CHAPTER 375: EPISODE 40.6 IT’S ON!

Tomorrow arrived unhurried, and the operation to capture Lee Jinhyuk began in silence.

The dungeon Chairman Mao selected was a B-Class site nestled in the ruins of an old Buddhist temple on City B’s eastern outskirts. Officially dubbed Howling Forest, it earned its name from the canine-type monsters that claimed it: Weremutts, Kobolds, and Bloodhounds roamed the shadowed groves. They were unintelligent, but vicious and relentlessly bloodthirsty.

For B-Class awakeners and below, entering in small groups was reckless, if not outright suicidal. But for A-Class and S-Class elites, it was an ideal testing ground—a wild, dangerous space to sharpen their blades.

And today, the guildmasters—ranging from A- to S-Class—would be using it to "film a commercial" showcasing their cooperation and might.

This blatant setup was one of the reasons Lee Jinhyuk so easily believed the Hunter Association’s offer. Everything looked legitimate. Everything looked grand.

And everything was meant to lure the bastard in.

By eight in the morning, several vans screeched to a stop before the dungeon entrance, bringing an impressive entourage: camera crews with massive equipment, staff carrying tents and storage boxes, and then, finally, the distinguished hunters themselves.

The shoot was meant to capture the "brilliance" of thirty guildmasters and their seamless teamwork—estimated to last half a day at most.

Provisions were unloaded: food, water, spare weapons, arrows, spears. The bustle, the logistics, the funding—it all screamed official campaign.

Lee Jinhyuk watched the display with a satisfied smirk.

With this kind of manpower, it’d be weird if this event wasn’t legit. A perfect chance to make connections within Country C’s hunter society.

Information and networking were essential to his true line of work. He had no intention of wasting an opportunity.

With renewed motivation, he gathered his team—particularly the "cameramen."

"Once we’re inside, spread out evenly," he said casually. "We need full coverage."

Of course, the second meaning was clear. His staff understood perfectly.

Their smiles were bright—too bright. Hyenas in disguise.

"Understood, Boss."

They immediately busied themselves, pretending to work, but whenever no one was looking, their eyes were subtly evaluating the guildmasters.

The big bosses aren’t here yet, they thought collectively.

And right on cue, the ones they hoped to see finally arrived.

"Good morning, everyone!" Chairman Mao announced grandly as he stepped out of the lead vehicle.

Conversations died instantly.

Behind him came Xia Jinhai in flowing black combat robes—rarely worn, but undeniably striking. The all-black ensemble emphasised his cool, competent aura. Even the most stubborn alpha extremist couldn’t look down on him.

Then, from the last car, emerged Bai Tingfeng.

He wore his signature black-and-white brocade armor—iconic among hunters—but today, something was different. Covering his chest, arms, and lower torso was an imposing black-and-red armor plate fashioned from the hide of the Eight-Headed Hydra. The ridges and texture of the hide covered Bai Tingfeng like an overwhelming cape.

People can’t help but look in awe.

Even Chairman Mao and Xia Jinhai, who just got upstaged, cannot help but look back at their ally.

They are self-aware... They are just powerful and not that handsome.

"Whoa! Master Bai upgraded his defensive gear!" one guild master exclaimed.

He wasn’t alone. The entire crowd rippled with awe.

Hydra materials were priceless.

After Bai Tingfeng dismantled the beast and auctioned its parts, the hunter society had been obsessed—news feeds, forums, and social media were flooded with speculation about the rare S-Class materials.

The scales and bones could forge nearly indestructible armour and formidable weapons, while the blood and organs were essential ingredients for potent, life-saving elixirs.

Everyone knew the Hydra had been an extraordinary haul.

Everyone also knew how expensive the hide was.

That is why they can’t help but think, how would these rich hunters use these rare materials?

And lo and behold, Bai Tingfeng’s Hydrascale Armor. (S-grade).

"Shit! So handsome!" Even fellow alphas can’t help but admire Bai Tingfeng.

How can they not? The guy is rich, handsome and powerful. If given the chance, they would be more than happy to hug those powerful thighs!

Unlucky for them, someone already beat them to it.

"Yes, I know. Daddy will take care of your Huhu the Fox... Your Papa and Daddy will make sure to be with you by dinner. For now, just focus on your class... I think I can hear your teacher now. Okay, bye, baby. Take care. Mwah!" Said the one who successfully latched himself onto Bai Tingfeng’s thigh.

To the incredulous faces of the people around him, Shen Yuan carelessly tucked his phone in the chest pocket of his Nine-Tailed Hanfu.

Like his husband, he donned his iconic combat robes. People cannot help but be dazed when they see the glistening nine-tails behind him. But this time, Shen Yuan’s ethereal robes seemed to have an upgrade as on top of the cloud-filled brocade, a silver-painted armor hugs his upper body like a corset.

"Damn! Another set of armor made from the Hydra!"

What’s with this couple? They are rich, unbelievably good-looking and powerful. Can’t they leave some good qualities to mortals like them?

It has to be said that these hunters are looking forward to seeing the pieces made from Eight-Headed Hydra. They thought it would be epic to see such rare treasures in person.

However, now that they are seeing two— donned by the power couple— they want to stroke their chest to calm the sudden heartburn they are feeling.

Fuck their own poverty! So envious.

"Is it uncomfortable?" Bai Tingfeng leaned forward to whisper directly in Shen Yuan’s ear.

Shen Yuan pouted his lips a little. "Well, it is surprisingly breathable thanks to the folds that the Madam created on the stomach area. It makes me dislike the ugly name she bestowed on it." He scrunched his nose. "Eight-Crowned Scale Armor sounds very chuunibyou. It’s giving me flashbacks from my dark past."

"Hmm?" Bai Tingfeng hummed, sounding skeptical. Only then did Shen Yuan look at the handsome face of his husband.

’So close!’ The celestial fox spirit momentarily hitched his breath. The two of them locked in a stare down until the omega got his brain out of the gutter and realized the second meaning of his husband.

"I am fine. This is just a start, do you think I will be panting like an old donkey after just 20 minutes?" Shen Yuan hissed; just the two of them could hear.

They are the last car to come for a reason.

Shen Yuan has been using his powers to hide three vans behind them. Inside it are the agents who will secure their place inside the dungeon.

So, yes. The operation has long since started.

Bai Tingfeng’s eyes glistened with relief. He then sneaked his hand on Shen Yuan’s waist without worries.

"Hiss!" Shen Yuan felt like electricity coursed through his entire body by the sudden touch.

’Don’t get distracted, you bitch!’ Shen Yuan reprimanded himself.

He tried to keep his facial expression under control. He instinctively channelled his frustration and distraction into the soft fluff he’s been holding.

"Yuan!" Shen Yuan’s colorful entry naturally attracted the attention of Chairman Mao. He enthusiastically walked towards him, with Xia Jinhai following behind him, smirking. But then he stopped, his eyebrows were punching each other. "A stuffed toy? What are you going to do with that?"

Shen Yuan mockingly sighed in exasperation. "Remember the last time I did a shooting in the dungeon? I need a lucky charm. I was traumatized."

Chairman Mao immediately closed his mouth, looking as though asking, ’Really?’

Shen Yuan just rolled his eyes. Of course, it is bullshit.

The stuffed toy in his hand was the "trick" that Rong Suyin taught him.

His in-law said that omega’s difficulties in using magic during pregnancy stem from the physical discomfort that comes with it.

Yoga and meditation would be a great help, but since that would take time— and time is a luxury in his case— Rong Suyin advised bringing something that will keep him calm.

Something tangible that would act as his anchor when discomfort, frustration and ill temper get the best of him.

With this criterion, Shen Yuan’s first choice was Bai Tingfeng’s dick or ass. But since he can’t just grab the man’s crotch whenever he struggles to control his magic, his thoughts wandered to his son.

Yes. Shen Yuan knows how sinful his train of thought is, but what can he do? This world only had these things to keep him grounded?

And so, in the end. He brought Yanyan’s favorite stuffed toy with him.

"It goes well with your knew robes and armor," Xia Jinhai playfully praised.

Shen Yuan immediately smiled.

Hey! It’s been a while since he last saw Xia Jinhai! Shen Yuan was pleased.

"I am destined to be a nine-tailed fox." Shen Yuan smugly twirled his slightly overgrown bangs.

Finally, greeting his "dear friends," the cunning eyes of the celestial fox spirit combed through the watching mob. He flashed them a smile, and that smile grew even wider when he saw the person he was looking for.

The bastard has been watching and listening to his every word since Shen Yuan revealed himself.

"Hey... You!" Shen Yuan called the attention of someone with such sickening sweetness. He peeled away the hand of his husband from his waist and hopped his way towards his acquaintance.

"Was it on the hot springs? It’s been a while since we last saw each other!" Shen Yuan playfully slapped the shoulder of the director for today’s campaign. "I’ve been looking forward to working with you again, Lee Jinhyuk."

Right that very moment, the die has been cast.