A single gaze contains something more profound than a thousand words is the thought that flashed in Xie Luochen's mind the moment his eyes laid upon the woman in front of him.
In a fraction of a moment, the world seemed to have fallen silent except for the pounding of his heart. His chest beats in inexplicable anxiety which shortens his breaths with an uneasy skip.
Almond shaped eyes which reveals a confident gaze along with graceful eyebrows and small cherry lips. Mid-length hair flutters amidst the blowing of the wind which adds an additional elegance to her appearance.
Dark colored clothing contrasts to the unnatural paleness of the woman's skin which further enhances her deposition with a tinge of ill fragility.
She looks akin to a delicate flower that can be blown away with the slightest of gusts.
But the ongoing struggle between the conjoined weapons reminded the young man of the truth.
Although Xie Luochen has not used his full strength, the fact that his opponent barely showed signs of struggling is a large enough indication of their abilities.
The youth looked dazed at the woman smiling at him from across the area as he unconsciously placed a free hand over his quivering heart.
A hazy image flashed past in his mind too fast to be captured before dispersing like smoke.
Trembling lips parted as if wanting to form some kind of words in order to stop the disappearance of that illusory image.
But before the youth could proceed with any kind of action. Those subconscious notions of his paused when a little figure jumped out in between.
"Stop!"
Xiao Bao, blocked Xie Luochen's sight with his small body while a quivering voice revealed his nervousness and fear. "Uncle…. p….please ...don't fight anymore. This is a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding….!"
Due to Xiao Bao's sudden interference, Xie Luochen's chaotic thoughts slowly came to a steady halt.
Sword-like brows furrowed deeper as he looked past the little ghost to connect gazes with the woman standing leisurely in the back.
Aloofness returned to the face that was momentarily plagued by a split second of confusion before returning back to normalcy.
"Who are you?" The man asked once more in a stern tone whilst lowering his sword to some extent as a representation of his dwindling intentions to fight.
With the other side showing signs of restraint, of course Chu Nuan would do the same.
Releasing her chains with an effortless flick of the wrists. The young woman strides towards Xiao Bao to pull the little kid behind her. All the while flashing the man a polite smile to start off with the introduction.
"Envoy of Hell, Chu Nuan."
"Disciple of Dark Moon Sect, Xie Luochen."
With this introduction, the atmosphere between the two individuals eased.
"What is an envoy doing here?" Xie Luochen directed a suspicious gaze at the young lady before pointing an index finger at Xiao Bao's cheek. "This ghost entered a temporary contract with our sect. Unless the agreement is settled, he cannot leave."
Glancing at the little ghost's cheek stamped with the character [Xie], a sudden realization induced Chu Nuan to raise a brow at the man with an inquiring look.
Sensing the confusion of that simple glance, Xie Luochen pondered for a few seconds before explaining. "A few months ago, my master stumbled upon this ghost wandering around the alleyway near the construction site."
"Normally, we would have sent him off to reincarnate right away in case any unexpected incidents would occur. But seeing as he hasn't harmed a single human during the few weeks he has been dead."
"Along with the fact that there had been an influx of wandering spirits these past weeks, we decided to give him a chance. In exchange for capturing the ghosts around the area, we will help him find the whereabouts of his missing mother."
"Oh? Is that so?" The young woman shrugged with nonchalance when she heard that there has been a strange increase in wandering spirits.
Chu Nuan: "So, what have you found?"
"She's dead."
The young man answered the question without an ounce of emotion. It was a fact and truths does not require any decorations to cover above even if it does turn out to be unsatisfactory.
"... …"
Xie Luochen observed Xiao Bao's expression turning from hope to shock followed by despair in a matter of seconds. He proceeded to speak in a low tone despite the child's apparent gloom.
"We found her soul wandering around the area in an apartment a few blocks from here. That seems to be the place where she was killed."
"She cannot leave the building so I came here tonight with the intention of bringing the kid over to meet."
Taking a few steps towards the exit, the young man stopped in his movements while turning slightly to the side. Eyes narrowed whilst sweeping a glance across the two blank faces standing a distance behind.
"... …"
Releasing a silent sign, the youth added, "you can send the both of them off afterwards." This sentence was without a doubt directed at Chu Nuan.
"Hmm…"
Staring at the figure of the disappearing back that's gradually vanishing into the darkness of the night. Chu Nuan revealed the lonely curve of a desolate smile before pulling the dazed child along.
"Come on, let's go meet your mother."
_____
The building they arrived at is an old two story apartment adorned with rusty stairs which lead to the second floor.
Molds and cracks on the walls of this building revealed a telling sign of old age and neglect. But the overall atmosphere of this residential area is still considered peaceful.
Lush greenery casts long shadows on the ground accompanied by the low hums of sashaying leaves.
Although the night is dark as well as cold from emotionless winds, bright street lights illuminated the surroundings. Chasing away approaching shadows while providing a source of comfort to passing strangers.
None of the residents seemed to be in the area as most of them have moved away due to a fear of the yellow tape around a certain door.
No one wants to be brewed into possible dangers of any kind no matter how large or small it might be.
Yellow tape was used to close off the door labeled [220] on the upper floor.
Those bright stripes of tape flutter against the caress of cold breeze, withholding its position despite the constant beckoning from the wind to dance.
"... …"
Xiao Bao stares at the familiar scenery of the dilapidated building in a peculiar daze. Large round pupils filled with innocence widened as streaks of indescribable emotions whirls within.
"I… remember this place," he murmured while floating towards the second floor.
"This is where I lived…" The little ghost flew through the walls and disappeared into the room labeled [220].
Chu Nuan and Xie Luchen shared a knowing look before following close behind.