Fated | Fangs Of Fortune [ZhuYi]

Chapter 26 : The Truth

Beneath the endless snowfall of Kunlun Mountain, the tranquil scene was disrupted as a golden light shimmered near the entrance of a narrow bridge. The light swirled, expanding into an orb before seven figures stepped out, their presence breaking the silence of the snow-draped peaks.

"Welcome to Kunlun Mountain!" Ying Lei shouted, his voice ringing with excitement as he pointed eagerly toward the ancient bridge that arched over a steep chasm.

Bai Jiu tugged at YiChen's sleeve, shivering. "Zhuo-gege, isn't it cold?"

Without hesitation, YiChen slipped his outer coat from his shoulders and wrapped it snugly around Bai Jiu's small frame. "This will keep you warm" he said gently, offering a reassuring smile.

"But what about you, Zhuo-gege?" Bai Jiu asked, worry written across his face.

"I'm not cold" YiChen replied evenly, though the faint tremble of his fingers betrayed him.

"Then let's go!" Ying Lei urged, practically bouncing ahead.

As the group followed, Zhu Yan's gaze fell on YiChen's trembling hands. With a subtle gesture, Zhu Yan brought his own fingers to his lips and whispered, "Warm." A scarlet wisp of energy swirled from his fingertips, invisible to the others and slipped into YiChen's body.

YiChen felt the warmth flood through him almost instantly, banishing the chill. His steps faltered for a moment and he glanced toward Zhu Yan, suspicion flickering in his eyes. But Zhu Yan just grinned lazily and sauntered ahead, as if he'd done nothing at all.

The relic left by Li Lun had proven to be a crucial find for the team. However, to activate its power, they needed a source of pure, untouched water. The only known source was guarded by none other than Ying Zhao, the Mountain God of Kunlun and Ying Lei's grandfather.

At the entrance to the Mountain God's temple, the group was greeted by an old man with a long, flowing white beard and a smile that radiated warmth despite the biting cold.

YiChen stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Greetings, Mountain God Ying Zhao."

The others followed YiChen's lead, bowing respectfully—except for Zhu Yan, who remained arrogantly still.

Ying Zhao's smile faltered, his sharp eyes narrowing as they landed on the unbothered demon. "You brat! You dare not even greet your teacher?!"

"Long time no see, old man" Zhu Yan replied flippantly, crossing his arms and smirking without even attempting a bow.

"Grandfather, are you sure you're his teacher?" Ying Lei chimed in, tugging at Ying Zhao's sleeve. "He's useless as a great demon."

"Not only do you skip greetings but you're tarnishing my name!" Ying Zhao roared, producing a thin wooden pole seemingly out of nowhere. Without warning, he started swinging it at Zhu Yan.

"Hey! Ouch! Don't hit me, old man!" Zhu Yan yelped, dodging blows as he scrambled away. "I'll hit back if you keep this up!"

"You wouldn't dare, you ungrateful brat!" Ying Zhao hollered, chasing after him.

The rest of the group stood frozen, watching the bizarre spectacle unfold before them.

"Is this actually happening?" Wen Xiao whispered, glancing at YiChen in disbelief.

YiChen crossed his arms, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "This is... strangely satisfying" His soft chuckle was soon joined by the laughter of the others as they watched the mighty Zhu Yan, a supposed great demon, fleeing from an old man wielding a stick.

After several long minutes of yelling, dodging and poorly aimed swings, Zhu Yan finally surrendered. Pulling a small pouch from his robes, he held it out toward Ying Zhao. "Old man, wait! Look! I brought your favorite. Fresh nuts from the human realm."