The shadows of the blade, seen by nearly all who could perceive them, were impossible to look away from.

Like mist coalescing from clouds, shifting into ten forms in mid-air, weaving through the space. Though they seemed almost nonexistent, to everyone watching, they were utterly brilliant.

The Six-winged Ant King, sensing its inescapable doom, shrieked once. Its six wings beat furiously, retreating at top speed, commanding dozens of nearby ants to shield it.

That inch-long blade shadow shifted again, folding several times as it navigated the swarm of insects.

In moments, blood sprayed forth. With a dull thud, the blade ripped upward through the Ant King’s abdomen, and countless streams of white ichor exploded from the wound.

The colossal body plummeted, instantly devoid of life.

The entire ant swarm, leaderless, immediately descended into chaos, scattering outwards. The soldier ants, seemingly terrified, cautiously backed away as well.

The entire hundred-zhang radius fell into silence, utterly still.

He Yan’s lips trembled slightly; the gasp of shock was trapped in his throat, unable to escape.

After witnessing Zong Shou execute those charging ants near the giant stones with a sweeping, near-scything motion, he had instinctively almost cried out in astonishment.

But when he saw the flying dagger, the man froze completely on the spot.

What had he just seen? The Jing Yun Shen Mie Sword Intent! And that flying dagger, changing direction at least four times!

A chill ran down his neck. His gaze involuntarily flicked to Zong Shou’s two hands, dreading the sight of another such dagger flying out from beneath his sleeves.

He Yan was shocked, but the other students from the Linhai Academy fared even worse. Several who had previously worn expressions of schadenfreude found their faces locked in rigid shock.

Then, they instinctively shrank back, fearing that Zong Shou might notice them.

For those like Zhong Li Shuang, who hailed from prestigious clans with deep ancestral teachings, their insight was keener; they understood the sheer peril and difficulty of that single strike. The way they looked at Zong Shou was fundamentally different.

They exchanged glances, communicating silently through their eyes. Yet, at this moment, no one dared to be the first to speak.

Zong Shou only allowed his tension to ease after the Six-winged Ant King was felled by that one strike.

This Ant King’s combat power far exceeded that of a regular Sixth-tier spirit beast. Against it, even ten soldier ants fighting as one would have stood no chance. According to the later classification system in the Divine Emperor game, this creature was equivalent to a Level Sixty King monster template.

Even with his mastery of the Six Gods Control Blade Technique, he hadn't possessed a one-hundred-percent certainty of killing it in a single blow. Had the beast been fully alert, killing it would have required a hundred times the effort.

The next instant, he felt his internal Qi and blood surging uneasily again. He knew this was the sign of overexertion from his true essence, but thankfully, his current Dual Meridian body was considerably more stable and could withstand it.

Seeing the ant swarm retreat without further movement, he surmised that having lost their leader, they wouldn't charge again soon.

Zong Shou casually returned to the campfire, resuming his deep breaths while continuing to devour meat ravenously. In truth, provided he wasn't injured, the meat of these spirit beasts was more effective for restoring energy than any spirit elixir, and it carried none of the toxin risk.

In a matter of moments, the entire hind leg of the Fourth-tier Spotted Leopard he held was reduced to nothing but bone.

He then noticed Gong Yue across from him watching with a stunned, peculiar expression, prompting Zong Shou to grin, "Do I have flowers growing on my face?"

Gong Yue shifted awkwardly, pulling her gaze away. "Everyone said Your Highness possessed the Dual Meridian physique, incapable of cultivating spirit arts or martial paths. Back when you were at the Linghai Academy, you were nearly expelled, bullied by so many, and they called you a cripple—"

Stopping at that word, Gong Yue suddenly caught herself and dared not continue. Zong Shou, however, smiled carelessly. "Calling me trash, the disgrace of Linhai Academy, is that right? It’s fine; I’ve grown used to it over the years. Actually, if I had the time, I’d just slice up everyone at Linhai Academy, but Zong Shou is too kind-hearted—"

Gong Yue didn't grasp it; she didn't realize that the 'Zong Shou' he mentioned was the person from a year ago. She was utterly bewildered, thinking how this Demonic King of the Vast Heavens could not possibly be associated with 'kind-heartedness,' and wondered why he was praising himself.

Meanwhile, the Linhai Academy contingent felt chills running down their spines. Several who had minor past entanglements with Zong Shou were now slick with sweat, not daring to exhale deeply.

They inwardly lamented, If Zong Shou needs to conceal his strength and avoid the Eight-tailed Snow Clan, why did he have to come to Linhai Academy? And why did he play the part so convincingly?

They prayed fervently, only wishing Zong Shou would completely forget about them.

At this moment, none of the people gathered on the rock harbored any doubt regarding the outlandish rumors from several months prior.

Several Sixth-tier experts turned visibly pale. If the rumors were true, then Zong Shou’s three years at the academy would be the greatest shame of Linhai Academy! If the news spread, they would likely become a laughingstock among all academies.

"A while ago, I even mobilized troops there. But alas, I could never get past that mental block; I couldn't bring myself to strike..."

This statement caused He Yan and the others to break out in a cold, fine sweat. This Zong Shou’s temperament was utterly demonic; he actually considered encircling and wiping out their Linhai Academy! They secretly counted themselves fortunate that this fellow still possessed a sliver of humanity and hadn't actually acted.

Zong Shou was completely unaware that his casual remark had sent the academy's instructors and disciples into a state of terror. He was genuinely bothered by the academy matters; they were like a thorn in his side. But whenever the thought of retaliation arose, he inexplicably found himself going soft.

This was a form of inner demon, a lingering remnant of the consciousness of the ‘Zong Shou’ who had died.

Perhaps the academy had left him with more than just bitter memories.

Just as he was sighing internally, Zong Yuan opposite him suddenly sharpened his expression and lifted his spear once more.

Zong Shou equally turned his gaze toward the west.

In an instant, a streak of light rushed towards them, followed by a massive throng of ants.

As they closed the distance, a colossal figure appeared, shimmering brilliantly golden all over. He trod upon a golden sword, wore golden armor, and bore a golden crown. All ten of his fingers were adorned with dazzling rings.

He was being harassed severely by the ant swarm, weaving and bowing left and right with his sword.

Zong Shou’s expression grew solemn. This person's cultivation in spirit arts and martial paths seemed to be only at the Sixth-tier realm. Yet, pursued by hundreds of ants, he remained completely unharmed. Every move he made was accompanied by flashing golden radiance—be it a spirit art or a martial secret technique, deployed with ease. While the visual effects were striking, the lethality was not small; his pair of stout, fat hands struck down two or three ants with almost every blow.

The stout man, seeing the situation over here, was overjoyed. He hurriedly bent his sword light and rushed straight toward them heedless of the danger. "Fellow travelers, thank you deeply! You have saved my life at the perfect moment!"

The Linhai Academy members’ faces turned pale in succession, filled with bitter indignation. The number of ants following the golden fatty this time must be close to two thousand? The ground beneath them was churning, and it was unclear what else was following.

The few Sixth-tier experts showed expressions of guarded anger, which the golden-armored fatty observed without seeming to care. However, as he approached, he suddenly let out an exclamation of surprise.

Beneath the stone pillar where Zong Shou’s group was situated, he saw over a hundred ant corpses, including dozens of soldier ants.

When the Sixth-tier Ant King came into his view, his pupils contracted slightly. Then, he chuckled. "Since I am unwelcome here, forget it. It is better if I join those three brothers over there; fewer people mean more peace of mind."

His figure flashed, and he abruptly changed direction, crashing directly toward Zong Shou’s position.

Curiously, as this man drew near, all thirty-six of his bamboo-leaf swords were agitated.

Yet, not a single one could stop the golden-armored fatty, nor could they even come close to him.

Arriving at the campfire, the fatty suddenly halted. He wiped his brow and smiled at Zong Shou and Zong Yuan. "Many thanks to you two! This sword formation is not simple; I am fortunate that you two weren't serious. Today, I, Jin Buhui, have met a true master."

Hearing the name Jin Buhui, not only Zong Shou but also the several Sixth-tier Spirit Masters felt an immediate ripple in their hearts. Zhong Li Han even raised an eyebrow. "Jin Buhui! Could it be Martial Uncle Jin Buhui, the direct disciple of Hao Xuan Sect, Fourth among the Holy Lands?"

"So some people recognize me!"

Jin Buhui let out a cold laugh but didn't pay much attention, instead looking behind him. The swarm of ants had stopped pursuing him since he entered the formation. The entire swarm hissed continuously, seemingly exchanging information.

Jin Buhui’s expression was first cold and grim, then he dismissed it and strode to the fire pit to sit down. He first asked with a smile, "I fought those ant swarms for quite a while just now and expended too much energy. Could I borrow some food to fill my stomach?"

Zong Shou was busy eating and waved a hand in invitation without pausing his meal. Jin Buhui let out a grunt and immediately stopped being polite. He tore off a foreleg from a roasted spirit beast carcass and began eating.

His manner was far more savage than Zong Shou and Zong Yuan's; though the latter two, being of Fox Clan descent, possessed a degree of grace even when wolfing down food. This fellow opened his mouth—a gaping maw—and took a bite comprising nearly half the leg meat. After grinding his teeth a few times, he swallowed.

"It's not delicious, but at this moment, I can’t afford to be so picky. The handiwork of this brother here must be excellent..."

Gong Yue watched, dumbfounded, as the three of them seemed to compete, devouring the spirit beasts one after another until nothing remained but bones.

After hesitating for a long time, she finally spoke, "Your Highness, I wonder how my elder sister, Xin Ran, is doing now?"

Upon hearing this, Zong Shou's expression darkened immediately. He lost the appetite to eat and tossed the beast leg he held aside.

"Your sister has met an unfortunate end. I buried her south of Demon Corpse Mountain. If you have time in the future, you can move her remains back to your homeland for burial."

Jin Buhui, who had been buried in eating, suddenly froze upon hearing this. (To be continued)