stonecrandall Page 50
Page 50
Jingliu suddenly pressed down on the sword hilt: "There's a barrier."
Chen Xiao's dimensional eye immediately saw through it—the entire building was shrouded in a sophisticated mechanical magic barrier, making it impossible for ordinary demons to approach.
"Looks like I found the right place."
Just as Chen Xiao reached the entrance of the firm, a voluptuous, sexy woman with long black hair pushed the door open and stepped out. Her sharp gaze swept over everyone, her right hand already resting on the hilt of the knife at her waist.
"Who are you people?" Annerose asked warily, her black combat suit outlining her perfect curves.
"So you're the Iron Witch Annerose?" Chen Xiao's lips curled slightly, and the aura of the Golden Rule (Body) emanated from him.
Anne-Loz felt slightly feverish and uncomfortable. Her gaze was drawn to Chen Xiao's face, and she frowned, asking, "Did you need something from me?"
Chen Xiao concealed his true intentions and said casually, "It's nothing, I just have something to ask you. Don't you run a detective agency?"
Anne-Loz's gaze lingered on the three women behind Chen Xiao, her eyes growing even more wary: "You, and these three behind you, don't seem like simple people. Tell me, who exactly are you!"
Before she finished speaking, her figure leaped up like a ghost, the sword in her hand flashing coldly as she aimed straight for Chen Xiao's throat.
Jingliu immediately wanted to make a move, but Chen Xiao stopped him by raising his hand.
"Let me handle this." Chen Xiao easily sidestepped, perfectly avoiding the fatal blow.
Anne-Lorze missed her first attack and immediately changed tactics. Her swordsmanship was sharp and graceful, each move carrying the precise force aided by mechanical devices. But no matter how she attacked, Chen Xiao always managed to dodge by the slightest margin.
"Why didn't you make a move?" Annerose asked breathlessly, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
Chen Xiao suddenly grabbed her wrist, the one holding the knife, and pulled her closer. The distance between them instantly shrank to the point where they could hear each other's breath: "Because I want to see just how beautiful the legendary Iron Witch really is."
Anne-Loz's cheeks flushed instantly, but she quickly broke free: "Glib tongue!" she said, before launching another sweeping attack.
This time, Chen Xiao didn't dodge; instead, he blocked with his arm. Surprisingly, the sharp blade couldn't even cut his skin.
“This is impossible…” Annerose’s eyes widened.
“Now, it’s my turn to fight back.” Chen Xiao suddenly sped up, instantly closing the distance between himself and Annerose. His fingers gently traced her cheek as he whispered in her ear, “Your heart is racing.”
Anne-Lorze's body trembled slightly, but her professional instincts brought her back to her senses. She jerked back, drawing a mechanical chain from her waist: "Don't underestimate me!"
The chains, crackling with electricity, hurtled towards him, but Chen Xiao merely smiled. He reached out and grabbed the chains, the power of the Dark Bible instantly disabling the mechanical devices.
"You!" Anne-Loz was both shocked and furious, but found herself unable to break free.
"Fine, I'll sign the contract with you then. After all, I've become interested in you now." Chen Xiao released the power of the Dark Bible, and Annerose suddenly felt her brain lose control, and her whole body was burning up.
Astaroth said calmly, "Just sign a witch contract with this woman, Chen Xiao. As long as you forcefully kiss her, you can sign the contract and temporarily bind yourself to her. She will be your female slave. This is the witch's weakness!"
Chapter Sixty-Six: Taking Down Annerose and Exposing the Kowloon Society's Plot
Annerose's eyes widened in shock, and she involuntarily took a step back. "How could you know the witch's secret?" Her voice trembled with disbelief. "It's something only the witch knows..."
Astaroth smiled disdainfully, her serpent tail swaying gracefully: "In my eyes, you are nothing but a mere mortal." She stepped forward slowly, looking down at Annerose condescendingly, "It is your honor that the master has taken a liking to you, so don't put on such a coy act."
Chen Xiao chuckled and shook his head, but suddenly reached out and grabbed Anne-Loz's head. Before she could react, he had already kissed her lips.
"Ugh...!" Annerose's struggle froze instantly. A strange heat spread from their pressed lips to her entire body, and the power of the Dark Bible flowed within her, outlining intricate contract patterns.
Funeus watched this scene with great interest: "I say, Astaroth, although it's a contract, if the difference in strength between you and the witch is too great..." She paused meaningfully, "...the weak will become the witch's servant."
“Indeed.” Astaroth stood with his arms crossed, a playful glint in his eyes. “Our master’s strength far surpasses ours, let alone that of this mere witch.”
Anne-Lorra's consciousness gradually faded. She felt the vast, ocean-like power within Chen Xiao, a power that gently yet irresistibly enveloped her soul. When the contract was completed, she found herself leaning weakly against Chen Xiao's chest, her cheeks burning, her heart pounding.
"I..." She looked up, taking a serious look at the man's face for the first time. His handsome features were like a sculpture, and his deep eyes seemed to see through everything. She suddenly understood why she had fallen for him so easily—this man himself was the most deadly poison.
"Welcome to the team." Chen Xiao gently stroked her black hair, the light of the contract flowing between them.
The Secrets of the Firm
Anne-Loz took a deep breath and gestured invitingly: "Please...please come in and talk."
Stepping into the office, the interior was surprisingly cozy. Blueprints of various mechanical devices hung on the walls, and exquisite tea sets sat in a corner. Anne-Lorze's fingers trembled slightly as she poured tea for everyone.
“My partner, Meiqi Ke, is out.” She handed the teacup to Chen Xiao, unconsciously avoiding his gaze. “We’ve been tracking the Kowloon Society’s movements.”
Jingliu stood coldly by the window, his silver hair gleaming coldly in the sunlight: "Get to the point."
Anne-Loz bit her lip: "The Kowloon Society worships Asmodeus and is our nemesis. They're planning a large-scale sacrificial ritual..." She pointed to a map on the wall, "Right here, tomorrow night at midnight."
Chen Xiao tapped his fingertips lightly on the table: "So your companion went to scout alone?"
“Yes.” A hint of worry flashed in Annerose’s eyes, “but the agreed-upon time for contact has already passed…”
"Where is your companion now?" Chen Xiao gently lifted Annerose's chin with his fingers, forcing her to look him in the eye.
Anne-Loz's cheeks flushed, and her voice unconsciously lowered a few decibels: "She...she went to the Red Sky Tower Bar to investigate. It's the most densely populated area in the Divine Demon City, and members of the Kowloon Society often hang out there..."
Chen Xiao exchanged a glance with Astaroth and Fennes. Jing Liu remained standing by the window, his silver hair swaying gently in the breeze, his face still cold.
“Interesting.” Chen Xiao’s lips curled into a playful smile. “We just came back from Red Sky Tower. But since your companion is there, let’s go there again.”
Annerose nodded: "Then I'll go with you."
Chen Xiao's smile deepened. He reached out and stroked Annerose's cheek, his fingertips gently caressing her face. "Of course. But before we set off..." His voice was low and suggestive, "As a newly acquired slave, shouldn't you do something for your master?"
Annerose's body trembled slightly, but the power of the contract made it impossible for her to resist. Her eyes flickered, and finally she lowered her head: "I...I understand...~..."
Astaroth and Fennes exchanged a smile, then pressed themselves against Chen Xiao's body from either side. Jing Liu snorted coldly, turned around, and pushed open the door: "I'll go keep watch outside."
The atmosphere in the room instantly became ambiguous.
Annerose's breathing quickened; she could feel Chen Xiao's gaze sweeping over her body as if it were tangible. Furneus whispered with a soft laugh in her ear, "Don't be nervous~ Master will be very gentle..."
Chen Xiao reached out and unbuttoned Anne-Lorz's clothes; the patterns of the Dark Bible glowed faintly where their skin touched.
Anne-Loz felt a strange heat spreading from the point of contact throughout her body, making her involuntarily move closer to Chen Xiao.
"Relax..." Chen Xiao's voice seemed to possess a magical power, causing Annerose's consciousness to gradually blur. She felt Chen Xiao's palm caressing every inch of her skin, the power of the Dark Bible flowing between them, and the patterns of the contract becoming brighter and brighter.
As the two finally united, a dazzling light flashed before Annerose's eyes. She seemed to see countless stars exploding within her body, the power of the contract completely connecting her with Chen Xiao.
[Ding! Detected deep integration between the host and the witch Annerose, unlocking new ability "Mechanical Magic"]
[Ability Effect: Allows free manipulation of any mechanical device, imbuing it with magical attributes. Passive Effect: Increases the attack power of all mechanical creations by 150%]
[Gain additional cybernetic control abilities from Ghost in the Shell: Wirelessly hack and control any electronic device within a 1-kilometer range]
Chen Xiao felt the newfound power within his body and looked with satisfaction at the limp Annerose in his arms.
Her eyes were unfocused, her black hair was scattered messily on the sheets, and the patterns of the contract were faintly visible on her snow-white skin.
"How do you feel?" Chen Xiao gently kissed her forehead.
Anne-Loz was slightly out of breath, her voice barely a whisper: "I... I can feel your power... flowing through my body..."
Astaroth and Fennes leaned on Chen Xiao's shoulders, one on each side, their eyes full of amusement. Jing Liu's cold voice came from outside the door: "Leave when you're done. Time is running out."
Chen Xiao laughed and patted Annerose's buttocks: "Get up, it's time to go save your companions."
Anne-Loz blushed as she got up and dressed, surprised to find herself brimming with unprecedented power. Her gaze towards Chen Xiao held not only the obedience brought by the contract, but also a genuine admiration.
“Master…” she called softly.
Chen Xiao pinched her cheek: "Let's go, let's go check out this Red Sky Tower Bar and find your companions!"
Under the cover of night, the neon lights of the Red Sky Tower Bar flickered, and the eerie pink and purple lights illuminated the entire street as if it were a magical realm.
Chen Xiao held Annerose's slender waist, followed by Astaroth and Fennes, while Jing Liu followed silently like a shadow.
“This is it…” Anne-Loz’s voice was tense. “When Mikiko last contacted us, she mentioned the back alley of the Red Sky Building…”
Before he could finish speaking, the sounds of fighting came from deep within the alley.
A golden light flashed in Chen Xiao's eyes, and his dimensional eye pierced through the darkness, allowing him to see the situation inside the alley:
A green-haired girl dressed in gothic attire was surrounded by more than a dozen members of the Kowloon Society. A young man covered in blood lay beside her, and a panicked brown-haired girl was tightly clutching her sleeve.
The green-haired girl—clearly Mikiko—flipped through her magic book, releasing defensive barriers, but she was clearly struggling to keep up.
"Found the target." Chen Xiao's lips curled into a cold smile.
Just as the Kowloon Society members raised their weapons to deliver the final blow, a dark shadow flashed by.
The burly man at the head suddenly froze, a line of blood slowly appeared on his neck, and his head silently slid off.
"Who goes there?!" The Kowloon Society members looked around in alarm.
Chen Xiao's figure appeared before Meiqi Ke like a ghost, the Dark Bible in his hand radiating an ominous light: "Good evening, you trash."
“Master!” Annerose leaped from the roof, her mechanical chains coiling around two enemies like serpents.
Astaroth and Fennes also joined the battle.
With a flick of her tail, the serpentine witch turned the three into mincemeat, while Fernéus giggled and released pink mist, causing the enemies to fall into an illusion and fight each other.
Jingliu stood with his sword in his arms, his silver hair fluttering in the night wind: "Pathetic."
In just ten seconds, more than a dozen members of the Kowloon Society were killed.
Mikiko stared wide-eyed at the sudden appearance of the rescuers, her gaze darting back and forth between Anne-Loz and Chen Xiao: "Anne-Loz? Who are these people?"
Anne-Loz blushed slightly: "This is Lord Chen Xiao, my...master."
She added softly, "The contract has already been signed..."
"What?!" Mikiko's green hair almost stood on end. "You actually—"
"Watch out!" Miki Otonashi suddenly screamed.
A poisoned crossbow bolt shot from the shadows, aiming straight for Mikiko's back.
Without turning his head, Chen Xiao raised his hand, and the crossbow bolt froze three inches from his palm. Then, it changed direction and shot back into the shadows at an even faster speed, accompanied by a scream.
"It's not safe here." Chen Xiao glanced at Tachibana Mistman's corpse on the ground. "Let's leave first."
Mikiko wanted to say something, but Anne-Loz stopped her: "Listen to Master's arrangements."
In the distance, high-rise buildings offer a panoramic view of everything.
A strange light gleamed in her purple eyes: "What a powerful man..."
The group returned to Annerose's temporary safe house.
Otonashi Miki held Tachibana Kiriro's body and sobbed softly, while Mikiko stared warily at Chen Xiao.
“So,” the green-haired witch crossed her arms, “…Anneiroz became your slave?”