Chapter 8: The Villain, Xie Junmo

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Xie Junmo — this name belonged to a man who caused terror throughout their cultivation world.

Being a powerful person, there was no one who didn't covet and worship his strength. Many yearned for his love and attention in order to reach the pinnacle of power. Yet, such a person would still be defeated by the protagonist — because he was the villain and the final boss of the story.

Initially, Luo Xue didn't recognise him, as the colour in the boy's pupils was closer to common black or brown.

However, once the battle started, she noticed her ribbon's refusal to help her, as if it was infatuated with someone else. Aside from herself, Xie Junmo was the only other person capable of making her ribbon act this way.

But... considering that this is their first meeting in this life, why was her ribbon already displaying such a strong attachment? Did she overlook something? Luo Xue couldn't help but feel doubtful about the situation.

Then again, this Xie Junmo seemed to attract misfortune to himself wherever he went. Right after they parted ways, she briefly checked up on him through her ribbon and sensed that he was still in the city. And yet, he still ended up being caught, abused and sold by Chu Yuanchen.

If Xie Junmo of the past knew of his current laughable predicament, would he be so ashamed that he would die of embarrassment?

Luo Xue sighed, slightly shaking her head with a wry smile. Then she uncapped the vial of blood, pouring it over the mark on his collarbone. When the last flower faded, Xie Junmo suddenly lunged forward, hugging her.

"What happened?" Luo Xue quickly steadied herself, using half of her injured body to support him. "Does it hurt?"

Xie Junmo leaned in, bowing his head as he quietly inhaled her fragrance. Recognising the distinct scent of bamboo hidden within the strong odour of blood, he knew he wasn't mistaken that she was indeed the same person he had bumped into in the city.

With a look of pure innocence on his face, Xie Junmo said, "Thank you for saving me."

For a moment, Luo Xue was mesmerised by the sweetness of his charming smile, but she quickly snapped out of it and responded with a smile of her own. Although she should have been well aware of his unmatched beauty, she couldn't resist being momentarily charmed.

"You're welcome."

After saying that, Luo Xue moved away from Xie Junmo, but he held her back by pulling onto her sleeve tightly. Puzzled, she looked at him and was met with a wounded look on his face. Not understanding why he was suddenly crying, she lost her desire to move away and instinctively used her sleeve to dry his tears.

"What's wrong?" Luo Xue asked again. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine... I'm just... thankful." Xie Junmo smiled.

Observing the boy's meek and pitiful appearance, Luo Xue found herself unable to ask anymore questions. In fact, the sight of him appearing so frail and helpless left her speechless — unable to fathom how he would one day become the most powerful villain.

Xie Junmo, despite his annoying nature, had helped her out of many perilous situations in her previous life. Being fellow 'antagonists', their role was to constantly create obstacles for the protagonist and wreak havoc wherever they went. In spite of that, they unexpectedly formed a close rivalry with one another. They would frequently collaborate and compete against each other, leading to them fighting side by side for hundreds of years. And because of that, they would gradually view each other not as enemies, but rather as rivals and close friends.

As such, since it was fate that they met again, Luo Xue knew she couldn't turn a blind eye to his situation. Even if she didn't owe him anything, for the sake of past friendship, she would save him no matter what.

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