The Exorcist

Book 6: Chapter 22: I know

Ah Bai!

Xiao Xia almost blurted out her name, but was afraid of being noticed by Shuan Zhu in the cabinet across from her. She forced herself to keep it in. She didnt know if her porcelain face would show any expressions. Even if they werent discernible to humans, maybe Shuan Zhu would notice something!

She desperately kept her excited emotions in check, not daring to respond.

Xiao Xia, dont be afraid. I still have some remnant power, enough to show the one observing you an illusion. Also, only the two of us can hear each other. Therefore, dont be afraid to speak. Its fine. Ah Bai spoke again.

Only then did Xiao Xia let out a breath. Where did you go? I was so worried, I thought you might be

Im over here! Ah Bai once again used her voice to signal her.

Xiao Xia could hear she was on her left and exerted her strength to shift in that direction. She rocked countless times before feeling her angle shift slightly, barely managing to see a similarly turned little porcelain figure. The picturesque face and tribal outfit indicated it was indeed Ah Bai.

Seeing Ah Bais condition, Xiao Xias despair increased by another layer. She had faintly been worried about this possibility, but then figured with Ah Bai being a capable Witch Doctor previously, she would have some way to keep herself safe. Unexpectedly, she had ended up in the same situation as herself. Then who could go help Ruan Zhan?

I only have a tiny bit of power left. Im not able to help you guys, Im sorry. Ah Bai seemed to have read Xiao Xias mind and said guiltily.

Xiao Xia hurriedly shook her head, despite not being able to move. Dont say that, Ah Bai. Were the ones who brought you out. We should be the ones responsible for your safety. Therefore, I should be the one to apologize for getting you involved. If theres an opportunity, you should escape. Dont worry about any of us. Its just a shame I couldnt help find that person for you.

Oh, he Ah Bai hesitated for several seconds. Hes already here, but hasnt made an appearance yet. However, I can sense it.

Xiao Xia didnt speak, having vividly understood Ah Bais expression. Previously, she hadnt understood why someone pure and beautiful as an angel like Ah Bai would fall in love with someone sinister, malicious, callous and selfish like Si Ma Nan. Yet now she understood.  During the extreme danger in this empty city, her feelings for Ruan Zhan had completely burst forth. Therefore, she could understand Ah Bais heart.

Women werent fools, but when a woman truly loved a man, she would abandon everything for his sake, including reason, dignity and life. Even knowing it was a trap, she would walk into it, willingly getting pierced by thousands of arrows!

For example, if Ruan Zhan turned evil one day, even if the whole world became his enemy, even if she had to accompany him to hell, she was willing to stay with him. All she needed in return was a tiny bit of love.  If they were truly in love, how could she abandon him!?

How did you end up being trapped here? Xiao Xia snapped out of it and asked Ah Bai.

When you all were walking along the mountain path, I had already sensed something was off. After you pulled off the patterned rope, I was planning to scout things out but ended up being scared off by that fierce spirit. Im really useless!

Fierce spirit? Xiao Xia didnt want Ah Bai to keep blaming herself so she continued asking. Was it the person with two moles on his face that possessed Zuo De?

Thats right. However, he doesnt seem to be from this city. Instead, hes working together with the resentful spirits here. You all shouldnt have ended up here, but the space around this place was warped. Therefore, I saw you all fall in as if you were dropped in from a great height. There was nothing I could do. I couldnt save you so I could only follow. You were all unconscious from the fall. I came out of the bracelet trying to save you, but was wrapped up by an extremely heavy resentful aura. ThenI ended up being sealed in this vessel. Ah Bai described these small porcelain dolls as vessels. It seemed rather fitting to Xiao Xia.

Hopefully Ruan Zhan doesnt get tricked by my original vessel. Im really worried hell get harmed. His abilities have been sealed by Si Ma Nan. Now, hes pretty much just an ordinary spirit medium. These resentful spirits with such deep grudges are too dangerous for him! What should we do? The mention of this filled Xiao Xia with worry.

Sorry.

It has nothing to do with you. Dont tell me you need to apologize whenever Si Ma Nan does something bad? I know you love him a lot, but you dont need to be responsible for his actions. Xiao Xia was a little jittery, not knowing how to comfort Ah Bi.

Ah Bai remained silent for several seconds before letting out a long sigh. You are all good people, but hehe was once good too.

Ah Bai

That day, when I saw the technique that sent you all into the city, I knew he was the one responsible. Ah Bai seemed not to have heard Xiao Xias considerate interruption, and spoke faintly, focused on her own thoughts. From the moment I met him to when we got married, we had been together for five years. Although he tossed me aside and left, after so many years, Ive been reminiscing on every single thing about him. No one understands him better than I in this world. Ruan Zhans innate gifts are too strong. He has yet to truly awaken them, but once he finds the key to using his abilities, Ah Nan will never be able to beat him again. Hes such a prideful person. How could he accept someone being more powerful than him? Therefore, he will try to get rid of Ruan Zhan.

How is that pride? Thats clearly just being despicable! Truly proud people would disdain such schemes!

Ah Bai laughed mournfully. He has changed a little, or perhaps he is too impatient. There are too many things he can see but is never able to grasp. From some perspective, he is a pitiful person. But Xiao Xia, believe me when I say that his great efforts this time isnt just to deal with Ruan Zhan. Its also to deal withme!

Stop speaking nonsense. You love him so much, yet he trapped you in that well for so many years. Isnt that enough? Does he still need to hurt you more? He cant be depraved to that extent, right!?

He isnt trying to hurt me. As a small porcelain doll, Ah Bais expression couldnt be read. To others, hes just some villain. Yet to me, hes my husband, the only person Ive ever loved. I didnt die at his hands. Everything was my own decision. After I died, he had many opportunities to scatter my soul, yet he merely sealed it in that dried well. In the endin the end he couldnt bear to do it. I think ultimately he still loves me a little. The reason he did that to me, and is now pressuring Ruan Zhan, is because he wants something I possess.

Xiao Xia didnt speak, but thought the reason Si Ma Nan didnt finish Ah Bai off was because of that thing he wanted to obtain from her.

You said before you were looking for him to give him something. Is it this thing?

Ah Bai made a noise of agreement.

I know hes wanted it the entire time, but he never brought it up to me. Actually, if he asked me for it and then answered a question of mine, I would have given it to him.

What sort of treasure is it that he cant do without? Xiao Xia asked.

Its just a piece of rock that possesses a spiritual nature. My master left it for me and Ive always kept it on me.

Does it do anything?

He didnt need to go through so much effort. He just needed to answer a question honestly and I wouldve given it to him. Ah Bai didnt seem to have heard Xiao Xias question and continued to mutter to herself.

Unfortunately, even if you had given it to him, he still wouldnt let Ruan Zhan off. Xiao Xia couldnt bear to hurt Ah Bai, but Si Ma Nan was the one picking a fight. If they didnt fight back, the one to die would be Ruan Zhan.  From this perspective, Si Ma Nan was really extreme. He kept putting them in situations where only one side could live!

I understand. Dont worry about me. Truthfully speaking, the one Im worried about is Ruan Zhan. Although his powers are strong, they havent been completely unleashed. Furthermore, despite his cool nature, he isnt ruthless enough. He mightsuffer some losses!

Hes already suffered some losses. Xiao Xias heart clenched at mentioning Ruan Zhan. Im afraid of him getting hurt again. With his personality, he definitely wont give up no matter what he encounters. He wont rest until hes dead. But Ah Bai, do you know why theres such a heavy resentful aura here?

I dont know either. Those things never spoke about it in my presence. However, these people seem to all be from a very large village. Furthermore, from what I can see, these resentful spirits had once all been suppressed by a master using this tower. Their resentment was soon to be purified and they were to be sent on their way. However, that was when

When Si Ma Nan released them, right? But how is he controlling these resentful spirits?

Ah Bai continued to sigh. Such deep resentment, released after being suppressed for so long, isnt something anyone can control. They and Ah Nan are merelycooperating. Hes unable to control them at this point. These resentful spirits have a very deep grievance and are very pitiful. Although their revenge is a little cruel, they must have suffered unusual torment. But Ah Nans actionsare really too excessive!

Is there any way we can help Ruan Zhan? Xiao Xia asked worriedly. After speaking with Ah Bai for so long, this was the only thing she wanted to know.

Im sorry, there isnt. You can only wait. Ah Bai said softly. Itll depend on how deep your relationship with him is. Someone like him will have a very strong connection with those he loves. If you gather your will and call out to him, it might be of help.

Might?

Im sorry. Ever since I fell in love with Ah Nan, my powers started to diminish. Then I sensed that taking Ah Ya as my apprentice might result in calamity, so I used all my powers to beseech the heavens, obtaining the prophecy regarding the future and left behind the method to deal with him. My powers completely vanished after that. Now, the only thing I can do is speak with you without anyone knowing about it. What Im using is the bit of spirit power I newly cultivated while being sealed in that well. But this is already my limit. Im sorry, I really cant help you!

Ah Bai, no need to be sorry. Xiao Xia comforted the guilty Ah Bai. She seemed to be putting all of Si Ma Nans evil upon herself. Ill do my best and give it a shot. Ill definitely be able to warn Ruan Zhan. Hes been able to overcome so many dangers. This time will definitely be no different.

Xiao Xia was actually very worried, but for the sake of comforting Ah Bai, she had no choice but to say this. Yet after doing so, she ended up giving herself a little confidence too. Who was Ruan Zhan? He was the man she loved. How could he be so easily tricked and attacked!?

She rammed against her vessel in the opposite direction, ignoring the pain in her injured shoulder. She only stopped when she was able to see Shuan Zhu. She had no other ideas. Ah Bai wasnt able to help, but having found her and knowing she was just trapped like herself and in no danger, she finally put aside one of her worries.

Ruan Zhan! Ruan Zhan! Be careful, that isnt me! She gathered all her will and desperately called to Ruan Zhan in her mind repeatedly, hoping to transmit her words to him.

After an unknown amount of time passed without any response, Xiao Xia suddenly heard the sound of familiar footsteps coming from the stairs, making her heart beat wildly!

It was Ruan Zhan! He was ok!

She look longingly towards the stairs. As the steady yet slightly irregular footsteps drew close, a mans figure appeared. It was the unharmed Ruan Zhan! Butthere was another woman who stuck to him tightly. Their intimacy plunged Xiao Xias heart from wild joy to extreme pain.

His powers hadnt recovered!

This could be seen from his vacant eyes and relatively slower movements. Furthermore, he hadnt received her transmitted message. He gently embraced the woman next to him, thinking the resentful spirit was her!

Xiao Xia felt her heart burning, both dry and painful, before shattering into pieces!

How could he not realize it? Although that resentful spirit was using her body, his senses had always been sharp. Why didnt he sense that her soul wasnt the one in the body? What made her more anxious than jealous was that Ruan Zhan wasnt on guard against that woman at all. Instead, he treated her with the most gentle attitude! At this rate, if the resentful spirit really made a move against him, wouldnt he be unable to even retaliate?

Why hadnt he received her message? Why couldnt he sense her? Was she not focused enough? But why hadnt the resentful spirit made a move? Werent they trying to get rid of Ruan Zhan this whole time? If they hadnt made a move after all this time, they must still be uncertain about Ruan Zhans condition!

She stared at Ruan Zhans face, hoping he would look over. However, he didnt look at the cabinet at all, instead continuing to converse with the resentful spirit posing as Xiao Xia.

You only opened the door for me after I knocked for so long. The resentful spirit complained coquettishly.

Xiao Xia almost threw up. She had never spoken to Ruan Zhan in such a tone before. But why didnt Ruan Zhan realize that? Did he think women in love all acted that way? Yet she was helpless towards it all. Apart from desperately trying to reach him, she could only watch anxiously.

Sorry. I was at the crucial stage of recovering my spirit powers, and couldnt be distracted. Ruan Zhans voice rang out.

As usual, his voice was steady and magnetic, as if he had something up his sleeve. Xiao Xia figured it was this confident attitude of his that caused the resentful spirit to hesitate whether she should act. Therefore, Ruan Zhan was still fine despite her body having been possessed for so long.

Then how is the recovery process going?

Im pretty much recovered. Its just the invisible talisman sealing my sight that has yet to be dismantled. Dont worry, it wont be long. Ruan Zhan said softly.

As he was speaking, the resentful spirit was stretching her hand out towards his back. Yet after hearing he was pretty much recovered, the hand which had already turned into porcelain was slowly lowered. She was clearly afraid of Ruan Zhan. It seems his lightning palms and flaming handprints were rather threatening to these resentful spirits.

At this time, Xiao Xia realized this resentful spirits powers might be the strongest of the group. She clearly witnessed that it could transform its body at will. It could be porcelain one moment and resemble flesh the next. No wonder Ruan Zhan couldnt sense it.

What do you plan to do? The fake Xiao Xia asked again.

Ill stay in this tower. Ruan Zhan said. I know this tower was built to suppress those resentful spirits. I also know it was supposed to dissolve the resentment and evil, sending them on their way. Yet someone had to go ruin it.

You know? The fake Xiao Xia kept her tone steady, but her expression changed.

Thats right. Ruan Zhan smiled gently. Thats why Im going to stay here. This play is advantageous for me. Those resentful spirits arent able to enter in large groups. Only those with stronger spirit power and especially deep resentment can enter, and only with the assistance of others at that. As long as I stay here, none of them can avoid my lightning palm or flaming handprint.

The resentful spirit stood frozen in place, its expression turning scarily malevolent. This made Xiao Xia unable to keep watching. That was her own face after all. She never wanted to turn so scary!

Xiao Xia, dont be afraid. How about I let you try it out? Lets do a flaming handprint! Ruan Zhan raised his hand.

No! The fake Xiao Xia involuntarily cried out.

What is it? Its fine, the flaming handprint wont hurt you. Ruan Zhan pulled the fake Xiao Xia into his arms.

MmmI just dont like it, its nothing. I dont want you to use it randomly. The fake Xiao Xia smoothed things over.

No? Thats fine. Better to leave it for those resentful spirits. Once Im completely recovered, Ill take you out of this haunted city without caring about anything else.

Xiao Xia started getting a little suspicious at this point. Did Ruan Zhan really not realize that woman was fake?

He was a cool and aloof man, and would never show off in front of women. Furthermore, he had more goodwill towards spirits than humans. If it werent for spirits trying to harm those around him, if he wasnt forced to act, he wouldnt make a move against them normally.

What was going on with him? What was he planning? Or did love also change a man?

What about the others? The resentful spirit asked again.

Those people must have done something truly heinous. Otherwise, they wouldnt be trapped here waiting for death.

Waiting for deathwaiting for death The resentful spirit seemed to have recalled something and started muttering, an expression of fear appearing on her face.

What is it?

Nothing. I just feel that waiting for death sounds awful. The resentful spirit shivered. To witness death descend with your own eyes!

Youre just too softhearted. Ruan Zhan pulled the fake Xiao Xia into his arms, his palm rubbing over her back. There are many things that cannot be helped. You dont have to worry anymore. Everything will be resolved.

Seeing him hug the resentful spirit, Xiao Xias heart was about to leap out of her throat. If the resentful spirit made a move at this time, he was dead for sure. In Ruan Zhans arms, the resentful spirits head twisted at an indescribable angle and happened to meet Xiao Xias gaze. Her hands were also stroking back and forth along Ruan Zhans back, turning between a porcelain blade and a tender hand. She was clearly wavering, wanting to make a move but not daring to do so.

In the end, she still didnt dare to do it and slowly got free of Ruan Zhans embrace. Only then did Xiao Xia feel relieved, as though having undergone baptism through life and death.

You should eat something. If you arent hungry, you should at least drink some water. The resentful spirit said.

Alright. But I remember you left it upstairs. Why dont you go grab it. Ruan Zhan nodded his head.

Hearing he was willing to drink, the resentful spirit looked extremely excited. Alright, Ill go fetch it for you. Wait here. She turned to leave after speaking.

The moment she was gone, Ruan Zhan immediately raised his hand slightly. His familiar actions made Xiao Xia immediately realize he was setting up a formation. Her heart involuntarily beat wildlyhad he recovered his powers? Could he at least set up formations?

The moment Ruan Zhan finished setting up the formation, he walked straight towards Xiao Xia. His eyes twinkled with unusual spirit. This meant he had also recovered his sight. He had been faking it earlier!

He walked in front of the porcelain doll containing Xiao Xias spirit. After gazing at it for several seconds, he stretched his index finger out in a tender caress. Dont worry, I know. I know everything!