Yaxian was incredibly powerful. Even though the rules had forcibly suppressed him to D-rank, he was still far beyond Su Mo’s ability to handle casually.
In the end, Yaxian managed to expel the Yin flames from his body—but at the cost of two fingers.
To be honest, the man was ruthless. Rather than risk his entire hand, he decisively severed the two infected fingers without so much as a whimper.
At some point, the wolf’s howling had ceased, and the red-eye effect had worn off. But the fury in Yaxian’s heart showed no signs of cooling.
If not for years of cultivated restraint, he might have suffered another backlash from his abilities.
“Out of tricks now, aren’t you? My turn.” Yaxian’s expression was savage, but his tone remained refined.
No sooner had he spoken than the temple was engulfed in thick fog, accompanied by faint beastly roars.
“What’s going on?” Yaxian frowned.
Su Mo: “How should I know?”
“You were the one who said the fog would come earlier!”
“Yeah, I did say that. But I was lying.”
Yaxian’s expression shifted slightly as he glanced at the foreigner, though he said nothing.
“Why look at me? We’re partners.”
Yaxian chuckled dryly, choosing not to press the issue. “There’s something terrifying hidden in that fog. If you’re thinking of betraying me again, don’t—unless you’ve got a death wish.”
The foreigner smiled. “I wasn’t betraying you earlier. I just didn’t want to embarrass you. Don’t you Xia people say, ‘A true gentleman watches but does not interfere’?”
Yaxian: “…”
Su Mo inwardly cursed. Damn, this foreign bastard is even more shameless than… (Fine, let’s call him Zhang San) Zhang San.
Tsk tsk tsk. Truly, there’s always someone better—or in this case, more shameless.
Su Mo and the others tried to seize the chance to escape, but the foreigner blocked their path. “Yaxian, as you Xia say, ‘I help you stop them, so now we’re even.’“
Yaxian: (¬_¬)
Though Yaxian was thoroughly exasperated by this foreigner who kept inserting himself into the drama, he held back his retort, knowing he might still need the man’s help later. Instead, he turned to Su Mo’s group.
“I know you have a way to leave this place. I can’t be bothered to search you, but think carefully about the consequences. Consider… other people. Like, say, the Xihai ruins?”
His smile was elegant, like a perfectly polite gentleman—but to Su Mo, it was utterly repulsive.
No, I have to find a way to kill him here. If he gets out, I won’t get another chance.
Not only would Ye Qingyi be in danger, but Su Mo himself might not survive either.
There were other options, but Su Mo had always believed the best way to solve a problem was to eliminate the person causing it.
Here, he still had a shot.
But Xia Qingqing and the others shouldn’t have to risk their lives with him.
“You guys—”
Before he could finish, Wu Heng cut him off. “Don’t even try to stop me from hunting treasures. I’m not your subordinate—you don’t get to order me around.”
Luo Xiu: “I mean… yeah… I’m not leaving either!”
Huo Jingshu stayed silent, but her resolve was firmer than anyone’s.
Even Xia Qingqing stood her ground this time. “You could hit me and I still wouldn’t leave! We’re sworn sisters who’ve slept together! We share blessings and hardships alike—mmph! Qingyi, stop covering my mouth…”
Only Yin Yanyan looked apologetic. “I’m sorry, I—”
Su Mo patted her shoulder. “Go. There’s no need to take unnecessary risks.”
True to his word, Yaxian didn’t stop her. She crushed a crystal and vanished on the spot.
Su Mo wanted to persuade the others, but they were all stubborn as hell and ignored him…
“Fine. Whatever your reasons for staying, don’t push yourselves too hard. If things get dire, leave. Same goes for me. None of us should die for something this uncertain.”
Su Mo understood—Xia Qingqing was staying mostly for him, but the others? Who knew.
Suddenly, the fog lifted.
But the world beyond had changed.
The temple was the same, but the statue inside was gone.
A deep, rumbling growl echoed from outside—something monstrous.
Yaxian was the first to step out, only to freeze in shock at the sight in the sky.
“Yazi… It’s alive!”
Su Mo looked up.
A beast with a dragon’s head and a hyena’s body locked eyes with him.
The moment their gazes met, Su Mo instinctively lowered his head, unable to meet its stare.
Those crimson eyes were identical to the red-eye effect they’d experienced earlier—but the sheer pressure behind them was incomparable.
Dominating. Supreme. Above all mortals… Countless idioms flashed through Su Mo’s mind.
“After thousands of years… someone has finally come.” Yazi’s voice was calm, devoid of joy or sorrow.
“Esteemed one,” Yaxian spoke first, oozing courtesy, “if there is any way we may serve you, we would be honored to assist.”
Anyone could see that, whether for survival or treasure, currying favor with Yazi was the smartest move.
Yet instead of being pleased, Yazi raged at Yaxian’s flattery.
“I despise sycophants. Drop the act—your tricks won’t work on me.”
Yaxian was stunned. Since when do divine beasts not follow the script?!
Seeing this, Su Mo’s mind raced—and a plan formed.
He stepped forward, bowed respectfully, then forced himself to meet Yazi’s gaze without flinching.
“Great Yazi, I assume you’ve summoned us because you wish to pass on your legacy to one worthy of your combat spirit.”
Yazi’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Oh? And who do you think that is?”
“Me.” Su Mo answered without hesitation.
Wu Heng’s jaw nearly hit the floor. This girl’s got guts! Who the hell talks like that to a divine beast?!
Yazi studied him intently. “You’re that confident?”
“In raw strength, I’m no match for them.” Su Mo nodded toward Yaxian and the foreigner. “But I have youth. That’s my advantage. Besides, my fighting style aligns with yours—all or nothing, no retreat.”
Yazi roared with laughter. Su Mo’s words mirrored its own thoughts perfectly.
“Well said!” it praised. “But to earn my legacy, you must pass one final test. All of you will have a chance.”
With that, seven high-grade spirit stones materialized in their hands.
Holy shit, high-grade spirit stones?! Su Mo’s eyes widened.
“Channel your will into the stone, and the trial will begin.”
Su Mo obeyed.
The next moment, the world spun—and when it steadied, he stood alone in an arena.
Yazi’s voice echoed:
“My legacy has three parts: a sword, a secret art, and rare treasures. Which do you choose?”
Su Mo thought quickly.
Not the sword—I already have a blade.
Between the secret art and treasures, he hesitated but leaned toward the former.
“The secret art.”
“Good. Then it is yours.” A streak of crimson light shot toward him.
“Wait—wasn’t there supposed to be a trial?” Su Mo blinked.
Yazi scoffed. “Trial? Please. I just didn’t want to crush their hopes. Why bother when I’ve already found my heir?”
Su Mo’s mouth fell open.
(｡･ɜ･)ɾⓌⓗⓐⓣ？