The moment the Sword Saint's aura erupted, the world itself seemed to tremble.
That dreadful sword intent surged outward like a tidal wave, invisible yet crushing. Roof tiles quivered, windows shattered, and the cobblestones beneath their feet groaned as if bearing the weight of mountains. Even the air grew sharp, filled with countless formless blades that bit into flesh and soul alike.
"This… this is sword domain…" Black Tiger's face twisted in horror. His bravado cracked, memories flashing in his mind — years ago, as a young mercenary, he had once glimpsed this exact aura from afar, when the Sword Saint cut down a horde of demonic beasts singlehandedly. It had been an image branded into his bones.
And now, that nightmare had returned.
"You… you are the Sword Saint! But how… how could you have recovered your strength?!" His voice broke, sweat rolling down his forehead even as his qi flared in panic.
