Obsessed with a High-Ranking Esper (BL)-Chapter 271: Wounded puppy

The full force of Eros’ attack slammed into Jian Ci. The impact reverberated through the gym, hurling him backwards. He struck the reinforced wall with a sickening thud, the sound echoing like a death knell.

A collective gasp filled the room.

Jian Ci slumped to the floor, unmoving. A thin trickle of blood traced a path down his temple, stark against his pale skin.

The violet psychic energy that had once raged around him dissipated, vanishing into the air. What remained was silence, chilling and suffocating silence.

***

Yu Xi stepped out of the shower an hour ago, steam still clinging faintly to his skin as he dressed and prepared himself. He moved with his usual calm efficiency, slipping into the outfit Jian Ci had picked for him.

When he stepped out of his walk-in closet, he froze, startled to find Xiaobao perched comfortably on his bed, swinging her legs like she owned the place.

"You scared the hell out of me," Yu Xi said, his brow furrowing. "What are you doing here?"

Xiaobao grinned, eyes sparkling. "Well, I just came over to see what you are wearing. And wow, you look so handsome. Jian Ci has good taste."

Yu Xi turned toward the mirror, his reflection staring back at him. He couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. "Yes, he does." He did look good, and for once, he allowed himself to acknowledge it.

Xiaobao hopped off the bed, circling him with a critical eye. "Your hair looks good too." She reached up, fixing a few strands that had fallen out of place. Then her tone shifted, softer, more serious. "I heard from Jian Wei that they removed your blood oath."

Yu Xi blinked, caught off guard. He had no idea what that was supposed to mean. All he knew was that Jian Rui and Jian Wei had called him down to the basement in Seraphyne’s sanctuary. They hadn’t explained much, only that it was the right thing to do. He hadn’t asked questions either. He had simply bled a little, and it was done.

"What do you think that was all about?" Yu Xi asked, his voice low, thoughtful.

Xiaobao shrugged, her expression tightening. "I don’t know. I just know that I am happy you don’t have that shit hanging over your head anymore. It was like... selling your soul."

A few minutes later, Xiaobao leaned back with a satisfied grin after fussing with Yu Xi’s hair. "There," she said, brushing her hands together like an artist finishing a masterpiece.

Yu Xi glanced at his reflection, then at her. "Did you notice that Jian Ci is acting a little weird?"

Xiaobao snorted. "When is he ever not acting weird?"

"You are right," Yu Xi admitted, though his brow furrowed. "But he is more weird than usual."

Before Xiaobao could reply, the door slid open. Jian Rui rushed in, his face pale, panic etched across his features. "Where is Jian Ci?"

Yu Xi blinked, startled. "I don’t know... why?" He instinctively reached for his communicator, only to realize it wasn’t strapped to his wrist.

Jian Rui’s voice was tight. "His health indicators are going berserk."

Jian Wei appeared a moment later, breathless, his eyes wide. "He is not home, he is here." He pulled up the location on his device, the glowing coordinates stark against the screen.

Xiaobao swore under her breath. "Shit."

Yu Xi’s stomach dropped. "What is he doing at my grandfather’s g—" He didn’t need to finish the sentence. The realization hit him like a blade, and he bolted for the door.

"Yu Xi!" Jian Rui called after him.

"I will handle it!" Yu Xi shouted back, already sprinting down the hall.

By the time he reached the gym, the chaos was undeniable. The place looked like a war zone. The walls were cracked, equipment shattered, the air thick with the residue of psychic storms. Yu Xi’s heart pounded as he followed the trail of destruction, each step heavier than the last.

And at the center of the devastation, Jian Ci stood locked in battle with Eros. Violet storm against emerald blaze, their clash shook the very foundation of the gym. Yu Xi froze, his breath caught in his throat.

After Jian Ci met the blow head on Yu Xi froze for a second. His heart lurched as he scrambled forward, panic flooding his veins. Jian Ci lay crumpled against the wall, struck by the full force of Eros’ attack. His hands trembled as he reached out, smacking Jian Ci’s cheek gently, his voice breaking.

"Ci!"

Eros froze, horror dawning on his face as he realized what he had done. His grandson, his own blood, had almost been struck by that massive attack. He stepped forward, his voice unsteady. "Ah-Xi..."

But Yu Xi raised his hand sharply, his eyes blazing. "No. Not right now."

Jian Ci stirred faintly, his soul clawing its way back from the void. Yu Xi’s voice, his call, pulled him from the abyss. His eyes opened, dazed, lifeless, the violet shimmer dimmed to a hollow glow. He was still trapped in the episode, but his body was docile, pliant, like a wounded puppy clinging to the only comfort it knew.

Yu Xi sighed, relief and sorrow mingling, as he helped him up. Jian Ci leaned into him, fragile, desperate, like a wounded animal begging for Yu Xi to heal him.

The sight stunned everyone. Eros, Roan, and the other onlookers stood in disbelief. This was not the same beast who had stormed in, tearing through the gym like a force of destruction. This Jian Ci looked broken, bullied, stripped of his ferocity.

"Let’s go back," Yu Xi said softly, steadying him.

Jian Ci’s arms wrapped around Yu Xi, clinging tightly. But even in his docility, his eyes flicked toward Roan, narrowing with a deadly glare. It was a silent warning, a promise that this fight was far from over.

Jian Ci was like a heat-seeking missile. He was locked onto his target, relentless, and he would not rest until he struck.

Roan felt the weight of that stare sink into his bones. His body shivered, unsettled, as though death itself had brushed past him.

***

Yu Xi guided Jian Ci into the hovercar, settling him into the seat before activating autopilot. The vehicle hummed softly as it lifted off, gliding smoothly into the night. Yu Xi immediately called Jian Rui, his communicator flashing as the line connected.