Chapter 42: Boundless Love
Sil Deshah's brow furrowed slightly at her cousin's venomous words, her delicate features tightening with discomfort. But before she could respond, Chen Haunt stepped in, his voice smooth and reassuring. "Deshah-chan, don't waste your energy on that wraith's nonsense. Once the Summon Soul Banner is complete, I'll hand her soul over to you. You can do with her as you please."
He turned his gaze toward her cousin's soul, his eyes narrowing into a chilling glare. His lips twisted into a sneer as he continued, "Deshah-chan's devotion to me is unwavering. I may have started indifferent to matters of the heart, but over time, how could anyone remain unmoved by such loyalty and love? How could I ever let her down? You, a cold-hearted fool who cares only for chasing the Great Dao, could never understand the depth of real romance or boundless love."
Her cousin's soul let out a sharp, disdainful "Hmph!" but offered no further retort.
Sil Deshah, however, took Chen Haunt's words as a triumph. Her mood brightened, her earlier unease melting away. With renewed determination, she burned a drop of her essence blood, accelerating the refining process of the parent formation. The banner flashed brilliantly, its aura surging and ebbing in powerful waves. "Senior Brother!" she called out, her voice urgent. "Drip your essence blood on the banner now—once you do, you'll be its master, and no soul inside will dare defy you!"
"Finally!" Chen Haunt's chest swelled with triumphant joy. After years of meticulous planning and relentless effort, success was finally within his grasp. Without hesitation, he sliced his fingertip and flicked a drop of essence blood onto the banner. The moment the blood made contact, the banner steadied, its connection to Chen Haunt's mind snapping into place. With a single thought, he could feel its powers aligning perfectly under his command.
All the souls within the banner, moments ago seething with hatred and defiance, now bowed in silent submission, their resistance utterly crushed.
"Yes! Yes, yes, very well!" Chen Haunt's smile widened as he summoned the banner with a casual gesture. It flew from its place into his waiting hand. He caressed its silk surface, his fingers trembling slightly with barely contained excitement. The banner was forged—finally.
Sil Deshah, however, wobbled unsteadily, her breath coming in heavy pants. She had poured her strength into the refining process, and the toll was evident. Yet, as she glanced at Chen Haunt, she noticed he didn't immediately rush to her side to express gratitude or affection as he had in the past. Her gaze lingered on him, a flicker of resentment flashing in her eyes before she quickly brushed it aside. Of course, she told herself, all the squad has worked tirelessly for this moment. His joy at the banner's completion is only natural. It's understandable that he's overwhelmed.
Leaning in, she gently called out, her tone light and playful, "Chen-oppa," ready to subtly remind him of her efforts and the bond they shared.