Zhen Huan looked at Yun Sha, his tone turning a bit more serious.
"I want to ask you for a favor."
Yun Sha raised a brow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh? What kind of favor, hmm?"
Zhen Huan scratched the back of his head and said, "Please, can I follow you for a while? I don't know much about this world, and if you're heading toward your clan, maybe you could show me around a bit on the way."
Yun Sha studied him for a moment, then chuckled softly. "I thought you were going to say you wanted to join my clan."
Zhen Huan blinked, giving her a flat look. "Why would I join your clan?"
Did she really think I'd say something like that? I'm just looking for my swords.
Yun Sha smiled and said, "Alright then, you can come. But you'll have to protect me until we reach my clan."
I know you'll agree. You seem the type to act cold, but you're not heartless.
Zhen Huan replied instantly, "No."
Yun Sha stared at him, her expression blank for a second.
He really said no? Seriously?
Her face reddened, and frustration bubbled up. "You bastard!"
Zhen Huan laughed and tilted his head. "What happened now?"
She didn't respond with words. Instead, she raised her hand and thumped him lightly on the head.
"Ah—! Why did you hit me?" Zhen Huan clutched his head with a wince.
Ignoring him, Yun Sha asked, "Where is your village? I want to see your village."
Zhen Huan blinked. "Oh, I'm not sure about the exact direction, but I know it's near Long City."
Yeah… I think that's right. It should be somewhere close to there.
Yun Sha narrowed her eyes. "You don't even know the direction? How did you get all the way here without knowing where you were going?"
Zhen Huan gave a half-smile. "Ah, I don't really know why I came here."
I can't exactly say I came here for the sword.
Yun Sha sighed heavily, then turned toward the left. "Fine. Follow me. I know where Long City is, so we'll find your village along the way."
Zhen Huan gave a short nod. "Okay."
With that, Yun Sha leapt forward, gracefully bounding from one crimson leaf tree branch to another like a bird in flight. Zhen Huan followed closely behind, his newly enhanced speed from the breakthrough allowing him to keep pace with ease.
His steps were lighter now, his body more responsive. The forest blurred around him as he moved with renewed energy, the thrill of progress pulsing through his veins.
As they traveled deeper through the forest, the thick, dark canopy of Hell Forest began to thin. The trees around them gradually shifted into ones with soft green leaves, sunlight slipping through their branches.
Zhen Huan glanced around and said, "I think we're close. When I came into Hell Forest, I had to pass through an area with green-leaf trees."
Yun Sha nodded. "Oh, then we're heading in the right direction."
The two continued onward, the sun now dipping low in the western sky, painting the leaves with golden light. The forest began to open up ahead, and soon enough, they saw a break in the trees.
Zhen Huan's eyes lit up. "That's the exit of Hell Forest."
Yun Sha smiled lightly. "Yeah, let's move faster."
With a final leap from the last tree branch, the two soared out of the dense forest and landed on solid ground outside. The air was fresher, lighter.
Zhen Huan exhaled heavily, his breath a mix of exhaustion and relief. "We're out."
Yun Sha, appearing far less winded, nodded. "So, where's your village?"
Zhen Huan scanned the area. As his eyes moved to the left, he spotted something—blackened remains of wooden structures, the acrid scent of ash still faint in the air.
"What's that…?" he said, his voice trailing off. "Did something burn there?"
Yun Sha followed his gaze. "Looks like a few houses burned down."
Zhen Huan's heart skipped a beat. His eyes widened.
That place… it looks like… my village.
A surge of panic shot through him. Without another word, he bolted toward the burnt remnants.
"Hey—wait! I'm coming too!" Yun Sha shouted as she sprang after him.
Why is he running like that?
Zhen Huan dashed forward, pushing spiritual energy into his legs to gain more speed. His thoughts raced.
No… no, it can't be… That wasn't my village… It can't be…
A few seconds later, Zhen Huan and Yun Sha stepped into what remained of Tian Village.
Zhen Huan's footsteps slowed as he took in the scene. His face turned pale, brows furrowed, and his eyes welled with emotion.
No… this wasn't Tian Village, right? It can't be…
But the buildings were the same. The paths. The temple at the center. Everything was familiar—except now it was all ruined, scorched, and lifeless.
Then his eyes landed on the temple wall.
There, propped against it, was a body. Old Song.
Zhen Huan froze, breath caught in his throat. He staggered forward, his heart sinking deeper with every step. Yun Sha followed silently, eyes sweeping over the destruction.
Is this… Zhen Huan's village? What happened here?
She placed a hand on his shoulder but said nothing.
"I'm going to look around. Maybe I'll find some clues," she said softly, before disappearing into the ruins like a shadow.
Zhen Huan knelt in front of Old Song's lifeless body.
His fingers clenched into fists.
"Why… why did this happen?" he whispered.
Tears rolled down his cheeks.
He hadn't known these people well—but Zhen Huan, the original soul within this body, had. These were his family. His people. And in his heart, Zhen Huan now carried that same burden—to protect them.
He looked up to the crimson-tinged sky and let out a cry filled with fury and sorrow.
"I'll kill you all… every last one of you who did this!"
Suddenly, a translucent system window appeared beside him.
Ding!
Host has awakened the first sword's ability: Dao of Fire.
The window shifted and displayed further information:
Dao of Fire:
The elemental essence of the Inferno Flame. Grants the host control over fire, enabling manipulation at will. Reduces damage taken from fire-based attacks.
But Zhen Huan didn't even glance at it.
His eyes were red, glowing faintly with killing intent.
Far across the village, Yun Sha was still searching the ruins. Her footsteps halted when she heard Zhen Huan's voice echoing across the open space, loud and filled with rage.
That voice… it shook the whole area. How can a Qi Refining cultivator project their voice like that?
Then her eyes caught something—gleaming near a charred body.
A badge.
She walked over, knelt down, and picked it up. Her breath caught.
This symbol… the Evil Qi Sect.
Her eyes narrowed. Why would they target this place?
She turned and raced back toward Zhen Huan.
When she arrived, she paused.
Zhen Huan was standing in front of Old Song's body, hands raised. Flames danced at his fingertips, swirling with sorrow. He was performing a funeral rite in the only way he knew—burning the body with reverence, returning it to the cycle.
Yun Sha approached slowly and stopped at his side. Her voice was quiet.
"I found something. I know who did this, but—"
She didn't get to finish.
Zhen Huan turned to her. His face was calm, but his eyes… they burned like a wildfire.
"Who did this?" he asked, his voice low, but sharp as a blade.
For a moment, Yun Sha flinched under the weight of Zhen Huan's burning gaze. But she quickly composed herself, her voice calm and steady.
"I-It was the Evil Qi Sect," she said. "But… that sect is massive. You can't do anything against them. Not now."
Zhen Huan didn't seem to hear the rest of her sentence. His mind fixated on just three words—Evil Qi Sect.
Without replying, he turned away from her and began walking toward the path leading out of the ruined village.
"Girl," he said over his shoulder, his voice emotionless but firm, "you've helped me a lot. I owe you. But you can go back to your clan now. Forget I said I wanted to look around."
Yun Sha stared at his back as he walked away, a mix of frustration and concern flickering in her eyes.
"Do you even know where the Evil Qi Sect is?" she asked.
Zhen Huan stopped and turned to face her. His face was calm, but there was a heavy weight in his gaze—one forged from grief and rage. He looked like a man carrying a world on his shoulders.
"No," he said simply.
Yun Sha crossed her arms and stepped closer. "Then where exactly are you going, you fool?"
Zhen Huan looked down the road, then back at her. "I don't know," he admitted. "But something in me says I should go this way."
Yun Sha didn't argue. Instead, she walked past him, brushing his shoulder as she did, then turned to face him with a playful but knowing smile.
"I know where it is," she said. "But if you want me to tell you, you'll have to take me to my clan first."
Zhen Huan frowned. "Can't you just tell me now?"
Yun Sha tilted her head. "I could. But if you go charging in there right now, I can guarantee one thing—" she held up a finger, "—you'll die."
Zhen Huan stared at her in silence, then looked up at the sky. The sunset bathed the clouds in a deep crimson, like the reflection of the fire that had consumed his village.
"So what should I do?" he muttered. "My heart's screaming for revenge. Screaming to kill them for what they've done…"
Yun Sha walked forward slowly. She raised her hand and gently patted his head, her tone unusually soft.
"Then listen to your heart," she said, "but also use your mind. Don't die for nothing. Become strong first. If you want justice… power is the only path."
Zhen Huan looked into her eyes.
There was no mockery now—only honesty.
He nodded slowly.
"Alright," he said. "Let's go to your clan."