Deviant: No Longer Human

Yin Yue, continuing their conversation, suggested, [How about adding a bit of your blood essence to the poison? It could enhance its potency.]

Wang Xiao paused in his task, considering the idea. "My blood essence?" he mused aloud, the notion intriguing him. The concept of using one's own life force to amplify a concoction was not new to him, but it was a tactic he seldom used, given the risks involved.

Yin Yue elaborated, [Yes, your unique energy signature could make the poison more effective, perhaps even untraceable or difficult to counteract. It's a common practice in certain dark arts.]

Wang Xiao nodded slowly, weighing the potential benefits against the risks. "It's a gamble, but it might be necessary," he conceded, his eyes scanning the dense foliage of the Whispering Woods. The forest seemed to be watching him, its ancient trees whispering secrets of the ages.

He carefully collected the poisonous dust from the vibrant flowers, each movement precise and calculated. His thoughts were a whirlwind of strategy and caution, always aware of the dangers and uncertainties of the world he navigated.

'In a world where the lines between friend and foe are blurred, where power and mystery intertwine, one must always be prepared for the unexpected,' he thought. The idea of reincarnation, a topic broached by Yin Yue, lingered in the back of his mind, a distant, unfathomable concept.

As he continued his work, Wang Xiao's demeanor was calm, yet underneath lay a restless current of anticipation and readiness. The poison, coupled with his blood essence, would be his ace in the hole, a secret weapon against unknown threats.

At the crucial moment, Wang Xiao paused, a shadow of doubt crossing his features. The gravity of the situation was not lost on him; creating a poison without an antidote was akin to walking a tightrope without a safety net.

Yin Yue, sensing his hesitation, prodded, [What's the matter? Don't want to go back?]

Wang Xiao's voice was tinged with a rare hint of uncertainty, "I haven't created the antidote yet."

[Then create it already, what are you waiting for?] Yin Yue pressed, its voice a mix of impatience and concern.

Wang Xiao fell silent, his brows furrowed in contemplation. After a moment, he admitted, "I don't know how to create the antidote. Mei Leiyan didn't know either."

A heavy sigh emanated from Yin Yue, [Let me teach you.] The spirit's tone shifted, no longer just a guide but now a mentor, ready to impart crucial knowledge.

Wang Xiao's eyes ignited with a glimmer of hope and sudden realization.

How could he possibly forget about Yin Yue's mysterious origins?

Over the past few years, this little hell spirit had rarely taken the initiative to impart knowledge to him, leaving him to believe it was all but futile. Yet, now it seemed she held untapped potential, and he was eager to harness it.

He resolved to delve deeper into her teachings, strengthening his mind and honing his psychokinesis.

As per Bing Xueli's guidance, if he achieved enough strength, the notion of shattering the earth itself didn't seem entirely out of reach.

Wang Xiao, however, harbored doubts about the feasibility of such a grand ambition.

Wouldn't achieving that level of power elevate him to godlike status?

______

A sudden whoosh! sliced through the bushes, a warning that pricked at Wang Xiao's senses. He halted in his tracks, just shy of the forest's edge.

"Something's not right," he murmured under his breath, his eyes scanning the dense scenary.

Yin Yue's voice, tinged with urgency, broke through his thoughts, [The villa is swarming with auras, a storm of breaths. Your enemies have gathered, lying in wait. Do you still plan to return?]

Wang Xiao's lips tightened. 'At worst, we'll make a swift escape.'

[Fair enough], Yin Yue conceded, her tone laced with resolve.

Gathering his courage, Wang Xiao placed his hands in a shield-like position before his forehead, a gesture of readiness and defense. He stepped into the open, his voice carrying a mix of defiance and strategy, "Hold your fire! I surrender!"

A moment of silence ensued, thick with unsaid threats and unmade decisions. Then, slowly, figures began to emerge from the shadows of the villa, their movements cautious yet deliberate.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Yin Yue's presence, though unseen, was a whispering breeze at Wang Xiao's side. [Be on your guard], she murmured, her words a mere wisp of sound.

Wang Xiao nodded slightly, his eyes sharp and calculating. He noted the positions of the emerging figures, their hands tensing on weapons, their eyes narrowing with suspicion and surprise. His mind raced through scenarios, escape routes, and defensive strategies.

Then, a commanding voice cut through the standoff. "Young man, you've made a wise decision. But know this, surrender doesn't guarantee your safety. What's your play?"

Wang Xiao's serene demeanor contrasted sharply with the charged atmosphere. "I'm here to talk to your leader, not to fight. Take me to him," he stated, his voice clear.

The commander, momentarily taken aback by Wang Xiao's calm assurance, tightened his grip on the trigger. With a grudging hiss, he ordered, "Fine, show your courage to the chief then!" He then barked at the others, "Escort him inside. Search him thoroughly. We don't want any surprises."

As Wang Xiao was led away, his expression remained composed. He had anticipated such a search.

Before entering the villa, he had discreetly activated a mechanism, ensuring the pouch containing the poison and antidote was safely out of reach.

High above, twenty meters into the cloak of night, the pouch floated, rendered invisible under a viel of night and darkness.

As Wang Xiao was briskly ushered through the villa's imposing gates, flanked by an unexpectedly large contingent of armed guards, he voiced a cautious inquiry to Yin Yue, 'Are there any powerful individuals nearby?'

He discreetly scanned the surroundings, taking note of the numbers and positions of the guards. If the villa indeed harbored formidable foes, he needed to brace himself for what might come.

Yin Yue's response floated back, tinged with a dismissive note, [No one of significant strength — just some humans with their toys.]

Reassured yet vigilant, Wang Xiao allowed himself a momentary breath of relief.

Still, his mind remained alert, weaving through scenarios and strategies.

His eyes, calm and piercing, missed no detail as he was led deeper into the heart of potential danger.