Volume Four: Withering in the Human World - Chapter 330: The Eve of the Storm (I)

"... So, that man ultimately lost?"

"Hmm, but strangely enough, he didn't seem very surprised."

"Well... it was expected, and it makes sense."

After all, he's Stone Strike's friend, so they're bound to have some similarities in personality.

"And then? You just took me away?"

"Hmm... it seems someone has asked the patrol for help; staying any longer might not be a good idea."

"But you really know how to pick a place..."

"Is there something wrong? The environment here is quite nice, the temperature and humidity are just right." If it were just about Sin Annihilation herself, she would at most find a dirty alley where no one would go to deal with it, but she really didn't want Xiao Wu's body to be tainted, so she found a nicely furnished building and sneaked in.

"Uh... the question is, do you know what a 'love hotel' is?"

"A place for men and women to seek pleasure."

"Isn't it perfectly clear to everyone?"

"But we're girls."

"Women can do that kind of thing too!"

"... Huh?"

"Ah, no, uh... just pretend I didn't say anything."

Xiao Wu lowered her head and reflected. Always hanging out with Ye and his gang of lesbians, she'd been influenced by them, and over time she'd even started to think being a lesbian was perfectly normal. She could be one thing, but she couldn't let such an innocent child be corrupted. (Author's note: No, no, no, as the saying goes, the younger generation is formidable. Saki, you're too sweet!)

"But... thankfully I've recovered."

Xiao Wu clenched her fist, feeling that her body had fully recovered. She had vaguely sensed that the effects of the final punishment hadn't completely worn off, and given the prolonged loss of several vital organs, even she had been in danger.

Of course, Sin Annihilation wouldn't tell Xiao Wu that he had also helped her. At that time Sin Annihilation bit his tongue and injected a small amount of blood into her body, allowing the blood to turn into flesh as his own clone to help Xiao Wu repair her organs, which is why she was able to wake up so quickly.

"Oh right, Xiao Wu..."

"What's wrong? Anyway, thank you so much for bringing me back."

"No... I'm the one who should be thanking you."

Although it was unnecessary for Sin Annihilation, he was indeed the one being desperately protected. Moreover, this was the first time in his life that Sin Annihilation had felt the kindness of others, the first time that someone had taken it seriously, the first time that someone had regarded him as a comrade, and the first time that he had taken the initiative to save someone.

"Xiao Wu, do you hate kissing?"

"Kiss?"

Xiao Wu immediately thought of a Qipao Woman chasing after a pink-haired woman for a kiss, regardless of time, place, or occasion, and couldn't help but feel annoyed.

"Well... although my impression wasn't very good, I wouldn't say I disliked it either. After all, I can't really say why I didn't try it."

"--(shock)!"

"Sin Annihilation? You look strange."

"You're overthinking it! Hmm... You've never tried it before? Are you sure?"

"What's there to be sure about? I... well, thinking about it, my romantic history is practically nonexistent, which is kind of sad, but I haven't thought about that kind of thing anyway."

Xiao Wu is certain she's not a lesbian, but she's never been attracted to any man. Theoretically, her closest and most deeply connected friend, Ling Ye, is merely a "close friend and benefactor." (Ling Ye: Right now, I'm practically devastated.)

"Oh... I see..."

This is bad.

Although Sin Annihilation had no romantic thoughts, she still knew that "kissing is a very important thing." So, did she somehow get a great deal? No, no! That was just first aid! It's no different from artificial respiration when someone is drowning! If she offended anyone who likes Xiao Wu, she's really sorry! (Ling Ye: Author, let me throw up! I want to be resurrected and fight that girl one-on-one! Author: Hehehe, that depends on your sincerity~)

So, what should we do?

It's evening on the first day of the Holy Spirit Festival. The battle plan won't begin until the last day, so there's plenty of free time before then.

Xiao Wu glanced at Sin Annihilation's clothes; her gorgeous black dress was stained with blood.

"... Sin Annihilation, would you like to buy a few more clothes and then go out for some fun?"

For Xiao Wu, spending time with this pure and lovely girl was definitely better than getting involved with those two lesbians.

In the presidential suite, on the bed.

I wore a calm smile that suggested I was in complete control, while Haoyue was unusually flushed, with a seductive and alluring expression.

Tsk tsk tsk, to be honest, Haoyue is always the passive one when we interact. Could it be that I have the potential to Queen?

"What's wrong, Haoyue? You were so confident just a moment ago, but now you're all messed up."

"Waaah... Don't get too cocky, Xiao Ye, I won't—ouch!"

"Still being stubborn! It's time to give in, isn't it? You're usually quite obedient, aren't you?"

"This time is different! Xiao Ye, you're clearly bullying me!"

"Though I say that, actually... hehe, I'm about to attack~"

"Waaaaah! No! Wait a minute, I still need to--ah!"

"Hey, Haoyue, that's an exaggeration! Are you that excited? The bed is all wet!"

"Ugh... Xiao Ye, please have mercy—"

"No, it won't stop until the climax is almost here!"

"No~~~~!"

"Alright--General!!!"

"Waaaaah, Xiao Ye, you're definitely bullying me!"

Haoyue completely lost her usual elegant demeanor, and like a crying little girl (Little Ying: Achoo!), she threw down the chess pieces and started rolling around on the bed.

"Wait, the bed is still wet. Let's wipe the water off first."

It's just that I ate one of her cars, why did I get so worked up that I knocked over my water bottle?

"How about that? The games from my hometown aren't something you can afford to play, are they? And this is just chess; there's Go, checkers, and Gomoku to come..."

"Xiao Ye, you're clearly cheating! Every time we play a new game, you beat me because you know the rules, but as soon as I figure out the trick, you immediately switch to a new game!"

"All's fair in war, huh? Or are you scared? 'It's your first time playing a game, but you don't know to switch and insist on playing it anyway'—only Xiao Wu do something as stupid as that." (Saki: Achoo!)

"No way! Let's have another one!"

"Okay~ then let's proceed--"

Let that be my portion size.

That's all the value humanity has.

You are insignificant, fragile, and ignorant; you have no reason to exist.

So, let me devour you.

Become my nourishment, become a part of me.

Come on, come on, come on!

Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on, come on--

"----shut up!!!!!!"

I yelled and rolled off the bed, scratching my head to try and banish the hoarse sound that sounded like countless metal objects rubbing against each other from my mind. Haoyue immediately jumped off the bed and helped me up, her expression full of worry.

"Xiao Ye..."

"Troublesome thing!"

I helped her up by the shoulder, and rushed to the bedside table, pulling open the drawer—

The tennis ball-sized lump of iron sat quietly in a sealed glass box.

There was no movement, nothing unusual; it simply existed there.

But I know that as I gaze at it, it is also gazing at me.

The predator stares at its prey.

It seems to have been targeting me ever since that attempt to devour it.

The small amount of blood I infused into it that time undoubtedly provided it with some vitality, though not enough to cause widespread chaos, but it was enough to slightly erode my mind.

"Xiao Ye, do we really have to keep this?"

"... At first, I wanted to devour it to reach a higher level. After all, my special ability can't advance just by constantly training and using it. I have to devour something really powerful. If I can successfully take it down, my strength will also improve significantly."

That was indeed my initial thought.

Of course, I was incredibly naive back then.

The Sub Core of the Boundary Breaking Armor is practically a Divine Item. Mortals would find it difficult even to control, let alone devour it and completely annihilate it.

"If that's what you think, Xiao Ye, I suggest you stop wavering and make a decision as soon as possible: swallow it or not?"

"I..."

To swallow or not to swallow?

The risk is just too great.

Last time, I almost suffered a backlash from just a slight contact. It was more dangerous than the Crystal Emperor Fruit, the Yan Yi Ming Hua, and the Serpent's Egg combined. The success rate was pitifully low, and I simply couldn't bear the consequences of failure.

"As expected... let's wait a bit. I'm sorry, Haoyue, for exposing my weakness in front of you, but I don't dare to take that risk right now."

"Hey, uncle, you're so skilled! You must have been driving for at least twenty years, right?"

"Haha, bro, you seem to know quite a bit... Is it okay to call you 'bro'?"

The driver couldn't help but glance at the passenger sitting in the truck bed through the rearview mirror. He had an unshaven stubble, a face with a decadent beauty like a fallen aristocrat, and a very mature demeanor. No matter how many times you looked at him, you couldn't guess his exact age. You could say he was eighteen or thirty-eight and people would believe it too.

"It's okay, it's okay, you can call me 'young man' too."

"Hehe, you're really joking. You don't look like a teenager anymore, do you?"

"Uncle, you're the one who's like that, wwwww~"

"By the way, Brother Yang, are you going to Sadington also to see the Holy Spirit Festival?" the young man in the passenger seat asked enthusiastically.

"Of course! Although several major cities around here hold festivals, Sadington's is definitely the most lively! My wife and I grew up in a remote rural area, so we need to broaden our horizons, don't you think?"

Upon hearing the word "my wife," the woman who had been quietly curled up beside the man, wrapped tightly in a black cloak from head to toe, trembled slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but quickly stopped herself.

"A remote rural area? No wonder! I've heard that women in some remote areas have to cover themselves up completely whenever they go out."

"Haha, Uncle, you know so much! And my wife is very easily embarrassed~"

"..."

The spirit inside the Overload Cloak felt as if its face was about to be cooked.

What the hell is this shameless guy talking about! What the hell is "my wife"?! This scoundrel!

However, on the other hand...

The spirit couldn't help but glance out of the corner of its eye at Yu Jie, who was chatting and laughing with the driver and the young man in the passenger seat, and couldn't help but feel a little more respect for him.

This guy... he really can get along with everyone.

Along the way, she encountered questioning from the Vatican members many times but always managed to escape danger. She could easily hitch a ride, and whenever she was overwhelmed by unfamiliar things, he could help her out of trouble. Even when staying at a hotel at night, she could get on good terms with the owner with just a few drinks and receive a 50% discount.

To the spirits, all of this seemed like magic.

How long has this man been in society? What has he experienced? How many people has he interacted with?

Regardless, one fact remains undeniable.

This man named Yang Yujie was much more reliable than he had imagined.

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The author is going to Chongqing with his best friend starting today, and will try to maintain daily updates, but the daily update time may vary.