Initially, the mysterious woman had a touch of hesitation in her heart, but upon hearing Curtis's warning, her eyes became even more resolute, stepping closer to Benjamin: "Leader…." Curtis once again wanted to caution her.However, the mysterious woman, somewhat annoyed, turned her head and barked loudly: "Quiet!"Hearing this shout, although he wanted to continue advising her, Curtis could only begrudgingly stay silent, not daring to say another word. Observing the entire exchange between the two, a slight smirk appeared on the corner of Benjamin's lips.However, Benjamin's move was discreet and wasn't noticed by the two before him. Walking to a distance just over half a step away from Benjamin.The mysterious woman then halted, her eyes filled with wariness as
“Ahem… Not too shabby, indeed!"Though his wrist pulsed with a numbing pain, Benjamin's face concealed his agony, and he forced a faint smile.Yet, Remi's discerning eyes swiftly pierced through Benjamin's facade of fortitude.Consequently, she couldn't stifle a chuckle, saying: "Is that all you've got, Benjamin? If you can't keep up, then admit defeat. I might show you some mercy."Catching the playful glint in her eyes, a surge of indignation welled up within Benjamin. He retorted, glaring: "Who said I can't keep up? Our duel isn’t over. The victor isn’t clear yet!"With these words, Benjamin took the initiative, lunging forward, throwing a punch squarely at Remi's chest.Seeing his movement, Remi's face turned a shade of deep crimson. There was a glimmer of mortification and anger in her eyes as she spat out: "Shameless!"Regardless of her rebuke, Benjamin remained undeterred. If anything, a smug expression curled on his lips: "We're fighting, not dancing. Since when did rules dict
Irina turned her head, her gaze meeting the silhouette of a man draped in black, who had been lingering at the edge of the room. Upon catching her cold stare, the man, as if privy to some unspoken message, gave a subtle nod in acknowledgment.Without hesitation, he approached, halting right before Curtis. Seeing this figure emerge, Curtis realized his earlier words had fallen on deaf ears, bearing no weight with Irina. A frantic beat pulsed in his chest, his eyes darting, searching for an escape.However, before he could concoct a plan, there was a thunderous explosion. The very door of the confinement chamber burst open, and a voice, fueled with rage, roared: "Damn you all! You cannot hold me captive!”Accompanying this declaration was a ferocious force, obliterating the chamber's entrance. As Curtis was still grappling with the reality of the situation, the heavy metal door was thrust directly towards him.“No!!!”His eyes widened in terror. It had never occurred to him that his end
"Cough...""Mistress, are you unharmed?"Hearing a raspy cough emanate from the pit, a frantic Irina rushed forward. Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in her mind: "Miss, stay back. It's perilous."Heeding the warning, Irina halted, her glare at Benjamin turning even more venomous. To her astonishment, the figure in the pit was still alive and didn't appear gravely wounded. In that moment, Benjamin's eyes gleamed with intense focus."Hmm?!"Before he could make another move, Remi, who had been observing from the sidelines, suddenly lunged at Irina. The sudden turn of events took everyone by surprise, especially Benjamin, who hadn't expected Remi's intervention. Yet, just as Remi's dagger was about to pierce Irina, a shadow materialized beside her, cutting a swathe through the space in front of Remi's projection."Ahh!"A searing pain shot through Remi, so agonizing it felt as if her very soul was being torn. Falling to the ground clutching her head, her screams filled the air. Witness
Contrary to the reaction of the Wade duo, skepticism slightly tainted Benjamin's face as he sought Roy's insights."Pulsatilla? What flower is this?”As if reading the depths of Benjamin's thoughts, even before he could voice them, Roy elucidated."Pulsatilla, also known as the White Pulsatilla, is a truly unique bloom. It thrives only in lands of damp climates, particularly in the deepest bowels of the earth. To find such a flower, not only must one find its habitat, but the seeker must also possess a certain yang aura, a determined spirit. Possessed with such spirit, the plucker ensures that the Pulsatilla remains intact, temporarily living within them for a week. After such a period, the Pulsatilla vanishes, returning to its realm.”Hearing this, the countenance of old Mr. Wade darkened drastically, while Violet, in her indignation, sharply inquired of Roy.“Roy, why did you share this with Benjamin? You know, if anyone touches the Pulsatilla, their yang energy will be drained. And
As the vehicle dashed elegantly through the boulevard, a suppressed glance welled up in Benjamin's eyes, directed subtly towards Andrea."You seem rather off today, don't you? I perceive an air of melancholy about you."Hearing Benjamin's concern, Andrea turned slowly to face him, her nodding acknowledgement devoid of words.Time eluded them as they journeyed on, until the streets were devoid of life and even the cries of street vendors faded into the quiet.In that stillness, Andrea gently pulled the car to the roadside.Stepping out, she released a sigh that had been building.She then fixed her gaze on Benjamin, her voice tinted with a shade of sorrow."Do you care to share a drink with me?"This proposition left Benjamin momentarily surprised.After pondering, however, he nodded in agreement.The two then ventured into a roadside tavern nearby.No sooner had Andrea set foot inside than her voice echoed a hearty order."Barkeep, serve us a large pot of hotpot and a plate of grilled
From the sidelines, Benjamin waited, a look of anticipation on his face. Enoch, the tavern owner, brandished a cleaver, positioning himself between the approaching ruffians and Andrea. Recognizing their intentions, Andrea yelled: "Benjamin, Enoch! You needn't get involved. Let me handle them alone!"With those words, she threw off her jacket and rolled up her sleeves, her belt tightened with resolve. Seeing her unwavering stance, Benjamin silently stepped back. However, Enoch hesitated, wanting to advise caution."Andrea..."But Benjamin stopped him with a gesture: "Let her be! As long as I'm here, she'll be alright." His words seemed to carry a certain magic, and Enoch nodded in silent agreement, retreating a few steps back. A pleased smile touched Benjamin's lips.As the gang closed in, they encircled Andrea, leaving her no path of escape. Yet, her demeanor remained cool and unflinching. There wasn't even a hint of fear in her eyes; instead, they blazed with determination."Attack!"
Hearing her father's poignant portrayal of her mother, Andrea was deeply moved. She stood there, silent and pensive, letting his words sink in for what felt like an eternity. Eventually, she cast a glance at her father, her voice laden with emotion and urgency: "Why didn't she come back, Dad?"Mr. Aylmer struggled to find words, taking a few sips of his tea for courage before he could muster a response: "Perhaps, she encountered some troubles she didn’t want us to be embroiled in." he suggested somberly.Hearing this, Andrea's grip tightened, determination flaring in her eyes: "Dad, I will make sure she comes home safely." she declared, her presence suddenly becoming more formidable, as if some latent power within her was about to burst forth. Yet, she wasn't fully aware of this transformation herself. After a few more exchanges with her father, Andrea retired to her room.Meanwhile, in a hotel bedroom, Benjamin was seated in a meditative posture on the bed, eyes tightly shut. A myste