The Human Stalk (14)
As a seasoned supernatural being, Lui needed only a few seconds to calm down with Old Master Li's help.
As his thoughts quickly sorted themselves out, his body seemed to follow suit.
Bit by bit, he untangled his limbs and struggled to sit up, soon taking in the scene in the room.
It looked like a painting from hell. The only thing that offered even a little comfort was the scrutinizing faces before him.
Though they weren't exactly friendly.
"I..."
Under the pressure, he had just started to speak when his expression twisted. He raised a hand and slapped himself on the forehead.
Almost at the same instant, tiny points of light appeared all over his body, rapidly linking together until his entire form shone with a pure, holy radiance, untouched by dust.
Everyone present was experienced enough to recognize that this wasn't a refusal to cooperate. He was attempting some kind of purification. The "hair" around them was even showing signs of withering in the light.
So without waiting for Old Master Li to remind them, the others remained silent and watched.
Thankfully, it didn't take long. As the pure aura surged upward and reached the crown of his head, Lui's upright body shuddered, and he opened his mouth and spat out a lump of something.
As the four onlookers watched him gasp with relief, they saw it clearly: a mass of fine grayish-white threads wrapped in mucus, as if they'd been burned to ash.
"Thank you."
The moment it seemed the danger had passed, Lui offered his solemn thanks.
But he clearly knew this wasn't the time for pleasantries. He immediately got to the point, speaking rapidly.
"That child... The new member of the Larrea family is a problem! Have you encountered it?"