Book 7: Chapter 10: Missing children, (1)

Book 7: Chapter 10: Missing children, (1)

Ruan Zhan didnt deliberately change the style of the bar to the way it was. However, just his presence behind the bar and his faint smile caused the recent ruckus to die down somewhat. He was a calming presence here. This was his domain, and no one could overshadow him.

Yet while he seemed to be casually taking care of the customers, his mind was occupied by other things.

In his opinion, this case of Bao Da Tongs was very fishy. It was just a spirit summoning, but things have gotten weirder and weirder. Was something up with the woman called Lu Yan and her child? Was something up with where they lived? Had she intentionally come for Bao Da Tong or was it a random coincidence? Why did Xiao Xia see the girl that had been missing for ten days. From her description, that girl didnt seem to belong to the world of the living anymore. But if that girl had already died, why could she appear during the day?

Bao Da Tong had wanted to work with him to resolve this matter but he had refused. He wasnt being petty. He just didnt want him to know his secrets. He had to figure out his past. Apart from Wan Li, he didnt trust anyone. As for Xiao Xia, he just wanted her to have the most simple and happy life. He didnt want her to get mixed up with these things.

Bao Da Tongs powers werent weak. That he could tell. However, seeing he was just as warm, sloppy and impulsive as ten years ago, it reminded him somewhat of Xiao Xia. He was a little more frivolous than she was though. This was also why he didnt wish to work with Bao Da Tong. He had a feeling the truth would slowly surface, not just for this case, but also about his past. He had to tread exceptionally carefully, which meant Bao Da Tong might be more hindrance than help with his personality.

The impatient Bao Da Tong had already gone over to Lu Yans place to look around. Ruan Zhan wasnt impatient. He would head over right before daybreak. With Bao Da Tongs abilities, he probably wouldnt startle anything before the situation crystallizes.

Xiao Xia was currently sleeping upstairs. He had already recast the protective formations. No evil would disturb her as long as she remained here at night. As for her amulet, he had kept it ever since Hongqing Town. He applied his willpower to it daily, hoping it would increase the protection it offered her.

As he pondered, the door opened. Ruan Zhan looked up. It was Wan Li and Bao Da Tong.

At Ruan Zhans questioning gaze, Wan Li shrugged. Ruan Zhan immediately understood that he hadnt come together with Bao Da Tong. They just happened to meet up at the door.

With two hunks entering, the pressure on Ruan Zhan immediately lessened. However, this prevented them from discussing things. They only had the opportunity when it was almost closing time.

I didnt find anything. Without waiting for Ruan Zhan to ask, Bao Da Tong reported the results of his investigation. Although there arent many people and the yin aura is strong, there isnt anything abnormal. The strange thing is why Lu Yans husband hasnt shown up at all these few days despite her saying he was always there?

Perhaps her husband had never really shown up. It might have been something she seized upon due to her longing. From a psychological perspective

No need for nerds here. Bao Da Tong shot an irresistible smile at an elegant woman who had yet to leave while interrupting Wan Li. Since Xiao Xia encountered something strange, we can first assume what Lu Yan said is real.

Wan Li looked at Ruan Zhan. Ruan Zhan recounted Xiao Xias experience.

Dont tell me the person Xiao Xia saw was that Zhang Jia Lin. Wan Li was a little shocked.

It was precisely that little girl. Bao Da Tong nodded. From what Xiao Xia said, that little girls situationdoesnt look promising.

Did you find any clues? Ruan Zhan habitually furrowed his brows.

As his long-time friend, he could understand Wan Lis thoughts from the slightest actions. Although Wan Lis face was currently calm, his gaze told him that he knew something.

The newspapers havent reported it yet so you guys arent aware. Seven children have gone missing over the past ten days. They were all between four to six years old, and they all disappeared during the night. There were no prior signs.

Missing in the night? Bao Da Tong was startled. Shouldnt such young children be sleeping with their parents?

Thats why its strange. Wan Li took a sip of alcohol. The police are still trying to keep things from blowing up. The only reason I know this little bit is because I went to the station for a session with a criminal suspect. As for the details, such as how it occurred, Im not able to casually find out.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Such human traffickers should go straight to hell. And then get cursed so they have to undergo sufficient torment before reincarnating, and then become a pig or a dog in their next life! Bao Da Tong said viciously.

Its definitely not the work of traffickers! When traffickers kidnap children, they always trick, steal, lead them away or occasionally forcibly kidnap. Yet these cases all happened in the middle of the night. The parents didnt notice anything. The doors were fully open without any signs of forced entry. The children seemed to have vanished into thin air.

Your foundations are too shoddy. Although there is no age requirement to learning the Dao, you have too many distractions in your mind. Itll definitely be very hard to master the basics. Bao Da Tong didnt seem to be watching, but his words seemed to be pointing out her distracted state. She hurriedly gathered her mind.

How about this! Bao Da Tong thought for a moment. Our sect has a taboo elemental technique. It doesnt have that high of a requirement on the user. I only need to draw a set of corresponding talismans and have you memorize the chants and footwork. You would be able to block off ordinary evil manifestations. As for mastering the basics, we can take it slowly. Apprentice sister Xiao Xia, youre the only one I would treat so well. The set of talismans are a secret technique that isnt taught. Even if you can draw them, they are useless without my accompanying cultivation technique. Mycousin over here, he also doesnt know it.

Hearing him mention Ruan Zhan, Xiao Xia involuntarily looked at him. IIm afraid of encountering something again and being a burden. Therefore, I also want to cultivate. At least Ill be able toprotect myself! She didnt know why she was explaining things to him, but she just blurted it out.

Thats good. However, youve just recovered so dont tire yourself out. Ruan Zhan said softly, standing there without moving.

Xiao Xia lowered her head.

What did he mean by that? Why did his treatment of her vary so? Since he was avoiding her, it was clear he didnt have any special feelings for her. But why did he smile so gently? This made her afraid to open her mouth again, in case her wildly beating heart leapt out! Damn she was dying, why did his smile look so good!?

So, are you guys planning on chatting or do you want to continue learning the Dao? Bao Da Tongs voice rang out. His voice wasnt reproachful, his tone more teasing.

Learn, learn, learn. Ill learn immediately. Xiao Xia hurriedly surrendered, forcibly suppressing her heart tremors. You dragged me out of bed so early in the morning. If I dont learn anything, wouldnt I have gotten up for nothing?

Thats a good girl. Bao Da Tong beamed. This set of taboo elemental techniques consists of the five elements of gold, wood, water, fire and earth. The footwork and hand gestures are a little complicated, but the chant is very easy. Lets go step by step. Well learn the gold one first. The chant is Seeing Ruan Zhan still standing there, Bao Da Tong lowered his raised hand.

Cousin, dont you have any sense of propriety? Im trying to teach my apprentice sister some secret inheritances. Shouldnt you be more discreet? Stop standing there like a piece of furniture, ok?

Oh, apologies. Only then did Ruan Zhan realize he had been standing there unmoving.

He walked passed them. When he walked by Xiao Xia, their proximity made his heart clench painfully.

She was learning exorcism techniques! If she really mastered Bao Da Tongs spells, she wouldnt need him anymore. But if she no longer needed him, what was left for him in this world? He really couldnt bear that! She didnt need him! She didnt need him!

Right, I forgot to tell you. He stopped by Xiao Xia, desperately trying to remain calm. Dont go to Lu Yans place by yourself, not even during the day.

Did you discover something? Xiao Xia asked.

Ruan Zhan shook his head. You just need to promise me.

But, I promised Lil Tong I would go play with him. Its not good to lie to children, right? Xiao Xia revealed a troubled expression.

Well find some way to help the mother and son. You need to be good this time and listen to me. Ruan Zhan said patiently. Ill go visit Lil Tong around lunch time in your stead. You wont be breaking your promise. I will tell him you got sick.

Actually, her body truly has yet to fully recover for some reason. Bao Da Tong interrupted. That said, just what did you discover?

We arent working together.

True. Bao Da Tong admitted honestly. However, based on our relationship, we can at least exchange information.

We can make the exchange when you have some new discoveries. Ruan Zhan spoke curtly before heading upstairs abruptly.

Things dont seem to be going well. He isnt happy. Xiao Xia looked at his receding figure and felt very anxious. Therefore, she missed Bao Da Tongs pensive words.

Hes unable to control his own heart.