Book 7: Chapter 43: More Analysis

Book 7: Chapter 43: More Analysis

It wasnt possible to get any clues from Zhang Zi Xin. When Ruan Zhan released him from the tattered banner, he was extremely injured and his consciousness was faint. He wasnt even able to coalesce, let alone converse.

Uh, did you accidently injure him when you absorbed him? Wan Li said sympathetically.

Ruan Zhan shook his head. It wasnt me. If the spirit power of the banner isnt activated, it wont harm spirits when used as a vessel. Ive only used it in this way. The other method is too cruel.

Then he

Lets first preserve his consciousness! Ruan Zhan sighed. He first sent out a formless talisman, fixing the slowly dissipating, almost transparent shade in place. Then, he took out a red wooden box from the depths of his closet. He took out strange bottles and jars, three pieces of special talisman paper, a stack of ordinary talisman paper, a black brush and a three-inch long little wooden sword, putting them all on the table.

Hey, those are Bao Da Tongs things. Its not good to go through them, right? Wan Li looked at Ruan Zhan. Shouldnt you at least put on a circumstances have forced me to do so expression?nove(l)bi(n.)com

Ruan Zhan didnt even look up, acting as if everything as proper. The box Master Long gave me was properly hidden in the bookshelf of Xiao Xias room, but he also went through it as he pleased. And not just once. I didnt see any hint of embarrassment from him. He picked out two bottles as he spoke, and after carefully scrutinizing them, he dipped the strange brush into a bottle before drawing on the talisman paper. Im being quite nice to him, using only the ordinary talisman paper and ordinary ink. Who would have thought he had quite a few good things?

Wan Li snorted, marveling at Bao Da Tongs charisma. He was able to get along easily with everyone. Even someone aloof like Ruan Zhan would interact so casually with him.

Ruan Zhan drew twelve talismans in one go, placing them onto the six sides of the wooden box, inside and out. Then, he drew glyphs in the air, chanting unintelligible spells as he pointed with his finger. The shade seemed to be pulled as it slowly drifted into the box. Ruan Zhan closed the lid afterwards.

Youre even requisitioning his wooden box?

This is no ordinary wooden box. It contains spirit energy, which Zhang Zi Xin can use to reform himself. Ruan Zhan placed the box under the bed. His powers were far too lacking compared to the fiend girl. He was almost wiped out. Its my fault for not noticing earlier. Otherwise, If I performed first aid earlier, it might have been easier.

What a debt. Wan Li sighed lightly as understanding dawned. He risked his soul to save Xiao Xia. How are you going to repay him?!

Ruan Zhans rare reprimand confused Wan Li for a moment. I havent figured anything out yet. How about you tell me.

Go think about it on your own!

Fine, fine, Ill go think about it. Seeing Ruan Zhan on edge, Wan Li knew he must have remembered the boy fiends plans for Xiao Xia again, thus losing control of his emotions. But you should at least tell me why Zhang Zi Xin would appear at this moment?

Its very simple. Ruan Zhan calmed himself and spread his arms. The fiends used him to come to the city and then lost interest in him. They didnt even want to eat his soul. Zhang Zi Xin could have moved on, but he couldnt leave Lu Yan behind. Therefore, he hid by her side for five years without leaving. This was why Lu Yan felt her husband hadnt died, and that he was always with her. Although the fiends are powerful, there are still many ways for a soul to hide from them.

Why didnt Zhang Zi Xin tell Lu Yan the truth in her dreams?

Those fiends want to use Lu Yan to blend into society, and even get some maternal love. Therefore, they normally wouldnt do anything to her. But if Lu Yan found out the truth, and Zhang Zi Xin couldnt protect her, do you think she could stay alive? If Lu Yan died, what would happen to Lil Tong? What would you do if you were Zhang Zi Xin?

Now I understand. I was just stuck on a minor issue, not seeing the forest for the trees. Wan Li said. There was a delicate balance between them that was thrown into crisis when the fiend girl started harming people. It also threatened Lu Yan and the real Lil Tong. At that time, the mighty Master Bao appeared, so Zhang Zi Xin started appearing frequently to Lu Yan. He knew she missed him, so she would go find Master Bao in order to see him again. That was how he got us involved. He didnt have to worry about her telling the fiends. Why would a mother speak about her thoughts to such a young child?

But the moment we appeared at Lu Yans house, the fiends realized what had happened. That was why Xiao Xia repeatedly encountered strange events. Zhang Zi Xin remained hidden, seeing whether or not he could help. When Xiao Xia was in danger last night, he risked his soul to save her so we would help Lu Yan and Lil Tong in exchange. He isnt able to help them by himself.

The two of them felt they were getting closer to the truth, feeling everything was becoming clear.

Dont forget about Bao Da Tong. Wan Li reminded. Those fiends seem to have a grudge against him. But since he isnt a descendant of that old Daoist, there has to be some other reason. Also, as a single mother raising a sickly son, Lu Yan must have noticed something was off. Why was she never suspicious?

Thats not hard to understand. Ruan Zhan smiled, but Wan Li sensed a trace of bitterness and sorrow within. She couldnt have been oblivious. But as you said, shes his mother. Even if she knew something was wrong with her child, she would choose to hide it. Its like Duan Jin. A real mother would never abandon her son, even if he was a demon.

Why? Why didnt he have such a mother? Was he especially unlucky, or was he especially horrifying? He remembered when he was around four or five, his parents didnt like him. They only liked his younger brother and older sister. Therefore, he could only play by himself, and ended up stumbling across the towns cemetery, where he saw many strange people. He wasnt scared of them, and played with them happily. One summer night, an auntie with a hanging tongue that he often saw was standing outside his house. She told him: The residences of the human world are off limits to us. Invite me inside, let me smell the fragrance of food. He did as she asked, and ended up scaring his mother into fainting! He felt very guilty and told his parents he was the one responsible. Therefore, he was thrown out like a stray dog.

Yet like a stray dog, he somehow managed to find his way home every time. A five year old child, repeatedly abandoned yet repeatedly finding his way back. Hungry, feet covered in blisters, yet not a single adult on the way checked up on him. But not long after getting home, he would get thrown out even further! He thought his parents were angry at him for doing something wrong. He just needed to be obedient and they would forgive him. He even lost his temper at that auntie, shooting out flames from his hand in front of his parents. Yet he still saw fear and disgust in his parents eyes. Finally, his dad said he would take him on a trip. They were on the train for a long, long time, and he bought him many delicious things to eat. He had been so happy. But when he was thrown into a coal-carrying truck in the middle of the night, he finally understood. His parents didnt want him. In this world, no one wanted him!