After the catastrophe, Mo Fan's father, Mo Jiaxing, asked if he wanted to stay or join the people migrating. Naturally, Mo Fan chose the Magic Capital.
Although he wasn't sure why his companion Green Lotus Earth Core Flame developed a devouring ability, he couldn't let go of any opportunity to increase the power of his flame.
Once he, his father, and Xinxia arrived at the Magic Capital, Mo Fan originally intended to rent a house. However, both Mo Jiaxing and Ye Xinxia strongly opposed the idea. In the end, Mo Fan had no choice but to give up.
Once they settled in the suburbs, Mo Fan focused on training, waiting for sponsorship from Teacher Tang Yue. Sure enough, about a month later, he received a call from her.
Following the instructions of the mature and charming Teacher Tang Yue, Mo Fan arrived in a small town in southern Jiangnan, north of Hangzhou.
The town was called Xishui, which had a bit of poetic flavor to its name. However, based on the current situation, there seemed to be external factors affecting it. The cracked soil and abandoned fields hinted at a harsh reality.
The town, once a popular tourist destination, had several quaint inns. Following the address provided, Mo Fan found the "Yijian Inn" where he immediately noticed Tang Yue—a beautiful, mature woman with an incredible S-curve figure sitting by the window. Her figure was nothing short of spectacular, making it difficult for Mo Fan to forget her after just one glance.
"Teacher Tang Yue, you're as beautiful and charming as ever." Mo Fan said with a smirk.
Hearing this, Tang Yue responded, "You're not bad yourself. You've made a name for yourself as a genius in big families and associations, all by recklessly risking your life."
Mo Fan playfully protested, "Teacher, that's not polite! I'm complimenting you, and you're teasing me!"
Tang Yue smiled and shook her head. "You want to know where I was during the Bo City catastrophe, don't you?"
"Actually, I wasn't that curious." Mo Fan replied.
Tang Yue rolled her eyes, assuming Mo Fan was just being modest. She explained that she was a member of the Judgment Court. She went on to reveal, "We were aware that the Black Vatican was planning something in Bo City. Unfortunately, we didn't anticipate their grand scheme. I could only do my best to hold off Saran, one of their key members. The rest was left to the likes of Zhan Kong. If only I'd realized their plan earlier, perhaps we could've prevented the disaster."
As Tang Yue finished speaking, Mo Fan's expression turned a bit... interesting.
"What's wrong?" Tang Yue asked, puzzled.
Mo Fan wanted to laugh. How could a mid-level mage like Tang Yue hold off someone like Sarang? But he quickly composed himself and replied, "Oh, nothing. I just think you're really strong, Teacher."
Tang Yue didn't dwell on his reaction and continued explaining the Judgment Court's efforts to combat the Black Vatican. Mo Fan, uninterested in the details, directly asked, "Teacher, why did you call me here today? What do you need from me?"
Tang Yue gestured toward a man outside the inn, stylishly dressed. "I'm too conspicuous and might be noticed. I need you to follow that person. He's a fugitive on our wanted list, and he might have some important information."
"Got it." Mo Fan replied without hesitation.
Tang Yue, a bit surprised by his quick agreement, asked, "Aren't you curious about who he is or what he's done?"
"Not really. You've helped me so much, Teacher. It's only right I repay the favor."
This mission wasn't just about helping Tang Yue; it was also an opportunity for Mo Fan himself. How could he refuse?
Tang Yue was touched by his response and explained the situation with the man in more detail.
"I've taken down plenty of demons; a fugitive is no problem at all." Mo Fan said, patting his chest confidently.
Although Tang Yue had prepared a Star Atlas for Mo Fan, he only asked for the Shadow Element Star Atlas. His mastery of Fire magic was already solid, and he had made significant progress with Lightning magic. The Shadow Element would give him more versatility in the future.
Seeing Mo Fan reject the other Star Atlases, Tang Yue was slightly taken aback. Despite his reckless nature, she had to admit that his rapid advancement was astonishing! If it weren't for his restless personality, she would have considered recruiting him into the Hangzhou branch of the Judgment Court.
Afterward, Mo Fan stealthily followed the target as he headed toward the outskirts. Once they reached a deserted area, Mo Fan didn't continue tailing him directly. Only a fool would follow that closely for so long. Instead, he asked a local elder for directions and proceeded accordingly.
As he continued along the path, Mo Fan noticed the creek had dried up, with the surrounding plants withering. This was likely the work of a natural spiritual seed, yet surprisingly, few local hunters seemed to have paid attention to it.
Just as Mo Fan was pondering the situation, Tang Yue appeared suddenly and, without giving him time to react, pulled him into the shadows of a nearby tree.
"Keep your aura hidden!" Tang Yue whispered, her breath warm and fragrant against Mo Fan's ear.
In any other situation, Mo Fan would've unleashed a fierce attack on someone getting this close. But with Tang Yue, he chose to passively enjoy the moment. The two of them, hidden beneath the swaying tree branches, seemed almost like a couple sharing an intimate moment.
Soon, a group of hunters passed by.
However, Mo Fan's attention was entirely focused on Tang Yue's face. Her delicate, heart-shaped face, bright eyes, perfectly arched nose, and rosy lips captivated him. Not to mention her flawless, fair skin.
Seeing Mo Fan acting like a scoundrel, Tang Yue warned, "Disrespecting your teacher used to be punishable by beating in the past!"
Mo Fan, still looking at her earnestly, replied, "But I'm not the one making the moves here, am I?"
With the hunters gone, Tang Yue finally let go of him, her face slightly flushed. "Stop being shameless and let's get going!"
(End of Chapter)