Chapter 1653: Chapter 998: The Girl on the Wolf’s Back (Repaying the Previously Owed 2-in-1)
Chen Xiaolan endured the severe pain on her body, tore off a piece of cloth from her clothes, and casually wrapped it around her neck wound.
Fortunately, in this harsh and cold air, the bleeding had already stopped, and the smell of blood did not spread too far, which also wouldn’t attract too many wild wolves.
It’s just... the direction those wolves are rushing and sharpening their claws seemed to be heading towards the direction where Meng Zifei was.
Indeed, he bled so much, leaving a ground full of fresh shredded meat, and these wolves have the keenest sense of smell, not to mention that it was the flesh and blood of a cultivator.
The wolves that have been roaming the continuous mountains outside Shifang City for years have already acquired some spirituality.
Naturally, they could distinguish between good and bad human blood.
With Meng Zifei as bait, the journey down the mountain would undoubtedly be smooth.
Thinking of this, Chen Xiaolan couldn’t feel relieved at all.
She was not a cold and heartless person. Over five years of teaching and companionship, she had already regarded the Young Master Meng of the past as a mentor and family.
Now, she had to tread over his blood and bones to survive...
She looked at the shredded pieces of the fire talisman on the ground, emitting the lingering spirit light of the embers.
Chen Xiaolan was filled with countless worries and found herself anxious and uneasy.
Her fingers twisted together unconsciously; she couldn’t help but let her thoughts run wild.
If Meng Zifei survived tonight, he might not die.
But Chen Xiaolan was unsure of his exact situation. If those wolves went up the mountain and feasted on him...
Could he still survive and recover as before?
She thought it was unlikely.
But if he wanted to kill her, how could she turn back to save him?
He was such a terrifying demon.
But what if... there was some misunderstanding?
What if Meng Zifei was just under the influence of a curse, in so much pain that he lost his reason and attacked people?
Or perhaps there was some hidden difficulty.
Leaving him like this, would she inadvertently cause a big mistake, becoming a sinner for eternity?
Chen Xiaolan was trapped in a dilemma.
She was just an ordinary girl, afraid of death, afraid of pain, and frightened by those terrifying things.
But she had a conscience, and couldn’t abandon the one she once trusted as family as heartlessly as those cold-blooded animals.
Chen Xiaolan numbly wondered, if Si Chen were here, what choice would he make?
...
...
Meng Zifei watched the terrified and fleeing figure of Chen Xiaolan, his eyes dark and without any visible anger or resentment.
Never had he realized that the snowflakes falling from the sky could become so heavy and cold when piled on a person.
He stiffly turned his neck bones, ignoring the pain from the starlight burning his eyes, as blood tears streamed from the corners of his eyes, he looked at the starry sky and moonlight with a bleak gaze.
He let out a self-mocking chuckle.
He had thought that if luck favored him tonight, borrowing the power of the clouds and sky, he would suffer less pain.
Yet unexpectedly, he lost his reason due to a single word from Chen Xiaolan.
During the critical moment of the curse’s outbreak, he exposed himself to the starry light.
It was really painful.
The child must have been terribly scared earlier.
Because of his unsteady state, he could not analyze the situation as calmly as he usually could.
Chen Xiaolan, without a spirit root, with ordinary aptitude, was just an ordinary mountain girl.
How could she fathom his past secrets?
She had been with him for five years, witnessing the curse he experienced once every month.
Despite his skillful concealment each time, there were always occasional lapses like tonight.
Chen Xiaolan, with her meticulous nature, perhaps noticed that he disappeared for seven days each month and occasionally saw his pale and unhealthy appearance, deducing that he might have an old ailment.
She was just too understanding, fearing any taboo or hidden trouble he had, and out of consideration for his dignity, she never exposed it.
In this wild mountain filled with starlight, unable to move her, his complexion was pale and wretched.
She was merely worried, hoping that he could seek medical attention as soon as possible and finally couldn’t help but speak up, right?
It was his loss of reason that made him lose control and, in chaos, directly attacked her.
At the most critical moment, he exposed himself to the moonlight and starlight.
Now, it was over; the secret of the curse had been completely exposed.
By tomorrow, when the starlight fades and the curse disperses, after his recovery, he wouldn’t be able to avoid killing Chen Xiaolan, who discovered his secret.
The heavy snowfall and severe cold, but the tearing pain in his body brought him a strong sense of burning heat.
It felt as if every inch of his skin was enduring searing heat, burning his consciousness into chaos.
Yet even so, Meng Zifei couldn’t help but sigh softly.
Though he intended to become Mohe and had once shamelessly used and deceived his beloved.
Taking Chen Xiaolan as a disciple was the only thing devoid of calculation and exploitation.
This child was too much like the past Shang Ying, but she did not have Shang Ying’s outstanding cultivation talent, destined to be a mortal.
In this aspect, she was very much like him, wholeheartedly pursuing the Tao but finding no path to seek.
Taking her as a disciple was also borne out of his past guilt towards Shang Ying, transferring this repayment and regret onto Chen Xiaolan.
For Chen Xiaolan, his daily teaching her writing, reading, talisman drawing, and martial arts was a kindness.
But for Meng Zifei, it was a deceptive self-redemption.
Even though he knew this redemption was an illusion, fleeting like a mirage.
Mortals live little over a hundred years, and she does not possess a spirit root.
He cultivated leisurely while also searching for means to grant her a spirit root or extend her life.
If she could stay by his side, it would certainly be better than facing the lonely long nights alone.
