《天堂旅館》長篇奇幻愛情小說

【十五】陳約翰力挫兩大護法
54
十三號黑色星期五，陰霾籠罩著大地，寒意滲透人心。
即便是正午時分，天空依舊灰沉沉的，濃厚的陰氣使得日光顯得慘白無力。天堂旅館外，街燈昏黃，霧氣朦朧，行人稀少。這裡，是吸血鬼的夜宴之所，今夜更是群魔亂舞的聚會。
威爾森站在大門口，身後兩名身著黑西裝的服務生筆直站立，目光警惕地掃視著每一位來客。旅館門楣上掛著一塊烫金匾額，正下方用英文、法文、德文、拉丁文與華文寫著：「今晚私人宴會，恕不對外營業。」
兩名旅客慢慢走近，他們的影子被旅館門口的燈光拉得修長。
「咦？」客人甲皺起眉頭，「今晚不營業？」
威爾森優雅地脫下禮帽，微微欠身，露出標準的職業微笑：「是的，很抱歉。」
客人乙疑惑地環顧四周：「那住宿呢？我們還能訂房嗎？」
威爾森輕輕搖頭：「本館今晚房間全數訂滿，兩位可就近選擇別家旅館。」
客人甲嘆了口氣，顯得頗為失望：「真可惜，朋友大力推薦這裡，我們可是慕名而來的呢。」
他們轉身離去，剛走出幾步，另一對客人已經踏上台階。威爾森目光一凝，這次來的……是熟客。
鬼卒丙瞇起眼睛，打量門口的裝潢：「嘿，這地方換人經營了？接待的人我怎麼沒見過？」
人鬼丁用手指輕敲大門邊緣，摸索著木紋：「才幾個月不來，大門裝潢都變了。」
威爾森嘴角揚起，做出邀請的手勢：「本店重新裝修，提供更完善、高品質的服務。兩位同道請進。」
兩隻人鬼對視一眼，輕笑著推門而入。旅館大廳內，燭光閃爍，紅絨沙發錯落有致，擺放著復古雕花的橡木桌。空氣中瀰漫著淡淡的麝香味，座位已坐了六七成，所有客人皆衣著考究，卻隱隱散發著一股不同尋常的氣息。
在這群「客人」之中，只有兩人不是吸血鬼。
陳約翰穿著紳士服，皮鞋擦得光可鑑人，他優雅地端起紅酒杯，假裝細細品味，實則時刻警惕著周圍的一舉一動。他的香水氣息掩蓋了身上真正的味道，使他看起來像個普通的藝術品商人。
林曉陽則穿著整齊的服務生制服，手持托盤，穿梭在人群之間。他動作俐落，神情鎮定，茶水與點心穩穩地遞到每一位客人面前。而為了掩蓋自身的氣息，他在肌膚上擦了一層特殊的乳液，讓自己與吸血鬼的敏銳嗅覺絕緣。

[Fifteen] Father John Chen Defeats the Two Chief Enforcers

54

Friday the 13th. A gloomy atmosphere hung over the land, and a chill seemed to seep into people’s hearts.

Even at noon, the sky remained dark and gray, while the thick sinister energy made the sunlight look pale and powerless. Outside Paradise Inn, the streetlights cast a dim yellow glow through the mist, and few pedestrians could be seen. This was a place where vampires held their nightly feasts, and tonight, it was a gathering where all kinds of supernatural creatures would run wild.

Wilson stood at the entrance. Behind him, two servers dressed in black suits stood straight, their vigilant eyes scanning every guest who arrived. A gold-lettered plaque hung above the hotel entrance. Directly beneath it, a notice was written in English, French, German, Latin, and Chinese: “Private party tonight. Closed to the public.”

Two travelers slowly approached, their shadows stretched long by the lights at the hotel entrance.

“Hmm?” Guest A frowned. “You’re closed tonight?”

Wilson elegantly removed his top hat, bowed slightly, and gave them a standard professional smile. “Yes. We’re very sorry.”

Guest B looked around in confusion. “What about accommodations? Can we still book a room?”

Wilson gently shook his head. “All of our rooms are fully booked tonight. You may wish to choose another hotel nearby.”

Guest A sighed, looking rather disappointed. “What a shame. Our friends strongly recommended this place. That’s why we came all this way.”

They turned and walked away. After taking only a few steps, another pair of guests had already stepped onto the stairs. Wilson’s gaze sharpened. These newcomers... were regular guests.

Ghost Soldier C narrowed his eyes as he examined the entrance. “Hey, did this place change owners? I’ve never seen the person working the front desk before.”

Human-Ghost D lightly tapped the edge of the door, feeling the wood grain with his fingers. “It’s only been a few months since I was last here, and even the entrance has been renovated.”

Wilson smiled and gestured invitingly. “The hotel has been renovated and now offers more complete, high-quality services. Please come in, my fellow supernatural friends.”

The two human-ghosts exchanged a glance, chuckled softly, and pushed open the door.

Inside the hotel lobby, candlelight flickered. Red velvet sofas were arranged throughout the room, accompanied by oak tables decorated with vintage carvings. A faint scent of musk filled the air. The seats were already sixty to seventy percent occupied, and all the guests were elegantly dressed, yet they subtly gave off an unusual aura.

Among these “guests,” only two were not vampires.

Father John Chen was dressed like a gentleman, his leather shoes polished until they gleamed. He elegantly raised a glass of red wine, pretending to savor it carefully while remaining constantly alert to every movement around him. The scent of his cologne concealed his true smell, making him appear to be an ordinary art dealer.

Lin Xiaoyang, meanwhile, wore a neat server’s uniform and carried a tray as he moved through the crowd. His movements were swift and efficient, and his expression remained calm as he steadily served tea and refreshments to each guest. To conceal his own scent, he had rubbed a special lotion over his skin, making himself undetectable to the vampires’ keen sense of smell.

At that moment, the entrance opened again. Wilson recognized the newcomer—it was George, the Phantom Hand. His cloak trembled slightly, while Attis beside him said nothing, his eyes as sharp as a hawk’s.

Wilson immediately put away his scrutinizing gaze, bowed, and assumed a welcoming posture.

“Welcome to our hotel, gentlemen.”

George narrowed his eyes and looked Wilson up and down.

“You are...?”

“I’m the new general manager, the nephew of the old innkeeper, Robert,” Wilson replied calmly and confidently.

George gave a slight nod without asking any further questions and entered the hotel lobby side by side with Attis.

As soon as they sat down, Lin Xiaoyang quickly approached with a tray and respectfully handed them the menu.

“Gentlemen, is there anything I can do for you?”

George was about to casually open the menu when he glanced at Lin Xiaoyang and suddenly stopped.

“Hmm? What are you doing here?”

Lin Xiaoyang was equally startled. He raised an eyebrow slightly.

“You’re... the gentleman who performed magic at the lakeside square yesterday?”

George chuckled. “That’s right. I didn’t expect you to be a server here.”

“Yes.”

George slowly extended his hand. “Pleased to meet you, young man.”

Lin Xiaoyang hesitated for a moment before politely shaking his hand. However, the instant George’s fingertips touched Xiaoyang’s pulse, his expression changed slightly. His eyes became deep and cold.

“This guy’s pulse... a pure-Yang constitution!?”

Although George still wore a smile on his face, a storm raged inside him. He calmly released Lin Xiaoyang’s hand, and a strange glint flashed in his eyes.

At that moment, a burst of lively applause rang out. In the center of the lobby, a man dressed as a clown was moving among the tables. While serving food, he imitated the calls of various birds, animals, and insects, entertaining the vampires until they burst into laughter.

George’s gaze swept over the clown, and he frowned.

“Why does this guy... look so familiar?”

Adornod noticed George watching him but continued his performance calmly, as though nothing unusual had happened.

However, this confrontation hidden beneath the surface had only just begun...

Suddenly, the hotel entrance was pushed open again, and a group of people filed inside.

At the front was a man wearing a long black cloak. He walked with steady steps, his eyes sharp as blades, a faint cold smile on his face. Wilson recognized him and quickly bowed.

“Welcome, my fellow supernatural friends.”

The newcomer was none other than Jack the Ripper.

Several followers walked behind him. Among them, the figure of a blonde Eastern girl made Lin Xiaoyang’s heart suddenly tighten.

“Hui-jun... No, Annie!”

He forced himself to suppress his excitement and tried to keep his voice steady.

“Welcome to our hotel, everyone.”

His gaze fell on Annie. But when their eyes met, there was not the slightest ripple of emotion on her face, as though she did not know him at all.

Lin Xiaoyang took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the emotions surging inside him.

“Cocktails first,” Jack said casually after glancing at the menu. “Get this girl a Bloody Mary.”

Lin Xiaoyang’s fingertips trembled slightly. He knew very well that this night would be a silent battle.

### 55

Late at night, the lobby was brightly lit as a masquerade ball was taking place. More than a dozen couples danced gracefully on the dance floor. Nearly a hundred guests sat around them. Apart from Father John Chen and General Manager Wilson, hardly anyone realized that a battle between good and evil was about to begin.

Wilson signaled to the two servers at the entrance. They quietly closed the doors and locked them with steel bolts.

At that moment, the music suddenly stopped, leaving the ghosts bewildered. The Phantom Hand realized that they had fallen into a trap and exchanged a glance with Jack the Ripper.

Wilson walked onto the dance floor, removed his hat, and bowed.

“I am Wilson, the general manager of this hotel. My fellow friends from the supernatural world have come a long way. As your host, we should naturally have welcomed and entertained you. However, Princess Maria has given an order: anyone belonging to Anderson’s faction may not leave this place tonight unless they are willing to turn away from evil and come over to the light.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the ghosts looked at one another. Then they automatically split into two groups, clearly divided into opposing sides.

Qiu Shenzhi said, “Wilson, we don’t belong to Anderson’s faction. We don’t want to get dragged into the conflict between your two sides. Can we leave?”

Wilson replied, “Friends who do not belong to Anderson’s faction only need to take the Dragon Blood Pill in my hand. You’ll be able to leave shortly afterward.”

Qiu Shenzhi was displeased and demanded loudly, “Why do we have to take that pill? Is Princess Maria trying to control us with drugs?”

Wilson smiled. “After taking the Dragon Blood Pill, you won’t need to drink human blood anymore. You’ll be able to obtain the energy needed to sustain your bodies from ordinary food and drink.”

Qiu Shenzhi asked, “Are you saying that if we take this pill, we’ll no longer be vampires?”

Wilson said, “You misunderstood, Painter. After taking the pill, you’ll still be vampires, just like me. While the effects of the medicine last, you won’t need to drink human blood, and like humans, you’ll be able to come out and move around during the daytime.”

Qiu Shenzhi asked again, “I understand. Then how long do the effects of the medicine last?”

Wilson replied, “Four years. At this time four years from now, you’ll have to return here for an evaluation. Those who pass the evaluation will receive another Dragon Blood Pill from me.”

Qiu Shenzhi asked uneasily, “What circumstances would cause someone to fail this evaluation?”

Wilson remained calm.

“During these four years, if you join Anderson’s faction, you’ll fail the evaluation. If you drink human blood, the Dragon Blood Pill inside your body will turn into a deadly poison and immediately kill you.”

Qiu Shenzhi asked, “And what happens if we fail the evaluation and can’t take another Dragon Blood Pill?”

Wilson said, “Your body will rapidly age and then deteriorate and die.”

Qiu Shenzhi sneered disdainfully.

“Heh-heh! When you put it that way, aren’t you simply trying to control us with drugs?”

Wilson said, “You don’t have to look at it in the worst possible way. The Princess has made this requirement mainly to reduce conflicts between vampires and humans so that both sides can coexist peacefully.”

Jack, among the ghosts, gave several cold laughs.

“You certainly talk big. The only question is whether your abilities are as impressive as your words.”

In the dimly lit center of the dance floor, ghostly blue flames drifted and flickered, illuminating faces in the audience that were filled with either excitement or fear. Suddenly, a steady sound of footsteps rang out, breaking the whispers among the supernatural creatures.

“Slap!”

Father John Chen flung open his cloak. His mask fell to the ground, revealing a cold and resolute face. He slowly stepped onto the dance floor and reached into his clothing to take out a sinister cross made of human bone. Candlelight reflected off the ghostly remains, making the atmosphere even more eerie. He looked around, his voice low but powerful.

“This ghost brother has made a very practical point. I, John Chen, will let all of you see tonight what it means to subdue demons and vanquish ghosts.”

A wave of frightened whispers rose from the audience. Many of the ghost followers could not help taking a step backward, unmistakable fear appearing on their faces.

“John Chen?”

“He’s the one they call Ghostbane?”

Ghost Soldier A pointed at the Father with trembling fingers. His lips had gone pale, and his voice trembled.

“The man rumored to have slain countless evil spirits and struck terror throughout the supernatural world?”

A contemptuous cold laugh came from the side. A man dressed in a long black robe stepped forward, his eyes sharp as blades and a playful smile curling at the corners of his mouth. He was George, the Phantom Hand, a renowned master of the supernatural world.

He turned his head slightly and examined the Father like a hawk studying its prey.

“I’ve heard so much about you, Ghostbane. Now that I finally have the chance to meet you in person, let me see what you can do.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly flicked his sleeve. Several flashes of cold light shot out like a violent storm, heading straight for Father John Chen’s vital points. The sharp swords gleamed coldly as they traced deadly arcs through the air, like venomous snakes striking their prey.

Father John Chen, however, remained calm. He turned sideways to evade the attack, then flipped his left hand and lightly raised the human-bone cross. The flying swords seemed to be drawn by some invisible force. One after another, they struck the cross with several sharp metallic clangs and became firmly attached to it, unable to move.

George’s pupils contracted. Cold sweat appeared at his temples, and he cried out inwardly.

“This guy’s abilities really are unfathomable...”

The Father’s expression was cold and stern. He slowly tightened his hand, and the cross emitted a deep hum.

“George, the Phantom Hand, you have harmed countless people. Tonight, it is time for you to atone for your sins.”

George said nothing. The next second, his figure suddenly shifted and changed, as though a reflection on water had split apart. In an instant, more than a dozen Georges appeared simultaneously around the dance floor. Each held a different weapon—knives, swords, sickles, and long whips flashing in every direction. Phantom images swirled everywhere, making it impossible to tell which one was the real George.

“Come on. Let me see what you can do.”

More than a dozen figures simultaneously swung their weapons and attacked the Father from all directions. Their momentum was overwhelming, and murderous intent was unmistakable.

The Father slowly closed his eyes and raised the cross in his hand. He silently recited scripture. Then he suddenly opened his eyes, pushed off with one foot, and moved through the flashes of blades and swords like a gust of wind.

With a series of deafening cracking sounds, George’s phantom images disappeared one after another. His true body finally emerged, cold sweat pouring down his forehead.

Just as George was still in shock, a fierce killing intent suddenly came from behind.

“Whoosh!”

An extraordinarily sharp pair of steel shears swept through the air, flashing with cold light and heading straight for the back of the Father’s neck.

“Look out!”

Lin Xiaoyang’s cry rang throughout the entire dance floor.

Father John Chen spun around and quickly dodged to the side while raising the cross horizontally to block the attack, knocking the incoming steel shears away.

The attacker was none other than Jack the Ripper. He wielded blades in both hands, each move vicious. In one hand, he held steel shears designed to sever a person’s head; on the other hand, the five fingers of his other hand transformed into surgical knives, stabbing directly toward his opponent’s heart.

George and Jack joined forces, attacking from both sides, their ghostly figures crossing and weaving as every move carried murderous intent.

At first, Father John Chen focused on defense while looking for opportunities to attack. As time passed, however, he gradually figured out the two ghosts’ attack patterns and began to counterattack. His cross moved like an arrow released from a bow, shifting from defense to offense, every strike aimed directly at his opponents’ openings.

“Bang!”

George took a heavy kick to the chest and went rolling backward more than a dozen steps. His face turned pale, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

“Boom!”

Jack was forced into a corner. The Father’s fists came down like a violent storm. Jack could not keep up with the attacks and was beaten until blood sprayed from his mouth, leaving him barely able to stand.

Just then, a slender figure suddenly rushed into the battle.

“Don’t!”

Annie threw herself in front of Jack without hesitation. The Father abruptly pulled back his fist, but he was still a step too late. Annie was struck in the chest by a sacred implement. Several of her ribs shattered instantly, and blood poured from her mouth. She staggered backward and finally collapsed into Jack’s arms, her breathing faint.

“Hui-jun!”

Lin Xiaoyang rushed forward and painfully lifted the barely conscious Annie into his arms. Tears burst from his eyes. He gritted his teeth, his voice trembling.

“Why did you have to be so foolish... Hui-jun...”

The dance floor fell into complete silence.

The Father turned around and looked coldly at George and Jack.

“Now, taking your lives would be as easy as lifting a finger. Do you want to die, or do you want to live? You choose.”

Jack was seriously wounded and could barely speak, but his eyes remained resolute.

“I cannot betray the Duke... Brother, I’ll go ahead. I’ll wait for you in hell...”

Before he finished speaking, he raised the steel shears and, without hesitation, severed the bones of his own neck.

“Crack!”

His head rolled to the ground, blood spraying everywhere. All the ghost followers around them were horrified.

George remained silent for a long time. Finally, he slowly nodded.

“I am willing to retire from the supernatural world...”

The Father’s gaze was sharp.

“Destroy your own martial arts abilities and解除 your magic.”

George sighed softly and raised his hand to sever his own tendons. Blood dripped onto the floor.

“Let’s go...” George said quietly to his follower, Attis.

Wilson stepped forward and handed him a pill.

“The Dragon Blood Pill. You can leave only after taking it.”

George said nothing. He took the pill, swallowed it, and then left with Attis supporting him.

In the dance floor, Anderson’s followers looked at one another. Then, one after another, they rushed to declare their allegiance.

“I’m willing to pledge allegiance to the Princess...”

At this point, the battle had been completely turned around, and the outcome was decided.

### 56

Lin Xiaoyang held Annie tightly as he staggered toward Room 504 and pushed open the door. His footsteps were unsteady, and his heart pounded like a drum. He gently laid her on the bed, his trembling fingertips softly stroking her pale face. Annie’s breathing was weak, like a flickering candle in the wind, ready to go out at any moment.

He knelt beside the bed, tightly holding her cold hand, his eyes filled with tears.

“No... You can’t...” His voice trembled. Tears slipped down his face and fell onto her pale forehead. He desperately wished he could do something, even if it meant giving his own life in exchange for a chance to save hers.

Suddenly, the mural on the wall trembled slightly, and a halo of light emerged from the canvas. As the scenery within the painting twisted and distorted, a figure slowly stepped out. The old painter Huang Lihua, dressed in a long robe and holding a paintbrush, appeared in the room like a figure from a dream.

“Xiaoyang.”

Huang Lihua’s voice was low, carrying the weariness of the years. His eyes fell on Annie lying on the bed, and his brows knitted tightly.

“This girl is far too badly injured.”

Lin Xiaoyang raised his head, tears still wet on his face. His voice was choked with emotion.

“Elder... You can save her, right?”

Huang Lihua slowly shook his head, his tone solemn.

“I’m sorry. I don’t have that ability. But Xiaoyang, you have to tell me first. What is your relationship with her? Why are you so determined to save her?”

Lin Xiaoyang lowered his eyes. The fist he had clenched had turned white.

“She... disappeared for two years. I’ve been looking for her for two years.” He took a deep breath, his throat tightening. “She’s my girlfriend... How could I give up?”

A complicated emotion flashed through Huang Lihua’s eyes. He sighed.

“Oh? Then what about my granddaughter Minhua? Are you planning to betray her?”

Lin Xiaoyang froze and painfully closed his eyes. He knew how Minhua felt about him, but now...

“Elder, please forgive me. I can’t think about that right now...”

Huang Lihua quietly watched him for a long time before finally speaking.

“What is love, that it moves the whole world... Xiaoyang, perhaps there is someone who can save her.”

Lin Xiaoyang suddenly raised his head, a faint glimmer of hope burning in his eyes.

“Who?”

“Princess Maria.”

“Take me to see her!”

Lin Xiaoyang immediately stood up.

Huang Lihua raised a hand to stop him.

“You don’t need to go. The Princess will save her. But she can only repair Annie’s body. She cannot解除 the spell placed on her.”

“The spell?” Lin Xiaoyang frowned, uneasiness rising in his heart. “What will happen if the spell isn’t解除?”

“She won’t recover her memories.”

Huang Lihua’s words struck Lin Xiaoyang’s heart like a heavy hammer.

Lin Xiaoyang murmured softly, “Then... does that mean I have to ask Duke Anderson for help?”

Huang Lihua gave a cold laugh, a trace of mockery flashing in his eyes.

“Do you really think the Duke would help you for no reason?”

Lin Xiaoyang took a deep breath, his gaze resolute.

“Even if he wants me to exchange my life for hers, I’m willing.”

Huang Lihua’s expression grew heavy.

“Child, that is simply what you want to believe. The Duke is an evil demon. Do you really think he will keep his promise?”

Lin Xiaoyang clenched his fists, his voice low.

“Then what should I do? Is there any other way?”

Huang Lihua pondered for a moment before slowly speaking.

“There is. If you can send the Duke back to hell, her spell will disappear.”

“You mean... I have to kill the Duke?”

“No.” Huang Lihua’s tone was firm, his eyes blazing. “No one can kill the Duke. Not even you or the Princess. But you can send him back to hell and leave him under Satan’s control.”

Lin Xiaoyang took a deep breath, his fists trembling slightly.

“I understand... But can I really do it?”

Huang Lihua looked directly into his eyes and slowly nodded.

“You can. This mission belongs to you.”

Lin Xiaoyang closed his eyes. After a moment, he opened them again, determination burning in his gaze.

“All right! To bring Hui-jun back, I’m willing to fight the Duke.”

Huang Lihua said nothing more. He raised his paintbrush and gently waved it. Annie’s body on the bed slowly floated into the air and drifted toward the mural.

“Remember, never, ever negotiate with the devil.”

His voice was low and stern.

Lin Xiaoyang watched as Annie’s figure gradually merged into the mural until the last trace of her graceful silhouette disappeared completely.

The room fell silent once again, leaving only the burning determination surging in his heart.

這時，大門再次打開，威爾森認出來者——是「幻影手」喬治。他的披風微微顫動，身旁的阿提斯則不發一語，目光如鷹隼般銳利。
威爾森立即收起審視的眼神，彎腰做出歡迎的姿態：「兩位客人，歡迎光臨本旅館。」
喬治瞇起眼睛，目光上下打量著威爾森：「你是……？」
「我是新來的總管，老掌櫃羅伯特的姪兒。」威爾森不卑不亢地回應。
喬治微微頷首，沒有多問，與阿提斯並肩走入旅館大廳。
他們剛剛入座，林曉陽迅速端著托盤走來，恭敬地遞上菜單：「兩位客人，有需要我為你們效勞的地方嗎？」
喬治正準備隨手翻開菜單，目光一掃，忽然停頓：「嗯？怎麼是你？」
林曉陽同樣一怔，眉頭輕輕一挑：「你是……昨天在湖岸廣場表演魔術的先生？」
喬治輕笑：「沒錯，想不到你是這裡的侍者。」
「是的。」
喬治緩緩伸出手：「幸會了，年輕人。」
林曉陽微微一愣，才禮貌性地與他握手。然而，喬治的指尖輕觸曉陽的脈搏，一瞬間，他的表情微微變化，眼神變得深邃而陰冷——「這傢伙的脈搏……純陽體質！？」
喬治雖然臉上仍掛著微笑，心中卻掀起驚濤駭浪。他不動聲色地鬆開手，眸中閃過一絲詭異的光芒。
此刻，一陣熱鬧的掌聲響起，大廳中央，一名化裝成小丑的男子正在穿梭於各桌之間。他邊遞餐點，邊展示各種鳥獸蟲鳴的口技，逗得吸血鬼們開懷大笑。
喬治的目光掃過那名小丑，眉頭一皺：「這傢伙……為什麼感覺有點眼熟？」
阿多諾察覺喬治的注視，依然鎮定地表演著，彷彿毫無異狀。
然而，這場潛伏於暗流中的對峙，才剛剛開始……
忽然，旅館大門再次被推開，一夥人魚貫而入。
走在最前方的男子披著一件黑色長披風，步伐穩健，雙眼鋒利如刀，臉上帶著若有似無的冷笑。威爾森認出來者，連忙彎腰：「諸位同道，歡迎光臨。」
來者，正是開膛手傑克。
他的身後，跟著幾名手下。其中，一位金髮東方女孩的身影讓林曉陽的心臟瞬間收縮——
「慧君……不，安妮！」
他強忍住激動，盡量讓自己的聲音保持平穩：「各位客人，歡迎光臨本店。」
他的目光落在安妮身上，然而，當兩人四目相對時，她的臉上毫無波瀾，彷彿完全不認識他。
林曉陽深吸一口氣，努力壓抑住洶湧而出的情感。
「先上雞尾酒，」傑克掃了菜單一眼，語氣輕佻地說：「給這位女孩來一杯血腥瑪莉。」
林曉陽的指尖輕輕顫抖，他深知，這一夜，將會是一場無聲的較量。

55
深夜，大廳裡燈火通明，正在舉辦化妝舞會，舞池裡十幾對男女婆娑起舞。周圍的座位上坐著將近百位客人，除了陳約翰神父和總管威爾森，沒有幾個人意識到，一場正邪對決正要展開。
威爾森向大門口兩名服務生使眼色，兩人悄悄地將大門關上，鎖上鋼製鎖頭。這時，樂曲突然停止，眾鬼正感詫異。幻影手意識到落入陷阱，他向開膛手傑克使了個眼色。
威爾森走到舞池中，脫帽鞠躬：「我是本店總管威爾森，各位鬼道朋友遠道而來，本店原本該盡地主之誼款待各位，不過呢，瑪莉亞公主有令，凡屬安德森陣營的朋友，除非願意改邪歸正，否則今晚都不能離開這裡。」
話一說完，眾鬼面面相覷，隨即自動分列成兩邊，壁壘分明。
邱慎之說：「威爾森，我們不屬於安德森陣營，不想被捲入你們雙方的爭鬥，我們是不是可以離開？」
威爾森：「不屬於安德森陣營的朋友，只要服下我手中龍血丹，待會兒就可以離開。」
邱慎之不悅，大聲質問：「為什麼要服用那丹藥？莫非瑪莉亞公主企圖以藥物控制我們？」
威爾森微笑說：「服用龍血丹後，各位就不必再吸食人血，可以和一般人一樣，從飲食中獲得維持身體的能量。」
邱慎之問：「你是意思是說，我們如果服用這丹藥，就不再是吸血鬼囉？」
威爾森說：「你會錯意了，畫家。服用這丹藥，你們還是和我一樣，都是吸血鬼，在藥效有效期間內，諸位不必再吸食人血，和人類一樣，白天就可以出來活動。」
邱慎之又問：「我懂了，那麼藥效能維持多久呢？」
威爾森說：「四年。四年後的這時候，各位就必須回到這裡來，接受考核，考核通過的朋友，我就會再給你一粒龍血丹。」
邱慎之不安地問：「哪些情況是你所謂的考核沒通過呢？」
威爾森表情鎮定說：「這四年期間，倘若你加入安德森陣營，你就會通不過考核。如果你吸食人血，那麼你體內的龍血丹就會轉成劇毒，立即讓你毒發身亡。」
邱慎之問：「那沒通過考核，不能再服用龍血丹會如何？」
威爾森說：「你的身體會快速老化，然後衰竭死亡。」
邱慎之面露不屑說：「嘿嘿！說穿了不就是想用藥物控制我們。」
威爾森說：「你不必盡往壞的方面去想，公主會有這個要求，主要是減少我們吸血鬼和人類之間的衝突，雙方和諧共存。」
眾鬼裡的傑克冷笑數聲說：「聽你說話的口氣不小，就是不知你們的本事夠不夠大。」
燈火昏暗的舞池中央，幽藍色的鬼火飄忽閃爍，映照著觀眾席上一張張或興奮、或驚懼的面孔。突然，一道沉穩的腳步聲響起，打破了鬼魅間的低語。
「啪！」
陳約翰神父甩開披風，面具墜落在地，露出一張冷峻而堅定的臉。他緩步踏入舞池，伸手從衣襟中取出一只陰森森的人骨十字架，燭火映在泛著幽光的骸骨上，使整個場域的氣氛更加詭異。他環顧四周，聲音低沉卻有力：「這位鬼兄弟說得很實際，我陳約翰，今晚就讓各位見識什麼叫作降魔伏鬼。」
觀眾席中響起一陣驚惶的竊竊私語，許多鬼徒忍不住後退一步，臉上浮現難掩的恐懼。
「陳約翰？」
「他就是那個鬼見愁？」
鬼卒A的手指顫抖地指向神父，嘴唇發白，聲音帶著一絲顫抖：「傳聞中斬殺無數惡鬼，讓鬼界聞風喪膽的那個人？」
一道輕蔑的冷笑聲傳來，一名身穿黑色長袍的男子走出，眼神銳利如刀，嘴角噙著一抹玩味的笑意。他是幻影手喬治，鬼界赫赫有名的高手。他微微側首，目光如鷹隼般打量著神父：「久仰大名，鬼見愁。今日得見真人，便讓我來領教你的本事。」
話音剛落，他袖口猛然一振，數道寒光如疾風暴雨般射出，直取陳約翰的要害。利劍閃爍著冷冽的光芒，在半空劃出死亡的弧線，宛如毒蛇出擊。

然而，陳約翰不慌不忙，側身閃避，左手一翻，人骨十字架輕輕一擋，那幾支飛劍竟如受某種無形力量牽引般，紛紛「叮叮」數聲，牢牢吸附在十字架上，動彈不得。

喬治瞳孔驟縮，額角滲出冷汗，心中暗叫不妙：「這傢伙的本事果然深不可測……。」

神父目光冷峻，手掌微微一握，十字架發出一聲低沉的嗡鳴。「幻影手喬治，你害人無數，今晚，該是你贖罪的時刻。」

喬治不語，下一秒，他的身形倏然變幻，彷彿水面上的倒影分裂，轉瞬之間，十幾個喬治同時出現在舞池四周，手中兵刃各異，刀、劍、鐮刀、長鞭交錯閃爍，幻影流轉，讓人無法分辨哪個才是本尊。
「來吧，讓我看看你的能耐。」
十幾道身影一齊揮舞兵器，從四面八方向神父襲來，氣勢驚人，殺機畢露。
神父雙目微閉，手中十字架緩緩舉起，口中默誦經文，隨後猛然睜開雙眼，腳下一蹬，身形如疾風般穿梭於刀光劍影之間。隨著一聲聲震耳的破裂聲響起，喬治的幻影逐一消散，他的本體終於顯露出來，額上冷汗直冒。
正當喬治心驚之際，一道凌厲的殺意從背後襲來。
「嘩啦——！」
一把鋒利無比的鋼剪橫空劃過，寒光閃爍，直取神父的後頸。
「小心！」
林曉陽的驚呼響徹整個舞池。
陳約翰身形一轉，迅速側身閃避，同時以十字架橫擋，將襲來的鋼剪格開。來者赫然是開膛手傑克，他雙手持刃，招招狠辣，一手鋼剪專斷人首，另一手五指化作手術刀，直刺對手心臟。
喬治與傑克聯手，一左一右，鬼影交錯，招招殺機。
陳約翰初時以守為攻，但隨著時間推移，他逐漸摸清二鬼的攻擊套路，開始反擊。他的十字架猶如離弦之箭，轉守為攻，每一擊都直取對手破綻。
「砰！」
喬治胸口重重挨了一腳，整個人向後翻滾十數步，臉色蒼白，嘴角溢血。
「嘭！」
傑克被逼到牆角，神父的拳影如疾風暴雨般落下，他招架不及，被打得鮮血狂噴，幾乎站立不穩。
就在此時，一道纖細的身影突然衝入戰局！
「不要！」
安妮不顧一切，擋在傑克身前。神父猛然收拳，但還是晚了一步，安妮被法器擊中胸口，幾根肋骨瞬間碎裂，鮮血狂湧，她踉蹌後退，最終倒在傑克懷裡，氣息微弱。
「慧君——！」
林曉陽衝上前，悲痛地抱起奄奄一息的安妮，眼淚奪眶而出。他咬牙切齒，聲音顫抖：「你為什麼要這麼傻……慧君……。」
舞池陷入死寂。
神父轉身，目光冰冷地掃向喬治與傑克：「現在，我要取你們的性命易如反掌。要死，還是要活，你們自己選。」
傑克重傷在身，幾乎無力言語，但他的眼神依舊堅定：「我不能背叛公爵……兄弟，我先走一步，在地獄等你……。」
話音未落，他舉起鋼剪，毫不猶豫地剪斷自己的頸骨。
「喀嚓！」
頭顱滾落，鮮血噴灑，四周的鬼徒無不駭然失色。
喬治沉默良久，最後緩緩點頭：「我願意歸隱……。」
神父目光銳利：「自廢武功，解除魔法。」
喬治輕嘆，抬手挑斷自己的筋脈，鮮血滴落地面。
「我們走吧……。」喬治低聲對隨從阿提斯說道。
威爾森走上前，遞上一顆丹藥：「龍血丹，服下後才能離開。」
喬治無言，接過丹藥吞下，然後扶著阿提斯離去。
舞池中，安德森公爵的手下們面面相覷，隨後，爭相表態：「我願意歸順公主……。」
至此，戰局逆轉，勝負已定。

56
林曉陽緊緊抱著安妮，踉蹌地推開504號房的門，腳步凌亂，心跳如擂鼓。他將她輕輕放在床上，顫抖著指尖輕撫她蒼白的臉龐。安妮的呼吸微弱，彷彿風中殘燭，隨時會熄滅。
他跪坐在床邊，緊握著她冰冷的手，雙眼滿是淚光。「不……不可以……」他的聲音顫抖，眼淚滑落，落在她蒼白的額際。他多麼希望能做些什麼，哪怕是用自己的生命換取她的一線生機。
突然，牆上的壁畫微微顫動，一道光暈自畫布中浮現。隨著畫中景物扭曲變形，一道身影緩緩步出，披著長袍的老畫家黃立華，手持畫筆，如夢境般出現在房間。
「曉陽。」黃立華的聲音低沉，帶著歲月的滄桑。他的目光落在床上的安妮，眉頭深鎖。「這女孩傷得太重了。」
林曉陽抬起頭，臉上仍掛著未乾的淚痕，語氣哽咽：「前輩……你能救她，對吧？」
黃立華緩緩搖頭，語氣凝重：「很抱歉，我沒有這種能耐。但曉陽，你得先告訴我，她和你是什麼關係？為什麼你如此執著要救她？」
林曉陽垂下視線，緊握的拳頭泛白。「她……失蹤了兩年，我找了她兩年。」他深吸一口氣，喉頭發緊。「她是我的女友……我怎麼能放棄？」
黃立華的眼神閃過一絲複雜的情緒，他歎了一口氣：「哦？那我孫女敏華呢？你打算辜負她？」
林曉陽愣住，痛苦地閉上雙眼。他知道敏華對他的感情，但現在……「老前輩，請原諒！現在我無法去想這個問題……」
黃立華靜靜看了他許久，終於開口：「問世間情為何物……曉陽，或許有一個人能救她。」
林曉陽猛然抬頭，眼中燃起希望的微光。「誰？」
「瑪莉亞公主。」
「請帶我去見她！」林曉陽立刻站起身來。
黃立華舉起手制止：「你不必去，公主會救她。但她只能修復安妮的身體，卻無法解除她的魔咒。」
「魔咒？」林曉陽眉心一皺，心頭湧起不安。「如果魔咒不解除，會怎麼樣？」
「她不會恢復記憶。」黃立華的語氣如同一記重錘，敲擊在林曉陽心上。
林曉陽低聲喃喃：「那麼……難道我必須去求安德森公爵？」
黃立華冷笑一聲，眼中閃過一絲譏諷：「你以為公爵會憑白無故幫你嗎？」
林曉陽深吸一口氣，目光堅定：「就算他要我付出性命交換，我也願意。」
黃立華的神情沉重：「孩子，這是你一廂情願的想法。公爵是邪惡的惡魔，你真以為他會遵守承諾？」
林曉陽拳頭緊握，聲音低沉：「那我該怎麼辦？還有別的辦法嗎？」
黃立華沉吟片刻，緩緩開口：「有的。如果你能將公爵送回地獄，她的魔咒就會消失。」
「你的意思是……要我殺了公爵？」
「不。」黃立華語氣堅定，眼神如炬。「沒有人能殺死公爵，即使是你或公主也不行。但你可以將他送回地獄，交由撒旦看管。」
林曉陽深吸一口氣，拳頭微微顫抖：「我明白了……但我真的能做到嗎？」
黃立華直視著他的眼睛，緩緩點頭：「你能，這個任務非你莫屬。」
林曉陽閉上雙眼，片刻後睜開，目光中燃燒著決心。「好！為了救回慧君，我願意與公爵一戰。」
黃立華沒有再多說，他舉起畫筆，輕輕一揮，床上的安妮身體微微漂浮，緩緩向壁畫飄去。
「記住，千萬不要和魔鬼談條件。」他的聲音低沉而嚴厲。
林曉陽注視著安妮的身影逐漸融入壁畫，直到最後一絲倩影消失無蹤。
房間再次歸於寂靜，只剩下燃燒的決心在他的心中翻湧。