Originally, the tasks Mei Qing assigned to Zhao Dayou were precisely the ultimate countermeasures against Hou Shen’s stealth ability.
Hou Shen’s stealth skill was indeed half innate and half learned, differing somewhat from the invisibility techniques of true cultivators. Cultivators’ invisibility techniques relied on talismans or magical artifacts to transform themselves into nothingness, making them undetectable. However, Hou Shen’s invisibility wasn’t true concealment; instead, it involved adapting to changes in light and shadow, using darkness to hide.
In the archives of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, experts had specifically analyzed several major cases Hou Shen had previously committed, concluding that his invisibility relied on shadows. Therefore, after making a bet with Hou Shen, Mei Qing ordered Zhao Dayou to purchase dozens of lanterns, illuminating the warehouse from entrance to interior as brightly as daylight, ensuring every corner was lit without a single shadow on the ground.
Besides that, Zhao Dayou, although not particularly skilled, had extensive connections and somehow recruited an expert from the internal group to install traps throughout the warehouse—every nook and cranny was filled with common mechanisms like hidden nails and spikes, haphazardly placed without even bothering to disguise them.
Even worse, Mei Qing ordered lines drawn every few meters across the floor using houmingzhi, a substance extracted from an exotic beast overseas. Slightly heated, it would melt and stick to anything it touched, extremely difficult to remove. The warehouse was perpetually dark, damp, and cold, making the houmingzhi lines a significant obstacle. The Embroidered Uniform Guards could simply step over them, but Hou Shen could only glare helplessly.
Even Hou Shen’s master, Tie Sancun, would probably be at a loss. The place inherently prevented any magic use, relying solely on martial arts tricks. But these countermeasures were too harsh. Want to hide? Without a single shadow, where could you go? Even if you had secret techniques to remain unseen, crossing the houmingzhi lines would stain you, revealing your form. Could you really leap over every line without being noticed? Moreover, even if you managed to enter, the walls and corners were filled with traps, openly displayed under everyone’s watchful eyes—how would you disable them?
Hou Shen observed outside the warehouse all night but ultimately dared not risk it, cursing Mei Qing bitterly before leaving in frustration. However, he wouldn’t be stumped by Mei Qing’s tactics alone. As a renowned figure known as the Divine Monkey, he wouldn’t survive without some hidden skills. Still, much preparation was needed for success.
“Do you think these few tricks can stop me? You’re still too inexperienced, Mei Qing!” Hou Shen repeatedly calculated his plan before finalizing his strategy.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
During these three days, the Fourth Unit maintained outward calm but inner vigilance, each member fully alert to avoid any slip-up Hou Shen might exploit. According to Zhao Dayou, even a mosquito wouldn’t fly past without his approval.
Mei Qing himself was extra cautious, staying in the side room at the warehouse entrance, issuing strict orders: no one could access the warehouse without his permission.
“Where’s Zhao Jingli?” Mei Qing suddenly noticed Zhao Dayou’s absence and asked the nearby Ya Zi.
“Just saw him rushing to the latrine; he probably had an upset stomach from breakfast. He looked like he was holding it in with all his might.” Today’s guards were coincidentally Yao Dingguo and Zhou Chang. Yao was always quiet, while Zhou was humorous and talkative. So as soon as Mei Qing asked, Yao remained silent, while Zhou eagerly responded.
“Oh,” Mei Qing chuckled, “Our Zhao Jingli is truly remarkable—even going to the latrine never parts him from his teapot. This skill, hehe, deserves admiration!”
Zhou Chang laughed too, “Exactly! Other units call Old Zhao ‘the big teapot of the Fourth Unit.’ He even got angry about it once.”
Mei Qing couldn’t help but smile. “Big teapot” indeed sounded unpleasant. Thinking of nicknames, he turned to Yao Dingguo, “Yao Dingguo, how did you get the nickname ‘Ya Zi’? Did people call you Yao Zi because of your surname, which gradually became Ya Zi?”
Before Yao could reply, Zhou interjected, “Sir Mei doesn’t know. Ya Zi has the best lightness kung fu. Once, he bet someone he could catch sparrows by jumping straight up into trees and grabbing them before they could escape. Hence the nickname.”
Mei Qing nodded. Yao Dingguo usually kept quiet but carried himself proudly, clearly confident in his skills.
As the three conversed, footsteps approached. In the distance, a man ran towards them, eyes wide, thick beard bristling—Qian San, who had been injured in the recent fight with Hou Shen and was supposed to rest at home.
“Qian Baihu!” Mei Qing turned, raising his eyebrows, “You’re supposed to be resting. Why are you here?”
Qian San glared at Mei Qing, his mouth twitching a few times before he exhaled deeply, saying solemnly, “Qian San has recovered and requests to resume duty. Please grant permission, Sir Mei.”
Mei Qing was surprised, “Why the rush, Qian Baihu? Since your arm is still injured, rest at home. The shifts are already arranged. Rest assured, return only when fully recovered.”
“Wait?” Qian San snorted bitterly, “Probably won’t even need to return—Mei Qing will just kick me out!”
Mei Qing frowned, coldly replying, “Why such words, Qian Baihu? I asked you to rest because you were injured resisting the cunning thief, out of concern. Who filled your head with such nonsense?”
Qian San’s eyes burned with anger, “I wouldn’t speak recklessly. Rumors don’t arise without reason. I’ve been in the Fourth Unit for years, earning at least some credit for hard work. Although you, Sir Mei, are favored by superiors to lead the unit, please consider us old comrades.”
Mei Qing noticed Qian San’s barely concealed anger, restrained only by his authority. Knowing Qian’s straightforward nature, he suspected someone had incited him.
Zhou Chang quickly intervened, but Qian insisted someone had warned him his injury wasn’t serious, and Mei Qing’s order to rest was actually a ploy to dismiss him, though he refused to name his source, causing a stalemate.
At that moment, footsteps approached. Everyone turned to see Lu Zeyou with two guards approaching hurriedly. Lu looked anxious, seeing the commotion at the warehouse entrance, and frowned, “This is a restricted area. Why the noise?”
“Sir Lu!” Qian San saluted, “Subordinate Qian San, ordered to rest, has recovered and requests duty.”
“Qian San?” Lu was surprised, “If you’re recovered, return. Why the commotion?”
“Subordinate heard Sir Mei intends to expel me from the Fourth Unit and seeks clarification.” Qian San kept bowing, head lowered.
“Oh? Mei Qing, is this true?” Lu frowned.
Mei Qing smiled slightly, “Qian Baihu was injured on duty, so I ordered rest. Today he suddenly accuses me of wanting to expel him but won’t name his source. Since you’re here, Sir Lu, please mediate to prevent misunderstanding.”
“Qian San!” Lu’s face darkened, “Mei Qing has authority to decide. You overstep! Step aside. I have urgent matters. Discuss this later.”
Turning to Mei Qing, Lu said, “Sir Mei, just received Sixth Master’s order to retrieve something urgently needed. Please open the warehouse.”
“Oh?” Mei Qing hesitated, “Please specify the item. I’ll retrieve it personally.”
Lu was displeased, “It’s Sixth Master’s personal item. I’ll retrieve it myself. No need to trouble you.”
Mei Qing thought, smiling, “Sir Lu, the warehouse has special precautions these days. Entering might inconvenience you. Please entrust me; I’ll ensure no delay.”
Lu’s face hardened, “Mei Qing, I know about releasing the thief and your bet. Since Sixth Master didn’t question it, I won’t comment. But now you block my official duty? Unreasonable! The Fourth Unit is under my jurisdiction. Who dares stop me? Qian San, open the warehouse. Let’s see who dares stop me!”
Before Mei Qing could speak, Qian San hesitated, “Sir Lu, the warehouse key is with the guards. The inner key is with Zhao Dayou, who isn’t here.”
“Zhao Dayou? Where is he?” Lu angrily asked.
“Sir Lu! Sir Mei! Subordinate is here. Hehe, just had some stomach issues, went to relieve myself. Are you two gentlemen in a hurry to enter?” A loud voice suddenly echoed behind them.
Everyone turned to see Zhao Dayou approaching, teapot in hand, swaying arrogantly.
==============
Power outage notice: Tomorrow’s electricity is suspended!
If power resumes early tomorrow, maybe one chapter can be posted.
If late, then we’ll have to wait until the day after tomorrow.
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