Book 7: Chapter 28: The final scene

Book 7: Chapter 28: The final scene

My sudden shout startled everyone into looking my way. Everyone except the two on stage! They still held hands tightly, looking at each other. Yet that fit neither the script nor reality!

She was either possessed or replaced. It meant that she was no longer herself!

I shock, I sprinted towards the stage, shoving aside the other performers as I rushed towards Nana.

Seeming to have startled the pair on stage, the two turned to look at me simultaneously. Only then did I notice their masks were made of white-painted wood. Apart from eyeholes, it was just a curved piece of wood.

This drew attention to the eyes under the holes. The moment I noticed, I immediately understood. The male lead was no longer the one from before, and the female lead was also not my Nana!

I rushed over but the two were even faster. Before I could reach the center of the stage, they ran off to the other side, hand in hand. That place led to the back of the stage.

Bao Da Tong! I ran after them while tugging at my collar. Underneath was a talisman he had given me. He told me the function was similar to a walkie-talkie. I just needed to call his name for it to activate, and he would know something had happened on my end! Once he got my message, we could pincer the two of them!

But when I followed their figures, I realized this was no longer backstage. It had become a twisting, maze-like dark hallway! There was a wall a few meters ahead. The two figures turned left at the wall and vanished!

I hesitated, not knowing if I should pursue. It was clearly an illusion and I didnt know where it would lead. I might very well walk into the lake and drown. Bao Da Tong said that since Zhao Jiang died from drowning, his powers were stronger beneath the water. No matter how overwhelming my yang energy was, he could kill me if I was underwater!

But could I just let Nana be taken like that? When the two had run off earlier, the stage lights caused them to cast long shadows, indicating they were human. Whether they were being controlled or were under some enchantment, they were still human. I couldnt allow any harm to come to Nana, whether in body or soul.

I no longer hesitated, rushing in the direction where Nana had vanished! Looking around at the wall, there was a path on either side. They looked identical, as if reflected by a large mirror. The two had gone to the left, but I had the feeling the two hallways were linked. If I went right, I would run into them from the front.

Therefore, I ran right, but saw no one after running for a while. This made me assume I had miscalculated. As I was panicking, a sudden knocking came from the wall.

The dark hallway had been quiet with only my own footsteps. The sudden loud knocking was indescribably thunderous. No matter how gutsy I was, my heart still pounded!

I looked to either side and suddenly realized the hallways layout seemed similar to our dormitory. Apart from being a little darker, as if it stretched into the depths of hell, everything else was the same. There were even rooms on either side, with numbers ranging from 201 to 203

Knock knock knock

The knocking grew louder, gradually messing with my sense of direction and distracting me from my pursuit. I also realized that despite having only run straight ahead, without turning or climbing any stairs, I had actually reached the fifth floor!

I slowed my steps, instinctively looking around. Room 505 was right in front of me! That was Nanas room!

Was she inside? Or, was it just a trap?

I hesitated and finally grabbed the doorknob. No matter what, as long as there was the slightest chance, I had to save Nana!

Creak

The wooden door creaked sharply like an ancient metal gate. Then, a damp smell assaulted my senses. The room was very dark but a sharp ray of light shone in from the window. It was like a spotlight from the stage, making it hard for me to see clearly.

I stepped to the side, shielding my eyes from the glare. Dust danced under the beam of light, as if the room had long been abandoned. A figure stood by the window. I couldnt see her face clearly, and could only make out a feminine form.

Nana? I tried calling out to the shadow.

There was no response. I crouched to avoid the light but immediately realized it wasnt possible. It was like I was the lead actor on a stage. The spotlight followed me wherever I went!

Time and space move differently inside the formation. You had actually walked for a long time. Bao Da Tong had been struck quite heavily, taking a long time to get back up. But you could only see the illusion Zhao Jiang created, and couldnt see me!

Where did Nana go?

She ran out with the male lead. I had to save you and couldnt follow them, but I believe I can find them. Lets go! Bao Da Tong pulled me up, walking swiftly as he spoke. The rest of the students only saw you chase after them like a madman. Then, the two of them ran outside with you in pursuit!

So the others didnt get pulled into this. That was good! Zhao Jiang probably didnt want to make too big of a scene. It would be more difficult to achieve his sinister goals.

Couldnt you break the formation? I was a little reproachful. His inability to break the formation and having to guide me had delayed things by quite a bit. This gave Zhao Jiang the advantage!

I told you that water increased his powers!

What Thunder crashed before I finished speaking. Only then did I realize it had started raining at some point. That was why the ground was wet. I had been too worried about Nana and failed to notice I was completely soaked!

The heavens really arent kind. What we feared has come to pass! Bao Da Tong grumbled.

I didnt speak, jogging behind him.

Our situation had truly become more dangerous. We had planned to remain on the defensive for the next two days. As long as we didnt give Zhao Jiang a chance to use water, we could safely wait for Ah Zhan to return. The three of us could then work together to destroy the evil spirit. But it had unexpectedly started to rain. The weather report had clearly stated it would only be cloudy, but without rain!

Bao Da Tong stopped, causing me to almost run into him. I saw him breathing in heavily. The rain is obscuring the ghostly aura. However, Im sure he lured Nana and that guy towards the grove!

Then lets hurry! I said urgently.

Slow down. Do you want to fall into his trap again? Bao Da Tong said. He stole all of the handmaidens powers. Without the rain, we could still put up a fight. Now, with his powers increased, we have to come up with a plan! Dont worry, he wont kill Nana for now.

I knew Bao Da Tong was right and forced myself to calm down.

We had previously discussed whether Zhao Jiang would harm Nana. I had thought it strange. Since Zhao Jiang was obsessed with her, he could at the least kill her even if he couldnt hurt me. Why go through all the trouble?

In Bao Da Tongs opinion, it was because Zhao Jiang wasnt able to do so. If he really killed Nana, she would at most be someone that died violently. There was no one alive that she wanted revenge on. Even if there was someone she couldnt bear to leave, that person was definitely not Zhao Jiang. Therefore, her soul would have no reason to linger, and would soon enter the cycle of reincarnation. Zhao Jiangs current power could force souls to remain in place for a while, like with Xiao Ling and the other girl, but not for a long period of time. He would still lose Nana. Therefore, he wouldnt kill her. He would only imprison her while he came up with a plan or tried to increase his power!

Lets go over there! Bao Da Tong suddenly said, pointing towards the library.

I knew what he meant. He wanted to be cautious and prevent Zhao Jiang from overhearing us. It was dry inside the building. As long as he put up a privacy barrier, Zhao Jiang wouldnt be able to break it.

What ideas do you have? I asked after confirming we were safe.

Since hes out in the open, well be sneaky. Bao Da Tong said. Ill turn invisible and you go in with me on your back. Well set up an illusion outside the grove of me wandering around. In reality, Ill have entered along with you. If he gets distracted by my image outside, we will have an opportunity. Even if he doesnt, he will think we split up and wont be as guarded. We would still have a chance.

But why do I have to carry you? I wasnt unwilling to cooperate, just confused.

Honestly, I havent fully mastered the invisibility spell. Bao Da Tong was a little embarrassed. I still disturb the air when I walk and Im also unable to hide my shadow. I also get easily distracted when I walk, and might suddenly

No problem, Ill carry you! Time was of the essence and I didnt want to criticize the slack in his studies. What then?

Once we confirm the people are safe, well burn the grove down!