Firelight illuminated the entire dim stairwell in an instant.
But the oncoming shock wave struck only the Big Black Umbrella.
The Big Black Umbrella shook violently, its seemingly erratic tremors dissipating that seemingly formidable force.
Xu Ye took only two steps back.
He closed the umbrella.
Looking at the mangled flesh scattered across the floor, he frowned deeply. "Who knows how many believers the Eternal Church has cultivated over the years? They're insane, strapping explosives to themselves. If they charged into a crowd, the consequences would be unimaginable."
"Brother Ye!"
A moment later, Lu Mingwang finally rushed down from the third floor after figuring out what had happened. Ecstasy spread across his face. He knew the fluctuations of Xu Ye's spiritual qi all too well.
Xu Ye quickly glanced at the elderly woman on his back. "Is anyone else upstairs?"
"Probably not... no, there is! My wife, my figurines, all the merchandise of my wife Qin Yanhua I've collected over five years, and my life-size doll!"
Lu Mingwang threw his head back and howled, grief and anger mingling.
If not for the elderly woman, Xu Ye would have kicked him already.
"Get out of here already. This building probably won't survive."
"Brother Ye, you saved my life again. I'll repay you with my body."
"How about repaying me with your death instead?" Xu Ye was speechless, though judging by Lu Mingwang's condition, he probably wasn't hurt.
Xu Ye ran straight outside with Lu Mingwang. The instant they left, flames swept upward from below, setting the entire building ablaze.
Lu Mingwang helped the elderly woman into an ambulance, then met his anxiously waiting parents in the street.
Figures hurried to and fro.
Black-and-yellow police tape had already been strung up outside. Crowds of residents sheltered beneath the eaves along the street,