Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 357 - 350: Punishment

Chapter 357: Chapter 350: Punishment

"I thought you were into same-sex relations," Cheng Ziang said, holding his chest with a disgusted expression. If he hadn’t known about his romance, Cheng Ziang would have really doubted his sexual orientation.

"Same-sex? What?" Yalunte was confused with the term Cheng Ziang suddenly blurted out.

"Nothing much, do you have any plans next?" Cheng Ziang asked, releasing his hand from his chest.

"Hmm, the headquarters wants us to assist you in completing your mission," Yalunte mentioned.

"Really?" Cheng Ziang looked surprisingly doubtful.

"Of course, Chief Lin Wei just informed me," Yalunte said matter-of-factly.

Upon hearing him, Cheng Ziang seemed relieved, and he rejoiced silently within himself.

"You don’t like that idea?" Yalunte asked, looking at him.

"Whatever... just don’t interfere with our mission," Cheng Ziang averted his eyes and spoke noncommittally.

"So, what’s next for us?" Yalunte asked, beaming.

"Pack up, we’re returning to the Otherworld in a couple of days!" Cheng Ziang felt uneasy with his weirdly peculiar grin.

Back to Luo’er, he sent Hu Daoke and Shariya to the river. They built a raft in a day, and it took them another day to reach Melia’s camp, from where they took a fast boat down the river for Shariya’s treatment in Yazhi City. Meanwhile, Luo’er took the three girls and followed on horseback.

After the explosion, all the soldiers in Lipei scattered, and peace returned to the area, with the muddy ground and chaotic footprints reminding everyone that many people had once gathered here.

When they hurriedly arrived at Melia’s camp, she was stunned to see the three girls with Luo’er. She couldn’t believe Luo’er had captured another girl’s heart during this round trip.

However, Luo’er didn’t have time to explain, they had to rush back to Yazhi City for an awaiting mission.

They reached Yazhi City in less than two days, floating downstream - the fastest way. The local medical team there was operating on Shariya, giving Wang Xu an unexpected opportunity. He had been trying to figure out how to owe the Church Court a favor when the opportunity arrived.

Returning to the long-lost base, they were filled with deep emotions. During the execution of their mission, the world’s scenario had changed drastically, and this was no longer the base from before.

The Church Court is now at odds with most of the Earth’s countries and has blocked the Otherworld Gate, with only a few countries having the right of passage. This has severely affected trade between the two realms and deepened the conflict with the nations of Earth.

In such an environment, the Church Court finally decided to abandon its isolationist diplomacy and actively seek support from Earth nations. The headquarters found this opportunity and started full-fledged contact with the Church Court, intending to become its first partner.

With their efforts, they obtained the first batch of passage permits, facilitating the transfer of intelligence, materials, and personnel. But they wanted more than just that; the Church Court was now viewed as an enemy by most countries on Earth, and the forces they could ally with were countable on fingers. It’s precisely because of this that Wang Xu was devoted to becoming the Church Court’s only partner.

The high-ranking official they were now trying to rescue, Shariya, belonged to the Church Court. He was the Dean at the Magic Academy, second only to the Forbidden Curse Level Mages. As long as they settled him well, the Church Court would owe them a favor.

"Boss, you guys are finally back!" Hu Daoke surrounded them joyfully upon seeing their arrival.

"You’ve been working hard. Is Dean Shariya alright?" Luo’er asked.

"He’s fine now," Hu Daoke waved his hand and said cheerily, "Also, Old Cheng will be back soon too!"

"Really, that’s great!" Luo’er exclaimed with a smile.

Then, he lowered his head and fell silent for a moment. His facial expression froze for a while before he lifted his head and coldly ordered Baiyue, "Put Tangmo in the Confinement Room!"

"Boss, this..." Hu Daoke was surprised by Luo’er’s abrupt change of face and immediately pleaded for Tangmo.

Before he could finish, he was interrupted by Tangmo. She didn’t dare meet Luo’er’s gaze and just lightly pulled on Hu Daoke’s clothes, indicating him to be quiet.

"Let’s go, Sister Moumou," Baiyue said softly after walking over to her.

"Alright," Tangmo nodded. When she reached Luo’er, she couldn’t help but quiver her lips, then softly apologized, "I’m sorry..."

She was aware that her wrongdoings were unforgivable and would be willing to serve a prison sentence, if necessary. After all, even though her actions were that of another ’Momo’, she, in essence, was equally accountable and couldn’t escape this responsibility.

"You guys... are you okay?" Feliz asked with apprehension after noticing the sudden shift in the atmosphere.

"We’re fine," Luo’er reassured, looking at her sympathetically, "It’s just some internal affairs."

"Oh..." Feliz nodded blankly.

After Tangmo was taken to the Confinement Room, Luo’er returned to his dormitory. Hu Daoke stood still for a while, and soon, Cheng Ziang and Yalunte arrived. Surprisingly, Murong also followed them.

"Old Cheng!" Hu Daoke ran into his arms, looking aggrieved.

"Ew, don’t you feel gross? How come every man I see, you want to hug?" Cheng Ziang pushed him away in disgust, then said, furrowing his brows.

"Old Cheng, Sister Moumou has been confined." Hu Daoke said pitifully.

"Oh, so that’s what happened." Cheng Ziang responded dismissively.

"Don’t act like nothing’s wrong! Our leader treated Sister Moumou so well before, why did he suddenly get angry?" Hu Daoke asked in confusion.

"Are you stupid? That’s just Luo’er’s method of protecting Moumou." Cheng Ziang said, shaking his head.

"Huh? There’s such a method?" Hu Daoke asked with a clueless face.

"Duh, do you think Sister Moumou’s offences can just be done away with confinement? If headquarters found out, being repatriated would be the least of our worries." Cheng Ziang retorted, rolling his eyes.

"Then our leader, he..." Hu Daoke asked hesitantly.

"Luo’er wants to keep all issues within the team. Instructor Wang promised him that internal conflicts can be resolved internally. This way, Luo’er can solve the issue within controllable boundaries and doesn’t need to report to headquarters." Cheng Ziang explained.

"Oh, so that’s how it is. Looks like I misunderstood our leader!" Hu Daoke said, gaining sudden insight.

"So, actually he didn’t need to punish her at all!" Hu Daoke added with an afterthought.

"Rewards and punishments must be distinct. He is the captain. If he can’t even do this, how is he going to lead?" Cheng Ziang said with disdain.

"Why are you being so harsh on me? After so many days of not seeing each other, you’re still like this. I was worried sick about you." Hu Daoke pouted, pretending to act cute.

"Stop it, your pig brain hasn’t shown any improvement. You’re just a big fool who only knows to pull triggers!" Cheng Ziang said, stepping back disgustingly.

Murong quietly watched their conversation. Cheng Ziang’s performance in front of him was completely different from his behaviour with Hu Daoke, forming a stark contrast. He was constantly nagging at Hu Daoke, but it seemed like a playful banter among companions.

"Speaking of which," Hu Daoke glanced at Murong, then leaned in to whisper in Cheng Ziang’s ear, "Why are they here?"

"They’re here to carry out the mission with us." Cheng Ziang said.

"So how are they... distributed?" Hu Daoke glanced at Zhuanzhu, then hesitantly asked.

Cheng Ziang knew what he meant, so he said: "Their team is directed by the advance team, which means Luo’er is in charge of them."

"That’s good." Hu Daoke relaxed and nodded at Cheng Ziang’s explanation.

Inside the confinement room, Tangmo sat alone with her head down, without any visible expression. The room was gloomy with only one bed, used for punishing people who made minor mistakes. Li Si saw Baiyue bringing Tangmo here, and although he was curious, he didn’t feel comfortable asking.

Suddenly, the door creaked open and someone walked in. Despite not lifting her head, the footsteps alone told Tangmo who it was.

"How are you feeling in here? Is it cold?" Luo’er asked her with concern.

"Not cold!" Tangmo replied softly.

Upon hearing her response, Luo’er nodded, then asked, "Do you understand where you went wrong?"

"I understand." Tangmo nodded.

"Stay here for a while. I’ll arrange for a doctor to see you. Remember not to mention too much about what you did to him." Luo’er instructed.

"Thank you!" Biting her lip, Luo’er could hear her sobbing.

After a long silence, Luo’er sighed deeply, then said consolingly, "Don’t blame yourself too much. It’s not entirely your fault. You’re only punishing yourself by doing so."

"Of course I’m punishing myself. Why did I hurt you when I didn’t want to?" As Tangmo spoke, she began to sob.

"I’m fine, don’t worry too much about me." Luo’er said gently.

"You always say that, how can I not care." Tangmo replied.

Luo’er sighed once again, then placed a hand on her head and comforted, "Just stay here for a while, then your guilt will fade. Stop blaming yourself, okay?"

"I understand." Tangmo’s sobbing got louder once Luo’er placed his hand on her head.

"I have to go now. Reflect on yourself for a while then stop blaming yourself when you get out." Luo’er said, preparing to leave the confinement room.

"Luo’er!" Tangmo suddenly called him, watching him slowly turn around. She sniffled, then said sincerely, "I may not be worthy of you, so I won’t stop you from liking other girls anymore!"