Someone plucked up the courage to speak. "Your arrival today must be heaven's will! Please, rid us of this scourge!"
Chi Yuan did not answer.
Her fingertips tapped her cuff, her gaze as cold as ice.
"Let me consider it."
Those four words seemed to freeze the air around them.
She casually questioned a few more villagers.
Most said much the same as the old man.
They pitied Lin for her miserable life, yet hated the harm she caused after death.
They only hoped she could be buried and rest in peace for good.
Only that man was different.
When he learned that his wife could not be saved, his face instantly darkened.
He slammed his cane against the ground with a dull thud.
Without another glance at Chi Yuan, he turned and left.
His hunched back carried an air of resentment.
The mountain path back was rugged.
The Book of Cangxuan hung her head, dragging her feet.
Noticing her dejection, Chi Yuan softened her tone.
"Little Xuan, things like this are inevitable."
"One moment of softheartedness could lead to disaster."
Cangxuan stopped, her voice trembling slightly.
"Do we really have to... lay that girl to rest?"
Chi Yuan shook her head, looking toward the distant clouds and mist.
"We have no choice."
Deep in the hills behind the village, the HonKai Zombie was bound in iron chains.
Hearing footsteps, she slowly raised her head.
There were no pupils in those eyes.
Only murky halos of light flowed within them.
Pure Honkai energy spilled out, making their hearts pound.
Cangxuan stared at that mass of light, murmuring to herself.
"If only there were no Honkai."
"Why does it keep appearing? Why does it keep hurting people?"
Chi Yuan fell silent for a moment.
"I want to know the answer too."