Chapter 103: The Elegance of a Single Sword

Although Qu Buping forced himself to remain calm, he knew that the Blood Demon of Life-Snatching was a seasoned villain who would soon see through his ruse. What could he do? For now, his only hope for survival lay in maintaining his composure and spinning a web of lies to buy time.

The Blood Demon fixed his emerald eyes on Qu Buping and let out a sinister cackle. "Damn it, you’re just a brat, yet you have a talent for lying. Still bluffing when you’re on the brink of death? You say I wouldn't dare? I’ll start by tearing your heart out and eating it."

Xiao Yu was shocked, but realizing there was no way out, he decided to gamble. He let out a loud laugh and said, "Old Monster Gou, don't talk about you—even your master wouldn't dare offend him!" He pointed at Qu Buping as he spoke.

The Blood Demon was stunned by Xiao Yu's audacity. "Why?" he couldn't help but ask.

Xiao Yu feigned mystery. "Because his father is the greatest martial artist in the world."

The Blood Demon paused, then asked, "Is his father the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, Zhao Wuying?"

"You could say that," Xiao Yu replied, "or you could say otherwise."

The Blood Demon was incensed. "What kind of nonsense is that?"

Xiao Yu sighed. "I didn't want to reveal his identity, but to stay alive, I have no choice." He turned to Qu Buping, putting on a show. "Young Master, I have to reveal your secret to this old monster to keep him from harming you." Qu Buping, unsure of what Xiao Yu was up to, simply nodded.

Xiao Yu continued with a mysterious air, "This is a secret of the martial world. I guarantee you'll be terrified once you hear it: this young master is the illegitimate son of Alliance Leader Zhao. Very few people know this, and naturally, since it concerns the reputation of the Alliance Leader, spreading such rumors is a death sentence."

Qu Buping and Xiao Yun struggled to keep from laughing despite their terror. Although the Blood Demon didn't truly believe that Qu Buping was Zhao Wuying’s illegitimate son—such coincidences were rare—he chose caution. He preferred to believe it true; after all, who in the martial world would dare mock the reputation of the Alliance Leader?

The Blood Demon was cruel, but he knew he was no match for Zhao Wuying. He cackled, "Your lies are truly beautiful. Listening to such lovely fabrications almost makes me hate to eat you." He then pointed at Xiao Yun, who had turned pale with fright. "It seems your luck is poor, kid. I had intended to keep you until tonight, but I’ll have to eat you ahead of schedule."

Xiao Yun felt both aggrieved and terrified. He nearly cried out, "Old Monster Gou, have you no shame? You’re afraid of Master Zhao, so you won't touch them, but you pick on me instead? You—you are truly shameless! You look down on me! Let me tell you, my background is even greater than theirs. If you eat me, my sister and my wife won't let you get away with it!"

In truth, the Blood Demon hadn't intended to kill Xiao Yun immediately; he had targeted him because, being the youngest, he was the easiest to scare into revealing the truth.

As the Blood Demon’s ghoulish claws reached for him, Xiao Yun screamed for help. Qu Buping and Xiao Yu rushed forward to strike with their swords. The Blood Demon laughed, flicking his claw-like fingers against their blades with a dismissive ease. With two sharp clangs, both swords were sent flying.

The Blood Demon cackled, reaching for Xiao Yun, who had collapsed to the ground, paralyzed by fear. Suddenly, a long whip lashed out from the brush, wrapping around Xiao Yun and yanking him several paces away.

The Blood Demon froze. A woman held the whip; she pulled Xiao Yun to safety and struck out with her sword in one fluid motion. A fierce, biting sword aura surged toward the Blood Demon’s throat. Never imagining such an expert was nearby, the Blood Demon was caught off guard and forced back several steps.

Xiao Yu, sharp-eyed, immediately shouted, "The Ninth Lady!" The Blood Demon saw a woman of no more than twenty, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, looking ethereal and beautiful.

The Blood Demon was alarmed. Though he didn't know her identity, the power of that strike made it clear she was a formidable expert with extraordinary skills.

Xiao Yun, overjoyed to see the Ninth Lady, cried out, "My dear wife! You’ve come just in time! Kill this monster, and I’ll do whatever you say!"

The Blood Demon realized the Ninth Lady would be difficult to handle. He recognized that her martial arts were likely not inferior to his own. He felt a surge of anger at Xiao Yun’s demand. "The Cold Moon Sword is formidable, but killing me won't be that easy," he growled.

The Ninth Lady replied coldly, "Old Monster Gou, I don't wish to fight you to the death today, but heed this: you have committed too many evils, and sooner or later, someone will come to claim your life."

Seeing the Ninth Lady arrive, Qu Buping and Xiao Yu knew their lives were spared, though being in her presence was hardly comforting. They exchanged a glance and said, "Thank you for saving us, Ninth Lady. We shall take our leave."

As they began to slip away, Xiao Yun called out, "Wait for me, brothers! Let’s go together!"

The Blood Demon watched them leave with blatant disregard, his frustration mounting. Yet, the reputation and power of Long Lengyue were too daunting, and he dared not act rashly. He wondered with annoyance who the boy was to warrant her protection, and whether perhaps the other boy really was Zhao Wuying’s illegitimate son.