Chapter 98: Save Me, Nian’er!

    Shen Nianzu was taken aback when a strong force abruptly tugged on his scalp, causing him to bare his neck like a helpless white swan in the face of an apex predator. His gaze clashed with Jin Jiuchi’s in midair, and it took him one second to register that the eyes he was staring into were black in color, with a hint of golden in the irises.

    Shock painted his exquisite features. This... this was another version of Jin Jiuchi! How?! Wasn’t he supposed to appear only when his SAN Value reached below twenty?!

    Despite the questions racing in his mind, Shen Nianzu’s composure never faltered even a bit. With a flick of his fingers, a silver needle materialized from thin air, which swiftly transformed into a thin and transparent blade that exuded an icy chill. He pressed it against Jin Jiuchi’s throat, drawing a line of blood across the man’s neck.

    Prop: Icy Veil Blade

    Prop Level: Unique

    Prop Usage: A dual-purpose weapon capable of immobilizing enemies as a set of silver needles and delivering deadly strikes as a transparent ice-like blade. It possesses frostbite-like effects, slowing down and weakening adversaries.

    Available needles: 12/15

    "Yes," he said, his pale purple eyes were cold and radiated killing intent. "We finally meet again."

    ***

    Meanwhile, on the other side of the door.

    "The lake of... what?" Jin Jiuchi asked strangely.

    "The lake of the afterlife, my revered one," Anna spoke softly, her smile filled with sweet grace. "Where spirits gather after finishing their trials, before embarking on the cycle of rebirth. Your dominion it was, and now, the hour arrives to restore your rightful place."

    "W–Wait a moment," Jin Jiuchi held his head as if it was going to fall off his neck if he did not hold on to it firm enough. "I’m not sure I understand what you are talking about here..."

    The lake of the afterlife? Did it mean that he was in the underworld right now?? Jin Jiuchi hastily patted himself and relief coursed through him when he noticed that his body was still warm, and his heart was still beating as powerfully as ever.

    Thank God, he had not died yet!

    ’Nian’er, where are you?!’ he cried out inside his heart. ’You told me that you will be right behind, so what takes you so long?!’

    With no one to turn to for help, Jin Jiuchi could only rely on himself for the time being. He always felt like Anna’s words carried an archaic sense and listening to her for long made him feel sleepy, but that’s alright because he was in the form of a dog before and thus had no need to converse with her. Now though...

    He tried to wrack his brain for an appropriate response, only to wince when he felt a sharp pinch of pain on his neck.

    ’Huh...?’ He wiped his neck carelessly and saw that his fingers were stained in crimson of his own blood. His eyes went huge in shock and confusion. ’What the— why am I bleeding?!’

    Recalling something, he went to check on his SAN Value and saw that it had stabilized at 21. Jin Jiuchi tutted, it seemed like he could not see the real effects of his Joker skill card yet. Feeling a little disappointed, he could only sigh and turn to Anna, asking listlessly, "So the thing of great importance you have to give me is... this?"

    "Precisely," Anna nodded, still with a bright smile on her face.

    She looked absolutely ecstatic, as opposed to Jin Jiuchi who felt like he had been cheated. He had come all the way here thinking that he would obtain a clue about his missing soul, but he ended up with nothing!

    Okay, he knew that Anubis was a God associated with the afterlife, but too bad he had nothing to do with that guy!

    Now, how should he tell Anna about this in a way that would not cause him to be drowned and murdered in this very lake?

    Jin Jiuchi rubbed his chin in thought as he fixed his gaze on the beautiful glowing lake. Judging from what Anna told him, this radiance was caused by the spirits that inhabited the water, right? So it was not safe to drink? But why did he look so refreshing at a glance? The more he looked at it, the more he wanted to take a sip!

    Just then, he felt a few spots on his body throb in sharp pricks of pain. He scratched his itchy neck where the thin bleeding cut was, confused. Exactly what was going on with his body? Why did he feel like someone was punching and beating him all over?

    No, now was not the time to concern himself over this matter. He had to find a way to meet up with Shen Nianzu, first and foremost.

    Nian’er always had great ideas in his mind, he would surely know what to do with this lake of afterlife!

    Making up his mind, Jin Jiuchi summoned his best acting skills and squeezed a few droplets of tears out of his eyes. He pretended not to see Anna’s shocked expression, and sighed in deep remorse, "I’m sorry... the pain is just too much for me to bear. Even though you have gone to such lengths to preserve this lake, I’m afraid that I have been away for too long. I no longer remember what I’m supposed to do..." He buried his face into his hands, feigning inconsolable grief. "I don’t deserve to claim this place from you, Anna!"

    He peeked at the NPC through the gap of his fingers, and upon seeing her bewildered look, he let out another mournful cry.

    Anna staggered and clutched her chest with an anguished look. Oh Lord, to witness her beloved deity engulfed in such suffering and self-hatred was unbearable, it pained her so much that she could die! "F–Fear not, my revered one!" she hastened to reassure her God. Her cerulean blue eyes burned in fervent determination as she declared with a voice quivering with devotion, "Whatever you have lost or forgotten, it is of no matter. I, Anna, shall forever stand by your side, to offer you everything – my heart, my soul... even my very purity..."

    Sensing that something was off with the NPC’s words, Jin Jiuchi gingerly raised his head only to witness a shocking scene unfolding before him.

    Anna, in an act of absolute devotion, shed layer after layer of her clothing, letting them pool around her feet as she bared her most glorious form to him. A faint blush graced her cheeks as she modestly covered her private parts with her hands, "I– I have long yearned for the day when I could surrender every inch of myself to you. If it may aid in the restoration of your divine power... I implore you to use this humble servant as you wish!"

    "N–No, no no no!" Jin Jiuchi hastily stepped back and covered his eyes, shocked out of his wits. "You don’t have to do this! No, thank you!" Why did he feel like he was lifting a rock only to smash it on his own feet?!

    "It has been written on destiny, my revered one," she proclaimed, closing the distance between them with determined steps. Growing desperate, Jin Jiuchi retreated, closer and closer to the edge of the treacherous lake. "I was created to be of service to you, to be used in any way you desire!"

    ’Nian’er!!’ Jin Jiuchi cried out inside his heart, wishing that he could communicate telepathically with the jade doll. ’Come here and save me quicklyyy! I’m going to be murdered– ah, no I am going to be defiled! Nian’er, where are you? Take her away ahhh! I’d rather do this with— huh?’

    What was he...

    Jin Jiuchi was stunned by the direction of his own thought, and that split second of carelessness allowed Anna to draw near, her hand nearly touching him. "Awoo!" Caught off guard, Jin Jiuchi let out that dog-like cry and leapt backward... only to slip on the slippery rock behind him.

    ’Uh-oh...’ was the last thought in his mind before he plunged straight into the glowing lake, the luminescent water splashing against the surrounding rocks.

    Panic flashed across Anna’s eyes as she hastily retreated, narrowly avoiding contact with the water. She released a sigh of relief when not even a droplet splashed onto her, though her expression turned flustered as she observed Jin Jiuchi sinking deeper to the icy depths of the lake.

    "Oh no, what should I do?!"