"I believe that we can assist you in your investigation, esteemed cultivators."
The two cultivators furrowed their eyebrows, clearly not believing what Hao Yu said. At the same time, it was surprising that the government had found them even though they entered the city covertly.
"Who are you?" One of them asked while glaring at Hao Yu.
"I am the District Administrator Assistant, Hao Yu. It's an honor to meet esteemed cultivators."
"A District Administrator Assistant?"
"Hao Yu?"
They didn't know much about the condition of the city. But it was clear that the young man before them held a quite important position.
After looking at each other for a moment, the cultivator asked, "And how can you help us?"
"From the looks of it, two esteemed cultivators must be searching for a person hiding inside this city. I can safely assume that it's also another cultivator. But because you don't want to involve us, it means there is a risk of that person to be escaping. And the fact that you're thinking about the possibility of working with us shows that the person is injured. Am I correct?"
Hao Yu had just explained the condition of their target.
The two cultivators couldn't help but drop their jaws, surprised that Hao Yu could conclude all that from their little conversation.
It seemed that the common people weren't that useless as they thought.
"Still, you haven't answered our question. How can you help us?"
"Please take a look around you." Hao Yu extended his hand.
The cultivators were confused but still followed Hao Yu's direction. Outside, they could see people roaming around. Inside the tavern, they could only find people dining while glancing at them because they were curious about their conversation.
But when Hao Yu raised his hand, a few people popped out among the roof. Some people stopped walking and cupped their hands in Hao Yu's direction. A few of the tavern's customers stood up and bowed their heads to Hao Yu.
"!!!" The two cultivators were dumbstruck. It was clear that Hao Yu was showing them that there were a lot of people observing them at this point. And they had been mingling around them. With this kind of power, there was a chance that the target could be found.
Seeing such power from Hao Yu, one of them suddenly cupped his hand toward Hao Yu, showing his respect. "Brother Hao Yu is truly extraordinary. This Zhao can't help but admire."
"Zhao Xin, you…" The other cultivator was surprised that his partner would be this respectful to these people.
However, he added, "They have demonstrated their strength clearly. You should be able to see that they are qualified to assist us. Su Han, it's better to have them aid us so that we can finish this mission as quickly as possible."
"…" The other cultivator, Su Han, gritted their teeth. He obviously understood it as well, but he had a hard time admitting that these people were equal to him.
Hao Yu cupped his hands as well. "To receive this treatment from esteemed cultivators is my ultimate. Let this humble self be a bit disrespectful and call you Brother Zhao."
Zhao Xin said, "Brother Hao… If I'm not wrong, you're going to help us with these people?"
"That's correct. As you can see that we have been registering every person coming in and out of the city, including their appearance. If we can receive all kinds of information about your target, we can help you identify and search the city."
Zhao Xin thought for a moment before extending his hand. "Please have a meal with us, Brother Hao."
"Then, I'll take your offer." Hao Yu waved his hand, signaling the people to act like normal again. After that, Hao Yu took a seat diagonal to both cultivators.
"Waiters. Please give us a few more drinks." Hao Yu ordered out loud before turning back to Zhao Xin and Su Han, adding. "It's my treat to celebrate our cooperation. Please don't hesitate."
Zhao Xin smiled and asked, "Brother Hao. If we give you information, what will you do with it?"
"First of all, we can narrow down our search since we know about their appearance. After that, we'll simply find that person." Hao Yu's plan was simple and that couldn't help but make these two hesitate again. However, Hao Yu raised one finger and added, "But if the soldiers are acting weird, they will be found out and alarmed that person. Hence, we'll have the soldiers ignore them and only report once they have completed their patrol."
"That way, our target will think that those soldiers are just patrolling the area like usual?"
"Yes. But this method will give result a bit slower than usual." Hao Yu nodded.
Zhao Xin looked down, contemplating. On one hand, it would certainly be slower. On the other hand, the government's method would still be faster than them.
Zhao Xin explained, "In that case, we'll have to trouble you, Brother Hao."
It appeared that Hao Yu managed to get their agreement. However, he didn't say anything yet because Su Han was glaring at him as if telling him that even though he achieved all this, he shouldn't be too complacent.
Hence, Zhao Xin explained, "Our target is a cultivator called Li Xue. She comes from the same sect as us, Iron Mountain Sect. She is an 7-Star Qi Gathering Stage cultivator. Fortunately, she was severely injured when she left the sect."
"May I know her crime?"
"Know your—" Su Han wanted to snarl, but Zhao Xin stopped him. He added, "Li Xue has killed a fellow disciple of the sect and has been considered as a wanted person in the sect. We are here to capture her dead or alive."
"I understand. In that case, as long as I have her appearance, I will be able to start my investigation."
"Li Xue has long, wavy brown hair. She has a pair of black eyes and from the record, her aura is aloof and strong. The people in the sect describe her as a flower on the mountain peak that can only be admired but not plucked."
"How about her age, height, and other characteristics."
"Her age isn't that far from us. As for her height, I believe it's around my shoulder. That's right. There is always a white sword hanging around her waist, which is her primary weapon." Zhao Xin further described Li Xue's appearances, which gave Hao Yu a vivid picture of her appearance.
Hao Yu nodded his head in understanding. "I understand. The information should be enough. I will immobilize the soldiers right away. It should only take one or two days. Brother Zhao can have some rest and I'll handle this matter."
Zhao Xin shook his head. "No. We will continue our mission this way while the government will assist us. We would like to know when the government finishes their patrol."
"We could give you the information during lunch and dinner. As long as you can provide us with the place and don't mind if I send my subordinate to inform you about it, then I can give you the result."
"Brother Hao is not going to inform us personally."
"As much as I want to, I have to oversee the entire process to avoid any slip-up. So, forgive me Brother Zhao."
"Understandable." Zhao pointed down. "In that case, during lunch and dinner, we will return to this place. I will assure you that nothing will happen to your subordinate as long as he is not rude to us."
"I will warn him sternly."
"Once you get the information, don't make a move by yourself. Even if she is injured, Li Xue is still a talented cultivator. She will definitely defeat all the soldiers and escape."
"Yes, I'll definitely inform you first."
"Good." Zhao Xin was satisfied with the agreement. Hao Yu then stood up and cupped his hands. "In that case, I'd have to take my leave."
Zhao Xin nodded his head before watching Hao Yu leave. Su Han, who had been quiet this whole time, whispered, "Are you sure about this?"
"Of course. We, cultivators, are superior in strength. But the dynasty still manages to stand strong despite being surrounded by three sects, and the three sects forbid their disciples from interfering with the dynasty. If it's about the territory they govern, without a doubt, the government is stronger. That's why we will take advantage of it."
Su Han couldn't find any words to refute that claim. But it surely left a bad taste in his mouth when he had to rely on them.
Unbeknownst to them, Hao Yu was leaving with a smile on his face. It looked like he was ready to capture this cultivator by assisting them.
He showed that eagerness by sending An Lei, his subordinate, to those two. It only took him a day to review the information that the city gate provided and locate their target.
Instead of lunch and dinner, Hao Yu sent An Lei early in the morning when they had just woken up, stating that this was the best time to strike.