Chapter Seventy-Nine: Rescued

The day he became Sun Wukong’s junior disciple was a turning point for Liu Yunfei, for that night he finally possessed the body of the girl he loved most. The night was equally significant for Park Minji; she and her beloved Yunfei had become the closest of lovers. But for another soul, this night was momentous as well: Vincent, confined in the iron-walled compartment.

Vincent had joined the local New York mafia in high school, yet he had never risen through the ranks. For years, whether he was brawling or smashing up business fronts, he was always at the forefront, but he’d never caught the eye of any boss. Despite his dedication, he remained a low-level thug. Perhaps it was because he wasn’t tall enough, not broad enough, his gaze not savage enough. To Vincent, though, these weren’t the real reasons. The real issue was that he hadn’t met the person who would appreciate his talents—what the Chinese call a “Bo Le,” a talent scout.

Yet opportunities favor the capable, he always believed, and when he met Hardy a few days ago, he knew his chance had come. He was composed and calm, but most importantly, patient and enduring—qualities the Arab leader valued.

Vincent had been waiting in the cramped, stifling compartment for nearly an hour. It was barely big enough for him to stand; even his gun’s wooden handle had to be sawed off to fit. He wasn’t holding the gun—it was already fixed in place, aimed at a small hole in the alloy wall. The hole wasn’t so tiny as to be invisible; Vincent had opened it at the moment he turned off the light, knowing that the human eye can't immediately adjust when moving from brightness to darkness.

Tonight’s plan seemed flawless to him. That fool had fallen for it, thinking women were so easy to play with. Vincent had been restraining himself for a long time. All he had to do was fire a shot at the peak of his jealousy, and fifty thousand dollars plus Hardy’s favor would be his. He cared nothing for the so-called god or the Lord; his devotion was to money. With cash, he figured, that city’s famous seductress would certainly let him share her bed. After shooting the Arab man, he wouldn’t let the Korean woman get away either. He’d watched her self-indulgent show for so long, barely able to contain himself. He hadn’t dared to even satisfy himself while waiting for the kid to show up. Once he was dead, Vincent would thoroughly enjoy the innocent Eastern girl.

After a fierce bout of movement within her, Park Minji finally released the flame she’d been holding. Along with the fire came a torrent of liquid; she moaned loudly, her body convulsing in pleasure, as if she might die from happiness.

The climax, yes, this was the moment. Vincent, already trained on the Arab man's head with a night vision scope, wasted no time and pulled the trigger, ready for an explosive kill.

But while Liu Yunfei was moving inside Minji, he sensed the hole, sensed a presence. He could feel every breath from the other side, but he didn’t act—he didn’t want to squander time. He had to ensure Minji experienced her first climax.

Half a second before Vincent fired, Liu Yunfei lunged toward the hole. He transformed his arm into a sharp spike, thrusting it into the hole before his body even arrived, making it impossible for the enemy to close it.

Vincent’s bullet struck Liu Yunfei, but it was no more than a tickle. Liu Yunfei’s spike, however, pierced Vincent’s eye socket. That was no trivial matter; Vincent didn’t even have time to groan before his brain went numb, deadened by the onset of death.

Retracting his arm, Liu Yunfei was hit by the heavy scent of blood. Peering through the small opening, he saw the cramped space was empty save for Vincent—somewhat disappointing, as it wasn’t Hardy. Turning back, he found Park Minji, utterly drained by their wild exertions, already asleep. Now, with her unconscious, he could easily store her in the Light Jade Scroll. Liu Yunfei dressed himself and transformed into a flying insect, slipping through the small hole into the compartment and quickly finding a concealed door.

No police cars had yet arrived. Liu Yunfei took out his phone to thank Belgrade and report the situation. Belgrade had watched the video feed until darkness fell, hearing only waves of moans and confusion. With Liu Yunfei’s call, he felt reassured. On the phone, Liu Yunfei reiterated his gratitude to the Arab; if needed, he would help with anything. Belgrade had considered recruiting Liu Yunfei immediately, but felt it improper to ask for rewards after such a minor favor. With this promise, Belgrade was satisfied, believing he’d planted a seed of friendship that would eventually blossom, though future events would surprise everyone.

If Belgrade had sown the seeds of friendship, Hardy’s losses were grave. At the final moment, his plan fell apart, and he’d gained a formidable new enemy. When the lights went out and the video feed vanished, Belgrade worried about Liu Yunfei, and Hardy, watching the same webpage, was anxious as well. Hearing the gunshot, Hardy hurried to call Vincent.

Liu Yunfei had already left, but hearing the phone ring inside, he returned to answer. “Did it succeed?” came Hardy’s urgent, hopeful voice.

“Friend, your doom has arrived.” Liu Yunfei replied, then immediately hung up.

He resolved never again to wait passively. He would strike first—every enemy who threatened his loved ones must die. Only then would the world be quiet and his beloved ones safe.

Bringing Park Minji home, he found that the CIA agents who’d come to investigate had already departed. Although he knew the place wasn’t safe, he had nowhere else to go at the moment. He needed to lay Minji down and check if she required a hospital.

He placed her gently on the bed, watching her sleep peacefully. He couldn’t bear to wake her. He simply sat quietly at the bedside, covering her with a blanket, gazing at her lovely face, her delicately breathing nose, her long lashes resting on her eyelids, her slightly parted lips. Was she hungry or craving a kiss? Being with this girl made him naturally recall every moment and every word they’d shared—an inexplicable sweetness.

But Park Minji’s sleep was not sweet. She was trapped in a nightmare: an old woman wrapped in black told her, “When you come of age, a man who loves you must die for you, and only then will the curse be lifted from you.”

Suddenly, Liu Yunfei appeared, calling, “Minji, Minji.” The old woman transformed into a bloated evil dragon, lunging at Liu Yunfei. Foolish Yunfei was terrified, rooted to the spot. “Yunfei, run, run!” Park Minji screamed, sitting upright.

Liu Yunfei hurried to comfort her, gently stroking her back. “I’m here, it was just a nightmare, everything’s fine.”

“Who are you?” Park Minji, realizing she was naked, quickly pulled up the blanket to cover her chest. Turning, she heard the familiar voice from the unfamiliar Arab face. Having lived in America for years, she was deeply afraid of Arabs; her voice trembled. Suddenly, memories of being kidnapped and her vague, intimate encounter flooded her heart with fear, sadness, and humiliation. Clutching the blanket, she broke down in tears.

“I’m Yunfei, don’t worry, it’s all over.” Liu Yunfei knew explanations were pointless. He quickly transformed back to his Chinese guise, reaching out to comfort Minji.

“You’re not—you’re a bad man, a liar.” Minji pushed his hand away, refusing even to look at him.

“Look at me—I’m Yunfei. It’s all my fault, I caused this. Hit me, hit me! I didn’t protect you, I’m sorry.” Seeing Minji like this, Liu Yunfei’s heart ached, and his voice caught in his throat.

“Whoever you are, get out—leave! Go!” Minji, wild with emotion, shoved and hit Liu Yunfei, pushing him off the bed and out the door, slamming it shut behind him. With her back to the door, she covered her face and wept loudly.

Outside the door, Liu Yunfei grew more sorrowful with each word, his anger mounting. Yu Qing, you beautiful serpent—it’s all your fault!