The Exorcist

Book 2: Chapter 17: What to do?

A little past two in the morning, Ruan Zhan once again half supported half carried Xiao Xia up the stairs of the Nocturnal Revenant bar, under the gazes of the night owls and his two idiot servers. He wasnt in the mood to worry about the crowds imaginative looks, and merely hoped this wasnt going to become the norm. With his background in psychology, he knew men easily developed feelings for someone of the opposite gender who they worked late into the night with. Especially since the two of them always encountered life-threatening situations together.

This bandit lady surnamed Yue had recently been clinging onto him a little too naturally. Her weakness while putting up a brave front, her kindness while being unreasonable, and her sensitive yet impulsive personality all made his heart inexplicably palpitate. This wasnt a good sign. He definitely had to be more careful and not let his heart give in. He wasnt willing to have deep emotional attachments with anyone. He had learned his lesson plenty of times. No matter how witty or cute she was, no matter how charming she was when she smiled, she wouldnt be the exception.

He just needed to restrain himself a little bit! Who was he? He was a top student of the psychology department from a famous university. He could see through the intricacies of peoples minds and had abundant experience. He also had those so-called abilities he hated. He could navigate through any crowd of women with ease. Would he end up surrendering to the pestering of a little sparrow? Impossible!

He just needed to help her and then drive her out. No problem at all!

Why did you choose to major in psychology? Ruan Zhan had just settled Xiao Xia down when she suddenly asked this question. This gave Ruan Zhan a fright, making him think she could read minds. Did she know what he was planning?

What does that have to do with you?

I mean, its easy to understand why Wan Li majored in psychology. He likes to talk, has a warm personality, has a sense of justice and is bold and meticulous. These are all reasons why he became a psychiatrist. But dont you hate getting close to people? Why would you learn about the minds of others? To learn how to keep your distance? Xiao Xia followed up.

She had suffered a fright tonight, but the moment she returned to his place she had felt incomparably safe. Her mood became more relaxed as well. According to Wan Li, being able to turn negative into positive very quickly was one of her biggest strengths. However, did Ruan Zhans ability to turn from his courageous and righteous self an hour ago to a block of ice the moment he got home count as a major drawback? She recalled the contents of her conversation with Wan Li, which was why she asked the question.

Do you want to discuss Tao Xiao Chun or myself?

Tao Xiao Chun. Xiao Xia didnt hesitate.

Fine, he wins this time! Since Wan Li had asked her to pressure Ruan Zhan and since she had reluctantly agreed, she would have plenty of opportunities to torment him in the future. No need to bicker with this stinking man at this time. What should we do?

This matter isnt complicated. Assuming all our information and conjectures are correct, well be able to find the answer at the school.

You mean to say that since Bloody Mary can only roam the school grounds, Tao Xiao Chun must have been murdered at school? That means her corpse must be hidden somewhere there, and her soul is probably within a mirror nearby.

Thats right.

I really cant imagine why Tao Xiao Chun would have slipped up despite knowing how to escape, to the extent of losing her life. Xiao Xia thought about it. Perhaps we should ask Liu Tie. Didnt Tao Xiao Chun give him something before she disappeared? If he has some information, we might save a lot of effort. Dont worry, Ill ask very carefully. I definitely wont get him involved in this matter. That way your secret will be safe.

Thank you. Ruan Zhan said in surprise. He didnt think she would be concerned about his unwillingness to let others know about his matters. Guess she had a conscience!

Its nothing, were just helping each other out! But what should we do after that?

Ruan Zhan muttered to himself for a bit. Lets clear up Tao Xiao Chuns situation before deciding. I think a huge battle is inevitable. Its already hard enough to banish it, let alone having to rescue a trapped soul.

Im sorry. She had brought trouble to him once again. Forget it. It wouldnt necessarily have left obediently if I tried to banish it. Itll come down to force anyway.

How confident are you? Xiao Xia snuck a glance at him. Can it be exterminated?

Ill only know whether I can banish it after exchanging blows. As for extermination, its impossible. Its not a spirit manifested through resentment and it isnt the sort of evil spirit that hides in the night waiting for an opportunity to harm people. It has its own domain, which means its a proper existence. Thats why its known as a summoned spirit. When playing various spirit summoning games, the spirit might be invited over by chance. It would then return to its home. This is why you can only send it back or force it away from here, but you cant kill it. At least, Im unable to do so.

That means it still has the chance to do further harm!

Dont blame these spirits! Havent you heard? If humans didnt have darkness in their hearts, ghosts wouldnt be able to make use of them. The saying ghostly enchantment might as well be called man-made disaster.

Xiao Xia nodded, having thoroughly experienced this. If it werent for Tao Xiao Chuns unhealthy mindset, if Qian Li and Zhang Xue hadnt been so easily enticed, if it werent for the darkest emotions of jealousy, vanity, boredom, foolishness and cruelty, how could such a senseless tragedy have happened?

Then its settled. Xiao Xia said. I have to appear in court tomorrow. After I get back in the afternoon, Ill ask Liu Tie what he knows. Then, Ill go to the school and see if I can find a trace of Tao Xiao Chun.

No, dont go to the school by yourself. If anything happens, you wont be able to handle it. Ruan Zhan stood up. First figure out the situation. Then, well decide what to do next.

Fine. But I want to ask you something. Xiao Xia stopped him from leaving. Why can I sometimes see spirits, and other times not?

Normally, only those with yin-yang eyes are able to see those things. However, it they wish to let you see them, then you will be able to. Even if you close your eyes.

Alsowhy were the three female ghosts today so strong and vicious? They were very kind and innocent girls when they were alive. Even if they died violent deaths, they shouldnt be so frightening, right?

They died so unjustly and in such a horrifying manner. It would be weird if they werent powerful. Ruan Zhan felt Xiao Xias thoughts were very strange. How about you try getting unjustly harmed by someone? Twisted people have extraordinary wicked strength. Ghosts filled with resentment are the same way. Its more about their state of mind, and has nothing to do with their personalities in life.

When I was young, I heard the story of The Songding Count Encounters a Ghost. It said that a newly formed ghost doesnt have much power. But look at this. Xiao Xia raised her hand. My arm was almost chewed off by them today. Actually, her bringing up this and that was just to have Ruan Zhan, who was trying his best to leave, remain by her side a little longer. She didnt really want to be by herself today.

The bruises on her slender arms almost made him stretch out his hand to caress them. However, he immediately turned his movement into gripping the doorknob. Dont go outside the next couple of days. Everything will be fine. He turned to leave but caught sight of the piece of jade on her chest. He couldnt help but frown.

Give me your amulet.

What for?

Im not going to steal your stuff! Xiao Xias anxious and reluctant appearance made him smile. Youve encountered too much evil these past few days. The jade has been contaminated with vile aura and its protective powers have decreased. Ill help you drive it out and purify this treasure.

Taking the initiative to be kind? You must have ulterior motives.

Forget it if youre not interested.

Who says Im not? Would I be scared of you? Xiao Xia took off the jade. Im overflowing with righteousness so Im not afraid of your crafty schemes. Arent you just trying to get me to leave your place sooner? Im telling you, not a chance! You should put such thoughts to rest!