Wen Xiu stood frozen in front of the window.
He looked uneasily at the village chief beside him, who also showed a look of surprise in his eyes. Wen Xiu had always been a well-behaved child in the village, never causing trouble and obedient and caring to his foster parents. Logically, he was the least likely person to catch the attention of a demon. Though they didn’t know why the demon sought Wen Xiu, but for the sake of the village, the chief could only reassure him, “Go, child.”
Wen Xiu nodded, then turned to look at his foster parents, who were at the end of the line. The line was too long, and those at the back were unaware of what had happened at the front. His foster parents were unaware, making Wen Xiu feel slightly more at ease. After taking a deep breath, he decisively stepped through the door.
The weather was beautiful today, with the sun shining brightly outside, while the warehouse was dark and dull inside, creating a strong contrast. Wen Xiu’s eyes hadn’t adapted to the darkness, so he did not dare to move forward rashly, he could only keep his head down.
Meanwhile, Bai Chen sat on the bed, looking at him. Due to his heightened Sentinel vision, he could clearly see the trembling of Wen Xiu’s eyelashes. When he saw Wen Xiu’s youthful face, he frowned slightly, “Look up. What’s your name?”
Wen Xiu pretended to be calm. “Wen Xiu.”
“Haven’t come of age yet?”
“No.” Wen Xiu raised his head suddenly. Everything in front of him was still blurry, he could only faintly see the silhouette of the demon but still tried his best to explain, “I’m already eighteen.”
“Still a child.” Bai Chen’s eyebrows relaxed slightly after hearing of his age, “Are you able to see anything?”
“What?” Wen Xiu didn’t understand what the demon meant.
Bai Chen fell silent. From the moment Wen Xiu entered the warehouse, his golden dragon leaned close to sniff his scent as if searching for his spiritual familiar, a gesture of friendliness, a way to prove that he had not found the wrong person. But if Wen Xiu is indeed a Guide, its presence can still be felt even if it can’t be seen. There could be two explanations for this: firstly, their compatibility rate is low, and even if they forcibly bond, they wouldn’t resonate emotionally and would not be able to assist in his spiritual cleansing; secondly, Wen Xiu might be an unawakened Guide.
Bai Chen was awakened at a young age and could already skillfully wield the Sentinel’s power. According to his knowledge of his kind, the latest one would awaken was usually before adolescence. Could it be possible for someone to reach adulthood but still not yet awakened?
The demon’s silence frightened Wen Xiu. He even wondered if it was because he had accidentally stumbled upon the demon’s secret that day when he saw the strange golden light above the warehouse. But he swore he really didn’t know what it was. He weakly asked, “Do you…you need something from me?”
Bai Chen raised his eyebrows when he heard Wen Xiu’s respectful tone, and noticed Wen Xiu’s trembling appearance and seemed somewhat displeased, “Are you afraid of me?”
The demon’s deep tone was unusually cold, causing Wen Xiu to tremble and sending shivers down his spine. He apologised honestly, “I’m sorry.”
“Why are you apologising?” Bai Chen stood up and walked towards Wen Xiu. Although he understood that Guides weren’t easy to find, he wasn’t willing to let any opportunity slip by. What if Wen Xiu was indeed the hidden hem he had been seeking? Besides, he didn’t feel Jin Long’s judgment could be wrong. The best method was to enter his spiritual realm.
“I…” Wen Xiu was so frightened that he almost turned and ran, but he stopped his steps when he thought of the village chief’s instructions. However, he was still overwhelmed by the powerful aura emanating from the demon as he approached, forcing him to retreat to the wall.
Bai Chen seemed to sense Wen Xiu’s intention to escape. He was in front of him in the blink of an eye, moving so quickly that Wen Xiu didn’t see his movements.
But the next moment, Wen Xiu’s chin was lifted by the demon’s fingers, and he saw the person in front of him clearly. The demon’s appearance is not unsightly, with multiple limbs as initially thought, but a handsome man with black hair and eyes. Wen Xiu looked at him in a daze, beginning to doubt the truth of the rumours.
Bai Chen looked into his eyes as if trying to see deep into his soul, “Look into my eyes.”
Spiritual power should be a Guide’s exclusive weapon, so entering a Guide’s spiritual realm so rashly is undoubtedly dangerous. However, Bai Chen couldn’t wait any longer; he needed concrete evidence.
Wen Xiu, as if captivated by the demon’s black pupils, his eyes gradually lost focus, his consciousness dispersing, and he even lost control over his body. He suddenly plunged into darkness, and various bizarre scenes appeared before his eyes; in the blink of an eye, many images flashed through his mind, and each frame was himself from different angles. He seemed to be looking down at himself from above, overlooking the village, the hill, the rivers and streams, and the oceans. He felt like air, like clouds, like dust. His mind drifted farther and farther away, so far he could no longer be seen as if he was disappearing from the world.
He didn’t know where he was drifting, but he had to go back. He still had foster parents to take care of. He couldn’t just disappear like this.
Wen Xiu panicked, wanting to make a sound but unable to shout or move. He tried every possible way but didn’t know how to return. What can he do?
【Focus your attention.】
He didn’t know where the voice came from as if the air was talking to him. He had no choice but to do as instructed.
【Who are you?】
Wen Xiu couldn’t speak out, only silently repeating in his heart: Wen Xiu, I am Wen Xiu.
【Do you want to go back?】
Yes, of course.
【Then tell me again, what did you see?】
Wen Xiu blinked, still seeing nothing in front of him, nothing around him as if he were in the clouds. But a voice in his heart told him not to use his eyes.
Don’t use his eyes. Then…
Wen Xiu closed his eyes, the visible sky suddenly disappeared, replaced by the surrounding outlines of objects, which gradually took on colours and shapes. He was still in the same warehouse and had not moved a step. Even though his eyes were closed, his senses became sharper, and he wouldn’t even fall if he walked with his eyes closed. It felt really strange.
Then, he saw a shining golden beam hovering around him. Finally, he saw the object’s appearance clearly and said, “So, the golden swirling light is a golden dragon.”
Bai Chen instantly withdrew his consciousness, confirming that he was right.
And, when Wen Xiu opened his eyes, a mysterious force surged from the depths of his body, beyond his control, and the power of the Guide erupted, “Ah!”
Although Bai Chen was prepared, he was too close, so he was still affected by the shock; the spiritual force pushed him back several steps.
The body of an ordinary person is unlikely to be able to withstand such an impact, leading to death. Despite Bai Chen being a Sentinel, he still couldn’t avoid being injured. He already had injuries on his body, and now, with his abilities restricted, he was much weaker than usual. The wounds on his body, which had just barely healed, tore open again, causing blood to flow out.
But he didn’t care at all, and he even stepped forward to catch Wen Xiu’s falling body after the eruption of the Guide’s power had passed.
People outside heard the commotion inside and wanted to check on the situation, but Bai Chen stopped them and said, “Everything is fine; don’t come in.”
He carried Wen Xiu to the bed, stroked his forehead, and his gaze softened slightly as he looked at him.
Some Guides only awaken when they encounter their destined Sentinel.