I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1359: The Origin of Horror

~5 minute read · 1,171 words
Previously on I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God...
Captain Hao suddenly finds himself transported to a beach in the Taitian Ocean, reuniting with the shocked Xu Rong who explains the bizarre events: anomalies in the residential area, island tremors, and a global tsunami triggered by a single stomp. Wu Tao, the enigmatic powerhouse responsible, confirms their location and requests their help in finding Sister Han, agreeing to send them back after Captain Hao promises to report the matter. Returned to Pingjiang City via a spatial rift, the two rush to headquarters with their urgent report, while Xu Rong reflects on Wu Tao's incomprehensible abilities and her past encounters with him, her mind swirling with newfound questions about his true nature.

Despite not closing her eyes throughout the night, Xu Rong brimmed with vitality.

Her overwhelming curiosity could no longer be held back, so she quickly freshened up and prepared to venture into the old city area. Regardless of Wu Tao's fearsome reputation, she was determined to uncover the facts!

Right as she stepped out the door, her phone buzzed untimely.

"Ring, ring..."

Xu Rong checked the screen's caller ID. Believing it to be work-related, she reluctantly picked up.

Unexpectedly, the voice coming through was excessively fawning and slick.

"Captain Xu, it's a precious rest day today, and the whole nation has escaped that dreadful tsunami. This calls for nationwide rejoicing. On this festive occasion, may I treat you to lunch? What do you say, Captain Xu..."

At these words, any faint spark of interest Xu Rong had vanished.

She ended the call abruptly in an icy voice.

"Not interested."

The circumstances were growing more intricate by the minute. Strange calamities and enigmatic experts kept appearing. How could she spare time for a slimy coworker? His past bootlicking was tolerable, but now, as part of the Demon Hunting Department, he showed zero awareness. He completely lacked any duty-bound mindset.

She pocketed her phone and dashed out without delay.

By before nine, she stood at Wu Tao's doorstep.

"Knock, knock!"

Following the anxious raps.

The series of nine security doors swung open sequentially. Wu Tao lifted his gaze sluggishly. Spotting Xu Rong, a subtle spark ignited in his eyes, and a hint of anticipation crossed his features.

"It's you."

"Any updates from your headquarters?"

These words left Xu Rong flushing with embarrassment, prompting her to stammer a quick, uneasy clarification.

"No, no..."

"Headquarters hasn't sent any word yet. The purpose of my visit is to treat you to lunch, and I have a few inquiries to make en route. Are you available?"

Her tone turned more hesitant toward the close.

Inviting someone to dine had never been Xu Rong's habit, especially not an adult male. Confronting a enigmatic expert like Wu Tao only amplified her inner anxiety!

Wu Tao remained composed, however. Upon mention of the meal, he agreed readily.

"Sure."

His acceptance stunned Xu Rong, lighting up her eyes with delight. Whether from her first successful invitation or the chance to probe her enigmas, excitement lit her face, and the flush on her cheeks enhanced her allure.

This look bore no resemblance to her infamous cold-faced Asura persona. Should her teammates witness it, they'd be floored...

Soon enough.

They were seated in a secluded booth at a riverside eatery. Such a serene spot for chatting over food was ideal. The view through the window relaxed the mind and body, naturally dissolving any strain.

Observing Wu Tao savor his meal contentedly and dab his lips with satisfaction.

Xu Rong clutched her glass for courage, her lips quivering as she voiced.

"Mr. Wu."

"Who are you really? How do you account for the powers you showed earlier? By Demon Hunter rankings, what level would you hold...?"

Her barrage of queries carried unease, with a flicker of hope in her wary gaze.

Confronted by the lovely captain in this vulnerable state, Wu Tao felt no irritation. After all, she'd covered the meal, and he required her aid to locate Sister Han.

Yet, mulling her inquiries, he struggled to respond directly.

He offered only a mild smile and a vague answer.

"Well."

"Disclosing my background and power would upend your worldview and stir up plenty of issues. It's wiser if you remain in the dark."

Xu Rong's eyes bulged in astonishment.

Though evasive, a sharp mind like hers grasped the deep implications at once!

The odd events she'd seen were already mind-blowing, but Mr. Wu's secrets could shatter even those notions and spark major complications...

How staggering could the reality be?

Xu Rong couldn't fathom what might trouble such a man, nor did she dare speculate on his actual origins or might!

One fact stood clear: his heritage was undoubtedly a global-level mystery.

What did that imply?

From her tenure in the Demon Hunting Department, Xu Rong understood that such a caliber neared forbidden territory. For common folk to meddle meant certain doom.

As Mr. Wu implied, ignorance was preferable...

This realization sent shivers through her. She swiftly shifted topics, avoiding further probes.

"Mr. Wu..."

"Did today's cuisine please you? Though Pingjiang City is modest, its traditions offer distinct flavors. Should you need our support anytime soon, feel free to reach out."

Regardless, this formidable, enigmatic figure meant no harm. Extending friendliness and building ties now was undoubtedly smart!

Sensing the sincerity, Wu Tao grinned and acknowledged.

He detected no ill intent from her, and danger was laughable. Gaining an ally beat gaining a foe any day.

After some light banter, the sated pair ambled back leisurely.

On this celebratory day with festivities everywhere.

A man and woman bantering casually beneath roadside trees might pass for lovers to onlookers. Their contrasting styles and looks only reinforced the illusion.

In these times, after all, appearance mattered little; survival prowess ruled. A beauty paired with an average joe was commonplace.

As they proceeded, they attracted jealous glances and hushed regrets from crowds. Xu Rong grew self-conscious under the attention.

Luckily.

The old city area held few souls. The path soon emptied into silence, banishing the discomfort.

Alas, peace was fleeting.

Shortly along the avenue flanked by ginkgo trees, a corner brought them face-to-face with an acquaintance.

This fellow's response outdid the earlier stares. He halted abruptly, his eyes lingering on the giggling pair, turning frostier by the scan. He barked icily!

"Xu Rong!"

The abrupt yell jolted Xu Rong, who peered ahead blankly.

"Zhou Pengfei?"

She hadn't anticipated encountering him during a simple walk.

His morning slimy call was bad enough, but bumping into him so soon, with that sour expression and full-name snap, spiked her annoyance.

Even worse...

Before she could retort, he spat through clenched teeth with a glare.

"Xu Rong!"

"How could you!"

"I asked you out for lunch bright and early, and you turned me down. Fine, no respect, but now you're parading around with this pathetic nobody!"

"I, Zhou Pengfei, hold real standing. My appearance and future are top-notch. How does this guy outdo me?!"

He unleashed a flurry of indignant queries, as if gravely wronged.

Xu Rong halted and fixed him with a frosty stare.

She simply couldn't comprehend.

Why did Zhou Pengfei esteem himself so highly? He acted like her declining his invite was a grave offense.

They were mere workmates. Did she require his approval to choose dining companions?

What was utterly absurd...

The so-called pathetic nobody he insulted was vastly superior in power. Even his dad wouldn't challenge a puzzle like Mr. Wu.

Sigh...

Xu Rong sighed in exasperation and ignored the fool.

To her surprise, Zhou Pengfei escalated. Scowling, he wheeled on Wu Tao.

"Hey?"

"Boy, what's your deal? No offense, but for a scrub like you to share meals with her, you gotta have major pull, right?"