Chương 191: The Mirror Lord's Impotent Rage

The rain is getting heavier.

The dense rain, like a gray waterfall connecting heaven and earth, relentlessly washed over the silent industrial park, shrouding everything in a hazy mist.

The "battle" between Jiying and Liuli continues.

The icy blue light and the pitch-black figure collided and separated violently again and again in the rain. Each intersection brought up visible white waves of air, shaking away all the surrounding rainwater.

The powerful magic and the violent ethereal energy clashed and annihilated each other, and the resulting gale caused the buildings not far away to groan under the strain.

On the surface, it appears to be a closely contested and intense match.

One is a magical girl fighting to protect her companions and the city, and the other is a powerful and arrogant knight in black armor whose identity is unknown.

Both were calm and collected, and every attack and defense they made was precise and efficient, like a textbook example.

However, beneath their seemingly calm exteriors, they all inevitably fell into a certain degree of anxiety deep inside.

Did that bastard Jingjue really see all of this?

Will he choose to show himself?

This was the question they both had in mind at that moment.

This was the question they both had in mind at that moment, and it was also the key to whether this carefully planned "performance" would succeed. Neither of them was absolutely certain.

Liuli was filled with uncertainty. She poured more magic into the ice blade in her hand and attacked Jiying with a more ferocious offensive, trying to make this "performance" more realistic.

As for Jiying, in addition to this shared anxiety, she also had a deeper worry that maintaining her current heavy armor knight form would consume far more virtual energy than she had imagined.

—If I consume too much virtual energy in this form, and then clash with that cunning fellow when he actually appears—can I really defeat him?

With these chaotic and heavy thoughts in mind, the two were suddenly separated after another rapid collision, each landing on the ground where the water was up to their ankles, facing each other from a distance.

In that brief moment, a change occurred without warning.

Not far away, a pool of murky water that had gathered in a depression was suddenly smoothed out by some invisible force. All the ripples on the surface disappeared, leaving the water smooth as a mirror, clearly reflecting the gray sky and the dense raindrops.

Immediately afterwards, a tall, slender figure wearing a pure black top hat and a long trench coat emerged from the small puddle of water.

He didn't look at Liuli, who was facing him and instantly assumed a highly alert posture. Instead, he glanced at Jiying with an extremely impatient look, then raised his hand, which was wearing a white silk glove, and gently made a "come in" gesture.

coming!

The two eerie red lights that shone through the gaps in the Silent Shadow's ferocious helmet suddenly became even brighter.

Hmph, finally couldn't sit still, huh? It seems Xiao Li is indeed very important to you.

Jiying stopped stalemate with Liuli, put away the black blade on the side of her arm armor, and turned to walk towards Jingjue.

Reaching the puddle of water, which resembled a mirror, he slowly turned his head and, in a slightly mocking and listless tone, said to Liuli in the distance, "That's enough, little girl. Your game time is over."

After saying that, he didn't even glance at Liuli again, but strode calmly toward the strange pool of water and stepped into its reflection.

His figure vanished silently in the next instant, as if merging into the thick curtain of rain.

The expected sense of spatial displacement, of being forcibly pulled and torn apart, did not occur. Ji Ying only felt the light in front of her dim, as if she had passed through a thin film of water.

This sensory experience of traversing space is not unfamiliar to her; in fact, it is quite commonplace, just like her own "shadow leaps," which are only brief visual blurs and slight weightlessness.

When he regained his footing, he found himself in a distorted and bizarre alternate dimension composed of many mirrors of varying sizes.

After confirming that Ji Ying had completely disappeared, Liu Li's tense body finally relaxed. With the departure of Jing Jue and Ji Ying, the industrial park returned to silence, leaving her alone in the same spot.

The strange puddle returned to its original state, once again being drenched by dense raindrops, creating countless tiny ripples.

Liuli sheathed the ice blade in her hand, letting it dissipate into specks of icy blue light in the air. Then she slowly walked forward to the puddle and stood quietly.

She understood, of course, that Ji Ying's look and those words were a signal to her.

Your task is complete. Leave the rest to me.

The icy rain relentlessly soaked her dark blue combat uniform and neat short hair. Water droplets slid down her fair and smooth cheeks, making her look somewhat disheveled, yet also exuding a captivating determination.

Looking down, Liuli gazed at her slightly blurred reflection in the puddles, shattered and reformed again and again by the raindrops, and fell into deep thought.

Everything was exactly as Xiaoying had predicted. The Void Apostle named Jingjue really did show up and led her into that unknown trap.

Xiaoying's wisdom and courage earned her sincere admiration, and the first part of the plan went very successfully.

But then, an even stronger sense of worry surged into her heart like a tide, causing her to involuntarily clench her fists.

Liuli knew that the rest of the matter could only be left for Xiaoying to face alone.

What will she encounter in that carefully laid trap by the enemy, filled with unknown dangers? Will she really—be able to return safely?

At this moment, she didn't even have time to think deeply about why the powerful Void Realm Apostle, Mirror Lord, would show such unusual attention and importance to her, a mere Stardust level being.

All she can do now is pray.

"Xiaoying—" she murmured softly, her voice barely audible to herself amidst the pattering rain.

"You must—bring Xingxian back safely!"

Inside the mirrored maze, Mirror Lord slowly turned around, his true expression, hidden beneath the pure white smiling mask, filled with suppressed rage.

He looked at his fellow being who called himself "Silent Shadow" and couldn't understand what was going on in this guy's head.

He had already sworn an oath with him to stay out of trouble, so why was he still fighting with a Stardust-level magical girl who was so important to his plans? Didn't he realize how much he valued that Stardust?

Despite his anger, Mirror Lord ultimately chose to open the entrance himself, diverting this uncertain factor away from that stardust.

Protecting that precious "key" and ensuring that no mishaps occur before the plan is completed is his highest principle.

Therefore, after determining that Jiying's attack might cause substantial damage to that stardust, he had no choice but to take the initiative to intervene and divert this uncontrollable and huge troublesome factor away from the other party.

But he hated this feeling, hated the feeling of having his plans forcibly interfered with by others and having to react passively.

However, Ji Ying's next move once again exceeded Jing Jue's expectations.

The heavily armored knight in black, after looking around, said to him in a tone that was anything but grateful, but rather carried a hint of self-righteous mockery: "Thank you, you've really been a great help."

This casual thank you, seemingly directed at a courteous waiter, instantly ignited Jingjue's long-suppressed anger.

"What the hell are you trying to do?!" Jingjue's voice was no longer as elegant and composed as before, but was filled with suppressed anger.

"Why did you attack that Stardust?! Have you forgotten that you swore an oath to the being you serve that you wouldn't harm her?!"

Faced with Jingjue's furious question, Jiying seemed to have heard an amusing joke, and a mocking chuckle came from beneath his menacing helmet.

He tilted his head and retorted with a slightly amused tone, "Heh—make a move? You call those few moves I just made—making a move?"

Ji Ying slowly raised his right hand, covered in a jet-black arm guard, his fingers spreading and then clenching, feeling the surging power within him. His tone was nonchalant yet filled with extreme arrogance: "If it weren't for that pointless oath, if it weren't for my disdain for taking a mere Stardust seriously, do you think—she could have lasted a single round against me?"

"She's completely unharmed. Looking at the outcome, haven't I—well kept my vow perfectly?"

"you----!"

Jingjue was speechless for a moment after being choked by Jiying's extremely tricky "twisted logic".

He couldn't refute it, because judging from the results, the magical girl named Ruri didn't suffer any real harm.

Although Jiying's behavior seemed aggressive, in a sense, it did not violate the core of the vow to "not harm her".

But that process—that process was practically testing the limits of his tolerance!

Jingjue forcibly suppressed the surging anger in his chest, knowing that arguing with this "martial arts fanatic" about the literal meaning of the oath was pointless.

He changed his approach and continued in a deep voice, "Then why did you fight with her?"

"Oh, that?" Ji Ying replied in an extremely nonchalant tone, "I was just strolling around outside and she just happened to bump into me."

"Since she's so enthusiastic about playing with me, I can't very well refuse a young girl's enthusiastic invitation, can I? So, I'll just play along."

"Play along with her?!" Jingjue felt his rationality and patience being gradually worn away by this guy's self-righteous and scoundrelly attitude.

This extremely capricious answer left him feeling powerless once again.

He took a deep breath and posed the core question that he couldn't understand most: "Then why didn't you just leave? Did you think Stardust could catch you at your speed?"

This was Jingjue's biggest question. In his opinion, with Jiying's extreme speed, it would be easy for her to shake off a Stardust-level opponent. There was no need to entangle with her for so long.

But he didn't do that. Instead, he fought with his opponent in the rain for so long, which is completely illogical!

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this question, Ji Ying let out an undisguised cold laugh, as if she had heard the most ridiculous joke in the world.

"Heh heh—leaving?"

"That should be called running away, right?"

Ji Ying took a step forward, his dark red eyes piercing Jing Jue like two sharp swords. The oppressive aura emanating from his massive body, over two meters tall, instantly overwhelmed Jing Jue, causing him to subconsciously tense up.

"Jing Jue, I'm asking you." Ji Ying's tone was filled with extreme arrogance and contempt, as if he were questioning an ignorant child.

"Do you really think I—Silent Shadow—would do something so humiliating as to be chased around by a mere Stardust?!"

"What reason do I have to retreat when facing an enemy?"

".. ——" This time, Jingjue was completely speechless.

He stared blankly at the dark knight in front of him, who exuded a terrifying aura, and felt an unprecedented sense of frustration welling up in his heart.

—Damn it! This hopeless martial arts fanatic! A madman! Is there nothing else in his head besides fighting and that ridiculous sense of pride?!

He suddenly realized with some sadness that everything he was so proud of—whether it was his ingenious schemes, elegant words, or strange power—seemed to have no effective influence on this annoying "kind" in front of him.

Because the other party—not only can they fight, but they also don't reason with you at all!

From my perspective, although this Lonely Shadow is a detestable fellow human, he is still "of the same kind" after all. We share a common enemy: the Magic Kingdom and the Human World. Moreover, he is suspected of being sent here by some important figure to carry out a secret mission. Before we can find out his background and details, it is not advisable to completely break off relations.

In terms of strength, his opponent's unreasonable and powerful defense and bizarre attack methods made it difficult for him to cope.

As for Zhimou, I know nothing about him and have no way of setting a targeted trap.

Thinking of this, Jingjue forcibly suppressed the almost boiling anger and irritation in his heart, and decided not to continue to entangle with this martial arts fanatic with a mental disorder in front of him on this stupid topic.

All he wanted now was to end this agonizing conversation as soon as possible and then focus on dealing with his precious "trophy" that was about to be his.

However, Ji Ying clearly had no intention of letting him have his way.

After completely shutting down Jingjue with his theory about the "dignity of a martial arts fanatic," he didn't immediately suggest leaving. Instead, like a truly invited "guest," he leisurely turned around and cast his gaze upon the dilapidated mirror maze.

He then secretly observed his surroundings, constantly analyzing the situation in his mind.

—The number of mirrors was far fewer than expected, and most of them were riddled with cracks, seemingly unable to form effective reflections or transmissions. The energy at the edges of the space was extremely unstable, with tiny spatial fragments constantly being generated and annihilated.

It seems that Xingxian did indeed cause a great disturbance here not long ago, and caused Jingjue considerable trouble.

On the surface, however, he spoke casually, with the disdain of a nobleman visiting a slum, "By the way, Mirror Lord—is this where you're hiding?"

"It looks... kind of shabby."

These words were like pouring a bucket of boiling oil on Jing Jue's waning anger, causing his emotions to explode once again.

This mirrored labyrinth is a masterpiece he meticulously constructed using his "Mirror Authority," and it is his proud "Absolute Territory"!

Although it was damaged by the previous battle and the actions of that inspector, it is still essentially a crystallization of his art and power!

Now, this masterpiece is being described as "shabby" by this muscle-obsessed martial arts fanatic?!

This is the most blatant insult to his taste, his ability, and his very existence! It's even more unacceptable than a direct attack on him!

"you--!"

Jingjue's voice became shrill again with anger, and he was almost about to attack recklessly, but his remaining rationality eventually held him back.

—Calm down! Don't stoop to the level of this madman! My primary objective now is to deal with that inspector; I can't afford any further complications.

So, he merely forced out a cold "humph" through gritted teeth, forcibly suppressing his anger, and explained in a deliberately indifferent tone, "It was just a minor accident; I'll soon be able to restore this mirror maze to its perfect state."

To save face and to show off to this ignorant martial arts fanatic, he added, "At that time, I can invite you in again to see and appreciate my perfect stage," and let you witness—what true mirror art really is.

"An accident?" Ji Ying keenly caught this key word.

He knew that an "accident" that even someone as arrogant as Jingjue had to admit must have been a rather brutal battle.

Just hearing the name "Mirror Maze" is enough to imagine how formidable this place must have been in its heyday.

Countless mirrors can be used for teleportation, reflecting attacks, and creating illusions—it's truly remarkable that Xingxian could cause such destruction in the opponent's home turf.

On the surface, however, he maintained his nonchalant, mocking demeanor, letting out a low chuckle: "Oh? What accident? To turn your prized work of art into this state, it can't be a small accident, can it?"

"Could it be that—a rather formidable cat ran into your mouse hole before? That would be—too funny."

"Rat hole!!"

This adjective was like a red-hot branding iron, fiercely searing Jingjue's proud pride.

If the previous "shabby" only made him unhappy, then the word "rat hole" was the most unforgivable desecration of his identity as an "artist" and "controller"!

"Shut up!!!"

Jingjue could no longer maintain his composure and let out a furious roar, "Calling my prized masterpiece a rat hole?! This is the greatest insult to me! Jiying, you've gone too far!"

"Oh? Is that so?" Ji Ying seemed completely oblivious to the other party's anger. He casually waved his hand and said in a completely insincere tone, "Sorry, it seems that description was indeed inappropriate."

"However, since you're so confident, once your artwork is restored, please let me see it if you have the chance."

"Look at your proud mirror maze, can you please let me get a little serious?"

""

"To be honest, I'm very interested in it."

He added in a tone that carried a hint of anticipation, as if he were commenting on a dish.

"Damn martial arts fanatic! Incurable madman!"

Upon hearing these words, Jingjue cursed inwardly once again.

He could almost foresee that even if his mirror maze was fully restored, this unreasonable guy in front of him would only use his brute force to smash his carefully designed works of art to pieces one by one with his punches!

That wasn't a battle at all; it was pure destruction! There was absolutely no beauty in it!

Thinking of this, Jingjue's anger, which had been burning with the urge to argue with the other party, was instantly extinguished by a deep sense of powerlessness.

There's no reasoning with a madman whose mind is only focused on fighting; all he wants now is for this plague to leave as soon as possible.

"Well—we'll see when the time comes." He forced out a lukewarm reply through gritted teeth, barely suppressing his displeasure, ready to end this torturous conversation.

Jingjue thought that this torturous conversation should finally come to an end.

"However—" Ji Ying's voice suddenly rang out again, with a hint of amusement, "I just said that a cat has run into your mouse hole."

"You reacted quite strongly to the term 'rat hole'."

"But—you haven't denied the existence of 'cats,' have you, Mirror Lord?"

Jingjue's heart skipped a beat.

Ji Ying's voice became low and playful. He took a step forward, and the huge shadow cast by his tall figure completely enveloped Jing Jue.

"Why don't you tell me about it?"

"Where did you hide that 'cat'?"