Mu Anxiao looked at the black energy's bewildered, yet slightly hesitant and subtle expression. After a moment's thought, she said, "Are you afraid of your master?"
The black energy didn't deny it and nodded.
"It's because you're afraid that you don't dare to cooperate with me to find the toxic gas hidden within Feng Qishi, right?" Mu Anxiao, using the black energy's 'prompt-like' actions, tried to infer and guess his thoughts.
Similarly, after Mu Anxiao asked this question, the black energy's nerves relaxed. Then, in this relaxed state, he began to speak, "Yes, I really don't dare to cooperate with you." He spoke truthfully, his gaze firm, afraid Mu Anxiao might misunderstand.
"If I go alone, you will truly be derelict in your duty," Mu Anxiao said calmly, a smile playing on her lips. "No, from what I know of Ouyang Ye, he would consider you neglectful of your duties."
Derelict? Neglectful?
The black energy hadn't thought of what Mu Anxiao had said. Instead, he simply believed he couldn't get involved in this matter, as participation would only bring trouble upon himself. But now, hearing Mu Anxiao say this, the black energy realized that his evasion seemed to make things even more complicated.
In short, under Mu Anxiao's reminder, he developed new... fears. And amidst these 'fears,' he lowered his head, clenched his fists, and was utterly at a loss.
"Silent again." Mu Anxiao, seeing the change in the black energy's actions, also grew anxious.
Hearing this, the black energy merely looked up at Mu Anxiao, "..."
Mu Anxiao looked at the indecisive, overthinking black energy opposite her with impatience. She let out a cold snort, "If you're going to stay put, then stay put. However," she said, "let me be clear, if you stay here, you can only wait for death." She lifted her chin.
The black energy's expression stiffened. "Can you tell me your plan?" After much deliberation, he decided to trust Mu Anxiao.
"My plan," everything was within Mu Anxiao's grasp, so she became composed at the black energy's reaction, "is very simple. Tell the truth."
"What?"
"No 'what.' I have my methods, and I absolutely won't let anything happen to you. But the premise," Mu Anxiao smiled, "is that you have to listen to me."
"You..."
"Ouyang Ye saved your life. Now, I'm saving you from Ouyang Ye. Naturally, I will become your new benefactor. You said that as long as I save you, you would listen. I hope you won't forget your words." Mu Anxiao interrupted the black energy, becoming quite arrogant.
The black energy was surprised that Mu Anxiao could so clearly articulate their relationship. He was rendered speechless. However, remembering his previous silences, he dared not remain silent any longer. "I haven't forgotten," was all he could think of to say.
"If you haven't forgotten, then lead the way," Mu Anxiao said calmly.
The black energy was taken aback. "It's starting already?"
"Time is of the essence. I'll give you half an hour to lead me to the toxic gas. If you dare to lie to me," Mu Anxiao said, her eyes turning unusually sinister, "then your life will be mine."
"You..."
"Being a demon soul is no fun." Mu Anxiao deliberately tried to scare the black energy.
Demon souls in the demon realm were worse off than plants. The black energy's efforts were all to avoid reaching that stage. He also knew what Mu Anxiao was capable of. He had even heard that Mu Anxiao was a 'girl' who meant what she said. Therefore, he dared not delay. After giving Mu Anxiao a dry chuckle, he compromised.
"Let's go." He turned and took the lead.
Mu Anxiao's objective achieved, she smiled faintly and followed the black energy, who turned out to be quite agreeable.