As the sun dipped low toward the horizon, the group from the Sword of the Sky Sect finally arrived at the meeting point. Without wasting a moment, they set up their tents to rest, their movements swift and coordinated as they prepared for what lay ahead. The air was thick with anticipation, carrying the faint scent of pine from the surrounding forests and the distant hum of activity as more sects began to converge.Fang Yun—who had just returned from training atop the highest peak of the mountain, his body still humming with the raw energy of his cultivation—hurried to find Wan Fenli inside his tent. The leader of the Sword of the Sky Sect’s eyes widened in surprise at the immense power radiating from the young man. Yet he chose not to ask further, for he already knew the full extent of Fang Yun’s capabilities—powers that had grown far beyond what anyone had expected in such a short time.“How has the information here developed?” Wan Fenli asked, his voice low and measured.“So far, t

After a moment of careful consideration, Han Zi divided his orders among the six subordinates gathered in the great hall. The palace’s defenses would be layered in three rings — each manned by twenty thousand skilled warriors, led by two capable commanders handpicked for their strength and tactical acumen.The outer perimeter of the palace would be under the command of Hong Li and Lu Wei. The main gates, a critical choke point, would be guarded by Lao Tzu and Lao Tze — twin brothers whose bond had been forged in battle and whose coordination was unmatched. The innermost sanctum of the palace, where the Shadow Emperor held his court, would be led by Ciao San, assisted by Sung Ji.With their assignments clear, the commanders dispersed to their posts. Hong Li and Lu Wei, leading the first line of defense, bore the heaviest burden of all. As the first wall against the coming storm, they knew they must hold their ground at any cost — for if the enemy breached their lines, the rest of the p

“Did you really think a weak strike like that could kill me?” Fang Yun taunted, his eyes glinting with disdain.Lao Tze growled in frustration, his face flushing with shame. He could not fathom how this young man had blocked his attack so effortlessly — not when he had spent decades honing his skills in a world drenched in blood. With a quick flick of his wrist, he pulled his sword back and threw a punch with his left hand, aiming for Fang Yun’s chest.Fang Yun reacted instantly, shifting his body sideways in a single, fluid step. Then, he lashed out with a side kick, targeting his foe’s ribs.But Lao Tze was no ordinary warrior. As Han Zi’s second-in-command, his status had been earned through countless victories — and he moved with a grace that belied his strength. He leaped into the air, avoiding the kick by a hair’s breadth, then thrust his sword forward with deadly speed, aiming for Fang Yun’s heart.Fang Yun smiled faintly, then launched a punch at Lao Tze’s unprotected stomach.

“We are ready, my Lord. Let us finish him!” Lao Tzu replied.“Hahaha… Know this — even if the three of you gang up on me, your chance of winning is next to nothing,” Fang Yun jeered. “How about I make you an offer? Surrender, and I promise your deaths will be painless.” Han Zi, Lao Tze, and Lao Tzu exchanged glances, their faces burning with a shame so sharp it felt like a physical blow. After decades as revered warriors — Han Zi himself had served the Shadow Emperor for over a century — never before had anyone dared to insult them so brazenly. With a silent nod that passed between them, the three loyalists launched their attack in perfect unison. Han Zi, whose inner energy was still at its peak, moved with a speed that defied human sight. His strikes were calculated to the millimeters, each one aimed at a vital point that would end the fight in an instant. But he was facing a young warrior who had cut his teeth on battles against the greatest masters in the land — a man who had tas

Not only that — the venom spewed by the black serpent spread rapidly across the ground, causing the remaining standing trees to wilt instantly, their leaves turning brown and crumpling to dust before they collapsed, dry and lifeless. Wan Fenli, who was not far from the point of impact, immediately channeled her inner energy to create a protective barrier around her body. She knew the collision of two such powerful forces would have devastating aftershocks — especially with the toxic mist from the serpent being so potent. The Sky Sword Sect leader scanned the area, but she could not see Hong Li anywhere. What she could see were fragments of human flesh scattered around the site of the explosion. Wan Fenli’s stomach turned — she knew beyond a doubt that Wei Ho’s foe had met a gruesome end. Her eyes then turned to Wei Ho, who still stood tall. But a moment later, she narrowed her gaze, squinting to see more clearly in the dim moonlight. “Elder Wei!” she cried out in shock, watching