High School of Demon Hunting

Chapter 2785: Chapter 1006: Suspicion

Xiao Xiao’s analysis sent a shiver down Zheng Qing’s spine.

Indeed.

Although the chances are small, the unexpected collapse of the Magic Barrier is not impossible. If the barrier collapses and seawater floods into the market, in the chaos, it’s uncertain how many people could perform the water avoidance art or cast the Bubble Head Charm.

If the barrier collapse is not an accident but intentional, then the situation would become even worse.

This means that the guests in the market must defend against the seawater invasion while also being wary of potential unknown attacks. In such a case, using the water avoidance art would be a very bad option.

You must understand, performing the water avoidance art requires occupying one hand continuously.

The remaining hand must hold onto companions, use the law book, and possibly grab onto something to stabilize oneself—except for wizards from the Multi-arm race, few wizards can complete so many tasks with one hand—but if you had consumed Gill Pouch Grass or Shaotang Fruit in advance, at least one hand would be free, allowing for greater flexibility.

”So, are we still going?”

After Zheng Qing regained his composure, his first reaction was to abandon this trip to the Quankela Fair. After all, this is not a mandatory school task. In terms of priority, it isn’t even on the same level as a spring outing or Spring Hunting. As a risk-averse person at this stage, there’s no need to unnecessarily expand his risk exposure.

He had only received an invitation.

It wasn’t a school command.

Moreover, he visited the Quankela last year, so the underwater market didn’t have the same allure to him as the Cat Fruit Tree. Adding to that his current special situation, this kind of off-campus trip would unnecessarily increase the workload of his guards.

That makes one feel quite embarrassed.

”Why not go?”

Xiao Xiao looked at him curiously—he didn’t know the many thoughts that had flashed through Zheng Qing’s mind in that instant, nor was he aware of the elite wizards arranged by the school to accompany his roommate twenty-four hours a day—out of a simple divination analysis, he couldn’t help but feel that Zheng Qing was being a bit paranoid: ”Quankela Fair is jointly organized by the First University and the aquatic races, held only once a year, gaining a lot of attention, those crows probably wouldn’t risk causing trouble at this time, in this place...”

”Besides, crows are not fond of water.” The Fat Wizard chimed in with his own perspective.

His joke was a bit chilly, leaving Zheng Qing uninterested in even a smile.

”—Moreover, Professor Yao’s words were merely a kind reminder, not a travel warning. In the first year, he would remind everyone to stay safe at every weekend class meeting; did anyone really pay that much attention?”

Xiao Xiao couldn’t help but chuckle: ”It’s just that now he’s become a Legend and coincidentally, Shaotang Fruit had a poor harvest this year, making the market a bit more sensitive. Even in the worst-case scenario, if the market barrier does collapse, it’s not like something extremely dangerous would happen, like drowning dozens of guests in one breath... The school’s legends are just lazy to manage, it’s not that they are actually...”

He didn’t say the last two words.

Instead, he mouthed ’died’ silently.

This cautiousness was quite commendable to Zheng Qing.

”You’ve said so much, I think the biggest reason is that you want to buy a turtle shell.” The Fat Wizard unexpectedly interjected, looking at Xiao Xiao with an inscrutable expression on his face.

”What turtle shell?” Zheng Qing blinked.

A rare hint of embarrassment surfaced on Xiao Xiao’s face. He coughed, vaguely explaining, ”Cough, it’s a shell, a turtle shell, the kind used for divination... There are plenty and they’re cheap at the aquatic market.”

”Didn’t you say last year your family has them for self-use and you didn’t need to buy any?” Zheng Qing hadn’t forgotten the doctor’s remark from last year.

Before Xiao Xiao could open his mouth to argue.

The Fat Wizard’s laughter rang out beside them.

”He’s not buying them for himself!”

Xin Fat Man patted his belly, not sparing the doctor any face: ”He’s buying them for Sima... you’ve probably been busy with your coursework lately and didn’t notice, but our Doctor Xiao hasn’t used turtle shells for divination in a while, right?”

”I thought he preferred the Crystal Ball now.” Zheng Qing glanced at the shiny Crystal Ball on the table, noticing Xiao Xiao pretending to be oblivious and wiping it, making him laugh.

Xiao Xiao’s ears seemed to turn a little red.

”It’s not about like or dislike, it’s sheer helplessness!”

The Fat Wizard spoke rapidly, seemingly worried that speaking slower would get him shut down by the doctor: ”High-level history research needs inscription on turtle shells, Sima has used up all his share, so now he can only use the Crystal Ball for divination... If I hadn’t noticed many turtle shells on the D&K procurement list recently, the doctor could have hidden this for a whole year!”

”It’s cheaper at shop purchase prices, and you can get tax deductions.” Perhaps worried that Zheng Qing might suspect him of embezzlement, Xiao Xiao finally raised his head, giving a simple explanation.

”No need to explain, I understand!”

Zheng Qing patted him on the shoulder, offering an encouraging look: ”Rest assured, for the lifelong happiness of a brother, even if I risk being butchered, I will take you there...”

...

...

”Go ahead, it’s a rare chance to catch a breath.”

In the evening, under the Cat Fruit Tree, the White Jade Cat stretched lazily, expressing its opinion with a casual tone, also agreeing to go to Quankela: ”The Art of Body Transformation effect is not bad, I feel less exhausted lately... Besides, didn’t we all go together last year?”

The Gem Cat subconsciously looked up at the Cat Fruit Tree overhead.

The tufts of the tree swayed with the wind, devoid of the sight of that big blue fox, making it quietly sigh in relief. Now, chatting with the White Jade Cat required an appropriate time, avoiding getting scolded by that Big Fox.

”We probably can’t bring Poseidon this year.” The Gem Cat recalled last year’s market experience, giving her a heads-up, then paused and added: ”Neither can we bring the Great Elves... you know, there are many people outside who harbor ill intentions toward them now.”

During last year’s Quankela Fair, Zheng Qing still hadn’t much connection with Greenhill Mansion, nor had Poseidon’s identity been exposed, so he could wander the market with the Little Fox.

But this year, with his relationship with Su Shijun disclosed, coupled with the recent Shanglin Garden Spring Hunting and the looming threats of crows, even if Zheng Qing went to the market himself, he needed to go in disguise, not to mention bringing along a small side burden.

Unless Su Da Fox also comes along.

Some people just can’t stand being talked about.

As soon as ’Su Da Fox’ flashed through Zheng Qing’s mind, a familiar voice sounded in his ear.

”Where are you taking Dong Dong?!”

The big blue fox appeared on the throne of the Cat Fruit Tree at some point, looking down with its head protruding, watching the two small cats suddenly silent, full of suspicion.