Lin Feng's expression turned dark.
He could sense it — four Xiantian experts, including Ouyang Ye. The odds were impossible, but retreat wasn't in his nature. He would rather fall in battle than bow in fear.
"Haha! You didn't expect this, did you?" Ouyang Ye sneered. "Attack together! Don't underestimate him!"
Lin Feng drew his sword slowly, his eyes cold and focused.
He knew the only way out was through — fight, and find an opening to escape.
"You're thinking of running," Ouyang Ye said mockingly. "Don't bother. This area has been sealed off. No one comes in, no one leaves."
So, the sealing treasure must be on Ouyang Ye himself.
Lin Feng tightened his grip on the sword. If I kill him first, I might have a chance.
In an instant, he vanished.
Swoosh!
He reappeared right in front of Ouyang Ye, sword flashing down in a brutal arc.
Slash!
Bang!
Lin Feng was thrown backward, blood spraying from his mouth.
The fifth-grade Xiantian expert had stepped in front of Ouyang Ye, blocking the strike.
"This guy… he's strong," Lin Feng muttered through clenched teeth, his chest throbbing with pain.
Without hesitation, he lunged again.
Azure Sword Art — Kill Any Under Heaven!
"Hmph! A mere trick!"
Rippling Sword Art — First Instance!
Their swords clashed — Bang! Sparks exploded as energy rippled outward like a stormwave. Lin Feng's body was hurled across the field, blood trailing from his lips.
He coughed violently, but his gaze only burned brighter.
He charged again, sword blazing.
Azure Sword Art — Second Stance!
A burst of blinding white light tore through the air.
The ringing of metal echoed as blades met — Clang!
Lin Feng was sent flying once more, his robes shredded, his body soaked in blood.
"I can't keep this up," he thought grimly. "I have to find a way to escape."
From the distance, one of the enemies laughed. "This guy just won't stay down."
"Enough wasting time," Ouyang Ye barked. "All of you — attack together!"
Lin Feng's expression hardened. Four Xiantian experts at once — this was suicide.
Still, he raised his sword. "Come, then!"
Kill! Kill! Kill!
The air trembled with murderous intent. The four charged, their combined aura shaking the earth.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Lin Feng blocked and dodged desperately, his movements blurring, but he was hit again and again. Blood poured from his wounds. His breathing grew ragged, his face pale.
"Dragon Fist!" he roared.
A thunderous boom echoed as his fist smashed forward, energy surging like a dragon's roar. One of the Xiantian experts — a second-grade cultivator — screamed as his chest caved in. He hit the ground, lifeless.
"He killed one of us— even against four!" another shouted, disbelief in his eyes.
"One down," Lin Feng said coldly, blood dripping from his sword.
Azure Sword Art — Fourth Stance!
Rippling Sword Art — Second Instance!
"Die! Die!" the remaining three howled, their blades crackling with violent qi.
Their combined strike met Lin Feng's head-on.
Bang! Bang!
The explosions shattered the earth. Lin Feng's body was blasted into the ground, carving a crater several meters deep. His armor shattered, his flesh torn open, his internal organs barely intact.
He gasped for breath, forcing his body to move. With trembling hands, he stabbed his sword into the ground to hold himself upright.
"Finish him!" Ouyang Ye ordered coldly.
"Die! Die! Die!"
Their killing intent closed in like a storm.
Lin Feng's vision blurred. His body was broken, but his spirit burned hotter than ever.
"I… am the successor of the Sword of Destiny," he growled, voice echoing in defiance. "How could I die at the hands of mere Xiantian dogs?"
His gaze locked on the sword buried in the ground.
The blade suddenly vibrated, a deep hum filling the air.
Screeech!
A sword howl echoed across the battlefield as light burst from the weapon.
A surge of ancient energy flooded into Lin Feng's body like a tidal wave.
The incoming attacks dissolved before they could touch him, obliterated by pure sword intent.
"What—what is happening?!" Ouyang Ye shouted in panic.
"Attack again! All of you!"
They rushed forward — and their strikes were once again disintegrated the instant they neared Lin Feng.
Lin Feng stared in awe. His wounds closed rapidly, blood fading from his skin. His strength returned — stronger than before.
Then, a deep ancient voice echoed in his mind.
"This is but one of the sword's innate abilities. Do not let it blind you."
Lin Feng's eyes widened. "Who… are you? What other abilities does this sword have?"
"When your cultivation grows stronger, you will discover them."
"What level must I reach?"
No answer came — only silence.
Lin Feng clenched his fist, feeling the qi swirling within him.
His aura erupted like a storm.
"I—I've broken through… Xiantian Second Grade!"
The surviving enemies stepped back, faces pale with horror.
"He… he just leveled up mid-battle! Impossible!"
Lin Feng's eyes glowed with azure light.
"Now," he said coldly, "it's my turn."
He vanished.
Swoosh!
Two flashes of light — and two heads rolled onto the ground before anyone could even blink.
Blood sprayed in arcs, staining the battlefield crimson.
The fifth-grade Xiantian expert roared, unleashing his strongest move.
Rippling Sword Art — Third Stance!
"Hmph."
Lin Feng's blade cut through the air, slicing apart the attack like silk.
Clang! The man's sword shattered. Lin Feng's counterstrike cut through him, splitting him cleanly from shoulder to hip.
When Ouyang Ye saw the scene, his face turned white. He turned and fled desperately.
"Where do you think you're going?" Lin Feng's voice echoed behind him.
Hiss!
A single swing — and Ouyang Ye's body split apart, collapsing in two halves.
"You should give up and die peacefully," Lin Feng said coldly.
But Ouyang Ye still struggled to rise, trembling.
"Please—don't kill me! I'll give you anything! Money, women, power—anything you want!"
Lin Feng's eyes were calm, emotionless.
"The moment you tried to kill me… your death was already sealed."
He raised his sword.
Ouyang Ye screamed, "No! I'm the young master of the Ouyang—!"
"I don't care."
Swoosh.
Silence.
Only the wind moved — carrying away the last breath of the Ouyang family's pride.