Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 468: A Necessary Measure

Chapter 468: Chapter 468: A Necessary Measure

As agreed, Gu Fan and Lin Xi arrived together at a large villa outside the city. As they stepped in, the blizzard suddenly stopped, as if Qian Feng was intentionally demonstrating her sincerity.

Once inside the villa, Gu Fan and Lin Xi were astonished. In the living room, they beheld a vibrant red flower, stretching two stories tall and writhing occasionally, strange noises emanating from it as though it possessed a life of its own.

Gu Fan found this strange and looked at Lin Xi, who also denied having seen it before, let alone knowing where Qian Feng might have obtained such a thing.

"I didn’t expect you two to walk right into the trap." Qian Feng, Qian Xue, and Qian Ying appeared and descended the stairs, their faces filled with triumphant smirks.

Lin Xi responded: "Eldest sister, I’m here. As we agreed, I’m ready to face punishment. Please, begin."

"Very well, remember you asked for this," Qian Feng retorted and snapped her fingers. The gigantic flower behind her began to inch toward Lin Xi, its petals gradually parting as if ready to ensnare Lin Xi.

Gu Fan was worried observing this bizarre flower. He pulled Lin Xi back and demanded, "Hold on, how do you plan to punish Lin Xi? What is this flower exactly?"

Qian Ying replied with a smile, "This is a flower we discovered in the outer realms. It absorbs not only soil nutrients and water but also sunlight. It even consumes passersby and animals. Anything swallowed by it disappears without a trace. It’s a very dangerous plant."

Hearing this, Gu Fan was filled with alarm, "Wait a minute, we only agreed on a punishment, not execution. It’s excessive to use this as a means to punish Lin Xi for betraying you."

Qian Xue tried to explain, "Do not worry, ordinary individuals might vaporize upon entering it. However, as Second Older Sister has her supernatural powers to protect her, she won’t be in danger. But yes, some agony is inevitable."

"What’s a little pain for saving a city, or for assuming the role of a hero? Isn’t it, Qian Ye? If you didn’t have this resolve, why would you even come here?" Qian Feng addressed Lin Xi, her strong gaze and stern words seemed to suggest there was no way out.

"Okay, I’m ready to bear it," Lin Xi stepped out from behind Gu Fan, prepared to face the impending giant flower, her supernatural power forming a protective barrier around her.

Gu Fan was continually uneasy. Something felt off about those three women, their eerie smiles suggested the plant wasn’t as straightforward as it appeared.

"Even though Lin Xi has her supernatural powers to protect her and theoretically shouldn’t be in any danger... What if this flower serves another purpose beyond being lethal..." Gu Fan became increasingly agitated and grabbed Lin Xi’s arm: "Wait, let’s think this over."

"Stop interfering!" Qian Xue pushed out a palm, and a powerful shockwave blasted towards Gu Fan, flinging him far away.

"What are you doing?" By the time Lin Xi reacted, it was too late. The huge flower lunged forth, engulfing Lin Xi in one gulp.

"Damn it!" Gu Fan struggled to his feet and glared at the flower. Unexpectedly, the flower petals were somewhat translucent, allowing him to discern Lin Xi’s hazy silhouette inside. It seemed that some fluid within the flower was encasing her.

Satisfied with the unfolding events, Qian Feng formed a seal with her hands and began to mutter incantations under her breath.

Gu Fan was uncertain about what had happened, but he hoped Lin Xi could endure it. However, he had no plans to leave. He decided to wait until Lin Xi came out.

At that moment, Qian Ying came over to bid him farewell: "It’s all done; you can leave now. If Second Older Sister endures this trial, she will return to you, and you two can then lead the life you desire."

"I apologize, but I intend to wait here until Lin Xi comes out," Gu Fan replied firmly, making it clear he had no intention of leaving.

Visibly irritated, Qian Ying asked, "What do you mean? Do you, a grown man, plan on squatting here? Do you want to force me to personally throw you out?"

"Alright then, feel free to do so. I’ll let you have one hand," Gu Fan retorted nonchalantly, enraging Qian Ying further.

"Kid, you’re asking for it." Without another word, Qian Ying huffed and retreated into a room.

Shortly after, numerous unfamiliar faces appeared and surrounded Gu Fan. Their vacant expressions informed him that they were all under Qian Ying’s control.

"Seriously, such a sore loser," Gu Fan observed, feeling the pressure. Although Qian Ying’s combat prowess was nothing to write home about, the individuals she controlled were a different story. Gu Fan would struggle against one, let alone several.

"Alright, alright, I get it. I’m leaving. I’ll wait outside, okay?" Gu Fan shrugged in resignation as his opponents were simply too powerful.

Just as he was about to step out of the villa, he heard Lin Xi’s voice: "Gu Fan, something’s not right with this flower. I feel drowsy and my senses are fading. It feels like my memory is becoming confused. Qian Feng is trying to forcibly change me through this flower."

"What? You group of bastards!" Enraged, Gu Fan charged inside, only to be mobbed by the swarm of fighters under Qian Ying’s control, sending him flying once again.

He landed heavily, furious, and shouted bitterly, "You have no honor!"

In response, Qian Xue appeared, looking at the irate Gu Fan with a face of pity: "What are you talking about? When did we ever break our word? This is the punishment for Qian Ye. If she survives, she will return to your side. If she doesn’t, she’ll be transformed into a different person by the elder sister and will join our side."

"You tricked us, Qian Feng is too formidable. There’s no way Lin Xi can withstand her." After shouting, Gu Fan roared once more and charged in again. But a shockwave met him in response, sending him flying once again to land heavily.

"Considering Second Older Sister’s sake, I let you leave alive. You should cherish your life and run away like a defeated cur." With that, Qian Xue turned and reentered the villa. The entrance was guarded by people controlled by Qian Ying, making it impossible for Gu Fan to get past.

"Bastards!" It took a great deal of effort for Gu Fan to get up. He had underestimated Qian Feng. He thought as long as she didn’t intend to kill Lin Xi, they would be safe. However, he didn’t anticipate Qian Feng’s treacherous move.

"Just you wait and see, I won’t just give up." After saying this, Gu Fan angrily stormed off. He had heard Lin Xi’s voice telling him to return to the group and discuss strategies. Lin Xi assured him that she could hold out for another ten days or so. Qian Fengh wouldn’t find it easy to forcefully alter Lin Xi.

Staggering out, Gu Fan gritted his teeth against the pain, "Wait for me, Lin Xi, I will definitely save you."