Chapter 24: The Witch’s Trail

“Tell me the location of that witch.”

Tianyu spoke with a hint of impatience to Stella, knowing how seriously the Hunter Guild regarded this witch.

“There’s no specific information within the Guild about her exact location. It seems like there’s something unusual about her.”

Stella smiled before continuing. “However, I can tell you that her location is within a 20-kilometer radius of Xian City International High School.”

At this revelation, Tianyu’s pupils dilated slightly. “So, it’s your son’s school. Now I understand why you sent me.”

Tianyu glared at Stella with a fierce look. “You knew about this all along?”

“How could I? If I had known, I would have told you right away. I do want to gain your favor, after all.”

Stella winked playfully at Tianyu. “Yuck, you’re disgusting. I’m not your address book, so forget about it.”

Tianyu’s expression was one of disgust, her orientation being perfectly clear. “Then I’ll just have to wait and see. I believe you’ll change your mind eventually.”

Stella smiled enigmatically. “Also, the witch’s core dislikes humans, so as long as your son doesn’t deliberately approach her, there’s no danger.”

“Hmph, I already know that,”

Tianyu replied with a hint of irritation, knowing her son was a homebody who rarely ventured out, except for school. It was unlikely he would actively seek out the witch. Plus, Bai Yu was oblivious to the existence of mystical beings, living a normal life. So, Tianyu felt relatively at ease, except for the threat of outsider gods invading Bai Yu’s school. However, the secret art she had left with Bai Yu showed no signs of disturbance, ruling out that possibility.

Tianyu walked towards the weapons storage room, knowing that a skilled hunter must have a weapon that feels like an extension of their own body. She needed both firearms and cold weapons. Unlike ordinary weapons, hers were unique artifacts, some even ancient relics.

Legend has it that in the distant past, there were gods. The artifacts left behind, different from other mystical items, were called godly relics.

Tianyu opened the box, revealing a shotgun that had seen many battles. It was her loyal companion, and countless secret artists had met their end beneath its barrel. “Should I end it all now…”

Tianyu pondered, wondering if she needed to continue her hunts now that she had ample wealth. She had never fully agreed with the Hunter Guild’s tactics, but initially, she had joined for revenge and money, targeting those with dark series cores.

“This will be my last hunt.”

Tianyu sighed, knowing it was time to retire. “A new witch, just a 12-year-old girl, awakened to a core she couldn’t control. Does she deserve to die?”

Tianyu wasn’t sure, but in the past, she wouldn’t have hesitated. “Stop being sentimental!”

She scolded herself, knowing she was selfish, acting only for her own and her child’s benefit. As for others, she didn’t care.

Tianyu walked deeper into the storage room, where a massive, pale blue scythe rested on a skeletal weapon rack. The blue-white blade had irregular patterns resembling veins, and the handle had a complex mechanism allowing the scythe to fold. Tianyu picked up the scythe, giving it a flick that unfolded it with a click, releasing a faint purple glow. This was one of the few godly relics in the Hunter Guild’s collection, and even Tianyu only had the right to use it. Although this witch was newly awakened, Tianyu wanted a perfect ending to her final hunt. She traced the blade, its history lost to time, but it was said to be forged from celestial metal, incredibly sharp and indestructible. Tianyu set off for the airport, ready to begin the hunt.

****

In Xian City, Lu Xingyao’s room, a small girl with silver hair lay in Lu Xingyao’s embrace, her eyes closed. Her adorable face was captivating, drawing the gaze of anyone who saw her. Such perfect features, held tenderly by Lu Xingyao. Her long lashes fluttered, revealing sparkling eyes. Bai Yu hadn’t slept well that night. Since becoming a secret artist, she needed little sleep. Plus, she had already rested in Lu Xingyao’s car. Even with the exhaustion from the dream, she shouldn’t have slept so long. Bai Yu carefully extricated herself from Lu Xingyao’s embrace, ensuring she didn’t wake her. Looking at herself, she noticed her clothes had been changed into a nightgown, but Lu Xingyao hadn’t touched her inappropriately. “Well, at least she has some decency.”

Bai Yu sighed, uncertain about Lu Xingyao’s sudden affection. Even if she accepted it, she needed time to prepare. If Lu Xingyao had suddenly approached her, she wouldn’t have known how to react. These thoughts brought to mind the image of two girls pressed together, causing her cheeks to flush. “I should wait until Lu Xingyao wakes up to talk about this.”

Bai Yu quickly dressed and left the room. Outside, the sky was still dark, the moon bright, and the stars clear. Xian City’s air was pristine, free from pollution. Seeing the moon, Bai Yu was reminded of her upcoming duel with Cecilia, just days away. However, she lacked confidence in winning, even though she had advanced [Stars] to the second stage. Yet, she still couldn’t match Cecilia, a secret artist for six years. The gap was immense and wouldn’t be bridged easily. Moreover, [Eternal Night] had to be advanced before [Stars] could progress further. This was the downside of having two cores—both had to advance simultaneously, but when they did, they would be unstoppable at their level. Bai Yu didn’t know what [Eternal Night] required, not even the rituals. Even the advancement of [Stars] seemed improbable. According to Lu Xingyao, she was the fastest in history to reach the second stage. If this news spread, it would cause quite a stir.