Nothing but a fake

Meng Huai watched Xiang Yu take out a small drum and beat it repeatedly. The man's aura immediately surged, while the insects formed a barrier.

This secretly startled him. He had never expected the man to possess something like this. From what he remembered, the only thing that seemed to match it was the Luofu Drum.

It was one of several magical artifacts that had passed into this world from the Luofu Ghost Domain, each possessing boundless power. In theory, this man had no magical power and should not have been able to wield it.

He formed a seal with both hands, and the Silver Centipede from last time appeared again. This time, however, there were two of them, guarding the two women.

He watched his opponent warily, feeling that something was off about the Luofu Drum. It did not seem nearly as powerful as the legends claimed.

He flicked two fingers of his right hand, launching a small beetle. But as it approached his opponent's body, it suddenly burst apart.

Although the attack failed, it gave him a clearer picture. The other man's little drum was merely an imitation—a fake, plain and simple.

One thing was certain, though: even if this little drum was a fake, it had to be closely connected to the real Luofu Drum.

It seemed this so-called Night God Church might well possess the genuine Luofu Drum. The thought alone gave him a headache. Why was my luck so rotten? Of all people, I had to run into someone like this.

Despite those thoughts, his hands did not slow in the slightest. Dealing with the brat in front of him came first!

Xiang Yu said smugly, "I thought you were supposed to be impressive, but it looks like this is all you've got. Those gu insects of yours can't even get near me."

Meng Huai gave a dry laugh. "I really admire your confidence. You're holding nothing but a fake, yet you dare act so arrogant in front of me. I was only testing you just now."

As he spoke, he formed seals with both hands, then raised them. A small silver snake appeared out of thin air, hovering as though it were suspended in water.

The little snake had eyes the size of mung beans. Though tiny, they shone brilliantly. One look was enough to tell it was a superior specimen, completely different from those insects.

The little snake coiled in midair and stared fixedly at the spoiled young man opposite it, flicking its tongue repeatedly. It looked almost ready to drool.

At the sight of the little snake, Xiang Yu felt his legs go weak. He had never received proper training, after all, and fell far short in many respects.

He gripped the little drum tightly, which restored some of his confidence. "Don't think bringing out a snake will scare me!" he snarled. "In a moment, I'll kill you and leave you without a grave!"

Meng Huai pointed at him. With a flick of its tail, the little snake shot toward Xiang Yu like a silver bolt of lightning. Then came a bang.

The little snake rebounded as though it had struck glass. The protective barrier formed by the drum still offered some defense.

Seeing the little snake shaking its head, Xiang Yu smirked. "Your snake only looks formidable. In reality, it's all show and no substance.

"Before God, all of you are blasphemers, and you will face divine judgment. Repent before God now, and you might still have a chance to live."

The little snake clearly understood him. Its tongue flicked rapidly, and an almost human expression of anger appeared on its face. Then it sprang forward again.

This time, however, the little snake had learned its lesson. Rather than charging straight into the barrier, it circled Xiang Yu, occasionally lashing it with its tail.

Xiang Yu grew terrified as well. He kept beating the little drum, each blow harder than the last, until finally, with a thump, he broke it.

His face instantly went deathly pale. He had no idea how this could have happened. This was a divine treasure bestowed by God. How could it possibly break?

The little snake flicked its tongue again, looking almost smug. It lashed its tail sharply, and a sound like shattering glass rang through the air.

The little snake sprang forward and landed on his neck. Baring two silver fangs, it bit into his shoulder. The fangs slowly turned black, as though they were drawing something out of his body.

Meng Huai clapped his hands, and the little snake flew back toward him. But just as it approached, it abruptly changed direction, plunged into Yun Zimo's chest, and swiftly slipped inside her body!

Meng Huai's expression changed as well. He had never expected this to happen. The little snake had actually abandoned him for a beauty and made Yun Zimo its new home.

Yun Zimo also turned deathly pale and looked at him pitifully. She had no idea what was happening. How had a snake suddenly ended up inside her body?

Meng Huai sighed helplessly. "You're really lucky. I came across this snake by chance, but since I already had a life-bound gu, I never refined it."

In truth, he was not being honest. Who would not want to refine such an exceptional specimen? Unfortunately, the snake was extraordinarily stubborn. He had tried everything he could, all to no avail.

He had never imagined that today the snake would enter his woman's body and even acknowledge her as its master. It really did treat people differently. Did beautiful women really have an advantage?

He decided to turn it into a favor. "Now that you've been dragged into all this, there's no telling what might happen in the future. I'll give you this snake to protect you!"

After hearing that, Yun Zimo's fear vanished without a trace. With such an exceptional creature protecting her, she could rest easier from now on.

Standing nearby with a dark expression, Shan Meirong said, "Please, you two, stop flirting for a moment. We still haven't dealt with this unfilial son of mine. What should we do?"

Meng Huai shook his head. "The gu poison in his body has already been drawn out. He's no different from an ordinary person now. As for how you want to deal with him, that's a family matter.

"But I'm sure you now understand what happened at the fashion show last time. It really had nothing to do with my fiancée's company. I hope we can bury the hatchet!"

Shan Meirong waved her hand. "Of course I won't pursue the matter any further. It was all this wretched son's fault. But he's my only son, so I hope the two of you will keep this secret for me."

Yun Zimo shook her head helplessly. This was the power of a mother's love. No matter what her child did, a mother would ultimately choose to forgive.

Xiang Yu stood there without a word, looking at his mother. No one knew what he was thinking. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees with a thud and kowtowed to her twice, striking his forehead loudly against the ground.