Shalnark and Chrollo exchanged a subtle glance.
In the next instant, they both launched forward, trying to break through Xiang Nan's blockade.
When it came to matters of principle, even facing someone as dangerous as Xiang Nan, the Phantom Troupe wasn't the type to back down.
Down below, Kurapika had already chained up Uvogin and was moments away from killing him.
There was no way the two Spiders could just stand by and follow Xiang Nan's lead in that situation.
But... they clearly underestimated just how serious—and how capable—Xiang Nan really was.
Shalnark moved without holding back. He rushed in to engage Xiang Nan directly, hoping to give the boss a chance to escape. That also meant he was the main attacker—and Uvogin's life now depended on him.
Without hesitation, he activated his Nen ability: Black Voice. He started spinning the antenna, aiming to plug it into his own body.
He knew how terrifying Xiang Nan was. He had no time to waste—he was planning to go straight into Autopilot Mode, the most powerful version of his ability.
But just before the antenna could touch his skin—
A red-gloved fist smashed into his gut.
Shalnark tried to block with Nen, but the force still twisted his face in pain.
"You guys really don't know how to follow instructions, do you…"
A cold, mocking voice rang out in front of him. It was Xiang Nan, emotionless and deadly.
"Wait—!"
Shalnark's eyes widened.
He realized Xiang Nan had already activated his Nen. But something was off—his gloves were a different color from what they'd gathered in earlier intel.
Is this a different version of his ability?
From everything the boss and I figured out, his Nen should have a trigger—he has to land a hit to affect the target, kind of like diagnosing an illness. Machi's past encounter with him seemed to confirm that. But even if he was prepared ahead of time… when did he activate it? Why didn't I notice? Or… did we just get it wrong? Could it be his ability doesn't need direct contact at all?
A dozen theories raced through his head.
Still, even if he'd taken damage, he could fight back. As long as he activated Autopilot, his body and mind could shut down and his ability would take over—he could fight on autopilot, rendering Xiang Nan's interference pointless.
Unless… Xiang Nan could kill him instantly with Nen.
Even then, he might still buy Chrollo a few precious seconds.
With that thought, Shalnark's eyes locked in, focused.
But as he stepped back and raised his eyes, he saw Xiang Nan mouth a few words—quietly, deliberately.
And just like that, all sensation left his limbs.
The antenna in his hand hovered just short of his skin—barely a centimeter away. He never got the chance to activate it.
Whoosh—
Having stopped Shalnark with a single punch, Xiang Nan's figure blurred. He weaved through the air with precise, fluid movement.
Chrollo responded fast, pulling out his signature hollow blade—a deceptively ornate weapon called the Ben's Knife, more like a dagger than a sword. He lunged at Xiang Nan, slashing repeatedly. His speed was absurd, arms practically invisible, with flashes of silver light streaking toward Xiang Nan at tricky, close-range angles.
At first, Xiang Nan dodged. But then, he drew a much smaller scalpel—and began clashing blades midair.
The sharp, metallic ring of steel meeting steel echoed over the mountain.
Sparks flew.
Chrollo stayed composed, eyes darting constantly. But his offensive quickly shifted into defense.
Every strike was being read. His blows didn't land once—Xiang Nan saw through them all.
Now, Chrollo was the one straining just to keep up, reading Xiang Nan's moves to survive.
His eyes darted so fast they were aching after barely thirty seconds. He could barely track Xiang Nan anymore.
Clang!
A few seconds later, with a loud crash, Chrollo's Demon Blade was knocked out of his hands, flying through the air and crashing into the ground.
A fresh cut opened on his wrist—Xiang Nan had landed a clean hit with his scalpel.
Chrollo jumped back, summoning his conjured Nen book, Bandit's Secret, preparing to flip a page.
He moved carefully, positioning himself in front of Shalnark—blocking Xiang Nan from finishing the job.
But before he could even open the book—
"...How disappointing."
Xiang Nan's voice came from behind him.
Chrollo froze.
Even though he'd stayed on guard, Xiang Nan had already used the momentum of the fight to slip around him and reach Shalnark's side. He saw right through him.
Turning around, Chrollo saw Xiang Nan calmly press a red-gloved finger against Shalnark's temple.
"It's too late. Uvogin's already dead. Are you still going to try and save him?"
Xiang Nan spoke with chilling calm.
While they were busy fighting, Kurapika had clearly pierced Uvogin's heart with his chain.
There was no life force left—he was gone.
Xiang Nan knew what Chrollo was thinking. Even if Uvogin was dead, Kurapika—this chain-wielding enemy who hated the Troupe to his core—had to die too.
There was no way he could be allowed to walk away.
Exactly as I feared, Chrollo thought.
He understands Shalnark's ability inside and out. And even before I activated mine, he already planned to use Shalnark to stall me. That means he understands my power too. The fact that he didn't shut me down outright probably means he isn't completely confident he can overpower me.
Still… he's way stronger than I expected. The way he controls and reads Nen, the way he sees attack patterns—it's terrifying. He can predict my actions just from how my aura flows.
"If you go after Uvogin… you'll lose him instead."
Xiang Nan's finger lightly tapped Shalnark's temple again.
And just like that—Shalnark's skin split like paper under a blade. Blood poured out.
"Don't mistake my tolerance for negotiation. My patience with your group has a limit."
Xiang Nan's voice was cold as ice, each word sharp and deliberate.
"…"
Chrollo said nothing.
Then, without hesitation, he closed the book.
Bandit's Secret disappeared.
No matter what, Chrollo always kept a cool head.
Uvogin was gone. There was no saving him.
And if that was the case—there was no reason to risk losing Shalnark too.
"…My bad."
Chrollo smiled faintly and offered Xiang Nan an apology.
"Things escalated fast. I hope you understand—I just wanted to protect my friend."
Xiang Nan lowered his finger, expression unreadable, and walked past Chrollo, leaping off the edge of the mountain.
"This time only. If it happens again… the Spider doesn't need to exist."
He said it without turning around.
And then disappeared into the battlefield below.
Given all the movement just now, Kurapika had definitely realized there were outsiders involved.
Chrollo stood still, watching Xiang Nan's silhouette grow smaller in the distance, eyes flashing with quiet thought.