What Should I Do After Picking Up the "Dragon Proud Sky" Protagonist as a Pet? (Transmigration) - Chapter 12

“So, the content of your request is to resolve the matter of the Dark Mage seeking revenge and to lift the threat hanging over Blackthorn City?”

The Commander’s voice was low and pleasant, possessing a magnetic quality. His ponytail swayed beneath his cloak, and the gaze projecting from under his hood swept over Su Feng from time to time. It felt strange, as if he were observing Su Feng, yet the gaze held no malice. Instead, it carried a faint sense of concern.

Su Feng felt an odd sensation in his heart.

He confirmed once more, “Are you certain you do not require extra compensation? I can open the treasury and let you choose whatever you wish.” Although the commission fee would surely be high, this was not an expense he should spare.

Hearing Su Feng’s words, the Commander’s first instinct was a flat refusal. Unless necessary, he would not approach Blackthorn City, let alone enter the City Lord’s manor. But just as the words reached his lips, the Commander remembered something. “Your father is not in Blackthorn City, is he?”

The Commander’s large tail gave a flick. He said, “I do indeed require one treasure. It is called the Crystal of Covenant.” He seemed to be observing Su Feng’s expression. His blue eyes flashed momentarily beneath the hood, revealing a deep and dazzling cobalt. The Commander added, “I hope you can retrieve it for me.”

“The Crystal of Covenant?” Su Feng repeated, feeling increasingly suspicious. In the original novel, it was mentioned that the Crystal of Covenant was an extremely rare material born only from the heart of a gentleman whose word was his bond. Every promise they sincerely guarded, once sublimated by the Rules, would transform into a translucent crystal carrying a power of covenant that no one could violate.

This was typically the primary ingredient for extremely harsh, single-effect forbidden spells or oath potions. If a covenant were broken, every promise contained within the crystal would flow through the flesh and soul of the violator and pierce their heart.

Consequently, the Crystal of Covenant was highly valuable and incredibly difficult to obtain. Su Feng did not know why the Commander needed it, but he had no desire to pry into his privacy. He simply said, “I have never seen a Crystal of Covenant, but I will find it for you.”

Halfway through his sentence, the Commander interrupted, “It is there.”

The Commander said, “There is a Crystal of Covenant in the City Lord’s manor. It is in your father’s study.”

Su Feng fell silent for several seconds. He could not help but ask, “How do you know that?”

An adventure group commander of unknown origin and identity suddenly mentions that there is something he wants inside the study of the City Lord’s manor. Su Feng thought, Should you not try to hide your motives a bit? Or is this truly just a coincidence?

The Commander’s fingers twined together beneath his hood. There were marks of varying depth on his fingers that looked like thorns. Su Feng had once heard a rumor that after drinking a Covenant Potion, thorn-like patterns would appear on the drinker’s body.

His voice was low. “It is just a coincidence.”

Su Feng could sense that the Commander was a powerful and flamboyant expert, yet for some reason, he always appeared somewhat weak-willed in Su Feng’s presence. For instance, after saying those few words, he added dryly, “I really need it.”

Su Feng curled his lips into a smile. “I still need your help, after all. This is a normal part of the commission. I will find a way to retrieve the Crystal of Covenant for you.”

The Commander nodded, looking relieved. By this time, the group had arrived outside Blackthorn City, seeking a remote location far from the walls. Along the way, whether it was a vicious magical beast or a fierce creature that had previously made Su Feng feel a faint sense of threat, they all sensed the aura radiating from the Commander and fled the area in silence. The Dawn Forest was unprecedentedly quiet, which was an unspoken testament to what this signified.

The Commander said to Su Feng, “That Dark Mage you spoke of, I might know his origins.”

As soon as he spoke, both Su Feng and Murphy looked over. Currently, only the three of them were gathered at the outskirts of the Dawn Forest. The Commander reached out, and a Formation Stone floated in the air, held loosely in his palm. Spatial power emanated from his hand, and with several whistling streaks of bright light, the entire forest fell silent, covered by an invisible spatial force.

Su Feng and Murphy stared blankly at the scene before them. The Commander floated in the air, enveloped in layers of light. He was setting up a spatial array map here. Its function was to draw individuals traveling between the human world and the Spirit Realm to this location, then bind them in the established trap.

The Commander looked at Murphy. “Who is he?”

Originally, the Commander had not wanted Murphy to follow. Had Su Feng not killed Clan, he would not have even wanted Su Feng to come. Even for a powerful Dark Mage, seeking revenge required a medium. Su Feng, who had killed the disciple, was clearly the coordinate for the Dark Mage. It was not until Su Feng explained that Murphy was also a primary force in that battle that the Commander allowed Murphy to follow.

The Commander did not let anyone else come because the Soul-Awakening Black Magic held within the fragments of the Record of Calamity could use filthy power to corrode the sanity of others in an instant, turning Blackthorn City into a demon’s den. The Commander said, “In that case, let him serve as a coordinate as well. I will set the spatial array here and use you both as bait to set a trap, drawing that Dark Mage here.”

The Commander flipped his palm and his fingertips supported a crystal that radiated intense heat. It was as clear as hollow amber, yet burning sunlight surged within it. Su Feng felt the air around him grow scorching. He was still wearing his heavy cloak. Although his expression remained steady, sweat began to bead on his forehead. Meanwhile, Murphy watched with burning eyes, unwilling to miss the process of a powerhouse setting a formation. Su Feng remembered then that the protagonist’s body temperature was very low, and the area around Murphy seemed cool, as if he were entirely unaffected.

Suffering from the heat, Su Feng could not help but lean closer toward Murphy. The human air conditioner looked down at him but did not seem to mind.

The Commander glanced over as well but paid it no heed for the moment. He simply took out another block of iron that radiated a metallic luster. In that instant, heat plus heat resulted in a double evolution. Su Feng was nearly knocked back by the oncoming heatwave. He was so hot he could practically pant. His heavy coat felt dreadfully burdensome. Murphy was still cool to the touch. Murphy suddenly felt something warm huddling into his arms. Looking down, he saw Su Feng leaning in with a blank face and slightly flushed cheeks. Seeing Murphy look down, Su Feng raised his face to glance at him, while fine sweat peeked through his fair skin.

Su Feng said, “Just like this, do not move.” Resisting the urge to fan himself, he leaned openly next to the air conditioner and finally could not help but strip off his heavy coat, breathing a sigh of relief. “Are you not hot at all?”

Murphy shook his head. He looked at the young noble master before him, noting the shimmering sheen on his neck and the faint redness beneath his cold-white skin. He looked like a ripe peach, sweating profusely. Murphy knew Su Feng was suffering terribly, and this heat seemed to act upon the soul, which was something even a Sword Venerable would find hard to resist.

Murphy’s soul was cold to the core. Su Feng could not stop himself from huddling closer, pressing tightly against him as if he wanted to wrap his limbs around this giant block of ice, though he restrained himself.

A single thought crossed Murphy’s mind: Delicate.

Seeing Su Feng struggling to endure, Murphy reached out and, appearing indifferent, allowed Su Feng to lean into his embrace. The moment that warm body fell into his arms, Murphy narrowed his eyes slightly. What flashed through his mind, however, was the sight of Su Feng forcing him to kneel on the ground. This young noble’s neck was very thin; it seemed it could be snapped easily. At that time, what kind of expression would he make?

Murphy could not help but ask Su Feng, “Will you really let me study the Grimoire?”

Su Feng felt a chill on his back and breathed a sigh of relief. Hearing Murphy’s words, he hesitated for a moment. He knew Murphy would destroy the world in the future, but he did not know how he would do it or why. However, the Soul-Snatching Secret Manual had already been destroyed by him, and he still needed to gain intimacy points from Murphy. Was he to utilize the man while simultaneously guarding against him as a future threat?

If Su Feng were a truly evil person, he could even try to break the protagonist’s limbs or brainwash him, making Murphy his tool forever. Leaning in Murphy’s arms, Su Feng told him, “I will teach you.”

Murphy asked, “Why?”

“If every decision I make has a corresponding consequence, then I hope I can do a bit more good,” Su Feng said. “You have magical talent. Unless you are beyond redemption, why should I not do this?”

Murphy’s eyes flickered. He heard Su Feng say, “Since you and I are destined to be entangled for a while, why should I not nurture someone worth admiring?”

Murphy looked at Su Feng. Here was the man who had just stripped him of everything while he lacked the Soul-Snatching Secret Manual, possessed no skills, and had missing memories, yet he said he admired him. How interesting, Murphy thought. Does he seem to think I will achieve great things in the future?

“Legend has it that the Record of Calamity possessed by the Ancestor of Calamity shattered into pieces and scattered across various continents. All Dark Mages of the evil sequence aim to collect these fragments, leading to endless slaughter. As far as I know, this Dark Mage may have participated in the fragment struggle thirty years ago. He might not have obtained a fragment, but the fact that he survived that battle speaks to his ability.”

The Commander buried the two treasures possessing the Sun and Blazing attributes and drew the formation diagrams in thin air to set the trap. In truth, after learning that the Dark Mage harassing Blackthorn City possessed soul-snatching arts, the Commander had already guessed Clan’s origin. That the Dark Mage would travel such a distance for revenge was an extremely rare occurrence. Most Dark Mages were stubborn and egoistic. Let alone a dead disciple, even if their relatives and offspring were killed one by one, they usually would not have any reaction.

Therefore, the only person the Commander could ultimately narrow it down to was Lanna, the Envoy of Filth. He was not overly worried about the threat the opponent posed. He was only concerned that Su Feng might be caught in the crossfire of the upcoming battle.

The Commander said, “I will enter the Spirit Realm and restrain him the moment he appears. You must prevent his evil spirits from corroding you. I will use my power to protect you, but my body has been very weak these past few years, so…” The Commander’s words trailed off. He looked at Su Feng and Murphy, his voice pausing momentarily before rising in pitch. “Why are you two hugging?”

Upon closer inspection, Su Feng was not just leaning in Murphy’s arms. He had even taken off his coat and robe, standing there in only his undergarments. Beads of sweat clung to his black hair, and he was so dazed by the heat that he had not heard a word the Commander just said.

The tall Murphy held Su Feng steadily. They were pressed so close together that the Commander felt something was amiss. Under his gaze, Murphy slowly lifted the hand he had placed on Su Feng’s neck, then gave the person in his arms a tiny shake.

Su Feng said, “So hot.” This was not physical heat, but a heat acting on the soul. Su Feng nearly clung to Murphy like an octopus. His whole body felt as soft and elongated as melting wax, swaying unsteadily. He tried his best to stay calm, but he was so parched he kept wiping sweat. “What should we do?”

Seeing them so intimate, the Commander’s gaze slowly changed. Something was wrong. Very wrong.

“I did not consider things carefully. Come out of his arms.” The Commander snapped his fingers. The heat in the air dissipated, and a coolness like a swath of smooth silk wrapped around Su Feng’s body. He was no longer hot. The man instantly came back to life, leaping out of Murphy’s arms like a pony and quickly putting his cloak back on.

The snug, warm temperature in his arms vanished. Murphy slowly raised his face to glance at the Commander, while the look beneath the Commander’s hood held a faint trace of scrutiny. The two men’s gazes crossed in the air, staring at each other before breaking away a second later.

After a moment, the Commander said, “You and your personal valet are hugging?”

Su Feng had been caught red-handed but did not offer much explanation. “Is this the time to focus on that? That fellow seems to be coming.” Su Feng looked at the dark clouds on the horizon. A sense of unease pricked his skin like cold needles, making his scalp tingle.

“No, this matter is more important,” the Commander said.

Su Feng replied, “I do not recall the commission including my personal affairs.” Su Feng thought the Commander was very strange. Besides, it was just two men hugging. They were both men, so what did it matter?

The Commander seemed to want to say something but forced himself to hold back. He observed Su Feng’s expression. He had no right or standing to discipline Su Feng, but he felt that Murphy really did not seem like a good person. The Commander stared at Murphy.

This man was tall, with a reserved temperament, black hair, and purple eyes. A faint smile lingered on his lips, yet it felt like a hypocritical mask because that smile did not change regardless of the angle. From the beginning until now, no other emotional fluctuations had appeared on Murphy’s face. Sharpness was hidden in his eyes. Even when facing the Commander, he was neither humble nor arrogant, possessing an extraordinary bearing.

Given the Commander’s realm, he could already faintly touch the Rules. Even with Murphy just standing there, the extraordinary power of the Spirit Realm seemed to be flowing toward him. Yet Murphy’s future was blurred. It hinted at something extraordinary, but it also felt like an illusion. There was even a lingering trace of the Soul-Snatching Secret Manual on him.

And such a person was standing behind Su Feng, quietly watching him. He appeared beady-eyed and as if he were harboring ill intent. The Commander wanted to kick Murphy away. But Su Feng was protecting his personal valet. He clearly did not like strangers meddling in his business.

Watching this scene, Murphy faintly sensed a wave of hostility. Does the Commander care about Su Feng that much?

The Commander endured and replied, “No, you may do as you wish. I will handle that Dark Mage, but I have one question. Why do you not ask your father for help?”

Su Feng shrugged. “I do not think he would care about these trifles. Besides, he is always elusive and has been away from Blackthorn City for many years.” Su Feng even suspected his old man might have died in some corner, but unfortunately, the butler said the City Lord was in good health.

The Commander’s fist slowly tightened, and his brow furrowed into a knot. “Does no one look after you? Does no one take care of you?”

Su Feng looked at him suspiciously. “You seem very concerned with my family matters.”

The Commander said, “I just feel you should have a better life.” He gazed deeply at the person before him and suddenly pulled off the spatial ring on his hand, trying to thrust it into Su Feng’s hand. The move was so abrupt it startled Su Feng, who refused immediately. “What are you doing, Lord Commander?”

The Commander’s large ponytail swayed. “I just feel you will need these things. I admire you very much.” His actions were too direct, stubborn, and blunt. Su Feng had to cast a look for help toward Murphy. Personal valet, stop him!

The three of them were in a muddle, and the scene even became somewhat comical. After being rejected, the Commander looked a bit dejected and pulled the ring back. The Commander said, “In that case, my trap is set. I need a bait. Since you are the ones who killed the disciple of the Envoy of Filth, one of you shall serve as the bait.”

Then, the Commander looked straight at Murphy, making his intentions clear. Murphy’s smile stiffened, but he then stepped forward with composure, walking into the very center of the formation.

In the Spirit Realm, the power of filth surged in the void. Lanna, the Envoy of Filth, held a crystal ball. Realizing the enemies who killed his disciple were close at hand, his head of black hair turned into flowing sewage, manifesting deformed apostles which he picked up and tossed out of the Spirit Realm.

A second later, ripples appeared in the crystal ball. The apostles were charging toward the enemies. Every messenger he created possessed the strength of a mid-level swordsman. They pounced toward Murphy at the center. Inside the crystal ball, the fool who killed his disciple was in dire straits, struggling to deal with the apostles. Surprisingly, he actually survived.

The target was at the edge of the Dawn Forest. After leaving a field of corpses, he turned to leave. Does he want to flee? A sudden surge of rage rose in Lanna’s heart. What a fool that Clan was to be killed by such a lowly person. A mid-level mage. That guy is only a mid-level mage.

Lanna stared coldly at Murphy. Only after Murphy had nowhere to run and no way to dodge did Lanna lock onto Murphy’s coordinates and step out from the Spirit Realm. He was going to tear Murphy to pieces personally.

However, the moment Lanna stepped out, the coordinates he had locked onto suddenly changed. Lanna’s head of black hair turned into vines and stabbed into the earth, only to feel an indescribable scorching sensation. It was the heat source buried in the ground, burning his body from the inside out. This was an ambush specifically designed to deal with the Envoy of Filth. Without hesitation, Lanna chose to sever his own long hair. His strands broke off completely as he stared coldly at Murphy ahead, only to see Su Feng nearby dealing with the remaining apostles. To Lanna, they were both mere ants. The true threat was the figure standing in the sky.

The Commander held a long blade. He did not say a single word. The moment the blade’s edge rose, his figure appeared before Lanna, slicing him in half at the waist.

Lanna’s body fell to the ground. The upper and lower halves wriggled and transformed into two Lannas, slowly standing up. He still looked straight at Su Feng. “You are the one who truly killed my disciple.”

Standing on the earth, the solar power baked his filthy body. The surrounding spatial formation blocked his path. The Commander’s long blade struck again, and Lanna was divided into four pieces, then six. One Lanna after another stood up again. Before long, the entire spatial formation was densely packed with Lannas. He was even attempting self-division. They piled together, and their pupils were fixed on Su Feng and Murphy. The filthy power formed by their collective gaze made Su Feng dizzy. He knelt on the ground, as his black hair seemingly gained a consciousness of its own. Nearby, Murphy looked even more wretched. His own eyeballs seemed to be speaking to him, “I will skin you alive.”

They were too weak.

The only one present with no reaction was the Commander. He slowly took a clock from his robe and threw a ball of scorching fire into it. With the ticking of time, the flames shining with pure golden firelight burned the Lannas who were trying to shatter the spatial barrier, igniting all his incarnations in an instant.

Under the high temperature, all incarnations merged back together at high speed and were burned into charred ash. But even in such a state, Lanna was not dead. The vitality of the Envoy of Filth was too tenacious. The spatial barrier exploded under internal pressure. Lanna gave a cold laugh, hesitated for a split second between Su Feng and Murphy, then lunged toward Su Feng.

A black wind swept in. At this moment, Su Feng realized only one thing: he was going to die. If Lanna touched him, he would die immediately. As the threat of death loomed, the Commander’s blade struck, pinning Lanna to the ground. But his head actually broke off on its own and flew toward Su Feng, while the remaining torso turned into filthy tentacles to trap the Commander. In this critical moment, Murphy watched the scene with cold indifference. Even if Su Feng were to die, he seemed to feel nothing.

Should he not be happy? Once this meddling, delicate, and arrogant young noble was dead, no one could hinder him anymore.

Su Feng’s cries went unheard, but he did not intend to surrender without a fight. He prepared for a desperate struggle. But at that exact moment, Murphy suddenly spoke, “I am the one who killed Clan.”

Lanna’s head froze in mid-air. Drops of black blood dripped from his brain. Murphy stared at him quietly. Then, he took out his collection and threw Clan’s head onto the ground. Murphy stepped on it. His purple eyes were clear, and he wore a smile. He said, “This has nothing to do with him. I am the one who killed that fellow.”

Lanna stared at him coldly. Without hesitation, he abandoned Su Feng and rushed toward Murphy. Before the man could even react, he was seized by the humanoid Lanna, who shattered every bone in his body with a single blow. Murphy collapsed to the ground instantly, unconscious.

In that moment, the Commander severed all tentacles. He plunged his sun-patterned blade into Lanna’s body, incinerating his remaining soul. The Commander used such force that his red hair swirled out like a vortex, revealing red horse-like ears and a pair of deep cobalt eyes. In the final moment, Lanna’s soul, carrying a fragment of the Record of Calamity, surged into Murphy’s body. He said hoarsely, “Your body, I shall take it.”

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