“To Settle an Account” (4)
Shi An said, “You can choose an easy way. That means telling me everything systematically and in full detail.”
“Of course, you can also choose not to tell me.”
The young man leaned over slightly.
His eyes were an extremely somber black, a little dark flame burning silently in the depths of his pupils, but otherwise, there was nothing.
There was no pity, no hatred, no anger.
It was like gazing at dust or dead things in general, light without any emotion in it.
After staring at Shi An, Shi Rui felt complete panic for the first time in his life.
The depths of those eyes had an extremely ancient, almost inhuman wickedness, powerful and appalling as if able to instantly make his blood freeze.
It was as if it penetrated time and space, preceding humanity and the known history of humankind, looking over from the dark years when the continent was still asleep.
“And I will dig it out of your mouth.”
Shi An smiled.
Shi Rui felt the constant pressure slamming down hard on his head, every inch of muscle and bone in his body howling with unbearable weight.
Cold beads of sweat trickled down his forehead and dripped to the ground.
His body was shaking as if he was about to faint on the spot.
“I know you don’t trust me very much now.”
Shi Rui shook his head frantically.
Shi An laughed. “See, I’m right.”
The next second, a small cluster of golden-red blaze rose from his fingertips.
Although the room was already very bright, it seemed as if the surroundings instantly darkened when the flame appeared.
“Let me think. What is your friend called…”
Shi An pondered for a few seconds. “Oh, right. Duan Hua, isn’t it?”
Shi Rui’s eyes snapped wide, seemingly not understanding why Shi An would mention this name at this time.
“He persisted for four days before begging me for forgiveness,” Shi An said with a smile.
The flickering fire was reflected in his eyes.
“How long can you last?”
Shi Rui shook his head frantically. His mouth opened and closed, but he could not make a single sound. His pupils shrank to the size of pinpoints in shock and cold sweat poured down his body.
Shi An said, “Of course, I’m in a hurry, after all, so to be fair–”
The color of the flame on his fingertips slowly deepened, showing an eerie and terrifying violet color in the light.
The smile on Shi An’s face remained purely innocent.
“Let’s make it four times. What do you think about that?”
The flames drifted toward Shi Rui’s body, instantly disappearing into the other man’s skin.
His eyes widened abruptly, blood spreading hideously over the whites of his eyes. His body lost its balance and fell to the ground, where he lay twitching wildly, white foam and saliva dripping from the corners of his wide open mouth, but unable to make a single sound.
Shi An calmly stepped over the other’s body and walked out of the room.
He strolled around the large villa, came to the kitchen, and pleasantly enjoyed a hearty meal before retracing his steps toward Shi Rui’s room upstairs.
He squatted down in front of Shi Rui, smiled, and whispered, “How is it? Have you considered it?”
At this very moment, Shi An seemed to notice something suddenly.
He frowned slightly and raised his hand. His fingertips hooked lightly on the other party’s body.
A pitch-black, fire-scorched worm was yanked out, writhing and screaming between Shi An’s fingers.
The demon insect let out a shriek. “This… This is it!”
Shi An looked over.
“This is a demonic creature of one of the puppet doppelgangers, similar to mine, but not the same. Its puppet worm can’t create damage but can inflame the malice in one’s heart.”
“Of course, it can’t create malice and can only let it become more distinct and powerful.” The demon insect raised its wings and flew over, scrutinizing it, revealing a thoughtful expression. “Since it is already so big… It should have stayed on this human’s body for more than a year.”
Shi An asked, “Can you trace the mother worm’s location based on this?”
The demon insect closed its eyes and used its senses. “It should be possible. The connection between both sides is apparent.”
Shi An said, “Excellent.”
He tossed the puppet worm to the demon insect, lowered his head, gently patted Shi Rui’s twitching cheek, and smiled. “Thank you for your cooperation.”
Shi Rui’s face was distorted as if a layer of pale melted wax had been glued to his face.
He stared in horror at the devilish young man in front of him.
A cluster of fire rose once again from Shi An’s fingertips.
His flame could keep a human in a controlled position and leave a magical imprint on the other person.
This was why, although Shi Rui and Shi Zechun were so obnoxious, he still never made a move on them.
That Duan Hua or whatever was okay, but these two humans were too close to him. If anyone or the cult discovered a clue, his identity would undoubtedly be exposed.
However, after going around in circles for a while now, he finally came to this point where he had to do it.
“It seems that we have reached a common understanding.”
Shi An narrowed his eyes, pressed a cluster of fire into the other man’s wrist, and gave a short laugh.
“What happened today is our little secret.”
A flame-shaped mark appeared on Shi Rui’s wrist, which seemed to be burning slowly as if it were a living thing, releasing an intense, ominous aura.
“You won’t say anything about it, will you?” Shi An asked softly.
Shi Rui’s eyes blurred with tears as he nodded frantically.
“Very well.” Shi An stood up, turned around, and walked out.
Before he could take a few steps out, a fear-filled, trembling voice rang behind him.
“… W-What are you trying to do?”
Shi An paused slightly and turned back to look at Shi Rui.
The young man’s voice was clear and gentle as he replied lightly, “I just want to take back my belongings.”
——————–
The author has something to say.
This teaches us a lesson. Do not pick up the treasure on the roadside as the owner may seek it. (I’m being very serious.)
