Having earned Kurt’s approval, Li Xin had now truly stepped into the world of the Night Watchmen. This wasn’t just a ceremonial onboarding—it meant that from now on, if anything went wrong, someone would have his back. That was the rule among the Night Watchmen—especially within a squad. They supported each other.
The Fifth Squad had six members in total:
Captain Kurt, Vice-Captain Kario;
Members: Wu Gang, Dinary, Vanga, and Li Xin.
Captain Kurt was highly experienced and extremely powerful, wielding control-type psionic abilities. Psionics with such abilities were usually top-tier. Dinary specialized in tracking, Vanga was an expert in occult studies. Both were solid in combat, though Kario and Wu Gang stood out the most.
Li Xin’s combat skills had already been recognized, but Kurt still emphasized obedience during missions. Fighting monsters, cultists, and bizarre phenomena often relied more on experience and battlefield awareness than raw strength. Recklessness and impulsiveness were the worst sins.
Of course, that kind of discipline wasn’t built overnight—it came from surviving mission after mission.
Not only was Li Xin capable, but his calm, composed personality also won over both Kurt and Kario. For someone so young to have this level of strength and still be so humble was rare. No wonder Captain Luo had personally vouched for him.
After squad districts were assigned, members rotated shifts when there were no active missions. Since Li Xin was new, he shadowed senior members on duty to gain experience. Occasionally, he’d join patrols. It was official now—he was part of the force. As long as their district stayed quiet, life as a Night Watchman wasn’t all that rough.
Li Xin brought out the last food reserve from home—a smoked pork hind leg cured for four years—and brought it to Luo Jin, along with a report on how he was doing lately.
Luo Jin didn’t directly oversee these affairs, but he already knew Li Xin’s situation from Casey. He was secretly proud—his judgment had never been wrong. But this kid was even better than expected. No signs of maladjustment. So when he saw Li Xin, his mood was pretty good.
Li Xin placed the huge ham on the side table.
“Captain, I’ve officially started work now. Still lacking some experience, but I’ll learn as I go.”
Then he concisely summarized his current status. Luo Jin kept nodding throughout—clear logic, clean delivery.
Scratching his head a little sheepishly, Li Xin added,
“Everyone seems to think I’m your nephew…”
Luo Jin couldn’t help but laugh.
“Isn’t that what you wanted? You’re playing innocent after scoring the advantage. But hey, having a nephew like you isn’t a bad deal.”
Seeing Luo Jin’s expression, Li Xin understood immediately.
“Uncle Luo, then consider the ham my way of paying respects.”
“Haha, fair enough. Gotta say, your smoked meat and jerky are damn good.”
“Used a secret soy sauce blend, dried it just right to let the flavor soak in.”
Luo Jin nodded.
“I’m just a single guy with nothing much to my name. This badge here was a gift from the High Priest when I got promoted to Captain. I’m giving it to you.”
Li Xin could feel the faint glow coming off the badge—it had clearly been blessed by the High Priest. Without hesitation, he accepted it with both hands.
“Uncle Luo, then I won’t stand on ceremony.”
“Work hard. The motto of us Night Watchmen is to uphold justice. But remember—if you want to stay alive in this line of work, don’t play the hero,” Luo Jin warned. “If something’s too much for you, come find me.”
“Heh, Uncle Luo, just don’t get annoyed when I do.”
Leaving the office, Li Xin was in a great mood—only to nearly bump right into Casey.
“Sis Casey, you like eavesdropping that much?”
Casey’s face turned red.
“What eavesdropping? I was just concerned about you… A-Xin, ahem…”
“Sis Casey, are you trying to ask how to get closer to Uncle Luo—not just as coworkers?” Li Xin said bluntly.
Casey blushed even harder. Glancing around to make sure no one was nearby, she quickly pulled Li Xin aside. This kid was unnervingly good at reading people. She’d rarely seen Luo Jin so easygoing. And now he’d even given out the rare Lunar Medal. Gritting her teeth, she went all in.
“Yes! Old Luo’s like a rock—cold and stubborn. I’m not getting any younger, and my family keeps pushing…”
In fact, her feelings were an open secret among the Night Watchmen. The only one who seemed oblivious was the blockhead himself. Casey was top-tier in every respect: her family had a City Hall councilor, she was drop-dead gorgeous, a star graduate from the Ecclesia Academy, and had a sterling reputation. Luo Jin might have power, but she was still out of his league. What mattered more was her heart—noble girls rarely chose to become Night Watchmen, even after awakening.
“Sis Casey, you’re being too modest. You’re our squad’s goddess. Honestly, it’s simple—Uncle Luo probably does feel something but just isn’t sure, or confident. All you need to do is be a little more forward. You could have him wrapped around your finger in no time!”
“I’ve been with the Night Watchmen for four years. I’m about to rot into an old maid! And you think I haven’t tried?!” Casey groaned, shooting Li Xin a skeptical look. Was this kid actually reliable?
Old Luo was important, sure—but so was Casey. And she was here.
“Sis Casey, it’s not the same. Work time is still work time. Uncle Luo’s the captain, and he’s strict about separating business and private life. You need to catch him off-duty—only then can things really progress. Have you guys done anything after work?”
Casey gave it serious thought… Not really. Luo Jin never joined any group activities. And with him around, the others always felt awkward. He’d been a loner for who knows how long.
“I tried inviting him to concerts or for a walk, but he never said yes…” Casey sounded dejected. She was still a woman—there was a limit to how much she could throw away her pride. She had no idea how to be more proactive. It was already so obvious.
Li Xin realized this was his time to shine. After thinking for a moment, his eyes lit up.
“Actually, it’s easy. Uncle Luo often goes out for a drink after work, right? What, is the bar only open to him? Can’t you just casually show up? Just a ‘chance’ encounter. And if he’s had a drink—well, someone’s gotta walk you home, right? It’s not safe for a girl alone at night.”
“...I’m an Awakened, you know.”
“Sis Casey, a drunk Awakened is pretty much a regular person. And you’re not combat-type—you can’t fight!” Li Xin had to spell it out.
“If you can’t get him drunk, you can at least get yourself drunk—cough cough. Just… don’t say I told you that. I like living.”
Selling out his newly adopted uncle so quickly did make him feel a little guilty.
Casey clearly caught on. Her eyes lit up brighter and brighter, and she suddenly found Li Xin way more charming.
Why hadn’t she thought of that?!
Of course she knew the bar Luo Jin frequented. After work was when people truly relaxed. A couple drinks, a little conversation…
The atmosphere practically created itself!
“A-Xin, you sure know a lot, don’t you?” Casey eyed Li Xin with a suspiciously sweet expression.
Li Xin immediately got the message—this wasn’t about knowing a lot, it was about knowing too much. He raised his hand fast.
“Sis Casey, it’s not even a done deal yet! Don’t burn bridges after crossing them! I swear, this whole thing is just between you, me, the sky, and the moon. We’re comrades—I’m your biggest supporter!”
Li Xin went full-on sincerity. No flaws in the delivery.
Casey smiled radiantly. Her mood had never been better—like clouds parting to reveal the sun.
“That’s my good nephew. Here—this is a little gift from your aunt. Should make shopping easier.”
Aunt???
The gold card in his hand felt surprisingly heavy. Casey’s smug little smirk was already curling upward as she skipped off, humming a cheerful tune.
Watching her gleeful silhouette fade away, even the money-loving Li Xin felt like he’d just lost something important.
How much was this card worth?
In the end, Li Xin didn’t ask.
Selling out his discount uncle and getting demoted in seniority in the process...
Yeah, the price felt a little steep.
(End of Chapter)