Chapter 121: Lei Ji's Oath
From the moment Zhang Fan left the academic building, the game commenced – a game that neither could afford to lose. As he exited, Zhang Fan felt like prey under a hunter's gaze, targeted by Lei Ji. Yet, the outcome of this battle was still uncertain.
Facing a sniper, one naturally seeks cover. However, such tactics were trivial for Lei Ji. As Zhang Fan dashed behind a building corner for cover, a sharp shot rang out. Incredibly, Lei Ji's bullet ricocheted off a roadside billboard, then rebounded onto Zhang Fan's left arm. Despite his bulletproof school uniform, the impact was forceful.
Lei Ji, known for her 'absolute radius with no dead angles,' had impressively employed ricochet shots. Even Zhang Fan felt a sense of helplessness against such a formidable opponent.
With the first shot fired, less than 60 seconds remained before the next. Zhang Fan swiftly left his position, sprinting towards the distance. At his speed, he would soon be out of Lei Ji's range. However, Lei Ji wouldn't let him escape so easily. Another precise shot struck his right shoulder, sending another wave of intense pain.
Straight-line running was futile. An open field lay ahead, offering no cover and making him an easy target. Lei Ji had already left the building, moving towards him, as indicated by the trajectory of her bullets. Zhang Fan needed to utilize his true skills now.
After quickly assessing his surroundings, Zhang Fan planned his escape route. With five minutes remaining, only a minute was needed to determine the outcome.
The third bullet came. As a shot echoed, Zhang Fan sensed imminent danger and rolled away. Remarkably, Lei Ji's once-unerring shot missed. Yet, the bullet rebounded off the ground, then a nearby barricade, before hurtling towards him again. In a miraculous turn, Zhang Fan drew his sword in a flash, splitting the incoming bullet in two.
"You lost, Lei Ji!" Zhang Fan declared. Even if Lei Ji's remaining bullets hit him, he had already secured a minute's lead, ensuring his victory.
"Yes, you won," Lei Ji conceded, placing her SVD sniper rifle down and removing her headphones. Her expression remained unchanged, as if the game's outcome was irrelevant to her.
"From this moment, I belong to you. I vow to serve beside Zhang Fan for life, my rifle as your blade, at your command. My existence is yours to command. Your decree is my law. I swear to transform into a bullet, annihilating all your foes. Wu Lu Si is one, and one is all. As Wu Lu Si 47, I shall eternally serve you."
Her words, like an ancient incantation, were a lifelong pledge she would honor without fail...
Although Zhang Fan perceived her oath more as marital vows, he was content to have Lei Ji by his side, enhancing his strength considerably. "Then, Lei Ji, let's learn from each other from now on," he said, smiling as she shouldered her SVD and donned her headphones again.
"Acknowledged," Lei Ji nodded, taking her place behind Zhang Fan. She seemed unchanged, yet subtly committed to serving Zhang Fan. Curious about her lineage, Zhang Fan wondered if she, like Arya and the others, descended from a notable bloodline.
"Now that you're mine, Lei Ji, can you tell me about yourself? What is this 'wind' you speak of, and why do you insist I can't be with Arya?" he asked, eager to unravel the mystery surrounding her.
"The wind is simply that – the wind. It commanded me to unite with you, to bear the progeny of Wu Lu Si, and to protect the wind. It also ordered me to keep Arya away from you."
Bear the progeny of Wu Lu Si? Zhang Fan was startled. He had no intention of exploiting a minor, but this 'wind' – could it be more than a figment of her imagination, possibly a person or organization?