Chapter 56: Enemies Meet, Gazes Locked in Fury

“Why do you look at me with such astonishment?” the Grand Elder sent a message to Yu Shang, his expression unchanged. It was clear his mood was much improved today, certainly better than last night’s. A master remains a master; even after the events of the previous evening, he still had the leisure to watch the competition. Truly admirable!

“Junior is simply curious. Did you not say, Elder, that during the tournament you’d have more pressing matters to attend to? Yet here you are, calmly sipping tea and enjoying the spectacle. You’ve left me rather confused, not knowing which of your words I should believe!” Yu Shang responded without a hint of courtesy. It seemed that whatever respect he once felt for the Grand Elder had vanished since last night, replaced by a cool indifference and faint contempt.

Perhaps it was because he had seen the Elder’s true nature—his cruelty, his ruthlessness, his brutality—all still vivid in Yu Shang’s memory. While the Elder might have slaughtered those students to survive, for, after all, self-preservation is the law of nature, Yu Shang could never bring himself to harm the innocent so mercilessly.

“I said I’d be busy during the tournament, but I never specified it would be today. Do you truly wish not to see me? I have imparted all my cultivation to you, so in a sense, we are connected by blood. Even if you detest or disdain me, you needn’t make it so obvious!” The Grand Elder seemed unfazed by Yu Shang’s attitude, even teasing him. It was hard to tell whether he was a demon or a kindly old man—he could play any role at will.

“It’s just that with the decisive battle approaching, my mind is elsewhere, not intentionally neglecting you. Please forgive me!” Yu Shang replied with a forced excuse, hoping to dismiss him and return his focus to the arena, searching for any flaws in his opponents.

Suddenly, Night Forgotten-Dust struck down his opponent in the blink of an eye, mercilessly killing him. His speed was like lightning; before the crowd could react, the arena was awash in blood. Yu Shang inhaled sharply—this man was truly ruthless!

But the slain man’s elders were furious, ready to storm the stage and deal with the reckless youth. Just as one old man stood, the headmaster of Smoke Orchid Academy intervened, saying coolly, “Life and death are fate. You should have considered this outcome before entering him in the tournament. None wish to see rivers of blood, but injury and death are part of such contests. They signed death waivers; you have no right to protest. Otherwise, Smoke Orchid Academy will not stand idly by.”

The angry elder swallowed his resentment, snorted coldly, and sat to watch the rest. The headmaster gave Night Forgotten-Dust a meaningful glance, sighed, and shook his head helplessly. Yu Shang noticed all this. That the neutral headmaster would intervene for another was a novelty, hinting at a deeper connection between the two.

Meanwhile, the lively conversation among the women sitting beside Yu Shang continued unabated, seemingly unaffected by the bloody turn of events. Their discussion topics were enough to make the men nearby break out in cold sweat; they spoke as if selecting garments, comparing which contestant was most attractive and which were unworthy of attention.

“Yuanyuan, look at that one—what do you think?” Lan Wu, as if discovering a treasure, tugged at Meng Youyuan’s sleeve, excitement shining in her eyes. She looked like a leopard spotting prey, eager to pounce.

“Which one?” Meng Youyuan followed Lan Wu’s pointing finger, then said with little interest, “Don’t tell me it’s that skinny, shifty-eyed man. Sister, are you trying to ruin my mood? I thought you’d spotted some fine specimen, but he’s such a disappointment. Even if you’re unattractive, at least don’t be revolting. Especially those lecherous eyes—truly unbearable.” Meng Youyuan felt sorry for the man’s opponent and wished she could gouge out his eyes.

“You think my taste is so poor? I wasn’t talking about that sleazy man—I meant the woman fighting him!” Lan Wu rolled her eyes at Meng Youyuan, wondering if in her friend’s eyes she was so desperate as to take an interest in such dismal, creepy men.

Upon hearing this, Meng Youyuan looked again at the stage. A woman fought fiercely, though outmatched, yet she resisted stubbornly. Her appearance was far from striking—remarkably ordinary, the kind who leaves no impression after a second meeting. Yet the aura she emitted was so genuine it drew Meng Youyuan in, changing her perception. Perhaps their shared lack of beauty fostered a sense of kinship—true sympathy between kindred spirits.

Because she was not pleasing in appearance, she worked harder in other ways, hoping to earn recognition; because she was not naturally charming, she had honed her personality to be more accommodating, striving to be remembered. The woman before her was much the same—not a match for her opponent, but fighting desperately for a sliver of approval.

“You seem mesmerized—do you find that girl special? Though she’s not as eye-catching as others, her unyielding spirit is impressive!” Lan Wu, who seldom paid women much attention, was unexpectedly interested in this girl. Perhaps it was destiny, much like the first time she met her companions and felt an unprecedented closeness.

“Yes, very special. I wonder if she’ll make it to the final round, so we can spar with her.” Meng Youyuan suddenly hoped this driven girl would go far, so they might meet face-to-face. She was confident they could become good friends, for the girl reminded her of her younger self.

“Hey, what do you two think of that person?” Yan Xue Su, silent until now, suddenly spoke, her tone not warm but oddly repulsed.

“He’s got a certain charisma, a cold arrogance, but his eyes are fierce, and his face bears a terrifying tattoo. I doubt any woman would dare approach him!” Lan Wu replied, oblivious to Yan Xue Su’s discomfort, continuing her commentary. Yu Shang, sitting nearby, immediately guessed they were discussing Night Forgotten-Dust and listened intently.

“Remember his face. If any of you meet him in the tournament, kill him for me—scatter his soul so he never reincarnates!” Yan Xue Su, moments earlier watching the match with interest, now spoke with venomous hatred, her eyes locked on him, wishing he would die then and there.

Everyone understood a little—perhaps Night Forgotten-Dust knew Yan Xue Su before she entered the Nether City. Whatever had transpired between them, it was enough to change her gentle, charming demeanor to deep-seated hatred. Yet, though curious, none dared ask more; with so many ears around, it was no place to reminisce. But her words piqued Yu Shang’s interest. He resolved to ask Yan Xue Su for the story, or else his curiosity would leave him sleepless and distracted. The only one unfazed was Yu Xiao Ran, who, rather than showing surprise, gently gathered Yan Xue Su into his arms, soothing her until she calmed.

“With so many outstanding people here, why fret over such a minor character? Look—there’s someone far more handsome and interesting!” Meng Youyuan, seeing the tense atmosphere, pointed randomly, hoping to redirect everyone’s attention and break the awkward silence. She had no idea her casual remark would spark another tragedy.

Lan Wu instantly understood Meng Youyuan’s intent, echoing without looking, “Yes, that one is much more dashing and charming—why focus on such inferior choices?” She glanced over, but that single look left her stunned, terror etched in her eyes, her body trembling. Her breathing grew rapid, as though she might faint at any moment. She looked as if she’d seen a monster, fear radiating from deep within.

“What’s wrong? It’s just a man—why so upset?” Xiao Yin, a little jealous, thought Lan Wu was swooning over a handsome man and turned to look as well. But when he saw the man, his own expression changed drastically.

Never before had Xiao Yin looked so grave. He seemed to forget to breathe, staring blankly, tense. His teacup nearly shattered from his grip, and had Yu Shang not intervened, he might have fled without a trace. It was astonishing—fearless Xiao Yin wanting to avoid someone’s gaze. What kind of person could inspire such terror in both Xiao Yin and Lan Wu, especially since they had not caused any trouble at Smoke Orchid Academy?

“Xiao Yin, what’s wrong?” Yu Shang asked, worried. He could see Xiao Yin was deeply unsettled, even frightened. In his memory, not even the horrors of the Nether City or the strangeness of Floating Nether had provoked such a reaction. He couldn’t fathom how an otherwise ordinary man could scare him so much. Who was this man? What secrets did he bear? What was his connection to Xiao Yin and Lan Wu?