Chapter Ninety-Four: Driven to the Brink

Outwardly, Yao Ye appeared resolute and unyielding, but inside, he was deeply worried, his nerves taut, not daring to relax for even a moment.

“Yao Ye! The situation is dire! I can only keep your injuries from worsening, but to heal completely will require a great deal of time!” The old master of the cauldron looked at Yao Ye with helplessness. Yao Ye heard the reply but remained silent, trying to stall for time, his spiritual senses constantly alert to his surroundings, ready to flee at any moment.

Liu Xin approached the encirclement, her heart twisting at the sight of Yao Ye’s pale face. Seeing the crowd around him, poised for violence, she grew anxious as well. Drawing her weapon, she leapt in front of Yao Ye, stopping a dozen meters away. She shot Yao Ye a subtle glance, then turned to the others, cupping her fists in salute.

“Everyone! Since none of you are willing to take the lead, allow me! I have an irreconcilable feud with him!”

Lest she be recognized, Liu Xin had disguised herself on the way, simply enough that only those very close could tell. But Yao Ye was all too familiar with her presence—his heart clenched the moment he saw her leap into the fray.

The crowd began whispering among themselves, glancing curiously at Liu Xin standing at the center. At that moment, Mo Chen noticed someone else had stepped forward, his interest piqued. He saluted Liu Xin.

“Comrade, I agree that you should make the move! But be careful, that fiend is cunning!”

Liu Xin turned, nodded lightly, and began forming intricate hand seals. Behind her, a nebula of starlight slowly coalesced, although none present, their cultivation too shallow, could perceive it.

“Excellent! With this girl’s help, there’s hope yet!” The old master’s delighted tone did little to ease Yao Ye’s tightly furrowed brow; he was certain things would not be so simple.

The crowd watched as Liu Xin’s hands danced swiftly through their seals, an invisible energy gathering, gently channeling into Yao Ye’s body. Just then, another figure flew over—it was Song Qi, whose injuries were not severe. During her recovery, she had lost track of Yao Ye, but, guided by a mysterious stranger, had found her way here.

At first, Song Qi held back, observing silently. Then, that mysterious voice spoke again:

“Do you really think that person is attacking Yao Ye? She’s helping him! Don’t wait for her to finish—once that energy is transferred, you won’t be able to handle Yao Ye if he recovers! Had I not wounded him earlier, do you really think you could have done any harm?”

Song Qi glanced in astonishment at the two in the center. Though she was only half-convinced by the mysterious words, she reasoned that, true or not, it could do her no harm. Thus, she sprang into action.

Without a word, Song Qi attacked Liu Xin. Sensing movement behind her, Liu Xin realized she could not dodge the incoming palm strike. The blow landed hard on her back, breaking her spellcasting. Staggering, blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as she slowly sank to the ground.

“Sister! Are you all right?”

“Hahaha, anxious, are you? I knew something was amiss! Yao Ye, surrender now and I’ll let her go. What do you say?”

Seeing his senior sister sitting on the ground, struggling to steady her breath, Yao Ye was frantic. He raised his weapon and charged at Song Qi.

Seeing that Yao Ye was at the end of his strength, Song Qi, consumed by anger, attacked wildly, her moves growing chaotic. Mo Chen seized the opening and struck Yao Ye with a heavy kick to the back, sending him flying.

Yao Ye crashed to the ground but forced himself up, slaying an oncoming enemy with a single thrust. Barely able to stand, he threw back his head and let out a long, anguished howl.

At this point, the scene descended into chaos. Everyone wanted to kill Yao Ye and claim the glory for themselves, or seize the Creation Cauldron amidst the confusion.

Surrounded on all sides, Yao Ye knew death was inevitable. He no longer suppressed his injuries and sheathed his old sword, drawing instead the far deadlier Heaven’s Scar. Black wings unfurled from his back as he gripped the colossal blade in both hands, wading into the throng. Wherever the sword swept, enemies were wounded at a touch, slain at a blow.

But Yao Ye was hopelessly outnumbered and gravely wounded, his body covered in cuts, fighting with the desperation of one with nothing left to lose. He stood, sword in hand, and surveyed the crowd.

“Yao Ye! No!” Liu Xin cried out in grief, watching as Yao Ye was beset on all sides, bones exposed through torn flesh, utterly powerless to help him.

Hearing her voice, Yao Ye looked at Liu Xin and smiled, joy lighting his face.