Luo Jin glanced coldly at the other party. He had no interest in saving gang members; he just didn't want new Lickers to appear. Worms breeding... is someone nurturing them?
Qi Badao, seeing the other party ignoring him, remained unabashedly cheerful. Usually, one doesn't hit a smiling face. Anyway, no one on site — whether the one on the ground or these two standing — was someone he could afford to provoke. Face wasn't as important as life.
Luo Jin fixed his gaze on Li Xin, feeling slightly regretful. "Young man, nice skills. Are you two in this together?"
At this moment, Li Xin suddenly broke into a sincere, simple smile. "Captain Luo, you must be joking. I'm a righteous citizen; I don't even know this thug. I'm just passing by. This has nothing to do with me, so goodbye."
Luo Jin couldn't help but be amused. That was quite a smooth dodge. Kids from poor families mature early. Those who grow up in the Underground City are all sharp. They shouldn't be treated like ordinary kids. "We will definitely meet again. That little something, educate him on the responsibilities of the Night Patrol."
"Ahem, Qi Badao here. You can call me Little Qi or Little Dao, either is fine. So, Li Xin, let me give you a grand introduction. The Night Patrol is a powerful department of our Li Long Kingdom, specializing in managing the Awakened and supernatural events, elite among elites. This is the head of our Celestial Capital Night Patrol, our guardian. We wild Awakened are supposed to report and register with the Night Patrol according to regulations. I'm also a righteous citizen and registered long ago." Qi Badao said, bending over sycophantically. He knew the person before him was as ruthless as they come—the captain of the Night Patrol for over a decade, not much better than a Demon.
Luo Jin glanced indifferently at Qi Badao, then at the corpse on the ground. After a moment of silence, Qi Badao shivered. A Licker—what kind of shady business could be involved here? Damn, what a mess. "Captain Luo, this monster has nothing to do with me. I know you despise evil. I used to steal and extort protection fees, but under Li Xin's advice, I've turned over a new leaf. The brothers just want to earn a living. You see, this area is quite peaceful. At night, the brothers don't cause trouble; they just gather to have some drinks and chat, without even bothering with the ladies. Our gang is pretty miserable, and now a monster treats us like snacks. You... aren't going to silence us, are you?"
There were ladies, just not today. Heard this captain was an old bachelor, catering to his preference.
The gang wasn't under his jurisdiction. Luo Jin was contemplating other matters earlier. Thinking about it, the Black Water District was probably the most peaceful part of the Underground City, with no homicide cases reported in a long time, and not much news of supernatural events. Luo Jin knew this young man likely had something to do with it.
Quick, precise, and ruthless action. Although the Licker was crippled, the young man looked only sixteen or seventeen, calm and decisive. Luo Jin developed an appreciation for him, but his ties with the gang still needed further investigation.
"You've done well today. Your name is Li Xin, right? In the next couple of days, find some time to come to the Night Patrol headquarters to see me. As per the procedure, we need to register and understand your situation." Luo Jin said, feeling he might have been too serious, so he smiled. "There's nothing else, no need to worry, just a formality."
Li Xin nodded. "Okay, Captain Luo, I'll let you get back to your work. My mom's waiting for me to come home for dinner."
Luo Jin nodded, and Li Xin scampered off.
...What kind of dinner is there in the middle of the night?
Qi Badao also began to take small, limping steps, attempting to leave quietly. But after a few steps, his body froze as a cold voice came from behind, "Did I say you could leave?"
Qi Badao put on an awkward yet enthusiastic smile. "Little Dao's here, at your service."