Book 6: Chapter 39: The red stone

Book 6: Chapter 39: The red stone

The sharp pain caused a layer of sweat to form on Ruan Zhans forehead, but he had no time to rest. Si Ma Nan could arrive at any moment. He had to be prepared for anything.

He first brought Ah Bais doll to the walkway on the lake. He decided to have a chat with her first before arranging things for Xiao Xia.

Is he coming? Ah Bai asked faintly. The new town was still under the restriction, so she could safely materialize.

Ruan Zhan nodded his head.

Ah Bai didnt speak. She walked over and placed a hand on his shoulders wound and closed her eyes, her lips moving faintly.

Ruan Zhan felt a wave of warmth and his pain immediately lessened by a large amount.

Sorry, I only have this bit of power left. I cannot fully heal you, and can only alleviate your symptoms. Ah Bai said apologetically. Unfortunately, I wont be able to stop him. No one can stop him if he wants to do something.

This isnt related to you. However, I heard from Xiao XiaSi Ma Nan wants something you have. Can you tell me what it is? Ruan Zhan spoke sincerely. Of course, you can choose not to say. He is the one you love. I wont force you to betray him!

Ah Bai sighed softly. Betray? Thats already out of the question! Im here because I want to bring that stone to him. Unfortunately, he never understood that he didnt need to go through all that effort for that stone. He just needs to answer one question of mine.

Its just a stone?

No matter how rare or precious, it would just be some tacky material object in Si Ma Nans eyes. He could play around with it, but would never put so much effort into obtaining it. Besides, he had plenty of wealth and status at the moment. He could get any precious stone he wanted. Why would he be so fixated on this one? Therefore, Ah Bais stone must have some other function.

Its precisely this stone. Ah Bai reached out her right hand.

A small, round stone slowly materialized in her previously empty, delicate palm. It was around the size of a quail egg, but it was flat and round. The small stone was a lustrous red, sparkling and translucent. Even without sunlight, it was still extremely dazzling and splendid.

This stone is formless like a soul. It will only materialize with its owners command. Seeming to have noticed his doubts, Ah Bai explained. It is a little like the inner core of you Daoists. However, it isnt something stored inside the stomach. Instead, it is fused with the owners soul. It is also intelligent, and chooses its owner. Unless the stones owner freely gifts it to someone else, it would be useless to anyone who finds it. The stones spirit would return to its original owner. Even if its spirit if imprisoned, it would not materialize and grant you that one wish. Feel it, it has its own heartbeat! Ah Bai placed the small red stone in Ruan Zhans hand without a hint of vigilance.

Ruan Zhan gripped it slightly and felt it was indeed warm and beating.

Truly very mystical. He said reverently. Si Ma Nan insists on obtaining it due to these special properties? That shouldnt quite be the case.

The reason he desperately wanted this stone was probably because of the one wish it could grant! But it was just a stone. Even if it had extremely magical properties, what could it actually do? Did he perhaps intend to refine it into a core?

I dont know. Ah Bai shook her beautiful little head. I also dont know why he must have this stone, but I do know he wants it. I kept waiting for him to ask me, but he never did. He was probably afraid that I wouldnt easily hand over this treasure to him, and was afraid I would refuse. Therefore, he kept searching for it in secret, and never asked me. Actually, would I refused to give him anything of mine, even if it was my life?! I just wanted him to answer one question. If he gave the wrong answer Ah Bai suddenly stopped speaking.

Ruan Zhan also didnt ask.

He initially wanted to borrow this stone, and use it as bait for Si Ma Nan to fall into his trap. However, after hearing how important this stone was to Ah Bai, he gave up on the thought. He wouldnt force others for his own sake.

I cannot give you the stone. Ah Bai knew his thoughts clearly. However, you can say the stone is in your hands. That is sufficient to lure him into the tower. But I beg you not to kill him. At leastnot before I meet him. I know hes made many mistakes, but

I promise. Ruan Zhan said without any hesitation. He wasnt able to refuse such an infatuated Ah Bai. But he gave a bitter laugh afterwards. Perhaps Xiao Xia should be saying that to Si Ma Nan instead. Hes more likely to win in a fight between us.

Ah Bai took it and stroked it gently. I did it for Xiao Xias sake. She treated me so well, so I should repay her. Ah Bai lowered her head, watching as the small stone slowly vanished in her palm. Her love for you is no less than mine for Ah Nan. If you ever become parted by the veil of life and death, she would be devastated.

Thinking of Xiao Xia, Ruan Zhans heart clenched.

Go wake her up. I will take her and hide far away. We definitely wont watch you men battle! Ah Bai acted relaxed as she let out a breath. This is what you want, right?

Ruan Zhan wasnt able to speak, and merely nodded. Then, he walked into the tower for the third time, returning Xiao Xias soul from his button back into her body. He gently watched as she gradually awoke.

Is everything over? Xiao Xia immediately at up and hugged Ruan Zhans waist tightly.

Almost, theres just a bit left. Dont worry, itll be over soon. Ruan Zhan stroked her hair and spoke quietly.

Xiao Xia nestled comfortable in his arms, her face rubbing gently against his chest. She enjoyed the tranquility that had been hard to come by the past few days. Yet at that moment she suddenly smelled the scent of blood. Looking up, she noticed half of his shirt was stained with fresh blood, startling her into immediately sitting up. She only managed to avoid crying out by covering her mouth.

Its not as bad as it looks. I was just tricking them into becoming overconfident. Ruan Zhan downplayed the situation.

Xiao Xia knew he was only comforting her, but she didnt point it out. It seemed Si Ma Nan had yet to arrive, but just dealing with those spirits already caused him such grievous injuries. However, he wanted her not to worry, so she pretended not to be worried. That way, he would also feel at ease.

She wasnt able to stop this battle, so she wouldnt try. However, she could make sure he didnt feel hung up over things, and allow him to focus completely on the battle against the dangerous opponent!

You must come back alive. She once again buried herself in his arms, careful not to touch his wound. However, dont worry about the outcome. Just do your best. Ive already decided in any case. If you live, Ill accompany you in life. If you die, I will also accompany you.

Xiao Xia

No need to persuade me. You know how stubborn I am. Ive made up my mind to be with you, never to part. Now, tell me what you want me to do.

Xiao Xias words made his heart feel as if wrapped in a warm current. He immediately felt he could defeat Si Ma Nan. He hugged her tightly, feeling her heart beating against his own. I want you and Ah Bai to leave. Dont come back until the matter here is settled, even if I die. You want to be together for eternity? Alright, I promise you. But you have to wait for me. I will come find you, no matter if Im human or ghost. Do you trust me?

Xiao Xia nodded forcefully, indicating how much she trusted him. However, she still involuntarily teared up.

She loved him so much! She had always loved him, but had never dared tell him before coming here. She never thought that after expressing her emotions, they would only have such a short time together before facing the unknown.

However, you dont have to worry too much. I will definitely win, because I always do. Ruan Zhan cupped her face, looking into her teary eyes. There is still countless wonders awaiting you in life. I wont let you cut it short.

Im not worried as long as we can be together.

Ruan Zhan gave her an extremely assuring glance. Good. Head outside now. Ah Bai will take you somewhere extremely safe. Wait for me obediently. As I said, I will definitely go find you.

En. Xiao Xia agreed gently.

Since she couldnt help him, she wouldnt drag him down, let alone make a fuss and add to his worries. The calmer she appeared, the more confident he would be.

Ruan Zhan kissed her on the lips before releasing her, afraid he would ruin things by lingering too long.

The air had changed. It felt rather heavy, as if right before the rain. It even seemed to be filled with moisture, indicating one thing: Si Ma Nan was about to arrive!