Apocalypse: Master of Soul Beasts

Nearby, the figure—familiar, heart-wrenching, and even nostalgic to Fang Bai—sat leisurely in a chair, sipping tea.

Even though he had been reduced to a mere tool for procreation, even though Lin Haifeng had placed him under a form of house arrest, even though he was merely Kuangliu’s duplicant, his composed posture and gaze still irresistibly reminded Fang Bai of days long past.

Their youthful recklessness...

Their dashing, unrestrained past...

The times they fought side by side...

But all of that, today, in this moment, was reduced to a single, simple sentence.

”Kuangliu, try today’s food.”

...

The upbringing in a great family was always strict, even for the Lin Family, which had risen to prominence in a relatively short period.

”No talking during meals or in bed”; this was a rule of the Lin Family, and also part of the upbringing Fang Bai had received since childhood.

But...

When Fang Bai saw the hollowness hidden deep beneath ’Kuangliu’s’ composed facade, and when he recalled the figure from today’s meeting, a figure as dark as a black hole...

He couldn’t hold back.

”Wen Yu is back.”

This simple sentence instantly froze the atmosphere at the dining table.

SNAP!

”How dare he come back? How *could* he come back?”

The power of an Early Stage Level 5 cultivator instantly crushed the chopsticks in Xiao Xue’s hand into a pile of splinters. Her face contorted, her eyes glowing red with hatred and fear. Under the surge of her intense emotions, the small Soul Beast on her shoulder also bounced up and down, as if silently venting its fury!

Swallowing hard, Fang Bai gently took Xiao Xue’s hand and said slowly, ”This is Dad’s decision.”

”Why would Dad call him back? Why not kill him? Why not kill him???”

The once beautiful Xiao Xue now resembled a life-reaping specter!

”Xiao Xue.”

A calm voice interjected.

Kuangliu picked up a piece of tender, succulent veal, placed it in Claire’s bowl, and said slowly, ”Let’s not dwell on this anymore, alright? Aren’t we doing... quite well now?”

Silence...

Is it good, or is it not...?

Everyone knew the truth...

”In a couple of days, I’d like to go see Wen Yu. Bai, can you arrange it?”

Seeing the serious look in Kuangliu’s eyes, Fang Bai was silent for a long moment before nodding.

”Thank you...”

”You’re welcome.”

Between brothers...

There should be no need for thanks...

...

Even though ’Kuangliu’ was sitting right in front of him, and even though this family had never shown ’Kuangliu and Claire’ any ill will or treated them differently.

But, some things had changed...

Yes, things had definitely changed, Fang Bai thought.

The sumptuous meal ended more quickly than expected. Afterward, Kuangliu took Claire’s hand and they returned to their room, leaving Fang Bai and Xiao Xue alone in the main hall.

”Bai, I want to talk to you.”

”Don’t,” Fang Bai interrupted. ”I’ve already considered what you’re about to say. Fran warned me—I’d die. Sacrificing the lives of the living for those who are already dead... it’s not worth it...”

A soft, small hand gripped Fang Bai’s slender arm tightly. He turned to see Xiao Xue’s delicate features.

”That’s not what I wanted to talk about. I’m not a child anymore; I know what’s more important. Actually, I want to advise you not to go looking for trouble with Wen Yu. I understand how terrifying he is...”

Fang Bai looked at Xiao Xue’s earnest expression, his mouth opening slightly, but no words came out.

So... she wasn’t a child anymore...?

But why... did his heart feel a chill...?

”What I want to discuss with you is something else.”

Xiao Xue’s eyes were bright as she softly uttered, ”Claire and I are both due next year, but...”

”Our child will take the surname Fang. Claire’s child will take the surname Lin.”

A chill wind seemed to blow straight into Fang Bai’s heart. For the first time, he felt that Yanjing’s winter was truly, deeply cold.

Looking at the beautiful face before him, Fang Bai fell completely silent.

Truly... no longer a child...

Xiao Xue’s hushed voice continuously flowed into Fang Bai’s ears, yet her words seemed somewhat indistinct.

”Dad... Yanjing... the world... paving the way... future... child... power... family ties...”

A buzzing filled Fang Bai’s ears, making his scalp tingle.

”Wait, I... I still have things to do. I need to go to the Frontline Command Post first.”

Fang Bai forced a smile and bolted from the hall as if fleeing for his life, leaving Xiao Xue behind, her expression unreadable.

A darkness, like a shadow, fell over Xiao Xue’s face, obscuring her expression.