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Translator's note: Well, Xiao Chuxia can give him thousands of promises, and she'll fulfill none. It's stupid to make a deal with the world's biggest liar.
Chu Feng jolted awake from the agony, his eyes now filled with a longing for death. He finally grasped what "envying the dead" truly meant.
Yet, death remained out of his reach now.
"Do you regret challenging me?" Fang Xiu's voice was as calm and chilling as a ghostly whisper, haunting Chu Feng's very soul.
"Please, forgive me. I won't do it again," Chu Feng pleaded desperately.
The pain had immobilized him. If he could, he'd be on his knees, begging for mercy at Fang Xiu's feet.
Fang Xiu shook his head, disappointment etched on his face. "How boring."
With that, he withdrew the scalpel from Chu Feng's body.
Relief washed over Chu Feng as the pain receded. But before he could catch his breath—
SLASH!
Another searing pain shot through him, eliciting a blood-curdling scream.
Fang Xiu's calm voice followed, "Ah, I almost forgot. You greeted me earlier, didn't you? It's only polite to respond. Remember my name, Fang Xiu. Seek revenge whenever you like. But know this: next time you fall into my hands, I'll let you suffer eternally."
His calm tone sent shivers down everyone's spine.
Those who had been eager to challenge Fang Xiu reconsidered. Many psychics had hoped to defeat him.
They thought that would elevate them to Fang Xiu's level, given his reputation for solving Grade-S Specter events. While the idea seemed absurd, psychics often had a unique perspective on things.
Fang Xiu's display was a clear message to deter minor threats. He had no time for petty opponents.
He pulled the scalpel out once more.
This time, as soon as the scalpel was removed, Chu Feng sprang to his feet. He crawled and rolled away without looking back, his previous bravado entirely gone. The idea of revenge was a distant memory; he couldn't even muster the courage to face Fang Xiu again.
After the commotion, Wen Yang dispersed the crowd and refrained from punishing Fang Xiu. He told them a few tips about the hotel and then left.
Wen Yang knew that, given Fang Xiu's value to the headquarters, they were likely to overlook this conflict since no one died; especially since Chu Feng was the one who started it.
In the still of the night, Fang Xiu lay alone on his hotel bed, drifting into sleep.
While others slumbered, his real work began.
First, he slipped into Chu Feng's dream.
Chu Feng was trapped in a nightmare, reliving the torment of the scalpel.
Fang Xiu was pleased. There was no need to induce nightmares; he could simply collect the fear and pain directly from Chu Feng's dream.
The fear and pain he gathered from Chu Feng this time were exceptionally rich. Fang Xiu was very satisfied; he decided Chu Feng should endure more torture in the future.
Next, he ventured into the dreams of other psychics. Some woke up immediately, maybe because they had certain defenses against dream invasions.
Fang Xiu wasn't surprised. Those who trained here were all elite psychics, with some having extraordinary strength.
In the midst of his harvesting—
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!
His door was knocked.
Fang Xiu opened his eyes. His heightened senses identified the person outside.
It was Xiao Chuxia.
"Xiu, are you awake? May I come in? I had a nightmare and I'm scared to sleep alone."
Her voice was pitiful, like a wounded little animal.
Fang Xiu's response was simple, "Get lost."
"How could you…" Xiao Chuxia's anger flared, her chest heaving.
"Fang Xiu! Don’t you know how to treat a lady? We’ve faced death together! Open the door, I need to talk to you."
She had planned to use her charm, but Fang Xiu was unfazed. She had to switch tactics.
"We can talk tomorrow."
Silence followed.
Moments later,__CLICK.
The door opened automatically, and a graceful figure slipped in under the cover of night.
It was more than easy for Xiao Chuxia to unlock a door with her ability.
She approached Fang Xiu's bed, glaring at him as he lay with his eyes closed.
"Hey! Wake up, I need to ask you something."
Fang Xiu remained still.
"I can pay. How many spiritual coins do you want?"
Finally, Fang Xiu slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was an angry, pouty, and delicate face.
"I don't want spiritual coins," replied Fang Xiu.
Xiao Chuxia's demeanor shifted instantly. She crossed her arms and stepped back.
"Then what do you want? I'm warning you, don't ask for anything outrageous. I won't agree."
"Stop with the act; it doesn't work on me," Fang Xiu said calmly.
Xiao Chuxia's wary expression faded, replaced by a colder look.
"I knew it… I knew can't fool you. Since you can foresee the future, you must know why I'm here."
Fang Xiu nodded. "You came to see me because you want to know your true name."
Xiao Chuxia's eyes widened with shock, though she quickly regained her composure. He really had foreseen it!
"Yes, I do want to know my real name."
Actually, Fang Xiu hadn't foreseen this; he had guessed it. Last time, even near death, Xiao Chuxia was obsessed with her name. Clearly, she had a deep need to know who she truly was.
"I did see your name in the future."
Xiao Chuxia's breathing quickened, and hope sparkled in her eyes.
"Really? Tell me, what's my name?"
Fang Xiu remained silent.
Xiao Chuxia bit her lip. "What do you want? Let me make this clear: if you want me to spend the night with you, play around, have sex, or anything like that, forget it!"
Fang Xiu's face was expressionless.
He was puzzled about why she would think he was that kind of person. Her words might work on someone like Zhao Hao, but not him.
"Don't worry, I'm not interested in your fake body."
Xiao Chuxia's expression shifted instantly. "You know?"
Fang Xiu nodded.
In that moment, Xiao Chuxia better understood the terrifying power of someone who could foresee the future. She was genuinely curious about what Fang Xiu had seen that revealed even her deepest secret.
Before Fang Xiu, her lies seemed laughable, and she felt she had no secrets left.
"I can tell you your name, but the price is that you work for me for three years."