Chapter 43 Zhu Xuan’s Plan Begins (1/2)

Hearing that, I couldn’t help questioning, “Although I agree with you…your theory is only suited for humans, isn’t it? The human brain is easy to fool, and I agree with that. However, this time it’s a monster that we need to deal with, and that monster could be the Jade Ruyi, which you said is very dangerous.”

Zhu Xuan smiled. “No matter what they are, humans or monsters, they’re all the same. Didn’t Wen Jiubo tell you about that? In this world, every monster comes from the darkness of the human mind. Demons are no exception.”

Though this theory seemed very strange to me, the only thing I could do right now was to trust him. So I nodded.

“The best proof is that I can also get lost in this magic barrier,” Zhu Xuan said with his hands outstretched. “Like, which floor we are at now?”

I was dumbfounded for a moment. Zhu Xuan suddenly burst into laughter.

“I’m just teasing you, you’re really naive.”

I helplessly looked at him. Both Zhu Xuan and Wen Jiubo, these two old monsters who had lived for hundreds of years, sometimes they just behaved so childishly.

“Well, that’s perfect.” Zhu Xuan moved two steps back. He looked up, staring at something invisible as if he was watching one of his favorite works. “The next thing we need to do is to guard this barrier and wait for the demon to come—”

“What are you going to do after that?” I asked.

“What?” Zhu Xuan suddenly interrupted me. He looked at me, confused.

“I’m saying if the demon who made the contract with Liang Kaifeng’s father is really the Jade Ruyi, what are you going to do?” I asked.

Zhu Xuan’s expression became a little sullen for a moment. He stopped smiling and looked at me sternly. “What do you mean by that?”

“Nothing,” I replied dryly. “Just curious. You said that you wanted to find this Jade Ruyi, and you’re even using your power to help Liang Kaifeng even though you dislike him, but you never mentioned what you’re gonna do after you catch that thing.”

“Isn’t it obvious? Of course, I’ll destroy it,” Zhu Xuan said firmly.

“Des…destroy it?” I was a little surprised.

“Mmm.” Zhu Xuan nodded. “The last time I found it, I just hid it, and as you know, somehow it managed to escape and caused harm to many people. So if I catch it again this time, I’ll show no mercy and destroy it.”

“But why didn’t you destroy it the first time?” I asked. “When you first mentioned this thing to me, you said it was very, very dangerous.”

Zhu Xuan became silent. He looked at me and sighed as if he was ashamed of it. “…I know, that is my fault. However, if you were in my situation, perhaps you also wouldn’t destroy it without hesitation since it is a legendary treasure. After all, everyone has a wish they want to realize.”

“Do you have one?” I blurted out.

Zhu Xuan didn’t answer my question. Instead, he gave me a meaningful glance and asked crossly, “Don’t you?”

Before I could think about how to answer that question, Zhu Xuan turned around and went downstairs. I shrugged, thinking that perhaps my question had offended him.

However, he was usually not that petty.

Soon, it was time for the monster to show up, according to Liang Kaifeng.

In various ghost stories, ghosts and monsters would usually appear around midnight. According to Wen Jiubo, at midnight Yin energy was at its peak while Yang energy was at its lowest. In other words, it marked the end of an old day and the beginning of a new one. Generally speaking, demons and spirits became stronger at that time.

After Zhu Xuan set up the barrier, he gave tasks for each of us. Liang Kaifeng and I would stay in his father’s room; Xu Yingchen would be positioned near the corridor on the first floor and would send a signal as soon as anything appeared; Zhu Xuan would stand guard near the barrier, in case anything went wrong in the middle.

“Listen up, everyone. Mr. Xu, please closely monitor the entrance of the villa and report to me immediately as soon as you notice something.” Zhu Xuan then looked at Liang Kaifeng and me. “Gu Yu and you.”

Judging from his tone, he was still unhappy about Liang Kaifeng’s behavior.

“The two of you stay in Liang Youhua’s room; you’d better find a place to hide, especially you, Gu Yu. You are the last defense in our plan. Never leave the room. In case, and I said just in case, my barrier fails to stop the Jade Ruyi, you have to do everything you can to stop it.”