It was nighttime, and heavy rain nourished the dilapidated gardens of the Amber Hall.
It was late in the morning on the other side of town. Lightning illuminated the building once in a while, revealing its dilapidated appearance.
Within the gloomy building, a room was illuminated on the top floor.
Jiangli stood in front of her mirror and wrapped her naked body in a white bath towel. Her moist silver hair was coiled up, and the residual steam from the bathroom leaked into the bedroom.
Ensuring that she was alone, she took out a Tibetan anemone pendant from her bedside table and returned to the mirror. She gently undid her towel and turned her naked body around, revealing a dark sun totem on her smooth back.
She slightly frowned as she shifted the pendant, and her fingertips glowed a silvery white.
Opening her lips, she began reciting Sanskrit mantras in a low voice like an ancient ballad, and the light on her fingertips shone with intensity. In a flash, it transformed into a golden light, with vague images of lotus flowers on a pond.
Under the guidance of her power, the pendant hovered towards the ceiling, causing the chandelier above her to flicker.
Boom!
Lightning flashed outside her window, and the pendant shot towards the tattoo on her back like a shooting star.
However, the moment it was about to touch the tattoo, it seemed to hit an invisible wall, and it hovered harmlessly before Jiangli as it glowed a dazzling gold.
Jiangli’s body convulsed violently, and her complexion became pale. The intense pain from the impact seemed to strip her soul, but she forced herself to remain silent.
A trace of black mist overflowed from her tattoo as it merged into the pendant, and the golden light of the pendant began to dim.
The pendant soon became exhausted and fell to the ground with a loud clang. Its once shiny surface seemed to rust almost immediately.
Jiangli let out a sigh and wrapped the towel back on her body, picking up the pendant and placing it back into her bedside drawer.
Changing into a set of pyjamas, she turned on the bedside lamp and laid back on the bed with a book, and there was a sudden knock on the door.
Knock… knock… It was careful and soft as if whoever was knocking was afraid of disturbing whoever was inside.
“Hua? Come in.”
Squeak.
Hua, still dressed in her maid attire, walked in with a heavy expression.
“Miss, I just received a message from the Night Division. A Level A Threat.”
“Do they need my help?” she frowned.
“It’s just a routine notice.”
According to the Night Division, for all alerts above Level B, all Operators within the vicinity must be ready to provide support at any time.
“Did anyone go to investigate?”
“Yes, An Qing was on duty tonight, so she went to the scene. Judging from the situation, there wasn’t too much damage, and the source of the psychic fluctuations vanished.”
“I see. I’ll stay up and wait then,” Jiangli nodded and walked over to her desk, turning on her laptop. The all-too-familiar chime of her mahjong game reverberated around the room.
“Miss, would you like me to make anything for you? Tea? Coffee?”
“Instant noodles, please. I’m a little hungry, and I’ve been craving it.”
“I understand.”
Hua immediately left and tried recalling her mistress’s favourite way of eating instant noodles.
‘Braised beef noodles with fried green onions and fried eggs… But why can’t I replicate it the way she wants it? It’s strange…’
After she left, Jiangli’s phone vibrated, and she saw that it was a text message from Li Xuan’s internal number.
[Well, what do you know? It’s the University again. I sure bet it has something to do with Lu Yibei! Aren’t you going to check up on him?]
After reading the message, Jiangli silently copied the message and forwarded it to Bai Kai with a caption [by Li Xuan].
Near Gate No. 4 of Huacheng University.
An Qing arrived at the place where Lu Yibei had fought with Miss Rabbit and the mysterious man.
It was just her, Du Sixian, and three members of the special operations team.
Less than three minutes had passed since the psychic energy fluctuations were detected; when she was about to set off for her investigation, the fluctuations completely vanished.
However, on a windy and rainy night, there would be nobody on the streets. An Qing wanted to take advantage of this and investigate.
Holding an umbrella and looking at the pieces of scorched earth near her, An Qing frowned. The scorched earth had been quelled by the heavy rain for more than ten minutes, but it seemed to still have life in its tiny ember.
Although the source had vanished, judging from the remnants of it, An Qing couldn’t help but shudder at how familiar this felt.
‘It’s like… the power I felt back at Flowers and Sunshine Resorts…’
After the fire at the resort was extinguished, the members of the special operations team investigated the ruins and found that the concrete pillars were still warm to the touch despite the absence of runes.
‘Could this be the Witch who escaped?’
Meanwhile, Du Sixian and the three were busy with their tasks, using standard psychic items from the Night Division to conduct on-site investigations.
“An Qing, we’re done,” Du Sixian smiled. It was the first time she participated in something like this, and it made her feel energised.
‘This is way better than picking fights with strangers online! It’s a pity I can’t record this and post it online!’
“The erosion of the night is 4.3, which is too high; psychic energy fluctuation residual is estimated at Level A; and the natural disaster response…”
Du Sixian was silent, and An Qing patted her on the shoulder: “What’s the problem? What’s the value?”
“Ah… I think I may have calculated it wrong.”
Generally speaking, a value of 0.01% to 2% is normal in normal urban legends, and values above 5% are dangerous. However, the number she obtained was a shocking 13%!
‘Maybe I forgot to put a decimal in…’
“No need to recalculate,” An Qing said. “It should be correct.”
If it truly was the Witch from the resort, it would have a high value.
Just as An Qing was thinking, the other three members came over with two small silver boxes in their hands.
“Operator An Qing, please take a look at these items.”
The moment she saw the contents of the boxes, she couldn’t help but frown.
Broken black bones and bloodied rabbit fur…
‘Ah, it looks like I have to work overtime tonight.’
Miss Rabbit never wants to return to the University ever again in her life. Hell, she’s reconsidering even getting close to the University at all.
She didn’t expect that the little thief would become stronger and braver for every second that they fought.
It didn’t surprise her that the damned Witch could cast powerful spells and curses, but what did surprise her was…
After the Witch had given her monologue, she seemed to fall limply to the ground.
Miss Rabbit and the man thought they had an opportunity and lunged forward together.
However…
The moment they approached her, the psychic energy scattered in the area seemed to be ignited, and with an intense vibration, a blinding light flashed in their eyes.
The terrifying energy filled both of their hearts with a strange peace, and they wanted to bow their heads before the power revealed itself to them.
Within the blinding light, a pair of eyes made of gold slowly opened as if a demonic god of lava had broken free from its shackles and gazed upon the world.
And just by looking at it, you’ll be burnt.
In an instant, vicious flames lashed out of the Witch’s body, leaving only scorched earth wherever it licked.
Her scarlet hair fluttered behind her, and her eyes were dull and lifeless as if she were no longer controlling her own body.
Miss Rabbit and the man wanted to fight back but gave up almost immediately.
Miss Rabbit’s crowbars melted one after another, and the man’s palm seemed to have melted off from the intense heat.
‘If this is her sleepwalking, what would she be like when she awakens?’
Miss Rabbit and the man immediately made their retreat and ran out from the gate, and unexpectedly, the Witch trailed behind them.
The psychic energy leaking from the Witch was destructive and taunting as if it were laughing at their cowardly attempts to run away from her.
The chirping of insects would stop wherever they went, and urban legends would hide away from the intense heat; wherever they passed, there was a dead silence.
Soon, Miss Rabbit and the man found that she was no longer chasing them and breathed out a sigh of relief. Even though they were confused as to why the Witch decided to take a taxi, they could only be grateful that they were still alive.
‘Damn it!’ Miss Rabbit was cursed. ‘I can’t get the egg back… and Miss Twilight is about to wake up. What am I supposed to do?’
‘…I should have just begged the Witch to take me in. I just want to be free.’
It was nighttime, and heavy rain nourished the dilapidated gardens of the Amber Hall.
It was late in the morning on the other side of town. Lightning illuminated the building once in a while, revealing its dilapidated appearance.
Within the gloomy building, a room was illuminated on the top floor.
Jiangli stood in front of her mirror and wrapped her naked body in a white bath towel. Her moist silver hair was coiled up, and the residual steam from the bathroom leaked into the bedroom.
Ensuring that she was alone, she took out a Tibetan anemone pendant from her bedside table and returned to the mirror. She gently undid her towel and turned her naked body around, revealing a dark sun totem on her smooth back.
She slightly frowned as she shifted the pendant, and her fingertips glowed a silvery white.
Opening her lips, she began reciting Sanskrit mantras in a low voice like an ancient ballad, and the light on her fingertips shone with intensity. In a flash, it transformed into a golden light, with vague images of lotus flowers on a pond.
Under the guidance of her power, the pendant hovered towards the ceiling, causing the chandelier above her to flicker.
Boom!
Lightning flashed outside her window, and the pendant shot towards the tattoo on her back like a shooting star.
However, the moment it was about to touch the tattoo, it seemed to hit an invisible wall, and it hovered harmlessly before Jiangli as it glowed a dazzling gold.
Jiangli’s body convulsed violently, and her complexion became pale. The intense pain from the impact seemed to strip her soul, but she forced herself to remain silent.
A trace of black mist overflowed from her tattoo as it merged into the pendant, and the golden light of the pendant began to dim.
The pendant soon became exhausted and fell to the ground with a loud clang. Its once shiny surface seemed to rust almost immediately.
Jiangli let out a sigh and wrapped the towel back on her body, picking up the pendant and placing it back into her bedside drawer.
Changing into a set of pyjamas, she turned on the bedside lamp and laid back on the bed with a book, and there was a sudden knock on the door.
Knock… knock… It was careful and soft as if whoever was knocking was afraid of disturbing whoever was inside.
“Hua? Come in.”
Squeak.
Hua, still dressed in her maid attire, walked in with a heavy expression.
“Miss, I just received a message from the Night Division. A Level A Threat.”
“Do they need my help?” she frowned.
“It’s just a routine notice.”
According to the Night Division, for all alerts above Level B, all Operators within the vicinity must be ready to provide support at any time.
“Did anyone go to investigate?”
“Yes, An Qing was on duty tonight, so she went to the scene. Judging from the situation, there wasn’t too much damage, and the source of the psychic fluctuations vanished.”
“I see. I’ll stay up and wait then,” Jiangli nodded and walked over to her desk, turning on her laptop. The all-too-familiar chime of her mahjong game reverberated around the room.
“Miss, would you like me to make anything for you? Tea? Coffee?”
“Instant noodles, please. I’m a little hungry, and I’ve been craving it.”
“I understand.”
Hua immediately left and tried recalling her mistress’s favourite way of eating instant noodles.
‘Braised beef noodles with fried green onions and fried eggs… But why can’t I replicate it the way she wants it? It’s strange…’
After she left, Jiangli’s phone vibrated, and she saw that it was a text message from Li Xuan’s internal number.
[Well, what do you know? It’s the University again. I sure bet it has something to do with Lu Yibei! Aren’t you going to check up on him?]
After reading the message, Jiangli silently copied the message and forwarded it to Bai Kai with a caption [by Li Xuan].
Near Gate No. 4 of Huacheng University.
An Qing arrived at the place where Lu Yibei had fought with Miss Rabbit and the mysterious man.
It was just her, Du Sixian, and three members of the special operations team.
Less than three minutes had passed since the psychic energy fluctuations were detected; when she was about to set off for her investigation, the fluctuations completely vanished.
However, on a windy and rainy night, there would be nobody on the streets. An Qing wanted to take advantage of this and investigate.
Holding an umbrella and looking at the pieces of scorched earth near her, An Qing frowned. The scorched earth had been quelled by the heavy rain for more than ten minutes, but it seemed to still have life in its tiny ember.
Although the source had vanished, judging from the remnants of it, An Qing couldn’t help but shudder at how familiar this felt.
‘It’s like… the power I felt back at Flowers and Sunshine Resorts…’
After the fire at the resort was extinguished, the members of the special operations team investigated the ruins and found that the concrete pillars were still warm to the touch despite the absence of runes.
‘Could this be the Witch who escaped?’
Meanwhile, Du Sixian and the three were busy with their tasks, using standard psychic items from the Night Division to conduct on-site investigations.
“An Qing, we’re done,” Du Sixian smiled. It was the first time she participated in something like this, and it made her feel energised.
‘This is way better than picking fights with strangers online! It’s a pity I can’t record this and post it online!’
“The erosion of the night is 4.3, which is too high; psychic energy fluctuation residual is estimated at Level A; and the natural disaster response…”
Du Sixian was silent, and An Qing patted her on the shoulder: “What’s the problem? What’s the value?”
“Ah… I think I may have calculated it wrong.”
Generally speaking, a value of 0.01% to 2% is normal in normal urban legends, and values above 5% are dangerous. However, the number she obtained was a shocking 13%!
‘Maybe I forgot to put a decimal in…’
“No need to recalculate,” An Qing said. “It should be correct.”
If it truly was the Witch from the resort, it would have a high value.
Just as An Qing was thinking, the other three members came over with two small silver boxes in their hands.
“Operator An Qing, please take a look at these items.”
The moment she saw the contents of the boxes, she couldn’t help but frown.
Broken black bones and bloodied rabbit fur…
‘Ah, it looks like I have to work overtime tonight.’
Miss Rabbit never wants to return to the University ever again in her life. Hell, she’s reconsidering even getting close to the University at all.
She didn’t expect that the little thief would become stronger and braver for every second that they fought.
It didn’t surprise her that the damned Witch could cast powerful spells and curses, but what did surprise her was…
After the Witch had given her monologue, she seemed to fall limply to the ground.
Miss Rabbit and the man thought they had an opportunity and lunged forward together.
However…
The moment they approached her, the psychic energy scattered in the area seemed to be ignited, and with an intense vibration, a blinding light flashed in their eyes.
The terrifying energy filled both of their hearts with a strange peace, and they wanted to bow their heads before the power revealed itself to them.
Within the blinding light, a pair of eyes made of gold slowly opened as if a demonic god of lava had broken free from its shackles and gazed upon the world.
And just by looking at it, you’ll be burnt.
In an instant, vicious flames lashed out of the Witch’s body, leaving only scorched earth wherever it licked.
Her scarlet hair fluttered behind her, and her eyes were dull and lifeless as if she were no longer controlling her own body.
Miss Rabbit and the man wanted to fight back but gave up almost immediately.
Miss Rabbit’s crowbars melted one after another, and the man’s palm seemed to have melted off from the intense heat.
‘If this is her sleepwalking, what would she be like when she awakens?’
Miss Rabbit and the man immediately made their retreat and ran out from the gate, and unexpectedly, the Witch trailed behind them.
The psychic energy leaking from the Witch was destructive and taunting as if it were laughing at their cowardly attempts to run away from her.
The chirping of insects would stop wherever they went, and urban legends would hide away from the intense heat; wherever they passed, there was a dead silence.
Soon, Miss Rabbit and the man found that she was no longer chasing them and breathed out a sigh of relief. Even though they were confused as to why the Witch decided to take a taxi, they could only be grateful that they were still alive.
‘Damn it!’ Miss Rabbit was cursed. ‘I can’t get the egg back… and Miss Twilight is about to wake up. What am I supposed to do?’
‘…I should have just begged the Witch to take me in. I just want to be free.’
