Chapter 68: Peace and Quiet

The one who dropped out from Bai Ming's side was, naturally, Bai Xiaozhi.

Faced with the full-power eruption of the [Pale Rending Barrier], it was impossible for Bai Ming to completely endure it relying solely on [Coward's Refuge].

Therefore, he decisively activated [Wraith Symbiosis] while simultaneously activating his willpower to boost his attributes.

Boosted by the all-attribute +2 from [Wraith Symbiosis], along with a 33% increase in strength, constitution, agility, perception, intelligence, and charisma upon activating willpower, combined with the +1 reflex saving throw inherently provided by [Wraith Symbiosis], Bai Ming's comprehensive strength instantly approached the level of eighteen Teacher Wangs!

Moreover, during his battle with the [Shadow Hunter], he had already drawn the battlefield to the edge of the formation.

Nearby, [Sorrowful Whispers] and [Game-Ignorant Puppy], having recovered slightly, timely stepped in to assist and interfered with a portion of the formation's attacks.

With the advantages of favorable weather, advantageous terrain, and harmonious people, Bai Ming miraculously achieved the magnificent feat of crossing the [Pale Rending Barrier] without taking any damage.

Of course, [Sorrowful Whispers] and [Game-Ignorant Puppy] would not take credit for this. They were already too grateful to Bai Ming; how could they possibly utter words claiming merit?

Nor did Bai Ming maintain [Wraith Symbiosis] to assist Su Yeye. In fact, Su Yeye's movements were so swift that she had already slain the [Crystal Rose] before Bai Ming had even fully emerged.

Thus, Bai Ming had no intention of entering the restroom again. It was a matter of his leading foot starting to slay the wanderers while her following foot stepped out.

The reason Bai Ming maintained [Wraith Symbiosis] was simple: seeing that it was now roughly safe, he wanted to briefly test its effects and see how they differed from [Specter's Entanglement].

As it turned out, aside from gaining a +1 reflex saving throw, there was no difference.

Bai Xiaozhi still clung to him in an entwining posture, holding on even tighter.

Bai Ming did not understand the word "symbiosis," and the same went for "vengeful spirit."

However, Bai Ming certainly could not allow [Wraith Symbiosis] to drain all of his vitality.

Consequently, Bai Xiaozhi emerged.

Today, she was still wearing the exquisite British-style school uniform she had worn upon her return from the [Last Bus].

A dark suit jacket, paired with a pure white shirt and a plaid bowtie inside, and a knee-length plaid pleated skirt below. Her legs, encased in sheer black stockings, appeared slender and straight, and she wore a pair of small black leather shoes.

Keeping her head slightly lowered with her soft, long hair drooping down, the moment she came out, she instinctively hid behind Bai Ming.

Yet, because Bai Ming was ahead slaying wanderers, this so-called "hiding" merely meant pressing closely against his back, lowering her gaze, and attentively watching his every move.

According to the summoner rules in the Twilight Game, once Bai Xiaozhi came out, she could not go back.

Those summoned entities that returned after their duration expired were fine, but permanent entities like Bai Xiaozhi could not.

Even if Bai Ming took [Bai Xiaozhi's Exercise Book] out of his [Inventory], the result remained the same.

Although [Sorrowful Whispers] and [Game-Ignorant Puppy] were full of curiosity toward the suddenly appearing girl, they were tactful enough not to ask too many questions.

Su Yeye, however, spoke up directly: "Who is she?"

Bai Ming replied, "She is my exclusive chef."

Su Yeye stared at Bai Xiaozhi's otherworldly aura and state: "She's a ghost, right? A ghost that has been following you all this time?"

Bai Ming merely said, "She is my exclusive chef."

Observing Bai Xiaozhi's timid appearance, Su Yeye suddenly realized: "She really is your chef. No wonder whenever I was with you recently, I always felt a sense of being watched. I thought you were the one secretly looking at me."

As soon as these words were spoken, [Sorrowful Whispers] and [Game-Ignorant Puppy] nearby subconsciously pricked up their ears, their gazes darting back and forth between Bai Ming, Bai Xiaozhi, and Su Yeye, instantly rendering the atmosphere somewhat subtle.

Bai Ming sneered, "I am an upright and honest person, and everything I do is reasonable and legal. How can you call it peeking? Even if I look, I look openly and aboveboard!"

Su Yeye wore an expression that asked what on earth he was babbling about. Was she implying that *he* was peeking? Why was he saying such things?

Despite these thoughts, Su Yeye found Bai Ming amusing and couldn't help smiling inwardly.

*Openly and aboveboard indeed. Hiding a female ghost is the behavior of a petty thief.*

*Yes, a petty thief, and a female ghost at that—a beautiful female ghost.*

This was no longer mere petty thieving; it was a daring bandit with the audacity of a ghost.

Yet, for some reason, even though her mind was wandering—which logically should have been a happy thing—Su Yeye found that she simply couldn't muster any joy in her heart.

It was probably still because she minded that Bai Ming had concealed the female ghost and let the female ghost watch her.

Actually, what if he had told her about the female ghost?

This was hardly a big deal anyway.

Within the relevant departments, there were fangshi who captured evil spirits and communicated with ghosts and gods, or ghost-raisers who outright utilized the power of ghosts to fight.

As long as they didn't harm people to boost their strength through crooked paths, the relevant departments wouldn't mind.

Then why hadn't he told her?

And here she had foolishly wanted to share a meal with him.

Oh right, the last time they couldn't eat together because of a sudden overtime shift at work, they had even made plans for another time.

Well, there wouldn't be a next time.

Mm, no next time.

Bai Ming had no inkling of Su Yeye's inner thoughts. Although he was busy slaying wanderers, he still reserved a portion of his attention for Bai Xiaozhi.

*Hmm, she really doesn't like to talk.*

*This seems a bit troublesome.*

During their time on the [Last Bus], she hadn't spoken to any other players either.

Bai Ming did not know that after he went to participate in the [Judge's Soul-Lock] challenge, Bai Xiaozhi *had* spoken to players like [A Novice].

He only saw that Bai Xiaozhi was somewhat too aloof, revolving solely around him.

Recalling things he had witnessed during poverty-alleviation efforts, Bai Ming always felt this wasn't right.

*Oh well, whatever. Let her be.*

Bai Xiaozhi wasn't an object of poverty alleviation; if he ever left, she would have to live on her own.

Next came the time for defense.

Su Yeye was astonished by Bai Ming's stamina, marveling that he still hadn't exhausted his strength after all this time.

Glancing at Su Yeye, who had just emerged from the dissipating formation, Bai Ming asked, "Couldn't hold on for that long? Then how did you propose the option of casually using the [Blood-Stained Jade Buddha]?"

"Wouldn't it have been over if you'd chosen to use it earlier?"

"I actually thought you'd be able to last about half as much time as me."

Hearing this, Su Yeye retorted, "Why half of you?"

With a matter-of-fact expression, Bai Ming said, "Because you take half, I take half, and we take turns."

Su Yeye immediately caught the subtext: "So you can hold on until dawn? And you think I can only last half as long as you?"

Bai Ming said indifferently, "That's your own interpretation. I never said that."

Saying this brought Bai Ming a small surge of triumph—serves her right for saying "Don't compare yourself to me, I'm special" right in front of him earlier.

Su Yeye: "..."

Su Yeye took a gentle breath. "Fine, I won't argue with you about this. Follow me, I'll take you to a safe place."