Chapter Seventy-Six: The Onlooker

To my surprise, the Crimson-Eyed Demon paid me no heed at all, and even my own body slipped from my control.

I could only watch as the Crimson-Eyed Demon manipulated my form, making me sit up from the bed.

Lin Wei'an, with a worried expression, said, "Slow down, Brother Chu Yun, your wounds haven't healed yet."

Now I understood clearly—the Crimson-Eyed Demon had seized complete control over my body. I was reduced to a mere observer, able to see and hear everything around me, but powerless to influence a single thing.

The Crimson-Eyed Demon smiled faintly, replying politely to Lin Wei'an, "It's nothing, just some minor injuries."

Feng Zi Mo, who stood nearby, teased, "Well, you’re something else now. Do you remember what happened last night?"

They seemed to have utterly mistaken the Crimson-Eyed Demon for myself, failing to notice anything amiss. I had no idea what the demon was up to, or why he had invaded my body.

But one thing was certain—nothing good would come of this.

"What exactly are you planning?" I asked coldly in my heart.

He acted as if he couldn't hear me, offering no response whatsoever.

Instead, he turned to Feng Zi Mo and Lin Wei'an, his expression grave, and spoke: "Brother Feng, Wei'an, that factory is truly terrifying. I suspect something sinister is at work inside."

Hearing the Crimson-Eyed Demon speak, copying my mannerisms, even my expressions and tone, perfectly, I felt a sudden anxiety. Was this creature planning to permanently take over my body?

If so, that would be truly horrifying.

Feng Zi Mo nodded, "You’re right. There’s a barrier in that factory that isolates it from the outside. The people inside are all puppets under someone's control."

Lin Wei'an continued, "Brother Chu Yun, I know you want to rescue your cousin, but please don’t act rashly. Charging in blindly would be suicidal."

The Crimson-Eyed Demon sighed, wearing a look of deep suffering. "Of course I understand what you’re saying, but with my cousin in peril, how can I afford to delay?"

Damn...

I had to admire the demon's skill at imitation—even my own mother wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.

But perhaps this was for the best. If he could save my cousin, lending him my body for a few days would be worth it.

What I feared most was that he’d never relinquish control. Then I’d truly be doomed.

At the moment, with no better options, I could only take things one step at a time.

With Lin Wei'an and Feng Zi Mo supporting him, the Crimson-Eyed Demon left the bedroom and entered the living room.

No sooner had he sat down, barely warming the sofa, than the doorbell rang.

The Crimson-Eyed Demon motioned for Lin Wei'an to answer, and Su Wan Yi strode in, clad in tight leather.

Upon seeing him seated on the sofa, she launched into a furious tirade.

From Su Wan Yi's accusatory tone, I sensed her displeasure—it was all about last night, wondering why I had acted alone when I’d promised to bring her along.

The Crimson-Eyed Demon sat quietly on the sofa, letting her finish without a word.

I knew that Su Wan Yi had mistaken him for me as well.

Now, it was up to the demon to handle this unruly police officer.

I suspected he would, like me, try to keep his distance from her—they were simply not of the same ilk.

Seeing the Crimson-Eyed Demon remain silent, I felt a nervous flutter for him. I was all too familiar with Su Wan Yi's temperament; she could fly off the handle at any moment.

Sure enough, when he ignored her, her eyes seemed to blaze.

She strode over, standing before him, and said coldly, "What’s the meaning of this? Do you really think you’re so impressive?"

The tension was palpable; Feng Zi Mo jumped in, rolling up his sleeves and pointing at Su Wan Yi, "What’s your problem? Have you no manners? Are you just here to stir up trouble?"

I hadn’t expected Feng Zi Mo to step forward at this moment—it truly caught me off guard.

But Su Wan Yi remained unfazed, her arrogance undiminished.

She didn’t even bother to acknowledge Feng Zi Mo, instead addressing the Crimson-Eyed Demon, "You’d better give me a clear explanation today. Don’t think you’re the only one who knows mystical arts. Let me tell you, I’ve already reported this to the National Bureau of Mysticism—there are plenty of people there stronger than you."

National Bureau of Mysticism?

I’d never heard of such an agency. Could the government really have such an organization?

On reflection, it made sense—a nation as vast as this, with so many talented people. As the saying goes, there’s always someone better.

I wondered if this so-called Bureau was really as formidable as Su Wan Yi claimed.

But I was certain of one thing—their people were no match for the Crimson-Eyed Demon.

On hearing her words, the Crimson-Eyed Demon sneered, "Oh? Then why have you come to find me? Brother Feng, please see her out."

With that, Su Wan Yi’s face turned purple with rage, unable to believe I would say such a thing.

She never expected, of course, that the words weren’t mine at all.

If it had been me, I would never have spoken like that.

Feng Zi Mo, obedient as ever, made a gesture for her to leave.

Su Wan Yi gritted her teeth until they creaked, finally spitting out, "Fine, you’ve got nerve."

With that, she stormed out of the villa.

After Su Wan Yi had left, Lin Wei'an said, "Brother Chu Yun... you shouldn’t have spoken to Officer Su like that."

The Crimson-Eyed Demon waved his hand, "I know, but it’s for her own good. She’s just an ordinary person—if she gets involved, it’ll only cost her life."

"But..."

Lin Wei'an tried to say more, but the Crimson-Eyed Demon cut her off, "No buts. You’re all tired—go rest for a while. I want some time alone."

"Alright, Brother Chu Yun, let’s help you back to your room."

He nodded, and with their support, returned to the bedroom.

Once they had left, I asked the Crimson-Eyed Demon in my mind, "Why are you occupying my body?"

"No reason. I’m helping you!"

As he spoke, I could sense his smile—a wicked, scheming smile.

I’d known it; when no one else was around, he would answer me.

"Is that so? Are you really so kind?" I questioned.

The Crimson-Eyed Demon suddenly adopted an irritated demeanor, "Are you doubting me? Do you even have the right? If not for me, would you still be alive?"

His words left me speechless. He was right. Without him, I wouldn’t have survived this long.

But if he kept controlling me forever, I might as well be dead.

"So when do you plan to return my body?" I asked.

He chuckled, "Well, that depends on my mood."

Damn...

What did he mean, 'depends on my mood'?

Would that mean if he felt bad, he wouldn’t have to give it back?