The entire area fell into a deathly silence. Only a few muffled groans of suppressed pain occasionally cut through the heavy quiet.
The Cloud Knights and guards who had been hurled backward by the shockwave slowly pushed themselves up from the ground. Dust and dirt clung to their armor and faces, their expressions still frozen in a mix of lingering shock and raw fear.
Their eyes first locked onto the dark iron wall of the prison, now pierced straight through by Sha Feng's body. A spiderweb of cracks radiated outward from the point of impact like fractures in glass.
Then their gazes shifted to Kanzaki standing at the center of the battlefield. He calmly retracted his stance, his aura as steady and unshakable as ever. Unconsciously, many of them swallowed hard, their Adam's apples bobbing visibly.
Just what kind of monster was this man?
No words were necessary. The devastating scene before them had already hammered the truth deep into everyone's hearts.
If that level of force had struck Ussa's chest without restraint, his heart and the surrounding flesh, sinews, and blood vessels would have been pulverized into dust in an instant.
Sha Feng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and flipped back onto his feet with a smooth kip-up.
"Unless I'm mistaken, that was the Eight Extremes Fist, correct? But this level of destructive power… How did you achieve something like this?"
Kanzaki lowered his arms. His expression remained almost completely unchanged, showing little ripple of emotion.
"It's True Qi. I cultivated it by tempering my internal organs over many years. That's all there is to it."
The corners of several mouths twitched involuntarily.
They had seen Xianzhou natives who trained their True Qi before, but never one with this kind of overwhelming might.
"Everyone, I haven't finished explaining yet."
Kanzaki retrieved an object from his Jade Abacus's storage space. With a casual kick, he flipped a nearby stone table upright and placed the object on it.
"Ussa's heart had long been replaced by an Abundance scourge."
"What?!" Sha Feng's expression changed drastically.
Kanzaki raised a hand, gesturing for everyone to look at the transparent containment device.
Inside the sealed container, a mass of dark red, nearly black flesh writhed and contracted slowly. Even through the thick barrier, an overwhelmingly dense and palpitating aura of life emanated from it.
The unique, violently twisted vitality characteristic of the Abundance's blessing faintly permeated the air. It was powerful, yet carried an indescribable sense of ominous corruption, fundamentally different from pure life force. It felt more like a living mutation, proliferating endlessly and defying the natural order.
No further examination or debate was needed. Every person present, especially the Cloud Knight Vanguards who had battled the Borisin for years, recognized this aura all too well.
Sha Feng examined the minced flesh carefully, his brow furrowing with gravity as he sensed its power.
"It truly is a scourge. Decades ago, when I visited the Luofu to meet the Marshal, I saw a broken branch from the Ambrosial Arbor. The aura was similar, though this one is considerably weaker."
"No matter how weak it may be, it can still grant terrifying power to the Borisin."
Kanzaki pointed at the writhing flesh inside the device and spoke gravely.
"This is why I brought it back to the Xianzhou Shackling Prison. It must be properly disposed of by the Ten-Lords Commission. Do not be deceived by its shattered state. It would recover completely within just a few days if left alone."
Sha Feng nodded. "You did well. If something like this fell into the hands of other Borisin, it would undoubtedly create another war leader."
A flash of understanding appeared in the eyes of those around them.
No wonder Ussa had died so decisively. The Abundance scourge he relied on for survival had been temporarily destroyed by Kanzaki's strike.
Still, it had to be said, Kanzaki's strength was truly terrifying. He was even capable of sending a General flying with a single blow.
"Kanzaki, the position of Cloud Knight Sword Champion of the Xianzhou has been vacant for over ten years. It seems only you are worthy of it now," one of the Vanguards said respectfully.
All Cloud Knights trained in the sword, so no one argued over the exact title of Sword Champion.
The others nodded in agreement.
Unexpectedly, Sha Feng closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh. "Due to some personal reasons on Kanzaki's part, he will not be taking the position of Sword Champion."
This was also why the position had remained empty for a full decade. No Cloud Knight had ever been able to defeat him.
However, Sha Feng understood Kanzaki's decision well.
In the past, a Xianzhou General was expected not only to plan strategies but also to lead from the frontlines, charging into enemy formations.
But after the Cangcheng calamity, the Marshal had issued a strict order: no General from any Xianzhou ship was permitted to leave the main vessel without authorization.
No one knew how long this order would remain in effect.
Sha Feng privately thought that the restriction might only be lifted when the threat from the Abominations of Abundance had significantly weakened.
Yet he doubted he would live long enough to see that day.
The others were surprised at first, but seeing the expressions on both Sha Feng's and Kanzaki's faces, they wisely chose not to press the matter.
"The important post-battle acquisition has been handed over. If there's nothing else, this subordinate will head to the Alchemy Commission for a rationality inspection."
"You've worked hard on this Hunt expedition," Sha Feng said, patting Kanzaki on the shoulder.
"Now that the Borisin have lost their war leader, they won't be able to pose a major threat for at least another century. This campaign has lasted several years. You should take some time to rest properly."
"Thank you, General. This subordinate takes his leave." Kanzaki gave a slight bow and departed.
Once he was gone, the remaining Vanguards also dispersed one after another.
Only Sha Feng remained behind, staring at the writhing flesh inside the container. His brow gradually furrowed deeper.
He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something strange about this scourge-heart… but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.
===
After concluding his post-victory duties across various locations, Kanzaki finally returned to the home he had not seen in a long time.
To call it a home felt almost strange. Since the fall of Cangcheng, the number of days he had truly spent here could be counted on one hand.
Out of the more than ten years that had passed, nearly nine had been dedicated to carrying out the Xianzhou's will in the name of The Hunt.
"Kanzaki, you've returned."
Xueyi and Hanya had already completed their post-battle inspections and were waiting for him at home.
"Is Jingliu not here?"
"This subordinate reviewed the latest battle reports. Her squadron is currently engaged in heavy fighting in the Magu Star System, roughly sixty-one light-years from the main ship," Hanya reported, lowering her head respectfully.
Kanzaki gave a small nod. His gaze eventually fell on Hanya's legs.
After a long silence, he let out a soft sigh, heavy with years of accumulated guilt and remorse.
"A leg injury that should have healed within three years has been delayed until now… all because you followed me through countless life-and-death battles. I am truly sorry."
"Kanzaki, why would you say something like that?!"
Hanya's voice rose with genuine emotion. She looked at him with deep respect and unwavering loyalty.
"If it weren't for you, I would never have been able to return to the path of the Hunt expeditions. Please, do not apologize again. No matter what the future may hold, I vow to remain by your side until my last breath."
Kanzaki was momentarily taken aback. He noticed a rare glimmer in Hanya's usually calm gray eyes, one she had never shown before.
He remained silent.
It wasn't that he failed to understand her feelings. Rather, he could not allow himself to understand them.
One who dabbled in forbidden arts was destined to walk a solitary path along the edge of a blade. How could he drag her into such a dark and uncertain future?