Chapter 8: Get Lost!

The situation was truly dire. In her mind, the countdown had reached its final seconds, and Jormungandr’s razor-sharp claws seemed mere millimeters from her throat. One more step forward, and Tang Xi would surely be annihilated.

Yet, Tang Xi was unexpectedly calm. She stared unflinchingly into those golden eyes filled with majesty and said, word by word, in a cold voice:

"If I weren't currently suppressing the Devil, what are you to dare act so insolently before me?"

Jormungandr’s brow furrowed deeper. She stared intently at "Chu Zihang’s" expression, trying to find a crack in that mask. But there was none. From beginning to end, that pale face held only icy indifference. The stubborn, pale boy was gone, replaced by an indescribable majesty.

Jormungandr searched through her vast, ancient memories, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not identify anyone who matched the being before her. Yet, that majesty did not seem feigned, and the power that grew with every clash made her wary. For a moment, she dared not make a move.

What she did not know was that Tang Xi, who seemed powerful enough to rival her, had only forty seconds left.

Tang Xi forcibly suppressed the panic in her heart and acted even more composed. She raised Gungnir and spoke with nonchalance: "You recognized me, didn't you?"

"Gungnir," Jormungandr said, syllable by syllable. "You are Gungnir."

"Yes," Tang Xi admitted generously. "I am Gungnir."

"If not for my true form suppressing the Devil, I would not dare use too much power—but you, do you really think you deserve to act so arrogantly before me?!"

Jormungandr’s expression became increasingly strange. She remained silent, seemingly weighing the truth of Tang Xi’s words.

"Leave Chu Zihang," Jormungandr finally said. "And I will pretend this never happened."

"Ridiculous. Are you trying to negotiate with me?" Tang Xi reacted as if she had heard something hilarious. "I admit that in my current state, I cannot kill you, but if you dare lay a finger on this avatar of mine, I will make you pay a devastating price."

Jormungandr narrowed her eyes, her voice dropping to a chill. "Are you threatening me?"

"No, I am informing you," Tang Xi raised Gungnir, her tone cold. "Get out."

Jormungandr sneered. Feeling her majesty challenged, her gaze turned icy. "Then I shall see what you are capable of!"

But the next moment, she froze. Tang Xi had raised Gungnir, but not toward her—it was pointed directly at her own body.

With a defiant smirk, Tang Xi’s eyes burned with madness. "The worst that happens is I lose an avatar. I will settle the score with you once my true form emerges, but this boy will be buried with me."

"If I cannot have him, neither can you!"

As these words left her lips, the entire space seemed to freeze. The two stood in a cold standoff, neither willing to yield, leaving only the sound of cold wind and rain.

Tang Xi appeared steady on the surface, but she was panicking internally. Seeing the countdown reaching its final seconds, she steeled herself and thrust Gungnir into her own body.

Gungnir struck the claws with a sharp, metallic screech. Jormungandr cast her one last deep look, turned, and vanished into the rainy night.

"Fine, you win. We shall see."

Almost as soon as the words faded, the countdown hit zero. Tang Xi abandoned the possession and retreated into Gungnir.

Chu Zihang’s body lurched violently. His consciousness was in chaos, but before he collapsed, a voice exploded in his mind: "Hold on! Don't fall! That thing might still be watching us."

"Think of your father, think of Odin! Hold on!"

A flicker of clarity returned to his eyes. Using the last of his strength, Chu Zihang used Gungnir to prop himself up, stabilizing his swaying frame. He stood with his spine straight, remaining motionless in the wind and rain for a very, very long time.

...

Chu Zihang was eventually picked up by an ambulance. Fortunately, he was not within the Nibelungen at the time; despite the poor signal, he had managed to make a call to emergency services before losing consciousness.

When he opened his eyes, a day had passed. He was greeted by the sterile white of a hospital room and the rhythmic beeping of monitors. He instinctively reached for his side, only finding the shrunken Gungnir in his pocket.

"You're finally awake."

The voice echoed in his mind again. Chu Zihang felt completely at ease, closing his eyes in exhaustion, too tired to speak.

"Your bloodline has been fully activated; these injuries are nothing. You'll be back on your feet in two days at most. Your mother and stepfather have already visited; they said they’d go home to make you soup and will likely be back soon."

Tang Xi paused, still feeling the lingering fear of the encounter. "It’s a relief nothing went wrong. That was far too close."

"Who was that person?" Chu Zihang finally spoke, his voice hoarse and weak.

"A very dangerous creature. As for her identity, you'll find out later," Tang Xi said. "You'd best stay far away from her."

Chu Zihang didn't reply, merely giving a weary nod.

Tang Xi turned her attention to her interface. Her experience had jumped from 375 to 441, and Chu Zihang’s bloodline had improved slightly—that was a gain.

But thanks to Jormungandr, her durability had plummeted to a pitiful 1, teetering on the edge of breaking down. However, given this conflict and the Dragon King’s natural caution, she likely wouldn't strike again in the short term.

Still, she wouldn't easily give up on Chu Zihang; she was just wary of Tang Xi and unsure of Gungnir’s true nature, perhaps even watching them from the shadows right now.

But talk is cheap. Once Jormungandr realized Tang Xi was all bluff and no substance, the real danger would begin.

Therefore, she had to become stronger quickly and find a way to escape Jormungandr’s surveillance.

Of course, the most urgent task was to restore her durability. Having only 1 point left was far too nerve-wracking.

It was best to avoid the overpass for now. With Chu Zihang’s current strength, dealing with so many mindless servants was a stretch. If something went wrong, Tang Xi, with only 1 point of durability, wouldn't be able to save the day.

She needed another way. Tang Xi pondered, her focus settling on the "Lord" mechanic.

Could she gain improvements by subduing others with bloodlines? If so, did that include human-hybrid bloodlines?

Chu Zihang couldn't handle the servants, but surely he could handle other hybrids?

With that thought, Tang Xi spoke decisively: "The overpass is too dangerous. We won't go back until you've recovered, but you’re too thin-spread on your own."

"Go check the Hunter website on your computer. Let’s see if there are any other people with bloodlines in this city and go meet them."

Chu Zihang was puzzled. "Why look for them?"

"To get to know them, to make friends," Tang Xi said. "Then, we’ll use reason and emotion to persuade them to help us."

Chu Zihang hesitated. "Will... that work?"

"Don't worry," Tang Xi flashed a confident smile. "You can trust my eloquence."

"Besides... if they refuse to be reasonable, aren't you also somewhat skilled in the martial arts?"

At these words, a look of realization dawned on Chu Zihang.

He thought to himself: *Indeed, that is the familiar way of doing things.*