Chapter 154: The Deepening Current and the Gathering Storm

The anonymous warning had sown seeds of unease, though Xiao Moyuan’s steady hand had temporarily contained it within a manageable scope.

Yet, the profound trauma of witnessing Shen Zhixia’s descent, coupled with the ominous, unspecified warning to ‘be careful of him,’ refused to truly dissipate.

These anxieties lurked in the depths of Su Mian’s consciousness, resurfacing at certain unsuspecting moments.

The whisper of the wind outside her window late at night, the fleeting glimpse of a familiar, secluded alley, or the sight of her own eyes in the mirror—eyes that grew thinner and more inhuman with cultivation—would subtly evoke a fine, chilling shiver.

Xiao Moyuan sensed her suppressed tension. He offered no further words of comfort, instead adjusting their training regimen.

Beyond the high-intensity drills in stealth, defense, and emergency response, he began to incorporate more foundational, almost meditative, guidance.

“To control power, one must first understand it, and more importantly, understand the ‘self’ that wields that power.”

One afternoon, within the quiet room of their apartment, reinforced by a special array, Xiao Moyuan instructed Su Mian to sit cross-legged. Only a single thread of calming sandalwood incense burned within the chamber.

“Close your eyes and feel the flow of demonic energy within you. Do not try to control it; simply observe it, as you would a river.”

“Sense its temperature, its speed, the subtle changes as it flows through different meridians, and… its resonance with your emotions.”

Su Mian complied.

Initially, a torrent of chaotic thoughts made it difficult for her to find peace. Vivid red eyes, blurred warning words in the darkness, and the gnawing suspicion of an unknown ‘he’ surged like hidden reefs beneath the water.

Her demonic energy fluctuated wildly in response.

“Embrace them.”

Xiao Moyuan’s deep voice resonated through the stillness, carrying a strange, stabilizing power.

“Fear, doubt, sorrow… these are all parts of you, colors that form the very essence of Su Mian.”

“To deny them is to deny yourself.”

“Acknowledge their existence, observe how they influence your power, and then, try to let the river of demonic energy flow smoothly past these emotional reefs, rather than being blocked or churned into a tempest by them.”

It took Su Mian a considerable amount of time to even begin to maintain a sliver of clear ‘observer’s perspective’ when negative emotions surfaced, rather than being immediately overwhelmed.

She ‘saw’ that when she thought of Shen Zhixia, her demonic energy grew murky and cold, burdened by a heavy compassion.

When suspicion arose, her demonic energy became restless and erratic, like a startled creature.

Conversely, when she focused her attention on Xiao Moyuan’s voice, or the steady aroma of sandalwood in the quiet room, her demonic energy gradually became gentle and fluid.

This was a slow and arduous process, akin to wading through mud, little by little clearing the blockages deep within her heart.

Yet, the effects were remarkable.

Over the course of several days, Su Mian found her control over demonic energy had significantly refined, and the interference of emotional fluctuations on her power had diminished.

More importantly, the constant, lingering sense of panic, as if being pursued by an unseen entity, seemed to alleviate as her inner order was re-established.

She began to truly understand that Xiao Moyuan’s words about ‘inner strength’ were not empty rhetoric, but a tangible path of cultivation.

***

Meanwhile, external investigations were quietly proceeding, spearheaded by Xiao Moyuan and Hong Luan.

The attempt to trace the anonymous text message had hit a bottleneck.

The encryption, imbued with ancient witchcraft, was like a kite with a severed string; the trail vanished completely after several meticulously arranged virtual jump points and relay servers, leading to utter void.

The sender’s intention remained a mystery—was it a benevolent warning? A malicious attempt at discord?

Or perhaps a move in some more obscure game of chess?

There was no way to know.

Xiao Moyuan’s judgment was to temporarily shelve the direct tracing but maintain the highest level of vigilance.

However, the surveillance of Shen Zhixia and Xia had yielded some fragmented yet noteworthy progress.

“Based on continuous observation and data model analysis over the past week,” Hong Luan’s voice came through the encrypted channel, calm and devoid of emotion.

“Target A (Shen Zhixia)’s activity patterns are largely fixed: every three to four days, late at night, she selects different secluded areas to hunt a specific type of male target—typically night owls or vagrants with irregular lifestyles, sparse social connections, and a lack of caution towards young women.”

“The hunt is swift, followed by a brief period of energy absorption and emotional stabilization. During this time, she makes a subtle gesture in a fixed direction (presumed to be her observer), then leaves, without processing the scene.”

“Target B (Xia, presumed) has never directly appeared.”

“However, extremely faint energy ripples have been detected in specific areas before and after Target A’s hunts, primarily concentrated in the abandoned industrial zone north of the city and the No. 3 warehouse area of the old dock.

Additionally, two instances of ultra-long-distance telepathic fluctuations, originating from the same blood pact as Target A, were captured.”

“With 90% probability, we can confirm that Target B’s lair or primary activity area is within the aforementioned range, and he consistently monitors, or at least receives, Target A’s hunting feedback through some means.”

Xiao Moyuan gazed at the analytical data Hong Luan had synchronized onto the projection screen, his finger tapping the location marked ‘Old Dock No. 3 Warehouse Area.’

‘Hunting feedback… He’s like he’s ‘inspecting,’ or ‘adjusting,’ ‘ he murmured to himself.

“Furthermore, there’s a new development.”

Hong Luan continued her report.

“Within the past 72 hours, three other crude attack incidents occurred in the city’s northern district and two adjacent old urban areas. The residual energy signatures were similar to Target A’s, but not entirely identical.”

“The victims were all young women, dead from excessive blood loss, with lacerations on their necks.”

“Preliminary assessment indicates these were not perpetrated by Target A, but the essence of the power used by the attackers also carried a strong vampiric aura, and… it seemed more狂躁—more frenzied.”

‘Other blood servants?… Or… lower-tier vampires?’ Xiao Moyuan’s eyes narrowed.

‘Is Xia expanding his influence?’

‘Or are there other undocumented vampires already hidden within this city?’

“Cannot be determined. The scenes were deliberately tampered with, and the energy residue is very faint and chaotic, making precise tracing and classification difficult.”

“But what is certain is that these types of incidents are increasing, and…” Hong Luan paused.

“The Demon Extermination Bureau’s regular patrol units have already noticed these abnormal deaths. While currently classified as ‘suspected malicious serial murders,’ there are already differing opinions internally.”

“If the incidents continue to escalate, attracting higher-level attention and intervention, it could disrupt our current investigation rhythm, or even force Xia to relocate or take extreme actions prematurely.”

Xiao Moyuan fell silent for a moment.

This was indeed a variable.

The Demon Extermination Bureau was not monolithic; it was rife with factions, and attitudes were not unified regarding how to handle cases involving high-level supernatural beings especially cunning entities like Xia, whose background might be complex.

‘Premature, large-scale official intervention can sometimes just muddy the waters further.’

“Continue monitoring, with a focus on marking the new attack incidents. Collect as detailed energy samples and site traces as possible.”

“Target A’s surveillance remains unchanged, but add recording of overall energy field fluctuations in the northern city area.”

“Additionally,” Xiao Moyuan made his decision,

“effective immediately, we need to find a way to subtly guide the Demon Extermination Bureau’s regular units’ investigation direction, without exposing our own focus, to temporarily keep them away from the old dock’s core area. We need time.”

“Understood.” Hong Luan responded succinctly, and the communication ended.

Xiao Moyuan turned off the projection and rubbed his brow.

The situation was growing complex.

Xia, Shen Zhixia, the anonymous warning sender, the newly emerged suspected vampiric attackers, and the potential intervention of other forces within the Demon Extermination Bureau… multiple threads intertwined, like a tightening net.

He had to ensure that he and Su Mian would not become fish caught in that net, while also finding the crucial point to break free.

He rose and walked out of the study.

In the living room, Su Mian had just finished a round of meditative adjustment. Fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead, but her eyes were much clearer than before.

She was sipping water from a cup, and upon seeing Xiao Moyuan emerge, she looked up and asked,

“Any progress?”

Xiao Moyuan did not conceal the information. He concisely relayed Hong Luan’s new report, stripping away the technical jargon and intricate details.

Su Mian listened, her hand tightening around the water cup.

“More people have been harmed… also done by vampires? Is it related to Xia?”

“The correlation is high, but it’s uncertain if Xia is directly controlling them, or if he attracted or awakened something that was previously dormant.”

Xiao Moyuan sat beside her.

“The waters of this city run deeper than we imagined.”

“Then what should we…” A flicker of worry crossed Su Mian’s eyes, quickly replaced by determination, “…do?”

Her reaction stirred something within Xiao Moyuan. In such a short time, she was no longer the little fox demon who would only panic and rely on others; she had begun to truly consider the situation and her own responsibilities.

“We will proceed as planned.”

“Your cultivation cannot stop; it is fundamental,” Xiao Moyuan stated.

“At the same time, we need a more direct window to observe Xia and the world he controls.”

“Shen Zhixia is currently the only relatively accessible lead, but direct contact carries too great a risk.”

He paused, a flicker of consideration in his eyes:

“Perhaps… we can create an opportunity for indirect observation.”

“Not by contacting Shen Zhixia herself, but by observing a part of the world she interacts with.”

“What do you mean?” Su Mian asked, puzzled.

“The locations of those attacks, the places where the victims frequented… nightclubs, late-night bars, secluded entertainment venues.”

Xiao Moyuan slowly explained,

“That is Shen Zhixia’s hunting ground for prey, and it might also conceal the traces of other vampires or their associates.”

“We need someone to enter that environment, unnoticed, to observe and gather intelligence.”

Su Mian immediately understood his meaning, her heart giving a sudden leap.

“You want to go to a place like that?”

She imagined Xiao Moyuan, stone-faced, mingling in the dazzling, noisy nightclub scene, feeling a sense of incongruity and a strange, subtle pang in her heart.

“I am not suitable. My aura and image are too easily noticed by any discerning supernatural entity.”

Xiao Moyuan shook his head, his gaze falling upon Su Mian with an evaluative look, “You, or Lu Yang, would be more appropriate.”

“Young students, occasionally going to such places for recreation, wouldn’t arouse too much suspicion.

Especially Lu Yang; his current unique physique gives him a natural affinity for and ability to mask Yin energy. With a little training and disguise, he would be an excellent candidate.”

“Lu Yang?” Su Mian paused, then frowned. “Can he do it? Although he’s brave, he’s still…”

“He needs to grow, and he needs to understand the world he lives in more clearly.”

Xiao Moyuan’s tone was calm.

“Chen Wan’s recovery requires time and a stable environment. Lu Yang cannot always be protected in an ivory tower. Moderate, controlled risks and tasks are necessary training for him. Of course, this is predicated on thorough preparation and cover.”

He looked at Su Mian:

“I need to speak with him first about this, to get his consent.

Your own task is to continue stabilizing your state. At the same time, if Lu Yang participates, you might need to assist with some peripheral support or information organization and… are you afraid?”

Su Mian met Xiao Moyuan’s gaze, which held no compulsion, only calm inquiry and an assessment of her capabilities.

She recalled Lu Yang’s eager desire to help, Chen Wan’s slumbering soul, the victims who had died inexplicably, and her own urge to *do* something, rather than merely wait passively.

She took a deep breath and shook her head:

“No. As long as the plan is meticulous, I can do my part.”

A faint hint of approval flickered in Xiao Moyuan’s eyes.

“Good. I will speak with Lu Yang tomorrow. Tonight,”

He stood up,

“get some rest.”

***

The night deepened.

On the other side of the city, in the old dock district, deep within Warehouse No. 3.

Here, it had been transformed, starkly different from the dilapidated exterior. Heavy velvet curtains blocked out the outside world, and the air was filled with a strange mixture of aged blood, expensive spices, and a cold, decaying scent.

There were no electric lights, only the eerie blue phosphorescence on the walls and a few flickering ancient candelabras providing dim illumination.

Shen Zhixia knelt on the cold, rough stone floor, her head bowed, her body trembling slightly.

She had just completed a ‘hunt,’ the metallic sweetness of warm blood still lingering in her throat, yet her stomach churned with the urge to vomit. Her magnificent gown was stained with dust and a few imperceptible dark-red spots.

Not far in front of her, on a high-backed stone throne, Xia reclined casually.

He wore that dark red formal attire, seemingly from centuries past, toying with a crystal-clear stemmed goblet between his pale fingers. Dark red liquid swirled within the cup.

His handsome, almost demonic face was devoid of expression as he silently watched Shen Zhixia prostrated below him, his bottomless dark red eyes observing her like a valuable artifact that had acquired a flaw but not yet lost all its worth.

“Still not ‘invested’ enough, my dear little Zhixia.”

Xia’s voice, like the lowest string of a cello, echoed eerily through the empty warehouse.

“I can feel the struggle in your soul, your hesitation with each bite, that uncontrollable… self-loathing when you absorb blood.”

He gently swirled his goblet.

“This disappoints me greatly. I bestowed upon you eternal life and power, not for you to yearn for that fragile, pathetic mortal past. This makes me want to reclaim even the last drop of blood I gave you.”

Shen Zhixia’s fingernails dug deeply into her palms; the sharp pain kept a sliver of her consciousness intact.

She did not look up.

“However,” Xia’s tone shifted, taking on a hint of playfulness, “your eye for selecting prey has improved. Sufficiently discreet, and sufficiently… clean. This is good. Maintain it.”

As he spoke, a morbid smile spread across his face, “But I feel the time is almost right. It’s time to find an opportunity to help me arrange a meeting with Su Mian, that little cupcake…”

…

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