Chapter Four: Forsaking Love, Born Anew, Accompanied by the Serpent Spirit

A few wisps of floating clouds adorned the pale blue sky, and occasionally, pairs of white cranes glided across the horizon, leaving behind enigmatic cries that lingered in the air. In the distance, mist shrouded the layered peaks, the mountains appearing and disappearing within the haze like young maidens in gauzy dresses, dancing gracefully and captivating all who beheld them. The morning breeze stirred the drooping petals, guiding them as they drifted down to the jade-green lake reflecting this exquisite scene, where they settled gently, sending ripples across the water, stirring the heart with their beauty. Yet amidst this paradise, a youth with violet hair lay in the grass, deep in slumber, sometimes turning over and muttering in dreams—an incongruous figure in such an ethereal sanctuary.

After an indeterminate span, a strand of crimson light emerged from the sleeping youth’s chest and revealed its true form. “This brat must be the reincarnation of the god of sleep! How long does he plan to stay unconscious? Is he dead or what?!” With that, the creature swept its tail and struck the youth’s face. One would expect such a blow to mar the youth’s handsome, cold features, but surprisingly, it only caused his brows to knit as he opened his eyes; not a mark was left upon him.

Startled awake, the youth stared warily at the creature before him, secretly summoning his blade and, in a flash, struck at the blood-red serpent spirit. Yet the blade met resistance as if slicing into cotton—its power and energy absorbed completely. Instead, the force rebounded along the blade, sending the youth staggering backward.

Taken aback, the youth realized this was no ordinary being. He quickly clasped his right fist, left palm, and bowed respectfully. “I do not know what illustrious senior stands before me. Please forgive my offense.” Yet his feet were already poised to flee. “A true man bends when needed; I must not lose my life for a fleeting impulse. Besides, this spirit’s cultivation is unfathomable, far beyond mine. To fight is folly—I must not act rashly,” he thought.

Every subtle movement was noticed by the blood-red serpent spirit, who chuckled. “Boy, I am the blood-red serpent spirit, cultivated over countless years. Long ago, due to a minor mishap, those shameless elders from the celestial realm chased me into the underworld while I was unprepared. With no other choice, I hid within your infant body, sealing myself off to heal. If not for you nearly being killed by that old man Lingyun and disturbing me, I’d never have bothered with your fate!”

Though there were omissions, the spirit’s honesty eased the youth’s heart. He mused, “It seems I’ve long been his healing vessel—whether I like it or not, it’s unchangeable. Rather than seek escape, better to win him over, make him willingly aid me—a trump card in my hand.”

“So, you’ve recovered mostly—why stay hidden within me?” The youth smirked mischievously. The serpent spirit muttered, “You think I want to? If not for the dire circumstances back then, forced by the situation to sign that damned pact—” The youth understood, sighing inwardly at his good fortune.

“Boy, what schemes are you plotting? Your face is written all over with cunning!” The serpent spirit eyed the youth’s wicked grin, feeling a chill run down its spine, certain it was being manipulated and blundering into a trap.

“How could I dare? Hahaha. By the way, your current form isn’t suited for roaming the world, and you can’t always hide within me. Is there a way to alter your appearance, make things easier?” The youth feigned difficulty.

“Enough, stop pretending. Who doesn’t know you possess secret arts within? Changing appearances is child’s play for you. Do as you like!” The serpent spirit rolled its eyes in resignation.

The youth was speechless. He then summoned his secret art, channeling his cultivation to perform a transformation. In moments, a refined, elegant young gentleman appeared before him. Pleased with his handiwork, the youth couldn't help but smile.

“Let’s see what you’ve turned me into,” said the serpent spirit, walking to the lake to examine its reflection. Moments later, an enraged roar echoed, “Damn it, Yushang! You’ve made me look like a delicate damsel—change me back right now!”

“Well... you can’t blame me. Once you regain your true power and assume human form, this is how you’ll look. Consider it early adaptation. Besides, I won’t change you back.” The youth barely contained his laughter at the incongruity of the spirit’s gruff voice and feminine visage.

At these words, the serpent spirit’s beautiful features flushed red in anger, yet to an outsider, it might seem shy rather than furious.

“Do you have a name? I can’t keep calling you blood-red serpent spirit in this form,” the youth asked, suppressing his mirth.

“I... don’t have a name!” The serpent spirit hesitated, as if hiding something.

“No matter. From now on, I’ll call you ‘Little Hidden.’ Since you always conceal yourself within me, it suits you well,” the youth teased.

“Whatever! You’ve already made me look like this, what more can I say?” the serpent spirit protested. “Should’ve let you sleep yourself to death—would’ve spared me this frustration!”

Recalling the dream, Yushang felt a wave of melancholy, but quickly recovered, cold and indifferent once more. Indeed, after these days of dreaming, Yushang seemed transformed, his mind and demeanor subtly altered, as if reborn.

Then Yushang calmly asked, “Little Hidden, do you know what place this is, and why it feels so strange?”

“That name is awkward, but this is the legendary hidden realm of the Nether Capital. If fated, one may enter and encounter destiny; but if not, forcing entry could mean a burial without a grave. I advise you not to meddle with the Nether Capital—you can't handle it,” the serpent spirit warned, trembling at the memory. “Once, I lost my way and stumbled inside, encountering a being defying the heavens. Terrifying—if not for a shred of mercy, I would have perished there.”

“A being defying the heavens? Was it he who summoned me that day? No, I must see for myself—something tells me it’s fate, and I’d regret missing it,” Yushang murmured.

“He summoned you? Incredible,” the serpent spirit exclaimed. “No matter what I say, you won’t change your mind. Fine, I’ll accompany you—at least you’ll have someone to rely on.”

Yushang chuckled inwardly. “You’d rather not go, but you’re powerless to resist and still try to sound righteous.”

Thus, they set off together in search of the Nether Capital...