In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Sheng Zhao’s mind, each one filled with thorns and obstacles. Looking ahead, almost every path led to the same destination.
He was pulled back by a great force, in an instant feeling as if the surroundings twisted and blurred, everything before his eyes resembling a kaleidoscope, the scenery becoming surreal, with only intermittent giggles remaining clear in his ears.
Feeling both sorrow and fear, his mind momentarily blank, the kaleidoscope-like scenery suddenly vanished.
Then, a drop of cold rain fell on his face, chilling him to the bone.
Sheng Zhao snapped out of his daze, feeling a chill run down his spine, only to find the small building he was just near standing quietly ten steps away, the door tightly closed with a subtle scorch mark across it… as if it had been split in half by something.
Zhang Jian and Hu Huanyang stood together, their faces filled with worry, Zhang Jian apparently blaming himself for leaving him alone, his face showing visible signs of remorse.
Sheng Zhao felt a chill down his spine from the apologetic look in their eyes, thinking desperately, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere, but another drop of rain hit his forehead, sliding down his cheek and onto his hand.
Something’s wrong, Sheng Zhao realized belatedly, how did it suddenly start raining when it was clear just moments ago, with no forecast of clouds.
Almost in the next instant, Sheng Zhao found the source of the problem.
Feeling something tight around his waist, Sheng Zhao felt suffocated, subconsciously lowering his head to see what it was, only to freeze as soon as his gaze fell.
The black scales, damp with water droplets, shimmered in the light, unmistakably belonging to Xing Yingzhuo’s tail.
Sheng Zhao: “…”
“Xiao Zhao…” Hu Huanyang weakly reminded him, “…you don’t know, you’ve caused quite a commotion, the boss was really worried.”
But at this moment, Sheng Zhao couldn’t hear what Hu Huanyang was saying anymore.
Slowly and hesitantly turning around, even before he could fully turn, he felt an enormous shadow looming over him.
Xing Yingzhuo’s original form was large, very large, Sheng Zhao knew this from the start. However, the visual impact of being in close proximity to something that big, almost half the size of a lake, was incomparable. Sheng Zhao took a sharp intake of breath, his heart pounding.
The serpent stood upright, its head slightly lowered, exuding a palpable sense of aggression as it slowly approached Sheng Zhao.
“Let me explain—” Sheng Zhao said with a grimace, “It was an accident, please let me explain.”
According to Xing Yingzhuo’s usual reaction, Sheng Zhao expected to be mocked publicly for causing such trouble. He was even prepared to be scolded by him right then and there. But unexpectedly, Xing Yingzhuo seemed genuinely angry this time, not saying a word for quite some time.
With him so close, Sheng Zhao could even see the fluctuation of his chest.
…Is he really angry? Sheng Zhao wondered nervously, or is it just my imagination?
The reptilian eyes were long and cold, and the longer Xing Yingzhuo stared, the more uneasy Sheng Zhao felt.
“At least give me a chance to explain…” Sheng Zhao said with little confidence, whispering, “We can’t let this new relationship fall apart just after it’s been formed, can we?”
Before Sheng Zhao could finish explaining, Xing Yingzhuo, as if unable to tolerate it any longer, ground his teeth, then suddenly swooped down, opening his huge mouth, baring his sharp, white fangs at him.
Sheng Zhao: “…”
—Surely, he wouldn’t attack me so brutally!
Sheng Zhao was petrified by the sudden icy breath, not daring to move. In the blink of an eye, Xing Yingzhuo had leaned down and “snapped” at his left shoulder, the sharp fangs lightly pressing against Sheng Zhao’s shoulder bone from both sides, almost touching.
The bone-chilling cold penetrated Sheng Zhao’s bone marrow through the thin fabric of his clothes, as if Xing Yingzhuo could drive his fangs into his bones with just a slight movement of his thoughts.
Sheng Zhao shivered, instantly breaking out in goosebumps.
But before Sheng Zhao could even grasp the emotion of “fear” from his mind to face this situation, he suddenly heard a roar behind him.
“Xing Yingzhu—”
It was Zhang Jian’s voice.
“—You must not harm people!”
The next moment, Sheng Zhao only heard a faint sound behind him, like metal colliding, crisp and brief.
Damn! Sheng Zhao was shocked, did he just draw his sword!
Being held by Xing Yingzhuo on his shoulder and waist, completely under his control from top to bottom, unable to even turn around to see what was happening, Sheng Zhao had no choice but to take a sudden step forward, reaching out to grab the serpent’s neck.
“It’s… it’s nothing!” Sheng Zhao hurriedly said, “He didn’t bite me hard, it’s just a joke!”
Xing Yingzhuo: “…”
Xing Yingzhuo hadn’t this idiot to charge forward so recklessly, completely disregarding his own situation. If he hadn’t retracted his teeth quickly just now, his shoulder would have been pierced through!
Sheng Zhao quickly touched the scales on his neck, smiling at him in an attempt to please him.
Zhang Jian: “…”
I’m really unnecessary in this matter, he thought woodenly while holding the sword.
Zhang Chengde, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly smiled, walked up from behind, and pulled Zhang Jian behind him.
“I didn’t expect that.” Zhang Chengde nodded slightly at Sheng Zhao with a smile, saying, “So the young friend has such a connection with our sect.”
Sheng Zhao awkwardly patted Xing Yinzhu’s neck and struggled to move sideways under the restraints, smiling awkwardly at Zhang Chengde.
Indeed, before he followed Xing Yinzhu to Dragon Tiger Mountain, he never expected that he had belonged to Dragon Tiger Mountain in his previous life.
—Although he was only an outer disciple, he had guarded the Demon Lock Tower for many years.
Although many things in the illusion were unclear, Sheng Zhao still remembered that almost instinctive feeling vividly. He did live in this place for many years in his previous life. Although the memories he “recalled” were only a brief moment in the illusion, it was enough for him to make a judgment.
Sheng Zhao couldn’t describe this feeling. Rationally, it could be a deception, but after going back and forth from the illusion, he felt calm and settled. Looking at Zhang Chengde, he had a sense of realization, “No wonder I felt like I’ve seen him before.”
“Past connections, meeting again in this life, it’s fate.” Zhang Chengde looked at Sheng Zhao for a while, then suddenly said, “Since you’ve returned, why not come back to the sect? It can be considered as continuing our past relationship, what do you think?”
Sheng Zhao didn’t expect Zhang Chengde to make such an offer right away. For a moment, he didn’t know how to respond and instinctively froze.
But Xing Yinzhu seemed to be touched by this statement, his temper flaring up uncontrollably. He let go of Sheng Zhao under him and, turning into a human form, walked away without looking back.
Sheng Zhao subconsciously wanted to chase after him, but when he turned his head, he realized that Xing Yinzhu didn’t seem right—he was tall and steady, but with every step, there were scattered traces of blood under his feet.
Sheng Zhao was stunned for a moment, subconsciously touched his waist, only to find that his jacket was also stained with blood.
“The Lock Demon Tower just had some movement, and the big boss came down in his original form to find you just now.” Hu Huanyang hid behind Zhang Jian and reminded him in a low voice, “From the mountain behind.”
Before Hu Huanyang finished speaking, Sheng Zhao had already chased after him, not even bothering to say anything to Zhang Chengde.
“Boss—” Sheng Zhao called out to him, “Xing Yingzhu!”
Xing Yingzhu acted as if he hadn’t heard.
Sheng Zhao felt sorry for him, thinking that he knew burns from lightning wouldn’t heal so easily. It was forgivable before, but now that a big demon like him came to the Taoist territory to act recklessly, it was obvious it wouldn’t feel good.
“You, wait a moment.” Sheng Zhao quickly caught up and intercepted him, panting heavily, “Don’t walk anymore, otherwise, like before, if you turn into a snake and get smaller, I’ll just carry you.”
Xing Yingzhuo didn’t feel like dealing with him. He bypassed him and continued walking up the mountain.
Sheng Zhao understood his temper very well, how could he not know what kind of temper he was throwing? He hurried to catch up, explaining as he followed behind.
“Why are you angry? I didn’t intend to agree to him.” Sheng Zhao spoke softly, “I just didn’t expect him to suddenly bring this up, so I was stunned for a moment—I have work and you, why should I stay here with them?”
Before Sheng Zhao finished speaking, Xing Yingzhu suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned around.
Sheng Zhao was busy chasing him and didn’t expect him to suddenly stop. Unable to brake in time, he bumped his head solidly into Xing Yingzhu’s arms.
“Ouch, why did you suddenly stop—”
Before Sheng Zhao could finish his complaint, he felt Xing Yingzhu reach out, pinching his chin and lifting his face.
“Even if you’re stunned, it’s not allowed.” Xing Yingzhu squinted his eyes, saying coolly, “You belong to me.”
