Chapter Ninety-Nine: Clash of Titans, Wounds Are Inevitable

Outside, the sun shone brightly and birdsong mingled with the scent of flowers, while inside, shadows and dampness reigned, murderous intent swirling through the air. Yet often, what the eye perceives cannot be trusted and what the ear hears is even more deceptive. The more tranquil and harmonious the world appears on the surface, the more likely it is to conceal terrifying cruelty and violence. Conversely, a place that seems like a blood-soaked hell may not only claim lives, but could, in fact, be a sanctuary offering a last glimmer of hope.

Such was the situation confronting everyone now. The outside seemed a rare oasis amid the clamor, but close scrutiny revealed horrors lurking within, more dreadful than death itself. One misstep could lead to an abyss from which there was no escape; a swift death might almost be merciful. The true terror lay in suffering that rendered life worse than death—torment stretching endlessly, a despair more profound than the grave.

At this moment, the treasure vault stood in stark contrast to the outer world. Here, none of the warmth existed—only brutal violence. The blood staining the floor sent chills through the heart; the claw marks scattered across the walls inspired dread; the fierce combat raging overhead stirred alarm. All seemed oppressive and dark, yet beneath it all was a deep bond—what appeared as a soul-shaking battle was, in truth, a heartwarming act of devotion.

Though the fight was for each other’s sake, neither combatant yielded and their struggle was relentless. The Scarlet Serpent Spirit wrapped its massive body around Yu Shang, immobilizing him so tightly he could scarcely breathe. The serpent opened its gaping maw, intent on striking, and just when everyone thought Yu Shang’s defeat was inevitable, a new spectacle unfolded.

Yu Shang suddenly awoke as if from a trance, his gaze sharp as a blade. His ethereal lavender hair transformed in an instant: each strand hardened into a needle-point, gleaming with a terrifying light. These needle-like hairs shot unflinchingly toward the Scarlet Serpent Spirit, piercing its body all over, some nearly striking its eyes. Indeed, in the arena, mercy had no place—only the peak of confrontation: either you die, or I do.

When the hairs penetrated the serpent’s flesh, they seemed to receive an order and swiftly withdrew, causing the serpent to reel in agony, smashing against the wall. The hairs were so fine as to be almost imperceptible, even when embedded in someone’s body, leaving no visible wounds. But Yu Shang was ruthless—his needles struck the serpent’s vital channels; though not fatal, the pain was scarcely less than death.

Wounded, the Scarlet Serpent Spirit was clearly weakened, leaning against the wall unsteadily, as if at any moment it might collapse. Blood flowed from its tiny wounds, and in a short while, its body was covered in crimson streaks. Some dripped onto the floor, forming little pools, and in those pools, it seemed a shadow of a snake struggled to smile. Oddly, its eyes showed no hatred, only relief.

What amazed everyone most was that the blood on the floor seemed to move of its own accord, slowly flowing to the side of the stone statue of the Chiwen. Then, in the blink of an eye, it vanished. They all knew the Chiwen statue could drink the blood of the strong, using it to unlock the mysterious family scroll, but none expected the statue would gather blood throughout the vault to sustain its own existence.

The two fighters looked at each other and paused to recuperate, but only for a moment before plunging back into battle. Yu Shang unleashed his true energy, while the serpent countered with a scarlet glow; Yu Shang swung his blade, and the serpent blocked with its tough body; Yu Shang struck with his palm, and the serpent retaliated with a sweeping tail. Neither could defeat the other, and their wounds only deepened.

Even the spectators grew anxious, fearing that before a victor emerged, both would be too gravely injured to recover. Yet as the stalemate persisted, the Scarlet Serpent Spirit glanced sideways, and inspiration struck. Suddenly, it released Yu Shang and darted aside, just as Yu Shang’s blade swung toward that very spot.

Blades are merciless, and the sword was poised to strike the serpent’s head. The crowd gasped. Though the serpent’s body was as hard as black iron, it was now wounded, its head covered in blood—a vulnerable spot, unable to withstand the blow. The serpent stood motionless, dazed, making no attempt to evade. Was it fated that it would not escape this calamity?

“Xiao Yin, get out of the way!” “Brother Yu, show mercy!” Lan Wu and Meng Youyuan cried out together. If no one stopped these two possessed fighters, the consequences would be unthinkable! Whether their cries had an effect, or the two suddenly regained clarity, Yu Shang forcibly withdrew his strike, redirecting his energy into his own body, while the serpent dodged aside in the same instant.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Though Yu Shang was left weakened and pale, it was better than Xiao Yin losing his life! Now, gravely wounded, Yu Shang turned and gazed fixedly at Meng Youyuan. His eyes burned with intensity, astonishment, and ambiguity, leaving everyone baffled. Wasn’t this the gaze reserved for one’s beloved? Why did Yu Shang look at Meng Youyuan this way?

Then Yu Shang abandoned the fight altogether, clutching his wounded chest, leaving a trail of blood as he staggered toward Meng Youyuan, muttering, “Ying’er, Ying’er, is it you?” But just as he reached Meng Youyuan’s side, the serpent seized the opportunity, lunging forward and striking Yu Shang with its tail, hurling him against the wall. The force was so great, even the copper wall was dented. The blood splattered across the wall was blinding, searing into the soul.

Yet Yu Shang, battered and broken, was not spared. The serpent struck at his neck, and the weakened Yu Shang could not dodge in time. The sound of bone breaking echoed. Yu Shang was knocked to the other side, and this time, he could no longer bear it—blood gushed from his mouth as he collapsed, unable to move.

“Enough! Stop fighting!” Meng Youyuan could not bear to watch the carnage any longer. Ignoring her own safety, she rushed to Yu Shang’s side, blocking the serpent’s next attack and shouting fiercely. Sometimes, she truly could not understand the bonds between men—how could they strike so ruthlessly? If it were her, she could never harm those close to her, even if it was for their own good.

“Yes, this contest has already decided a winner—there’s no need for it to continue!” Lan Bingxian, also unable to watch, intervened. Though he was displeased by Yu Shang’s earlier gaze toward his woman, he trusted there was some deeper reason—perhaps Yu Shang had simply lost himself for a moment. For now, he would forgive the rascal, lest anyone think him petty.

“You think I’ve become addicted to fighting this brat, that I must battle to the death? I really can’t deal with you all. I promise, this will be the last strike, and then I’ll explain everything. Don’t try to stop me—if anything happens to this kid, don’t blame me!” The Scarlet Serpent Spirit forced the others back, then raised its tail and struck Yu Shang hard.

This blow was truly merciless, forcing Yu Shang to spit another mouthful of blood. Yet this blood was different—not the usual scarlet, but deep purple-black. Wasn’t this the color of poisoned blood? How could Yu Shang be poisoned? The vault was sealed tight—how could poison have entered? Had the serpent struck while Yu Shang was unguarded?

“Purple-black blood? Legend says only the blood of the ancient Serpent King has this color, and anyone but the King himself who touches it will die unless it’s promptly cleansed! I think only you, Xiao Yin, could possess such blood, but the blood flowing from your body isn’t of this hue!” Leng Huaiyi scrutinized the blood, then looked up at the serpent, puzzled.

“I am the noble Scarlet Serpent Spirit—how hard is it to get a bit of the ancient Serpent King’s blood for protection?” The serpent—no, now restored to human form, he was truly Xiao Yin—answered with disdain. As soon as he reverted, his rogue demeanor returned, and everyone suddenly found themselves missing the beastly form.

“It’s not surprising you possess such fearsome poison, but why use it on Brother Yu? He’s already gravely injured—if the toxin spreads, not even the ancient gods could save him!” Yan Xue Su rebuked Xiao Yin. Though injuries or even death were not uncommon in a duel, this move was undeniably sinister.

“Do you think I’m stupid? If I wasn’t entirely certain, would I let the brat take such a risk? Besides, all’s fair in war—by distracting him in the contest, I could seize victory, even if it meant playing the villain!” Xiao Yin spoke quietly, his tone stripped of its usual bravado. Clearly, he knew he’d gone too far. Still, he was right—sometimes, only deceit could secure a win.

“So that’s why Brother Yu looked at Youyuan like that and mumbled incoherently—you meddled with him!” Yin Boxuan exclaimed, finally understanding. He’d almost believed Yu Shang had feelings for Meng Youyuan! That gaze had shaken him deeply—so intense, so melancholy, so sorrowful. If he were a woman, he might have fallen for it.

“The ancient Serpent King’s blood not only poisons, but confuses the mind and induces hallucinations. It seems Brother Yu mistook Youyuan for another woman, hence that moving expression.” Xun Mishuang gazed at the semi-conscious Yu Shang, sighing softly. She couldn’t help but pity this man, who seemed strong and indifferent but harbored a hidden wound deep within.

“Hmph, I really don’t understand what that vicious woman has that makes this brat pine for her! Sooner or later, he’ll suffer because of her again, and next time, he might not be so lucky—his opponent won’t save him!” Xiao Yin suddenly shouted angrily, clearly displeased with Yu Shang’s unwavering devotion to the legendary woman he could not forget.