Chapter 52: Ambushed

The little creature radiated a terrifying aura of murderous intent. The soldiers’ expressions changed, each raising their weapons and eyeing the child warily.

Xu Han gently stroked the creature’s head. “He’s one of us.”

“Go back and rest for now.”

A magic circle glowed. The little one was sent back to the pet space.

The captain glared coldly at Xu Han. “Do you know the crime for fighting inside the carriage?”

Xu Han didn’t speak, only stared at the captain. The captain felt uneasy under Xu Han’s gaze.

He gritted his teeth. “Take him away!”

“Yes, sir!”

Several soldiers strode toward Xu Han. The surrounding people dared not utter a word.

“Wait!” Shui Lingyao suddenly stood up and spoke.

The captain’s gaze shifted to Shui Lingyao, full of impatience. “What now? Are you involved in this, too?”

“This matter wasn’t caused by him. Those people tried to assassinate him,” Shui Lingyao said earnestly.

“That’s not for you to decide—we’ll investigate ourselves!” The captain waved his hand.

Two soldiers moved behind Xu Han, attempting to seize his arms.

“No need. I’ll walk on my own,” Xu Han said coldly.

The two soldiers were about to protest, but met Xu Han’s gaze. His eyes were icy, like blades piercing straight into their hearts. The pair shuddered, instinctively stepping back.

The captain, seeing this, drew his sword and pointed it at Xu Han. “You little punk, do you intend to attack the guards?”

“If you make a move, I have the authority to kill you on the spot!”

Xu Han frowned, about to speak. Shui Lingyao interjected, “Wait!”

“I’ll go with him.”

The captain glared angrily at Shui Lingyao, about to retort, when she produced a water-blue token. Upon it was a depiction of a massive whale, its body deep blue with vivid crimson markings along its back.

The captain’s face changed. “Is that... the Sea God Token of the Shui family from the Grand Headquarters of Zhenhai?!”

“Miss, may I ask—”

“Shui Lingyao of the Shui family.”

Shui Lingyao spoke coolly.

The captain’s demeanor instantly became fawning. “So you’re the eldest daughter of the Shui family—please forgive my disrespect!”

“Let’s go. I’ll accompany you to see the conductor and clarify matters.”

“I’ll go, too.”

Shui Xuelan also rose, her voice resolute.

The captain glanced questioningly at Shui Lingyao.

“She’s my sister,” Shui Lingyao explained.

The captain’s expression stiffened, hastily nodding.

Together, the group headed toward the front of the train.

Led by the captain, they arrived at the locomotive. A middle-aged man with a square face and stern demeanor sat smoking in a chair.

The captain spoke respectfully, “Sir, I’ve brought the individuals involved in the disturbance.”

Conductor Xiong Hui turned to look at them.

“Why was there fighting in the carriage? Do you not know private altercations are strictly forbidden aboard the train?”

“No matter the issue, it must be reported to the guards, who will judge and handle it!”

Shui Lingyao said, “Conductor, those people tried to assassinate Xu Han. He merely defended himself under duress.”

Xiong Hui frowned. “Assassination? Is that so?”

Xu Han nodded, and recounted the events and his suspicions.

“The Abyssal Church? I never thought those scum would dare such a thing!” Xiong Hui’s face darkened. “Rest assured! When we reach our next stop, Donggang City, I’ll notify the station to send reinforcements and conduct a thorough inspection of all passengers.”

“In addition, all weapons will be collected and stored together for safekeeping. This should ensure your safety.”

Xu Han nodded slightly. “Thank you.”

Xiong Hui waved him off. “It’s my duty.”

“Besides, I’ve heard you’re the great hero who saved Donghai City!”

“Compared to your deeds, this matter is trivial. Please, go and rest.”

“Captain Liu, station extra guards to protect them, in case the Abyssal Church remnants pose further threats!”

“Yes, sir!” the captain replied respectfully.

Exiting the conductor’s compartment, Shui Xuelan exhaled in relief. “Thankfully... the conductor didn’t make things difficult for us.”

Shui Lingyao nodded gently, her beautiful eyes settling on Xu Han with curious intent.

“You’re the one who resolved the siege of the monstrous beasts?”

Shui Xuelan also directed her gaze at Xu Han, both brimming with curiosity.

Xu Han felt uneasy under their scrutiny, and nodded.

Shui Lingyao asked, intrigued, “How did you do it?”

Xu Han was about to answer when the train suddenly jolted violently.

“Ah!”

Shui Lingyao lost her balance and fell toward the floor. She cried out, instinctively shutting her eyes. Yet the expected pain did not come—instead, she landed softly in someone’s arms.

She opened her eyes, meeting Xu Han’s gaze.

Startled as a deer, she leapt up in embarrassment. “S-sorry.”

Xu Han waved it off, his expression growing grave.

Captain Liu’s face turned grim. “Damn, the train must have struck something!”

He pushed open the conductor’s door and saw, at a glance, a massive boulder blocking the train’s path. The locomotive had collided headlong into it, its front crushed and deformed. Glass lay shattered across the ground.

Xiong Hui’s body bore several wounds, blood streaming from his forehead.

Captain Liu’s face changed. He seized the nearby communicator and shouted, “Medic! Medic! Come to the conductor’s compartment immediately! The conductor is injured!”

Xu Han approached Xiong Hui, gazing out the window with a frown. “Conductor, how did this boulder end up here?”

Xiong Hui shook his head gravely. “I don’t know. The train runs on autopilot—if any obstacle is detected, it should brake well in advance.”

“But the detection system failed to register this boulder.”

“I fear... someone tampered with it!”

Xu Han’s eyes narrowed.

For such an incident to occur now—it was obvious who was responsible.

Xiong Hui, brow furrowed, said, “I’ve already sent an SOS to Donggang City station. It’ll take at least seven or eight hours for help to arrive.”

“For now, we can only wait.”

“Xu Han, rest here.”

“Captain Liu, keep only the necessary men to maintain order. Everyone else must gather here—Xu Han’s safety is paramount!”

“Yes, sir!” Captain Liu replied with respect.

He turned and issued instructions to his subordinates, who hurried away.

Xiong Hui looked at Xu Han. “For now, stay here. If you need anything, speak to the guards directly.”

Xu Han nodded. “Thank you, Conductor.”

With that, Xiong Hui hurried off to calm the passengers.

Xu Han sat in a chair, eyes closed to rest.

He knew well: the Abyssal Church would not let matters rest.

A fiercer assault was bound to follow.