I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1361: Transaction

The dawn broke early the next day.

As the first hints of light appeared in the sky, Xu Rong got an urgent alert. Even before the shift officially began, she dashed to the rundown neighborhood and led Wu Tao into the secret Pingjiang City branch of the Demon Hunting Department.

The faded structure seemed utterly outdated from the outside, yet entering it unveiled an entirely contrasting interior.

Descending via elevator to the fourth basement level, they reached a luxurious underground parking area packed with assorted cars. Captain Hao had been standing there solo for a while. Spotting Wu Tao coming closer, he promptly hit a switch in the lobby.

With the green light glowing.

A lifting platform emerged in the center of the garage, raising a sleek black automobile gradually. Beneath the garage's illumination, its shadowy surface gleamed with a stable and deep shine.

Gazing at the vehicle, Captain Hao nodded approvingly.

Only then did he face Wu Tao, grinning as he started to describe it.

"Mr. Wu."

"Rest easy, sir. This is our branch's top-security ride. Its frame uses unique alloys for minimal detectability. It won't expose any of your personal details and ensures your protection all along the route."

Hearing the middle-aged man's rundown, Wu Tao showed no reaction.

After eyeing the upscale car without even windows, he responded offhandedly.

"This ride surely offers strong privacy. Not only can't outsiders glimpse inside, but the passenger likely won't catch the roadside views either. You've truly gone all out on this."

His pointed remark hit the mark, leaving Captain Hao somewhat flushed.

Wu Tao kept talking, a subtle grin forming on his lips.

"Such measures are totally pointless. You don't really believe this setup can fool me, right?"

Once his words trailed off.

Captain Hao's weathered features turned bright red from shame.

He hadn't anticipated this man's straightforwardness. In one line, he exposed their aim to shield the central bureau's whereabouts, and he rebuked them without mercy. His style was utterly bold and commanding.

Without doubt, he was a true master; his speech and behavior carried no reservations.

Before this man, despite the discomfort, Captain Hao dared not reveal any annoyance. He merely fiddled with his glasses to mask it a bit, then bent forward with a sorry grin to clarify.

"Mr. Wu..."

"I realize you're far from average, and this tactic holds no sway over you. Still, protocols must be followed. We have to complete the steps and paperwork, or else explaining to the central office later would be tough for me."

"Hehe, about this, what do you say..."

Watching Captain Hao wringing his hands with a sheepish smile, Wu Tao could only answer resignedly.

"Fine."

Provided he could reach the central office, there was a chance to locate Sister Han. The rest of the terms meant nothing to him, and a simple car trip was trivial.

With a breezy acknowledgment, he slipped into the automobile and promptly dozed off.

The car glided forward silently, its flawless mechanics delivering supreme comfort. In moments, it vanished into the underground tunnel's depths.

From a distance, observing the vehicle's fading rear lights as it departed successfully, Captain Hao exhaled deeply in relief. Beside him, Xu Rong felt a surge of feelings, inwardly wishing for a hitch-free journey.

One had to admit, the luxury car provided exceptional ease.

Wu Tao slumbered soundly the whole way. Before he knew it, the vehicle halted. The thoughtful chauffeur even held the door open, letting him avoid any effort.

Emerging with bleary eyes, he found a cluster of sharply attired middle-aged figures, headed by an elderly gentleman, advancing to greet him warmly.

"Mr. Wu!"

"Welcome, Mr. Wu!"

In an instant.

The secluded estate's grounds buzzed with elites voicing their greetings. Distant sentries marveled quietly, while upstairs workers paused and peeked from behind curtains with interest.

"What major figure is here?"

"Wow!"

"Why's Instructor Liu in such formal attire, greeting them himself?!"

"Check it out, check it out!"

...

Such a spectacle was rare at the Demon Hunting Department's central headquarters, naturally attracting curious stares from everywhere.

Yet, as their looks cut through the throng of greeters, they noticed the central figure was a youth. Clad in flip-flops and shorts, he appeared utterly relaxed. Harshly speaking, any street passerby would outclass this fellow.

Abruptly.

Numerous spectators furrowed brows and rubbed heads, faces twisted in confusion as if questioning reality!

Just who was he?

Appearing disheveled and idle, yet honored with such pomp. It was downright absurd!

Before the stares could linger.

Flanked by a cadre of senior leaders, the extended line headed directly to the meeting hall. The doorway stood heavily secured, the setup impressive. This sparked fresh waves of astonishment and doubt, silencing any further idle talk.

The flip-flop-wearing youth they'd witnessed that day lodged deeply in all minds.

Countless rumors swirled, heightening the headquarters' air with strain and intrigue.

In contrast to the unaware masses' unease.

Within the sealed meeting chamber, a wholly distinct, lively and jovial vibe prevailed.

The table brimmed with rare delicacies, and premium scented tea was of course present. Numerous executives beamed with deference, chatting amiably. Their talk flowed like kin's banter, punctuated by frequent chuckles.

"Your personal visit to our Demon Hunting Department fills us with immense pride."

"We've heard tales of your remarkable skills, sir. Meeting you now confirms your excellence."

"This embodies a genuine wonder!"

"Indeed, indeed. Beside you, sir, we're woefully coarse."

"Haha..."

Amid the barrage of courteous words, Wu Tao offered only a mild smile. Though these achievers held little regard in his view, they were seasoned pros. Their knack for smooth interactions was unquestionable, warranting little attention.

After a few lines, he cut to the chase, eyeing the elder at the head position.

"Skip the niceties."

"You know full well why I'm here. Where is Sister Han precisely? Can you reach her at all?"

His gentle remark dropped, silencing the room.

Though smiles lingered on faces, none ventured to respond unbidden. They hadn't foreseen Wu Tao's bluntness, so they directed looks to the head seat.

The elder displayed no odd reaction. After a brief hesitation, he answered smilingly.

"Mr. Wu."

"Frankly speaking, a forbidden area has emerged lately in the northern steppes near Hohhot. It's swarming with numerous advanced Phantom Spirits, presenting a grave danger to us. The crisis has escalated to threaten the lives of many innocents. This issue is quite tricky."

His statement seemed off-topic, yet brimmed with deeper intent.

Wu Tao dipped his head faintly.

"Mhm."

He seemed slumped idly on the lounge seat, but covertly, a keen spark flashed in his gaze, his mind stirring.

While his form stayed in the covert hall, manipulating the external realm remained effortless. Right as his tone ceased, a dozen avatars had materialized across the expansive plains.

Instantly, the heavens overflowed with crimson haze!

In the hall, tranquility persisted, even growing eerily still.

Noting Wu Tao's mere murmur, several eyes dimmed. They swapped subtle looks, perplexed. Unsure if he missed the underlying message or feigned ignorance, how could he just acknowledge it so casually?

After several moments of pause, nothing happened.

At last.

The chief elder grew restless. He cleared his throat softly and addressed him outright.

"Ahem..."

"Mr. Wu, should you aid in purging the Northern Forbidden Zone, we'll guide you to Sister Han. It's a mutual benefit, straightforward exchange."

His statement ended, drawing all eyes to him.

Their stares held eager glints, blended with probing intensity. Everyone awaited Wu Tao's reply, aiming to assess this enigmatic expert's true caliber.

Unexpectedly.

Wu Tao replied indifferently, his voice steady as ever.

"Okay, lead me to Sister Han."

At his words, the group's visages grew somber.

The leader straightened, fixing a piercing stare on Wu Tao. His manner turned firm, as if clinging to their firmest stance.

"Mr. Wu, you might not have caught that right. This is a deal. We'll honor our end only after you've genuinely eliminated the northern peril. Regardless of the duration, until it's done—even for one day—we won't bring you to her."

"Naturally, this pact holds indefinitely."

Hearing this, Wu Tao rose gradually.

"I get your point, but this won't drag on long."

"The threat you mentioned is already handled."

Hmm?

Handled?!

All eyes bulged at his claim, faces etched with heavy doubt.

Though aware of this stranger's fearsome powers, the Northern Forbidden Zone was horrifically vast. How could it vanish so simply? Especially taking his empty assurance at face value.

Moreover, he remained seated among them!

Wasn't this merely leveraging his superior might to mock and deceive those gathered?