level up first."

The implication is that Lin Xiaoxiao's current level is too low to be suitable for entering the City of Divine Favor.

After speaking, Guo Duoan immediately leaned back on the sofa as if he had been burned by the token, and casually picked up his teacup as if nothing had happened.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiaoxiao frowned deeply and did not continue to take the token.

After Xiao Weizhi saw Guo Duoan off from the study, she reached for the token placed on the table, and a notification screen popped up:

Congratulations on obtaining: Token to Enter the City of Divine Favor (Colorful - Five-Color Level)

[Have you linked a token user? Yes or No]

[{Entry Token to the City of Divine Favor: It is said that this token is a necessary condition for entering a certain legendary kingdom, and countless professionals have fought fiercely for it; legend has it that only the gods' favored children can reach that place...}]

A (color-level) token? This is no ordinary display of wealth.

So, is this 'City Favored by the Gods' located in another dimension?

Moreover, do the high-ranking officials and powerful figures in the capital all know the Wish Official? No, to be precise, do they know of the existence of the divine relatives and have dealings with them?

Lin Xiaoxiao played with the black token in her hand with a playful smile, but did not immediately click the button to agree to the binding.

Her gaze was fixed on the void, her pupils unfocused, and a series of questions arose.

My mind was racing, rapidly connecting everything, trying to find the first thread in a tangled mess.

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Author's Note: A glint of shrewdness flashed in Wen Feifei's eyes; she had finally found an opportunity to strike up a conversation with Lin Xiaoxiao.

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First, he caused trouble, then used the opportunity to strike up a casual conversation with her, quickly building a closer relationship.

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Wen Feifei: Thank you, Miss Wang, for your helpful assistance!