Chapter 38

In the dim tunnel, Yezi carried Luo Xiaohai swiftly through the darkness, with Ahe following closely behind, occasionally glancing back in vigilance.

A white light appeared in the distance of the tunnel. As they hurried forward, the light grew larger and larger. Bursting out of the tunnel, they were greeted by the sight of lush green trees, and by the riverbank not far away, Feng Xi and his group were waiting.

"Is Xiaohai alright?" Luo Zhu looked at the unconscious Luo Xiaohai in Yezi's arms, hurriedly stepping forward to take him and asking anxiously.

Yezi glanced at Luo Zhu without saying a word. Ahe, standing by his side, said calmly, "Don't make such a fuss. He's fine. I just put him to sleep, that's all."

Turning to Feng Xi, who stood a short distance away, Ahe asked, "Can we proceed with the plan now?"

Feng Xi looked down at Luo Xiaohai, who lay unconscious in Luo Zhu's arms. The young body, the innocent face—memories of the brief time Luo Xiaohai had spent with them flashed through his mind. Feng Xi took a deep breath, glancing at the surrounding brothers, and exhaled, "We will go to the center of Longyou City. The barrier of Longyou has been opened; we cannot leave. There, we will establish a domain to take more hostages, forcing the Guild and the humans to hesitate."

Elsewhere, at the subway station, Wuxian had reunited with the members of the Guild who had come.

Pan rakashu looked around curiously, then asked Wuxian, who was silently watching above, "Master Wuxian, where is the little demon with the domain that the report said you had taken under your wing?"

Hands behind his back, Wuxian watched the livestream where Luo Xiaohai lay in Luo Zhu's arms, feeling a wave of emotions.

In the livestream chat, a series of comments flowed by.

Klee: Ah, this brown-haired big brother has ears just like mine.

Kazuma: This guy is decent to Xiaohai. From the fate fragment, he seems to be the only one who genuinely cares about Xiaohai in that group.

Hiroshi: Xiaohai, what are you planning to do now?

Luo Xiaohai: I'm planning to wait until Feng Xi actually tries to take my domain, then I'll fight back.

Hiroshi: Alright, be careful.

Clenching his fist, Wuxian replied, "Xiaohai was taken by Feng Xi's group."

Turning and heading out of the subway, he knew that the unconscious people had been taken care of by the Guild members. Now it was time for him to be by Xiaohai's side, to guard him.

Pan rakashu watched Wuxian leave quickly and gave orders to the people working behind him before hurrying after Wuxian.

Watching Wuxian walk briskly ahead, with his fists clenched, Pan rakashu's face tightened. It seemed that Wuxian was truly angry this time.

"Master Wuxian, this is the latest information about Feng Xi from the Guild," Pan rakashu said as he caught up. He began explaining the intelligence they had gathered on Feng Xi and his group recently.

"We have just received intelligence that Feng Xi has the ability to steal others' abilities. He has taken abilities from Mr. Min's 'Thin Voice', Mr. Huahua's 'Painted Spirit', and Elder Gui's 'Delayed Blast'. These are all abilities targeting yours. It seems their goal is your disciple, Xiaohai's domain." Pan rakashu looked at Wuxian's grim expression and asked, "I've already sealed the Longyou barrier when I arrived. Will you take command of the operation from here, Master Wuxian?"

As they reached the subway exit, Wuxian shook his head. "There are enough people here to handle the situation. Xiaohai is my only priority right now."

With that, Wuxian dodged the crowd with a flicker, stepping into a corner and vanishing from sight.

Behind Pan rakashu, a man appeared, bowed to him, and said, "President, the unconscious people have been settled. What's our next move?"

Leaning on his cane, Pan rakashu quickly gave instructions, "Erase their memories, leave the rest to the humans. Sensors must locate Feng Xi at all costs. Begin evacuating the city's populace and mobilize all forces. Request reinforcement from the central Guild."

"Is it that serious?" Guan Xuan looked at Pan rakashu in shock and asked, "This will cause widespread panic in the city."

Looking up at the sword light that had already vanished over the horizon, Pan rakashu said in a solemn voice, "The domain is something not even Elder Jun can break. We must prepare for the worst. I'll ensure the mayor cooperates."

Elsewhere, evading the Guild members searching everywhere, Feng Xi and his group arrived at the center of Longyou City—Moda Shopping Plaza.

On the locked rooftop, Feng Xi and Xuhai stood on the high ground, looking down at the chaotic city of Longyou. Turning back, Feng Xi signaled to Ahe. The unconscious Luo Xiaohai was awakened.

Luo Zhu held Luo Xiaohai tightly as he woke, rubbing his cheek against Xiaohai's and saying happily, "Xiaohai, it's so great to see you again. Did you miss me?"

Wiping his cheek, Luo Xiaohai looked at Luo Zhu's genuinely delighted face and nodded, saying softly, "Yeah, I'm really happy too."

Looking at Feng Xi, who was standing to the side watching the scene below, Luo Xiaohai took a deep breath and said, "Feng Xi, are you okay?"

Feng Xi looked back at Luo Xiaohai, whose gaze was now steady and unwavering—so different from his formerly uncertain expression, like a drifting willow. Now, he seemed like someone who had found his place.

With a slight smile, Feng Xi squatted beside Luo Xiaohai and said, "I've been alright lately, just busy, always running from place to place. But it looks like you've been doing well too. You look much better than before."

Scratching his head in embarrassment, Luo Xiaohai said, "Really? Hehe, but Feng Xi, do you not like the Guild's demons?"

"Hmm?" Seeming to understand, Feng Xi said, "What did the Guild people tell you?"

Jumping down from the ledge, Feng Xi landed beside Luo Xiaohai and led him to the edge of the rooftop, pointing at the bustling streets below. "Look down there—this city of Longyou is my home. It was once filled with spirit power, and many demons were born here. Because of the demons, the forest thrived even more.

"Then, one day, humans arrived. They cut down trees, built houses, started fires, and cooked. They also integrated into the forest. I didn't dislike them; they brought many enjoyable things. They were weak, and they respected us. It was a good time."

"But they evolved quickly. Many demons left, but I thought it should have been the humans who left."

Looking down at Luo Xiaohai, Feng Xi spoke in a calm voice, "The Guild intervened then. We couldn't defeat them, so we left. The demons in the Guild want to coexist with humans. But look down at the city, Xiaohai—where is there room for demons to live? How can I live peacefully with the Guild?"

Luo Xiaohai was silent, looking at Feng Xi before lowering his head. "But Master said the Guild is actively seeking ways for demons to coexist with humans." Raising his head, he looked at Feng Xi, saying, "Even if the Guild can't find it, Master and I definitely will. So can you wait a little longer, Feng Xi?"

"Master?" Feng Xi looked at Luo Xiaohai in surprise, then realized.

"So, you've changed so much because you've apprenticed under Wuxian." Looking at the serious Luo Xiaohai, Feng Xi sighed. "When will the way for humans and demons to coexist be found? Do you think all demons will accept it? And, Xiaohai, do you realize that soon humans might surpass demons altogether? Their evolution speed is unbelievable. When that time comes, what will happen to the demons?"

Seeing Luo Xiaohai fall silent again, Feng Xi extended his right hand, placing his open palm in front of Luo Xiaohai and said, "Xiaohai, give up on that meaningless belief and help me build a paradise for demons. That way, we will have a place to belong."

Staring at the outstretched hand, Luo Xiaohai silently shook his head.

Feng Xi sighed, seeing Luo Xiaohai refuse. The hesitation in his eyes vanished, replaced by determination. Not far away, Tianhu and the others restrained Luo Zhu, who was shouting in agitation.

"Feng Xi, no! Let me talk to Xiaohai. He's just young and doesn't understand all this. Let me talk to him; Xiaohai will definitely agree with us!"

Ignoring Luo Zhu's cries echoing in the air, Feng Xi looked at Luo Xiaohai and said, "Maybe one day, the Guild will really find a way for coexistence. But I can't wait anymore, Xiaohai, and neither can my brothers. I'm sorry."

The concrete beneath them cracked, and Luo Xiaohai was suspended in the air. His black hair covered his face, and as he stared at Feng Xi's shoes, the spirit power within him began to surge.