Chapter 90: The Situation Became Awkward for a Time

“Is that so? Last night, a vampire count threatened me in the same arrogant way. By now, I’m guessing the grass on his grave has already started to sprout. Are you sure you want to go down that path as well?”
Lin Xiao remained unmoved, as if oblivious to the dire situation. He spoke with utter calm, though the murderous intent in his voice sent chills down everyone’s spine—he was not joking.

Lucien’s expression faltered slightly, the confidence on his face wavering for a moment before he regained composure. With a cold snort, he retorted, “And what of it? He’s him, I’m me. To deal with you, I’ve assembled enough men. Numbers are on my side; no matter how strong you are, it’s useless. Besides, your parents are both in my hands. If you don’t want to see them torn apart and die miserably before your eyes, you’d better do as I say. It’s your only way out.”

A dozen burly young men roared ferociously at them, their bodies beginning to swell—a sign they were on the verge of transforming into werewolves.

Joey cowered in terror behind Sheriff Hopper. Number Eleven, Will, and Dustin, on the other hand, showed little fear. They’d seen enough chaos to know this was hardly a serious threat.

Number Eleven noticed that Jonathan on the opposite side was quietly winking at her, signaling subtly towards the surrounding werewolves. She gave a slight nod, indicating she understood.

“Sorry, I’m not an idiot. If I hand those two over, we’d be in even greater danger. You have hostages, but so do I. Who’s afraid of whom?”
Lin Xiao replied unhurriedly, tightening his hold on Michael and placing a hand firmly on his neck, applying gentle pressure.

Michael, who had been shouting, instantly began gasping for air, eyes rolling back. Number Eleven hesitated to speak, but did not intervene. Her gaze swept the area, releasing an invisible wave of power.

“Stop! What are you doing?”
Lucien shouted nervously, but Lin Xiao let go and smiled faintly.
“So you do care about Michael. Looks like my guess was correct. Tell me, why did you capture Michael? Don’t tell me you’re some sick pervert with a thing for kids because the little guy is cute and you want to take him home as your bride.”

Eddie burst out laughing, and even Sheriff Hopper couldn’t suppress a smile. This kid always got more sarcastic the more tense things became.

Lucien’s mouth twitched. This made no sense—he had clearly held the upper hand, but now, in the blink of an eye, the tables had turned and he was the one being threatened.

No, this wouldn’t do; he had to take back control and not fall into this trap.

With that thought, the werewolf leader waved his hand, and four of his men instantly transformed, morphing into massive werewolves eager to leap at their besieged opponents.

“Take a good look—your parents are inside. The hostage in your hands isn’t my family, but your friend. I don’t believe you’d kill your own, but I absolutely will tear your friends and family apart, starting with that toothless brat.”

Pointing at Dustin, Lucien signaled the four werewolves, who charged from all directions. Nick and Sheriff Hopper immediately opened fire.

Gunshots rang out as the two men repelled the werewolves coming at them from the front, but the two behind pressed on, reaching for Dustin in the crowd.

Bang! Bang!

Two thunderous shots echoed. Both burly werewolves fell with gaping holes in their heads, collapsing lifeless at Dustin’s feet.

Dustin looked up in delight and called out, “Teacher, is that you?”

Everyone turned to follow his gaze. On the second-floor balcony of the haunted house stood a tall figure, holding a semi-automatic rifle aimed squarely at Lucien.

“Blade?!”
Lucien cried out in disbelief. He never imagined that the legendary vampire hunter, Blade, would appear here. It made no sense.

The Black warrior nodded in greeting, gun sweeping across the group of young men. After seeing two werewolves drop with just two shots, none dared linger.

With his pack’s morale collapsing, Lucien embodied the phrase “a cornered dog will jump the wall.” He sprang up, kicking off the wall in an attempt to scale it, determined to take down Blade and regain control.

But Eric, who stood on the balcony, leaped down, landing in front of Lin Xiao and the others, raising his gun and aiming at the strong young men in the yard.

“Ah!”
Lucien roared furiously, landing with a heavy thud that sent up a cloud of dust. His flawless plan had gone awry at every turn, pushing him to the brink of madness.

“What are you shouting for? Have some decency—the neighbors have to work tomorrow!”
Lin Xiao scolded. Eddie burst out laughing, and even the stern Eric’s face twitched with amusement.

After all, the man was a tribal leader, yet Lin Xiao was reprimanding him like a mischievous dog—at least leave him some dignity.

Lucien’s expression was so colorful it could have supplied a dye shop: red, blue, and purple in turn. If it weren’t for a werewolf’s robust lungs, he might have died of rage on the spot.

“I don’t care if I lose all my men—I’ll wipe out your whole family, not leaving a single one. All of you, transform and tear them apart! Take back our future!”

Lucien’s bellow ignited his fury; his muscles bulged, and in a scene out of a classic martial arts film, fur sprouted rapidly as he transformed into a giant werewolf.

But to his embarrassment, his men remained rooted to the spot, their eyes vacant, as if their souls had been plucked out—they were like puppets on strings.

The situation was almost comical. Only Lucien had transformed, now surrounded by Eric, Nick, Sheriff Hopper with their guns, and Lin Xiao and Eddie standing in front—completely encircled.

“What are you doing? Transform! Kill them all! Take back hope for our kind!”

Lucien shouted furiously, but the dozen strong young men stood motionless, like puppets with their strings cut.

“I told you to stop yelling. Don’t you care about the neighbors’ sleep? Honestly, what a bunch of degenerates. Oh, sorry, I forgot—tomorrow’s Sunday, no work. Why don’t you shout a few more times?”
Lin Xiao chuckled. Lucien, utterly bewildered, roared, “What are you all doing? Are you betraying the pack?”

“They’re not betraying you. Your companions are all under mental control. Did you really think I was making small talk with you just for fun?”
Lin Xiao nodded toward where Number Eleven stood. The young girl raised her hands, radiating a formidable aura—she was the one who had used her psychic powers to control the assembled werewolves.

Having recently advanced to a mid-level witch, Number Eleven’s mental domination abilities had grown. Controlling this group of first-tier werewolves was difficult, but just within her grasp.

A mournful howl rose from Lucien, filled with heroic tragedy and grievance. The mighty werewolf leader now resembled a wounded husky, moving Eddie to almost feel sorry for him.

Too cruel! But I like it.

“All right, enough howling. Here are your two options: You can fight the five of us one-on-one, or the five of us can fight you together. Choose.”

Pfft!

Eddie was the first to burst out laughing at Lin Xiao’s words. So, the guy had a talent for comedy—he didn’t even need to fight; a few more quips and Lucien would be dead of rage.

Joey clamped a hand over his mouth, giggling. He never expected Jonathan to be so funny; he used to be a different person. Could it be love that’s changed him so completely?

Yes, that must be it.

Nick and Sheriff Hopper were laughing so hard they could barely hold their guns. Even Number Eleven, who was struggling to maintain her psychic hold, almost doubled over, nearly losing control as she clutched her stomach.

Can’t you be serious for once? We’re in the middle of a fight here.

PS: Thanks to “Ice on the Snowfield” for the reward, and to everyone for your daily votes. The serial goes online at New Year’s, so I hope you’ll all support it.