Chapter 43

With a thud, Shen Yuan Ning flew back in a perfect arc from mid‑air, landing in front of us two; even the magic fan was flung aside. However, the monster didn't fare well either—the instant its tail snapped Shen Yuan Ning back, it also took a hit from the fan and was thrown several meters away.

With a thud, Shen Yuan Ning flew back in a perfect arc from mid‑air, landing in front of us two; even the magic fan was flung aside. However, the monster didn't fare well either—the instant its tail snapped Shen Yuan Ning back, it also took a hit from the fan and was thrown several meters away.

Breakdown: "With a thud, Shen Yuan Ning, with a perfect arc, flew back from midair, fell in front of us two; even the magic fan was also flicked to one side. However, that monster wasn't feeling good either; at the moment its tail flicked Shen Yuan Ning back, it also suffered the fan's attack, being flicked several meters away."

several meters

magic fan

Now produce translation: "With a thud, Shen Yuan Ning flew back in a perfect arc from midair, falling in front of us two; even the magic fan was flicked to one side. However, the monster wasn't unscathed either—when its tail flicked Shen Yuan Ning back, it also took a hit from the fan, being flung several meters away."

Check if we added any words not in source: "unscathed" maybe adds nuance but okay. Could say "not feeling good either". Let's try to stay close: "However, the monster wasn't feeling good either; at the moment its tail flicked Shen Yuan Ning back, it also suffered the fan's attack, being flung several meters away."

Better.

Thus: "【1】 With a thud, Shen Yuan Ning flew back in a perfect arc from midair, falling in front of us two; even the magic fan was flicked to one side. However, the monster wasn't feeling good either; at the moment its tail flicked Shen Yuan Ning back, it also suffered the fan's attack, being flung several meters away."

Make sure it's one line.

However, looking at it, the poisonous snake seems to have only suffered superficial wounds, with no internal injury at all. In less than a moment, it twisted its head and slowly crawled toward us.

Translate: "However, no matter how you look at it, the poisonous snake seems to have only superficial wounds, not hurting its internal organs at all. In less than a moment, it turned its snake head and slowly crawled toward us."

less than a moment

Thus: "【2】 However, no matter how you look at it, the poisonous snake seems to have only superficial wounds, not hurting its internal organs at all; in less than a moment it turned its snake head and slowly crawled toward us."

"Cough cough, what the hell is this monster, its skin is really hard…" Shen Yuan Ning spat out a mouthful of repressed blood, struggling to stand up.

Translate: '"Cough cough, what the hell is this monster, its skin is really hard…" Shen Yuan Ning spat out a mouthful of repressed blood, struggling to stand up.'

We need to keep the quoted speech with quotes. Use English quotes. Keep the ellipsis as "…". Use "Cough cough, what the hell is this monster, its skin is really hard…" Shen Yuan Ning spat out a mouthful of repressed blood, struggling to stand up.

a mouthful of repressed blood

Thus: "【3】 "Cough cough, what the hell is this monster, its skin is really hard…" Shen Yuan Ning spat out a mouthful of repressed blood, struggling to stand up."

Pangzi anxiously said: "Forget what it is—right now there's still no other way to behead him; if we can't behead him, then only we will die."

Translate: "Pangzi anxiously said: 'Forget what it is; right now there's no other way to kill it—if we can't kill it, only we will be killed.'"

Forget it. Right now there is still no other way to behead him; if we can't behead him, then only we will die.

Thus: "【4】 Pangzi anxiously said: 'Forget what it is; right now there's still no other way to kill it—if we can't kill it, only we will die.'"

At this moment I was also secretly anxious; although Pangzi and I had taken the antidote, the poison still remained, so we couldn't move at all. Now our only reliance is Shen Yuan Ning.

Translate: "At this moment I was also secretly anxious; although Pangzi and I had taken the antidote, the poison was still in effect, leaving us unable to move. Now our only reliance is Shen Yuan Ning."

Although Pangzi and I had taken the antidote, the poison still remained, so we couldn't move at all.

Thus: "【5】 At this moment I was also secretly anxious; although Pangzi and I had taken the antidote, the poison still remained, leaving us unable to move. Now our only reliance is Shen Yuan Ning."

But when we handed our last lifeline to Shen Yuan Ning, he firmly and decisively shook his head and said: "No."

Translate: "But when we handed him our last lifeline, he firmly and decisively shook his head and said: 'No.'"

firmly and decisively shook his head and said

Thus: "【6】 But when we handed him our last lifeline, he firmly and decisively shook his head and said: 'No.'"

I: ……

Translate: "Me: ……"

We need to keep the ellipsis. So: "【7】 Me: ……"

Pangzi: "Holy shit, isn't that just waiting to die?"

Translate: "Pangzi: 'Holy shit, that's just waiting to die, isn't it?'"

Holy shit

Thus: "【8】 Pangzi: 'Holy shit, that's just waiting to die, isn't it?'"

"People must die once—either heavier than Mount Tai or lighter than a goose feather. As cultivators, having chosen the Dao, why fear dying for it?" Shen Yuan Ning stared at the eerie black snake in the distance, straightened his back, unafraid: "Today I, Shen Yuan Ning, will die here, but the Pure Bright Dao still has countless Shen Yuan Nings. I believe that one day, my Pure Bright Dao's predecessors will slay all these world‑harming demons and monsters, restoring to mankind a bright and clear universe, and exalt the supreme Dao."

Translate: '"Everyone must die once—either weightier than Mount Tai or lighter than a goose feather. As cultivators, having chosen the Dao, why fear dying for it?' Shen Yuan Ning stared at the eerie black snake in the distance, straightened his back, unafraid: 'Today I, Shen Yuan Ning, will die here, but the Pure Bright Dao still has countless Shen Yuan Nings. I believe that one day, my Pure Bright Dao's predecessors will slay all these world‑harming demons and monsters, restoring to mankind a bright and clear universe, and exalt the supreme Dao.'"

Everyone must die once—either heavier than Mount Tai or lighter than a goose feather.

As cultivators, having chosen the Dao, why fear dying for it?

Shen Yuan Ning stared at the eerie black snake in the distance, straightened his back, unafraid:

Today I, Shen Yuan Ning, will die here, but the Pure Bright Dao still has countless Shen Yuan Nings.

I believe that one day, my Pure Bright Dao's predecessors will slay all these world‑harming demons and monsters, restoring to mankind a bright and clear universe, and exalt the supreme Dao.

Thus: "【9】 "Everyone must die once—either heavier than Mount Tai or lighter than a goose feather. As cultivators, having chosen the Dao, why fear dying for it?" Shen Yuan Ning stared at the eerie black snake in the distance, straightened his back, unafraid: "Today I, Shen Yuan Ning, will die here, but the Pure Bright Dao still has countless Shen Yuan Nings. I believe that one day, my Pure Bright Dao's predecessors will slay all these world‑harming demons and monsters, restoring to mankind a bright and clear universe, and exalt the supreme Dao.""

"I still haven't soaked my teacher," Pangzi blurted out, shamelessly.

Translate: '"I still haven't soaked my teacher." Pangzi blurted out, shamelessly.'

I still haven't soaked my teacher.

Thus: "【10】 "I still haven't soaked my teacher." Pangzi blurted out, shamelessly."

Me: "……" Shen Yuan Ning: "……"

Translate: "Me: …… Shen Yuan Ning: ……"

Thus: "【11】 Me: …… Shen Yuan Ning: ……"

"Hiss, hiss"—in less than a moment the poisonous snake crawled back to us, spitting out its tongue, its green eyes staring at us gloomily.

Translate: '"Hiss, hiss" in less than a moment, the poisonous snake crawled back to our face, spitting its tongue, a pair of green eyes gloomily fixed on us.'

in less than a moment

Thus: "【12】 "Hiss, hiss" in less than a moment, the poisonous snake crawled back to our face, spitting its tongue, a pair of green eyes gloomily fixed on us."

Yes, it merely stood not far away, silently staring at us. If it were an ordinary poisonous snake, being attacked would only provoke its ferocity, but this black snake, surprisingly, showed no loss of reason at all; on the contrary, its calmness made it seem frightening.

Translate: "Yes, it was merely standing not far away, silently staring at us; if it were an ordinary poisonous snake, being attacked would only provoke its ferocity, but this black snake showed no loss of reason whatsoever—instead, its calmness made it seem even more frightening."

if it were an ordinary poisonous snake, being attacked would only provoke its ferocity

but this black snake, surprisingly, showed no loss of reason at all; on the contrary, its calmness made it seem frightening

Thus: "【13】 Yes, it was merely standing not far away, silently staring at us; if it were an ordinary poisonous snake, being attacked would only provoke its ferocity, but this black snake showed no loss of reason whatsoever—instead, its calmness made it seem even more frightening."

My heart sank; the rumors were true—the insect master, using fetal spirits to sacrifice to poisonous insects, had actually given this insect wisdom, and even in battle it had learned to observe the enemy.

Translate: "My heart sank; the rumor was indeed true—the insect master, using fetal spirits to sacrifice to poisonous insects, had actually given this insect wisdom, and even in battle it had learned to observe the enemy."

the insect master, using fetal spirits to sacrifice to poisonous insects

had actually given this insect wisdom

and even in battle it had learned to observe the enemy

Thus: "【14】 My heart sank; the rumor was indeed true—the insect master, using fetal spirits to sacrifice to poisonous insects, had actually given this insect wisdom, and even in battle it had learned to observe the enemy."

This black snake observed us for a long time, seeming to see that Shen Yuan Ning was no longer a threat; it raised its head, expelled a foul‑smelling puff of air, opened its blood‑filled maw, and lunged to bite us.

Translate: "The black snake had observed us for a long time; seeing that Shen Yuan Ning no longer posed a threat, it raised its head, expelled a foul-smelling puff of air, opened its blood‑filled maw, and lunged to bite us."

raised its head, expelled a foul‑smelling puff of air

opened its blood‑filled maw

and lunged to bite us

Thus: "【15】 The black snake had observed us for a long time; seeing that Shen Yuan Ning no longer posed a threat, it raised its head, expelled a foul-smelling puff of air, opened its blood‑filled maw, and lunged to bite us."

Instantly, I and Pangzi rose to our feet and stood beside Shen Yuan Ning, facing the poisonous snake without fear.

Translate: "In an instant, Pangzi and I rose to our feet and stood together with Shen Yuan Ning, facing the poisonous snake without fear."

Thus: "【16】 In an instant, Pangzi and I rose to our feet and stood together with Shen Yuan Ning, facing the poisonous snake without fear."

When the poisonous snake lunged at us, the three of us quickly dodged. Shen Yuan Ning picked up the talisman fan and, with it, produced a gust of wind. I and Pangzi chose the oldest method—hand‑to‑hand combat.

Translate: "When the poisonous snake lunged at us, the three of us quickly dodged. Shen Yuan Ning grabbed the talisman fan and generated a gust of wind with it; Pangzi and I chose the oldest method—hand‑to‑hand combat."

He picked up the talisman fan and, with it, produced a gust of wind.

Thus: "【17】 When the poisonous snake lunged at us, the three of us quickly dodged. Shen Yuan Ning grabbed the talisman fan and generated a gust of wind with it; Pangzi and I chose the oldest method—hand‑to‑hand combat."

Of course, this hand‑to‑hand combat wasn't just brute force; I traced the Yin Thunder Flower Characters of Yin Mountain on my body, Pangzi traced the Five Thunder Flower Characters on his hand, and both of us chose close‑range spellcraft, engaging the black snake in guerrilla warfare.

Translate: "Of course, this hand‑to‑hand fight wasn't just a matter of fists clashing. I traced the Yin Thunder Flower Characters of Yin Mountain on my body, and Pangzi traced the Five Thunder Flower Characters on his hand; we both employed close‑range spellcraft, engaging the black snake in guerrilla warfare."

traced the Yin Thunder Flower Characters of Yin Mountain

Pangzi traced the Five Thunder Flower Characters on his hand

both of us chose close‑range spellcraft, engaging the black snake in guerrilla warfare

Thus: "【18】 Of course, this hand‑to‑hand fight wasn't just a matter of fists clashing. I traced the Yin Thunder Flower Characters of Yin Mountain on my body, and Pangzi traced the Five Thunder Flower Characters on his hand; we both employed close‑range spellcraft, engaging the black snake in guerrilla warfare."

But how could a person compare to a poisonous snake? Even someone trained in martial arts lacks a beast's agility. In less than a moment, all three of us were swept aside by its tail.

Translate: "But how could a person compare to a poisonous snake? Even someone trained in martial arts lacks a beast's agility. In less than a moment, the snake's tail swept all three of us aside."

in less than a moment

Thus: "【19】 But how could a person compare to a poisonous snake? Even someone trained in martial arts lacks a beast's agility; in less than a moment, the snake's tail swept all three of us aside."

This black snake seemed different from other poisonous snakes: other snakes swallow their prey upon capture, but this one first knocked us down with its tail, then leisurely devoured us. This reminded me of a cat—before eating a mouse, a cat plays with it, draining its will, then devours it.

Translate: "This black snake differs from ordinary poisonous snakes, which swallow prey outright; instead, it first knocks us down with its tail, then leisurely devours us. This reminded me of a cat: before eating a mouse, a cat toys with it, draining its will to fight, then devours it once it's helpless."

first knocks us down with its tail, then leisurely devours us

Thus: "【20】 This black snake differs from ordinary poisonous snakes, which swallow prey outright; instead, it first knocks us down with its tail, then leisurely devours us. This reminded me of a cat: before eating a mouse, a cat toys with it, draining its will to fight, then devours it once it's helpless."

…But why was I the black snake's first target? The three of us collapsed in three different directions. Damn it, Shen Yuan Ning is the most handsome, Pangzi the fattest. I'm thin and blind in one eye, ugly as sin—why did it pick me first?

Translate: "... But why is the black snake's first target me? The three of us collapsed in three different directions—damn it, the handsomest is Shen Yuan Ning, the fattest is Pangzi. I'm thin, blind in one eye, and ugly; why would it pick me first?"

damn it

Thus: "【21】... But why is the black snake's first target me? The three of us collapsed in three different directions—damn it, the handsomest is Shen Yuan Ning, the fattest is Pangzi. I'm thin, blind in one eye, and ugly; why would it pick me first?"

Just as I felt extremely uneasy in my heart, the poisonous snake's head reached my face, only a few centimeters away—its tongue almost licked my cheek.

Translate: "Just as I felt extremely uneasy, the poisonous snake's head had already reached my face, only a few centimeters away—its tongue almost could lick my cheek."

extremely uneasy

Thus: "【22】 Just as I felt extremely uneasy, the poisonous snake's head had already reached my face, only a few centimeters away—its tongue almost could lick my cheek."

Facing such a monster for the first time, I was truly terrified, especially since the snake reeks and looks damn terrifying.

Translate: "Facing such a monster for the first time, I was truly terrified—especially since this snake reeks of stench and looks damn terrifying."

damn terrifying

Thus: "【23】 Facing such a monster for the first time, I was truly terrified—especially since this snake reeks of stench and looks damn terrifying."

My heart turned cold; I thought I was going to die at the monster's hands. But…

Translate: "My heart turned cold; I thought I was going to die at this monster's hand. But…"

Thus: "【24】 My heart turned cold; I thought I was going to die at this monster's hand. But…"

I opened my eyes and found myself completely unharmed. Then… the black snake gagged at the air, shook its head, gave me a look of disdain, and turned its body to crawl toward Shen Yuan Ning.

Translate: "I opened my eyes and found myself completely unharmed. Then…… the black snake gagged at the air, shook its head, gave me a look of disdain, then twisted its body and crawled toward Shen Yuan Ning on the side."

gagged at the air

gave me a look of disdain

Thus: "【25】 I opened my eyes and found myself completely unharmed. Then…… the black snake gagged at the air, shook its head, gave me a look of disdain, then twisted its body and crawled toward Shen Yuan Ning on the side."

Me: "……" Even if I'm thin and ugly, you damn well ought to give me some sense of existence—if you're not going to eat me, at least lick me a couple of times, that should be enough, right? What the hell is this—have I really sunk so low that even beasts despise me?

Translate: "Me: …… Even if I'm thin and ugly, you damn well ought to give me some sense of existence—if you're not going to eat me, at least lick me a couple of times, that should be enough, right? What the hell is this—have I really sunk so low that even beasts despise me?"

you damn

ought to give me some sense of existence

if you're not going to eat me, at least lick me a couple of times, that should be enough, right?

What the hell is this—have I really sunk so low that even beasts despise me?

Thus: "【26】 Me: …… Even if I'm thin and ugly, you damn well ought to give me some sense of existence—if you're not going to eat me, at least lick me a couple of times, that should be enough, right? What the hell is this—have I really sunk so low that even beasts despise me?"

"Hahaha, this snake… it actually… it actually doesn't want to eat you. I've learned something new—turns out you're even worse than Ou Yaofeng's disgusting corpse. Even the snake big brother eats corpses, yet it refuses to eat you. Haha, Hai Sheng, how much evil must you have done for even the snake big brother to despise you?" Pangzi beat his chest and stomped his feet, laughing loudly. If looks could kill, I could absolutely shoot Pangzi dead.

Translate: '"Hahaha, this snake actually…… actually doesn't want to eat you. I've gained insight—turns out you're even worse than Ou Yaofeng's disgusting corpse. Even the snake big brother eats corpses, yet it refuses to eat you. Haha, Hai Sheng, how much evil must you have done for even the snake big brother to despise you?" Pangzi beat his chest and stomped his feet, laughing loudly. If looks could kill, I could absolutely shoot Pangzi dead.'

Ou Yaofeng

Even the snake big brother eats corpses, yet it refuses to eat you.

Haha, Hai Sheng, how much evil must you have done for even the snake big brother to despise you?

Pangzi beat his chest and stomped his feet, laughing loudly.

If looks could kill, I could absolutely shoot Pangzi dead.

Thus: "【27】 "Hahaha, this snake actually…… actually doesn't want to eat you. I've gained insight—turns out you're even worse than Ou Yaofeng's disgusting corpse. Even the snake big brother eats corpses, yet it refuses to eat you. Haha, Hai Sheng, how much evil must you have done for even the snake big brother to despise you?" Pangzi beat his chest and stomped his feet, laughing loudly. If looks could kill, I could absolutely shoot Pangzi dead."

"Holy shit, why are you walking over to me? I'm not tasty either." It seemed the black snake couldn't stand Pangzi's arrogance; it had been heading toward Shen Yuan Ning, but halfway it turned around and crawled toward Pangzi.

Translate: '"Holy shit, why are you walking over here? I'm not tasty either." It seemed the black snake couldn't stand Pangzi's arrogance; originally it was heading toward Shen Yuan Ning, but halfway it turned around and crawled toward Pangzi.'

Holy shit

Thus: "【28】 "Holy shit, why are you walking over here? I'm not tasty either." It seemed the black snake couldn't stand Pangzi's arrogance; originally it was heading toward Shen Yuan Ning, but halfway it turned around and crawled toward Pangzi."

My heart tightened; I anxiously shouted: "Pangzi, hurry up and get out of here, you bastard."

Translate: "My heart tightened; I anxiously shouted: 'Pangzi, run, you bastard!'"

Thus: "【29】 My heart tightened; I anxiously shouted: 'Pangzi, run, you bastard!'"

But I forgot—Pangzi is now just like me, also seriously wounded and unable to move.

Translate: "But I forgot—Pangzi is just like me now, seriously wounded and unable to move."

Thus: "【30】 But I forgot—Pangzi is just like me now, seriously wounded and unable to move."

As the poisonous snake crept ever closer to Pangzi, my heart grew colder. Although Pangzi deserves a beating and is sleazy, he's my brother; if he dies, I'll have lost another family member in this world.

Translate: "Watching the poisonous snake creep ever closer to Pangzi, my heart grew colder. Although Pangzi deserves a beating and is lecherous, he's my brother; if he died, it would be like losing another relative in this world."

Thus: "【31】 Watching the poisonous snake creep ever closer to Pangzi, my heart grew colder. Although Pangzi deserves a beating and is lecherous, he's my brother; if he died, it would be like losing another relative in this world."

"You bastard, hurry up and eat me!" I shouted at the poisonous snake.

Translate: '"You bastard, come eat me!" I shouted at the poisonous snake.'

Thus: "【32】 "You bastard, come eat me!" I shouted at the poisonous snake."

But it was all in vain—it soon crawled up to Pangzi.

Translate: "But all of this was in vain—it soon crawled up to Pangzi's face."

Thus: "【33】 But all of this was in vain—it soon crawled up to Pangzi's face."

Pangzi gave a grim smile and said to me: "Brother, remember to tell Jingjing Jie that I love her."

Translate: "Pangzi gave a bleak smile and said to me: 'Brother, remember to tell Jingjing Jie and me that I love him.'"

Jingjing Jie

Thus: "【34】 Pangzi gave a bleak smile and said to me: 'Brother, remember to tell Jingjing Jie and me that I love him.'"

No… absolutely not—I can't just watch my brother be eaten by the snake.

Translate: "No…… absolutely not—I can't just watch my brother be eaten by the snake."

Thus: "【35】 No…… absolutely not—I can't just watch my brother be eaten by the snake."

I struggled to sit up, but my leg bone was broken—I couldn't move. All I could do was watch helplessly as the poisonous snake inched closer to Pangzi, then opened its blood‑filled maw toward him.

Translate: "I struggled to lift myself, but my leg bone was broken—I couldn't move at all. All I could do was watch helplessly as the poisonous snake stepped closer to Pangzi, opening its blood‑filled maw toward him."

Thus: "【36】 I struggled to lift myself, but my leg bone was broken—I couldn't move at all. All I could do was watch helplessly as the poisonous snake stepped closer to Pangzi, opening its blood‑filled maw toward him."

I closed my eyes, tears streaming down, watching my brother be eaten, yet I could do nothing. I screamed to the heavens, but it was all in vain.

Translate: "I closed my eyes, tears streaming down, watching my brother be eaten, powerless to stop it. I yelled to the heavens, but it was all in vain."

Thus: "【37】 I closed my eyes, tears streaming down, watching my brother be eaten, powerless to stop it. I yelled to the heavens, but it was all in vain."

However, just as I was heartbroken, there was a sudden "bang," then a heavy "thud"—the sound of something heavy falling to the ground.

Translate: "However, just as I felt heart‑rending grief, there was a crack, then a thud like a heavy object hitting the ground."

Thus: "【38】 However, just as I felt heart‑rending grief, there was a crack, then a thud like a heavy object hitting the ground."

Then I heard a familiar voice.

Translate: "Then I heard a familiar voice."

Thus: "【39】 Then I heard a familiar voice."

"Hai Sheng, Hai Sheng." That voice sounded so familiar and so childish—where have I heard it before?

Translate: '"Hai Sheng, Hai Sheng." The voice sounded so affectionate and childish—where had I heard it before?'

Thus: "【40】 "Hai Sheng, Hai Sheng." The voice sounded so affectionate and childish—where had I heard it before?"

Xiao Pang—yes, it's Xiao Pang. My master once said that if a Yin Mountain Daoist's life is in danger, his soul will lead troops to come and protect him. Xiao Pang is my soul; surely he brought the troops with him.

Translate: "Little Fat, that's right—it's Little Fat. My master once said that if a Yin Mountain Daoist faces mortal danger, his general's soul will lead the troops to come and protect the Daoist himself. Little Fat is my general's soul; he must have brought the troops."

Thus: "【41】 Little Fat, that's right—it's Little Fat. My master once said that if a Yin Mountain Daoist faces mortal danger, his general's soul will lead the troops to come and protect the Daoist himself. Little Fat is my general's soul; he must have brought the troops."

I excitedly opened my eyes—but when I did, I saw an unbelievable sight.

Translate: "I excitedly opened my eyes, but what I saw was an unbelievable sight."

Thus: "【42】 I excitedly opened my eyes, but what I saw was an unbelievable sight."

Before Pangzi floated a chubby little child wearing a red belly band—surely my soul's Xiao Pang. But… what are those behind Xiao Pang? Damn it, two rows of faceless armored spirits stand behind him, like soldiers awaiting inspection by a general.

Translate: "Pangzi's front floated a chubby‑cheeked child in a red bellyband—surely my general's soul Little Fat. But…… what are those behind Little Fat? Damn it, two rows of faceless armored spirits stood behind him, like soldiers awaiting inspection by the general."

general's soul Little Fat

Thus: "【43】 Pangzi's front floated a chubby‑cheeked child in a red bellyband—surely my general's soul Little Fat. But…… what are those behind Little Fat? Damn it, two rows of faceless armored spirits stood behind him, like soldiers awaiting inspection by the general."

I have commanded troops before, but they were merely wandering ghosts and wild spirits—even fierce vengeful ghosts were useless compared to the forces behind Xiao Pang. As disciples advance in cultivation, they can summon higher‑ranking troops from the underworld. But my master said a soul cannot command troops beyond what the Daoist's own cultivation allows.

Translate: "I have commanded troops before, but they were merely wandering ghosts and wild spirits—even a charging fierce ghost couldn't match the might behind Little Fat. As disciples cultivate higher, one can indeed summon higher‑rank troops from the netherworld. But didn't the master say that a general's soul cannot command troops beyond what the Daoist himself could summon?"

Thus: "【44】 I have commanded troops before, but they were merely wandering ghosts and wild spirits—even a charging fierce ghost couldn't match the might behind Little Fat. As disciples cultivate higher, one can indeed summon higher‑rank troops from the netherworld. But didn't the master say that a general's soul cannot command troops beyond what the Daoist himself could summon?"

So what's going on now? The troops behind Xiao Pang radiate killing intent, their aura is terrifying—surely they were once guardians of a region, far beyond ordinary wandering ghosts, and certainly not something I could summon.

Translate: "So what's going on now? The troops behind Little Fat exude soaring killing intent and a stern aura; in life they must have been guardians of a region—far beyond ordinary wandering ghosts, and certainly beyond my ability to summon."

Thus: "【45】 So what's going on now? The troops behind Little Fat exude soaring killing intent and a stern aura; in life they must have been guardians of a region—far beyond ordinary wandering ghosts, and certainly beyond my ability to summon."

Among the troops, the military souls are the hardest to tame; even the Daoist himself fears them. For in life they were commanders who guarded territories, fought bloody battles, and obeyed imperial orders—imperial majesty bolstered them, and having killed countless foes, their killing intent is overwhelming; ordinary Daoists flee at the sight of them, let alone try to subdue them.

Translate: "Among troops, the army soul is one of the hardest to tame; even Daoists themselves greatly fear it. Because soldiers in life were often regional defenders, battle‑hardened commanders who served the imperial household, aided by imperial majesty, and having slaughtered countless foes, their killing intent is not ordinary—ordinary Daoists flee at the sight, let alone tame them."

Thus: "【46】 Among troops, the army soul is one of the hardest to tame; even Daoists themselves greatly fear it. Because soldiers in life were often regional defenders, battle‑hardened commanders who served the imperial household, aided by imperial majesty, and having slaughtered countless foes, their killing intent is not ordinary—ordinary Daoists flee at the sight, let alone tame them."

And now, before my very eyes, Xiao Pang is flanked by neat rows of military souls; judging by their armor, I can't even tell which dynasty they're from—how could I not be shocked? In my impression, not even I, let alone my master, could mobilize such a terrifying army.

Translate: "Now before my eyes, Little Fat's rear had two neat rows of army souls standing at attention; judging by their armor, I couldn't even tell which dynasty they belonged to—how could I not be astonished? In my memory, not only me, but even my master couldn't mobilize such terrifying forces."

Thus: "【47】 Now before my eyes, Little Fat's rear had two neat rows of army souls standing at attention; judging by their armor, I couldn't even tell which dynasty they belonged to—how could I not be astonished? In my memory, not only me, but even my master couldn't mobilize such terrifying forces."

"Hiss, hiss"—just as I was lost in shock, the black snake was provoked into fury, struggled to rise from the ground, opened its blood‑filled maw, and lunged to bite Xiao Pang and his entourage.

Translate: '"Hiss, hiss" as I was lost in shock, the black snake had been provoked into ferocity, struggling to rise from the ground, gaping its blood‑filled maw, and lunged to bite Little Fat and his entourage.'

Thus: "【48】 "Hiss, hiss" as I was lost in shock, the black snake had been provoked into ferocity, struggling to rise from the ground, gaping its blood‑filled maw, and lunged to bite Little Fat and his entourage."

I was about to shout a warning, but… my mouth instantly turned into an "O" shape.

Translate: "I was about to speak a warning, but…… my mouth instantly formed an O shape."

Thus: "【49】 I was about to speak a warning, but…… my mouth instantly formed an O shape."

Before Xiao Pang appeared out of nowhere, a phantom emerged, stirring up dust on the ground.

Translate: "Because right in front of Little Fat, a phantom appeared out of nowhere; as soon as it appeared, dust swirled up from the ground."

Thus: "【50】 Because right in front of Little Fat, a phantom appeared out of nowhere; as soon as it appeared, dust swirled up from the ground."

Pressure—sky‑high pressure… that was my first impression.

Translate: "Pressure, a soaring pressure…… that was my first impression."

Thus: "【51】 Pressure, a soaring pressure…… that was my first impression."

I couldn't make out the phantom's appearance; I only saw that it wore armor, presumably a military soul. But its aura terrified me so much that I couldn't even think of fighting it.

Translate: "I couldn't make out the phantom's appearance, only seeing that he wore armor—likely an army soul of some sort. But this army soul terrified me so much that I couldn't even think of fighting it."

Thus: "【52】 I couldn't make out the phantom's appearance, only seeing that he wore armor—likely an army soul of some sort. But this army soul terrified me so much that I couldn't even think of fighting it."

When it appeared, the air was filled with a chilling killing intent. If I had to describe my feeling, it would be cold—from head to toe, a chill that numbs the heart, making consciousness and body begin to detach.

Translate: "As soon as he appeared, the air filled with a soaring killing intent. If I were to describe my feeling now, it would be cold—a chill from head to toe. So cold my heart went numb, and my consciousness and body began to detach."

So cold my heart went numb, and my consciousness and body began to detach.

Thus: "【53】 As soon as he appeared, the air filled with a soaring killing intent. If I were to describe my feeling now, it would be cold—a chill from head to toe. So cold my heart went numb, and my consciousness and body began to detach."

This is an aura, an intangible pressure. If one holds a high position long enough, an aura of superiority forms—speech and manner exude an invisible pressure that makes others

Translate: "This is an aura, an intangible aura. For someone in a high position, over time it forms a superior's presence, whose speech and manner impart an intangible pressure that makes others wary. For a veteran battlefield soldier, or a mercenary who kills for money and has slaughtered countless, it gives off a chilling killing intent."

Thus: "【54】 This is an aura, an intangible aura. For someone in a high position, over time it forms a superior's presence, whose speech and manner impart an intangible pressure that makes others wary. For a veteran battlefield soldier, or a mercenary who kills for money and has slaughtered countless, it gives off a chilling killing intent."

Slaying one is for killing; slaying a hundred is for might; slaying nine million makes you the mightiest of the mighty. How many people did this army spirit kill in life? Only after death can it gather such intense killing intent.

Translate: "Slay one and it's for killing; slay a hundred and it's for heroism; slay nine million and you're a hero among heroes. How many people did this army soul kill in life to amass such thick killing intent in death?"

Thus: "【55】 Slay one and it's for killing; slay a hundred and it's for heroism; slay nine million and you're a hero among heroes. How many people did this army soul kill in life to amass such thick killing intent in death?"

Chinese sentence.

Translate: "This is an intangible suppression, so oppressive it frays the spirit, makes one want to suicide, utterly crushing the opponent mentally. The black snake, overwhelmed by his aura, went mad—rolling on the ground, tearing at its own tail, biting itself all over until covered in wounds."

Thus: "【56】 This is an intangible suppression, so oppressive it frays the spirit, makes one want to suicide, utterly crushing the opponent mentally. The black snake, overwhelmed by his aura, went mad—rolling on the ground, tearing at its own tail, biting itself all over until covered in wounds."

This is the first time I've seen a ghost with such intense killing intent; even the Daoist god Guan Sheng Di Jun, who attains the Way through slaughter, is nowhere near as overbearing as him.

Translate: "I have never seen a ghost with such thick killing intent before—not even the Daoist deity Guan Sheng Emperor, who proves the Dao through killing, is as overbearing as this."

Thus: "【57】 I have never seen a ghost with such thick killing intent before—not even the Daoist deity Guan Sheng Emperor, who proves the Dao through killing, is as overbearing as this."

Chinese sentence.

Translate: "Just who is he? How did Little Fat summon him?"

Thus: "【58】 Just who is he? How did Little Fat summon him?"

As soon as that thought appeared, I heard a deafening cold snort, full of contempt and suffused with killing intent that filled the sky.

Translate: "No sooner had that thought arisen than I heard a deafening cold snort—this snort brimmed with contempt and was filled with killing intent spreading across the sky."

Thus: "【59】 No sooner had that thought arisen than I heard a deafening cold snort—this snort brimmed with contempt and was filled with killing intent spreading across the sky."

The cold snort was emitted by the military spirit in front of Little Fat.

He merely gave a simple hum, and that black snake actually let out a miserable "ao" scream, its body bursting like fireworks, instantly torn into pieces.

At the same time, my mind felt as if struck by five thunderclaps, shaken by that hum until my head rang; even my nose bled, and in an instant I also passed out.

The last thought before I passed out, I was still wondering who this army soul actually was. As a disciple of Yin Mountain, peerless in commanding ghosts, I wasn't killed by the enemy but was knocked unconscious by the soldiers and generals brought by my own soul—damn, I might truly be the first person in history since the founding of the Yin Mountain Sect.