The corpse oil and the fact that Liu Fugui was being drained of life force were undeniable.
Using corpse oil to enchant someone and make them irresistible was understandable, but did a human need to consume someone's life energy? Absolutely not. Even the most obscure sects using dual-cultivation methods would only do so through intercourse, balancing yin and yang. Only creatures like demons or ghosts would need to feed on human essence.
This Xiao Mei was no human.
Her current calm demeanor was likely a ploy to lull Liu Fugui into complacency. After his escape last night and his strange behavior today, she must have been suspicious. This act was her way of reassuring him so she could continue draining his life force.
What a cunning creature!
But—
Lu Fei's mind suddenly brightened with realization.
If Xiao Mei had to go through such elaborate measures just to manipulate an ordinary man like Liu Fugui, did it mean that her combat strength was lacking?
If so, there was no need for further hesitation—he could strike directly.
Liu Fugui, sensing Lu Fei's long silence, grew anxious and gestured at him. "What now?"
"Stay calm. When she comes out, distract her, and I'll make my move," Lu Fei mouthed and whispered.
The bathroom water stopped.
Lu Fei signaled to Liu Fugui and raised his ghost-head blade, preparing for action.
Understanding, Liu Fugui gripped the talisman in his hand tightly and moved to the doorway to draw Xiao Mei's attention.
Wrapped in a towel, Xiao Mei stepped out, rubbing her damp hair. She casually tied the scarf back around her neck and walked barefoot from the misty glass partition.
"Oh, you! What are you doing standing out here? You scared me!"
She playfully scolded, though there was an odd glint in her eyes.
"I was just eager," Liu Fugui stammered, mustering his courage to grab her hand.
"Eager, huh? Then why did you run off last night?"
Xiao Mei laughed slyly as she let herself be pulled out of the bathroom.
Seizing the moment, Lu Fei swung his blade down at her back.
The rusted and dulled weapon wouldn't harm a person much, but for supernatural entities, it was a different story.
Clang!
The blade hit Xiao Mei as if striking solid stone, sending a sharp jolt up Lu Fei's arm that left his wrist aching.
What was going on?
Everyone froze in disbelief.
Xiao Mei looked at Lu Fei.
Lu Fei looked at Liu Fugui.
Liu Fugui stared at Xiao Mei.
An awkward silence filled the air.
Then Xiao Mei's breathing quickened, her expression darkening with anger.
"Uh... Xiao Mei, let me explain," Liu Fugui stuttered, drenched in sweat.
"Die!"
Xiao Mei roared and flung Liu Fugui across the room with a simple yank of his arm. The 180-pound man crashed onto the sofa, dazed and disoriented.
What strength!
Lu Fei swung the blade again.
Clang!
Xiao Mei blocked it effortlessly with her slender arm, her skin unmarked, forcing Lu Fei back a few steps.
This wasn't skin; it was steel!
Iron-like skin and incredible strength—attributes of a zombie?
But no, zombies feared sunlight, had stiff limbs, and often grew hair. They wouldn't move with the fluidity and charm of Xiao Mei.
What on earth was she?
There was no time to think.
"I knew something was off tonight! So, you brought backup, you pig!" Xiao Mei's eyes glowed with fury. "Fine, I'll take on one or take on two—doesn't matter!"
With that, she lunged at Lu Fei.
He swung the ghost-head blade, but she blocked it with her arms without hesitation. Her strength was overwhelming, pushing Lu Fei back each time, leaving him unable to get the upper hand.
"Little Shopkeeper..." Liu Fugui wobbled to his feet and flung the talisman at her, but it fell to the ground with a weak thud, nowhere near Xiao Mei. The sight only enraged her more.
"So it was you who hurt me with that thing yesterday! You'll die! All of you will die!"
Xiao Mei's face contorted as she attacked Lu Fei in a frenzied rage.
The ghost-head blade, already difficult to wield due to its weight, became nearly useless against her. Even if he wanted to use the talisman, there was no opportunity.
Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud crash.
A towering figure charged into the room. In a few swift strides, Tiger kicked Xiao Mei hard enough to push her back a few steps.
"Boss!"
"Tiger!"
Lu Fei felt a rush of relief; Tiger was like a godsend at that moment.
Tiger, solid and imposing, stood between Xiao Mei and Lu Fei, exuding a sense of safety.
With a moment to breathe, Lu Fei dropped the heavy ghost-head blade, trying to catch his breath.
Xiao Mei glared at Tiger, eyes narrowing to predatory slits. "Three? You brought three? It's been so long since I've had this much fun! And such a strong one, too. I like it!"
She sprang at Tiger, fast and ferocious as a wild animal.
Tiger, knowing her strength, fought cautiously, wielding the talisman against her.
But it was no use. The talisman had no effect on Xiao Mei, even though it had clearly worked on her before when Liu Fugui used it.
What was happening?
Liu Fugui, pale as a sheet, looked like he was about to faint.
What kind of monster was Xiao Mei?
Not only impervious to weapons but also unaffected by talismans—how could they possibly fight her?
No, something was off.
Sweat streaming down his face, Lu Fei's mind raced, refusing to give in to panic.
If Xiao Mei were that powerful, why bother seducing Liu Fugui and using tricks? She could have just taken his life force directly.
There had to be a reason.
Could it be that Xiao Mei had a fatal weakness that made her act so cautiously?
Every powerful entity had a vulnerability.
Lu Fei's eyes never left Xiao Mei as his mind worked furiously.
Where was it?
"Boss, I can't hold her for long. Run!" Tiger shouted, desperation in his voice.
"Run, Little Shopkeeper!" Liu Fugui was already bolting for the door.
But Lu Fei didn't move. As their leader, he couldn't abandon his team and save himself.
Where was her weakness?
Then it clicked—every time Tiger's attack neared her neck, she flinched.
Lu Fei's eyes lit up.
Her neck! That was the key!