Feng Yi stared at the two-meter-tall Light Red Transparent Bear Paw floating before him and asked, "How do I endure this?"
Xiong Houdao warned, "This is ten percent of the damage Ye Yu suffered in the first and second trials. Even though it's only ten percent, it's still terrifyingly intense. After all, Ye Yu's strength is immense—ten percent could easily kill a powerful warrior. Are you sure you want to proceed? You can still back out now. It'll soon return to Ye Yu's body."
Feng Yi shook his head, resolute.
"Don't try to persuade me. I've made up my mind. I've maintained this state precisely for this moment—to be of use. Having this opportunity doesn't scare me at all. In fact, I'm thrilled. So, let's proceed."
Xiong Houdao was impressed and nodded.
"Very well. To give you a taste first, I'll extract a small portion for you to experience."
Feng Yi agreed. "Alright."
The next moment, Xiong Houdao plucked a small palm-sized fragment from the transparent bear paw and flicked it toward Feng Yi.
Feng Yi knew the pain would be excruciating—this was damage Ye Yu had endured. Clenching his fists, he braced himself.
The instant it touched his chest and merged into him, Feng Yi's face twisted in agony. His body convulsed violently as if every part of him was under attack. A scream tore from his throat.
"Ahhh—!"
The pain was so overwhelming that his cries were uncontrollable. In just three seconds, Feng Yi was covered in wounds—blood trickled from his lips, his seven orifices bled, bruises and fissures marred his entire body.
With a thud, he collapsed to his knees, trembling violently, every muscle spasming in torment.
Drip… drip…
Sweat poured down Feng Yi's face like rain, instantly drenching him. His teeth ground together, yet muffled groans of pain still escaped through gritted teeth.
Feng Yi was utterly shocked. The pain far exceeded his expectations.
"Just a tiny fraction of the ten percent was this unbearable… How horrifying must the full ten percent be? And this is only ten percent—Ye Yu endured so much more. What incredible willpower…"
Feng Yi realized that Ye Yu's endurance wasn't just due to his vitality and physique—it was his astonishing mental fortitude. The thought filled him with awe and admiration.
Seeing Feng Yi—who had been perfectly fine three seconds ago—now kneeling, battered, gasping, and drenched in sweat, even Xiong Houdao was taken aback. He cautioned,
"Now you see. So give up. Taking on the full remaining portion is too dangerous—you might die."
This was why Xiong Houdao had let Feng Yi experience a small part first—to make him reconsider after witnessing the terror of the ten percent damage.
Xiong Houdao urged, "Enduring even a little for Ye Yu is already commendable. You've helped him somewhat. The rest can return to Ye Yu's body and alleviate his injuries—"
Feng Yi cut him off. "It won't make much difference. It's practically negligible. What I just endured was nothing. Let's continue."
Hearing Feng Yi's unwavering determination, Xiong Houdao was moved and impressed.
Outwardly, Feng Yi might seem effeminate—not a "real man" by conventional standards. But at this moment, Xiong Houdao could only think one thing:
Feng Yi was more of a true man than any so-called "real man" could ever be.
With a helpless sigh, Xiong Houdao nodded. "Alright. All you need to do next is place both hands on this faint red, translucent bear paw. The pain will then be transferred to you."
"Understood." Feng Yi nodded, standing up with a faint smile. He was glad to be able to help Ye Yu.
However, he didn't reach out immediately. Instead, he made a request.
"Can I bear it from a distance? I can't control my screams, and I don't want to disturb Ye Yu."
He had barely endured it earlier, so what awaited him now would undoubtedly be longer and more excruciating. The agonizing screams were inevitable.
Xiong Houdao nodded and flicked the bear paw to a spot farther away. The two walked over, and once there, Xiong Houdao stepped aside.
Feng Yi took out the prepared first aid kit, opened it, and requested, "Please help me apply the medicine and bandage me later—if I don't die. As long as I'm alive, I can take Ye Yu through the third trial. Even if my injuries are severe, my stamina hasn't been drained. I haven't taken on Ye Yu's fatigue, so I can push through the pain for the third trial."
Xiong Houdao frowned. "You still plan to proceed with the third trial?"
"Yes, that's the most crucial part—the reason I chose to bear this pain. Otherwise, enduring it would hardly make a difference. I'm doing this so Ye Yu won't face mortal danger during the third trial."
Xiong Houdao understood. Ye Yu's original injuries would become life-threatening if left untreated. Ye Yu would likely consider withdrawing to receive Ling Er Healing from Qiao Ling'er, ensuring his survival.
But even Ye Yu hadn't expected Feng Yi to go this far. Though Ye Yu had indeed saved Feng Yi before, it had been for the sake of protecting Taiyuan City and its people. Yet Feng Yi held onto that debt of gratitude.
In Feng Yi's heart, whether it was for clearing the Mystic Realm or protecting Taiyuan City, the truth remained: without Ye Yu, he and his companions would have died. Ye Yu had already been his idol, and after that incident, he became both an idol and a benefactor.
Xiong Houdao sighed. "Since you're so determined, let's begin. Don't worry—I'll tend to your wounds as long as you're alive."
Feng Yi grinned. "I won't let myself die. I'll endure it with sheer willpower."
Xiong Houdao was moved once more. Facing such terrifying pain, Feng Yi remained composed, even smiling with optimism. It was truly admirable.
Xiong Houdao picked up the first aid kit while Feng Yi turned his gaze to the floating bear paw before him. His eyes were resolute, his stance unwavering. Without hesitation, he raised his hands and plunged them into the paw.
The bear paw exploded, releasing a faint red glow that engulfed Feng Yi. In the next instant, an unimaginable agony—worse than the tortures of the deepest hell—surged through him like a tidal wave.
"AHHHHHHHHH—!!!"
A blood-curdling scream tore through the air, chilling to the bone even without witnessing the scene. The sheer intensity of the pain was palpable in that cry.
Crack—!
Feng Yi's body split open in countless places. Dozens of deep wounds appeared across his flesh in an instant—some so severe that bone was nearly visible. Blood gushed from every laceration, splattering across the ground until the surroundings were drenched in red.
Xiong Houdao watched intently, sweat beading on his forehead as he prayed, "Hold on... don't die."
"Ahhhh..."
The screams continued, the pain still unbearable, as if his body was enduring prolonged and terrifying torment.
It had already lasted three seconds before—let alone now.
Feng Yi arched his back in agony, his eyes wide and rolling back, on the verge of losing consciousness. Yet he gritted his teeth, refusing to pass out. He had to endure—he still had the third trial to face.
Xiong Houdao shut his eyes, unable to bear the sight.
(End of Chapter)