Shadows of the Demon Blood

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The morning air was crisp as Ye Chen walked through the bustling training grounds of the martial arts school. Despite the lively hum of students practicing their forms and sparring, Ye Chen's mind was clouded by the revelations from the previous day.

The word "demon" echoed in his thoughts, carrying with it a mixture of fear and curiosity.

It wasn't just the stories or vague warnings he had heard before; yesterday, he had witnessed the grim consequences of meddling with the unknown firsthand.

The gruesome sight of the blackened, lifeless apprentice had burned itself into his memory, but it was what happened before that horrific moment that haunted him most.

The young man, one of the newer recruits to the school, had been an unremarkable student—quiet, reserved, always keeping to himself. No one suspected he harbored a dangerous secret.

It began during an afternoon training session, when the apprentice, tasked with demonstrating his martial arts skills, suddenly erupted into a fit of uncontrollable rage. His veins bulged unnaturally, his skin darkened to a sickly shade, and his movements became wild and unpredictable.

"Stay back!" shouted Du Hai, leaping forward to shield the gathered apprentices.

The afflicted apprentice let out an inhuman roar, his eyes glowing crimson. He lunged at anyone in his path with a speed and ferocity that left seasoned instructors momentarily stunned.

Ye Chen, standing on the sidelines, watched in horror as the apprentice fought with strength far beyond his normal capacity. He struck a fellow student with such force that the unfortunate victim was flung several feet away, groaning in pain.

It wasn't long before Du Hai and two other instructors intervened, subduing the berserk apprentice with a combination of precision strikes and a sealing technique.

The moment the apprentice collapsed, his body convulsed violently before turning black as coal. His screams echoed in Ye Chen's ears long after they had ceased, the sound of pure agony.

By the time it was over, all that remained was a lifeless husk—a grim reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the surface of their world.

Ye Chen had spent the rest of the evening in restless contemplation.

It wasn't just about mastering martial arts or honing his skills—it was about survival in a realm far more treacherous than he had anticipated.

---

"Du Jiaoxi, is there something wrong with the secret medicine we take every day?" one of the apprentices asked, his voice trembling as the group gathered the following morning.

The question hung in the air like a storm cloud, drawing the attention of the other apprentices.

Some exchanged nervous glances, while others looked to their teacher, Du Hai, for reassurance.

Du Hai, a seasoned instructor with graying hair and a stern demeanor, waved his hand dismissively.

"Don't worry," he said in a calm but authoritative tone. "The secret medicine you take is crafted by certified alchemists of the martial arts school. It is perfectly safe. That unfortunate apprentice likely brought his fate upon himself by purchasing low-quality secret medicine from the black market."

The explanation did little to ease the growing tension among the apprentices.

Another bold soul spoke up, "But, Teacher Du Hai, how can inferior secret medicine cause such a horrible end?"

The group fell silent, their faces pale with fear and curiosity.

Du Hai sighed heavily, as though the weight of the knowledge he was about to share burdened him.

"Listen carefully, all of you," he began. "The creation of any secret medicine requires a vital ingredient: demon blood."

---

Gasps rippled through the group.

Ye Chen, who stood slightly apart, narrowed his eyes, his curiosity piqued.

"Demons are not mere myths or legends," Du Hai continued. "They are real, and they dwell in the darkest corners of this world—deep mountains, dense forests, perilous wastelands, and the vast seas. Some even hide among humans, disguising themselves with cunning and malice. For centuries, humans and demons have been locked in a battle for survival. We hunt demons to extract their blood for secret medicine, and they, in turn, prey upon us to grow stronger."

The apprentices listened in stunned silence, their faces reflecting a mixture of disbelief and dread.

Du Hai's voice grew grave as he added, "The secret medicine refined from demon blood is powerful but volatile. Certified alchemists ensure it is safe for use, but black market concoctions? They are often contaminated or improperly refined, leading to disastrous consequences."

At this, a few apprentices began to fidget nervously.

Ye Chen noticed their uneasy expressions and surmised they had likely purchased black market medicine to save money.

Du Hai's gaze swept over the group.

"If any of you have been using inferior secret medicine, I suggest you stop immediately. The price you pay for safety is far less than the cost of your life."

---

A Sobering Realization

As the group dispersed, Ye Chen lingered behind, deep in thought.

The existence of demons was no longer a vague concept—it was a harsh reality. The fact that they could hide among humans sent a chill down his spine.

Coupled with the harrowing events of the previous day, he understood now that the world he lived in was far more perilous than he had imagined.

He glanced at his trembling hands, clenching them into fists.

"Strength," he muttered to himself. "Without enough strength, encountering a demon would be a death sentence."

The events had solidified his resolve.

If he wanted to survive, if he wanted to uncover the mysteries of this world and protect himself, he needed to grow stronger. Not just stronger—invincible.

For the first time, Ye Chen truly understood what it meant to tread the martial path.

It wasn't about honor or glory. It was about survival in a world where predators, human or otherwise, lurked in every shadow.