Morning sunlight spilled across the training field as Ye Mingzhi finished his daily 10-kilometer run. Unlike before, his breathing was steady, his legs firm, and his mind clear. His progress was evident.
As he neared the edge of the camp, a chill swept over him.
"I know you're there," he said calmly, his voice slicing through the silence. "Come out."
From the shadows emerged a familiar figure—the scarred leader of the killer group. His expression was grim, sword already in hand.
"You've grown sharper," the assassin sneered. "But this ends now."
With no further warning, he lunged. The duel erupted.
Their blades clashed violently. The assassin unleashed a barrage of strikes, each swift and brutal—but Ye Mingzhi had changed. He moved with purpose, reading every angle, every pattern. His defenses were fluid, his steps sure.
Then came a whisper:
"Moon Wind Style."
A breeze stirred around them. Ye Mingzhi's sword moved like flowing water, unpredictable and smooth, slicing through the assassin's defenses. One clean cut landed deep.
The assassin stumbled, bleeding—but refused to fall. In a final act of desperation, he hurled silver needles laced with poison. Ye Mingzhi dodged most, but one embedded in his right arm. Pain seared through him, but he gritted his teeth and struck again.
The assassin fell, defeated.
But instead of hatred, his dying words were soft.
"At last… I'm free. One final wish—if you return to the Nine Heavens… please save my sister, Ren Xue.
She still believes serving Dao Jue will grant us freedom. She doesn't know… I was already condemned."
Ye Mingzhi's hands trembled. The words struck deep. But before he could respond—his vision darkened.
The poison spread. He collapsed.
"Master's energy is collapsing!"
Qi Jue sensed it instantly. With a flash of golden light, she transformed and bolted through the forest, her panic barely contained.
She found him unconscious, breath shallow, skin pale.
"You idiot! Baka master! You promised to make lunch!"
She poured her energy into him, desperately trying to halt the poison's spread—but it wasn't enough. Her hands trembled.
"Fei Yue!! Get your princess—NOW!"
Fei Yue appeared with Chu Xiyue, who rushed to Ye Mingzhi's side.
Her breath caught. "Ye Mingzhi…"
Without hesitation, she placed her hand over his wound. Her demon blood surged in response, glowing with ancient runes. Blue sigils danced along her arm—the markings of a royal demon healer.
"Don't worry," she whispered. "I'm here."
The poison receded. His breathing steadied.
Meanwhile, deep in a nearby forest, a golden sword shimmered—its aura stirring after a long slumber.
With a flash, the sword spirit awoke.
"Where… am I?"
He stepped through the trees, drawn to a familiar energy. A smirk curled on his lips.
"Third Sister... Fourth Sister… You're both here?"
He emerged at the edge of the camp.
"Yo~ long time no see! Who's that lying there? Looks like a mess."
Qi Jue turned sharply. "Wait—Jing Quan?! You're awake already?!"
Fei Yue blinked. "Little brother…?"
Jing Quan gave a lazy grin. "Yup. The one and only."
Qi Jue and Fei Yue stood silently beside Ye Mingzhi, their gazes calm yet thoughtful.
"Ren Xue…" Qi Jue whispered, voice almost lost in the wind.
"We'll remember that name," Fei Yue added softly.
"Whether she is foe or friend… we'll find out soon."