Chapter 103: Encounter of Rivals

Seeing the boys of the Ou family, Ou Xinlai was in an excellent mood. With a flick of her finger, she poked Ou Jinjue on the head and tugged at his clothes, guiding him toward Ye Zifei and Dan Ziyao.

At first, Ou Jinjue was startled by the invisible force. But soon, he sensed something familiar within that touch. Trusting his intuition, he yielded to the force, and to his surprise, he found Ye Zifei.

The Ou brothers were traveling together, far more cohesive than they had been during their trip to the Chiyou Ancient Cave. As Ou Jinjue moved, the others naturally followed.

Under Ou Xinlai’s guidance, Ou Jinjue had mastered formidable external martial arts, even surpassing the three brothers who possessed supernatural abilities. In this journey to the Immortal Pool Ruins, he had become their de facto leader.

"You’re here too?" Seeing Ye Zifei, Ou Jinjue knew he had made the right choice. As a man, he understood the look in Ye Zifei’s eyes whenever he gazed at Ou Xinlai.

Joining forces with Ye Zifei brought him great relief. He knew that for Ou Xinlai’s sake, Ye Zifei would never harm their family and would surely assist them when necessary.

Could the invisible force that led them here really be Ou Xinlai?

Ye Zifei nodded at Ou Jinjue, his eyes asking for an explanation. Ou Jinjue frowned, struggling to articulate how he had found him. "Perhaps she helped," he answered vaguely.

Ye Zifei nodded, understanding. He knew that in the Ou family, Ou Xinlai was closest to Ou Jinjue. If Ou Jinjue also felt her presence, then it was likely she was indeed nearby.

Yet, this left Ye Zifei even more curious about what had happened to her. Why were they unable to see her, yet she could guide them in such an intangible state? Was she unable to speak? He couldn’t fathom it, but he wasn't worried. As long as she had entered the ruins and was following them, that was enough.

"Brother Zifei, who are they?" Dan Ziyao tugged at Ye Zifei’s sleeve, eyeing the Ou brothers.

Ou Jinjue frowned in distaste. Just because Dan Ziyao didn't remember him didn't mean he had forgotten her. A year ago, she had stormed the Ou household, intent on killing Ou Xinlai to avenge some woman named Qingqing.

He looked at Ye Zifei with disapproval. Knowing this woman was an enemy of Ou Xinlai, why was he still with her? Was he planning to abandon Ou Xinlai? If that were true, Ou Jinjue vowed to teach him a lesson. He had never forgotten his duty as an elder brother to protect his sister. He turned away, putting distance between himself and the group.

Ye Zifei sighed silently. Ou Jinjue was far more petty than his sister. Even Ou Xinlai had accepted Dan Ziyao, yet here was her brother acting like a petulant child.

"Brother Zifei, why is he like that?" Dan Ziyao was offended by Ou Jinjue’s coldness.

Watching from above, Ou Xinlai was exasperated. While everyone else was busy hunting for treasure, this group was just standing around reminiscing. She sent a gust of wind toward them, urging them to move.

Ye Zifei seemed to understand her intent. "Enough, everyone else has moved on." Without waiting for the others, he set off. Dan Ziyao hurried to catch up, and Ou Jinjue, despite his reluctance, followed with his brothers.

Along the way, they found nothing of note, though Dan Ziyao happily gathered various immortal herbs, intending to give them to Ou Xinlai for her medical studies.

Suddenly, Ou Xinlai felt the world tremble. Having entered this realm first, she sensed a new intruder.

"It seems you aren't the only one with this fate," the little white snake hissed. "Someone else has planned their way in."

"Don't worry," Ou Xinlai said calmly. "We are in the shadows, and they are in the light. We shall wait for our chance."

"Where is the treasure?" a voice asked—the intruder.

"Patience, woman," a harsh, raspy voice replied, sounding like metal scraping on iron.

Ou Xinya glared at the small black snake coiled against her chest, her eyes filled with disgust. After learning her true identity, she had stumbled upon a formation and found this strange creature. Since then, her supernatural powers had soared, reaching level nine, on the verge of breaking into level ten. But the creature was lecherous. If it weren't for its small size, she feared what it might have done to her.

She had entered these ruins under its guidance, seeking a secret treasure that would make her invincible. Having failed to topple the Ou family and being hunted by Ye Zifei, she was desperate for power to silence her detractors.

"It’s her?" Ou Xinlai was shocked to see Ou Xinya. She had never managed to find her in the Vermillion Bird Kingdom, but here she was. This was the perfect chance to end the threat she posed to the Ou family.

"She has a helper," the little white snake noted, pointing to the black snake coiled on Ou Xinya’s chest. "It’s a Four-Clawed Black Python."

The little white snake explained that the creature was a half-snake, half-python, seeking a host to help it complete its evolution. Because of its lustful nature, it was constantly taking liberties with Ou Xinya.

"It’s a degenerate," the little white snake sneered. "If it ever fully evolves, the world will gain a lust-demon."

Ou Xinlai was disgusted. "It’s more useful than you, though. It led her straight here, while I stumbled in by accident."

"How dare you compare me to that thing!" The little white snake flew out, attacking the black python. Ou Xinya, startled, unleashed her powers, but the white snake was far too agile.

"We are of the same kind, why attack me?" the black python hissed.

"You dare call yourself my kin?" the white snake roared, lunging and biting the black creature.

Ou Xinlai seized the moment, leaping out to attack Ou Xinya. "Who are you?" Ou Xinya cried out in alarm, then recognized her face. "It’s you!"

Ou Xinya didn't realize it was Ou Xinlai, assuming she was the woman named Nicai who had infiltrated the Dan residence. "So, you’re here to compete for the treasure? Fine, I’ll finish you off along with the rest!"

Ou Xinlai smiled. She was eager to test the extent of Ou Xinya’s power. As the first shockwave of energy collided with her own, she shifted her stance, weaving yin and yang, ready for the battle ahead.