Chapter 104: You Have Only One Sentence - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

Chapter 104: You Have Only One Sentence Lance snorted coldly and continued leading his men deeper inside to search. Luo Xiu stood motionless, quietly watching their silhouettes fade into the distance. Once they had moved away, Anna, who had been tense, suddenly placed a hand over her chest and exhaled deeply in relief. Luo Xiu turned to her, noticing the waves of emotion passing through her expression. He chuckled, "Anna, were you scared?" Anna lowered her head slightly and replied softly, "Thank you for your concern, Master. I'm all right." After speaking, she discreetly glanced at the room opposite them, worry etched in her eyes. "Sir Luo Xiu, what if they come back to search again?" Before Lance and his men arrived, Luo Xiu had strategically placed the two young 'witches' in the first room on the second floor—directly facing him. It was a gamble, hoping they’d go unnoticed right under their noses. The earlier conversation with Lance was also meant to distract, steering suspicion further away. He had no idea if it would work, but it was the only option he had. Luo Xiu frowned slightly, "He won't get the chance to go inside." Upon hearing this, Anna clasped her hands in front of her, adopting a prayerful stance. "May the Holy Light protect us..." Luo Xiu was amused. "We're harboring witches, what good will praying to the Holy Light do?" Anna paused her prayer, blinking in realization. "Sir Luo Xiu, that does make sense..." Luo Xiu sighed, turning back to gaze at the blue sky outside. Suddenly, he asked, "Anna, aren't you afraid?" "They say witches are the root of all calamity. Now, as a priest, I'm hiding them. You should report me to the Livia Church." A gentle breeze stirred Anna's slightly curled hair. "I'm your maid, Sir Luo Xiu. Whatever you choose to do, I'll stay by your side," she replied softly. ... Life rarely goes as one wishes. Perhaps the Holy Light heard Anna's 'wicked' prayer and was enraged. Despite their fruitless search, Lance looked towards the last room - the very one he initially overlooked. Luo Xiu's action of taking the witch from the Livia Church was well-known, undeniable. Lance had intentionally downplayed it as a rumor, not wanting direct confrontation. But Luo Xiu's repeated evasions hinted that something suspicious was afoot. Was it possible, as Luo Xiu claimed in the church, for the purpose of personal judgment? Lance scoffed at that reason. Judgment? More like you have peculiar tastes! His ambition was laid bare. As a member of the imperial family, Lance wasn't surprised. Compared to the sordid affairs within noble circles, Luo Xiu's interest was trivial. Lance merely found Luo Xiu's unique preference surprising. With all he had, why risk so much for two ordinary 'little witches'? The chaotic thudding of footsteps quickly returned. Finally stopping at the door of the first room in the hallway. Lance turned, his gaze locking onto the man at the hall's edge with a smug glint in his eyes. He wore a victorious smile. "Ah, Sir Luo Xiu, I can truly sense a malevolent presence here, you know?" He taunted as he paced before the door, his grin nearly touching his ears. Seeing Luo Xiu remain silent only fueled Lance's brazen laughter. He licked his lips, "I bet Sir Luo Xiu is clueless, or why leave them unchecked?" "No matter, I'm willing to relieve you of this burden." "Hahaha, I can't wait to see the helpless fear on their faces." Lance was entirely unwound, his boisterous laughter echoing into the room. Inside, Eileen and Selina heard the commotion, their hearts tightening. So... They had been found after all? Despair surged within them. It felt like the first time they were captured by the witch hunters. In this world, was there truly anyone who would help them? Eileen had no answer. Meanwhile, outside the door. Lance's outstretched hand was just shy of touching the door. His brows lifted in eager excitement. He continued taunting, "Tsk, Sir Luo Xiu, you're quite an unfit priest..." Yet, just then, Lance's voice abruptly ceased. A fierce electric flash streaked across the door. Lance winced in pain, letting out a stifled groan. He quickly retreated a few steps, clutching his trembling hand, glaring angrily at the calm man behind him. "Luo Xiu! What are you planning?!" Lance's face twisted in agony and rage, his features contorted. He shoved his charred, blistering hand in Luo Xiu's face, shouting with fury. "Luo Xiu, is this how you treat royalty?" Switching tactics, malice flickered in his eyes. "Or, do you intend to declare war on the royal family on behalf of the Church?!" He flung a premeditated accusation, exploding like a bomb. Despite the excruciating pain, he felt exultant inside. "You're finished, Luo Xiu, just wait. I'll inform the Church, and His Holiness will undoubtedly punish you!" He jabbered incessantly, like a yapping cur, grating Luo Xiu's nerves. Luo Xiu raised his gaze slightly, "Finished talking?" Lance's distorted expression paused, then he laughed out of rage, madness seeping into his countenance. "Fine, fine, playing the act until the end, I see..." As he spoke, he suddenly stopped. Because an overwhelming and volatile surge of magical energy erupted from the man before him. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! A cacophony of shrill cries filled the confined space. Luo Xiu stood firm, violet lightning danced along his arm. In the next instant, the lightning sprang forth like an arrow, streaking towards Lance. Though Luo Xiu moved unhurriedly, he purposefully allowed Lance time to mount a defense. Lance, naturally, had already cast protective magic. Yet, against the oncoming torrent of lightning, his barriers were as fragile as paper, effortlessly pierced through. Lightning coiled around Lance's throat, clamping down mercilessly. Luo Xiu lifted his arm, raising Lance into the air. Lance's face flushed a deep red, his body struggled violently, but he couldn't break free. Against sheer power, all else was moot. His face was a pitiful, ashen mask as guttural, stifled screams echoed in the hallway. Luo Xiu stared into Lance's eyes, his gaze calm and profound. "You have only one sentence." (End of Chapter)