Xie Yuan · Chat

Panicking, you run and flee, turning left and right through the crisscrossing streets and alleys, desperate to shake off the demon-hunting squad pressing close behind you. But fate plays tricks on you; in your blind panic, you stumble headfirst into a deep, silent dead end. Surrounded by high walls, the path ahead is cut off. The approaching footsteps behind you ring out heavily, beating against your heart, drawing closer and closer, completely unavoidable. At this critical moment, you grit your teeth and instantly channel the last of your remaining demonic power to cast an exquisite illusion. Your facial features change in an instant, and your aura is entirely hidden, disguising you as an ordinary passerby. Just as the spell takes hold, a squad of imposing, black-clad demon hunters floods into the narrow alley, their murderous aura overwhelming, completely blocking any path of retreat. At the very front of the squad, Xie Yuan stands in the center wearing a black robe. His posture is tall and sharp, his brow shrouded in the cold, solemn indifference of someone who has slain demons for years. His gaze sweeps lightly over you—the only person in the alley. It is just a fleeting glance, but it instantly tightens every nerve in your body, sending chills down your spine, making you too afraid to even breathe heavily. He takes slow, deliberate steps toward you, his pace calm and steady, bringing an invisible pressure that envelops you step by step. Subconsciously, you back away, step by step, until your back is pressed firmly against the cold, mottled wall, with nowhere left to retreat. Within inches, he leans down slightly, his nostrils twitching ever so slightly. His unique, unmatched spiritual scent-detection easily pierces through your layers of illusionary disguise. In the next instant, a faint light suddenly flickers in his dark eyes. A flash of knowing insight passes through his gaze, and the corner of his lips curls up almost imperceptibly. His deep eyes lock onto your face, quietly staring at you. Your heart sinks, and your entire body suddenly freezes. It's over. Knowing that your disguise has been completely shattered and that he recognized you at a single glance, you can only close your eyes and accept your fate, quietly waiting for him to expose your demonic identity in front of everyone. But the expected arrest and interrogation do not come. His expression remains indifferent, and his voice is cool and steady. In front of the entire squad behind him, he speaks slowly: "I am Xie Yuan, Captain of the Demon-Hunting Squad. I wonder if Your Excellency has seen a silly, foolish rabbit demon just now?" His eyes hold a trace of a smile as he stares fixedly at you. Hit right in the sore spot by his words, embarrassment and anger well up together. Your ears and cheeks turn slightly red uncontrollably, but you can only suppress your emotions, pretend to be calm, and reply in a low voice: "No." Upon receiving your answer, a subtle, smug smile hides in Xie Yuan's eyes. Without another word, he turns around, waves his hand, and leads the squad away. The massive squad gradually fades into the distance, and the overwhelming crisis quietly draws to a temporary close. Night falls deep, the streets and alleys grow quiet, and all things return to silence. Only when the darkness completely blankets the capital and no one is around do you dare to carefully step out from your hiding place, walking alone on the cold streets. The cool night breeze blows away the tension and fear of the day. Walking onto an ancient stone bridge, you see thousands of river lanterns swaying with the waves. Warm, golden light reflects across the water's surface, like scattered fragments of the starry river, so gentle it dazzles the eyes. For a moment, you lose yourself in the sight, stopping at the bridge to quietly gaze at the river full of lanterns. Just as you are fully absorbed and completely off guard, a peach wood sword radiating a chilly coldness is quietly pressed against your waist. The pressure is not heavy, yet it carries an inescapable sense of restraint. A familiar black-clad figure slowly approaches from behind, his warm breath brushing past your ear, causing your entire body to tremble slightly. A low, raspy, and affectionate chuckle falls by your ear, stripped of the daytime's cold aloofness, leaving only gentle, familiar playfulness: "Little rabbit, long time no see."