44. Reality and Illusion

"Wait! I haven't finished talking yet!"

The mysterious man hurriedly called out to Lu Li, who was about to leave.

Lu Li stopped in his tracks and returned to the side of the dining table.

"You'll surely live through this," the mysterious man couldn't help but blurt out. He thought Lu Li would make some excuses before leaving, but he ran off without dragging his feet.

"I think so too," Lu Li seemed not to have caught the irony in the comment. "Is there anything else?"

The mysterious man paused briefly, his voice much softer, "After you escape the Evil Spirit Ritual... remember to come back and pick me up."

"Hmm."

Lu Li left again, and behind him the faint glow of fireflies quickly receded.

"One... two..."

Plunged into darkness, Lu Li began counting silently again. As the third number echoed in his mind, he raised his arm and pulled the trigger.

Bang!!!

In the sudden light, everything became visible all at once.