Journey to the End of the Night Chapter 1548 - 956: Step by Step, Lotus Blooming (Part 3)

Shu Ci's gaze fell upon the small rabbit, entirely white and with a subtle tea fragrance, igniting a fiery rage within her.

Furthermore, she was known for holding grudges, and the score for her earlier undignified tumble hadn't even been settled yet.

Now that the rabbit had practically presented itself, her claws, without a second thought, extended coldly from her paw pads, slashing down with force.

Three bloody gashes marred Afu Tu’s soft white cheek. The swipe was deep, causing fresh blood to well up instantly, dyeing her fur crimson.

Rabbits and foxes, after all, occupied different paths in life. Even when startled and injured, a rabbit did not erupt in panic, nor did it scream or cry.

Afu Tu was seen clutching her injured cheek, drawing back in terror before tumbling to the floor and curling into a small ball.

The two long ears, so alert moments before, now drooped listlessly, their fur appearing soft and lifeless.

An observer privy to the circumstances would discern the claw marks. One unaware might mistake her for being wounded in a critical spot, given her appearance of a pitiful creature on the brink of death.

Adding to this, her large, red eyes now brimmed with an even more heartbreaking sorrow, radiating an innocent goodness that could easily sway hearts with sympathy.

Baili An's expression shifted dramatically, and he quickly reached out to gather the little rabbit whose cheeks were stained with blood.

His gaze turned somewhat icy as he cast a sideways glance at Shu Ci, whose claws remained extended, their tips glistening with blood:

"I truly never imagined your disposition was so savage and untamed. You've grown your nails this long—are you intending to rival wild wolves in ferocity?"

Shu Ci felt an overwhelming sense of injustice.

Nestled in his arms, Afu Tu's small, three-lobed mouth moved rapidly, as if in great distress. Compared to a fox, a creature that initially appears cunning and shifty—

A rabbit naturally looks obedient and gentle, and its actions always seem graceful and harmless.

She even lifted her own delicate pink paws, devoid of any offensive capability or hint of sharp claws, and gently nuzzled against Baili An's wrist, signaling her well-being.

Baili An lowered his head to observe Afu Tu's paws, then impassively raised his eyes to Shu Ci's claws, which gleamed with a sharp, hook-like sharpness.

He scooped up Shu Ci's small form in one hand, holding one creature in each arm.

The corpse demon's tusk emerged from beneath his lips, serving as a filing tool. With a precise, swift motion, he employed this tusk to meticulously trim away every last bit of nail from the claws on all four of Shu Ci's paws.

Shu Ci had initially harbored the innocent belief that he had picked her up to offer comfort.

Little did she know, in the very moment she lost herself in thought, her beautiful nails, meticulously cultivated over years, were entirely clipped off by this little corpse demon!

The shock coursing through Shu Ci at this moment was no less potent than if she had been rendered immobile.

Upon regaining her senses, she sprang from Baili An's embrace, her face contorted with fury.

Her hind legs scraped and dug into the ground, grinding with increasing intensity. Without the protection of her nails, she was essentially abrading her paw pads raw.

Her heart sank with despair. She raised one foreleg with all her might, spread the paw pad wide—and indeed, there was nothing left.

As a formidable, world-shaking figure of the Demon World's highest echelons, the mighty Shu Ci, whose single stomp could convulse heaven and earth—

She would sooner accept complete baldness than endure the indignity of her nails being completely clipped by another.

What was even more devastatingly tragic was that the little corpse demon she both adored and resented acted as if nothing had transpired.

He brushed imaginary dust from himself, picked up Afu Tu—who, at that very instant, was casting a subtle, scornful, dismissive glance at Shu Ci from her peripheral vision—and stood, preparing to depart and procure carrots for her.

This rabbit spirit was virtually possessed by a 'white lotus' facade; having been absent for only a short while, she had already completely usurped Shu Ci's position.

There was no way Shu Ci could simply stand by and watch her 'piece of meat' be whisked away by this accursed rabbit.

Observing his unwavering intent to leave her behind, she ceased her outbursts, her bared fangs and claws.

She darted forward, hopped, and attached herself to Baili An's ankles, clutching his calf with a death grip, resolutely refusing to release her hold.

Ultimately, through sheer, unyielding persistence, she successfully secured her right to accompany them.

In the adjoining chamber, a company of female Disciples from the Taixuan Sect were gathered anxiously around their Senior Sister's bedside, their hearts overflowing with concern and sorrow.

"Senior Sister Su Jing, already wounded, still resolutely escorted us juniors all the way here to Shifang City. Throughout the journey, she relentlessly engaged the demons, never once showing fatigue. I suspect her body was pushed beyond its limits, yet she concealed it from us. The instant we stepped foot into Shifang City, she could no longer maintain her composure and collapsed. Look at her shallow breathing... I'm beginning to fear Senior Sister Su Jing might just drift away in her sleep."

"Bah, bah, bah! What rubbish are you spewing? The Sect Master's wife is set to arrive in Shifang City tomorrow to be reunited with Senior Sister Su Jing. Given Senior Sister's delicate condition, cease your incessant chatter and don't go stirring up trouble."

"Let's lower our voices and allow Senior Sister to rest peacefully. It is, however, a bit of a shame; the city is hosting a grand celebration tonight, and with Senior Sister Su Jing asleep, she'll undoubtedly miss the spectacle."

"What kind of esteemed immortal is Senior Sister Su Jing? Do you truly believe she's like us, desiring to wander aimlessly through the night for mere amusement?"