He Yuzhu returns in Siheyuan

Chapter 832 Dragon's Awakening

Just then, out of the corner of its eye, the red fox caught a glimpse of a dark figure using the cover of the two men's struggle to silently slip into the depths of the cave—it was Ye He! A flash of extreme anxiety crossed its eyes, and it suddenly unleashed its brute force to break free from Ye Xue's grip. Ignoring the blood gushing from the lacerated wound on its back, it frantically tried to rush towards the cave entrance. Ye Xue wouldn't let it succeed. He lunged forward, his arms gripping its hind legs like iron hoops. The red fox stumbled, then turned and launched another frenzied attack, its claws leaving several deep, bone-revealing gashes on Ye Xue's back, a bloody mess.

Ye Xue grunted, veins bulging on his forehead like earthworms, throbbing violently. The wound on his back, torn open by sharp claws, was deep enough to expose bone, and blood was gushing out, quickly soaking through his dark robes and spreading large patches of dark red. But instead of letting go, he hugged the red fox even tighter, his arms like red-hot iron hoops tightly constricting Xiao Shuai's waist and abdomen, his knuckles white from the force, his voice hoarse from the pain: "Trying to leave? Not so easy!" He had only one thought in his mind—if he could just stall for a little longer, and Ye He dealt with the "monster" in the cave, the two of them could work together to capture this cunning fox, and then all the credit would be his.

The Red Fox, Xiao Shuai, was both anxious and furious. His nine bushy tails lashed wildly across the ground, scattering pebbles everywhere. His sharp claws nearly tore Ye Xue's back apart, each tear ripping away large chunks of flesh, splattering hot blood that bloomed like glaring flowers on the flagstones. But Ye Xue was like a rock rooted to the spot, refusing to budge no matter how much he struggled. Watching helplessly as Ye Xue's figure vanished completely into the darkness deep within the cave, Xiao Shuai let out desperate and furious roars. The sounds echoed outside the empty cave, filled with endless resentment, like the mournful cry of a trapped beast in a desperate situation, making one's heart tighten.

"You deserve to die, you deserve to die!" Xiao Shuai's bloodshot eyes were fixed on Ye Xue, his pupils filled with bloodthirsty hatred. Before he finished speaking, he suddenly arched his body, and the pale golden demonic power around him surged violently, churning like a raging fire. Ignoring the force of Ye Xue's belt around his waist—a force that almost broke his bones—he twisted his body forcefully, his sharp canines gleaming coldly, aiming straight for Ye Xue's neck. At this moment, he no longer cared about his pain; only one thought occupied his mind: tear through this obstacle and rush in to protect his master!

Ye Xue's heart skipped a beat, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end—he knew this fox demon was truly fighting desperately. A wave of excruciating pain surged through his back, almost making him faint, but he gritted his teeth and refused to loosen his grip even slightly. For Ye He's sake, for that "opportunity" so close at hand, he had to delay any longer! He freed one hand to press down hard on Xiao Shuai's head, while his other hand remained locked like an iron clamp around its body, letting the sharp claws inflict several more deep, bone-revealing wounds on his back, blood trickling down his spine and pooling on the ground.

Xiao Shuai wanted to rush in to protect his master, but Ye Xue held him back tightly. The anger and anxiety in his chest almost consumed him. He didn't know what to say; all his emotions were channeled into the strength of his claws, determined to finish off the man before him as quickly as possible, even if it meant mutual destruction. Each bite was filled with a ruthless, all-consuming ferocity, saliva mixed with blood dripping from the corners of his mouth, making him look as fierce as a young beast driven to the brink of despair.

On the other side, Ye He, carrying an iron ruler, ventured deeper into the cave. The further he went, the more chilling the air became, as if he were immersed in icy water, even his breath carrying white vapor. Rounding a bend, the sight before him froze him instantly—on a stone platform in the center of the cave sat a being half dragon, half human. The bluish-gold dragon scales gleamed coldly in the dim light, like shards of ice; the upper body was that of a handsome but pale human, his dark hair disheveled and plastered to his cheeks. Though his aura was weak, it exuded an innate majesty that made one不敢直视 (dare not look directly at him).

Ye He's heart pounded, his hand gripping the iron ruler trembling slightly—he knew he had indeed found the right spot! This must be the legendary dragon! He quietly tightened his grip on the iron ruler, tiptoed closer, his eyes greedily scanning Long Si's body like a hungry wolf eyeing a piece of fat meat. As long as he killed it and took the dragon pearl, his and Ye Xue's cultivation would surely advance by leaps and bounds. At that time, not only the clan elders, but even the clan leader would have to give them some respect. Who would dare to disrespect them? Those who usually looked down on them would all have to obediently bow their heads!

Unbeknownst to him, Long Si had already awakened the moment he stepped into the cave. It wasn't that he didn't want to help Xiao Shuai, but rather that he had injured his very essence while protecting Xiao Shuai from the demonic flames the previous night, and now even raising a hand required immense effort; he was completely immobilized. If he could move even a fraction, how could he tolerate such a junior's insolence before him?

Ye He saw that Long Si was simply watching him silently, without moving, and a hint of contempt flashed in his eyes. But when he saw the congealed dark purple bloodstains on Long Si's chest and his paper-white face, he was even more certain that this dragon was severely injured and nothing to fear. He puffed out his chest, raised his chin, and said smugly, "Alright, stop pretending. You're covered in wounds, you can't even stand properly, you're no match for me. Hand over the Dragon Pearl obediently and come with me, maybe I can spare your life; otherwise, you're doomed!"

Looking at his smug expression, Long Si was too lazy to even speak. This piece of trash, who couldn't even handle Xiao Shuai, dared to boast in front of him? If he weren't severely injured, a single breath of dragon's breath would have reduced him to ashes, leaving not even a bone fragment. He merely narrowed his eyes slightly, a faint hint of mockery flashing in them.

Seeing that Long Si remained motionless, Ye He assumed he was afraid, which made him even more smug. He slightly raised the iron ruler in his hand, the ruler gleaming with the silver light of talisman water, and prepared to make his move.

Just then, Long Si finally moved. He didn't look at Ye He, but instead turned his gaze towards the cave entrance. With his last remaining strength, he sent out a gentle yet clear voice through his divine sense: "Little Shuai, I'm fine. There's no need to risk your life. Come back."

Upon hearing his master's voice at the cave entrance, Xiao Shuai shuddered, as if doused with cold water. He instantly understood—his master had awakened. Although he couldn't move for the time being, he no longer needed to risk his life. The madness in his eyes faded somewhat, but his offensive remained undiminished. However, his moves lacked the suicidal resolve of his previous attacks, replaced by a more composed and calculating demeanor. The rise and fall of his claws carried a hint of cunning.

Ye Xue noticed Xiao Shuai's change and his heart skipped a beat, a sense of foreboding rising within him. The sharp pain in his back blurred his vision, and cold sweat trickled down his forehead, stinging his eyes. The look in the fox's eyes sent a chill down his spine—a cat-like composure, as if he himself were the prey about to be torn apart.