LONG TIAN: THE DRAGON'S SECOND CHANCE

Vaganza Mountain had once been one of the greatest academies of the righteous path in the world. During its glorious era, the place had been filled with talented disciples from various regions, teachers with profound cultivation, and martial arts experts whose names could shake the entire world.

The mountain was regarded as a sacred land for the younger generation who wished to embark on the path of martial arts. However, all of that glory came to an end after a great battle took place there. The battle was so terrifying that every building within the academy was destroyed, the land was transformed into a slaughterhouse, and thousands of corpses were buried without ever receiving a proper burial. Since then, no one had dared to occupy the place again. Even powerful experts considered Vaganza Mountain a land of death that should be avoided.

Decades passed, and the name Vaganza Mountain gradually faded from the memories of many people. The place that had once been known as the greatest academy eventually acquired a far more frightening name. People began calling it Devil Mountain, a place believed to contain too much hatred and death energy left behind by those who had perished in the battle of the past.

No one knew how many human bones were buried beneath the earth. However, whenever heavy rain fell, the soil in certain areas would sometimes collapse, revealing human bones that had already turned black after being weathered by time.

After many years without anyone daring to visit the place, tonight Devil Mountain once again became the witness to a great battle.

The smell of wet earth mixed with the stench of blood that had pooled across the roads, which had been torn apart by the battle.

In the middle of the battlefield that had been transformed into a sea of blood, a middle-aged man stood calmly while staring at the people surrounding him from all directions. The man's robe was torn in several places, his body was covered in wounds, and blood slowly trickled from the corner of his lips. Yet there was not the slightest trace of fear on his face.

His name was Long Tian.

He was a sword expert whose name had been known for decades and who possessed a title that made countless people hesitate to casually speak his name.

The Sword Saint.

A man standing not far in front of him raised his weapon and pointed it toward Long Tian. With a cold expression, he said, "Long Tian, hand over the Dragon God Cultivation Manual to us. As long as you surrender it without resisting, we can still consider allowing you to live and leave this place."

Long Tian did not answer immediately. He merely raised his face and allowed the rainwater to flow through his hair and across his face. Then, he slowly wiped the blood from the corner of his lips with the back of his hand before staring at the man with utter contempt.

"Allow me to live?"

Long Tian's voice was hoarse, but it was still clear enough for everyone to hear.

"You brought dozens of experts, surrounded me from every direction, and even prepared a formation to prevent me from escaping. Yet now you claim that you will allow me to live as if my fate is in your hands?"

The man's brows furrowed.

"Do not make a mistake, Long Tian. We did not come here to exchange pointless words with you. We know that you are seriously injured and that your strength has declined greatly compared to your prime. If you still have even a little common sense, hand over the manual before we lose our patience."

Long Tian instead let out a soft laugh.

"So you finally admit that you are only waiting for me to become weaker before daring to attack?"

His words instantly caused the atmosphere to fall silent.

Long Tian looked at them one by one before continuing in a mocking tone, "You are truly impressive. Dozens of people have surrounded an injured old man, yet not a single one of you dares to be the first to swing your sword. You speak so loudly about killing me, but your hands are already trembling while gripping your weapons."

Several people immediately showed angry expressions.

"Do not be so arrogant, Long Tian!"

An old man on the right side stepped forward and said, "We still respect you as a senior because of your title as the Sword Saint, but do not mistake that respect for fear. You are already old, your body has reached its limits, and after your previous battle, you do not even possess half of your former strength. No matter how powerful your sword is, you cannot possibly face all of us alone."

Long Tian turned toward him and smiled faintly.

"Then come."

Just two simple words.

Yet no one moved.

Long Tian's smile grew wider when he saw their reaction.

"Why are you silent? Did you not just say that I am old and weak?"

He raised his sword slightly.

"If you truly believe that you can kill me, come forward and prove it with your own hands."

The old man clenched his fists, but he still did not dare to advance.

Everyone present understood the reason.

Although Long Tian was injured and had already passed the age of seventy, he was still a Sword Saint. For decades, he had killed countless experts, causing his name to become a legend. Even now, no one was certain that they could survive a battle against him without paying an extremely heavy price.

Suddenly, another voice came from the left.

"Long Tian!"

A burly man gripped a massive axe and stared at him with deep hatred.

"Do you think that possessing the Dragon God Cultivation Manual makes you truly invincible? Do not be too confident. You may have managed to destroy several academies and sects, but today, everyone who has lost family members, disciples, or friends because of your sword has come to seek revenge."

Long Tian slowly turned his head.

The man continued, "You have killed too many people. Even if you surrender the manual now, we still have every reason to kill you."

Long Tian remained silent for several moments before laughing.

"Then why are you still asking for my manual?"

The man's smile froze.