Chapter 106: Mere Child's Play

Chu Youcai remained in the room, continuing his treatment. As he used his demonic arts to channel energy through Shangguan Wanru’s body, he discovered a major problem: the meridians within her were exceptionally narrow.

In any martial artist, the broader the meridians, the greater their capacity to withstand pressure and the higher their potential for future achievement. Those with narrow meridians often find themselves gasping for breath from even the most mundane physical exertion. He had not expected Shangguan Wanru’s meridians to be this restricted; no wonder she had been unable to cultivate the Dao.

He was momentarily stunned. Under such circumstances, the fact that Shangguan Wanru had managed to master such sophisticated swordsmanship was a testament to her unyielding willpower. If her meridians could be broadened, her potential would truly be limitless.

With this thought, Chu Youcai stopped hesitating. He poured his demonic energy into the task, working tirelessly to clear her meridians step by step. However, within a short time, he was already physically exhausted. His mastery of demonic arts was rooted in a resilient physique, further enhanced by rigorous testing, the acquisition of an external avatar, and the influence of the Ziwei star; his reserves were far greater than most. Yet, even with this, he had only managed to clear a few meridians before reaching this state of fatigue. It was a clear indication that defying heaven and changing one's fate was no easy feat.

Worse, he noticed that the meridians he had just cleared began to atrophy again shortly after. Alarmed, Chu Youcai focused his mind, pouring all his energy into repairing the pathways. He persisted for nearly an hour, feeling utterly drained, when he finally approached the critical final stage.

Just then, he heard a cry of alarm from the courtyard. It was Hong Yu’s voice. Simultaneously, Yun Cuixian and Wen Ji rushed out, shouting, "Who goes there?"

Chu Youcai’s expression shifted. He had not expected someone to strike at him and Hong Yu at such a crucial moment. Could it be an assassin sent by Prince Chuyu? He heard another cry from outside—the sound of Hong Yu being wounded—followed by a man’s cold, mocking laughter.

A chill emanated from Chu Youcai’s eyes. Without a second thought, he freed one hand and executed a unique gesture, channeling his demonic arts to manifest his newly acquired external avatar. At his command, the avatar phased through the wall and appeared in the courtyard.

In the yard, Hong Yu was gasping for breath. No matter how she wielded her whip, she could not land a strike on the masked man, Black Seven. Yet, she held firm, driven by the desperate resolve to protect Chu Youcai and Shangguan Wanru. Yun Cuixian fought alongside her, swinging her sword, while Wen Ji channeled a moonlight-like energy into Hong Yu. Despite their efforts, they were in dire straits, and it appeared that Black Seven’s blade was about to pierce Hong Yu’s shoulder.

Suddenly, a horse neighed. A massive, imposing war chariot flashed into view from the distance. As Black Seven faltered in surprise, the chariot surged overhead, and one of its wheels smashed into his back with the speed of a startled swan. The impact was so powerful it sent him spitting blood.

Black Seven stumbled back, staring at the chariot in disbelief. "What is this?" To his shock, Chu Youcai was standing inside the chariot, though his form appeared somewhat ethereal. Terrified, Black Seven turned to flee, but no matter where he ran, he found himself surrounded by seven manifestations of the chariot. They formed a formation that trapped him, while Chu Youcai stood nearby, watching like a predator, surrounding him with hidden danger.

Desperate, Black Seven gathered all his strength and lunged at Chu Youcai, hoping to capture the leader first. But as he struck, he discovered the figure of Chu Youcai was merely an empty projection—not a physical body! Before he could process this, Chu Youcai extended a palm, and a massive wave of energy surged forward, slamming into his chest. Black Seven was sent tumbling to the ground, pinned down and immobilized by the seven manifestations.

His face turned pale with horror. *Could it be?* he thought. *Is Chu Youcai already dead, and is this merely a ghost?*

Just then, the room door opened, and a second Chu Youcai stepped out. Black Seven’s expression crumbled in shock. What was happening?

Yun Cuixian quickly asked, "Is Wanru safe?"

Chu Youcai nodded. "She is out of danger."

The group breathed a sigh of relief. Yun Cuixian and Wen Ji entered the room to check on Shangguan Wanru, while Chu Youcai walked slowly toward Black Seven. Black Seven stared at the two identical versions of Chu Youcai, his shock beyond measure. What kind of bizarre technique was this? Could it be...?

A realization dawned on him, and he blurted out, "Is this... an external avatar?"

Chu Youcai nodded. "You have a keen eye."

Black Seven’s face turned ghastly. "I never imagined the Third Young Master was so formidable. I misjudged you! Only the Head Matriarch and the Prince possess the art of the external avatar in the Prince's estate. I never expected you to keep such a secret."

Chu Youcai’s heart stirred. He knew the external avatar was an incredibly difficult technique. His father, having guarded the southern frontier for years, was a master of immense power, but he had not expected the Head Matriarch to possess it as well.

"Given your fighting style and attire, you must be a trusted subordinate of the Second Young Master," Chu Youcai said. "Which one are you? Black Seven?"

Black Seven didn't deny it. "I am Black Seven. Since you know I was sent by the Second Young Master, you must know he has already mastered the Dao. Once he takes action, you will be reduced to pulp. I don't know how you obtained an external avatar, but in the face of the true Dao, these petty tricks are useless!"

"Useless in the face of the Dao?" Chu Youcai extended a hand. His demonic energy erupted into the form of dragon and snake-like qi, coalescing into an invisible, intangible force that formed a void-hand, gripping Black Seven by the throat and lifting him into the air.

Black Seven felt as if his neck were being crushed by a terrifying force of the void; no matter how he struggled, he could not break free. In that moment, as if recalling a nightmare, he stared at Chu Youcai with wide, incredulous eyes, filled with confusion and despair.

Chu Youcai made a grasping motion in the air. The dragon and snake energy swirled from the heavens, wrapping tightly around Black Seven and slamming him hard against the ground.