Chapter 87 Caught

An Energy Storm thrice as big as the ones before arrived as the last of the recruits was shrouded in the whirlwind of energy.

Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled as if heavens were dissatisfied with the judicious spread of the top grade manuals. The raindrops turned to hail and each hailstone glowed like an incredible gem.

"This is not an Energy Storm, this is the wrath of nature!"

Feng Yan couldn't help but exclaim seeing the outrageous downpour. The flattened utensils had been filled to brim in a few breaths and now the Energy-infused water overflowed from them.

And yet in this storm, their recruits were safe under the veil of Energy.

About two hours later, the storm subsided. Ikasa ordered the jars filled with Energy-Infused Water to be sealed and placed in one of the larger rooms.

Just as the last batch of the precious liquid was moved inside, Feng Yan noticed a visitor riding on a horse at the speed of wind, approaching them.

Commander Lu rode his horsebeast straight into the residence and assessed everyone with concern.

"What was that? Why was the Energy Storm so huge?"

His presence meant that the commotion caused by the Energy Storm had been noticed by the powers of the Birch City. Ikasa signaled Feng Yan to be on look out for any sneaky spies before turning his attention to their guest.

"I think a natural Energy Storm combined with the one formed by my cultivation manual. That's why the spectacle was so huge and widespread."

Ikasa lied through his teeth. Commander Lu looked at him with suspicion but he had nothing to disprove the lie.

"The Hu Clan and Monstrous Flam Sect have noticed the huge commotion. They might come over to investigate. If they use force, don't hesitate to call for us."

Lu Shao warned about potential adversaries and offered his assistance. Ikasa knew nothing came for free as he noticed the Commander's eyes fixated on the gem like hailstones strewn across the Fields.

These hailstones were excellent for training the ice attribute skills. However, their preservation requirements were also harsh. They needed to be induced with Ice energy to preserve their state.

"Commander Lu, if you want the hailstones, you can take them. I do not have the means to preserve them."

Lu Shao smiled widely and cupped his fists at Ikasa.

"Then I won't be polite."

He said and jumped down the horse with a jade container in one hand and a pair of tongs in another. Bending down, he began to stuff as many hailstones as possible in that small jade bottle.

The Kids joined Ikasa as they watched the respected Commander work like a farmhand to carefully pick every hailstone.

"What a foolish Uncle! He only needs to freeze some Energy-infused water and he can get as many hailstones as possible!"

Luo Qiqi exclaimed, expressing her disdain for the Commander's stinginess.

"And how will you freeze the water?"

Ikasa asked, though he too knew that what Commander Lu was doing was a fruitless endeavor. The hailstone may sell for 30 times the price but finding a container suitable to hold them was also many times harder.

Luo Qiqi thought about Ikasa's question but she was unable to find an answer. Unwilling to give up, she just repeated one of the facts Ikasa had spewed in the bid to impress the Kids.

"I just need to bring the water to 0℃ and it will freeze!"

Ikasa rubbed her head in half annoyance and half amusement.

"When I taught you the States of Matter, I didn't do it so you can use the knowledge to act cheeky with me!"

Luo Qiqi stuck out her tongue and hid behind Hei Ying. Commander Lu had finished collecting the hailstones and arrived before Ikasa.

"Thank You, Brother! I will never forget your generosity."

"Commander Lu, you should hurry up or those hailstones will melt on the way to the City."

Ikasa replied with a smile. In his head, he added, 'Not like they would be intact even if you hurry.'

Lu Shao grinned and saddled up on his horse. After a gracious salute, he giddied up and rode to the City.

As his silhouette disappeared, Ikasa rushed to the second floor. The Kids ran behind him. The only reason he was in a hurry to send Commander Lu off was because Feng Yan was calling for him.

As soon as he entered the largest room on the second floor, he heard a hiccup. In the plethora of pots filled with the Energy-infused water, a tiny furry creature lay sprawled on the ground.

Ikasa tiptoed and picked the fox up by his neck. The fox was alarmed but its stomach was too bloated for it to muster any resistance.

The little critter had obviously drunk too much of the water as evident by the 30 or so empty pots around it.

The kids who arrived soon after had a shine in their eyes upon seeing the cute fox. Feng Yan stood before them and prevented them from approaching Ikasa.

"What should we do with this Fox? It is clearly a nuisance. We can release it into a jungle."

Feng Yan wisely avoided mentioning homicide as he knew that the Fox could understand humans.

The Fox flailed its short limbs and looked at Ikasa with pitiful eyes. When it received no response from him, it pleaded to the Kids.

Their hearts melted from seeing the piteous little fox. Hei Ying opened her arms to call it in her embrace.

Even though Ikasa was sure he had a tight grip on the Fox's scruff, it somehow phased out and jumped into Hei Ying's embrace. It nuzzled her lower chin and made itself at home.

Other kids also wanted to come closer but Feng Yan stopped them. He wanted to get that animal away from Hei Ying as well but if it turned violent, there was no one who could stop it.

Evading his frayed senses, Luo Qiqi arrived near Hei Ying and tickled the little fox's belly. She couldn't help but exclaim, "So cute!"

The Fox laughed and exposed more of his belly to the girl. She giggled with the fox and indulged the little critter in a belly rub.

The other kids also joined in. The fox jumped on the ground and let all the kids play with him. Except for his tail and ears, the Fox let the kids pet and scratch its every other body part.

Ikasa watched the interactions with a critical eye. He noticed the Fox evaded males and preferred females. Occasionally, it would throw a glance at Feng Yan and him.

He too approached the little fox and offered him a hailstone. The Fox shyly came forward and ate from his hand.

At this time, Feng Yan reminded, "That creature could be dangerous!"

The Fox immediately jumped into Hei Ying's arms and bared its teeth at Feng Yan. At this moment Hei Ying spoke up.

"Brother Ikasa, you promised me a wish. My wish is to let this little fox live with us!"