Chapter 169
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Chapter 169: Fleeting Splendor
Bai Yan gazed at the high school girl standing before him. Her long black hair cascaded to her waist, framing a figure more refined than most students. Her face, exquisitely delicate, seemed crafted to inspire envy.
Though she couldn’t rival the breathtaking beauty of Mu Ling or Maryse, her charm was undeniable, akin to Amy’s—a solid 8 or even a 9, by the standards of “Babel Tower.”
Yet, Bai Yan knew her allure
wasn’t entirely natural. In her
normal state, this girl’s charm
might score a mere 7.
Something supernatural
amplified her beauty, making it
almost otherworldly.
“Who are you? Why are you
here? I need to find my
teacher!” Li Yin demanded,
unease creeping into her voice
as she turned to leave.
Suddenly, a petite girl pinched
her cheek.
“Hey! Why did you pinch me?”
Li Yin exclaimed, frowning as her gaze fell upon the little girl. For a brief moment, she was entranced by the child’s strikingly beautiful face.
Maryse smiled mischievously. “Miss, don’t be so quick to leave. We’re here to save you.”
Save me? Li Yin’s mind swirled with disbelief. I don’t need your help. Leave me alone!
Unexpectedly, a surge of malice bubbled within her. It was alien, uncontrollable, and disconcerting.
While Li Yin had long grappled with self-doubt and envy, she had never succumbed to cruelty. Yet now, a dark thought whispered within her mind: Dwarf.
Maryse’s expression shifted as she caught wind of Li Yin’s internal insult. Her emerald eyes glinted with silver as she tightened her grip on Li Yin’s face.
“Ouch, that hurts! Let go!” Li Yin cried out, nearly in tears.
[Obey my command. Tell me what you’ve experienced in the past few days.]
Li Yin’s resistance dissolved as her eyes glazed over, her body still under Maryse’s firm grip.
“I attended a classmate’s gathering a few days ago,” she began, her voice eerily monotone. “A junior high school friend told me about a miraculous place—the ‘Equal Wellness Club’—that could make me more beautiful.”
Her words faltered for a moment.
“I wanted that beauty… wanted everyone to praise me. I went there, met many people… even some wealthy ones. A woman, a ‘master,’ taught me how to draw power from the universe and balance my body.
“‘Balance.’ That’s what they call their philosophy. The true name of the club is ‘Balanced Wellness.’ Balance lies between all things.”
Li Yin’s face glowed with pride, her voice trembling with emotion.
“I did it! I’m so close… so close to the beauty I envied. Even she, usually so indifferent, looked at me with approval for the first time!”
Her exuberance dimmed suddenly, her tone softening to a whisper.
“But… it was only for a moment.”
Maryse furrowed her brow, sensing something off in the girl’s words.
Bai Yan stepped forward and placed a hand on Li Yin’s head.
Connection.
Scenes of fragmented memories flooded Bai Yan’s mind. Among them, he located the club’s exact location: Dawn District, west of the city.
“Thank you for the information,” Bai Yan said with a smile.
As his influence lifted, Li Yin blinked, regaining her senses.
“What… what just happened?”
Maryse scowled but refrained from speaking. Bai Yan had effortlessly removed her control, a testament to his formidable power—even in projection form.
Li Yin, however, was overtaken by fear.
“What are you going to do to me?” she stammered, recalling the terrifying tales of superhuman crimes.
Bai Yan offered a calm smile. “It’s already done.”
Li Yin paled. Her mind leapt to the worst conclusion—had something irreversible happened to her?
Her thoughts must have been transparent, for Bai Yan continued gently, “You’re beautiful now—more beautiful than before. But it’s fleeting. Your beauty is ‘youth’ compressed. In a few years, you’ll age faster than others.”
Li Yin’s voice trembled with denial. “Impossible… you’re lying!”
“Lies don’t instill fear. Only the truth does,” Bai Yan replied, his tone unwavering.
Tears streamed down Li Yin’s face as she whispered, “Save me, please. I know I was wrong… I just wanted to be beautiful.”
Bai Yan stroked her hair gently. “Don’t worry. I’ll restore you. But you must accept the consequences.”
Li Yin nodded quietly, her voice barely audible. “Thank you.”
Bai Yan and Maryse departed
without drawing attention from
the bustling students around
them.
As they left, a flawless, black-
haired woman stood silently
atop the school roof, her gaze
fixed on them.
Maryse broke the silence.
“That girl is so vain. She’s
obsessed with her
appearance… Do people really
care so much about others’
opinions?”
Bai Yan smiled faintly. “More
than you think.”
Maryse pouted. “Are you
mocking me?”
“Am I?” Bai Yan teased.
The pair made their way
toward Dawn District. Bai Yan
purchased snacks for Maryse
along the way, her mood lifting
with each small gesture.
“Let’s fight the cult together,”
Maryse declared with
newfound confidence.
“Be cautious,” Bai Yan warned.
Maryse smirked. “If things go
south, I’ll cheer you on from
the sidelines.”
Yet even as she spoke, a
thought lingered in her mind.
I won’t let him die. Not this
time.
