Book 6: Chapter 48: Decision without regret
I treat men best. I give them whatever they need. Hong Hao Hao said with a smile.
As the three women approached, Ruan Zhan realized they werent walking normally. Ah Bai and Xiao Xia were walking slightly ahead. Their movements were rigid, seeming rather unwilling. Hong Hao Hao stood behind them, a talisman in her left hand pressing against Ah Bais shoulder while holding a gleaming dagger in her right hand against Xiao Xias soft neck.
Seeing Xiao Xias predicament, Ruan Zhan subconsciously took a step forward, but was immediately rebuked by Hong Hao Hao.
Stop! She tilted her head with an innocent expression, but she spoke viciously, My Ah Nan said that you are very powerful, so I have to keep some distance from you. Well, unless youve had a change of heart and are now interested in me. In that case, it doesnt matter whether this woman dies or not.
As she spoke, she twitched the sharp knife. The unusually sharp blade immediately caused a bloodstain to appear on Xiao Xias neck, causing Ruan Zhan to back away in fright.
Alright, Ill back away, Ill back away immediately. Let her go!
Seeing that her threat was effective, Hong Hao Hao couldnt help but laugh. However, she was actually filled with jealousy instead of glee. Ruan Zhan treasured this Yue Xiao Xia so much that he would rather suffer harm himself than let her lose even a hair. Why hadnt she ever been cherished by such a man before? Was she not beautiful enough, or not persistent enough?
She looked towards Si Ma Nan as she thought of this, but he had his head lowered and didnt even look in her direction. She knew it wasnt because of her, but because of Ah Bai. The man she saw as cruel and emotionless actually didnt dare look at a long-dead woman, his ex-wife!
In contrast, Ruan Zhan and Yue Xiao Xia had been looking at each other they moment she appeared. Although Xiao Xia and Ah Bais ability to speak had been sealed, her gaze had tenderly intertwined with Ruan Zhans the entire time. Profound love and care didnt need any words to be communicated.
In this time and place, to Hong Hao Haos eyes, the world had shrunk to this small space. There were only four people here, and she was the odd one out!
Jealousy, sadness, and self-pity, these three emotions mixed in her heart, causing her to suddenly feel angry. She handled Xiao Xia and Ah Bai roughly, making them groan in pain. This made the two men cry out Stop!, before glaring at her.
Hong Hao Hao giggled coquettishly, Have you finally noticed my existence? She asked in a frivolous but sad tone.
Ruan Zhan didnt speak, and suddenly felt that Hong Hao Hao was both a pitiful yet hateful woman. She only wanted men to pay attention to her and love her, but never considered that love and respect werent obtained through allure and force.
Ever since Hong Hao Hao showed up with Xiao Xia and Ah Bai, his heart has been extremely flustered. On one hand, he was very happy about Hong Hao Haos arrival. It meant that Wan Lis chance of survival would increase. On the other hand, he was very worried about this sort of situation. He had finally subdued Si Ma Nan, but now his accomplice had appeared with two hostages. One of them was someone he couldnt lose, no matter what.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om
Was this his second mistake of the night? He had just wanted Ah Bai to bring Xiao Xia far away from the battlefield. He hadnt expected Hong Hao Hao to capture them halfway, putting them in even more danger!
He couldnt help but glance at Xiao Xia again, and saw that although she looked haggard, she didnt care about her situation, and just looked at him anxiously. He knew she was worried about his injuries since he definitely looked very wretched. Luckily they shared a telepathic connection, allowing him to transmit gentle feelings, telling her not to worry and that everything will be fine.
Suppressing his urge to stare at Xiao Xia, Ruan Zhan faced Hong Hao Hao, What did you do to Wan Li?
Him? Hong Hao Hao drew out her words, I killed him!
Ruan Zhan could tell from her expression she was lying. He was only worried about whether she had drawn the fatal bloodmark on his body.
You forgot Si Ma Nans instructions and didnt mark his body! He bluffed, worriedly waiting for her response.
Unexpectedly, Hong Hao Hao gave the reaction he was hoping for. Her face turned pale, and she said angrily, Who cares about that bastards life or death? Let go of my Ah Nan first!
Ruan Zhan couldnt help but smile. Hong Hao Haos expression told him Wan Li would most likely survive. Thus, he only had to worry about this side.
Ruan Zhan, are you alright!? Dont scare me! Get up! She called Ruan Zhans name loudly, tears welling up.
Silence her. Her wailing irritates me. Si Ma Nan frowned and ordered.
Idont have any hands to spare! Hong Hao Hao was in a bit of a dilemma. She was restraining Yue Xiao Xia with one hand and Ah Bai with the other. Where did she have the ability to spawn another hand?
It was already a stroke of luck for her to have caught them! She had listened to Wan Li back then and decided to check things out in the new town to seize some benefits for herself. At that time, she realized the restrictions around the town hadnt broken, preventing her from entering. She had burned with anxiety and circled the place several times. Then, the restriction suddenly dispersed. The moment she entered, she saw Ah Bai and Xiao Xia hiding in an empty store.
She heard that Ah Bai was no ordinary person in life and approached their location very carefully. The two women didnt speak, and were filled with worry. She realized the men were definitely still fighting on the other side. These two had run over to avoid getting caught up.
Her thoughts turned malicious, and she acted forcefully while Ah Bai was distracted and immediately subdued the two. She sealed their vocal points and took them hostage, helping Si Ma Nan out in a critical moment!
This way, Si Ma Nan would realize her worth. He would see she was the most loyal to him. That way, he wouldnt abandon her!
Trash! Si Ma Nan didnt look grateful at all, and cursed callously instead. He then pointed towards Xiao Xia. It was unclear what method he used, but Xiao Xia immediately fell silent, and couldnt even move anymore.
You should let her go! He continued to give orders, his tone mocking. You cant go back on your word. After all, you let Ruan Zhan choose, and he has chosen!
Hong let go of Xiao Xia. They kept their promise on the surface, but the situation hadnt really changed at all. Xiao Xia was immobile like a piece of wood. There was no difference whether they let her go or not. She could become a hostage again at any time.
Ruan Zhan slowly picked himself up, sitting against the bronze bell. Every breath was hard and painful. He knew the extent of his injuries. Even if the tower didnt absorb his powers, he wouldnt be able to turn things around. In this battle, he had given it his all and fought bitterly. However, due to repeated surprises, he ended up losing to Si Ma Nan.
He was really tired, not just because of his life, but also due to the recent battles. Which battle hadnt been incomparably hard fought? Which one didnt require him to exhaust himself and win against a stronger opponent? Today he finally couldnt hold on anymore. He had no way to turn the situation around. He was already crushed firmly underfoot.
However, Xiao Xia was still there, with tears on her face, looking at him while motionless. How could he ignore her plight? How could he bow his head to Si Ma Nan in front of her? He had to save her. He had to keep her safe. It was enough if she could live. But what should he do?
If there was no other way, he could only kill himself! As long as he didnt die by Si Ma Nans hand, as long as he was faster than him, there was a chance of preserving his soul. If his soul was not wiped out by Si Ma Nan, he would be able to rescue Xiao Xia! Even if they were separated forever, he would at least still be in her heart. He could at least still love her, protect her and silently remain by her side.
Si Ma Nan wouldnt hurt Ah Bai. He was extremely sure of this point. He had no use for his treasures after death. He would ask Zuo De to destroy them. Although those treasures were powerful, he had yet to refine them so they would move with his thoughts. Therefore, they were merely ordinary objects to normal people, and were easy to destroy.
He had thought through everything. He would end his own life to protect Xiao Xia! There was no need to hesitate. This choice was something he would never forget!
Release her as well! Si Ma Nan spoke once again to Hong Hao Hao.
This time, he didnt turn to look, but Hong Hao Hao understood who he meant.
She was a little unwilling, but she didnt dare defy him. Luckily, after releasing Yue Xiao Xia, the pressure on her decreased. Therefore, the instant she released Ah Bai, she sealed her once again, keeping her in a frozen state.
Her actions wouldnt go unnoticed by the powerful and shrewd Si Ma Nan. However, he didnt stop her. This made Hong Hao Hao realize that he was willing to let her do so. He had been tangled up by his feelings and wasnt able to extricate himself. He needed her to sever this connection!
Ah Bai was the knot in his heart, his only weakness. If Ah Bai, who had been silent and unresisting this whole time, joined the battle, the situation would become unpredictable. She hoped that Si Ma Nan would kill everyone here and destroy all the souls, allowing them to return to their previous lives.
Their unfeeling, yet peaceful past!