Black Sha’s Return

The location wasn’t even within the school grounds. Bai Chen furrowed his brow slightly, a hint of surprise touching his features.

Holding such an event within the school certainly presented numerous inconveniences. Even if the teachers and principal wouldn’t dare truly punish these well-connected scions, they certainly wouldn’t risk a fatality.

Moreover, if both parties came from influential backgrounds, the situation would become incredibly awkward. Therefore, setting the location outside the school was a pragmatic way to circumvent potential trouble.

Bai Chen’s hand involuntarily tightened around the paper. Who could it be? The tone of voice, the form of address—they were so familiar, all too familiar.

Yet, amidst this familiarity, a chilling sensation crept in. Who… could it truly be?

He knew of several who had vanished into the Abyss: the previous Black King, the third commander of the Heavenly Dao Corps, and the general of the Heavenly Demon Corps.

The Heavenly Dao Corps and the Heavenly Demon Corps were the two largest combat organizations on the righteous path, one specializing in defense and the other in offense. Beyond these prominent figures, there must have been others, but anyone he didn’t know would likely be minor figures.

This particular tone, however, would feel incongruous if attributed to any of those three powerful individuals.

“Boss, should we respond?”

“Nonsense! Of course!” Bai Chen snapped back, clearly annoyed. He had been here for a week, and finally, someone connected to his original world had appeared.

What’s more, he had no idea who this person was. Not investigating it personally simply wouldn’t align with Bai Chen’s nature.

“Hey! I heard that guy from the Black Scrutiny Gang challenged you to a fight?”

“Mm-hm.”

“Hey! I’m actually worried about you!” Bai Chen’s cold reply immediately irked Bai Qiao.

“Are you worried about me,” Bai Chen questioned, suddenly drawing closer, “or are you worried I’ll expose my inner energy?”

He pinched Bai Qiao’s chin with his fingers, his voice laced with a growing chill.

“What?!” She slapped Bai Chen’s hand away, watching his retreating figure. Bai Qiao rubbed her slightly throbbing chin.

‘What’s gotten into that guy?!’ she wondered, bewildered. ‘But what’s wrong with him today? Perhaps I should go check on him tomorrow.’

Bai Qiao had spent the entire night deliberating how to persuade Miko to come along.

The very next day, as soon as classes ended, Miko was already tugging on Bai Qiao’s arm. “Qiao-chan, I heard Bai Chen has a fight today! Should we… go watch together?”

… Bai Qiao’s eyebrow twitched involuntarily. ‘That guy… what’s so great about him? Fighting?’

‘I can fight too! One day, I’ll challenge him, and I’ll crush him!’ Though she thought this with fierce satisfaction, her lips could only manage a strained smile. “Okay… okay, fine.”

“Eh? Qiao-chan, you don’t look so good?”

“I… I’m fine…”

Bai Chen glanced at his watch with a bored expression. One minute remained, yet there was still no sign of anyone.

“That guy, he couldn’t have run off, could he? It hasn’t even started yet. What a coward!”

“So the boss of the Black Scrutiny Gang is a chicken!”

…The murmurs from the surrounding crowd steadily increased.

‘Tch! I thought he’d be some formidable opponent, someone who could finally curb Bai Chen’s arrogance. I never expected him to just run away like this…’ Bai Qiao was thoroughly displeased.

“No, he won’t. He’ll come.” Bai Chen’s gaze became resolute.

The hand clutching the paper tightened even further. ‘Since he knows my identity, he won’t break his word…’

Observing Bai Chen’s rare display of confidence, Bai Qiao couldn’t help but feel a surge of curiosity.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through. Numerous leaves swayed precariously before drifting down, dancing in the air for a few moments before spiraling to the ground.

Bai Qiao didn’t believe this wind arose without cause. ‘Which meant… the opponent’s identity… was far from that of a mere, mundane rich scion of this world.’

A wave of dark aura rushed forward. Though the ordinary people around them remained oblivious, Bai Qiao felt it distinctly, a potent stench of death clinging to it.

“Wow! The boss of the Black Scrutiny Gang hardly ever shows his face. I never expected him to be such a handsome man!”

“Indeed, he could rival Bai Chen!”

“No, they’re completely different types! Prince White and Prince Black! Ahhh!”

…The sudden clamor of infatuated girls surrounding them grew louder. Bai Qiao couldn’t help but glance over. Indeed, it was no wonder they reacted this way; he was alluring, yet without an air of aloofness.

“!” Bai Chen’s voice suddenly cut through Bai Qiao’s thoughts. “Black—Black Sha! H-how is this possible! You—you’re not already, already dead?!”

****