Chapter Fifty-One Defeat and Flight

Seeing that Demon Night remained motionless, his body’s radiance fading, Red Eyes was overjoyed. “Everyone, follow me—kill!” As the crowd drew ever closer, Demon Night still made no move, not even raising a defense. Liu Xin cried out desperately, her voice breaking, “Demon Night, dodge, please, dodge!”

Demon Night glared ahead in fury, unmoved. At that moment, a surge of energy rippled outward like waves, spreading to all sides. The crowd, drawn by this force, turned to gaze at the high platform.

“Not good! Everyone, seize the Earth Heart Lotus first!” Red Eyes dashed toward the lotus with all his might.

The lotus flickered, its light wavering as if about to vanish at any moment. Seeing this, Red Eyes was thrown into panic. “Heaven-Splitting Claw!” He unleashed his most powerful martial art, aiming at Peng Lei.

The lotus dimmed again and disappeared. Peng Lei’s eyes slowly opened, filled with fighting spirit. Seeing Red Eyes rushing toward him, he gripped his treasured sword and shouted, “Perfect! Let me test my blade on you! Sword Draw Style!”

A surge of energy shot from Peng Lei’s sword sheath. With sword in hand, he pointed at Red Eyes, releasing a torrent of energy—like countless miniature blades—assailing Red Eyes. In the blink of an eye, Red Eyes was struck with more than a dozen wounds.

He hurriedly retreated, and, steadying himself, glared at Peng Lei with gritted teeth. “Very good! You’ve stolen my fortune. Let’s see what else you can do! Blood Sea Tides!” Red Eyes was first to unleash his domain attack against Peng Lei.

“Hmph! A domain? Very well, I’ll show you mine!”

Peng Lei tossed his sword into the air, forming hand seals with lightning speed. “Sword Domain! Profound Heaven Sword Force!”

His treasured sword hovered overhead, and instantly, a massive circle of energy enveloped both men, its edges shimmering with the shadows of a thousand swords.

The others, seeing their master trapped within Peng Lei’s domain, grew frantic, attacking the energy circle. The instant they touched the sword domain, their faces changed; simultaneously, blood spurted from their mouths, and they were flung away.

At the center of the sword domain, Red Eyes wielded his demonic claw against the sword circle. “Heaven-Splitting Claw!” But at the moment of contact, blood spilled unbidden from his lips, and he was thrown back.

Liu Xin lay on the ground, tears streaming, calling hoarsely to Peng Lei. “Senior Brother! Kill Red Eyes, avenge Demon Night and Zhao Mu!” Hearing her, Peng Lei scanned the surroundings: Zhao Mu lay unconscious, Xiao Xiao too, Demon Night leaned against the giant sword, glaring ahead, his fate uncertain. Peng Lei turned, eyes blazing with murderous hate, and roared, “Red Eyes, I will kill you!” He formed seals, sending the sword shadows surging toward Red Eyes.

Seeing the oncoming storm, Red Eyes realized the danger. He defended as best he could, searching desperately for escape. The sword energy was dense and relentless, his body soon covered in wounds, coughing blood.

Red Eyes clenched his teeth, shouting fiercely. Sacrificing his own domain in a self-destructive burst, he managed to break Peng Lei’s sword domain. Enduring his grave injuries, he fled toward the exit, and the others, seeing his retreat, rushed after him.

Peng Lei raised his sword to pursue, but Liu Xin’s voice stopped him. “Senior Brother! Don’t chase him yet—save Demon Night! Hurry!”

Peng Lei sheathed his sword and rushed to Demon Night’s side, gently laying him on the ground. He examined him, finding Demon Night’s soul depleted, his physical functions fading. Peng Lei quickly infused him with vital energy.

But the life force he poured in drained away visibly, slipping through his fingers. Peng Lei shut his eyes tightly, and several lotus seeds flew from his forehead. He took them in hand, pried open Demon Night’s mouth, and pressed them inside, channeling his power to help Demon Night absorb the seeds.

At last, Demon Night’s soul ceased its collapse. The lotus seeds entered his mind, releasing energy within. Peng Lei withdrew his power and hurried to Zhao Mu’s side.

He examined Zhao Mu’s wounds and let out a breath of relief—Zhao Mu was gravely injured internally, his organs displaced by a heavy blow, leaving him unconscious from suffocation.

Peng Lei then checked Xiao Xiao and Liu Xin in turn, before sitting cross-legged to recover his own strength. Liu Xin, having regained some energy, struggled to Demon Night’s side. Now, Demon Night had returned to human form.

Liu Xin held Demon Night close, gently wiping his body, unable to stop her tears. In a soft voice, she called to him, hoping to wake him from his deep sleep. “Demon Night, do you know? From the moment you entered the academy, I was drawn to you—curious, and fond. Don’t sleep anymore! Open your eyes and look at me! I can’t lose you!”

She cradled Demon Night in her arms, resting his head on her lap, softly stroking his cheek.

Lately, in order to ensure a smooth contract signing, I’ve been revising every day. Thank you all for your support, and I apologize for any inconvenience I’ve caused. Can Xue offers you her sincere apologies.