Chapter Four: The Cicada Sheds Its Shell (Part II)

“Much better, much better!” Modo’s excited shouts startled the exhausted Chishang and the others from their sleep. Wangli lifted his large head from the sand, rubbed his eyes, and glanced around before finally fixing his gaze on the Moon Ghost King, who was sitting cross-legged, cultivating. He exclaimed, “Great! Big brother, your complexion has improved so much!”

Meijue and Chishang rushed over like a whirlwind, throwing themselves at the Moon Ghost King. Meijue grasped his hand and sensed that the spiritual energy within him was no longer as scattered as before, and his face had brightened considerably. Relieved, tears welled up in her eyes.

The Moon Ghost King cast a glance over the concerned crowd gathered around him. Rarely did a smile grace his usually stern face. He reached out to gently pat the tearful Meijue and said softly, “Big brother is fine now, so why are you crying?” Before this youngest sister, the usually commanding Moon Ghost King revealed a tender side.

“Don’t cry, please don’t cry! When you cry like this, it pains my heart…” Modo gazed foolishly at Meijue’s flawless, jade-like face, murmuring.

Just then, a sharp cry of pain interrupted him. Like a golden rooster, Hu Hai clutched his left foot and hopped around wildly on the ground. It turned out that someone had stepped heavily on his foot—Modo, who had been watching amusedly, had unwittingly “struck underhandedly.”

Strangely, after their initial dazzling meeting, Hu Hai seemed to regain his composure in Meijue’s presence, while Modo appeared deeply “poisoned” by her innate charm, still wearing a dazed, lovestruck expression.

Wangli laughed heartily at this. “Little girl, it seems your enchanting skills are quite formidable! Even this so-called ‘matchless new generation little demon’ has fallen under your spell!”

Meijue’s cheeks flushed deeply at the remark, but Modo was unfazed. Instead, he assumed a serious expression and sighed, “A graceful lady is the ideal match for a gentleman! What can I say? I am both a new generation demon of the underworld and a hopeless romantic. Yes, I like Meier—so what’s wrong with that?”

No one expected this shameless fellow to openly confess his fondness for Meijue in front of so many people, even going so far as to call her “Meier.” Everyone was momentarily stunned, and Meijue’s face burned even redder. With a look of reproach, she glanced at Modo before turning away, refusing to acknowledge him further.

Chishang smiled softly, about to tease Modo some more, when suddenly his brow furrowed. He uttered a low, “Eek,” then muttered to himself, “Something’s wrong!” Before anyone could react, he collapsed to the ground, closing his eyes and remaining silent.

All eyes immediately turned to Chishang. The Moon Ghost King and Wangli knew well that this fifth brother was usually calm and composed; he would never act so dramatically without reason. Yet they had no idea what was troubling him and could only watch helplessly.

Meijue, ever attentive, noticed Chishang’s odd expression and quickly gestured to Hu Hai and Modo to be quiet. Just as Modo was about to shout a question, he hastily covered his mouth, his eyes darting nervously, grateful he hadn’t spoken impulsively and upset their beloved.

After a moment, Chishang opened his eyes, a hint of frustration crossing his face. He rallied himself and quietly said, “Someone important is in danger.”

No one immediately understood whom he meant by “someone important.” They stared at him in confusion.

Chishang reached to his chest and pressed down on his throat. Suddenly, a small, round, silver-white winged insect, about the size of a marble, flew from his mouth with a “whoosh.” It circled above his head once before flapping toward the window and flying outside.

However, the little creature seemed unfamiliar with the human-world glass window. With a soft “thud,” it collided with the glass and fell to the floor. It buzzed twice in embarrassment, then flew back to Chishang, grumbling angrily.

Chishang stood and without a word opened the window. With a gentle breeze, he sent the silver insect soaring once more. This time, it successfully flew out, wings beating steadily.

“Fifth brother, who did you send the heartworm to?” Meijue asked, her face tinged with surprise and curiosity.

“What’s that thing?” Modo, unable to contain himself, tugged on Wangli’s sleeve. Among the ghostly brothers, he got along best with Wangli, who shared his love of food. Unfortunately, Wangli was frowning at Chishang’s every move and didn’t hear him.

Hu Hai plopped down beside Chishang, impatiently demanding, “What’s going on? Stop being so secretive! What’s this heartworm about? Tell us quickly!”

Suddenly, he jumped as if his backside was on fire, eyes wide as saucers, shouting, “Hey! The ‘someone important’ you mentioned—isn’t that Old Shi?”

Chishang gave Hu Hai a sharp look, as if scolding him for his slowness, yet nodded. He pulled a small round mirror from his bosom and stared intently at the Moon Ghost King, Wangli, and Meijue, who all watched him silently. Hu Hai hurried over as well.

“Why does everyone look so strange? What’s going on?” Modo finally lost patience and yelled.

“Quiet!” Wangli swatted Modo lightly on the shoulder. Modo was about to protest but caught Meijue’s reproachful glance, shrank his neck, and grudgingly closed his mouth.

* * * * * * * *

The “Taiyin True Fire” was indeed formidable. Despite the protection of “Flow of Heaven and Earth,” it could not entirely withstand the fierce flames capable of melting everything. Stone Jun gradually lost sensation, the faint crackling of the fire near his ears fading into near silence. The surroundings seemed to grow still.

His heart pounded wildly, almost bursting through his chest. He could feel vividly how, with each beat, blood surged through every vessel like winding rivers of crimson.

His mind cleared, breathing steadied, and although his body was wracked with pain, his spirit was calmer than ever.

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