Deep Within the Living

Chapter 19: The Deadlock

If they had initially chosen the metal box associated with the echoes of tongue-clicking and demons, they might have been prepared for the situation with appropriate countermeasures. But now, there was no preparation—this was entirely unexpected, and it came after dealing with the Jiangshi. The class leader was severely injured in their very first encounter.

Moreover, as mere high school sophomores, they lacked the experience to handle an intangible anomaly. While they had studied theoretical knowledge about demons in school, it was far from practical.

According to the lessons, once an individual is possessed by a demon-type "anomaly," the only method to avoid harming the possessed is exorcism.

In the city where Luo Di and his peers lived, which was predominantly influenced by the Huaxia culture, occurrences of demon-like anomalies were extremely rare, to the point of nonexistence. As a result, schools generally did not delve into this subject, reserving systematic education for higher levels.

However, someone like Gao Yuxuan, a top student, had studied this on his own and was now processing everything rapidly. In his view, Anna, a top-tier student from a prestigious institution in Suzhou, might have undergone specialized training and could have tools for dealing with demons.

He quickly rummaged through Anna's backpack and found a Russian version of the Bible, with a metal cross tucked inside.

When the Bible was retrieved, Anna—lying in bed and possessed—maintained her smile, showing no sign of alarm. Gao Yuxuan casually tossed the Russian Bible to Luo Di.

“Don’t you need it?” Luo Di asked.

“I’ve memorized it. Quickly, flip to Psalm 91 and read along with me. It’s a plea for divine protection and the banishment of evil. It should suppress the demon within Anna and protect our mental stability until professionals from the research institute arrive.”

Once Luo Di turned to the appropriate chapter, Gao Yuxuan raised the cross toward the bed where Anna lay. Together, they began reciting in Russian:“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty…”

But their recital only made Anna laugh hysterically. The ash lingering in the room didn’t subside, and the rising temperature continued unabated.

“Hahaha~ What obedient little bookworms you are. You’re not even believers, probably never even set foot in a church or met a clergyman. Yet here you are, trying to invoke the power of the 'One Above.' Absolutely hilarious!

“You can’t do anything with that. Why not leave, like Wen Wen did? Maybe you’ll find a sliver of hope. Though, I doubt you’re cold-hearted enough to abandon this poor girl, are you?”

Anna’s taunting demon-possessed voice didn’t disrupt their recitation. It was their sole exorcism method.

Though the continued chanting didn’t appear to harm Anna, her smile faded, replaced by irritation and disgust.

“Enough!”

Her sudden roar cracked the vanity mirror in the master bedroom.

“This revolting nonsense is making me sick! Stop disgusting me, or when I reach 'complete fusion,' I won’t simply kill you. I’ll flay you—slowly, one tendon, one strip of flesh at a time!”

One of Anna’s eyes began to change, her pupils shrinking to a pinhead, while the rest of her eye turned completely white. Beneath her tongue, a small, second tongue began to grow.

This transformation seemed to signify a deeper stage of possession, strengthening the demon’s influence on reality.

While reading aloud, Luo Di hesitated. He noticed something writhing out from between the Bible’s pages: a tongue, which lightly licked the fingers holding the book.

Instead of being moist or sticky, it felt bizarre, as if countless tiny baby arms covered its surface, gripping and pulling at Luo Di, trying to drag him into the depths of hell.

The Bible fell from his hands, landing on the scorched floor and burning to ash.

Staring at the incinerated Bible and the worsening possession, an idea sparked in Luo Di’s mind. He glanced toward Gao Yuxuan, signaling with his eyes for him to stop reciting.

When the chanting ceased, silence enveloped the room.

Anna’s tongue flicked up and down in her mouth, like clapping hands in twisted applause. “Ah, you’ve finally quieted down.

“Fusion isn’t complete yet, so let’s kill some time. Let’s see your 'essence,' shall we? Starting with you, the studious, needle-wielding boy with glasses.”

Her granular pupil fixed on Gao Yuxuan, as if peering into his soul and unraveling his thoughts.

“Oh! A prodigy, held aloft since childhood. Physically and mentally superior, with a bright future in an elite corporate high school.

“Too bad an accident right before enrollment damaged your left arm, dragging down your exam results and forcing you into an ordinary high school. You spiraled into self-doubt, as your arm’s condition worsened. You even spent a fortune on a prosthetic.

“And now, here you are, caught up in this nightmare right after getting your prosthetic.

“How does it feel? You were so close to climbing out of the abyss, to proving yourself through this practice session for next year’s entrance exams. Yet now, you’re going to die in this unexpected disaster.

“That talent you’re so proud of? I’ll personally bury it. Are you feeling the despair?

“Despair is exquisite. I can’t wait to taste it, to savor it fully by sticking my tongue into your mouth. How delicious it will be!”

As the demon recounted Gao Yuxuan’s history, he barely reacted. He calmly adjusted his glasses, his expression unchanged.

He had tasted despair before and emerged from the depths. He let go of those feelings a year ago.

Now, his only focus was the present crisis and how to break the deadlock. At the same time, doubt crept into his mind: Why hadn’t the institute sent help yet? His gaze flickered toward the door, hoping for someone to appear.

“They might not be coming…” Luo Di’s sudden words left Gao Yuxuan stunned.

“Waiting for rescue” had been the foundation of Gao Yuxuan’s actions. If this core survival strategy crumbled, his logical thinking would hit a dead end.

But on reflection, Luo Di’s conclusion had some merit. If the research institute made such a basic mistake, it could mean internal chaos—even danger to its own staff. They might not have time to handle this crisis at all.

Even if the institute were to intervene, it would have to wait until their internal situation stabilized.

Gao Yuxuan's eyes became unfocused, a rare moment of confusion overtaking him—he didn’t know what to do next. Find the newest release on NoveIＦire.net

Meanwhile, Anna, still lying on the bed, continued her hellish monologue. “You’re absolutely right. That lot at the institute probably won’t come. My appearance here wasn’t just a simple technical error, you know.”

Then, shifting her focus, she said, “Alright, let’s take a look at this quiet little boy who likes to play the hero.”

Anna’s head twisted mechanically on her neck, her gaze locking onto Luo Di. As her granular pupils fixed on him, the possessed Anna’s expression transformed.

Confusion.

Curiosity.

Excitement.

“…What a fascinating human!”