Jiong Ye, also alerted by Mu An Xiao's earlier reminder, dared not act rashly. "Be careful," he whispered, reminding Mu An Xiao and shifting a few steps aside.
Mu An Xiao had no time to look at Jiong Ye, continuing to stare at the female monster reaching out to her. "Since my life is already in your hands, you," she smiled, "can tell me your name now, right?" After speaking, she met the female monster's gaze intently.
"You really want to know my name." The female monster said, glancing towards Jiong Ye.
Seeing this, Jiong Ye became thoroughly nervous for Mu An Xiao.
Mu An Xiao remained calm and composed, smiling faintly. "As the saying goes, one should die with understanding."
"Then I definitely cannot let you know my name." the female monster said.
Mu An Xiao did not get angry. Instead, she lowered her head to look at the ground and said, "In that case, I can no longer entrust my life to you." After speaking, she quickly erected a barrier around Jiong Ye.
Thus, Jiong Ye was 'enclosed' by the barrier.
The female monster was startled. "Using magic again."
"None of your business. Of course, since you are unwilling to tell me your name, then never tell me," Mu An Xiao's lips curled. "However, I suppose you truly cannot escape."
"You..."
"I originally wanted to take you to Ouyang Ye to help you mitigate some of your crimes. Who knew you would engage in this sneaky behavior? Since that's the case, I don't need to be polite to you anymore." Mu An Xiao said, conjuring a dagger.
The female monster glanced at the dagger in Mu An Xiao's hand and laughed. "Do you think I'll fall for the same trick twice?" Saying this, she turned and ran away.
Seeing this, Mu An Xiao was about to pursue when Jiong Ye shouted, "Don't go."
Hearing this, Mu An Xiao reluctantly stopped and then turned to look at Jiong Ye. "Wait for me here, I'll be back soon." Saying this, she still intended to go.
Unexpectedly, Jiong Ye became insistent. "You can't go." He had just touched the barrier with his hand when he was electrocuted.
Seeing this, Mu An Xiao said, "Oh, that's a barrier set with magic. If a demon touches it, they will be electrocuted. You'd better not move." Saying this, she quickly looked in the direction the female monster had gone.
"You didn't say so earlier." Jiong Ye said, shaking his hand in pain.
Mu An Xiao casually replied, "You didn't ask earlier either."
"You..." Uttering a word, Jiong Ye thought about what Mu An Xiao had done for him and was moved. "Thank you."
"Why are you thanking me? How cheesy." Mu An Xiao said, temporarily ignoring the fleeing female monster, and walked to the barrier.
Seeing Mu An Xiao approach, Jiong Ye became embarrassed. "If Zhao Mei Er saw me captured, she would definitely be the first to run away."
"How do you know she would run away?" Mu An Xiao asked with interest.
Jiong Ye sighed deeply. "If she were a loyal and righteous demon, would I be here? Alas," he sighed, "talking about these things is just like weeping tears."
"Indeed tears," Mu An Xiao agreed with a nod.
Jiong Ye wiped his tears.
Immediately, Mu An Xiao gently patted the barrier. "Alright, you can grieve here by yourself for a while. I'm going to find that female monster."
"Don't go." Jiong Ye said resolutely, his eyes filled with tears.
Mu An Xiao calmly looked at Jiong Ye, wondering if his sentiment was genuine or feigned. Her lips curled. "Why won't you let me go?"
"Come in, and I'll tell you." Jiong Ye beckoned.
Seeing Jiong Ye like this, Mu An Xiao deliberately said, "If you want me to come in, why don't you come out?"
"If I could come out, I would have. The problem is," Jiong Ye said, lifting his finger, slightly stained with black dirt, into Mu An Xiao's line of sight, "I can't get out, unless..." He trailed off.
Mu An Xiao, unwilling to further speculate on Jiong Ye's thoughts, asked impatiently, "What is it now?"
"Unless you want me to be electrocuted into charcoal." Jiong Ye said, feigning innocence, completely disregarding Mu An Xiao's attitude.
"A grown man acting spoiled, it's truly disgusting." Mu An Xiao shivered, continuing, "Alright, stop talking. I have to go."
"You can't go." Jiong Ye continued to block her.
This time, Mu An Xiao truly understood the meaning behind Jiong Ye's anxious tone. To prevent him from further obstruction, she became direct. "I know, you're afraid that as soon as I leave, Ouyang Ye will blame you. Tsk, tsk, tsk, I can see through your little thoughts better than anyone." Saying this, she placed a hand on her hip.
Jiong Ye looked bitter.
Mu An Xiao saw Jiong Ye's bitter expression and her lips curled. "As one might expect, I guessed correctly, didn't I?"
"I'm concerned about your safety. That female monster is not as simple as you think. You..."
"Don't worry, she can't break this barrier." Mu An Xiao deliberately interrupted.
Subsequently, Jiong Ye looked calmly at Mu An Xiao, who was still trying to guess his thoughts. "I'm just genuinely concerned about you. Can you please stop overthinking? Really," his voice choked, "it's really hurtful."
"It's hurting you." Mu An Xiao said.
Jiong Ye grunted.
Mu An Xiao smiled. "If you don't want to get hurt again, then speak less and rest more. I will definitely catch that monster." After speaking, she turned and ran away.
The next second, Jiong Ye's eyes widened. He suddenly forgot everything and pressed his hands directly onto the barrier. Immediately, a surge of electricity coursed through him... He fell down with an afro.
Below.
Ouyang Ye stood before the waterfall, looking down at the calm water surface. He thought about the intense reaction of the demon-eating beast escaping not long ago. He wondered, 'Is Mu An Xiao alright?' Thinking this, he looked up towards the sky.
Not far away.
The wolf demon and the others fell silent for a moment after the commotion. However, after a period of quiet, Song Xi became curious about Mu An Xiao's situation. "Will Mu An Xiao be alright?" He thought about Mu An Xiao's relationship with Ouyang Ye and became uneasy.
Xi'er heard this and shook her head slightly. "I don't know. She's been gone for a while." She then looked at the wolf demon, who was staring in a certain direction. "You're very worried about Mu An Xiao, aren't you?"
"Worried isn't quite the word. I'm just curious if that guy Jiong Ye is dead yet." The wolf demon said, looking back at the others.
Zhao Mei Er sighed. "He's probably dead already."
"How do you know?" Song Xi quickly looked at Zhao Mei Er, his tone cold.
Xi'er had never heard Song Xi speak like that and was startled. "Husband, you..."
"Even if Jiong Ye is dead, it has nothing to do with you, right?" Zhao Mei Er unintentionally interrupted Xi'er.