"Haitang..."
Ning Beichen had originally intended to persuade her, but seeing her resolute attitude, he knew it was futile. Li Haitang was not like Liu Yilin; she was a Miao witch, possessing her own firm beliefs and conviction, not someone Ning Beichen could sway with a few words.
Therefore, all he could do was keep a close watch on this Alva. Whether he won or lost, if Liu Yilin were in danger, Ning Beichen would intervene immediately. Li Haitang had her principles and didn't wish for Ning Beichen to interfere in her duel with Alva. But Ning Beichen also had his principles, and that was not to let Li Haitang get hurt, not even a little, not while he was present!
Soon, Ning Beichen witnessed the true sorcery between two witches. The way witches dueled was entirely different from his own fighting. Many of their spells were invisible to those who were not witches. Thus, Ning Beichen could only see them making gestures at each other from a distance, which might seem ridiculous to an uninformed observer.
However, Ning Beichen couldn't muster a laugh; he was even more tense than they were. Those unseen gestures harbored immense danger. Although Ning Beichen didn't know witchcraft, he had personally experienced the perilous world of witches when he helped Li Haitang receive her inheritance.
Tensely, Ning Beichen held his compound bow aimed at Alva's head, his fingers taut. All he wanted at that moment was to shoot an arrow and blow his head off, stopping him from causing any more trouble. But he refrained, knowing Li Haitang would resent him for it. So, instead, he hoped Alva would do something foolish, giving him an excuse to eliminate the man.
But Alva, at this moment, had neither the composure nor the strength to consider anyone plotting against him. He was like a startled bird, desperately realizing that Li Haitang's witchcraft was far superior to his own, reaching a level he couldn't comprehend.
Li Haitang had trapped Alva in a seemingly real, yet illusory, realm with her sorcery. Terrifying, man-eating monsters filled the space, sending him fleeing in panic within the illusion. Though he knew it was a magical illusion, it was useless, as he couldn't break free. If the monsters in the illusion devoured him, he would become brain-dead in reality, just like a vegetative state—a skill of witches to kill without shedding blood.
After a while, Ning Beichen saw Alva suddenly spewing blood from his mouth, as if his body had become a funnel, with blood oozing from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. The sight was so eerie it made Ning Beichen's hair stand on end. But soon after, Ning Beichen noticed Li Haitang also spitting blood, which immediately put him on edge.
At that moment, he could no longer afford to hold back. His white-knuckled fingers released, and a glowing arrow pierced Alva's head with a "thwack." Alva's head exploded like a ripe watermelon. Even if God himself came, it was unlikely he could regrow the man's head, unless he wasn't human to begin with.
Still uneasy, Ning Beichen drew another arrow and shot him through the heart, providing a double assurance in case the King of Hell took a holiday and the man made a comeback.
"Still not entirely safe," Ning Beichen muttered. He drew a third arrow and was about to release it when he heard Li Haitang's weak voice.
"No need. He's completely dead. He died the moment you shot him the first arrow."
"Dead. Good riddance."
Ning Beichen spoke, but his hands didn't stop. The third arrow flew directly to the right of his heart, just in case the man's heart had grown askew. For Ning Beichen, someone was truly dead only when he himself deemed them so, not based on what anyone else said, not even Li Haitang. He had witnessed too many comebacks from enemies. Several of his brothers and subordinates had fallen victim to such resurrections. Thus, Ning Beichen later issued a somewhat absurd order: when dealing with enemies, regardless of whether they appeared dead, one must strike their head and the area around their heart from both sides.
"One who has not suffered should not preach kindness." This was Ning Beichen's explanation. Only by personally experiencing such hardship could one understand that his caution was not unfounded.
After Ning Beichen delivered the additional arrow to Alva, he hurriedly turned back to check on Li Haitang and inquire about her condition with concern.
"I'm fine. That guy thought his witchcraft was amazing, but he didn't know that their techniques are ancient stuff our ancestors played with long ago," Li Haitang said excitedly to Ning Beichen, allowing him to wipe the blood from her lips.
"Of course. Their history is so short, while my Haitang is the most formidable witch," Ning Beichen praised her generously.
Li Haitang then proceeded to explain the process of her duel with Alva to Ning Beichen. However, Ning Beichen found himself somewhat lost in the explanation, with talk of "witch spaces" and "witch dreams." Though he didn't fully understand, he could grasp the perilous nature of their battle.
Finally, Ning Beichen burned the bodies of Alva and Tala, adhering to his usual habit of leaving no trace. Even so, Ning Beichen felt they had died too easily, leaving him unsatisfied. Considering that all the residents of this building had perished at their hands, Ning Beichen felt his actions were entirely justified.
Time flew by. Ning Beichen reluctantly bid farewell to Li Haitang at the airport.
"Haitang, can't you stay a few more days?"
"No, there are matters at the village that require my return."
Li Haitang pecked Ning Beichen on the cheek, then released him, gathered her belongings, and stylishly walked towards the boarding gate. After a few steps, she suddenly turned back and said to Ning Beichen, "Ning Beichen, that girl has an unusual destiny with you. Cherish her well."
"What girl? What girl do I have? Haitang, have you misunderstood something?" Ning Beichen asked, looking utterly bewildered.
"Ning Beichen, what is destined to come will come, and what is destined to happen will happen. Remember my words, don't let her down," Li Haitang said to him in a mysterious tone.
"Hey, Haitang, clarify it for me! Who am I not to let down?" Ning Beichen felt as if he were talking to a fortune teller or an old monk, someone who only spoke in half-truths, leaving him itching for answers.
"When you need to know, you will know. Alright, I'm leaving. You should go back." Li Haitang paid him no mind, waved goodbye, and turned resolutely into the boarding gate, leaving Ning Beichen alone in the airport lobby, lost in thought and utterly perplexed.