It had been years since Jing Quan last saw Lin Min.
He had promised her that once he defeated the Demon Lord, they would finally be together.
That day had come.
The world was quiet, and she would soon arrive.
A soft smile crossed his face as he gazed at his sword.
Why did it still feel alive in his hands? Why did it still call to him?
He stepped outside his fortress, adjusting his vest, tightening the corset, straightening the cardigan.
Then the bell tolled—intruders.
BANG!
Four guards burst through the gate.
"Who rang the bell?" Jing Quan demanded, eyes narrowing.
Guo Yu panted. "Sword Saint Quan… Mingyan is under attack. Fengrui and Haoling too."
A scream, raw and terrifying, sliced through the air.
"I'll handle this," Jing Quan said, his voice calm but fierce.
He soared into the sky, scanning the village.
From above, he saw chaos. A massive, hulking demon was rampaging through Mingyan. Civilians scattered as the creature smashed everything in its path.
Spotting a cluster of demons in a crowded area, Jing Quan focused. With a single motion, he unleashed Heavenly Slash.
A blade of pure light shot across the battlefield, cutting through the demons with perfect precision.
Every single one of them vanished, yet the humans remained unharmed.
Just as he landed, another scream echoed—a familiar voice. His gaze followed it and froze.
The Demon Lord stood among the wreckage.
But that wasn't the shocking part.
Clutched tightly in his hand… was Lin Min.
Jing Quan descended slowly, raising his sword.
"Let her go," he said.
"You think I'll do that? No. Unless you kill yourself right now. Look at my demons. I can still destroy your village," the Demon Lord replied.
"Are you going to fight only because of her? Will you stay here and face me while civilians die?"
Jing Quan lifted his sword and spun it across the ground. Brilliant energy radiated from it.
Using Sword Spirit Manifestation, another figure emerged from his body, shining with golden light.
The figure soared into the sky, slashing through the demons and shielding the civilians.
"Now I won't have to worry about the civilians," Jing Quan said.
"Don't move. I'll kill her if you do," the Demon Lord growled, tightening his grip on Lin Min's neck.
"Why stoop so low? How are you even alive? I killed you nine months ago," Jing Quan said.
"You spared some of my generals. They performed a resurrection ritual, sacrificed themselves… and brought me back."
His eyes burned with hatred.
"And now, I'm here for revenge.
You defeated me once, Legendary Sword Saint.
You're the greatest Sword Saint I've faced in three hundred years. Every other Sword Saint before you… I killed them all.
I know I don't stand a chance against you.
But I also know about Lin Min. Your first love."
The Demon Lord tightened his grip again.
Jing Quan's eyes widened.
"Don't worry, Lin Min. I'll save you."
He glared at the Demon Lord.
"Leave her. Now."
"Oh? If you want her, come get her. I'll use her as my shield," the Demon Lord sneered.
Jing Quan wanted to move faster, but even the slightest misstep and Lin Min would die.
"Don't think about using your time-cutting technique," the Demon Lord warned.
"I'm not saying it again," Jing Quan said, his sword glowing with radiant energy.
"I don't have time for this," the Demon Lord muttered.
Jing Quan prepared to unleash Time Cutting Blade.
It was risky—but before he could move, the Demon Lord stabbed Lin Min in the back and threw her aside.
Jing Quan abandoned the technique instantly.
Seeing her bleeding, he ran to her, lifting her gently into his arms.
"Lin Min! Lin Min, are you okay? I'm here. I promise… when this is over, we'll be together," he said desperately.
Lin Min coughed, blood staining her lips.
"Don't worry, Master Quan… please… take care of yourself. I love you… I always will."
Her hand slipped from his grasp as she died.
"Lin Min!" Jing Quan roared.
As he focused on her, the Demon Lord stabbed him in the back, but Jing Quan didn't care.
The Demon Lord swung again toward his head—
but Jing Quan's sword returned to his hand on instinct, blocking the fatal blow.
"Don't worry, Lin Min," Jing Quan whispered, kissing her forehead.
He was bleeding heavily, but his eyes were cold, empty… murderous.
"I will erase you," Jing Quan growled as he stood. "Your existence. No one will be able to save you."