NOVEL NEXT Chapter 77: Chapter 77
Chapter 77: Why Aren't You the One Who Is Unconscious?
Hearing Yu Yuanzhen's stern question, one of the more respected collateral descendants stepped forward to recount everything that had transpired since their arrival in Soto City.
He explained how the second young master, Yu Xiaogang, had stubbornly refused to return home. To appease him, the eldest young master, Yu Xiaolong, had promised to teach Zhao Ling, the man Yu Xiaogang resented, a lesson.
What followed was disastrous. The group had underestimated Zhao Ling, who was far stronger than expected. Yu Xiaolong was easily overpowered and humiliated, leaving both brothers in a broken state.
Initially, the gathered family members had focused on the grievous injuries Yu Xiaolong had suffered. However, as the story unfolded and Yu Xiaogang's role in provoking the conflict became clear, the mood shifted.
Yu Yuanzhen stormed forward, his expression livid. He yanked Yu Luomian aside mid-slap and growled, "Second brother, is that all you've got? You're hitting him like he's made of porcelain!"
Before Yu Xiaogang could comprehend the shift in hostility, his father's massive hand struck him square across the face.
"Do you understand what it means to respect your limits?" Yu Yuanzhen roared, punctuating each word with another powerful slap.
"You couldn't let things go. No, you had to drag your elder brother into your mess! Now he's unconscious, and it's *your* fault! Why aren't *you* the one lying there instead? Why!?"
Yu Xiaogang whimpered as slap after slap landed on his already swollen face. Blood filled his mouth as his teeth loosened and fell out, some spat onto the ground, others swallowed down with the taste of iron.
His head buzzed relentlessly, his earlier brain injury exacerbated by the punishment. Eventually, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious and motionless.
Yu Yuanzhen stood over his unconscious son, his chest heaving. The brief satisfaction of venting his rage quickly turned to regret.
Both of his sons were now incapacitated—his eldest from the fight in Soto City, and his youngest from his own hand. If either of them died or suffered permanent damage, how could he face the future of the family?
He turned toward Yu Luomian and the other elders, his glare heavy with accusation. "Why didn't any of you stop me?"
The elders exchanged cold looks, their disdain for Yu Xiaogang evident. To them, the second son was a failure who had only ever brought disgrace upon the family. Compared to Yu Xiaolong's potential, Yu Xiaogang's plight warranted no sympathy.
Yu Yuanzhen waved his hand dismissively, gesturing for servants to carry the unconscious brothers to their respective rooms.
"I'll personally seek out the Ye family's Nine-Heart Begonia heir," he muttered.
The Ye family's Nine-Heart Begonia was famed for its unparalleled healing abilities. As long as a patient was still alive, the martial soul could restore them to health. Yu Yuanzhen knew it was his best hope for saving his sons.
Swallowing his pride, he approached the Ye family with lavish gifts and a promise to owe them two significant favors. While the money and gifts were appreciated, it was the weight of two favors from the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family that finally convinced the Nine-Heart Begonia heir to assist.
The healer, an elderly Soul Douluo with a cultivation level of 82, arrived that evening.
Yu Xiaolong's Tragic Recovery
The healer began with Yu Xiaolong. His Nine-Heart Begonia martial soul shone brilliantly, enveloping Yu Xiaolong in a warm, golden light. For over ten minutes, the healer worked tirelessly to mend the young master's injuries.
When Yu Xiaolong's eyes finally fluttered open, a brief wave of relief washed over the room.
But then the eldest son's face twisted into a broad, vacant grin. He began to laugh uncontrollably, drool dripping from his lips.
The sound was unsettling—joyful, yet hollow.
Yu Yuanzhen staggered backward, his legs giving out beneath him. "What… what's wrong with him?" he stammered, his voice filled with despair.
The healer sighed heavily. "The physical injuries to his brain have been healed, but the mental damage remains. His mental state… I'm afraid it's irreparably compromised. He may never recover."
Yu Yuanzhen's vision blurred as tears welled in his eyes. His eldest son, the heir to the family, was now little more than a fool.
The healer moved on to Yu Xiaogang. His swollen face was quickly restored, and he regained consciousness within minutes. Unlike his elder brother, Yu Xiaogang retained his faculties.
However, as he sat up, a sharp pain shot through his head. He clutched his temples, grimacing as the room spun around him.
The healer frowned. "Describe your symptoms."
"Tinnitus… dizziness… nausea…" Yu Xiaogang croaked, his voice weak.
The healer nodded solemnly. "You're suffering from a concussion. It's not life-threatening, but it will take time to heal. Rest is the only remedy."
Yu Xiaogang let out a shaky sigh of relief. At least his injuries weren't permanent. But then he remembered another issue.
"Master Ye," he said hesitantly, "my left waist was injured during the fight in Soto City. The healers at the Great Fighting Soul Arena said it might leave a hidden ailment. Could you check it for me? Please, I beg you."
As the healer prepared to examine Yu Xiaogang's waist, the rest of the household remained in chaos.
Yu Xiaolong's wife knelt beside her husband's bed, sobbing uncontrollably. The man she had married, once full of promise and vitality, was now reduced to a laughing simpleton.
In the corner, Yu Yuanzhen sat slumped against the wall, his face pale and ashen. The once-proud patriarch of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family now faced an uncertain future.
The family's strength had been dealt a devastating blow, and the shadow of Zhao Ling loomed large over them all.
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(End of Chapter)