The Creatures that We Are

A soft hum rippled through the air as First Firelord's level 4 Six Senses Judge activated. The Talent's effect swept through a thirty-meter radius, stripping First Firelord's team of taste while robbing Zhong He of smell and—crucially—sight.

Darkness slammed down like a curtain. Zhong He's intimate knowledge of First Firelord's abilities only made the situation more bitter. Just perfect. His internal voice dripped with sarcasm. Out of all the senses, it had to be vision.

"He can't see!" First Firelord's shout carried triumph. "Everyone, let's go!"

Bone blades whistling, Jing Ke charged from the front while Harvest Song's footsteps approached from the flank.

Dammit!

Blind, Zhong He pulled back his extended shadows, reinforcing his armor. Half a second later, thud—Jing Ke's blade carved a diagonal slash at his neck. Even through Phantom's protection, the strike nearly tore through his neck muscles; without the Talent, his head would’ve rolled. The impact hurled him against the bridge's metal railing, warping steel.

He sucked in a cold breath, enduring the pain. The collision told him everything he needed: the Li River waited just beyond the railing. One vault, one leap, and the water would give him an advantage. His hands found the ground, shadows gathering to launch him—

"Duel me!"

Nomad's familiar voice carried the unmistakable energy of a rule-based Talent. Zhong He's curse died in his throat.

Rules of Jianghu, serial number 186, Damage-type, forced its target into single combat. Once activated, the challenge couldn't be refused—the pure physical combat only ended with knockout or death. Strong-willed targets could resist, and any third-party interference would break the spell.

The now-blind Zhong He fell under its spell. His body lurched toward Nomad's voice, fist cocked. The Talent screamed at him to dissolve his shadow armor, to engage in primal combat. Only level 6 Phantom's enhanced mental resistance and the fact that he had activated it before Nomad used Rules of Jianghu kept him from completely losing control—but he couldn't attack with his shadows either.

Nomad crashed into him like a street brawler. No technique, just raw aggression. His knuckles split against the shadow armor, blood smearing across a surface that felt like steel-reinforced sandpaper. The Rules of Jianghu kept him going, heedless of injury.

Zhong He, blind and inexperienced in close combat, swung his fists wildly. Each clumsy exchange left him more battered, more humiliated despite not feeling any pain. Finally, desperation let him snag Nomad's wrist. They crashed to the ground, a tangle of limbs and fury.

Jing Ke and Harvest Song circled like wolves, weapons ready. They only needed one moment—one slip of Zhong He's control where rage would make him drop Phantom. Then their blades would find vital points, making it so quick that Zhong He wouldn’t be able to react.

"Son of a bitch! Die!" Blood sprayed from Nomad's knuckles as he pinned his former friend, raining blows against Zhong He's shadow-shielded head.

"You're the one who's gonna die, bastard!" Shadow-gloved hands found Nomad's throat. Zhong He squeezed until his opponent's face turned crimson.

His leg coiled and struck, catapulting Nomad away. Zhong He rolled, reversing their positions. Even blind, he found Nomad's face and slammed his fist down—but the Phantom around his knuckles began to fade, revealing vulnerable flesh.

That's it!

Jing Ke and Harvest Song tightened their grips, watching the shadow armor dissolve. They needed just one exposed vital point—neck, head, or heart.

Blood rage consumed Zhong He. Complex fury toward his former friend made the shadows around his neck melt away, revealing pale skin beneath.

Now!

Bone blades raised, Jing Ke charged. Harvest Song's triangular blade followed close behind.

Their movement broke the Rules of Jianghu's spell. Clarity hit Zhong He like ice water. What am I doing? Fighting like a common thug when I have Phantom? He sensed the danger behind him, but it was already too late to dodge.

A figure burst upward at near-teleportation speed. White Rabbit's kick caught Jing Ke's jaw with devastating force.

Clink. Yellow Lotus appeared in the same instant, catching Harvest Song's blade with her Black Gold-gloved hand while reaching for her collar.

Harvest Song disengaged, landing with catlike grace. Complicated feelings flickered in her eyes.

Yellow Lotus stood before Zhong He with an open, confident smile, but her tone was rueful. “I never expected to one day fight you as a real enemy, Little Harvest.”

The words struck deep, but Harvest Song's moment of weakness passed quickly. Memories of fallen comrades turned her gaze to ice.

"Sister Lotus." Her voice hardened. "This time, I'm using weapons."

Yellow Lotus tossed the triangular blade back with gentle precision. "Come on. Let me see what you're capable of."

…

Meanwhile, White Rabbit didn’t stay after kicking Jing Ke away. She phased back into the bridge with Intangibility, pursuing her primary mission.

Jing Ke recovered from his tumble, scanning for White Rabbit—then froze. His eyes locked onto an approaching figure: a silver-haired man in black training wear, moving with ethereal dignity. Mischievous Monkey of the Twelve Zodiac Signs.

"Surrender, Jing Ke." The old man's voice carried gentle authority, one hand resting at his back. "Do not waste your life for nothing."

"My life is worth something, but not my companions'?!" Rage twisted Jing Ke's features. "Did they deserve to die?"

"This is how war is." Mischievous Monkey's voice dropped lower.

"War. Yes, this is how war is..." Darkness consumed Jing Ke's expression. "I just have to kill all of you, and the war will come to an end..." Pure hatred and murderous intent blazed in his eyes.

"Die!" He charged, bone blades extended.

Mischievous Monkey watched him with profound sadness, raising his right hand. His words carried the weight of genuine regret.

"I'm sorry, child."

Houseau3's Thoughts

It's just sad to see them fight and die in a war they do not believe in.

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