Chapter Fifty-Four: Undercurrents (V)

Rustling.

Dry leaves danced through the air, their sharp edges easily slicing through the trees and grass nearby, casting a dull yellow glow.

A gust of wind.

The swirling leaves formed a vortex, encircling a figure wielding a long, yellowish sword. In moments, a towering tornado of dry leaves, dozens of meters high, took shape. The spectacle was overwhelming, reaching from earth to sky, repelling even the falling rain. Around the tornado spun twelve flickering crimson lights, as if twelve sharp scimitars had been added to its swirling form.

At this instant, Li Ju pressed tightly against the gaping wound in his right arm, his face blank as he stared at the tornado.

You call this… martial arts?

Is this martial arts?

What kind of martial arts lets you whip up a tornado with your bare hands?!

This is a blatant disregard for the art!

“Damn!”

Li Ju spat angrily as he watched the tornado.

If it were a battle of flesh and blood, no matter how many opponents came, he wouldn’t fear them, for that would at least remain within the boundaries of martial prowess. But this… can this even be called martial arts?

“Withered Leaf Sweep...”

Tan Hai’s hoarse, indistinct voice echoed from the heart of the tornado, and as he spoke, the whirlwind grew even fiercer.

“Red Fang Judgment!”

The tornado suddenly twisted, fierce winds carrying twelve crimson rays hurtled towards Li Ju.

“To perish beneath the sacred blade of the Seven-Three Sect—perhaps this is the greatest honor of your life.”

Tan Hai’s voice could just barely be heard from within the storm.

Exhaling deeply, Li Ju faced the oncoming tornado, letting out a long, heavy breath.

---

In an instant, his resolve hardened, his gaze sharpened, and a red glow pulsed from his chest as dark stripes emerged across his body.

Hundred Venom Vajra Body—Bat Demon Form!

---

“Fourth Prince, I am Chen Youyuan of the Crocodile Sect. This time, I’ve been sent by the sect master to negotiate with you directly. The elders behind me are also from our sect.”

Inside a thatched hut in the forest, several figures clad in black, heavy swords strapped to their backs, entered. The leader pulled back his hood and greeted the brother and sister awaiting him.

Chen Youyuan was short and rotund, his face misshapen and grotesque, so much so that ordinary people would feel queasy just to look upon him.

“Brother Chen, no need for formality. We are grateful for the assistance of the esteemed masters of the Crocodile Sect.”

The Fourth Prince showed no sign of distaste at Chen Youyuan’s appearance; instead, he stepped forward to welcome the guests. After all, he had requests to make, and humility was essential. Moreover, he knew that despite Chen Youyuan’s unsightly looks, he was a renowned disciple of the Crocodile Sect, only twenty-five yet already a formidable martial artist. He was also the direct son of the sect master, enjoying a status of great reverence within the sect.

“And this must be Princess Qinu, your sister. I have long heard that she is just eighteen, in the prime of youth. Now, seeing her in person, it is as if beholding a heavenly maiden.”

Chen Youyuan’s eyes brightened as he caught sight of the young woman behind the prince.

Princess Qinu shrank back from Chen Youyuan’s unsettling gaze and visage, but then, as if unwilling to embarrass her brother, stood tall, chest out and chin raised, striving to appear calm and composed.

Her gesture only made Chen Youyuan’s eyes shine brighter as he looked at her.

“Ha! Brother Chen, you’ve come a long way through the rain; surely you carry much chill within you. I have prepared tea and wine especially for the masters of the Crocodile Sect, to drive away the cold.”

The Fourth Prince subtly shifted his position to shield Princess Qinu, then led Chen Youyuan to the tea table.

“Serve Brother Chen some tea,” he ordered.

A bodyguard stepped forward and poured tea for Chen Youyuan.

“Today, I’ve come to meet the Fourth Prince; how could I settle for tea alone? Is there any wine here?”

Chen Youyuan took the cup, but instead of drinking, he grabbed the arm of the servant who poured it, moving him aside from the tea.

The servant struggled to break free, but their strength was no match for Chen Youyuan’s. With a casual flick of his arm, Chen sent the servant tumbling away.

The Fourth Prince’s expression darkened for a moment, then he quickly regained composure and ordered, “Go fetch the wine!”

Servants brought out several jars of wine and cups, filling them for the Crocodile Sect guests and placing them before them.

Yet, apart from Chen Youyuan, none of the Crocodile Sect members sat down or removed their hoods. They stood behind him, their silent presence amplifying his aura.

---

“Ah, fine wine!”

Chen Youyuan ignored the cups, grabbing a jar and drinking straight from it. After a hearty gulp, he wiped his mouth with his sleeve, clearly satisfied.

“With such fine wine, how could one lack a lovely companion?”

He turned his gaze to Princess Qinu, boldly appraising her.

“Would I be fortunate enough to have Princess Qinu sit beside me and share a cup?”

A grotesque smile twisted his face.

“Brother Chen, Qinu is gentle and shy, unused to conversing with strangers. She’s here only for a change of scenery, and besides, our affairs are not suited for a lady’s involvement.”

At a gesture from the Fourth Prince, guards moved to escort Princess Qinu away.

“Wait, Princess Qinu, just a moment.”

Chen Youyuan’s smile remained as he lightly raised his hand. The black-clad Crocodile Sect disciples stepped forward, blocking the guards.

Seeing this, the Fourth Prince grew increasingly uneasy, his face now openly grim.

“Heh heh.”

“Fourth Prince, I know what you desire.”

“As for my Crocodile Sect’s aid in your bid for the throne, our demands are simple…”

Chen Youyuan took another long drink.

Gulp… gulp…

The tension in the room mounted. The Fourth Prince’s guards had drawn their blades, standing protectively by him and Princess Qinu.

The Crocodile Sect members, though not brandishing weapons, radiated a powerful aura that suppressed the prince’s guards.

“Our Crocodile Sect asks only one thing…”

Chen Youyuan’s eyes locked onto Princess Qinu.

“And that is…”