Chapter 42: Close Friend and Roommate

After leaving the temple and getting into the car, Xiao Kaitian finally let out a slow breath. Hojo Tsuna's strength surpassed his own; even if he activated "Insight," victory would require time, and with Hojo Shuichi present, he did not wish to reveal too much of his power. The way things had been resolved was satisfactory—Hojo Tsuna's blade aura was merely a minor branch of the Divine Source. Attacking him with it was like pouring water into the ocean: silent and unseen. Unable to grasp Xiao Kaitian's depths, Hojo Tsuna decisively chose to withdraw.

With his position made clear, as long as Hojo Shuichi was not foolish or harboring a deep conflict with him, there would be no direct confrontation. As time passed and their cooperation with the Ogihara family became more widely known, Xiao Kaitian's value would only grow. Moreover, he had proposed a willingness to collaborate; the likelihood of Hojo Shuichi targeting him would diminish greatly in the future. Of course, there might still be some superficial gestures, and the relationship between the Hojo and Takeda families remained unclear. With that in mind, he sent a message to Harui Sakura, including an inquiry into the Hojo family as well.

He entrusted this matter to the superintendent because his relationship with the Ogihara family was one of cooperation, not alliance. His subordinate Tang Bi was a force of Han-Tang descent, and these prominent families in the island nation were beyond their reach. Thinking of Harui Sakura, who was always useful, Xiao Kaitian felt his mood lighten.

He had the Hojo family's car drop him at the station, bought a train ticket, and headed for Jiang Churan’s residence. By the time he arrived at her apartment in the city, night had already fallen. Xiao Kaitian stood hesitantly at the door, debating whether to knock, when the door opened from within.

A woman appeared, dressed in pajamas, her long wavy hair cascading freely. She exuded a captivating charm, especially in the way her eyes shimmered in the light, as if they could speak. The sudden appearance startled her; she retreated several steps, the garbage bag in her hand rustling loudly. Yet she quickly regained her composure, swept her hair aside, and flashed a smile. “Oh, what a cute boy.”

Xiao Kaitian paused in surprise, checked the address to confirm it was the one Jiang Churan had given him, then steadied himself and looked at the woman. “Is Jiang Churan living here?”

Careful observation could distinguish the islanders from the Han-Tang people, and for someone like Xiao Kaitian, who possessed a Divine Source of a higher dimension, the distinction was immediate. The woman was of Han-Tang descent, so he spoke in their language.

To his surprise, this only made her more wary. Her alluring manner vanished completely, replaced by a cold gaze. “Who are you?”

“I am her brother, Xiao Kaitian,” he explained, sensing her distance and purposely stepping back to show he meant no harm. “Perhaps she’s mentioned me? I came here to find her.”

“Xiao Kaitian?” The woman’s seductive air softened as she smiled again, her body relaxing against the doorway. “So you’re Churan’s silly little brother.”

“I’m her best friend and roommate, Yang Mengqi,” the woman said cheerfully, her gaze roaming freely over Xiao Kaitian. She leaned limply against the doorframe, as though drained of energy. “Churan mentions you from time to time. Little brother, you’ve finally come to visit your big sister.”

Xiao Kaitian’s expression darkened—what a thing to call him! Someone dared to address him as “little brother.” Well, by biological age, he was indeed a few years younger. He regarded the charming Yang Mengqi and asked, “Where is she? I’m worried she might be in danger.”

“Danger?” Yang Mengqi's smile froze, her eyes scrutinizing Xiao Kaitian as if searching for flaws. “If there’s danger, isn’t it brought by your Xiao family?”

She knew of such hidden matters—Xiao Kaitian was now certain she was indeed Jiang Churan’s confidante. Yet the island’s intricate situation was not something he could explain, so he crafted an answer. “She has a classmate, Takeda Tetsu. I’m concerned there might be trouble there.”

“Takeda Tetsu?” Yang Mengqi straightened, leaning forward, paying no mind to her exposed neckline. “I’ve heard Churan talk about him. He’s a scion of one of the island’s families and has been pursuing her.”

Xiao Kaitian looked away. “Where is she now?”

“Her research group is hosting a gathering tonight. Takeda Tetsu is indeed in her group,” Yang Mengqi shed her seductive pose, replaced by a piercing coldness. “You think Takeda Tetsu will harm Churan?”

Xiao Kaitian shook his head. These were only suspicions; he couldn’t make a definite judgment. “Send me the address of the gathering. I’ll go there myself.”

Yang Mengqi paused, recalling the tales she’d heard about Xiao Kaitian from Jiang Churan. Yet the young man before her seemed unlike the “legend.” Her probing gaze remained fixed on him.

“I’ll go too,” she decided.

“You should stay home. I’ll bring your friend back,” Xiao Kaitian refused. Yang Mengqi was an ordinary person; if something really happened, the fewer involved, the better. “Besides, there may not be any issue at all.”

With an expression that brooked no argument, Yang Mengqi, for reasons unknown, yielded. She trusted Xiao Kaitian without cause and sent him the address.

“Thank you.” Xiao Kaitian memorized the address, turned and departed, leaving Yang Mengqi standing with her garbage bag, watching his receding figure.

“Even if he’s a fool, he’s a very handsome fool,” she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips.

The address was close by; Jiang Churan had chosen her residence for convenience, near the university. When Xiao Kaitian arrived, he saw the sign for “Ichi's Tavern” flickering beneath red lanterns.

The izakaya was a common sight in the island nation, an indispensable part of its culture. Competition ensured each had its own character, but their identity was always “for the people.” This was something the islanders did well—regardless of background, once you entered a certain stage, you followed its customs and fulfilled your obligations.

So, even though Jiang Churan held shares in the Han-Tang Xiao clan, here in the island nation, she was just a student. Takeda Tetsu was the same; at this moment, he was simply a scholar among scholars. Thus, the university research group’s gathering at such a place was perfectly ordinary.

Looking at the sign, Xiao Kaitian took out a cigarette and lit it, exhaling smoke that lingered long in the humid night air beside him.

“The Takeda family, hmm…”