Lord of Prayer

(The chapter title numbers for the past few chapters were incorrect. I’ll contact my editor on Monday to get them changed.)

“…What do you mean?”

Yang was taken aback. ‘That kid, Zhou Chen, has apparently gone sixty years into the past to fool around. Why would he need my help?’

‘And there’s more hidden in her words—it seems Jiang Che knows some of the secrets behind all this.’

“How should I know? She just told me to pass that message on to you.” Christina picked up the used red wine bottle from the table, uncorked it, and unceremoniously took a few large gulps.

“She hired you?”

“She contacted me in secret and made an offer I couldn’t refuse. The job was to find you and ensure your safety.” Christina glanced at Yang. “Making it to Gold Medal Operator in the Star Association… Looks like you’ve done pretty well for yourself over the years.”

“It’s nothing compared to you…” Yang pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. “Still smoke?”

“Quit a long time ago. Because of you,” Christina said, her face expressionless.

Yang sheepishly put the pack away and changed the subject. “What did she offer you?”

“You think I’m going to tell you? Don’t forget, we’re enemies now. You people killed Omega’s new-generation seed. The Blood Race may have canceled their assassination contract, but Omega won’t just let it slide.” Christina’s expression was cold.

‘So are you going to hand me over to your organization, or are you just going to execute me on the spot?’ Yang wondered. He knew Christina was still angry; what he’d done back then was way out of line. Getting her forgiveness wasn’t going to be easy.

‘Sigh… The messes I made when I was young and impulsive…’

“Did my boss give you any other instructions?”

“She said not to contact her for a while and to wait patiently for the right opportunity. You’re to lie low here. This is my secret safe house; the organization doesn’t know about it, so it’s secure. There’s enough food in the fridge to last you three days. I’ll be back for you then.” Christina drained the last of the wine from the bottle and stood up to leave.

Yang quickly grabbed her hand. “You’re leaving already?”

“What, you were expecting some kind of reunion fuck? I’m absolutely furious right now. Just looking at you pisses me off.”

Yang knew he couldn’t let Christina leave. He tightened his grip, pulling her forcefully into an embrace. Holding her tight, he said with sincerity, “We’ve finally seen each other again. I want to spend a little more time with you. I’ve really missed you all these years…”

Christina was held tight. With her Power, breaking free would have been simple. But as she took in his familiar scent and warmth, and saw the face she had missed for so long, her will to struggle vanished. Her rigid body gradually relaxed. After a long silence, she murmured softly, “But you shattered my heart.”

“It was my fault. I was too impulsive back then. If I had another chance, I would never have left without a word. But past mistakes can’t be undone. I don’t know if you can forgive me, but I hope you’ll give me one more chance. I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”

Yang’s gaze was sincere and resolute as he looked deeply into Christina’s eyes. His embrace tightened slightly. “If you don’t say yes, I’ll just keep bothering you until you do.”

Before Christina could speak, he suddenly kissed her, possessively sealing her lips with his. Christina let out a startled sound and began to struggle, but her movements were half-hearted. A moment later, she melted into his arms.

After a long moment, they parted. Christina looked at Yang quietly and said softly, “Then it’s a promise. Don’t you dare leave me again.”

“Yeah. I promise.”

After another long embrace, Christina stood up, smoothing her hair and clothes. “I have to go. If I’m gone too long, people will get suspicious. You’re a high-priority fugitive from the Star Association right now. If I’m found with you, I’m finished.”

“I am curious, though. Why was I branded a fugitive…?” Yang didn’t try to make her stay. He knew Christina didn’t have much time. Besides, his goal was accomplished—they had reconciled.

“That’s a question for the Hong City Star Gathering.”

“Xiao Na, what’s the Blood Race up to?”

“Protecting client confidentiality is a cardinal rule of my profession. You don’t want me to suffer the backlash from a Soul Contract, do you?” Christina said.

Once a contract is accepted, both the client and the contractor sign a Soul Contract to guarantee no relevant information is leaked.

“Never mind then. Just be careful. The Crimson Sect is very dang—”

Christina suddenly pressed her index finger to Yang’s lips, a playful smile on her face. “I’m Tier Three, and you’re Tier Two. You should be more worried about yourself than me.”

“I care more about your safety. As long as you’re safe, that’s what matters.” Yang stepped forward for a gentle hug. “It’s really good to see you again.”

“Stop being so mushy,” Christina said, returning the hug briefly before turning to open the door. “I’m going. You take care of yourself.”

After she left, Yang flopped onto the sofa and let out a long sigh of relief.

‘I finally made it through that ordeal. In the end, all I got was a single stab wound. I can live with that…’ He glanced at his shoulder. The wound was already healing thanks to the Blood Bottle. ‘Christina just wanted to vent her anger; she wasn’t trying to kill me.’

‘I wonder how that kid is doing now. Still, he’s an Alchemist, so at least he won’t starve.

‘Jiang Che told me to wait in Hong City and help him, but she didn’t say what was going to happen. Such a riddler… The Blood Race, Omega, the Crimson Sect, and now I’m a wanted man for no reason… I feel like I’m being dragged into the middle of some huge conspiracy…’