Chapter 45: Anxiety

Shi Ji had run far away by now, genuinely terrified of being held accountable for the destruction of the two buildings. He was young and didn’t want to spend the rest of his life struggling to repay such a debt.

It hadn’t been long since he started running when he reached the end of the street. He looked around, choosing his escape route. Just as he was about to take a step, his wristband suddenly reacted.

He glanced at it and saw that it was a message from Lin Xinyan.

Thinking about her, Shi Ji decided to stop running. She was a kind girl, and it wouldn’t sit right with him to ignore her.

When he connected the call, a weak voice came through the wristband.

“Shi Ji… an anomaly is causing havoc… you… be careful…”

Hearing this, Shi Ji immediately became anxious. He could tell that Lin Xinyan was injured.

When they faced Gesila before, even though she wasn’t very strong, Lin Xinyan still stood up bravely. Based on what Shi Ji knew about her, she would definitely stand up again today. In her own words, she was a hero, and she should step forward. Lin Xinyan’s courage had always amazed Shi Ji.

Thinking about her words, Shi Ji’s heart sank. This girl, even when injured, was still concerned about others.

However, a warm feeling filled his heart. It was an inexplicable emotion.

“Hey! Where are you now? I’m coming over. Hang in there.”

“No… you… don’t come… it’s dangerous here… that guy’s strength… is close to Devil level, and now I don’t know… where he went… you must be careful…”

Then, there was no more sound from Lin Xinyan.

“Hey! Xinyan? Lin Xinyan? Hey! Answer me! Hey!”

Shi Ji was incredibly worried now. The thought of collapsing buildings and getting into trouble was pushed aside.

What mattered most to him now was Lin Xinyan.

He started blaming himself for dawdling earlier. If he had acted faster, Lin Xinyan might not have been injured.

Without any further thought, Shi Ji turned around and headed back. He was sure Lin Xinyan was in the District Five East, where the battle had taken place.

His speed was incredible, moving so fast that only a gust of wind marked his passage. Shi Ji only displayed such urgency in exceptional situations.

***

Following the trail of the collapsed road, Hei Long arrived in the District Four East. Soon, he saw the two buildings that had collapsed towards each other.

He kept his pace as he approached. When he arrived, he found the end of the collapsed road and the source of the earlier explosion.

Looking at the massive crater formed by the impact, Hei Long’s face remained stern. At the bottom of the pit, a large head had emerged from the ground. The eyes were wide open, filled with terror, fear, and despair.

“What exactly happened here?” Hei Long muttered.

Whoosh!

A brief, subtle sound flashed by.

Hei Long paused and glanced back.

“An illusion?”

Shortly after, Shi Ji found Lin Xinyan lying unconscious amidst a pile of rubble. He quickly checked her breathing and felt relieved when he found it was normal.

Gently, Shi Ji carefully picked up Lin Xinyan’s delicate body. As he did, she slowly opened her eyes.

Lin Xinyan was surprised to see Shi Ji.

Before she could speak, Shi Ji softly said, “It’s okay now.”

If Shi Ji said everything was okay, then it surely was. Lin Xinyan slowly closed her eyes and fell asleep.