Li Xian's heart clenched, and he nearly stumbled, but Li Yuanqing seemed not to notice the doll's fangs. Without a change in expression, he shifted his grip and seized the back of its head.
The doll instantly became like a snake held by the head. With its most crucial part restrained, it lost any means of attack. No matter how it struggled, it could do no harm. A few seconds later, its limbs drooped, but the Key and the needle and thread remained "stuck" to its hands.
It looked less like surrender than an attempt to conserve its strength, waiting for its opponent to lower his guard before delivering a fatal blow.
So Li Yuanqing kept his grip on the back of the doll's head, and the two remained motionless for a time.
As the stalemate continued, Li Xian finally reached the door. After a moment's thought, he took the Utility Knife from his backpack and slashed at the doll's arm!
A cold gleam flashed past. The doll's arm fell off instantly, and the Key and the needle and thread came loose. All three hit the floor almost at once!
Just as he had suspected, it was the same as the elephant doll at the school-once these things' limbs were severed from their bodies, they lost their ability to hold objects fast.
Li Yuanqing's gaze fell on the Utility Knife, then shifted to the River God Doll on the floor. His brows drew together slightly, and he was distracted for a moment.
The Doll Cat in his hand seemed to spot its opportunity. Suddenly, it struggled free of his grip with all its strength-
Li Xian was reaching down to pick up the Key and the needle and thread, and the doll was headed straight for his neck. It bared