If I, a death row inmate, am not to become a demon, am I to become a member of the Imperial Guard?

A faint light flickered at the cave entrance. Zhou Yang stood before the rock wall, holding a blood-red stone disc in his hand. The disc's grooves were filled with the blood of captured prisoners, the blood shimmering in the lamplight like burning sparks.

He took a deep breath, his voice echoing through the cave: "Innate Yang Technique." Before he finished speaking, the true energy in his chest surged towards the stone slab like a tidal wave. The true energy collided with his blood, and the blood instantly became darker, like oil scalded by a hot pan.

Driven by his inner energy, the blood churned, its color changing from dark red to amber. A small sphere of light appeared at the center of the stone disc, slowly expanding before transforming into fine threads of faint blue light that pierced through the captive's body.

The prisoner was a thin, mountain dweller who had been captured on the front lines. Now, he was only half a body, his skin uneven, with veins undulating on the surface. True energy directly invaded his blood vessels, drawing blood away as delicately as if drawing silk threads.

The blood was drawn away by the true energy, the captive's chest rose and fell slightly, then fell completely still. A chilling aura spread through the cave, like the breath of death. With all the blood drained, the captive's body gradually withered, until only dry skin and broken bones remained, turning him into a desiccated corpse.

The mummified corpse's eye sockets were empty, yet seemed to be staring. Zhou Yang withdrew his true energy, and golden numbers appeared on the stone disc: "+5 years." The system notification echoed in his ears like a bell: "Lifespan increased by five years." He raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled faintly: "Good."

Then, another line of text popped up: "Special Physique Mutation: Increased Purity of Essence Blood." This information secretly delighted him. Increased purity of essence blood meant increased efficiency in subsequent blood absorption, and a faster rate of lifespan gain.

Qin Shuang stood by the side wall, her gaze fixed on the entire process. Her brows furrowed slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She neither spoke nor intervened. Her hand gently stroked the hilt of the longsword, its scales gleaming faintly in the lamplight.

She finally spoke, her voice devoid of emotion: "Continue." Her tone was like giving an order, yet also like offering herself a word of comfort. Zhou Yang nodded and continued spreading new blood on the stone slab.

This time, he no longer used ordinary blood, but instead directly introduced the essence blood of the captive into his body. The essence blood was thick as honey, radiating a faint golden light. True energy flowed through his body, like a ignited stream. Zhou Yang felt a wave of heat in his chest, followed by a slight pain. The pain was quickly replaced by a tingling sensation, as if something was being reconstructed within his body.

The system popped up another message: "Essence and blood conversion successful, lifespan increased by two years." The numbers jumped on the screen, and a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

At that moment, a deep rumble echoed from the depths of the cave. The sound waves struck the rock walls like hammer blows, the echoes spreading to every corner. The sound drew closer, carrying a damp, earthy smell, as if some enormous creature was brewing underground.

Zhou Yang clenched his fist, rapidly circulating his inner energy. Qin Shuang stood behind him, the tip of her blade trembling slightly, as if on guard. Her eyes were no longer indifferent, but revealed alertness.

"Where is the sound coming from?" Zhou Yang asked in a low voice.

Qin Shuang did not answer, but simply pressed the blade against the rock wall, the blade emitting a slight metallic clanging sound, as if trying to suppress the impact with sound.

Suddenly, the crack in the rock face widened, and a giant black serpent slithered out. Its body was covered in scales, which reflected a dark purple light under the lamplight. Its eyes, like blood-red jewels, stared at the two people.

Zhou Yang's heart pounded instantly, but more than anything, he felt excitement. The surging true energy within his blood seemed to respond to the monster's appearance. System notification: "New Crisis - Biological Awakening." This message was both a reminder and a challenge.

Qin Shuang raised her hand, her longsword tracing an arc as it sliced ​​through the air with a crisp sound. The snake's head twitched slightly, its tongue darting out, dripping venom that formed tiny specks of light on the stone surface.

Zhou Yang stood before the blade's tip, his hands slightly outstretched, and the true energy within his body began to gather into a small sphere of light. The sphere of light gradually grew larger, eventually transforming into a golden, exquisite bead. The bead floated in his palm, radiating a warm aura.

"Can this thing deal with it?" Qin Shuang asked, her voice carrying a hint of challenge.

Zhou Yang didn't answer directly. He gently tossed the bead towards the snake's head. The bead drew an arc in the air, igniting the venom on the snake's scales. Instantly, the venom was engulfed by the golden light, turning into ashes.

The snake's body suddenly contracted, emitting a mournful cry. Its body began to turn transparent, as if life had been drained from it. Then, its entire body turned into a wisp of smoke, dissipating into the air of the cave.

Silence returned to the cave. The only sound was the faint crackling of the torches. Qin Shuang's blade remained pressed against the rock wall, the dripping blood shimmering in the lamplight.

Zhou Yang withdrew the golden bead from his palm, his true energy slowly settling within his body. He felt the heat in his chest gradually subside, and the lifespan number on the system interface updated again: "Total lifespan +7 years." He looked up at Qin Shuang, a hint of satisfaction in his smile.

"That's enough," Qin Shuang said. "We should leave here." Her voice was devoid of resentment as she calmly sheathed her sword.

The two walked towards the cave entrance. Their footsteps echoed on the damp rock, as if reminding them that the road ahead was still full of unknowns. Zhou Yang glanced back at the remains of the dried corpse, silently noting: Every time you drink blood, leave a trace.

The light at the cave entrance gradually increased, and the wind outside carried the chill of the valley in. A low horn sounded in the distance, echoing through the valley, like the prelude to another battle.

Zhou Yang gently clapped his fist, his voice faint yet clear in the cave: "Continue." His eyes were firm, and his steps were no longer hesitant.

Qin Shuang's gaze flickered in the lamplight, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, but she remained silent. The two figures appeared remarkably composed in front of the cave entrance, where light and shadow intertwined.

The mountain wind outside the cave stirred up dust, carrying away the smoke of battle. The road ahead was still long, and the enemy still lurked in the shadows. But now, Zhou Yang possessed a longer lifespan and a higher purity of blood essence. Each exchange brought him one step closer to his goal.

He was no longer afraid of the passing of his life, because each act of burning meant a longer lifespan. He secretly vowed: as long as he could breathe, he would keep adding money and keep living.

The two stepped out of the cave, their footsteps mingling with the distant sound of horns. The echoes in the valley stretched their figures longer, as if extending their shadows to the far horizon.

At that moment, they had only one thought: to survive, to get more money, and to keep going.

The starlight was obscured by thick layers of rock. The sound of dripping water echoed deep within the mine tunnel. The air was damp and cold, carrying the smell of gunpowder. Zhou Yang and Qin Shuang stepped in side by side, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls.

A colossal shadow appeared ahead. Its form was like a mountain, five zhang tall. Its bronze skull gleamed with a dark light. Zhou Yang frowned and whispered, "Earth Armor Bronze Skull Beast." Qin Shuang nodded, gripping her scythe, its blade flashing coldly.

The monster's entire body was covered in a hard layer of armor. Swords and blades touched it, but the blades stopped silently. No blood was left. Zhou Yang clenched his fist, a cold glint in his eyes. His lifespan bar on his chest suddenly flashed red.

He muttered under his breath, "Burn a year's lifespan." Blue flames ignited in his palm, transforming into a blood dragon. The blood dragon charged at the monster, its massive jaws opening wide as its blade slashed down. The sharp blade sliced ​​through the monster's skin, splattering blood everywhere.

The nail plate showed no cracks, only tiny fissures. Zhou Yang withdrew his palm, his breathing rapid. His chest ached as if being cut by a knife. Qin Shuang rushed forward, swinging her scythe.

The scythe sliced ​​through the air, and the beast's fangs suddenly extended, grazing her shoulder. Blood dripped down her shoulder. Qin Shuang let out a low groan, her brows furrowed. She endured the pain, still gripping the knife tightly.

The two took three steps back, observing the monster. Zhou Yang's gaze locked onto its eyes. His pupils flickered like burning lamps. He analyzed in a low voice, "The carapace is strong; the eyes are the only weakness." Qin Shuang nodded, her gaze sharp.

Zhou Yang drew his Blood Dragon Short Sword, its blade stained with blood. He concentrated his energy at the tip, and the sword light surged like a blood tide. Qin Shuang sidestepped to provide cover, slashing out with her scythe and creating debris. The debris flew, temporarily obscuring the monster's vision.

Zhou Yang seized the opportunity to charge, thrusting the Blood Dragon Short Sword towards its left eye. The tip pierced through the armor, reaching the eyeball. The eyeball trembled violently, spurting out blood. The monster growled, its body swaying, emitting a metallic cracking sound.

Cracks spread across the ground, and rocks tumbled down. Zhou Yang stepped back, his toes landing on a protruding rock. Qin Shuang dodged to the side, her back slamming into the rock wall. The monster let out a final roar and collapsed to the ground.

Dust billowed, then light returned. The two men were breathing heavily, their clothes covered in dust. Zhou Yang bent down to examine the fallen monster; a crystalline object was visible on its chest. The crystal emitted a pale purple glow.

He carefully picked up the crystal, its warmth seeping into his palm. The Blood Dragon System prompted: "Beast Crystal can be exchanged for twenty years of lifespan." The numbers jumped on the screen, and the lifespan bar slowly rose.

Qin Shuang gently touched the wound on Zhou Yang's shoulder; the blood hadn't yet dried. She whispered, "Take care of the wound first, then think about your lifespan." Zhou Yang smiled, a glint of cunning flashing in his eyes.

"This deal is enough to support me to travel another three hundred miles." Qin Shuang remained noncommittal, her gaze shifting to the depths of the mine tunnel. She whispered, "There are still unknown dangers; don't let your guard down."

Zhou Yang nodded and sheathed the Blood Dragon Short Sword. The two turned and stepped out of the mine tunnel. The night outside was as dark as ink, with faint stars. A cold wind brushed their faces, carrying away the lingering warmth of their blood.

He put the beast crystal into his pouch and felt his lifespan value quietly increase. He secretly calculated: twenty years could be used to exchange for stronger equipment, or to unlock more dungeons.

Qin Shuang swung her scythe, slashing at the rock face ahead. Her voice was low and deep: "Let's continue forward and find the next entrance." Zhou Yang responded, his steps steady.

A deep, resonant drumbeat echoed from the end of the mine tunnel, as if another force was stirring within them. The two nodded to each other and continued forward. The road ahead was long, but there was no turning back.

The occasional cracking of pebbles beneath his feet echoed through the dark cave. The air was thick with the smells of gunpowder and blood. Zhou Yang gently touched his chest, feeling the lingering warmth of his life force.

Qin Shuang turned to look around and noticed faint runes on the rock wall. She murmured, "It might be an ancient formation." Zhou Yang nodded, already having a plan in mind.

They came to a wide cave entrance, beyond which lay a stretch of grayish-white ore. Water dripped in lines from the edge of the entrance, droplets falling onto the rock surface with a crisp sound. Zhou Yang muttered to himself, "This path can't be the only exit." Qin Shuang smiled faintly, "As long as you're alive, there will always be a way."

The two leaned against the rock wall, taking a short rest. Zhou Yang closed his eyes, and the system interface appeared in his mind: lifespan remaining 85 years, blood dragon energy abundant. He gently tapped his chest with his fist, feeling his heartbeat.

Qin Shuang sheathed her scythe and gently stroked the blade. A hint of satisfaction flashed in her eyes. She said, "You sacrificed a year of your lifespan tonight for this crystal. It was worth it." Zhou Yang nodded and replied calmly, "Exchange of benefits is the way to survive."

The night wind ruffled the hems of their robes, carrying away a bit of dust. The distant drumbeats faded, yet still echoed. The two men stood up and continued forward. Their footsteps left a clear echo in the mine tunnel.

A faint light appeared ahead, seemingly leading to a deeper space. Zhou Yang clenched his fist and whispered, "We're going in." Qin Shuang returned his gaze with unwavering determination: "No matter how many monsters lie ahead, we have enough lifespan to face them."

They stepped into the light, their silhouettes swallowed by the gradually darkening rock face. The Blood Dragon Short Sword trembled slightly in their hand, as if reminding them: every additional payment comes with a corresponding price and reward.