As soon as Xie Luochen laid eyes on the woman in front of him. Just for a moment, the world seems to have fallen silent. His heart beats in exhilaration as he takes in the sight in front of him.
Almond shaped eyes reveal a confident gaze while graceful eyebrows and small pale lips cast an additional elegance to her aura. Short black hair flutters amidst the blowing wind while giving the impression that it might be soft to the touch.
Dark colored clothes in contrast to her pale skin causes an unnaturally pale look. With a delicate frame almost as if on the brink of being blown miles away with a slight gust of wind.
But the ongoing struggle between the conjoined weapons between them reminded him of the truth. Although he has not used his full strength, the fact that his opponent barely showed signs of struggle is a large enough indication of their abilities.
He looked dazed at the woman smiling slightly at him as he unconsciously placed his free hand over his quivering heart. An hazy image flashed past, too fast for him to capture before disappearing. Trembling lips attempted to part a little as he tried to form some kind of words, but before anything could be said, a figure suddenly jumped in between them.
Xiao Bao, blocked Xie Luochen's sight with his small body while a quivering voice revealed his nervousness and fear. "Sir...p….please...have mercy. This is a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding…."
Due to Xiao Bao's sudden interference, Xie Luochen's chaotic thoughts slowly came to a stop. His eyebrows furrow deeper as he looked past Xiao Bao, directly at the woman standing leisurely in the back.
"Who are you?" He asked sternly, lowering his sword to some extent as a representation of his dwindling intention to fight.
With the other side showing signs of restraint, of course she'll do the same. Releasing her chains effortlessly, Chu Nuan took a step towards Xiao Bao to pull him behind her. Giving a polite smile to start off their introduction, she started.
" Envoy of Hell, Chu Nuan."
" Disciple of Dark Moon Sect, Xie Luochen."
With this introduction, the atmosphere between the two eased a little..
"What is an envoy doing here?" Xie Luochen directed a suspicious gaze at her before pointing at Xiao Bao's cheek," this ghost has entered a temporary contract with us. Unless the agreement is settled, he cannot leave."
Glancing at Xiao Bao's right cheek with the "Xie" character printed on it, she then made eye contact with him inquiringly.
Sensing the confusion in her stare, Xie Luochen then explained. " A few months ago, my master stumbled upon this small ghost wandering around the alleyway. Normally we would have sent him off to reincarnate right away. But seeing that he hasn't harmed a soul during the few weeks we observed him, we decided to give him a chance. In exchange for capturing the ghosts around the area, we will find the whereabouts of his missing mother."
"So, what have you found?"
"She's dead." He answered in a matter-of-fact way.
Xie Luochen observed Xiao Bao's expression turn from hopeful to shock, followed with despair in a matter of seconds. He continued, "we found her soul wandering around in an apartment a few blocks from here. She cannot leave the building, so I thought to bring him with me to meet her tonight."
Taking a few steps towards the exit, his movement stops before turning slightly to the side. Sweeping his gaze across the two blank faces behind him, his voice entered their ears, "you can send the both of them off afterwards."
"Hm." Staring at the figure slowly vanishing into the darkness, Chu Nuan gave a lonely smile before pulling the still dazed Xiao Bao along. " Come on, I can bring you out."
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The building is an old two story apartment with rusting stairs leading to the second floor. The walls of this apartment show signs of age and mold have climbed onto the darker corners of the building. But the overall atmosphere of this residential area is considered peaceful with lush plants and trees around the area.
Although the night is dark and cold, bright street lamps illuminate the surroundings by chasing away shadows. None of the residents seems to be in the area as it has been closed off to the public with yellow tape. Even more so with one of the rooms upstairs, the door labeled "220" has been sealed off.
Xiao Bao looked towards that apartment door distractedly. "I remember this place" he mumbled. "This is where I lived….." Xiao Bao lightly floated upstairs with Chu Nuan and Xie Luochen following closely behind.