Shapeshifters

Shuisheng and Suying walked in. At this moment, a worker-like man with a big beard ran out from the alley opposite, dashed straight to Lu Yun, his gaze blank, muttered “It’s done” and then ran off. “Good,” Lu Yun adjusted her clothes, “we can leave now.” I asked Lu Yun, “Hypnosis? It’s more like an art of manipulation!” Lu Yun smiled at me radiantly. I suddenly felt dizzy, as if her smile was so beautiful that it could make me forget everything. When I snapped back to reality, I realized I had nearly fallen under Lu Yun’s spell, becoming just like that worker. I suddenly understood that her beauty was the best medium for her illusions. I didn’t believe anyone could remain unmoved by her beauty, even women would be astounded. I guessed if those transformed into humans from the seabed saw Suying again, they would certainly regret their decision. A flutter in the heart, and this master of illusion would seize the opportunity. On the short walk, I asked Lu Yun, “Do you have any plans? Are you going to use your illusions to deal with everyone at once?” “It’s not that easy!” Lu Yun gave a bitter smile, “The people there, judging by their footsteps and gaze, are professionally trained, experienced personnel. Illusions aren’t omnipotent against those with strong, firm mental strength. The last time in the human cave, I managed it with the help of the formation’s power.” “Then why don’t I and Shuisheng go in and knock everyone out?” another seabed person said impatiently. “No way!” I quickly stopped them, “Those are people from our country’s X agency. If you cause a scene, it will definitely lead to trouble. By then, it would be a mess, and Suying and Shuisheng would be in big trouble. Lu Yun, you must be careful; we can’t bear this responsibility.” “I’ll be cautious,” Lu Yun said, spotting Ruan Xiuwen in the distance and whispering “Oh no.” “What’s wrong?” “I didn’t notice earlier, that man’s glasses are special, designed to resist magic like illusions.” I couldn’t help but admire Ruan’s lineage and Lu Yun’s keen observation. “What should we do now?” I glanced at the anxious Shuisheng and Suying who was clinging tightly to him. “I believe I can control him one-on-one, but dealing with everyone around him at the same time is almost impossible,” Lu Yun said solemnly. “We have no choice but to take a gamble,” Shuisheng said, “If we miss this chance, there might not be another.” We entered the alley with Lu Yun leading the way, shielding us behind her. Ruan Xiuwen turned around, visibly shocked upon seeing Lu Yun, then stared at her intently, seemingly unaware of us behind. Shuisheng and the other seabed person were ready to strike, but Lu Yun held them back. Attacking members of the X agency was too risky; they might be carrying high-tech weapons. The workers nearby watched us in amazement, stopping their work. Lu Yun and Ruan Xiuwen continued to stare at each other intensely. Ruan seemed to realize his predicament, trying desperately to look away but to no avail; his head seemed stuck, his neck bones cracking, and sweat beading on his forehead. Lu Yun smiled lightly, her eyes moving, appearing relaxed but in reality, it was perilous, for if the illusion failed, the caster would suffer from the backlash. Ruan, true to his lineage, fought hard to maintain his mental defenses, his glasses reflecting a dazzling light. They were in a mental duel. Just a few seconds later, with a snap, Ruan’s glasses broke. The situation had reached its critical point. I saw someone reaching into their pocket for a device, and everyone’s attention had shifted to us. If Lu Yun couldn’t subdue Ruan and control the others immediately, we were done for. My forehead was covered in sweat, my fists clenched. However, the situation was dire; Ruan, indeed a descendant of a notable family, took a step forward. Even Lu Yun was sweating. I think we all felt our hearts sink. At the construction site, someone was already dialing a phone. It was truly a case of man proposing but heaven disposing. Just as my heart was about to leap out of my throat, I suddenly felt dizzy, everything spinning, and then I lost consciousness.