---
Yang Shung stood by the riverbank with his group, clearing monsters with ease. His blade sliced through the air, felling one beast after another. His younger sister, Yang Mei, and her small fan club followed closely, striking down any monster that tried to escape.
The monsters, seeing the swift and deadly movements of the group, attempted to flee. But it was no use. Yang Shung and his team were fast and ruthless. The riverbank soon became a graveyard of fallen creatures.
Yang Shung smirked. "This is way too easy."
Unbeknownst to him, a shadow was rapidly approaching.
---
Yang Chen sprinted through the dense forest, following the directions given by Gu Lanxue. His twin daggers were at the ready as he dispatched every monster in his path.
"These creatures are too weak," Yang Chen muttered. He gained little from these battles, but they were minor obstacles on his way to his target.
He halted abruptly near a towering ancient tree.
"Where are you, boss?" Gu Lanxue's voice echoed through their private chat.
Yang Chen smirked, still in stealth mode. "Look around. Are there any other trees like this nearby?"
Gu Lanxue frowned. "Huh? Aren't you looking for Yang Shung? Why are you interested in trees?"
Her curiosity didn't slow her down. Within moments, she sent a reply. "There are two more like this within a hundred meters."
Yang Chen inspected the three trees carefully. Strange symbols adorned their trunks. He traced one symbol with his finger, then moved to the next tree and repeated the action. As his hand passed over each symbol, a faint glow emerged.
Gu Lanxue gasped from her vantage point. "What are you doing?"
Yang Chen didn't respond. When all the symbols were activated, an emerald treasure chest materialized between the trees.
"A treasure chest!" Gu Lanxue exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
Yang Chen ignored her excitement, stepping closer to the chest. It shimmered, growing solid. He muttered to himself, "I didn't expect to find the blessing of the ancient gods in the beginner's area."
Gu Lanxue leaned closer. "Blessing of the ancient gods? What's that?"
Yang Chen explained briefly. "The blessing appears randomly in the god-forsaken land. It could summon monsters, grant rewards, or trigger special events. Most players have no idea how to activate it."
He smirked. "But I do."
Gu Lanxue's jaw dropped. "You're amazing, boss! That chest could be worth millions!"
Yang Chen reached for the chest. "Let's find out."
---
[System Notification]
You opened the jade-level treasure chest!
You obtained the jade-level skill book "Flower Curse"!
Yang Chen's brow furrowed as he inspected the skill book in his hand. Its emerald glow was faint, but the blood-red flower design on its cover caught his attention. A sinister smiley face seemed to stare back at him.
"What's this?" Yang Chen murmured, flipping open the book. A wave of understanding washed over him.
---
[Flower Curse (Jade Level):
General skill. Can be used on the corpse of a player within 15 seconds of death. A cursed flower will grow on the enemy's corpse, absorbing their tradable life until it is fully depleted. The flower can be destroyed. No cooldown time.]
---
Yang Chen's eyes widened. "This... this is insane."
Gu Lanxue's voice broke his thoughts. "What is it, boss?"
Yang Chen grinned darkly. "This skill can drain every bit of tradable life from an enemy. If no one destroys the flower, their entire lifespan is mine."
Gu Lanxue whistled. "You mean... you could bankrupt someone entirely?"
"Exactly," Yang Chen replied. "Usually, killing someone only takes half their tradable life. With this skill, I can take it all."
He learned the skill instantly, the book disappearing in a flash of light. Yang Chen's fingers twitched with anticipation.
"Yang Shung's days are numbered," he muttered with a smirk.
---
Meanwhile, Yang Shung's group reached the forest's edge, unaware of the storm brewing in the shadows. Yang Mei wiped her daggers clean and glanced at her brother. "Are we still heading to the ruins?"
"Of course," Yang Shung said. "We're not stopping until we reach that treasure."
Suddenly, Yang Rui, their archer cousin, raised a hand. "Wait. Something's wrong."
Before anyone could react, a figure stepped out of the shadows. Yang Chen stood there, his eyes gleaming.
"Yang Shung," he said coldly. "We meet again."
Yang Shung gripped his sword tightly. "You!"
Yang Chen smirked. "Let's see how long you last this time."
Without another word, he lunged forward. His daggers clashed with Yang Shung's blade, sparks flying as the two fought. Yang Mei and Yang Rui tried to join the battle, but Yang Chen's speed was overwhelming. He weaved through their attacks effortlessly, his strikes precise and deadly.
"Stay back!" Yang Shung shouted. "This is my fight."
Yang Mei hesitated, then reluctantly stepped back with Yang Rui. They watched as the two men clashed, their movements a blur. Yang Shung fought valiantly, but Yang Chen's skill was unmatched.
"You've improved," Yang Chen said mockingly, "but it's not enough."
He broke through Yang Shung's defense, landing a solid blow that sent him crashing to the ground. Yang Chen stood over him, one dagger pointed at his throat.
"This is just the beginning," Yang Chen said with a smirk. "Next time, you won't get up."
He disappeared into the shadows, leaving Yang Shung gasping for breath. Yang Mei rushed to her brother's side, helping him to his feet.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"I'll live," Yang Shung replied, his voice grim. "But this isn't over."
---