In the sky, a dark figure drew closer and closer. I saw a man with long, curly black hair streaming behind him. There was a murderous air between his brows, his strikingly heroic features clashing with the tattered Zhongshan suit he wore.
The Twin Reapers glanced over at the same time, their eyes filled with astonishment.
"Brother Wujiu, it's him. That aura is so familiar."
Mr. Black nodded. In an instant, he shrank down, returning to his original form.
"Who goes there? What is your purpose?"
Mr. Black shouted, raising the Mourning Staff in his hand. At that moment, the Twin Reapers soared into the air, each wielding their Mourning Staff and striking at the newcomer.
"I am Lord Shenyan. I came for that boy—step aside..." The voice was domineering. The man who called himself Lord Shenyan gripped each Mourning Staff in his hands. A fiery red light flashed, and the Twin Reapers were knocked away, crashing onto the riverbank with two explosive bangs.
I was barely alive, lying in the creek, unable to move. Lord Shenyan advanced with overwhelming force, reaching me in an instant. He grabbed my collar, tore my beggar's clothes with a ripping sound, then tossed me back into the water.
"Speak. Where is John Chou?"
With a brutal kick, the man sent me flying under the bridge. I coughed up several mouthfuls of blood.
Suddenly, dozens of Soulbinding Ropes shot out from behind me, rushing toward Lord Shenyan and tightly wrapping around his entire body.
A sharp ringing echoed. In an instant, the Twin Reapers appeared on either side of Lord Shenyan. I jumped in fright. Both of them looked completely unharmed.
"William, this man is definitely connected to Nathan Chung's disappearance. I can sense Nathan's aura on him."
"Speak—where is John Chou, kid?"
Lord Shenyan's voice was filled with fury. His face was murderous as he glared at me. Those eyes—like a beast, locked onto its prey.
Suddenly, the Soulbinding Ropes binding Lord Shenyan began to swell and expand.
"It's useless. If you want to break free—" Mr. White started to say. But Mr. Black grabbed him and quickly pulled him aside.
With a thunderous bang, flames erupted skyward. A burst of fire exploded, instantly evaporating all the surrounding water. Waves of heat surged, sparks flew, and clouds of steam billowed up in the chaos.
"Where is John Chou?"
A furious roar. I struck Lord Shenyan and emerged from the steam, my upper body bare.