It took an unknowable amount of time before I finally regained consciousness from the boundless darkness. Opening my eyes, I found myself in what appeared to be a side chamber. The furnishings within the room were quite opulent, suggesting I was in the home of someone very wealthy. The bed was crafted from precious five-grain wood planks, and the ceiling seemed to be carved with exquisite patterns. Around the room hung numerous calligraphy pieces and paintings, lending an air of ancient scholarly elegance. Opposite the bed was a window, flanked by two potted plants. Though I couldn't name the flowers, the clusters of fist-sized blooms—red, green, and purple—resembled roses, but their leaves looked like those of a willow tree. By the head of the bed sat a nightstand, upon which rested a bowl of medicinal soup, several bottles of healing draughts, bandages, and similar items. The entire room was filled with a mixed scent of floral fragrance and herbal medicine, yet somehow, it gave me a feeling of ease and comfort.

But where exactly was this place? Wasn't I supposed to still be in Su City?

I tried desperately to recall something, but no matter how hard I pushed, the last thing that flashed in my mind was nothing but infinite darkness and emptiness. It seemed I had killed Luo Yan before that. Then Lu Zhao and Uncle Lu should be safe now, right?

Thinking of this, a measure of calm settled in my heart. Still, I needed to understand where I was. "Is anyone there? Hey, is anyone there? Speak up!" I called out loudly.

Thump-thump! Following a burst of hurried footsteps, the door was pushed open!

The person who entered was a young woman dressed as a maid. "The young hero is finally awake," she said with relief.

"Where is this place?" I asked, still somewhat bewildered about what had happened and why I was here. "And... who are you?"

"This is the auxiliary manor of the Yun family in Magic Dragon City," the maid replied respectfully. "I am Tong Yu, a maid of the Yun family."

"Magic Dragon City! Yun Family auxiliary manor?" I exclaimed. "How did I end up here?"

"The Young Master brought you back," the maid explained. "You were unconscious at the time, so we arranged this room for you."

"Young Master Yun, could it be Yun Xi?" I asked instinctively.

The maid nodded. "Yun Xi is indeed our Young Master. Oh, yes, the Young Master instructed that you should be notified immediately upon waking." The maid seemed to suddenly remember and quickly turned, running out of the guest room.

This girl—unbelievable! I was momentarily stunned.

So, this was the Yun family's auxiliary residence in Magic Dragon City.

Soon, Yun Xi entered the chamber, looking as divinely handsome and refined as I remembered.

"Brother Binghe, you're awake," Yun Xi said happily.

"En," I nodded slightly, expressing my gratitude. "I owe you a great debt for your help this time, Brother Yun."

"Not at all," Yun Xi chuckled. "Brother Binghe is too polite; saying thanks and no thanks sounds too commonplace." Yun Xi said sentimentally.

"Heh heh," I smiled faintly, then asked, "Right, where are Uncle Lu and Brother Lu? And how did I get to Magic Dragon City?"

"Here is what happened." Yun Xi proceeded to recount everything that transpired after I fell unconscious.

It turned out that after I slew Luo Yan, the Luo family agreed to release the captives but then instigated the Black Tortoise Alliance and other factions, using the danger posed by the Crimson Blood Demon Sword as an excuse to obstruct Qing Long and Tong Lei from taking Lu Tong out of Su City.

Later, Qing Long managed to strike an agreement with the Black Tortoise Alliance, leading to the Jing Tao Hall of the alliance escorting Lu Tong to Magic Dragon City to receive treatment from the Church.

The necessity of coming to Magic Dragon City was because only the high-ranking Holy Word Priests there could cure the severe injuries Uncle Lu had sustained.

The Spirit Awakening Pill is a mental restorative, acting on the spiritual level. Only high-level Holy Word Priests, deeply versed in spiritual magic within the Holy Word Church, could properly heal Lu Tong.

As for me, I was brought here by Yun Xi to recuperate.

The truth was, I hadn't sustained any real physical damage during the previous duel. My collapse was merely due to the extreme exhaustion of spirit and stamina, exceeding my body's and mind's tolerance. A period of quiet rest would naturally restore me.

Simultaneously, I learned about the series of arrangements Yun Xi had meticulously orchestrated since receiving Lu Zhao's distress call.

The Yun family and the Azure Dragon Gang didn't share any deep personal ties; however, they shared a common enemy: the White Tiger Alliance. Thus, when Yun Xi disclosed the White Tiger Alliance's conspiracy to Qing Long, Qing Long naturally could not stand by and watch the White Tiger Alliance acquire the Crimson Blood Demon Sword.

Cooperation ensued! After detailing the plan, everything was arranged. Simultaneously, Yun family disciples planted in Su City delivered the message to me. At that time, Yun Xi and Yun Shang, not specializing in brute force, had to remain with the army to command large forces, so they did not accompany Tong Lei, Qing Long, and Lu Zhao into Su City.

One could say the development of events largely aligned with Yun Xi's prior projections and analyses. The only variable was my unexpected killing of Luo Meng, Luo Hao, and Luo Yan of the Luo family.

The Luo family's instigation and the subsequent reaction from the Black Tortoise Alliance were all within Yun Xi's calculations.

Since Uncle Lu was already under the care of the Holy Word Church with Lu Zhao and Tong Lei standing guard, I felt completely reassured!

Thinking about the immense effort and worry Yun Xi had expended to help me, I felt genuinely touched and somewhat unworthy.

Perhaps sensing my inner turmoil, Yun Xi smiled faintly. "Actually, your slaying of the Luo siblings—Luo Yan, Luo Hao, and Luo Meng—has helped my Yun family avenge a great wrong. In a way, I owe you another favor."

"Brother Yun," I said emotionally, "From this day forward, you are a friend of Xing Chen. If you ever need anything, just give the word."

"Absolutely, absolutely," Yun Xi laughed. "If we are friends, there's no need for such formality."

Hahahaha!!

In that moment, I laughed—a hearty laugh I hadn't experienced in a long time. For some reason, I felt that Yun Xi greatly resembled Brother Long at this moment: calm and composed, as if everything was under control. What was even rarer was the sincerity that inspired an inexplicable affinity. Perhaps being his friend was itself a fortunate thing.

If I hadn't encountered them on the post road outside Magic Dragon East Pass back then, perhaps rescuing Lu Tong today wouldn't have gone so smoothly.

I've always believed in fate; perhaps meeting the Yun siblings was also an arrangement from Heaven. I thought to myself, just as I noticed Yun Xi looking at me with a thoughtful expression, though I couldn't fathom his thoughts.

"Brother Yun, what is Uncle Lu's condition now?" I finally remembered to ask.

"Don't worry," Yun Xi assured me. "The Church's senior priest should be able to cure Elder Lu. It will just take some time."

"Can I go see him?"

"Elder Lu's treatment is rather complex," Yun Xi replied. "We can only go to the Church to inquire; we cannot see Elder Lu for the time being."

"Then let's go to the Church and see," I agreed.

Xing Chen's slaying of the White Tiger, Luo Yan—the highest-ranked expert in Magic Dragon City—in the battle at Su City was now being heralded across the entire Magic Dragon Continent within days, with tales spreading throughout the world of wandering heroes.

What surprised many was the revelation that the renowned Blue Lightning was actually a secret disciple of the Dragon Shadow Manor. Furthermore, despite his youth, he had already traversed the Path to the Summit, becoming the youngest wandering hero ever to achieve this and grasp the Eye of Death's Desire. It was speculated that it wouldn't be long before he became the youngest Heavenly Demon Warrior in the continent's history.

Of course, Xing Chen’s real name remained a hotly debated topic in the hero world, with each of the three continents offering different versions—no one could say which was true or false!

However, on the Magic Dragon Continent, more people preferred to call him Binghe, as he had forged his reputation in this land under that name, achieving another miracle in Su City. In the eyes of countless heroes, Xing Chen, Lan Xing, and Binghe, though perhaps representing the same person, symbolized three distinct stages of his growth. The name Binghe undoubtedly represented the most powerful stage, the one most intimately connected with the Magic Dragon Continent. That name belonged only to the Magic Dragon Continent! Of course, Xing Chen had also earned a resounding title here—Lightning Heavenly Demon!

Just as Bichi had Blue Lightning and Cangyue had Thunder Mage, in the Magic Dragon realm, Xing Chen now possessed a title exclusively belonging to this continent.

One could only wonder what Xing Chen would think upon learning he had acquired yet another rather earthy moniker.

Yet, the most intense debate in the hero world centered on the final sword strike that instantly killed Luo Yan. How fast was that strike? No one could describe it. What kind of strike was it? No one could articulate it either. As for what move it was called, no one could say for sure—perhaps not even Xing Chen himself knew. But these were details inaccessible to the Lightning Heroes.

Regardless of its name, that single strike had already earned a place among the Five Great Killing Moves recognized throughout the hero world. After all, it was with that move that he shattered Luo Yan's Howling Sky, Nine Provinces Chill!

The so-called Five Great Killing Moves were named in contrast to the original Four Great Killing Moves: Dragon Dance in the Clouds, Tiger Roar Across the Sky, Phoenix Soars Ten Thousand Miles, and Black Tortoise Descends to the World!

Accompanying these four moves was a seven-character poem: Dragon dances in the clouds, startling the world; Tiger roars across the sky, chilling the nine provinces; Phoenix cries over Cangyue, autumn colors fade afar; Tortoise hides, snake swims, lost in the vast sea.

Furthermore, the other stunning technique Xing Chen displayed during his duel with Luo Yan—the Thunder Battle Qi—was also widely discussed. Especially the two instances where Xing Chen utilized his Dragon Shadow technique to perform aerial maneuvers, which left countless Lightning Heroes utterly captivated.

"Hah! Didn't you see? The situation then was incredibly perilous," a young Lightning Hero described the scene, spitting with excitement. "My heart nearly leaped out of my chest! At that moment, Binghe leaped into the air, and Luo Yan's sword energy was frighteningly fast. Suspended mid-air, Binghe had no leverage point whatsoever. Just as it seemed Binghe was about to be struck by the sword qi, a flash of golden light suddenly appeared beneath his feet. Mid-air, Binghe just tapped it lightly with his foot." The youth spoke while gesturing. A crowd of heroes had already gathered, listening spellbound and gasping in awe!

"I didn't realize the Dragon Shadow Swordplay was that powerful," someone immediately exclaimed.

"Of course," the youth boasted proudly. "If I could learn even a shred of it, I'd be satisfied."

"You? Dream on," another scoffed.

"Hahahaha."

The group burst into laughter.

At another table.

"Young Master, do you really think that fellow Binghe is as formidable as they claim?" asked a burly man whose attire suggested he was a warrior.

"Being able to kill Luo Yan means his skill is not insignificant," replied the one addressed as Young Master, a woman of stunning beauty dressed in men's clothing, who was carefully listening to the surrounding chatter. "The saying 'no false fame beneath great renown' holds true. This young man has astonishing achievements in Bichi, Cangyue, and the Magic Dragon realm; it's truly remarkable."

"If that's the case, he might become a major foe for us in the future," remarked a young man dressed as a Taoist priest beside the woman.

"Perhaps," the woman said.

"If so, why not eliminate him now?" the warrior suggested.

"Eliminate him?" the Taoist scoffed. "Do you think you could defeat Luo Yan?"

"No," the warrior replied bluntly.

"Then stop talking big," the Taoist snapped irritably.

"Now is not the time to debate such things," the woman stated calmly. "With the Crimson Blood Demon Sword reappearing on the continent, bloodshed is inevitable." As she spoke, a ruthless glint crossed the woman's expression. "If utilized correctly, this will be a golden opportunity to shake the very foundation of the Holy Word Alliance."

"What does the Young Master mean?" the Taoist seemed to grasp something.

"I imagine the Luo family must now hate this Binghe to the bone, correct?" the woman inquired.

"That's for certain," the Taoist replied, confused. "Does the Young Master intend to move against the White Tiger Alliance?"

"Precisely," the woman confirmed. "It is time to pay a visit to those old relics of the Luo family."

"But with the death of White Tiger Luo Yan, and even the strongest of the younger generation, Luo Hao, the family is severely weakened," the Taoist argued. "What more could they have?"

"The deaths of Luo Yan and Luo Hao are nothing," the woman countered. "Don't forget Luo Hao's father, Luo Jiang, known as 'Blood Tiger.' At this point, those old men will certainly unleash that terrifying monster."

"Blood Tiger Luo Jiang," the Taoist whispered fearfully. "You mean the Blood Tiger who has fallen into demonic corruption?"

"Exactly," the woman affirmed. "If he hadn't accidentally fallen to corruption, the top guild title today wouldn't belong to the Azure Dragon Gang."

"But the corrupted Blood Tiger is even more terrifying!" the warrior muttered. "It took White Tiger Luo Yan and more than a dozen old Luo family members working together just to wound him back then!"

"Four elders died in the process. If they unleash this monster, won't the entire Magic Dragon Continent..." the young Taoist looked aghast.

"Not the entire Magic Dragon Continent," the woman corrected. "It will be a disaster for the entire martial world of Mafa." The woman smiled faintly. "Imagine: a demon-tainted man wielding a demonic sword."

"My heavens," the Taoist exclaimed in horror. "A corrupted being and a corrupted sword."

"What happens when those two combine," the warrior murmured, "Only the heavens know."

"Heh heh, a demon coupled with a demon sword," the woman mused. "I am already looking forward to it."

The Heaven's Dream Mountain Range is the longest mountain range on the Magic Dragon Continent, stretching like a colossal dragon spanning the land and dividing it in two—starting from the shores of the Red Sea in the west and falling off into the cliffs of the Black Sea in the east. The peaks undulate endlessly, reaching the territory of Panlong, where the mountains pierce the very heavens. Ancient lore states: Panlong's Thousand Peaks, straight to the Ninth Heaven. The Thousand Peaks resemble an immense sword thrust between heaven and earth, their summits lost in the clouds.

Midway up the slopes, ancient trees tower, flowering plants bloom in profusion, and verdant grass carpets the ground, amidst the dance of countless wild bees and butterflies—a picturesque scene of red flowers and green trees.

At the summit, a white ribbon—a waterfall—plunges through the thick clouds and mist, splashing into a sky-reaching purple vapor that conjures rainbows of seven colors. This is the Nine Heavens Pouring Sky Waterfall, the most famous feature of the Thousand Peaks, its terrifying might echoing like the heavy thunder of the Nine Heavens, resounding across the firmament, adding a majestic, powerful aura to the lush greenery below.

Around the mountainside winds a narrow path, like a jade belt encircling the ascent. Yun Xi and I walked along this path for a long time! Suddenly, our vision brightened! We found ourselves in an area filled with strange flowers and exotic grasses, shrouded in swirling mist—a place as ethereal and dreamlike as a fairy realm. I had only ever encountered such beauty in the pages of Sword and Fairy narratives, yet now, I had the chance to see it in reality. For a moment, I was utterly entranced, almost paralyzed.

Not far ahead, a pagoda-like structure faintly emerged!

As we drew closer, it became clear that this was a sacred, spiritual sanctuary. The large, wild cursive characters on the main plaque read—Holy Word Church, followed by smaller characters beneath: Thousand Peaks Hall.

Although these were not the square characters of Han writing, I could still feel the elegant fluidity and untamed spirit imbued within them.

My jaw nearly dropped. In my mind, a Church was supposed to resemble a European medieval cathedral, but the Holy Word Church of the Mafa world looked surprisingly similar to an ancient Chinese temple. It felt incongruous, yet strangely familiar.

The spiritual sanctuary before me, nestled among the green hills and trees, surrounded by swirling clouds and mist, was clearly an ideal location for solitary cultivation—no wonder the Holy Word Church chose to build their place of practice here.

Here! I finally saw Lu Zhao and Tong Lei. Both were overjoyed to see that I had recovered.

"That's wonderful," Lu Zhao said excitedly. "I was constantly worried about your health."

"There was never any real problem," I laughed. "It was just severe mental and physical exhaustion. I've recovered now."

"I told you it was fine, you can stop worrying now," Tong Lei added.

"Right, how is Uncle Lu doing?"

"Don't worry," Lu Zhao reassured me. "High Priest Honglian is personally treating the Sect Master; he will definitely be cured."

Tong Lei beside him nodded with a smile, which put my mind further at ease.

I ended up staying here for the following days. What irritated me was the presence of important figures from various guilds inside the hall. They were all waiting for Lu Tong's treatment to conclude so they could press for information about the Crimson Blood Demon Sword. The single mountain path leading up to this place, at the foot of the mountain, was guarded by large contingents of troops from the major guilds, all watching with covetous eyes. It made me want to slaughter them on the spot, but I knew the consequences of such an act would be dire. I had no choice but to endure it.

Unexpectedly, I encountered the young man who had delivered the message for me previously. Following him was a large retinue of Lightning Heroes, all looking at me with excitement, seeming to want to say something. However, they appeared hesitant in front of Qing Long and Yun Xi. One of them, the youth who delivered the message that day, was nervously nudging Yun Xi in the side while looking at me. Beside them stood several older men, all smiling kindly at me. When they saw me look their way, they offered slight smiles and inclined their heads.

"Let me introduce them," Yun Xi said. "These gentlemen are elders from my Yun family."

"Junior Xing Chen pays his respects to all you seniors," I quickly bowed deeply.

"Hah! Indeed, a hero emerging from youth!" said one of the elders, whose hair was gray and white, emanating an air of dignity.

"This is my grandfather," Yun Xi continued. "He is also the Old Sect Master of our Yun family."

Yun Xi then introduced the other elders present one by one. I was surprised by how attentive these elders were to me. However, upon reflection, in the world of Mafa where strength reigns supreme, power dictates everything. Having strength naturally commands respect. My killing of Luo Yan was a clear demonstration of that strength, so it was hardly surprising that I attracted their attention. Yet, seeing their solemn expressions, I guessed they had something important to discuss, likely related to the Crimson Blood Demon Sword.

For more novels, visit storyread.net.