The Exorcist

Book 7: Chapter 42: Most Important

Lets go! Ruan Zhan fished Xiao Xia up from the ground, feeling her soft body pressing against him and sensing that her lively vitality was still whole. He hurriedly drew glyphs in the air and stepped through space.

He had to bring her away first!

After splitting with Wan Li and Bao Da Tong, he had been searching all over the world for her using his sense. He had heard her calling once, but it was to tell him to stay away. Afterwards, she had refused to respond again, but he had still slowly found his way here.

She didnt want to implicate him but she was in danger. That was what he sensed. But how was he supposed to tell her that he could lose anything in the world apart from her? Therefore, no matter how much danger she was in, he would go save her!

He had worried over whether he would make it in time the whole way. Due to anxiety and since she intentionally blocked him off, he was extremely unsuccessful. However, he slowly noticed that the path he traced was approaching the apartment complex Lu Yan used to live in! Therefore, he suddenly understood the fiend childrens hideout might be there. If their interest in Xiao Xia was spontaneous and they wanted to imprison her, no other place had more brimming Yin energy and less people!

He arrived with a step, and noticed the building was really dark. Not only that, there wasnt a single person in the vicinity. Large white circles were drawn on the walls, with the word demolition written inside. It was obvious this place was about to be demolished. Upon careful inspection, there was also some faint black miasma. This further confirmed his assumption. Xiao Xia must be imprisoned somewhere in this desolate, tomb-like apartment complex.

He was about to enter when he suddenly felt Xiao Xias longing for him. The telepathic link that had weakened due to her loss of memory was once again clear at this most dangerous junction! As he followed his sense, he immediately saw Xiao Xia standing in a field of rubble behind the building. Nearby, strong and weak, evil and kind clumps of black miasma were entangled together.

Words werent necessary at that moment. He swiftly judged the situation and swiftly made his move. Then, he swiftly took Xiao Xia back to the safety of his house.

I have good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first? Xiao Xia sat on the bed, her hands gripping Ruan Zhans tightly as she spoke while shivering.

The fact that youre safe is the best news. The rest isnt important. Ruan Zhan looked into Xiao Xias eyes and couldnt look away. You are most important!

He spoke so gently that the atmosphere in the room grew ambiguous. Xiao Xias heart trembled. She hesitantly put her hand on Ruan Zhans arm and was about to tell him how much she missed him earlier when she suddenly recalled the urgent situation. The matter at hand was still more important.

No, you have to listen. Xiao Xia said seriously. The good news is that those missing children are in that basement. The bad news is that I dont know whether they are alive or dead!

You saw them?

Yes. Xiao Xia nodded, a little anxious. It seemed like an underground basement, butbut it was too dark. After running out, I wasnt able to recognize the place! 

Dont worry, I know it. Ruan Zhan patted her hand and then called Wan Li.

Where are you?

On the way back. Wan Lis voice came from the phone. What is it?

Can you talk?

Yes.

Good. Find a phone booth right away and make an anonymous call. Tell the police that the missing children are in the basement of Lu Yans previous apartment complex.

My god! Wan Li was very surprised by the news.

Be careful not to get spotted. Best change your voice too. Ruan Zhan instructed. We dont know if its all the children, but we have to act quickly in case anything chances!

With so many children having gone missing, it was a huge case. The entire citys police force mobilized. Furthermore, since they were on high alert, the first wave arrived on the scene minutes after Wan Lis phone call. Then the second, and the third. The large amount of baleful aura prevented the fiends, who had been repeatedly assaulted tonight, from having the time and ability to move the children. Therefore, those long-missing children were rescued. After checking, all the children that were kidnapped by the trafficking ring were present.

However, these children were all in a vegetative state. They merely breathed shallowly, but had no consciousness.

The bodies were retrieved but what about the souls? Wan Li sat on the stairs with a troubled look.

It was the next morning. Xiao Xia had told them everything that happened the night before. She was then forced to rest up and thus took another sick day. Xiao Xia initially hadnt agreed to do so. She had been slacking at work recently, and at this rate she would get fired. However, Wan Li said that if she went out, she would get targeted, which would affect their exorcism plans.

Xiao Xia reconsidered and decided her companions lives were more important than her career. She could find a new job if she lost her current one. If she lost her friendsshe didnt dare imagine! Besides, Wan Li comforted her by saying that if she really got fired, she might as well change her line of work and become a spirit medium. It seemed rather lucrative, and from Bao Da Tongs actions, he seemed to be planning on settling down here.

If they are still breathing faintly, their souls shouldnt have been devoured. Ruan Zhan frowned. When those fiend children are dealt with, we might be able to return those souls.

But the pair of fiends might act against the children at any time. Wan Li was a little worried. Without souls, their bodies wont last either.

Thats simple. Ruan Zhan spoke without looking up. We just have to keep hassling them. If they have their hands full with us, they wont have the energy to do anything else.

Wont they shatter the childrens souls, or use them as replenishment?

Shattering them takes energy, and its not so easy to devour souls. They need to be immediately refined, or it would be harmful.

What if they still do it anyway?

Then theres nothing I can do. Ruan Zhan responded emotionlessly. Lets leave it up to fate!

You are a cold-blooded animal!

Well, I dont think they will do that. Ruan Zhan ignored Wan Li and continued. I already went to harass them this morning. They should know that dealing with me requires their full attention. If they get distracted, they will lose miserably!

But I didnt see you go out. Wan Li was surprised. How did you do it?

I didnt go anywhere. I just cast a few spells. Ruan Zhan said calmly. The scummy fiend posing as a crippled child for sympathy was preparing to cultivate in his room when I ambushed him using a spirit mirror spell. Hmph, does he think hes the only one who can use a mirror to scare others?

Hoh, using his own spell against him. Was your ancestor surnamed Murong by any chance?

You know I have no ancestors.

Wan Li was merely joking, but hadnt expected to his a sore spot. He hurriedly apologized. Im sorry, Ah Zhan. It wasnt intentional.

As you also know, I dont mind it. Ruan Zhan smiled and changed the topic. In the fiend childs anger, he struck at me using pure Yin ghost energy. He didnt expect me to use Witch Doctor Ah Bais transference spell. His blow ended up cutting a thick locust tree outside in half.

Wan Li glanced at him. Judging by that crafty smile, did you screw him over somehow?

Its not my fault. That tree was placed perfectly. Ruan Zhans mouth curved in an attractive arc. Its position and angle were both perfect for absorbing Yang energy, which is also strongest in the morning. Science calls it photosynthesis, but quacks call it guiding Yang energy. Therefore, Lil Tongs attack naturally caused him to suffer backlash by the Yang energy! In any case He paused, seeming slightly smug. He didnt expect me to transfer his attack onto the tree outside. I appeared in the mirror, which is of the water element whereas sunlight is of fire. He used a spell meant for water to strike at fire. Isnt that just asking for trouble?

You schemer! Wan Li was also a little pleased to hear Lil Tong was injured. According to Ruan Zhan, the pair of fiends were extremely powerful. If they suffered a loss, it would be advantageous to their plans.

Dont celebrate too early. He wasnt seriously injured. Although I was prepared, the tree outside was unfortunately a locust tree. Locust trees are ghost wood, which arent good at dealing with spirits. Ruan Zhan said. Im not pleased because he was injured. Instead, its because Ive shown him that despite cultivating for centuries and despite all his power, he still cannot act as he pleases. No one in this world is strong enough to do so.

Was that a good idea? Wan Li considered it. Now he has an idea of your power. Wont it make things harder when we face them? Hopefully you didnt lose your rationale after hearing Lil Tong wants to make Xiao Xia his bride.

He shouldnt think about touching even a finger of hers. Ruan Zhans expression was determined. The two are very strong, so we are at a disadvantage regardless. Theres no avoiding it, so might as well first suppress them in terms of posturing. That way they know we wont retreat a single step! He tested my strength, but I tested his too. Didnt the fiend girl have a red lotus inside her? Let me tell you, Lil Tong does too, two of them. One in each eye. This is why we werent able to see anything abnormal about him. Bao Da Tong doesnt have an innate Yinyang Eye. He can only judge based on abnormal energy coming from the body. If the opponent is too strong, they can avoid detection. The reason I failed to see anything before was because whenever I went, he acted shy and hid in his mothers arms. How could I have seen his eyes?

So thats how it was. Wan Li understood. Basically, Lil Tong is stronger than the unnamed fiend girl?

Ruan Zhan nodded. To be honest, while I am maybe evenly matched with the fiend girl, I cannot handle Lil Tong. If the two of them work together, their powers will be one thing but their cooperation probably wont be too far off either. Therefore, we have zero advantages. Since thats the case, whats the point in tiptoeing around?

I understand. But last night you and Xiao Xia both unexpectedly managed to injure the fiend girl. Why didnt you push harder and wipe her out to give us a better chance? Was it to avoid provoking a cornered beast?

Ruan Zhan didnt speak for several seconds before finally responding. I went to save Xiao Xia. Her safety was the most important thing. I didnt have the assurance to wipe out the fiend girl. What if she retaliated in desperation, or had helpers or other things under her control, and Xiao Xia ended up getting hurt? I wasnt by myself, so I couldnt take the risk.

Youre right. I didnt think things over enough. However, now that were directly confronting them, what are we going to do? Wan Li smiled helplessly. Your luck is as bad as usual. Were always encountering boss-leveled opponents, and always having to win as the underdog.

Ruan Zhan patted Wan Lis shoulders. Thats what makes it exciting. Were only motivated when the task is difficult! Besides, after experiencing so many things, havent you noticed there are many things we can use? We arent completely hopeless. At least, things arent as desperate compared with fighting Si Ma Nan.

Oh? Wan Lis interest was piqued. Quick, spit it out. Dont tell me the secrets of heaven arent meant to be revealed. I hate those words the most!

Its not that I wont tell you. Its just that saying too much now wouldnt be beneficial. We just have to proceed with the first step of our plan: harassment. Leave that to me. Dont go to work for the next few days either. You just need to stay with Xiao Xia, in case anything happens. Dont give them a chance to pick us off one by one. Ruan Zhan glanced around the empty bar.

Although he had set up a formation and filled the gaps in with the inherited tome from Master Long, he still didnt dare get careless. He had hated magic in the past. Then, he felt he could handle everything even if he didnt fully release his seal. Then, after several battles, he fully understood the saying that theres always a taller mountain.

There was no absolute strength in this world, and there was also no absolute weakness. It all depended on ones strategy.

Is Lu Yanalso a fiend? Wan Li suddenly asked.

He never believed Lu Yan was part of Lil Tongs group. The first time he saw her, none of her expressions or actions seemed fake. Based on his years of experience as a psychiatrist, those things couldnt be faked. If they were fake, he could only say their acting and scheming were on par with their power. Their chances of victory would be even smaller. Besides, in the end, didnt all this happen because she wanted to see her departed husband one last time? This wouldnt make sense as motivation. The fiends had already entered the world five years ago. Why would they come look for trouble? From this perspective, Lu Yan might have known something and used their group. Or she knew nothing, and had merely jumped on the bandwagon of Bao Da Tongs popularity and ended up causing so many events.

Ruan Zhan pondered it and finally shook his head.

Although he might be related in some way, I still cant sense anything off about her. Unless she is powerful beyond compare. In that case, we are definitely done for.

Wan Li sighed. For some reason, she reminds me of Duan Jin.

Ruan Zhan didnt speak, so Wan Li changed the subject. Then who was the shade that saved Xiao Xia last night?

Zhang Zi Xin. Ruan Zhan stood up. When I hurried over last night, he was almost done for. I put him into the tattered banner for protection. Hes been tossing around in there and I havent had time to check on him. I only remembered now that you brought him up.