Chapter 99 – What a Wonderful Performance (Part Two)

Whoosh!

An arrow’s shriek pierced through the long night, sharper than tempered steel, tearing through metal and stone as it shot deep into the narrow path.

Yet the Celestial Maiden remained unmoved. Her eyes fixed on the Light Arrow streaking through the air, her composure remained unshaken even if Mount Tai were to collapse before her—truly living up to her title as “Celestial Maiden.”

Then, without any visible movement, the Light Arrow dissipated into thin air.

Moreover, it happened so swiftly it was traceable to the naked eye.

At the moment it reached her, the entire Light Arrow transformed into scattered starlight that swept past her exquisite head, like a gentle breeze merely tousling a few strands of hair at her forehead.

Witnessing this, the Shrine Maiden couldn’t help but let out a soft “Huh?” clearly taken by surprise.

Even the Witch watching from the sidelines secretly broke into a cold sweat at this sight.

Shrine Maiden: “Truly fascinating. I never imagined someone so pure could exist in this world…”

But before her words fully faded, she suddenly continued with a blossom-like smile: “I wonder what would happen if we were to draw out the darkness hidden within your heart?”

As she spoke, a Black Jade Bottle covered in mystical symbols materialized in her right hand.

The Witch shuddered violently upon seeing this, well aware of how terrifying such jade artifacts could be. The monster Ye Kuang had faced earlier had been unleashed from one.

Now, seeing the Shrine Maiden produce this eerie jade artifact again, one could easily imagine the Witch’s current state of mind.

Swift as lightning!

As the Shrine Maiden’s vermilion lips parted, seemingly reciting some incantation, the jade vessel began vibrating intensely, and the evil entity within broke free from its seal.

Instantly, crimson light blazed brilliantly, and sinister energy surged skyward, dyeing the heavens into a sea of scarlet clouds.

When the churning crimson clouds coalesced into one, a figure clad entirely in red armor came into view. With a long sword at its waist and a formidable build… had one not seen it with their own eyes, they might have mistaken it for a general from centuries past.

Seeing this, the Celestial Maiden’s pupils contracted slightly, finally showing a trace of emotion.

The Shrine Maiden, however, remained nonchalant and explained casually: “This is the Oni General, Red Oni. He is inherently greedy and holds a particular fondness for those of utmost purity. I hope you’ll enjoy yourselves.”

With that, the Shrine Maiden actually put away her longbow, intending to watch the battle from a safe distance.

But unexpectedly, Red Oni then declared: “Shrine Maiden, what is the meaning of this? You destroyed my Blue Oni doppelganger. I will surely avenge this grievance.”

Shrine Maiden: “Heh, if you don’t wish to be purified on the spot right now, you’ll do as I command. Deal with these two women first.”

“You…” Red Oni trembled like a leaf upon hearing this, clearly intimidated by the Shrine Maiden’s methods.

But then, turning to assess the situation, he continued: “However, I have one condition. After eliminating them, you must grant me my freedom.”

Hearing this, the Shrine Maiden replied indifferently: “Heh… Agreed.”

Upon hearing this, Red Oni immediately turned and, in a single step, traversed several dozen yards.

His speed could only be described as appearing and vanishing like a ghost, while the pervasive sinister energy grew increasingly dense with his movement.

In that moment, one couldn’t help but feel as if they had fallen into the underworld.

The agonized screams of countless spirits filled the air incessantly, creating a scene teeming with spectral shadows, as if the Ghost King had emerged with minions sprouting everywhere.Red Oni: “What a pure woman… Oh? There’s another delicacy. I must thank you, Shrine Maiden, for arranging such a feast for me… Hehehe.”

As his voice faded, his figure abruptly dissipated.

When he reappeared, he materialized three zhang away from the Celestial Maiden.

Red Oni General: “Woman, this general has always had a soft spot for fair maidens. I’ll give you one chance—kneel!”

Upon hearing this, the Celestial Maiden’s delicate face shifted. Who in this world had ever dared force her to kneel? Even her master treated her as their own, fearing she’d melt in their mouth or shatter in their palm.

Now, some fool who had no regard for his life dared speak so insolently. One could imagine her fury.

At this thought, she suddenly struck.

A flash of chilling cold shot from her sleeve like a living creature, bursting forth with explosive speed.

Screech!

A sharp sword whistle pierced the air, fleeting as a spark of light.

Red Oni tilted his head, swiftly evading the lethal strike, then roared: “Since you seek death, I’ll cripple you and take you away anyway.”

As he spoke, he gripped his saber, unleashing a sinister and malevolent aura.

A crimson glow flashed—contradicting his claim of chivalry—as he swung the blade ruthlessly.

His movement held no hesitation, a killing strike from the outset.

The Celestial Maiden’s cold eyes narrowed. A white ribbon emerged from the hilt of her sword, and with a pull of energy, the weapon flew back into her hand in an instant.

Sword hidden in sleeve, poised with grace—this was the Celestial Maiden!

Then, gripping her sword single-handedly, she advanced instead of retreating.

That glint of cold steel seemed unremarkable yet coiled like a viper, entangling the Crimson Blade while striking straight for his face.

“Child’s play!” Red Oni scoffed, tilting his head again to dodge the attack before attempting to retract his blade.

Unexpectedly, not only did his saber fail to budge, but the Celestial Maiden’s sword twisted along it, shearing off his crimson helmet.

It revealed the Red Oni General’s hideous, ferocious face.

Red Oni General: “You seek death…”

Before he could finish, Red Oni erupted in fury.

For armor is a warrior’s second life, and even as a demon, he couldn’t discard the convictions of his past.

As rage surged, an endless crimson aura erupted from his entire body.

He not only reclaimed his Crimson Blade but forced the Celestial Maiden back.

Then, Red Oni threw his head back with a bestial roar, descending into madness that made him utterly vicious.

Witnessing this, even the Celestial Maiden’s expression shifted again.

It must be said—she was playful by nature and had never faced such adversity. This Red Oni was the first she’d encountered in her life.

For the first time, she resolved to eradicate such an evil spirit at any cost.

For the consequences of failure were beyond imagination.

As the crimson glow faded, fully absorbed into Red Oni’s formidable frame, it amplified his ferocity and unleashed an overwhelming pressure…

Red Oni: “Woman, you’ve lost your chance to live. I will torture you to death.”

No sooner had he spoken than his form vanished, reappearing right before the Celestial Maiden.

A single blade stroke followed, cutting down relentlessly!The movement was clean and precise, without the slightest hesitation, clearly carrying lethal intent.

The Celestial Maiden reacted instantly to the sound, murmuring incantations under her breath as she thrust her sword forward.

Clang!

A metallic clash erupted, sharp and piercing. The sound was so overwhelming, fierce enough to rival the shaking of the heavens, unable to conceal the sharpness it carried.

Under the force of this heavy blade strike, the Celestial Maiden was forced into a rapid retreat, astonishingly covering a distance of several dozen zhang.

In contrast, the Red Oni remained motionless, hovering calmly in mid-air, appearing completely at ease.

Just as he was about to strike again, a lazy, mocking voice suddenly emerged from the depths of the narrow path.

“Beating up a woman—how impressive of you.”

“Who’s there? Show yourself!”

“I’m your granddaddy! Though having a grandson like you really drags down my reputation. Good evening, everyone. Did I miss a good show?”