Chapter 53: Death to Those Who Stand in My Way
Upon hearing Jiang Xiaofei’s words, Lin Xuan replied calmly, “So, waiting passively is your perfect solution?”
Jiang Xiaofei answered coldly, “Do you think I want this? But Takagi Qiu is far too difficult to deal with!”
Lin Xuan scoffed, unimpressed. “That only proves you lack the ability to confront the Ghost Emperor.”
“You—” Jiang Xiaofei was about to protest when Zhou Shiqin interjected with a smile, “Xiaofei is right. Takagi Qiu is Mayor Takagi’s daughter and an internal member of the Sorcerers’ Association. This matter concerns the reputation of the association. Without solid evidence, it’s almost impossible to apprehend her. How about this: we conduct a citywide search for the missing children and try to recover them. I’ll also inform higher authorities and request reinforcements. That way, we’ll act more efficiently.”
Jiang Xiaofei nodded slightly. “Alright. But I hope you won’t reveal that Takagi Qiu is the Ghost Emperor. It would only cause unnecessary trouble.”
Zhou Shiqin nodded. “Rest assured. Lin Xuan and I will keep this secret.”
Jiang Xiaofei said no more, sinking into deep thought. He was truly worried that if the Ghost Emperor restored her strength after consuming the missing children, she would become utterly unstoppable—let alone be destroyed.
With this in mind, Jiang Xiaofei wasted no time. He rose and hurried toward the door.
Seeing this, Zhou Shiqin called out, “Where are you going?”
“I’m going to the school to keep an eye on Takagi Qiu,” Jiang Xiaofei replied, then dashed out.
Meanwhile, in an abandoned factory in Sanjiang City, a woman dressed in black stood among the ruins—it was Takagi Qiu herself.
In a corner before her lay many children, boys and girls, bound and huddled on the ground.
Their faces were filled with terror as they cried out, begging Takagi Qiu to save them.
She ignored their pleas entirely, her gaze cold and merciless. Suddenly, she frowned warily and called out, “Who’s sneaking behind me?”
No sooner had she spoken than three young men in black suits leapt through the broken window. On their chests, they wore the emblem of the Azure Dragon Society.
Clearly, they were members of the Azure Dragon Society. Seeing their badges, Takagi Qiu’s brow furrowed as she spoke coldly, “So, the Azure Dragon Society is following me.”
The leader among the young men replied icily, “Takagi Qiu, so it’s you who abducted these missing children! Surrender now and come with us to the Sorcerers’ Association to face justice.”
Takagi Qiu laughed arrogantly, “Heh. You think a few senior sorcerers like you can catch me? How naive.”
“What are you planning?” the leader exclaimed, stepping back in alarm.
“Anyone who blocks me will die.” Takagi Qiu grinned wickedly, extending her delicate hand. Instantly, a vast wave of ghostly energy surged forth, engulfing the three young men.
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“That’s ghostly energy?” The three youths were terrified as it enveloped them. They tried to flee, but it was too late. The energy wrapped around them, and they felt as if invisible hands were strangling their necks.
No matter how they struggled, they couldn’t break free, forced to watch as ghastly faces drained the flesh from their bodies.
In mere moments, the three young men collapsed, reduced to shriveled corpses twisted in horror.
The children in the corner witnessed the scene, trembling and curling up in fear.
Takagi Qiu addressed them coldly, “Behave, or you’ll be next.”
Frightened, the children dared not utter a sound, their eyes brimming with terror.
Takagi Qiu said no more. She immersed her mind in her spiritual sea, where the Ghost Emperor awaited at its center. “The Sorcerers’ Association has begun to suspect me. What should I do?”
The Ghost Emperor replied, “Don’t panic. Those three association members are now dead by my hand; how could they possibly know it was you? But this place is no longer safe for storing supplements. Move them quickly to somewhere safer. Also, you must gather nine supplements as soon as possible. Only when the set is complete can I initiate the blood ritual and restore my power to its peak. Otherwise, it’s all in vain.”
Takagi Qiu nodded. “Very well. But once your power is restored, you must help me avenge myself.”
The Ghost Emperor answered, “Be assured. Since I’ve promised you, I will fulfill your wish. But if you botch things, don’t blame me for turning against you.”
Takagi Qiu said nothing, withdrawing her mind from the spiritual sea.
At the National University, Jiang Xiaofei searched the campus, but found no trace of Takagi Qiu. Only at the guard’s office did he learn that she had already driven away hours before. This news left him deeply troubled.
He rushed out of the campus gates, when suddenly a woman’s voice called from behind.
“Professor Jiang, where are you off to now?”
Recognizing the familiar voice, Jiang Xiaofei stopped and turned. Lan Lianshuang hurried toward him.
Seeing her, Jiang Xiaofei frowned slightly. “What is it?”
Lan Lianshuang said, “I heard you’re searching for Takagi Qiu. I’m concerned about you! By the way, what’s this about you harassing her?”
Jiang Xiaofei replied, “Don’t bring it up. It never happened.”
Lan Lianshuang nodded. “Alright. Then why are you still searching for Takagi Qiu?”
Jiang Xiaofei sighed impatiently, “Even if I explained, you wouldn’t understand.”
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Lan Lianshuang frowned slightly. “Just tell me. Maybe I can help.”
Jiang Xiaofei nodded. “Alright.” He recounted what had taken place, omitting the part about Takagi Qiu being the Ghost Emperor.
Even so, Lan Lianshuang was astonished, her disbelief evident. “How could something like that be possible?”
Jiang Xiaofei replied, somewhat exasperated, “She was willing to kill Teng Pan—so what isn’t possible?”
Lan Lianshuang nodded, “That’s true. But Takagi Qiu’s status is special, and this is such a significant matter. Without evidence, it’s impossible to act against her. Still, don’t worry—I’ll do my best to help you.”
Jiang Xiaofei said nothing, turning to leave.
Lan Lianshuang hurried after him, asking as she walked, “Where are you going?”
Jiang Xiaofei replied, “Can’t you stop following me?”
Lan Lianshuang insisted, “No.”
“Why are you doing this? Aren’t you tired of it?”
“Because I care about you. I don’t want you to take risks.”
“Very well,” Jiang Xiaofei nodded, resigned.
Just then, his phone rang. Jiang Xiaofei answered, and Zhou Shiqin’s voice came through, “Xiaofei, come to the Azure Dragon Society branch tower immediately. There’s been a major discovery!”
“Alright, I’ll be right there.” With that, Jiang Xiaofei hung up, went to the street, and hailed a taxi.
Lan Lianshuang said, “Take my car instead—it’ll be faster.”
Jiang Xiaofei nodded, “Hurry, then.”
Without another word, Lan Lianshuang ran to the campus parking lot, pulled out her car, and picked up Jiang Xiaofei. Together, they sped toward the city center.