"Is there really no solution at all?"
Chen Shuo remained unwilling to give up. As the old saying goes, as long as you don't give up thinking, there are always more solutions than problems.
If this issue wasn't resolved, Su Xiyan would remain completely exposed.
If any powerful vampires set their sights on her, trouble would be inevitable.
No, perhaps she had already been targeted. After all, Chen Shuo clearly remembered what Xiao Mingchen had said when they eliminated him.
There were others behind him, more powerful forces.
Xiao Mingchen was, after all, just their pawn. When their dog gets bullied, the masters certainly wouldn't let it slide.
Especially now that Su Xiyan was growing rapidly stronger, they would definitely have their eyes on her.
"I'm just a Half Ghost King. Even though I spent many years by Xiao Mingchen's side, this is all I know," Mei sighed deeply. Even as a confidant, everything she did was specially arranged by the Demon King.
The hierarchy among vampires was strictly defined. If Xiao Mingchen didn't mention something to her, she had no right to inquire about it.
Chen Shuo nodded slightly, understanding that relying on Mei's information wouldn't lead anywhere.
Since they couldn't eliminate the threat, they could only face it.
The current predicament was that the enemy was hidden while they were exposed.
He needed to discuss this thoroughly with Su Yuanying to find a countermeasure.
But before that, Chen Shuo had many things to do.
First was the safety of his parents and those close to him. He wouldn't let what happened before happen again.
"Where's my stuff?" Seeing Chen Shuo fall silent, Mei reached out her hand.
This time, Chen Shuo didn't hesitate. After giving the items to Mei, he specifically warned her about some contraindications for the medicine.
"Thank you. Since you kept your word, I'll tell you one more thing. The Demon King has a secret cave where he communicates with his superiors. You might find something useful if you go there."
After receiving what she wanted from Chen Shuo, Mei kindly reminded him.
She originally didn't want to reveal this information. At this point, other people's affairs were none of her concern.
As long as she could live peacefully, that was enough.
But Chen Shuo's worried expression about Su Xiyan softened her heart.
Once upon a time, she too had someone who protected her like that, but now...
Thinking about this, Mei shook her head with a bitter smile.
It didn't matter anymore. Let the past scatter with the wind.
Mei's hint brightened Chen Shuo's eyes.
Just when he thought they were at a dead end, a path appeared.
Although it was just a contact point, they might find something useful.
"Where is it?" Chen Shuo pressed.
"That'll cost you extra." Mei raised her eyebrows, hoping to make another deal with Chen Shuo.
Just for this simple piece of information, she had already received such a great benefit from Chen Shuo.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, she naturally wanted to squeeze more out of him.
But imagination is rich while reality is harsh. In response to her demand, Chen Shuo just gave her a cold stare, and in that moment, a murderous aura enveloped Mei.
Feeling the terrifying sense of crisis that left her breathless, Mei immediately backed down.
"What... what are you doing? I'm helping you here. You're not going to repay kindness with enmity, are you?"
Mei broke out in a cold sweat, unconsciously taking half a step back.
But she had nowhere to retreat to now. If Chen Shuo wanted, he could make her vanish into thin air in an instant.
"Repay kindness with enmity? Aren't you the one pushing your luck? Tell me, where is it?"
Chen Shuo showed no friendliness. Giving her the enhancement potion was already a great reward, but here she was, wanting more?
Chen Shuo hated being blackmailed most, so he wouldn't make any compromises.
"You... How am I pushing my luck? I'm just trying to secure more benefits for myself."
Mei's voice grew increasingly uncertain, especially when faced with Chen Shuo's murderous gaze, she became more flustered.
"Fine, I'll tell you. It's near the Monster Hunters' Guild."
Hearing this, Chen Shuo frowned. He wondered if he had misheard something. Near the Monster Hunters' Guild?
"You'd better not be joking with me."
"I'm not joking, it really is near the Monster Hunters' Guild. Why do you think we've been able to hide for so long? Haven't you heard the saying? The most dangerous place is also the safest place."
Mei spoke with a hint of pride.
Perhaps this was what the vampires were most proud of - their lair was located right beneath the Monster Hunters' Guild. This was why the Guild had failed to find their base despite multiple raids against the vampires.
Because the Monster Hunters' Guild wouldn't set up detection points within their own territory, and even if they did, they wouldn't search deep underground.
This was the fundamental reason why they could never completely eliminate the vampires.
After hearing Mei's explanation, everything became clear to Chen Shuo.
It was truly shocking to learn this.
Knowing the location now, Chen Shuo didn't waste any time and prepared to leave immediately.
"Chen Shuo, where are you going so late at night?"
Xu Mei, who was still cleaning up in the kitchen, quickly called out to Chen Shuo when she saw him heading out.
"I need to go out for something." Chen Shuo couldn't tell the truth, so he had to be vague.
Xu Mei immediately became displeased: "What are you doing going out so late? Su Xiyan is still here, and you're trying to sneak out. Tell me, are you going to mess around with some questionable friends?"
Faced with Xu Mei's questioning, Chen Shuo couldn't explain his predicament.
What did she mean by messing around? How had his years of being a good son suddenly crumbled in this moment?
"Mom, it's not what you think. It's about school business, it's urgent, so I must go."
Chen Shuo made up a serious-sounding excuse. What else could he do? He didn't want to deceive them, but they couldn't know about this matter. A well-intentioned lie was the only option.
Chen Shuo's lie couldn't fool Su Xiyan, but as he struggled to explain, she helped him out: "Auntie, it's true. With the holidays coming up, there's a lot going on at school."
"Really?" Xu Mei was half-convinced.
"Of course it's true, absolutely true. Even if you don't trust your son, surely you trust Su Xiyan?"
With Chen Shuo putting it that way, Xu Mei didn't say anything more: "Then come back early."
"Don't worry, Auntie. I'll go with Chen Shuo. That makes you feel better, right?"
Just as Chen Shuo had breathed a sigh of relief at his mother's permission, Su Xiyan's words made his heart jump into his throat again.