When the Wild Beast is Trapped in the Nightmare Cycle (BL)
Chapter 539: Asking in Passing

Chapter 539: Asking in Passing

Even after all this time, Shang’s appearance remained as immaculate as ever, with minimal creases on his clothes and brown leather shoes which were polished so bright they nearly shone in the dark. The difference between him and the duo was akin to the gentle moonlight on the sky versus two clumps of mud buried deep within the cracks of the Earth.

Shang’s gaze swept over Gu Luoxin lightly before landing on Shen Nianzu, zeroing in on the dark crimson patch on his shirt. He let out a small surprised sound from his throat. "Oh no, you’re injured. Would you like my help?" he offered with an earnest look.

Alarm bells rang in Gu Luoxin’s mind, forcing his entire body into a state of high alert. This person did it again! Twice— twice already had he offered his healing service to them akin to Messiah radiating golden holy light which could cure all illnesses, making those who intended to refuse him seem like filthy sinners or someone with a guilty conscience. But could he truly be that selfless? What if he started to demand something in return afterwards? Their small temple could not afford to house this big Buddha!

Tensing up, Gu Luoxin instinctively opened his mouth to refuse but he was preempted by Shen Nianzu, who nodded lightly, "That would be much appreciated."

Gu Luoxin whipped his head around so fast he could hear his bones creaking, his eyes widening in disbelief and astonishment. Xiao Shen, why did you—?!

Shen Nianzu shot him a subtle glance, warning him not to act too agitated lest it arouses the other person’s suspicion. His line of thought was straightforward— since it was Shang’s organization members who had inflicted this wound on him, then it’s only right for the man to take up the responsibility and compensate him somehow. Besides, both sides still maintained a state of cordiality for the time being. No matter how much they rejected Shang’s presence, it wasn’t wise to tear up the façade and make an enemy of the fourth ranked. For it meant they not only had to watch out for the man himself, but also thousands of players beneath him and perhaps others who had received his healing grace, thus owing him a life debt. It was akin to striking a hornet’s nest.

Just the mere thought about it was enough to give Shen Nianzu a massive headache. If possible, he did not want to go down this thorny path— provided that Shang did not cross his bottom line.

Upon receiving Shen Nianzu’s agreement, Shang stepped forward and placed a hand near the wound. In the next second, a soft white light emanated from his palm before transforming into countless small threads weaving to stitch the wound together.

On the side, Gu Luoxin watched closely with a nervous expression he couldn’t quite conceal. He did not avert his gaze even for a second, as though he was ready to pull Shen Nianzu away and flee if something went wrong in the middle.

Shen Nianzu pursed his lips lightly – it did not hurt, just a little itchy. He could vividly sense a stream of warmth gently soothing the throbbing ache on his shoulder, the sensation comparable to soaking in a hot spring. A relieved sigh slipped out of his lips, causing the tension on his body to ebb away in waves. His personality notwithstanding, Shang was indeed a great healer.

"You’ve lost quite a lot of blood," Shang pointed out with a frown. "This wound... it’s caused by the Bone Claw and Breath of Poison?"

Truly lives up to his reputation as the number one healer, Shen Nianzu commended inwardly. But on the outside, his expression remained blank as if he did not understand what Shang was talking about.

It was Gu Luoxin who jumped to answer, his tone filled with agitation and anger, "Yes, yes, yes, it’s them! One of them has a strange glove shaped in a claw that can stretch and retract, and the other uses poison! There are also two other players— a woman with a red spider tattoo on her neck and a tall man with a bald head!"

Shang’s expression turned somber, his tone carrying a twinge of remorse and anger. "I know them. They’re the members of my organization. Let me apologize to you on their behalf." He released a troubled sigh. "They’re a little... uncontrollable. I’ve told them many times not to act as they please, but it seems like they still went ahead and ignored my warning..."

"Please be rest assured," he expressed sincerely to both Gu Luoxin and Shen Nianzu. "I will punish them severely for this."

It took Gu Luoxin a few seconds to recover from his shock and give a response, "Oh... oh yes, thank you, Mr. Shang."

Why did it seem like this person... wasn’t actually so bad? After all, not everyone could readily apologize and take responsibility for other people’s wrongdoings, right? Or at least that’s how it was in Gu Luoxin’s opinion.

Gu Luoxin couldn’t help but feel a little disoriented, feeling like he had wrongly accused a good person. Besides, there were so many people in the organization so it was quite impossible for Shang to manage them all. To dump him together with those cold-blooded players— wouldn’t it be a little too unfair?

No, don’t be fooled, Gu Luoxin! Think about that poor player who met with a miserable end at the tea party! It was Shang who left him to die!

...but did he really?

Stop, stop— think about his passive-aggressive words when he sowed discord among them and Jin Jiuchi earlier! This person cannot be trusted!

Shen Nianzu observed the young man’s conflicted expression through the corner of his eye and secretly shook his head. Still too naïve and gullible, he mused. But oh well it’s what made the young man all the more endearing. Shen Nianzu would be more distressed if Gu Luoxin were to lose this innocent trait of his one day.

"Okay, done." Shang withdrew his hand with a smile. "How are you feeling now?"

Shen Nianzu rolled his shoulder, which felt as good as new. If not because of the torn fabric and bloodstains, one wouldn’t have realized he had been injured before. "It’s perfect," he nodded in gratitude, his tone mild with no apparent emotions. "Thank you, Mr. Shang."

"You’re welcome, this is what I should do," Shang returned amicably. Then as if recalling something, he seamlessly switched the topic and inquired in a casual tone as if he was merely asking in passing, "Speaking of which, where is your other teammate? Has he not recovered? Or..." his expression shifted subtly as he arched a brow, "Are you guys looking for a revival potion for him?"

Shen Nianzu felt choked. He just knew this man would ask about Jin Jiuchi sooner or later!