The sword light was soft, as if utterly devoid of strength. Yet, it sliced through space with breathtaking speed, flashing like lightning toward He Yiming’s chest.

At that moment, a shadow surged violently within He Yiming’s heart, a wave of death instantly sweeping through his entire body. The terror was like a paralyzing spell, rendering him utterly immobile.

This was a chilling killing intent, piercing He Yiming’s core like the tip of a needle, shrouding him entirely in dread. Instantly, He Yiming’s face drained of all color, just like Jiang Wenwu’s.

He had never imagined that such a sharp, unstoppable sword strike could exist in this world. This ethereal, flickering sword light, combined with the severe chill that seemed capable of instantly killing a man, plunged him into an inescapable dead end.

Even when making contact with the dark green jade bottle, or when ambushed by Luomia’s sonic techniques, he had never felt this sensation of being so profoundly close to the God of Death. Watching the sword, ghostly and swift, about to pierce his body, his chest skin could already feel the icy coldness of the blade’s tip.

But at this moment of life and death, He Yiming finally moved. Within his Dantian, it began to rotate once more, like the turning of massive wheels, and a formidable power surged upward, spreading through his entire body faster than the incoming sword light.

His spirit abruptly soared, as if detached from his physical form, observing everything below from an infinite height. Then, his chest collapsed inward, and his body was violently pulled backward, scraping along the ground.

Simultaneously, with a slight hook of his foot, Jiang Wenwu, standing slack-jawed and oblivious to what had just occurred, was instantly lifted into the air, flying directly toward the path of the sword light. This was his instinctive reaction; at that moment, if he could delay the sword light, even for a single instant, He Yiming would not hesitate to act.

This reaction clearly caught the sword light’s owner by surprise. It was the first time he had failed when the outcome seemed absolutely certain.

However, the reaction speed of the sword light’s master was also unimaginable. The single thread of light suddenly erupted, bursting forth like a massive firecracker in mid-air.

Jiang Wenwu turned into a spatter of blood rain in the void without even managing a scream, showering down from the high air. Immediately afterward, the sword light transformed into a streaking meteor, fiercely pursuing He Yiming’s retreating form.

In an instant, the two unfolded an incredible chase through the jungle. No matter how He Yiming darted left and right, he could not shake off the pursuit of the sword light; his vital front chest area remained perpetually covered by its glare.

Yet, although the pursuer was a resolute individual, a slight waver crept into his resolve now. At his speed, and with a direct frontal pursuit, he still could not manage to strike He Yiming.

If He Yiming managed to evade this strike, or even turn his back, wouldn't he instantly be left far behind? This man’s movement technique is this high?

Why didn’t that old fellow say so? he thought resentfully.

However, he didn't know that He Yiming had only managed to unleash his hidden potential under the intense pressure of a life-or-death moment, barely maintaining such terrifying speed. To attempt such a feat under normal circumstances would be sheer fantasy.

In moments, the two traced several large circles centered around their initial point. These loops left both of them profoundly shaken.

Finally, the person who drew the sword halted his movement, actually abandoning the chase. He Yiming had just let out a breath of relief when his hair instantly stood on end.

His eyes snapped wide open, filled with an indescribable shock and disbelief. After recalling his sword, the man did not flee; instead, he turned and struck again, the sword light aimed directly at the bewildered Yuan Lixun.

The moment the man attacked, He Yiming sensed him. This was the one who had been trailing him, remaining hidden until now.

Furthermore, this man’s strength was absolutely that of a peak expert—a Tier-One master. Facing such a master, He Yiming naturally dared not be the slightest bit careless.

But what he could never have conceived was that someone of this status and power would strike at Yuan Lixun—it was simply unbelievable. At this moment, He Yiming’s eyes were splitting with rage, his true energy churning madly within him.

He threw open his mouth wide and unleashed a thunderous roar: “Halt…” A strange ripple of power emanated from He Yiming’s mouth. This ripple contained some kind of mysterious power derived from a completely different system.

The swordsman’s movement paused involuntarily, but after just that brief hesitation, his sharp sword immediately continued its thrust. Yet, in that split second, He Yiming stomped down, instantly creating a large pit in the ground, and shot upward with a speed even faster than his previous rapid retreat.

At this juncture, He Yiming had activated his absolute potential; his speed was extreme, reaching a level he himself had never imagined. However, just as he was about to flash past the man, the long sword in the man’s hand suddenly bent in mid-air, stabbing toward He Yiming’s body like a viper.

Simultaneously, his other hand raised high, and a black shadow cut a brilliant black line across the sky, glaringly shooting toward Yuan Lixun’s head. He Yiming’s eyes narrowed to a single point.

He judged almost instantly. The man’s attack was premeditated, and he had already seized He Yiming’s vital weak point.

At this moment, it seemed he could only choose one of two options: block the lightning-fast sword thrust or intercept the projectile aimed at Yuan Lixun. The swordsman felt neither joy nor sorrow; he harbored no shame for his actions.

Exploiting the weakness of an opponent’s loved ones for assassination was his specialty, his very way of dealing with the world. It was precisely because of this conduct that anyone who crossed him found him utterly infuriating, and no one, if there was even the slightest possibility, would choose to become his enemy—even those superior to him in martial attainment.

As he thrust his sword, he saw the terror in He Yiming’s eyes. His strike intensified, and he vaguely sensed that this assassination was about to succeed.

He seemed on the verge of once again feeling the infinite ecstasy of witnessing a strong master fall beneath his blade. However, before that sliver of ecstasy could fully erupt, his expression changed.

Because his sword strike missed. He could clearly feel the tip of the blade brush against He Yiming’s skin, but in that instant, He Yiming had vanished… ※※※※ The moment the swordsman attacked both He Yiming and Yuan Lixun, He Yiming’s emotions—anger, worry, fear, and more—caused his already soaring spirit to experience a further breakthrough.

In that moment, he sensed it clearly. There was a subtle flow of wind around him.

In a daze, he felt as if he had become the wind itself, a feeling of complete integration with the air surging suddenly within him. His body seemed guided by the wind, carving an unnatural arc in the air.

In the blind spot of the attacker’s vision, he moved with indescribable speed and angle, reaching Yuan Lixun’s side. He reached out and flicked away the black line flying through the air.

In that moment, He Yiming truly seemed to experience the feeling of flight. He seemed to truly become the omnipresent wind, instantly “flying” from his original spot to Yuan Lixun’s side.

But it was only for an instant, after which He Yiming’s spiritual state retreated from that strange feeling. The swordsman stopped abruptly, his gaze as cold and clear as a starless night, locked tightly onto He Yiming.

He Yiming did the same, though his gaze held a trace of bewilderment, a glimmer of realization, and a hint of secret delight. Although the scene just witnessed could not be immediately replicated, it had given him a vague inkling.

He was supremely confident that, given enough time, he could certainly manifest this speed—a velocity that nearly surpassed human limits. A chillingly soft voice finally broke the silence: “How did you do that?” He Yiming sneered, countering the question with one of his own: “Who are you?” The man snorted softly.

“Sima Yin. Entrusted by someone to take your life.” He flicked his wrist, and the sword light, resembling a serpent’s flick, vanished.

“Tell me how you did it, and I will walk away and forget this ever happened.” He Yiming snorted in anger. “Sima Yin, do you think you’ll be leaving alive?” Since his debut, he had never suffered such a major setback; even Yuan Lixun had nearly been lost.

Under these circumstances, he certainly wouldn't let it go. Sima Yin chuckled dryly.

“I admit, your movement technique is superior to mine, but in this world, superior lightness skill alone isn’t enough to hold me.” As he spoke, his body suddenly flickered. He Yiming tensed, readying himself, but the next moment he discovered that Sima Yin, who had been standing on the spot, had vanished.

His ears twitched slightly. He Yiming held Yuan Lixun with one hand, while his other hand moved over the great broadsword strapped to his back.

But after a moment’s hesitation, he let it remain there. This was his final trump card, one he would not use until the outcome of the battle was decided.

Suddenly, He Yiming let out a sharp cry and kicked sharply to the side. Where there had been only lush green weeds, a black shadow suddenly emerged after He Yiming’s kick—it was Sima Yin, who had just disappeared.

He Yiming took a deep breath, recalling some content he had seen in the Hengshan library. He stated gravely, “An illusion technique?” Sima Yin’s cold, emotionless laughter rang out.

“Correct. It is indeed an illusion technique.” After revealing himself, he did not continue the attack but stated, “You must protect the woman beside you, which fundamentally prevents you from fighting me properly.

If you agree to my terms, I will leave immediately and cease interfering in your grievances. But if you refuse, you must always be on guard.

I will attack you and your woman at any time, in any place, by any means necessary.” He Yiming’s expression shifted slightly. If it were an honorable fight, he would fear no one, but against such despicable tactics, he truly felt helpless.

Seeming to sense He Yiming’s hesitation, Sima Yin pressed on. “I wander the world alone.

You have the woman beside you, but you also have the He Family Estate in Taicang County, and the Hengshan lineage. If I cannot kill you, and cannot kill Yu Jinglei, surely I can still harm others?” He Yiming half-closed his eyes.

While he hated this newly met Tier-One master to the bone, he was simultaneously filled with despair. But to be honest, even he desperately wanted to know how he had executed that incredible movement technique just now.

Unfortunately, that feeling was too bizarre; even for him, it was merely a vague impression, impossible to explain. Moreover, even if he told the truth, this man would never believe him.

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind. He lowered his gaze, suddenly remembering something.

“I can tell you,” He Yiming said expressionlessly. “But you must also tell me exactly who hired you to kill me.” Sima Yin’s attack had been brimming with deadly intent; no one would believe he held no killing desire.

After pondering for a long time, Sima Yin shook his head. “Since I failed to kill you, I have not fulfilled my commission.

Under no circumstances can I reveal his name to you.” He Yiming felt deeply frustrated, but he caught a crucial detail. The person who hired him must hold a grudge against him.

Yet, no matter how hard he rack his brain, he couldn't imagine who possessed the capability to hire a Tier-One expert to assassinate him. He snorted softly.

“After I tell you, will you truly stand aside?” Sima Yin said solemnly, “I, Sima, keep my word. Since I promised you something, I will do everything within my power to honor it.

My failure to kill you is due to my own insufficient strength, nothing more. But if I do not harm your friends and family, that naturally falls within the scope of my promise.” “Good.” He Yiming gritted his teeth hard and pulled out a dark green bottle from his robe.

He tossed it casually, and the bottle flew smoothly between the two of them, as if guided by an unseen hand, landing steadily on the ground. “This contains Ethereal Water.

After consuming about ten drops, a Xiantian expert can sense the subtle ethereal energy of the outside world. At that point, one can be as light as a swallow and grasp the trajectory of the wind.

However, achieving the speed I demonstrated earlier requires several years of arduous practice; it cannot be achieved overnight.” Sima Yin looked suspiciously at the bottle on the ground, his eyes showing half-belief, half-doubt. “Ethereal Water?

What is that?” He Yiming scoffed. “This is a supreme treasure from a hidden place.

There is only this single bottle in the entire Northwest. You can take at most ten drops.” Although Sima Yin was worldly and experienced, he had never heard of this dark green jade bottle.

But with his discerning eye, he could tell it was definitely a rare treasure. Especially when he gazed into the liquid within, he felt a sudden urge of longing, making him lean toward belief.

After all, the world held an uncountable variety of rare treasures, even he could not identify them all. Perhaps this unheard-of treasure was the greatest secret behind He Yiming’s non-human speed.

He cautiously took a few steps forward, approaching the jade bottle. He Yiming remained with his hands behind his back, as if scornful of Sima Yin’s caution.

At this point, Sima Yin finally felt somewhat relieved. While He Yiming’s movement technique was terrifying, with Yuan Lixun as a burden, Sima Yin calculated that unless He Yiming wanted mutual destruction, he absolutely wouldn't risk an attack.

However, the moment his sword tip flickered and tossed the jade bottle high into the air, dazzling light burst from He Yiming’s eyes, as if he intended to seize this chance to strike. Sima Yin’s heart tightened, and his entire attention snapped back to He Yiming.

This young master possessing incredible speed had already made him deeply wary, leaving him no leisure to focus elsewhere. He only subconsciously caught the dark green jade bottle with his other hand.

Suddenly, an intense, extreme coldness surged from his palm. This coldness attacked aggressively, like a tidal wave, surging upward without allowing him any resistance.

His fingers, palm, and even his entire arm instantly changed color, and a layer of white frost crystallized like goosebumps. At this point, he finally understood: this jade bottle did not contain Ethereal Water at all, but some unknown substance possessing extreme frigidity.

His heart sank, but as a Tier-One expert, he was unwilling to surrender without a fight. A cold snort escaped his lips, and his powerful congenital true energy surged upward like an overwhelming spring.

When all his true energy confronted the coldness in his arm, the bone-piercing chill seemed to genuinely cease its spread. However, when he tried to throw the jade bottle away, he tragically discovered that the bottle was now tightly adhered to his palm; no matter how much true energy he circulated, he could not shake it off.

A fierce light flashed in Sima Yin’s eyes. Without hesitation, he swung his right longsword.

With a flash of brilliance, his entire left arm was severed at the shoulder. But the severed area did not bleed a single drop, and the detached arm was hard as iron, instantly frozen solid.

This demonstrated the immense coldness of the liquid within the jade bottle. Subsequently, Sima Yin’s body flickered once more.

The injury of the severed limb seemed to have never occurred; his body vanished from the sight of He Yiming and Yuan Lixun once again. Yuan Lixun watched everything that transpired, utterly dumbfounded.

She hadn't even processed that it had happened and finished. In a confrontation at this level, expecting assistance from a Houtian practitioner at the seventh layer of Inner Strength was sheer wishful thinking.

He Yiming’s expression changed slightly. While the coldness in the dark green jade bottle could incapacitate a Bai Santian expert, a Tier-One expert was different.

To escape even after self-mutilating his own body was far beyond He Yiming’s expectations. His ears moved slightly.

He Yiming shot out like lightning, casually retrieving the dark green jade bottle, and then sped off in one direction. Only his voice echoed lingeringly at the location: “Wait for me to return…” Ps: Don’t leave, another chapter is coming in five minutes…