While Hu Xiaotian and the others anxiously operated on Xia Changming, Visa entered the back courtyard of Tong Ren Tang. A young woman was tied to a veranda pillar, with Zhan Peng guarding her. She was none other than Zeng Xiaorou. Visa asked, "Who is she?"
Zhan Peng glared at Zeng Xiaorou. "A woman with the heart of a snake and a scorpion. She plotted to harm Changming." Zeng Xiaorou had been rescued on South Ferry Island during Hu Xiaotian's journey to the Fragrant Kingdom. Back then, she had been a singer at the Gold-Extinguishing Den. Xia Changming had saved her, and during the voyage to the Fragrant Kingdom, feelings had quietly blossomed between them. Yet instead of showing gratitude, Zeng Xiaorou had ultimately chosen betrayal.
Zhan Peng drew his short sword and pressed it against Zeng Xiaorou's throat. "Speak! Who sent you? Who plotted to trap Changming?" He had always been a reasonable man. Had Zeng Xiaorou not harmed his friend, he would never have been so furious that he nearly lost his reason.
"Brother Zhan, something seems wrong," Visa said. She could see that Zeng Xiaorou was dazed and mentally scattered. This was certainly not fear; someone must have taken control of her mind. Visa herself was an expert in the Soul-Seizing Art, so she spotted the oddity at once.
Zhan Peng lowered his short sword and stepped aside. Visa gazed into Zeng Xiaorou's eyes. "If you're tired, just sleep in peace." Her voice seemed to carry a magical power. Upon hearing it, Zeng Xiaorou sank into a deep sleep.
The best way to break the Soul-Seizing Art was to make someone lose their will completely, then awaken them again. It was rather like the saying about finding life only after being cast into the jaws of death.