After Yan Sha left the room, Yan Ruoyan turned to Xuan Chen with unwavering resolve.
"As long as I'm here, my brother won't lay a finger on you."
Xuan Chen heard her words, but a storm churned within him.
Fate was playing a cruel joke—this woman who cared for him so tenderly… was the closest kin of the one he was destined to sever.
—
In the prison beneath the mines, Xiao Chen and the villagers remained confined.
Xiao Chen sat quietly in the cell when a voice echoed in his mind:
"Tomorrow, the Princess will leave to meet Yan Sha. I'll strike then. Be ready—I'll set the fire at midnight. We escape that night."
The next morning, the camp was abuzz with chores. Yan Sha had only just returned, and the Princess needed to report the events of the previous day.
Upon learning she had left, Xuan Chen sprang into action. He slipped into the kitchen, stashing several oil jars into his spatial pouch. Then he circled to the outskirts of the camp, affixing fire talismans in hidden spots.
The bandits saw the strange seals and dismissed them as remnants of a squad leader's madness—no one questioned them.
At midnight, Xuan Chen activated the incantation.
The talismans exploded. Flames erupted instantly.
Fueled by the hidden oil, fire surged through the camp. Bandits scattered in panic—some fled, others tried to douse the blaze, only to find it unquenchable.
The inferno lit the night sky blood-red, like a ghost realm descending. Screams echoed in every direction.
Soon, word of the fire reached the mines. The bandits' morale shattered.
One of them rushed in, shouting, "Emergency in the camp! Everyone—return and fight the fire!"
The guards bolted out in chaos, leaving the cell door unlocked.
Xiao Chen smirked coldly. "The moment's come."
He drew a short blade from his pouch and whispered, "Everyone, get up. We're leaving."
The villagers were still frozen in fear.
Xiao Chen had already sliced through the wooden bars.
He turned to the other cells. "Head south. Don't stop. Don't scream. Just run. Now!"
He led the villagers out under cover of chaos.
Only after the last had escaped did he leap into the night, vanishing into the shadows.
Elsewhere, as the flames surged higher, Xuan Chen seized Yan Ruoyan's hand.
"This place is no longer safe. Come with me."
She froze. "This fire… was it you?"
He paused, voice low. "Will you leave with me?"
Her heart was in turmoil—torn between the bond of blood and the pull of something deeper, something unspoken between her and Xuan Chen.
Before she could answer, a thunderous roar split the air.
Yan Sha appeared, hauling two massive water urns. Veins bulged along his arms as he carried them alone, like a god of war on the battlefield.
With a mighty shout, he leapt into the air and slammed the urns down.
Water exploded outward, quenching the flames with divine force.
Xuan Chen's eyes narrowed. Without another word, he scooped Yan Ruoyan into his arms and fled.
Yan Sha had just stabilized the fire when he turned to check on his sister—only to see her being carried away.
He roared, "Stop right there!"
Fury surged as he gave chase.
Xuan Chen heard the wind shriek behind him, danger closing in. He was about to accelerate when—
Yan Ruoyan suddenly broke free and threw herself in front of him.
"Go! I'll hold him off!"
Xuan Chen hesitated, then nodded. "Take care."
He vanished into the night.
Yan Ruoyan's eyes brimmed with tears as she turned to face her brother.
"Are you hurt?" Yan Sha asked, voice low.
"Brother… please. Let him go," she pleaded.
Yan Sha's rage flared. "Look what he's done to our home! That boy cannot stay!"
But in his voice, she heard something else—regret.
And suddenly, she understood.
Her brother had never truly planned to leave.
This place… had already become his home.
All those promises to break away from the Crimson Refining Sect—they were lies.
She let out a bitter laugh. "You never meant to take me away, did you? This place has always been your home."
Yan Sha was speechless.
Tears welled in her eyes as she demanded, "Why did you lie to me? I'm your sister. Why?"
After a long silence, he turned and barked an order.
"Someone—take the Princess back to her room. Treat her well. No one enters or leaves without my command."
The fire was finally extinguished.
Xuan Chen had escaped.
But Yan Ruoyan… chose to stay.
After regrouping in the village, Xiao Chen and Xuan Chen worked swiftly to evacuate the villagers.
They had already split up—Xuan Chen headed into the woods beyond the village to lay talisman traps, while Xiao Chen quietly guided the villagers through a hidden path behind the mountain.
Xuan Chen chose several chokepoints near the village entrance. Using leaves and dry branches for cover, he buried explosive talismans and entrapment arrays.
During the spellwork, his aura was as restrained as a moon eclipsed—utterly still, without a ripple.
Only after placing the final seal did he retreat into the shadows of the forest.
—
Before dawn, in the hour of the tiger, Yan Sha arrived with his men.
The village, still cloaked in heavy mist after the fire, was eerily silent.
Yan Sha reined in his horse atop a ridge, eyes sharp as a hawk, surveying the village below.
"Search," he ordered coldly.
Ten squads fanned out, surrounding the area.
Moments later, bursts of spiritual light erupted from the ground.
Cries of pain echoed through the woods—traps had been triggered.
Screams and chaos tore through the night.
Several squads had entered the village first.
They stepped into the talisman arrays—explosive seals detonated.
Some fell instantly, others fled in terror.
Yan Sha's fury exploded.
"Useless fools! Two people, and you still can't handle them?"
He turned to order another advance, but saw hesitation in his men's eyes.
Fear had taken root.
He roared, "Search! Drag them out!"
More bandits were forced into the village, storming into the homes.
As they stepped beneath the eaves, floor seals flared to life—
A thunderous blast erupted.
Some were blown into the air.
Others caught fire, screaming like tortured spirits.
Flaming bodies ran madly through the village, igniting wooden houses in their wake.
In moments, the entire village was ablaze.
—
Yan Sha stood bathed in firelight, his face flickering between pale and livid.
Just as he was about to order a retreat, he heard the faint rustle of leaves—
Two shadows emerged from the flames.
Xiao Chen and Xuan Chen.
Xuan Chen turned slightly and murmured,
"Let's finish this. Don't let him return to the Crimson Refining Sect."
The remaining bandits were already broken, fleeing in panic through the inferno.
Yan Sha's gaze locked onto the two figures.
His eyes blazed with fury and killing intent.
"You—!"
Before he could finish, Xiao Chen had already lunged forward.
His sword sliced through the air, targeting the front line of bandits.
Xuan Chen spun and hurled a wind talisman, blasting the enemy's flank.
The battle ignited beneath the firelit sky.
Xiao Chen moved like lightning, his footwork fluid and precise.
His sword strikes were ruthless—several bandits fell within seconds.
Xuan Chen, calm and methodical, unleashed talismans in rapid succession, throwing the enemy ranks into disarray.
Finally, Yan Sha entered the fray.
He leapt from his horse like a thunderous tiger, blade howling through the air.
"Die!"
Xiao Chen saw the blow coming—its force like a storm.
He dodged back, but Yan Sha's strength was monstrous.
His strike carved a deep trench into the earth.
Boom—!
Seeing the situation turn dire, Xuan Chen flicked a dark-gold command talisman from his sleeve.
With a twist of his fingers, he shouted, "Retreat!"
The ground erupted in a shockwave.
Xuan Chen seized the moment to pull Xiao Chen back.
Yan Sha moved to pursue—but suddenly felt a tremor beneath his feet.
He glanced down—an embedded array was activating.
"Damn it!"
A deafening blast followed.
A mixed thunder array detonated, blinding light and roaring thunder shaking the entire forest.
As the dust began to settle, Yan Sha's silhouette emerged from the firelight—wrapped in faint golden glow.
His entire body shimmered with metallic patterns, like iron flowing into gold.
It was the Crimson Refining Sect's signature technique: Crimson Gold Body.
Xuan Chen and Xiao Chen exchanged a glance.
Judging by the aura, Yan Sha's cultivation was at least mid-tier Vein Mark level.
They dared not be careless.
Xuan Chen struck first—three volleys of talismans shot toward Yan Sha.
Xiao Chen dashed low at the same time, aiming for Yan Sha's lower body with his sword.
Yan Sha snorted coldly, unfazed.
He raised his horse-slaying blade high and slammed it into the ground.
Boom—!
The earth exploded into a massive crater.
Shards of stone flew in every direction, propelled by sheer force.
The two were caught off guard.
The flying debris shattered the talismans mid-air.
Xiao Chen's clothes were torn, and he suffered minor injuries.
Dust and sand swirled around the impact zone.
Visibility dropped to near zero.
The two held position, communicating silently through thought.
Suddenly, Xuan Chen sensed a surge of spiritual energy ahead.
But with the dust obscuring vision, he dared not act rashly.
Then—a massive shadow lunged from the front.
Xuan Chen tried to retreat, but it was too late.
Yan Sha's blade swept horizontally.
Xuan Chen drew his dagger to block, but the force was overwhelming.
The steel dagger shattered with a sharp clang.
Still, it bought him a moment—just enough to shift back slightly.
Even so, the blade tip grazed his chest.
If I hadn't stepped back just in time, Xuan Chen thought grimly, I'd be dead.
Yan Sha saw him dodge and snorted.
He surged forward.
Xuan Chen had barely landed when Yan Sha's fist struck him squarely.
The impact felt like being rammed by a herd of wild bulls.
His body flew backward, smashing through over a dozen trees before crashing to the ground.
He staggered up, blood pouring from his mouth.
Xiao Chen heard the commotion and sprinted toward him.
Seeing Yan Sha's back, he leapt to strike from behind.
But Yan Sha heard the movement.
Without turning, he swung a golden-glowing whip punch.
Xiao Chen was flung aside, sword bent from the blow.
He crashed to the ground, seriously wounded.
Xuan Chen struggled to his feet, trembling as he drew another dagger.
Just as he prepared to attack again—
A voice rang out from nearby.
"Xuan Chen?"
It was Yan Ruoyan.
She hadn't slept all night.
Her mind replayed the firelit image of Xuan Chen again and again—
Had he escaped? Was he hurt?
Would he… still remember her invitation?
She had slipped out of the mountain camp, hoping to find him.
She wanted him to take her away.
Because that camp… had never felt like home.
And she couldn't bear to watch her brother spiral further into darkness.
She ran through the night, chasing the firelight.
And now, in the forest—
She found him.
Xuan Chen turned and saw Yan Ruoyan running toward him.
He moved to stop her—but Yan Sha was already upon him, blade raised high, ready to strike down the man who had ruined everything.
Seeing Xuan Chen distracted, Yan Sha surged forward, aiming to finish him in one blow.
"Don't!" Yan Ruoyan cried, accelerating.
She threw herself between them just as the blade came down.
Yan Sha saw the figure dart in front of his strike—
And froze.
It was her.
His sister.
He tried to pull back, but it was too late.
The blade sliced past her back.
Xuan Chen watched in horror as Yan Ruoyan stood before him—
Then felt warmth splash across his face.
She collapsed.
Ignoring his own wounds, Xuan Chen rushed forward and caught her in his arms.
Yan Sha stood frozen, stunned.
He hadn't expected her to appear.
Hadn't expected her to shield Xuan Chen with her own body.
He stared at his sister—wounded by his own hand.
His grip faltered.
The blade slipped from his fingers and clattered to the ground.
Suddenly, a terrifying aura locked onto him from behind.
Yan Sha's instincts screamed—if he didn't fight back, he would die.
He turned.
Xiao Chen hovered in midair, eyes blood-red.
Behind him, distorted shadows writhed like hellish specters.
He looked possessed—like a demon risen from the abyss.
Moments earlier, Xiao Chen had been knocked unconscious by Yan Sha's punch.
But as he awoke, he saw Yan Ruoyan take the blow meant for Xuan Chen.
That image overlapped with a memory from the Veinmark Tower trial—
A cruel moment he had failed to prevent.
Why couldn't I protect her then?
Why… again?
The seed of hatred burst open.
His body convulsed.
Spiritual energy surged around him, lifting him into the air.
His eyes turned crimson.
He stepped into the firelight—
A bloodthirsty asura.
Behind him, shadows twisted.
Blood energy rose like smoke, piercing the sky.
A hellish aura spread outward—
As if the world held only one will: to kill.
He walked toward the man who had wielded the blade.
Yan Sha broke into a cold sweat.
What he saw was no longer human—
But a demon.
A creature that could kill him with a flick of its hand.
Yan Sha dared not hesitate.
He summoned his full strength and struck first.
Xiao Chen, consumed by hatred, saw only one target—Yan Sha.
They clashed like beasts.
Fist met flesh.
Neither yielded.
Yan Sha relied on his Crimson Gold Body, impervious to blows.
Xiao Chen, now possessed, wielded overflowing spiritual force, unafraid of pain.
Each punch landed with explosive force.
Golden veins rippled under Xiao Chen's strikes, sparks flying.
They fought like wild animals—
Trading wounds for wounds.
Only one goal remained:
To see the other fall.
—
On the other side, Xuan Chen held Yan Ruoyan close.
A hollow ache spread through his chest.
Eyes red, he whispered, "Why did you do this?"
She looked at him, struggling to raise her hand toward his face.
He understood, and gently guided her hand to his cheek.
With a faint voice, she said,
"I told you… as long as I'm here… I won't let my brother hurt you…"
Tears welled in Xuan Chen's eyes.
And began to fall.
Xuan Chen choked back a sob.
"You don't even know if I like you…
Even I… wasn't sure.
But you threw your life on the line for me…
Was it really worth it?"
Yan Ruoyan gave a faint smile.
"Fool… If you didn't… like me…
Then why… did you ask me…
If I'd leave… with you?"
And in that moment, Xuan Chen understood.
This—
This was what it meant to like someone.
To want to be with her.
To want to protect her.
To fear losing her.
He knew now.
But it was already too late.
He held her close, watching the life drain from her.
His heart felt like it was being torn apart.
The pain drowned out every wound on his body.
Only the ache inside remained—
So deep he couldn't speak.
Yan Ruoyan saw his expression—
And tears welled in her eyes.
Because she knew—
He had felt her heart.
And answered it.
She asked softly,
"Xuan Chen… do you… like me?"
He nodded, trembling.
She whispered,
"Can you… say it… to me?"
Xuan Chen held her tightly, voice shaking as he leaned close to her ear.
"I… like you."
Yan Ruoyan closed her eyes with a smile.
Her hand slipped from his cheek.
Her life faded.
Xuan Chen felt her body grow cold.
His mind flooded with memories—
Her smile in the mountain camp,
Her gentle care,
Her teasing when she pinned him to the wall,
Her bold, unguarded confession.
The pain in his heart surged.
He threw his head back and screamed—
A cry to tear the sky,
To release the agony within.
—
Elsewhere, Xiao Chen and Yan Sha continued their brutal clash.
Neither could gain the upper hand.
But slowly, Xiao Chen began to regain clarity.
The power of the hatred seed weakened.
Yan Sha noticed the shift—
And pressed the attack.
Finally, the seed's power collapsed.
Xiao Chen was struck again and sent flying, unconscious.
Yan Sha dropped to one knee, gasping for breath.
This kid's insane, he thought.
Good thing I pushed my Crimson Gold Body to the fourth layer before returning to the sect…
Otherwise, I'd have lost.
If this boy grows stronger…
Even the Crimson Refining Sect…
May not be able to contain him.
The Crimson Gold Body had nine layers.
Yan Sha had only just stepped into the fourth.
Yet he had fought the boy to a standstill—
And that realization stirred a flicker of awe… and dread.
He rose to his feet, gazing across the scorched earth where blood and fire mingled.
Just as he prepared to catch his breath—
A piercing howl erupted from the forest.
It shook the heavens, like ten thousand beasts stampeding at once.
Yan Sha's face twisted in alarm.