Whispers of the Celestial Blade

Chapter 8

The Monster Qi Hai & Pain

Author's note: Introducing an original character—Qi Hai! This demon is both good and evil, at times seductive, at times terrifying. Those who have been following closely might recognize where you've seen them before—it's quite obvious, isn't it?

An eerie wind blew through the air, and the sky seemed to darken without warning. The previously peaceful and picturesque forest now took on a menacing atmosphere, making everything feel cold and unsettling.

Zhao Yun's mind was completely blank. Massacre! This was pure slaughter! She couldn't comprehend the bloodbath before her. Raised in a peaceful world, Zhao Yun had never even imagined something like this. Just moments ago, these people were alive and well, and now... they were reduced to piles of flesh. Flesh... The mere thought made her stomach churn again.

Qi Hai found it amusing when he noticed Zhao Yun. While others were running for their lives, here was this girl, powerless yet still charging toward him. Watching her expressions shift from shock to fear, back and forth, made him grin. With a teasing curl of his lips, he said, "Oh? Another one delivering themselves to me~"

Zhao Yun snapped to attention. There was no time to dwell on her nausea—there was still a murderer in front of her. Tensing her body, she didn't dare lower her guard. Forcing herself to speak, she asked, "Why did you kill them?"

Qi Hai chuckled. This girl... she was interesting. He casually responded, "Why? Because I wanted to. What kind of silly question is that?" He paused, the simplicity of the question triggering a strange sense of déjà vu. He narrowed his eyes and examined Zhao Yun closely.

Seeing the mocking look on his face, Zhao Yun instantly realized how pointless her question was. Her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, and she glared back at him, only to find him staring at her intently. Wait... what's with that look? Is he thinking about killing me now?!

Qi Hai tilted his head, his tone curious, "Have we met before?" His eyes remained locked on her, unblinking.

Is this some new demon pickup line? Zhao Yun's mouth twitched in disbelief, and she quickly replied, "I think you must be mistaken. I've never met someone like you before." If I had, I'd already be dead.

Qi Hai's amusement faded, replaced by annoyance. He was sure he had seen her somewhere before, yet she dared to deny it. Maybe he had been too gentle. In an instant, his murderous aura exploded outward, crashing down on Zhao Yun like a tidal wave. The sheer force knocked her to the ground, her back drenched in cold sweat.

With narrowed eyes and a cold, sharp tone, Qi Hai taunted, "Oh? So if we've never met, I suppose I can kill you without hesitation, hmm?"

Zhao Yun's mind raced. What's with the sudden mood swing? All demons are this insane, aren't they? Am I really going to die here? I should've stayed back at the village...

Disheveled and covered in dirt and blood, her face twisted in pain and frustration. Qi Hai studied her closely, as if searching for something. He seemed dissatisfied. Wasn't she supposed to be more terrified by now? The lack of the usual despair and fear confused him. His gaze hardened, and he stared at her like she was some sort of puzzle. Impossible... she shouldn't still be alive...

But Zhao Yun didn't know what Qi Hai was thinking. She was too busy trying to withstand the crushing weight of his killing intent.

Finally, the intense pressure lifted. Qi Hai retracted his aura, his expression shifting to one of amusement once again. "Interesting. Very interesting," he murmured to himself. "What a curious thing..."