Book 6: Chapter 35: Spirit battle, (3)

Book 6: Chapter 35: Spirit battle, (3)

Ah.

A small black shadow left Zhao Jia Yuans head as his body crumpled to the ground like the shed skin of a snake. Xin Xin was also unable to escape, having been grabbed by Ruan Zhan in both body and soul!

Let go of me! Xin Xin shouted.

Sure, but you need to be taught a little lesson. Ruan Zhan hardened his heart and bit down on the middle finger of his right hand. He drew a twisty symbol between Xiao Xias brows. At the same time, he let go of her pulse with his left hand and struck ruthlessly at Xiao Xias face.

Along with the crisp slap, a shadow also scurried out from Xiao Xias head. The body collapsed afterwards as well, but Ruan Zhan reacted swiftly and caught her right before she hit the floor.

The shadow seemed to have been shoved out forcefully. After leaving Xiao Xias body, it dragged a trail of dust behind it as if it were bleeding after an injury. She staggered for several meters before colliding with a flowerbed and vanishing. The moment she did so, the bloodscript on Xiao Xias forehead vanished as well.

As expected, she has some cultivation. Ruan Zhan muttered as he watched Xin Xins shadow escape.

Xin Xins shadow was very complete, without the various deformities of the other souls. It also wasnt black, but rather the red of burning charcoal. This was evidence she had cultivated all of herself, and her resentful power was the most profound amongst the spirits. Therefore, despite having been injured by him, she was able to swiftly conceal herself.

The reason Ruan Zhan didnt allow her to leave Xiao Xias body by herself, and insisted on forcing her out, was precisely to injure her. He wasnt being cruel. He needed to bring Xiao Xias body safely back to the tower, and didnt want to leave a ticking bomb behind. Without Xin Xin, those resentful spirits were like scattered sand. It would be the best situation for him.

He ignored the crawling parts on the ground and gently picked Xiao Xia up, slowly walking back to the tower.

The first part of his plan was complete: dispel the black fog of resentment to avoid being restricted in battle and retrieve Xiao Xias body.

He knelt on one knee, slowly placing Xiao Xias body flat on the floor and stroking her face softly. Her delicate face was already severely swollen. There was a clear handprint where he had struck to drive out Xin Xin. He had no choice at the time, but his heart was currently filled with regret.

How long had it been since he last saw her? He wasnt sure. When she was home, Xiao Xia would always find opportunities to hang around his bar so he would see her quite frequently. After she was sent on her awareness promoting trip, he worried it was Si Ma Nans scheme and secretly followed her. Therefore, he was still able to see her. After that, inside the empty city, the emotions he repressed finally burst forth. She was still by his side at that time.

It was just that he was blind then, so it should count as not seeing her, right?

Her face was ice cold but still felt smooth and soft, causing his hand to linger. Her full forehead, slender brows, tightly shut charming eyes, pert nose and perfect red lips

His thumb stopped on her lips. He had kissed them twice, and both times left him in enraptured. When had he started loving her so much? He previously thought he wouldnt fall in love with anyone. Yet why did he sink into without any warning?

The attraction of those lips was too strong, enticing him into slowly leaning over and lightly kissing them. She was unresponsive like a statue, making him recall her soul had yet to return.

He forced himself to get up, reminding himself that now wasnt the time for this. There were many challenges he had to face, many problems that had yet to be resolved and many battles awaiting him.

He adjusted his emotions and reached into his shirt for Xiao Xias doll. However, he only then realized his pocket was empty! Reaching into the pockets on either side, he found Reporter Ma and Ah Bai were both still there! Only Xiao Xias doll was missing!

Ruan Zhans hand pressed against his shirt pocket, his face expressionless as if pondering. He stood for a while before suddenly standing up. He walked to the middle of the first floor, standing before the nine clocks. He swiftly measured and chose the small clock closest to the wall. Forcefully prying it open, he turned and carried Xiao Xia over, carefully and quickly placing her limp body inside. Giving her a light kiss, he then placed Ah Bai and Reporter Mas dolls next to her.

Ah Bai, please watch over her. He said respectfully to Ah Bai.

He had previously sealed their senses and spiritual aura, afraid of them getting injured during the battle. However, he knew Ah Bai had been a famous witch doctor previously. Even if her abilities had almost declined to zero, she still had more spirit power than an ordinary person. She could definitely protect herself and Xiao Xia.

Ah Bais doll shook a couple of times.

I cant undo the seal. Ruan Zhan understood what she wanted to say. This clock is no ordinary object. It contains very strong astral aura, so no spiritual bodies will dare get close. Therefore, only this place can keep you guys safe. If the seal was undone, you wont be able to hide here anymore.

After speaking, he looked deeply at Xiao Xia again before covering her inside the clock.

After finishing all this, he leaned against the wall and adjusted his breathing. The clock had been very heavy. Although he was quite strong, he had to handle it very carefully to avoid hurting Xiao Xia and prevent anyone from hearing the noise outside. Therefore, he was still exhausted.

At this moment, Xin Xins shrill summons came from outside. The one surnamed Ruan, get the hell out for me!

Ruan Zhan didnt respond, merely shooting out three continuous lightning palms.

If you must askhers! Ruan Zhan immediately answered, as if it was something obvious.

This further stimulated Xin Xins boundless resentment. She waved her hand and all the incomplete souls gathered around her, chained together like an invisible rope.

I want you to stay still and take one of my strikes. Xin Xin said softly, her voice filled with threat. If you dare retaliate, dodge or defend, I will immediately smash this damned lass and take her to hell with me. If you really take my blow, I will return her to you.

Didnt you just say promises arent worth anything in the face of death?

You have no choice. Xin Xin was ferocious. Also, dont foolishly threaten us again. Weve already bet everything, and have already died. Would we be scared to die again?

I never make threats. I was just stating facts. Its up to you whether you believe it or not!

Enough nonsense. Do you agree?

Then get on with it. Its getting late. Ruan Zhan stuck his hands in his pockets, looking like he didnt take his opponents seriously at all.

Xin Xin was speechless from anger. She could only point her hand towards the ground. A clump of dark miasma immediately gathered in her hand. It swiftly formed into a sharp weapon around a foot long.

She raised Xiao Xias doll in one hand and held the dagger in her other. She glanced at Ruan Zhan and saw he was unmoving, looking at her indifferently.

At that moment, she suddenly felt lacking in confidence. However, she knew she couldnt hesitate at this moment. Therefore, she hardened her heart and like throwing a javelin, used all her strength as she threw the sharp weapon at Ruan Zhan.

The black blade swished through the air. Even those resentful spirits felt afraid for Ruan Zhan. However, Ruan Zhan really stood in place, as if everything was unrelated to him. Xin Xin even though he would have some plan or way to defend himself.

In the blink of an eye, there was a puff as the sharp weapon stabbed into Ruan Zhans right shoulder. He hadnt resisted at all despite the blade passing right through him and turning into black miasma that lingered around his shoulder.

Fresh blood immediately stained half of his clothes. He swayed and his was paled, but his feet didnt move. He merely grabbed his right wrist with his left, pulling his hand out of his pocket. It was clear he could no longer move his right arm.

What other conditions do you have, just lay it all out. His tone was still calm.

Xin Xin froze. She didnt think he would be tenacious to this extent, not even caring about the loss of an arm. The reason she didnt go for a vital area was because she was afraid he would still defend or retaliate despite his promise if his life was threatened. A persons survival instinct and innate selfishness was what she had to be on guard against the most.

She was actually afraid of Ruan Zhans powers. She was afraid of his counterattack harming her side, and thus chose to strike his right arm. She wanted to test it out. If he dodged she could continue to use the doll to threaten him. If he didnt dodge, she would have crippled one of his arms, preventing him from drawing symbols. Their chances of victory would naturally be much greater. Seeing that Ruan Zhan truly hadnt dodged, she felt a little regret at being too timid and not having killed him directly!

Yet despite this, she still had other methods to kill him!

How capable! Im impressed! Xin Xin laughed sinisterly. Since youve kept your word, Ill return this womans doll to you!

Before her voice fell, she raised her arm behind her head and threw the porcelain doll out. Yet this time, she didnt throw it towards Ruan Zhan. Instead, she threw it towards the lake, letting out a strange howl.

Along with her cry, the disciplined resentful spirits gathered upon her, combining all their resentment onto her body!

This was her plan! She couldnt defeat Ruan Zhan, even if all of them worked together, and even if she held the chip that was Xiao Xias doll. Therefore, she had to first injure one of his arms before throwing the doll towards the lake. If Ruan Zhan wanted to save Xiao Xia, he would have to throw himself over the lake. At that time, she could use their remaining power to strike a critical blow!

He would be in midair, one arm useless and the other one reaching to catch his lover. He had no way to retaliate. Even if the strike didnt kill him or if he chose to protect himself, he would definitely fall into the lake. He was human after all and couldnt fly. It would already be impressive if he could defend himself with just his left hand. There was no way he could reach the other side of the lake.

He might be able to swim, but he wouldnt be able to avoid the all-devouring resentful spirits in the lake! Their helper had placed those into the lake. Even spirits that fell in would be cleanly eaten, let alone humans!

That was a death trap!

Ruan Zhan acted as expected, leaping towards the middle of the lake, his left hand extended. He ignored everything to catch Xiao Xias doll, not minding the situation in the plaza or beneath the water. He was wide open!

Die! She shrieked madly. Their gathered power formed into a straight line of black smoke that shot towards Ruan Zhans chest!

With a bang, the smoke struck Ruan Zhan in the center of his chest, sending his body flying even further before crashing heavily into the water!

A shower of blood rained down from the air as the water roiled beneath the surface. Ruan Zhans hand tightly gripped Xiao Xias doll!