Chapter 6 : Crimson Serpent's Grasp

Chapter 6: Crimson Serpent's Grasp

The cold night air turned razor-sharp as the members of the Crimson Serpent Hall encircled Bai Yuan and Ling Xi. Their leader, a man with piercing crimson eyes and a jagged scar running across his left cheek, stood at the forefront, exuding a powerful aura at the Eighth Stage of the Harmonization Realm.

"I'll say this one more time," the leader spoke, his voice thick with authority. "Hand over the wolf's corpse, and we might spare you."

Ling Xi's grip on her dagger tightened, her eyes burning with defiance. Bai Yuan, however, yawned, stretching his arms as if unimpressed. "I don't think you understand the situation," he said, cracking his knuckles. "You're not taking anything from me."

The leader's expression darkened. "Kill them!"

The Crimson Serpent Hall members charged, their weapons gleaming under the pale moonlight. Bai Yuan's Tactical Awareness flared instantly, predicting the trajectories of their attacks.

[Multiple Hostile Targets Detected. Engaging Adaptive Combat Mode.]

Bai Yuan sidestepped a sword thrust with inhuman precision, his hand lashing out to grab the attacker's wrist. With a swift twist, he disarmed the man and sent him crashing into two of his comrades.

Ling Xi, moving like a shadow, weaved through the battlefield. Her daggers flashed as she cut down two assassins, their bodies falling silently to the ground.

The leader's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Not bad," he admitted. "But let's see how you handle this!"

He thrust his palm forward, unleashing a scarlet serpent made of pure Qi. The attack roared toward Bai Yuan, its fangs shimmering with corrosive energy.

[Danger Detected. Defensive Evasion Recommended.]

Bai Yuan didn't move. Instead, he exhaled slowly and raised his arm, channeling his Qi into his fist. As the serpent attack neared, he punched forward, his strike colliding with the energy construct. A deafening shockwave erupted as Bai Yuan's punch shattered the attack completely, the remnants dispersing into harmless wisps of light.

The Crimson Serpent Hall leader took a step back, genuine shock flashing across his face. "What… What kind of monster are you?"

Bai Yuan smirked. "Just a passing traveler."

Enraged, the leader drew a crimson-hued saber, its edge coated with a toxic gleam. "Then let's see how long you can last against me personally!"

Bai Yuan's smile never wavered. "I was hoping you'd say that."

The two fighters clashed, their movements too fast for the average eye to follow. Bai Yuan's strikes were precise and devastating, while the leader's saber danced like a viper, each slash aimed at a vital point.

Meanwhile, Ling Xi continued to eliminate the remaining Crimson Serpent Hall members, her body moving like a ghost through the chaos. Despite her smaller stature, she fought with lethal efficiency, her blades finding gaps in the enemy's defenses with pinpoint accuracy.

As Bai Yuan and the leader exchanged blows, Bai Yuan suddenly activated his Reinforced Qi Strike, his fist colliding with the leader's saber and sending the weapon flying out of his grasp.

The leader stumbled back, blood dripping from his lips. His eyes widened in disbelief. "This… This isn't possible…"

Bai Yuan stepped forward. "It is. You were just never strong enough to begin with."

With one final strike, Bai Yuan's palm struck the leader's chest, sending him crashing into a nearby tree. The impact shattered the bark, and the man coughed violently before slumping to the ground, unconscious.

The remaining Crimson Serpent Hall members, witnessing their leader's defeat, scrambled to flee.

Ling Xi wiped her blade clean, watching them disappear into the darkness. "That'll teach them."

Bai Yuan stretched, cracking his neck. "I doubt this is the last we'll see of them."

Ling Xi nodded. "We should move before reinforcements arrive."

Bai Yuan smirked. "Good idea. Besides, you still owe me that hot meal."

With the wolf's corpse in tow, the two vanished into the night, leaving behind the remnants of their battle. But even as the dust settled, Bai Yuan couldn't shake the feeling that their troubles were only just beginning.