ã€ŠThe Sword God and the Eight Swordsã€‹


 Chapter 1 - Awakening

    In a dim room lit only by a single rusty lamp with its flame that flickers as it danced. It appears to be snuffed at any moment yet it still held and giving dim lights to the surrounding. There¡¯s a squeaking wide wooden bed that could possibly hold three people was placed in the middle while on the left side was an old wooden door. A double window with its damaged glass was laid on the right side with a vague soft lights that passed through the window¡¯s screen. Though the lights passed from the window, it couldn¡¯t brighten the already dim room because it was covered by a torn curtain made up of dusty and stained silk which flutters in wave, forming a moving shadows on the dry rotting wooden floor. The ceilings and the walls appeared to be painted with white color, but because it wasn¡¯t taken care for some time. It looks like an old person, wrinkled and dull. Some cracks spread like graffiti on the walls while dust would fall from the holes of the ceiling from time to time. Dense cobwebs left hanging on the ceiling with some little insects crawling all over the webs.

    Back on the bed, a person was sleeping silently in a posture that appears he was on a coffin. By crossing his two hands on his chest, any witnesses would quickly considered that the person lying on the bed was dead. Fortunately the person was still breathing in relaxed manner identifying that the person was alive. The person has a diamond shaped face, his hair was kept in tidy and it was brushed upward and backward from the forehead. His nose, eyes, mouth or all his facial features were all attractive to the eyes but the most eye-catching part was the tattoo on his forehead. The tattoo appears to be a black colored sun surrounded by eight black rays. In contrast to the dim room, the person wore a white blazer suit jacket with an inner black long sleeves polo that was fit to the person¡¯s body along with a black slim fit trousers. The suit that the person was wearing turned out to be new, the room and the man¡¯s clothes was like an old man and a child, a real contrast to each other.

    If this situation would stay like this, then this story will end briefly, but it¡¯s not. The person lying on the bed has awaken! By slowly raising his pair of eyelids, revealing a scintillating two scarlet eyes as if it could penetrate the truth and lies of the world. The dim room was filled with some crimson hue turning the atmosphere to be eerie. The flame in the lamp danced wildly and the eyes shifted in a slow manner, looking around the room before he raised his two white hands. His brows curved downward while his forehead creased in confusion, unknown to what he was thinking. A while later, he let out a long and deep sigh before he gradually got up from bed. He was a tall person when he stood uprightly, revealing a manly posture even with his average build. Looking around for the second time, he let out a long sigh once again as if he reminisced something in his memories. With that, he walked away from the bed and move closer to the nearby double window. When he comes closer to the window, he raised his right arm and swiped the torn curtain to the side trying to take a look outside; but before the curtain could move for several inches away, it turned to powder as it fell to the ground but some of it was on the man¡¯s hand. He clenched his hands for several seconds and released it but the powder was still there. Seeing this situation, he could only shake his head and throw the powder away from his hand and shifted his gaze to the broken glasses of the double window before peering beyond it.

    The pair of scarlet eyes were shaken from what it had seen, hands were suddenly clenched as his breath becomes hurried. His eyes were fixated on the distance while fury and longing were reflected on the welling tears at the corners of his eyes. He clutched the clothes on his chest with his right hand while he placed his left hand on the walls to support his body.

    ¡°No!¡± He uttered as he slowly crouched his body. Even with his eyes closed firmly, but the tears flows out unimpeded as tears streams down his chin.

    ¡°It can¡¯t be!¡± Uncontrollably raised his voice. He forcibly gritted his teeth revealing the masculine jaws that pulsed with intensity.

    Fury was still boiling inside his heart, he abruptly stood up and he wiped the tears on his face. He released his grip on his now wrinkled blazer suit jacket and he started walking towards the old wooden door. Instead of normally opening the wooden door, he kicked it with his right foot blowing it away along with the resounding sound slamming the wooden door to the other side which was also a wooden door. Turning both doors into smithereens and then he left the room.

    He found himself on a long dilapidated hallway, the colorful walls were already faded and dull. It was replaced by many sword marks and different sizes of holes. The magnificent floor of the hallway was replaced with littered broken glasses and cracked floors. A stench of decay were apparent in the hallway as if someone died in this place yet there¡¯s no corpse to be seen. As he walked along the hallway he can hear the sound of his footsteps which echoes on every corner of the hallway. He saw some part of the ceilings were either cracked or destroyed. On some part of the ceiling, he can even see the dark clouds on the sky as the ceiling becomes a gaping hole as if it was punctured by something. Continuing his strides in the hallway, he realized how badly damaged this place is. At some distance he witnessed that some walls of the hallway were destroyed revealing another room which was also turned into mess and unrecognizable. There were even some of the rooms that were destroyed into nothingness, revealing things beyond the building. The more he saw things as he walked across the hallway, the more his anger kept building up deep inside his heart as his crimson eyes becomes fierce like an angry demon wanting to slaughter everything.

    After for several breaths of time, he left the dilapidated hallway and found himself in a damaged double-staircase foyer. The left side of the double-staircase has only two steps and the rest were turned into rubble piling on the ground. Fortunately, the other side of the double-staircase though badly damaged but he can still traverse it. Thus, he head towards the right side.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Eventually, he arrived at the entrance hall of the building which was no different from the other part of the building. Looking around the hall, his already pale face turned blanched. Somewhere in the walls of the entrance hall, he saw an old painting. There were three people in the painting, there are some smudges and the picture was blurry because of old age but he can still see the picture clearly. He couldn¡¯t help hold his breath when he saw the painting, it was he and his parents!

    A sudden realization struck him to the core, he has no recollection on what the hell happened on this place. But there¡¯s one thing he can conclude, his family were annihilated! The scarlet eyes became fierce as it turned bloodshot, shaking from anger, he punched the air towards the old painting. A surge of powerful and invisible energy gathered around his fist and launched in front of him.

    With a resonating muffled explosion, the painting and the wall itself were turned to dust. Quaking the entire building, some stones in the walls on some other part of the building were disintegrated. Suddenly, as the paintings and the wall were destroyed into rubble, a golden flashes of light erupted from the old painting. A surge whistling winds rushed in the area, blowing the person¡¯s tidy hair to every directions. The angry person was dumbfounded but he felt sudden pain on his forehead. He quickly raised his hands grasping his head in pain. His body swayed and unbalanced, he couldn¡¯t help but groan in pain. Fortunately, it only lasted for several seconds.

    Ahead of him where the emergence of the golden flashes of light, a golden long sword was floating. Emitting a mysterious and holy feel. It was a single-edge long sword, the taperedgolden blade</a>was broad and thin than its base. A protruding spikelet along the flat side of the tip which flickers with golden light and an intricately carved golden design was at the bifurcatedhilt</a>,it was a howling mythical dragon¡¯s head. At the body of the sword has an intricate glyphs that the person understand, the words were instantly decrypted in the person¡¯s mind and formed into a single word: Golden Dragon Kampilan. It was likely the sword¡¯s name. The person snapped out from his shock, he walked forward and reached the sword¡¯s hilt. He caressed it gently starting from the sword¡¯s tip towards the hilt, he couldn¡¯t help but let some tears stream down his face.

    ¡°Father, what had happened here?¡± The person weakly murmured.

    When he first saw the sword he quickly recognized it. It was his father¡¯s sword, the legendary sword that killed and destroyed thousands of people and hundreds of kingdom. As sadness filled him, his breathing turned rugged but he tried to control his breathing by closing his eyes and soon calmed down before he opened it again. After he barely controlled himself, he grasped the golden sword. When he wield it, a golden flash of light erupted from the golden sword but the person kept looking on the flash of golden light. As far as he remembers, this is the state wherein the sword would accept him as its master.

    ¡°Hmmm, son of Vex. From the time I fell into deep slumber, your father died.¡± As soon as a calm and mysterious voice echoes inside his mind crackling sounds of thunder rumbled from the sky, rain soon followed with intensity. Flashes of lightning fell down from the dark clouds. The dark entrance hall was illuminated by the flashes of light.

    He was taken aback but when he heard the words from the mysterious voice he was delighted but his face turned dark as he grimly asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened here, but it seems that you know something, tell me.¡±

    ¡°Tell you? HAHAHA, you¡¯re quite arrogant eh? You were not your father and I am not considering you as my master. You are far too weak, you can¡¯t wield me given with your strength right now.¡± The mysterious voice felt that it sound hilarious. The son of his master, suddenly ordered him to tell something, it is something that the mysterious voice to decide not his! Thus, with a crackling sounds of thunder the golden sword bluntly answered before it retracts its golden light along with the golden long sword transforming into a golden globe of light. Inside the golden globe of light was an image of the golden long sword. Then the globe of light unhurriedly moved towards the person¡¯s forehead.

    ¡°I will acknowledge you, if you can call me out from the seal on your forehead.¡± The globe of light said before it enters inside the tattoo, on one of the black rays. After it enters, the black rays that the globe of light entered changed into golden in color, but it was a bit dim.

    The sudden occurrence left the person struck mute and turned stiff like statue as he was still standing in a posture of holding the golden sword. The pouring rain didn¡¯t stop nor the howling winds that whistles inside his ears. Swift flashes of lightning that answered by crackling thunder still lingers in the same place. After some time passed, he left from his trance and raised his right hand and touched the tattoo on his forehead. He could only sigh in regret that the mysterious golden sword didn¡¯t give some clue.

    After controlling his emotions, he left the abandoned mansion without turning his head and continued walking down the gate. The rain fell down to his clothes soaking it wet but his scarlet eyes were emitting a killing intent that couldn¡¯t be washed away by the storm. The grounds outside the abandoned mansion riddled with protruding water soaked grasses, the stones and even the cobbled road were eaten by the green mosses. Everything in the surrounding were wet by the pouring rain. Eventually, he reached an old gate.

    The old gate were turned rundown and only the left side was left standing. The other part was lying on the ground. Seeing this, he just ignored it and left.

    Struck with inspiration and fury, he sets his journey on seeking the truth!

    Those who did this to my family shall be killed in body and soul!

    Those clearly imprinted on his heart filled with fury and hate!

 Chapter 2 - Deathcriers

    Deep into the night as the stars twinkle in the skies, five people were vigilantly walking somewhere in a forest. They consist of three men and two girls wearing daoist robe with varying colors. Each of them held magical swords glowing with either azure, green, or red in color. As they proceeded, they kept watching each other¡¯s blind spots in case of a threat.

    ¡°Several meters from us is the Deathcrier¡¯s nest. Heighten your senses as we will enter.¡± A man who wore an azure sword whispered. The other members nodded their head while an uncontained excitement glittering in their eyes.

    The reasons why they were here was because of the task given by the town chieftain in Velley town. They were asked to gather five corpses of Deathcriers, at first, the group bluntly rejected such task but when they heard the rewards. They couldn¡¯t help but gulped with utter shock before greed reflected on their eyes. Though Deathcriers were hard to kill not just because they come in pairs but because of their hard green skins. Deathcriers were those dying people by which hatred and resentment filled their hearts and soul. Resulting on giving up the reincarnation for second life and remain in this world as walking dead.

    Several minutes later, they found themselves on a place where there¡¯s no vegetation visible in the area, only dry and cracked soil. Occasional bones of an animals littered around the place. Trees were there but it was charred black and no leaves attached on its branches. The bark were wrinkled and cracked, weathered by time, decayed by the environment. This eerie and quiet place has begun to slowly grasp their fears. Their vigilant breathing that forms chilly and visible white mist. The silent sound of their footsteps were pricking their ears like some metal scraping against metal. The chilly air that touched their skins, and its whistle that whispers on their ears, made their hairs stood in fright.

    An aura of death were apparent and green misty fog filled the whole place making the place a bit vague. When the group realized it, their faces fell. The green misty fog has a nauseating smell that crept to their very core! The girls almost puked out and they could only contain it themselves. Without any devices that could isolate them from the green fogs, they could only helplessly cover their noses as they proceeded onward. Fortunately, a globe of glistening azure light covers the entire group separating them from the nauseating smell of death and decay. The members were delighted when they realized that it came from the man who held an azure sword. They eagerly whispered words of thanks to the person and he replied with a light smile but his gaze was temporarily halted on a particular lady and the lady didn¡¯t missed it and replied with a wink, the person in azure sword was taken aback, his face was turning a bit red and he bashfully evaded her gaze returning his attention ahead of them; his ears were turning red. When the lady saw his action, she giggled secretly. The other member didn¡¯t caught any of their sneaky actions because they¡¯re too caught up of their surroundings.

    As they go deeper, the group could now see vague shadows walking in a strange manner. Occasional sounds of hoarse shriek would echo in the surrounding area that could make their spines shiver in fear. Luckily, the group didn¡¯t yelped because of fear and fright. Thus, the group easily cut their distance from these shadows. The azure sword wielder took a step ahead of the others and observed the shadows, when he confirmed that it was a pair of Deathcriers. He turned to his group and said.

    ¡°Okay, it really is a pair of Deathcriers. Though these green skins were hard to kill and terrible to fight, but with this purifying liquid I have, we can easily penetrate those green skins with ease.¡± The man who held an azure sword said with confidence. The members were delighted and praised him for his preparedness on dealing this monsters. Without dallying any further, he then coated his and his members¡¯ swords with the purifying liquid before they planned out how to deal this first two Deathcrier not far from them.

    ¡­

    As they planned their sneak attack, the green fog has thinned out revealing the uncanny Deathcriers. Their faces were already unrecognizable, one of them has no left eye while the other has a deep wound on its face. Maggots were clearly be seen squirming around those wounds. The ladies couldn¡¯t help but tearfully controlled themselves not to vomit on how ghastly these monsters are. The bodies of the two Deathcriers were peculiar, cracks like web were all over their bodies and green light seeped out from those cracks forming into an unknown green light formation. Their skins were already weathered and decayed, there were vague wound on their necks as if they were beheaded when they were alive. While these monsters walking in an unnatural way, the group finally concluded their plans and moved to their formation. Three men were on the front as vanguard while the two ladies were behind them.

    With a shout from the azure sword wielder, the group started to move. The two men flanked their leader and cast two large silver nets towards the two Deathcrier. The Deathcriers were caught off guard and the azure sword wielder took this opportunity to attack. He willed his sword with a vertical slash to one of the Deathcriers. The Deathcrier hoarsely shrieked in pain. The Deathcrier took a deep wound on its chest! The green skin on the slashed wound turned to green smoke and black colored blood gushed out from that wound. The group were delighted and their fears immediately dissipated when they saw the severe wound and was effective.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    The two men enthusiastically made a move, the person on the left made a stance and took a whirlwind slash towards the Deathcrier near him. Wounds upon wounds along with some green smokes appeared on the Deathcrier¡¯s body. The wounded Deathcrier howled in anger but the man ignored it and didn¡¯t stop his assault, he linked his attack with a horizontal slash leaving behind faint silver wind marks on the monster¡¯s body. Suddenly the man distanced himself from the enemy and for some unknown reason, a surge of wind energy converged behind him and flew towards his glowing jade sword. The wind energy whirls around the jade sword, he swiftly waved his left hand and performed an incantation.

    ¡°First Stance, Wind Jade Sword¡¯s Fury!¡± The man shouted, he stomped the ground and thrust his sword to the stuck Deathcrier. The whirling wind energy on his jade sword answered his call transforming it into an image of a huge hawk that attacked the Deathcrier.

    But before the huge hawk that made up of wind energy could start its assault, the man made another stance and shouted, ¡°Second Stance, Weaving Wind!¡±

    Six consecutive slashes made up of wind energy flew and surrounded the huge hawk forming it into a huge formation amplifying the power of his attack. When the attack landed on the Deathcrier¡¯s body, whistling sounds echoed out along with sounds of gushing black bloods and cuts of a decayed flesh. Nasty odor drift around the Deathcrier¡¯s body that even the man who made the stance halted his attack, howling in pain the Deathcrier started to struggle harder but the tenacious silver net was firmly clutched the monster in place.

    The same thing happened on the other side, the man holding red sword emits a powerful flame energy on his body. With a flick on his fingers, scarlet globe of flames danced around his left hand. He suddenly flung it towards his red sword which set in flames. With that, he darted himself towards the Deathcrier and launched a horizontal slash. Every time he launched an attack, three a thumb size of flaming globes would appear trailing behind his red sword. And when it appears, it will launch into a beam of light, randomly hitting the Deathcrier¡¯s body making the monster scream in agony. Another set of attacks came from the man with a red sword that deals painful damage to the Deathcrier and for several seconds later the Deathcrier¡¯s body was littered with cuts and burnt wholes. Spits of pungent saliva flew from its mouth as it howled in fury. Its ugly face turned hideous, locking its gaze to the person who mercilessly attacked him.

    The action of the two people were fast and dazzling that the azure sword wielder had only finish his third attack. But every attack of the azure sword wielder were steady and precise, dealing vast damage incomparable to the two men. His first attack deals heavy damage to one of the Deathcriers leaving a long slashed wound on the chest. His second attack has severely disabled one of the arm of the Deathcrier. While his third attack, nearly cut the two legs of the Deathcrier which was already wounded in the chest.

    Witnessing that the two Deathcriers were helpless against the three men, and also because of those silver nets that kept holding them in place. And howling in anger were the only thing they could do while they received the attacks from them. The two ladies didn¡¯t dally any longer as they boldly appeared behind the two Deathcriers and stabbed them with their swords coated with purifying liquid. The already wounded two Deathcriers finally couldn¡¯t take the group¡¯s assault. The attacks of the two ladies leaving a deep and ghastly whole at the backs of the two Deathcriers triggers the two Deathcriers into madness. They howled hatefully and their eyes turned red igniting their energy inside them. Something fantastic occurred, the green colored light that seeps around the cracks on the surface of the Deathcrier¡¯s body suddenly turned into scarlet red. The corner of their already red eyes, gushes out a large quantity of black bloods turning them into a bloody monster! When the three men realized this, they grew wary by the two Deathcriers but something had dawned in the leader¡¯s mind. His expression turned grim and he hurriedly shouted, ¡°Not good! Both of you, run!¡±

    When the two girls heard their leader¡¯s anxious shout, they looked at each other¡¯s eyes before they fled in different direction. The two Deathcriers soon calmed down and turned around but only witnessed the fleeing shadow of the two. Filled with indignation, they waved their arms and a sudden surge of death energy along with their bloods flooded out from their body, the silver nets were instantly melted by the blood and was destroyed completely by the energy of death! The three men¡¯s faces fell as they backed up. Luckily, they were ignored by the two monsters. The two Deathcriers trailed by their blood chased the two fleeing ladies as if they don¡¯t want them to leave this place alive!

    ¡°Leader, this is bad we can¡¯t possibly let them die like this!?¡± One of the two men said anxiously.

    ¡°I know! Chase the other Deathcrier and deal with it, I will chase the other. Now, go!¡± The leader anxious shouted while giving chase to one of the Deathcriers not caring to the two men¡¯s answer. Without delaying any further, the two men could only nod their heads and gave chase to the other.

    ¡­

    Some distance away from the anxious group, a person who was clad with white blazer suit jacket was walking towards Deathcrier¡¯s nest. Crimson eyes glinting with bizarre light. Eventually he arrived at the border of the Deathcrier¡¯s nest, he halted his steps and for several breaths of time he entered the nest.

    Cracked and dry grounds were everywhere and only black and charred trees were visible in sight, He wonders what had happened here but he believed that it is somewhat connected to the things he seeks. Suddenly, he heard howls of agony and as if it was demonized by something. Without much deliberation, he walked towards the location. After such time, he arrived and witness a ghastly scene in front of him!

 Chapter 3 - Mutated Deathcrier

    Red and black blood smeared around the dry and cracked ground. An ugly corpse was lying on the ground. Pungent smell of the dead was apparent in the place. A person was standing atop the corpse holding an azure sword that was embedded on the back of a Deathcrier¡¯s corpse. His robe was turned to ragged, on his right shoulder were three deep wounds that oozes blood and streaked down to his fingers. Suddenly not far from that person. A lady hoarsely shrieked, her body were crooked while her hands and legs were shaking intensely, her hair was disheveled that covered her agonized face. A glowing green light would flash behind her disheveled hair.

    ¡°Xiao Lin! Don¡¯t let that evil carry you into damnation!¡± The weak person who wield an azure sword anxiously shouted, raising his bloodied right hand to the lady named Xiao Lin.

    An aura of death started to gather around her body while hatred and resentments were slowly swallowed her thinking and it was clearly reflecting in her eyes. Suddenly, a surge of powerful death energy rose from the cracked ground that glows with mysterious green colored light. It rushed upwards, blowing the sands while it enters towards the lady¡¯s orifices.

    The lady maliciously cried with a hint of resentment. Deep green color of light suddenly seeped out from her eyes and it drastically crept all over her body! Her porcelain white skin turned green as protruding deep shade of green scales appears on every part of her body. A pointy and sharp green crystals were attached on her elbows while two black horns with several green colored cracks were on her forehead. She has turned into a Deathcrier! But it turns out that she was different from a typical Deathcrier.

    When she¡¯s in drastic transformation, her body slowly lifted upwards. Her clothes were already turned into nothingness revealing her tempting body but it was changed to a green scaled body. Her transformation lasted for only several breaths of time. With a thunderous clap along with her eyes opening with glowing green light and the death energy surrounding her body instantly dispersed!

    ¡°No! Xiao Lin! It can¡¯t be!¡± The person¡¯s voice was shaking as if he witnessed an absurd scene. His body swayed, his strength was fading and his grip with his azure sword started to loosen. With no energy to muster from his body, he couldn¡¯t helped but kneel on the back of the Deathcrier¡¯s corpse.

    When the person with his scintillating crimson eyes witnessed the scene, his brows creased as if he was considering something. But his face quickly become indifferent again. Fading into the shadows.

    ¡°X-Xiao L-lin¡± The kneeling person tried to muster his strength, pulling his embedded weapon and hardly raised his body. His face turned stiff and blank, eyes were dull and lifeless. He weakly started walking towards the transformed lady dragging his lifeless azure sword on the ground trailed with thin line that emits a dull azure light. His movement was unnatural. When he took his steps, he sometimes would sway from either left or right, even almost falling into the ground.

    Xiao Lin already finished her transformation, and the first person she saw was the person who wield an azure sword. She screamed, her voice were high pitched, stinging the very ear of any person. Then she crossed her arms and suddenly swiped forward to the weak azure sword wielder. Crossed green energy claws manifested out from her swipe rushing with an intent to kill.

    Instead of evading her attack. The person who wield an azure sword only closed his eyes taking the attack defenselessly.

    ¡®Tsk, how stupid¡¯ A scintillating pair of scarlet eyes, flashed across a dense fog.

    But before he could act, the already flying crossed green energy claws suddenly dispersed!

    The mutated Xiao Lin in front of the azure sword wielder, was shaking her hands as if she was controlling it not to harm him. The brows furrowed in confusion. The eyes that glinted with green light welled up some tears turning the monster in deep confusion.

    The azure sword wielder realized that he didn¡¯t die, wondering, he opened his eyes and saw those glistening tears that fell from the corner of the mutated Deathcrier Xiao Lin. He was baffled but soon replaced by delight. Thinking that Xiao Lin still have a chance to be save!

    He walked in a fast pace towards her while dragging the swords behind him. Though he moved slower than normal, but he was still faster than the snail. After several seconds passed, the shaking Xiao Lin and the weak azure sword wielder stood face to face, distancing themselves with one and half meter. The scintillating scarlet eyes hidden deep in the dark fog were surprised before blending back again in the shadows.

    ¡°X-Xiao¡­ugh¡­Xiao Lin¡­please wake up!¡± He was struggling yet excitedly uttered those words to her.

    Xiao Lin screamed in agony and the pain in her head were clear, as her clawed hands clutched on her head. Falling down to the ground, kneeling.

    With a thud sound, the azure sword wielder came crashing down on his knees as he was facing so close to her. He reached his bloodied hand to her face.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

    The struggling Xiao Lin, abruptly stopped shaking.

    ¡®Not good!¡¯ The scintillating scarlet eyes flashed with dull red light.

    With a furious stomped, he instantly left the hiding spot in a red light, faster than an arrow and quicker than sound. He moves like lightning speed.

    Before Xiao Lin could launch a sneak attack. A resounding sound from a punch erupted, blowing her away from here recent location.

    The azure sword wielder was shocked by the sudden turn. In front of him, there stood a person whose back was facing him. Snapped by his anger, the azure sword wielder furiously shouted.

    ¡°What the hell did you do!?¡±

    The azure sword wielder placed his sword forward and stabbed it on the ground, but the shaking of his hands and the clanking of the sword were clearly indicating that he don¡¯t have any strength to fight anymore. Still, he tried to stand up, though barely.

    ¡®I just did what I see fit.¡¯ The person answered.

    ¡°You! ...¡± The azure sword wielder wanted to retort but his wounds flared up, spurting some blood as he fell down to his knees.

    The person in front of him almost tainted by those bloods, fortunately, an invisible energy turned the blood into smoke.

    ¡®Look at yourself, you were already a bedraggled person.¡¯ The person turned his head and faced the azure sword wielder, revealing his scintillating scarlet eyes with a glint of scarlet light.

    The azure sword wielder was shaken when he looked at the eyes of the person in front of him. But before he could say something, the person with scintillating scarlet eyes slowly raised his right hand and a brilliant red light flashed from his hand. And a sudden force erupted, clutching the body of the azure sword wielder. Grabbing all the death energy that looms around the wounds of the azure sword wielder.

    ¡®This is all I can do, I¡¯m not an elf that could heal you completely.¡¯ The person with scintillating scarlet eyes retracted his gaze from the azure sword wielder and turned his head back to the disheveled Xiao Lin from a distance.

    Still couldn¡¯t fathom what was happening, the azure sword could only nod himself and took a peculiar green pill and ate it. He sat crossed-legged putting his azure sword on his lap, he then took a complex gestures. Three streaks of green light appeared and revolved around his body. A surge of healing energy bathed himself healing the wounds all over his body. The blood that trickles on his hands was turned into smoke.

    While the azure sword wielder was healing on his wounds, the person with scintillating scarlet eyes and Xiao Lin started to take their move. At the same time, the two leapt off the ground darting to each other. A fist filled with scarlet colored energy and a claw filled with green colored death energy clashed for the first time.

    Booming sounds echoed around the place, turning the dry and cracked grounds into a crater as the two exchanged blows with intensity.

    At some point of their clash, those scintillating scarlet eyes glinted with bizarre light. A pulse of aura erupted from his body, clenching both of his hands and took a rhythmic stance. Xiao Lin who was nearing to him also performed an incantation and three soul spears manifested atop of her head. She waved her index finger and the three soul spears flew ahead of her rushing to the person who owns those scintillating scarlet eyes.

    ¡®1<sup>st</sup> stance, Heat.¡¯ When he saw the incoming deadly three soul spears the person with scintillating scarlet eyes started with a unique rhythmic footwork.

    ¡®2<sup>nd</sup> stance, Agility.¡¯ His stances didn¡¯t stopped there as he casually uttered his second stance and white energy revolved around his feet making his footwork into a blurry shadows. But the stance didn¡¯t stopped there.

    ¡®3<sup>rd</sup> stance, Charge.¡¯ With a shout, he smashed the ground with his right foot charging himself to the speeding soul spears. He and the three soul spears were only an inch away. If only the distance will also be cut then he would be skewered to death by those deadly soul spears.

    And when the mutated Deathcrier Xiao Lin saw this, she sneered.

    ¡®4<sup>th</sup> stance, Evasion.¡¯ But before the three soul spears could kill him, an impossible feat occurred. He zigzagged himself from the three deadly soul spears evading them in a nick of time.

    Xiao Lin shrieked in shock, but she didn¡¯t dally as she was just behind those spears. With a wave of her claws, sonic waves of green claws manifested in front of her, clawing the approaching person.

    ¡®5<sup>th</sup> stance, Power Up.¡¯ Ignoring the devastating manifestation of green claws, he placed his feet and skid on the ground. Then he pulled his right arm backward while placed his left hand forward, a deep scarlet started to gather around his right fist.

    Sensing the deadly crisis, Xiao Lin screamed in high pitch mustering all the power inside of her into one powerful energy ball. Placing her two claws in front of her, a large green energy ball siphoned all the death energy around the area.

    ¡®6<sup>th</sup> stance, Disintegrate.¡¯ As the momentum kept building up, his fist suddenly unclenched and turned into clawed hand lurching and grabbing the large green energy ball.

    Seeing the hand of the person whose eyes glinted with scarlet eyes, Xiao Lin gritted her teeth and pulled her both hands and quickly pushed it back forward to the green balls. The green ball exploded and flew like a cannonball and rushed towards the person in front of her.

    But before it could erupt its explosiveness, the clawing hand of the person who made the stances. Clenched the green ball. And with a pop, the green ball was disintegrated like a bubble.

    The mutated Deathcrier Xiao Lin was confounded by the sudden event. Feeling indignant, she screamed loudly and a sonic wave of sound blades rushed towards the man in front of her.

    ¡®7<sup>th</sup> stance, Devour.¡¯ The person ignored her attacks, turning his clothes into ragged. Blood spurts from his body as sound blades slashed at his body.

    The woman was delighted but it quickly turned into an alarm. A demonic hand suddenly grabbed her head and a suction force erupted from the palm of that demonic hand.

    Then she screamed in pain until her voice became hoarse, shrieking as if her soul were ruptured by those demonic hand that clutched her head.

    After an incense stick to burn, Xiao Lin slumped down to the ground as she lapsed into unconsciousness. The bizarre horns, the green glowing scales and any other factor that a Deathcrier could have were gone. Returning herself back into a human.

    ¡®Humph, you¡¯re lucky that I¡¯m here.¡¯ He said tiresomely. Thinking that it was troublesome to banish evil spirit after recently waking up from his deep slumber.

 Chapter 4 - Sikong Yi and Jian Shen

    Large clump of death energy gathered around the hand of the person with scintillating scarlet eyes. Creasing his brows, thinking what he should do about this energy.

    After a while, his frown subsided and replaced by his indifferent look. With a clench of his hand, the death energy was gone like a puff of smoke.

    After the person with scintillating scarlet eyes banished Xiao Lin from her demonized self. The azure sword wielder also finished his recuperation. He slowly raised his eyelids. Feeling a bit daze. But he snapped out of it. There¡¯s something more important than being baffled by the quick mending of his wounds. He then anxiously darted his eyes around the place, looking for the person he cared the most.

    ¡°Xiao Lin!¡± When he saw Xiao Lin limply lying down on the ground, unconscious. He scrambled up his feet and swiftly flew to her place. The eyes that was a moment ago was in daze was now bloodshot. His ragged clothes that were shredded by those monsters and tainted with his blood still fluttered as he flew.

    When the person with scintillating scarlet eyes, saw his reaction. An odd expression appeared on his face as if he was surprised how stupid this azure sword wielder be. It¡¯s just a girl.

    If the azure sword wielder would hear his thoughts, he might spurt some blood in shock. Then he will become angry and furious how he belittled his love. He then eventually cursed that someday, someone would make him feel this feelings too; but fortunately, he didn¡¯t hear nor minding the person with scintillating scarlet eyes¡¯ indifferent thoughts.

    When the azure sword wielder was only a meter distance from Xiao Lin¡¯s location, he skid and kneeled towards her side. Grabbing her wrist. Checked her pulse. Then deeply sighed in relief. Noticing that she has no injuries or anything that could harm her. He couldn¡¯t helped but let some swelling tears to flow out from the corner of his eyes.

    ¡®Tsk! How stupid.¡¯ The person with scintillating scarlet eyes, shook his head. But when he looked at his clothes. Anger started to fuel his mind. Looking at the person whom he thought to be a stupid person, crying over just a little girl. He cleared his throat in a loud manner as if he wanted some attention. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t grab the attention of the azure sword wielder. So he frowned, feeling irritated.

    Inside the mind of the azure sword wielder, were a mess. When he cooled down from his anxiety after he found out that she was alright. All that happened flashed back into his mind. Realizing that there was someone who saved them. But he was baffled how did that person saved his lover. Thinking deeply, ignoring everything around him. He was now some sort in a trance.

    ¡®Ahem!¡¯ Suddenly, a clear voice wakes the azure sword wielder from his stupor.

    He quickly raised his head and saw the person with scintillating scarlet eyes. Feeling shocked, he quickly kowtowed with a resounding banging sounds while he faced towards him. Shouting with passion and thanks. Realizing that it was the person who saved them!

    ¡°I can¡¯t thank you enough for saving her. You were my benefactor!¡±

    The person with scintillating scarlet eyes was flinched in surprise but he quickly recovered his indifferent expression.

    ¡®That¡¯s enough.¡¯ He waved his hand and surge of wind energy flowed around the azure sword wielder lifting him up and standing in front of the person with scintillating scarlet eyes.

    ¡®Do you have some spare clothes there? I think I couldn¡¯t use this clothes.¡¯ He said indifferently as he pointed on his ragged clothes.

    The azure sword wielder also moved his eyes to the clothes of the person with scintillating scarlet eyes. He found that it could only be recycled as a mop. Thus he couldn¡¯t helped himself but feeling guilty by all the sacrifices the person done to him and his lover. With that though in his mind, he quickly answered.

    ¡°Ah yes, of course I do. Here take it.¡± Sikong Yi quickly grabbed something inside a pouch on his waist. And a set of clothes appeared and he hastily hand it to the person with scintillating scarlet eyes.

    The person with scintillating scarlet eyes, grabbed the clothes. With a ripping sound, the ragged clothes on his body were shredded into tiny parts. Revealing his manly and muscular body.

    The azure sword wielder¡¯s jaw left hanging to the ground when he saw those manly rod. Wondering if he could have such thing, he could please many girls on his sect; but regardless of having such kind of thing or not. His heart was already locked on a certain someone, Xiao Lin.

    ¡®Hey, what are you looking at? Please help me on how to wear this. I couldn¡¯t get the sense of these clothes.¡¯ The person with scintillating scarlet eyes grumbled as the robe were put at the wrong place.

    When the azure sword wielder heard his question and plea, he denied it but helped the person with scintillating scarlet eyes to wear it in a proper way.

    As the azure sword wielder helped the person with scintillating eyes wear the clothes. The person with scintillating eyes spoke to him while following what the azure sword wielder want him to do as he wore the clothes.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡®Don¡¯t kowtow to me again, we just met by chance. So it is not necessary to lower yourself that much.¡¯ ¡°Yes, yes, yes. I will do so benefactor. Uh benefactor what will I do so that I could repay my debt that you have graced upon us?¡± The azure sword wielder hurriedly said. But as if he remembered something, his face changed in an instant.

    ¡°B-benefactor! Sorry for not telling my name! A-actually I am Sikong Yi of the Serene Sword Sect!¡± He quickly introduced himself but when he uttered his sect he felt proud, and it was plastered on his face.

    On contrary to Sikong Yi, the person with scintillating scarlet eyes was still indifferent about it.

    ¡°Uh¡­ Ah! Right, in order for me to repay your kindness. May I know your esteemed benefactor¡¯s self? He chimed as he tried to remove the awkward atmosphere.

    Fortunately the person with scintillating scarlet eyes answered his question making Sikong Yi filled with delight.

    ¡®I am Jian Shen.¡¯

    ¡°Whoa, what a cool name that suits yourself benefactor! I¡¯m glad that you become our savior that save us from the calamitous moment of our lives. Well, anyway¡­.¡± Sikong Yi blabbered for a while making Jian Shen¡¯s protruding veins on his forehead emerged. Fortunately, he patiently answered all the question of Sikong Yi until they reached into a certain question.

    ¡°Yeah, right, after saving us what will you do next?¡± Sikong Yi asked.

    ¡®Hmmm, what will I do next?¡¯ Jian Shen¡¯s anger subsided, as he put himself into deep contemplation. While he was deeply thinking on that question. Sikong Yi proposed something to Jian Shen that he himself couldn¡¯t ignore.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t have any other plan, then why not join us in returning to the village?¡±

    ¡®A village?¡¯ A sudden memory flashed across Jian Shen¡¯s mind. Making himself sigh in secret.

    ¡°Yeah, a village. Though it was a bit small but it can still be considered to be top notch as it seems to be nearing at its upgrade to become a town!¡± While Jian Shen strayed for a bit, Sikong Yi didn¡¯t stopped talking.

    While they continued talking. Slowly but surely, the Jian Shen finally changed clothes. It took him for an incense stick to burn.

    ¡°Oh crap!¡± Suddenly a problem popped out from Sikong Yi¡¯s mind, turning himself ghastly white in fear.

    ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯ While Jian Shen asked in confusion he was now looked like more refined and dignified yet indifferent. He was becoming more like a chief of a village with his azure daoist robe.

    Sikong Yi didn¡¯t answered him, instead, he picked up Xiao Lin and flew to a certain direction while gritting his teeth in alarm and concern. Beads of sweat would pour from his face that some of it fell to his ragged clothes. Glistening with dark green light, reflecting the pungent fog in the area.

    ¡®Tsk!¡¯ Jian Shen hated it when he was ignored but he couldn¡¯t say anything to him, afraid that he could not join and follow them to the village. Thus, he leapt away from the ground and followed Sikong Yi.

    After an incense sticks to burn, on a particular area where dead bodies from the Deathcriers and people littered on the ground. Smells of decay and rot were clear and it seemed that it was rotting there for some time. With the environment like the Deathcrier¡¯s nest, any dead bodies would quickly rot than to any other location. From afar, two shadows appeared from the distant fog. But it eventually revealed two person. The first person was carrying a lady while the other was walking leisurely with an indifferent expression. They were Sikong Yi and Jian Shen.

    When Sikong Yi witnessed the dead bodies of his members, he couldn¡¯t help but be shaken inside. It then surged out from his inner part of his body and rushed to his hands, feet, and even his skin. He was twitching so hard, his face was starting to become a beet red. Not knowing if he was angry or sad.

    Jian Shen only indifferently looked all the dead bodies before he turned his attention to the stiff Sikong Yi. He couldn¡¯t help but silently sigh. He then moved to a certain location and sat cross-legged meditating in selflessness.

    While Jian Shen sat on a distance. Sikong Yi was still standing stiff while carrying his lover, Xiao Lin. With a thud, he kneeled. He slowly placed Xiao Lin on his side. Then tears started to flow down his bloodshot eyes. Clouded by sadness. He mourned there nonstop that even Xiao Lin on his side was awoken by him; but when she saw her fellow team¡¯s dead bodies. She also followed suit with her lover, Sikong Yi. Then they cried for a day.

    ¡®They really are a bunch of idiots. Destined to be bonded together.¡¯ Jian Shen angrily remarked on his mind. Protruding veins popup from his forehead, feeling irritated but he could only snort.

    As the night passed and the sun rose but then it also passed. The night fell again. But the couple finally ended their mourning through burying the remains of their comrade. It also leased Jian Shen from his torment hearing them cry nonstop like a baby.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to go.¡± Sikong Yi spoke hoarsely, his eyes were bloodshot but the smile on his face was still plastered even he was still sad.

    Jian Shen left from his meditation as he opened his eyes and slowly stood up. When he witnessed Sikong Yi¡¯s behavior. His heart stirred a bit but he let it out with a deep sigh.

    While Jian Shen was mopping for his members, his lover, Xiao Lin curiously looking at Jian Shen as if she was fascinated by his scintillating scarlet eyes. When Sikong Yi saw it, the sadness that gripped his heart were burnt into smoke by the fiery jealousy. Thus, with a guise of reprimanding her, he said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at him all the time, he was our benefactor.¡±

    ¡°Really!? He¡¯s so cool!¡± Instead of stopping her stare at Jian Shen. Her eyes shone brightly.

    She stood up and walked forward where Jian Shen was standing at. She introduced herself.

    ¡°Hi Benefactor, I¡¯m Xiao Lin. May I know your name?¡± She bowed with courtesy as if she was happy that he saved her.

    Without thinking much, Jian Shen replied.

    ¡®I¡¯m Jian Shen.¡¯

    ¡°Wow! You were already cool but your name was suited your coolness!¡± She jumped with delight on her eyes.

    When Sikong Yi saw her compliment. His brows jumped and creased in anxiety. Thus, he shakily shouted.

    ¡°H-hey Lin¡¯er, don¡¯t pester him. He don¡¯t want to talk too much. H-he wanted some space.¡±

    When Jian Shen heard his excuse, his right cheek twitched a bit.

    ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll go head first benefactor, Jian Shen.¡± She was really a simple-minded girl, she left and accepted Sikong Yi¡¯s reason. Which made Sikong Yi feel proud. He then sneakily looked at Jian Shen which Jian Shen saw his sneaky look as if he was saying that ¡®don¡¯t steal my girl or else¡­¡¯

    ¡®Che! Like hell would I fall for her! And as if you were not also blabber mouthed guy. You both are really matched by heaven.¡¯ Jian Shen retorted on his mind. The more he lingered to this couple, the more he has chances of dying by his anger.

    Eventually the trio took their first journey together.

 Chapter 5 - Accidentally Entered

    At a mountainous forest, south from the Deathcrier¡¯s Nest. The trio were camping at some part of the forest. The dainty yet mischievous Xiao Lin was hopping and playing around the big boulders and trees. The stupid but loyal man Sikong Yi kept chasing his lover who was laughing merrily. The indifferent and the person who kept snorting when looking at those silly couple Jian Shen was sitting casually in front of a campfire. They stayed there until morning arrived.

    Jian Shen wondered how could these two people easily brushed off their emotions in just one night. Their comrades died miserably but they were happy right now as if they don¡¯t have any subordinate when they hunt those Deathcriers. Though Jian Shen was indifferent on some things, but he has high concern with regards on human-relationships. Thus, when the couple finished arranging the required materials of their quest. Jian Shen asked, in which, he instantly understood them with sympathy on his scintillating scarlet eyes.

    Their answers were that in order to remove their saddened hearts, they tried to bury it with happiness and adventure. As a cultivator, many people a cultivator would met will come and go. Life and Death were common like clouds in the life of a cultivator. Treading the path of immortality was a lonely path, not everyone was a genius nor would a couple be together forever. But they both believed that there should be a mythical and powerful magical spell in some part of the world that could resurrect the dead. Making it as a driving force for the both of them to become more powerful. Wanting to resurrect their lost comrade, friends, and family. With such a conclusion inquired by Jian Shen, they uneventfully left the mountainous forest.

    At the foot of the mountainous forest only took just half a day for them to traverse. In front of them was a wide river. The river spans about ten kilometers in width and on each sides were boundless that they could only see the horizon.

    ¡®I didn¡¯t think that there could be such a big river. This looks like a lake or an ocean to me¡¯ Jian Shen said in surprise on how humungous this river in front of him.

    ¡°We think so too, benefactor.¡± Xiao Lin enthusiastically said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Sikong Yi chimed in with a strange glint on his eyes.

    When Jian Shen saw his odd expression, he could only shake his head. Feeling it a bit ridiculous for being over protective to his girl. Snorting, he said.

    ¡®Okay¡¯

    They trekked down the path and eventually arrived at the bank of the river. Jian Shen was fascinated on the scenic view while the couple were preparing something, they were pulling things out of their magical pouch.

    Jian Shen could feel the whistling winds that touched his face, the sounds of the splashing waters that flows to the east. The tiny and playful fishes that would hop out of the river. The clear sky along with the sun that rises from the east which reflects boundless golden lights on every direction. Feeling the heat of the rays of the sun and the warmth of the nature, he couldn¡¯t help but be amazed and dazzled by this spectacle.

    ¡°Uh, benefactor? Are you okay?¡± When Sikong Yi found that Jian Shen was in daze, he waved his hand in front of Jian Shen and asked him in wonder.

    Waking up from his daze. Surprised by the big rough hands in front of him. He quickly and indifferently said.

    ¡®I¡¯m fine.¡¯

    ¡°Ah, then let¡¯s hop in!¡± When Sikong Yi heard his answer and found nothing odd, he beckoned his hands to his benefactor wanting him to let Jian Shen enter into the thing that they prepared.

    Seeing his beckoning hands, he looked at the thing they were riding at. Surprise was apparent on his face that even Sikong Yi could see it.

    Standing proudly, Sikong Yi said in a haughty manner.

    ¡°Impressive right? This is one of the best flying tool that a cultivator like us could use on traversing long distances.¡±

    The flying tool that Sikong Yi was talking about was a big colorful balloon. The balloon was already flying above the couple and they were both standing on a square shaped basket that weaved by an unknown wood. Without those ropes that tied the balloon on the ground, it may have been taken off when it appeared. Without delaying any further, Jian Shen hopped in inside the basket.

    With the trio already entered the basket. Sikong Yi pulled off the ropes that were embedded on the ground with force and the balloon took off from the ground.

    When the big and colorful balloon reaches a certain height, Xiao Lin suddenly made an incantation gesture and the balloon stayed on that same altitude.

    Though Jian Shen was delighted and fascinated by the scenic view, he controlled himself and act cool looking very indifferent.

    Seeing his indifferent face, Sikong Yi couldn¡¯t flaunt his tools to him again. He could on sigh in regret.

    As Jian Shen kept his cool, he realized something. Thus, he asked.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    ¡®With this tools in hand, why didn¡¯t we used it yesterday? Travelling on foot was a bit troublesome.¡¯

    ¡°Sigh, if we could do so then why not?¡± Sighing sadly he answered his question.

    ¡®So, why not?¡¯

    ¡°Well, you know. If we were really rich then we could do so extravagantly. Unfortunately we are not.¡±

    Feeling puzzled, Jian Shen frowned. He looked at the interior of the flying tool and found out that above their head was a pile of bluish crystals that glint with brilliant deep blue light. And above it was a burning blue flame. It appeared that these bluish crystal was the fuel on making this tool kept flying. With this conclusion in mind, he asked Sikong Yi who was now looking at the far side of the river.

    ¡®Is that expensive?¡¯ He pointed his index finger on his right hand towards the pile of bluish crystals.

    Sikong Yi who was concentrating his gaze on the other area, unhurriedly turned his head and looked at the crystals that Jian Shen asked.

    ¡°Yeah, it is reaaally expensive. Because that thing is a spirit stones!¡± Tears were apparent on his eyes.

    ¡®Spirit Stones?¡¯

    ¡°Huh? You don¡¯t know what a spirit stone is?¡±

    ¡®En, I don¡¯t, why?¡¯

    ¡°Unbelievable¡­ sigh, okay I¡¯ll tell you. Spirit stones were actually a currency used by us, cultivators. We don¡¯t used gold or silver to buy things for that is only for the mortals. The spirit stones were actually just a stones, but it was filled with spirit energy that has blessed by the heaven and earth. This stones can be mined, it can also be found on a nearby spirit veins where the spiritual energy in that surroundings was dense. Actually as long as the spiritual energy was strong, you can find these stones.

    There are three grades this spirit stones could have, there were normal, medium and high grades. A normal spirit stones was just like that bluish crystals above us, but the medium grade spirit stones were violet in color while the high grade spirit stones were purple in color. A single piece of spirit stone is equivalent of a hundred normal grade spirit stones. Likewise, a single high grade spirit stone was a hundred medium grade spirit stones.

    This was the reason why we can¡¯t use this magic tools continuously. It will not consume our spiritual energy but our money. It¡¯s just like a test how deep your wealth is. If we could run this device for a month, then we could proudly say we¡¯re rich. But it was just a pipedream.¡± After a long summary of spirit stones, Sikong Yi couldn¡¯t help but let his tears flows down his eyes on the last part that he said. Fortunate for him, Xiao Lin consoled him lovingly.

    Snorting in irritation, Jian Shen retracted his gaze from the couple and looked at the distant side of the river bank. There he saw a group of vague shadows. Frowning, his scintillating scarlet eyes flashed with red light. His vision zoomed covering several hundred of meters until he could clearly sea those shadows. When he saw what they looked like, a serious face was replaced from his indifferent look.

    ¡®This is bad, we have company.¡¯ Jian Shen shouted to the two.

    The couple was not surprise but they quickly scrambled up from their feet and looked at the far distant where Jian Shen was looking at. Circulating their spiritual energy to their respective eyes, they saw those large number of slithering nagas.

    ¡°We really are unfortunate to bump these nagas.¡± Sikong Yi sighed but there¡¯s no fear on his tone.

    ¡°No, it is not just simple at all. Look! They appeared that they were doing some rituals!¡± Xiao Lin seriously said as she pointed her index finger.

    ¡°D-don¡¯t tell me.¡± When Sikong Yi heard that the nagas were doing some rituals he couldn¡¯t helped but swallow his saliva and stuttered.

    Jian Shen who was lost on their conversation, asked them.

    ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯

    ¡°We are inside the Naga¡¯s Territory!¡± An anxious look was on Xiao Lin¡¯s face.

    ¡°Hurry steer it away!¡± Sikong Yi uttered in haste.

    ¡°B-but if we steer the magic tools, the spirit stones would be consumed without us arriving at the other side of the river bank!¡± Xiao Lin replied worriedly.

    ¡°It¡¯s is better than risking our lives against those nagas!¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    Jian Shen wanted to say something but he stopped it, considering that the two were tense right now. With that, the balloon steered to the side trying to evade those nagas which were doing some ritual.

    Unfortunately for them, at the location where those nagas were doing some rituals. At the center of it. A woman whose lower half was a slithering snake. Her hair appears to be a clusters of black snake that slithered its tongue looking around with an intent to kill. Her brows were fine as if it was crafted by some meticulous god. Eyes were closed that looks like the water phoenix. Her nose, lips and the oval shape of her face could be dangerous and tempting to any man. Her skin was white like porcelain and jades. A body that as fine like the snake and well-proportioned like a voluptuous woman. But her tail was dark and inky. Dark scales were on it while an ornamental ribbons that were made up of some mystical seaweeds wrapped around her ample chest. Her chest was the biggest asset she had, having a two pairs of breasts! But! She has also have a two pairs of hands that could kill any enemy and could be deadly to fight with!

    Many people and even the nagas themselves believed that they bear the blessing of the water immortal, Immortal Emperor Gonggong. Resulting for them to have highest affinity in water and manipulate it that it could turn into powerful weapons against their enemies. Mostly, a typical naga would have a two pair of hands that both wield a pair of trident or a combination of a kris sword and shield. A male naga would always be burly while the female naga has the characteristics of beautiful mermaid but they don¡¯t get along with the mermaid race.

    Suddenly, the lady sitting at the center. Snapped her water phoenix eyes!

    With a slither of her body she shouted in a deep but melodious voice. The waters rippled in wave, the ritual was broken, the nagas tumbled by her powerful voice. The sky has started to accumulate dark clouds as she spoke.

    ¡°Who dare entered in our Naga¡¯s Territory!?¡± Then she gestured her hands and a pair of tridents and a pair of kris swords appeared on her four hands. She slashed the kris swords on the direction of the flying balloon. The kris swords flashed with white light and a gust of powerful wind screamed its way to the air splitting the waters into two.

    ¡°Oh crap!¡± SIkong Yi shouted in alarm.

    As some point, tornadoes would manifest on the powerful gust of wind¡¯s wake. In a quick manner that describing it couldn¡¯t cope from its speed, the powerful gust of wind slashed its way to the colorful balloon where the trio were in, turning it into fine cuts. The balloon couldn¡¯t be helped but fell from the air, devastated and badly damaged. Fortunately, the trio were not hurt but they fell from the flying tool they used. Thus, the trio wouldn¡¯t wait for their demise. They launched techniques respectively. They safely arrived on the surface of the sea, standing and floating. Various expression were apparent on their face, but their gazes stared at the same direction.

 Chapter 6 - Lady Vashjana

    Sounds of rumblings of the thunder and looming dark clouds that flashes golden lightning appeared before the trio.

    Such phenomenon was led by a woman, a slithering woman. Her name was Lady Vashjana, one of the princesses of the naga race. She wields her well-known two kris swords named Kalis. The two swords were identical with its shape and its distinctive blade-patterning but the embedded glyphs on each swords were different.

    The first sword named Kris Mlumah and was embedded by two glyphs. The first one was a two triangular shape while two dots was on each side of the triangle. The triangular forms were stacked together, one on the top and one on the bottom. It symbolizes luck and tranquility.

    The second sword named Kris Miring and also embedded by two glyphs. Symbolizing glory and honor. The first glyph has the shape of a letter ¡®p¡¯ but the curve was pointy. The second glyph was a bit complicated, appearing an intricate outline for an ¡®X¡¯ but the left sloping diagonal line was curving and at the tip of it was formed like a devil¡¯s tail. Then, it was stacked by a three horizontal line at the center, the upper and the lower horizontal lines were a bit curved facing the middle horizontal line.

    These two powerful swords were already powerful, but her weapon was not just that. She also wields other two weapons, the Twin Naginata of the Black Seas. The two Naginatas were made up of a thousand year old black pearl that could only be found in the deep black sea. The reflecting inky aura and glinting bluish light were powerful water and dark energy combination.

    She was leading her race to head to the trio¡¯s location. The nagas with varying build and weapons quietly followed her wake with killing intent would flash on their vicious and shark-like eyes. The stifling atmosphere that the trio felt was amplified as the dark clouds veil the wide river with darkness, thunder rumbled shaking the calm waters that leapt towards the skies as if it answering the thunder¡¯s call, but the lightning crackled faster than the thunder rumbled smashing and crashing into the surface of the calm waters in the river. Rippling in waves that splashes. But the most suffocating feeling was not the weather, but the person who did it. Lady Vashjana.

    Right now, the trio were only a kilometer away from the river bank. But that distance couldn¡¯t be traversed in an instant. The couple were frantically thinking some other ways and alternatives on how they could solve this problem that suddenly cropped up. Feeling an impasse in this situation. Suddenly, Jian Shen said in decisive manner, making the face of the two to be blank then paled.

    ¡®You two. You go first, I¡¯ll intercept them and will hold as long as I could.¡¯

    ¡°No way! Even-¡­¡° But before Sikong Yi could put his stance on Jian Shen¡¯s decision he was interrupted midway, by Jian Shen himself.

    ¡®Don¡¯t worry, I will not put myself into trouble as I have many things to do in this timeline.¡¯ Jian Shen then patted Sikong Yi¡¯s shoulder whose eyes were already turned bloodshot. Xiao Lin on a distance was also already teary how passionate and generous their great benefactor was.

    Still saddened by Jian Shen¡¯s decision, Sikong Yi could only wipe his tears and hurriedly turned around.

    ¡°Lin¡¯er let¡¯s go.¡± His voice was shaking slightly.

    Though their meetings of Jian Shen were short, but he thinks of him as his brother already. They were also saved once but now they were once again saved for a second time. He and his lover knew that they couldn¡¯t repay it even with their lives. It¡¯s hard to find such person, true and have a kind-heart.

    Xiao Lin stole a glimpse of their benefactor before reluctantly leave. Suddenly when the couple took some distance away from Jian Shen¡¯s location. Sikong Yi halted his steps and suddenly shouted that could chop nails and sever iron.

    ¡°This kindness you have given to us could not be repaid even with our lives, but, we will not forget this kindness even after the second life!¡± With that, Sikong Yi beckoned Xiao Lin to hurriedly leave the place while trying not to turn their heads.

    ¡®This silly guy¡­¡¯ Jian Shen couldn¡¯t helped but grin on Sikong Yi¡¯s oath before turning his attention to the group of nagas lead by Lady Vashjana that were nearing his location.

    Taking a deep breath, he thought.

    ¡®It¡¯s been a while since I killed a group of nagas.¡¯

    He then stretched his body as if he was preparing for a race, but he was not. A fight would broke out from now one and it was fast approaching.

    ¡®But, it¡¯s a bit troublesome if my clothes would turned into a rag. Sikong Yi was not on my side anymore. Sigh, how troublesome.¡¯

    Thinking how troublesome it is, ruining his clothes by fighting the naga race. While he was frowning and troubled on his clothes. Lady Vashjana who was already a five hundred meters away from him smirked when she saw the person unafraid of her and her company¡¯s momentum. She saw many humans that acts like this, acting as if they were not afraid but in truth they were afraid that they might die because of fear. Thus, she throttled her pace in a swift manner, slithering like a fish in the water, she dove underwater and her company also dove into the water.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    ¡®Cheap tricks.¡¯ When Jian Shen saw their move, he could only shake and comment in a casual manner.

    With a proper stance, knees bended forward, arms bent forwards on each side. Hands were clutched tightly, a colorless mirage energy slowly gathers around his body. Then it concentrated around his shoulders before it slowly moved and surrounded his two hands.

    With a span of two seconds, shadows of the nagas were clear on the waters of the river but the most distinct was Lady Vashjana¡¯s silhouette. The distance of the opposing parties were only tens of meters away!

    Thinking that the energy he gathered was enough. He took a step forwards using his left foot and placing his left arms with an open palm forward. Still clenching his right-hand, he quickly moved and placed his hands in a hammer-way to his left hand¡¯s palm before pulling it towards his shoulder sliding on the cloth of his clothes, revealing his average yet muscular muscles on his left hand. The clenching right-hand continuously traveled to his collar bone until he pulled it behind his back. His action was as fast as someone would take a step once.

    ¡®Humph!¡¯ With a snort he punched right hand with his full strength and might!

    His action was timely when the nagas emerged from the water pointing their weapons on his body, if one of the weapon would hit him. He will be dead for sure. Behind him, a mixture of bluish, inky, and white light manifested with an imagery of a naga queen behind it. This attack was precisely from the one of the princesses of the nagas, Lady Vashjana!. With a combination of such attack, it was deadly for Jian Shen to let it hit him.

    When he punched his hand forward, the trajectory of his attack was not to those flying trident or swords. Nor to the sneak attack behind him. Instead he pointed it to his feet.

    With a loud resounding like a clap of thunder rumbled in the area, the ears of the nagas bleed in an instant! But it was just the precursor of the coming devastating attack.

    After that, the rippling water on his feet caved in and he was instantly lead to the wet soil of the river standing there just like he was standing above the water. The water? They flew to the sky as if they were frightened by that powerful attack! The looming dark clouds, the rumbling of the thunder and the crackles of the lightning were gone. The dark clouds was pierced by something like a large spear creating a large hole revealing the clear blue skies and a glimpse of sparkling stars. A hundred fold of shockwaves blasted in circular fashion quaking the earth, crashing the water and blowing all the nagas into dust creating a circular massive tsunami that turned out to be a water mushroom that even the couple could see from afar.

    When Sikong Yi and Xiao Lin heard the muffled sound of the splashing of the waters, crashing of the stones and quaking of the ground, they hurriedly turned to Jian Shen¡¯s location.

    ¡°NO! BENEFACTOR JIAN SHEN!¡± The couple at the same time shouted, aggrieved. Thinking that their benefactor was already dead.

    Before the explosion happened, for some unknown technique they used. The distance from the river bank was decreased for a hundred meters. When they heard and felt the eruption, Xiao Lin was already started climbing on the cliff of the river bank.

    Sikong Yi wanted to let his tears burst free from shock and sadness of losing another comrade, friend, and a brother but when he saw the fast approaching massive tsunami that came crashing down to them. He couldn¡¯t help but skipped it and swallowed a mouthful of saliva while grabbing Xiao Lin¡¯s hand then flew away from the edge of the river bank in a flustered manner as if their life was on the line. But it seems his life was really on the line.

    The massive tsunami that rolls on every surrounding were in utter destruction. The vegetation, the rocks, the creatures in the river and even the soil were banished and was flooded along the massive tsunami.

    Instead of sadness filled Sikong Yi and Xiao Lin¡¯s heart, it was instantly replaced by fear and anxiety of the approaching natural disaster behind them.

    When the waters climbed the cliff of the river bank and passed by the forested area, same thing happens. After it passed in that area, not even a single grass were left behind, only a plowed wet ground of soil. The clear waters in the massive tsunami was now turbid and shadows of trees and any other things were mixed in side, some shadows collided on each other. The massive tsunami turns out to have a deep shade of green color and it was as heavy as it travels on land. Fortunately, its height started to decrease as it covered a distance of tens of meters.

    Still shaking in fear and nervousness, Sikong Yi was frantically running while carrying Xiao Lin on his back. Xiao Lin also gathered her spiritual energy to her lover attempting to help him speed up their pace. Sweat tricked down on their faces in contrast to the cold and chilly atmosphere.

    While the two were crazily running for their lives, the person who instigated all of these were standing still on the same place though with different situation. He was standing on a solid yet wet ground, deprived with any waters as if he casted something like Moses could do. Placing his hands on his back, looking at a certain direction. As if he was not the criminal of such devastation.

    A distance away from him, was a slithering lady. The inky scales were odd, some of it still intact but most of it were gone. Ears were bleeding, clothes were shredded revealing something like four mountainous peaks. Her face was pale and was shaking in fear, her weapons were still on her hands albeit cracks were all over the body of those weapons. The corner of her mouth was still bleeding appearing that she was badly hurt.

    ¡°W-wh-who are you!?¡± Stuttering in fear Lady Vashjana said.

    ¡®Who am I is not important, but what will you do to leave this place?¡¯ Jian Shen squinted his scintillating scarlet eyes, probing her further.

    When Lady Vashjana heard his question, she laughed manically.

    ¡®What¡¯s funny?¡¯ he asked crossing his hands on his chest.

    ¡°You think I could escape? How could I leave this place with your almighty powers backing you?¡± Lade Vashjana angrily answered Jian Shen¡¯s question.

    ¡®Hmmm, you are right.¡¯ Jian Shen agreed as he nods his head.

    His eyes then roamed around her body as if he was checking something, but when his eyes goes further down to her lower body. Lady Vashjana couldn¡¯t help but be reddened, starting from her neck to her collar bone unto her face.

    ¡°Wh-what place do you think you¡¯re looking at!?¡± Feeling flustered all of a sudden she shouted.

    Unfaze by her question, his gaze then started to go down further to her feet. Feet? Looking back again at the lower half of her body. The snake like tails were gone! But was replaced by a slender white like jade legs. Still, as if Jian Shen was a eunuch unaroused by the tempting view. Instead, he asked.

    ¡®From the looks of things, you seemed to have reached the level where you could transform into a real human being with just a hundred years of age. Are you a royal descendant of Gonggong?¡¯ Placing his right hand on his chin then he asked.

    In return, when Lady Vashjana heard his question, her reddened face was aghast in an instant!

 Chapter 7 - Dark Curved Gorge

    ¡°W-what are you talking about?¡± Lady Vashjana stutteringly asked. Her breathing heavy and she started to back up. Taking a step back as she asked.

    ¡°T-though we are blessed to have this divine ability, it doesn¡¯t mean that we are a descendants of Immortal Emperor Gonggong.¡± She added. Her hands clenched firmly.

    Jian Shen was still standing. Placing his hands behind his back. Robes fluttering in the wind. He saw the sky was back to its clear blue sky. Devoid of any dark clouds and flashes of lightning. But suddenly, there was as if an illusion that could make out a shape of a person formed at the sky. Then he murmured.

    ¡®Immortal Emperor huh?¡¯

    He couldn¡¯t help but smile and reminisced. But he shook his head and the outlined person above the sky that he was seeing also started to dissipate.

    He looked down and his gaze landed on hers. No emotion or any heavy killing intent. Only calm and peace apparent on his scarlet eyes. Eventually he sighed and said something to her made her face turned odd.

    ¡®Okay fine, you may go. Although those illusions seemed weak, but you have a great potentials.¡¯

    Soon, Jian Shen¡¯s body started to fade away and Lady Vashjana was dazed by how the sudden turned of events. A while later, she took a deep breath and also left the place.

    The deep crater that Jian Shen made in the river was starting to fill up, covering all that happened there in a matter of seconds. Lacking of vegetation and trees in the banks of the river were only the evidence that fight broke out on this place.

    At some distance away from the river, in an unknown mountain, a couple were standing on the peak while below them was a pile of large number of tree that brought by the massive tsunami.

    The tsunami was already gone and it didn¡¯t further added another damage in the place.

    Seeing that the calamity has come to pass, Sikong Yi and Xiao Lin sighed in relief but their face soon returned to anxiety. They quickly climbed down the mountain wanting to find the body of their benefactor.

    But to their utter disbelief, they found him at the foot of the mountain without any injuries. Even his clothes were perfectly and completely fine.

    Snapping out from his shock, Sikong Yi wanted to ask him how did he survive but when he look at him. He realized that he don¡¯t want to talk about it. Because he soon collapsed on the ground and they were frightened. Thus, they quickly tended their benefactor by finding some secluded cave in the mountain and stayed there for a week.

    While Jian Shen was still unconscious and the couple would take turns in taking care of him. Somewhere in the endless part of the wide river, a slithering lady emerged from the waters. With a flash of green light, a pair slender legs appeared with a devastating beauty. The person was Lady Vashjana.

    She didn¡¯t wield any weapons except a new pair of clothes, her body was still injured but she was unfazed and only that her face was still frowning and she couldn¡¯t helped but turned back his head looking at a certain direction.

    ¡°What are you?¡± she asked in murmur.

    Eventually, she left the place and walked far away until she was swallowed by the horizon.

    Days passed uneventfully until the seventh day arrived, Jian Shen woke up.

    ¡­

    Inside a cave somewhere in a mountainous forest, lay, flickering candle light. When someone would peer into it they would notice that there¡¯s a person lying there unconscious.

    But suddenly, the corner of the person¡¯s eyes twitched before it eventually opened with a scintillating scarlet light flashing around the dark cave. Illuminating the whole cave and frightened the sleeping bats.

    ¡°Eh? Xiao Lin! Come! Our benefactor woke up!¡± While the screeching of the bats startled the silent cave, but a man¡¯s voice overbearingly battered the silent cave in a loud voice with trembling excitement.

    When the couple arrived and sat at each sides of Jian Shen. He was already awake, he mused on their excited face for a while before he ask.

    ¡®Where are we?¡¯

    ¡°We were still near in the river.¡± Sikong Yi hurriedly answered.

    ¡®Hmmm, then¡­ How many days was I asleep?¡¯

    ¡°Seven days had passed since you fell unconscious.¡± Xiao Lin chimed.

    Hearing that he fell unconscious for several days he couldn¡¯t helped but frown his brows. He tried to raise his body but he realized that he couldn¡¯t move. He thought.

    ¡®Why can¡¯t I move my body?¡¯Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Wondering, he wanted to ask the two but a dignified voice of a dragon echoed inside his mind.

    ¡°Hmph! You¡¯re too stupid not to realize that you over exerted your strength!¡±

    When he heard Golden Dragon Kampilan voice, he was stunned but quickly answered.

    ¡®I greet the great Golden Dragon Kampilan, with response to your words. I knew that I overexerted my strength but I didn¡¯t think that it would turned out like this.¡¯

    ¡°Hmph! Acting humble now? Yet you still don¡¯t know!?¡±

    When Jian Shen heard his question, he helplessly smiled. Thus he bluntly asked.

    ¡®What did I didn¡¯t know?¡¯

    ¡°Sigh!¡± The Golden Dragon could only let out a long deep and resounding sigh.

    ¡°Just look at the surrounding more deeply and you will eventually noticed the changes¡­¡±

    After the last words uttered by the Golden Dragon his voice started to fade. And Jian Shen snapped out from it and returned back to reality.

    ¡°Benefactor?¡±

    ¡°L-Lin¡¯er what¡¯s wrong with him?¡±

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡±

    Sikong Yi¡¯s eyes turned wider as he face Xiao Lin whose eyes was also wide. And simultaneously they uttered.

    ¡°He¡¯s gone nuts!!!¡±

    ¡®Who¡¯s gone nuts!?¡¯

    The duo shrieked when a loud voice responded. But when they turned their gaze to Jian Shen, they could only shy away out of embarrassment because Jian Shen was sternly looking at them.

    When the two didn¡¯t dare try to look at him, he could only sigh and say.

    ¡®It¡¯s fine and I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s continue to rest here, I still couldn¡¯t move my body.¡¯

    The couple¡¯s ears twitched like a rabbit as they attentively listened Jian Shen¡¯s words. Thus, when Sikong Yi heard his words, he quickly looked at Jian Shen and kneeled upright.

    ¡°As you command, benefactor!¡±

    ¡°A-As you command, benefactor!¡± Xiao Lin also shyly followed his words.

    ¡®Huh?¡¯

    ¡­

    With that, the trio stayed there for another week inside that cave. The couple did the job on cooking and hunting for food while Jian Shen was still contemplating what the Golden Dragon said to him. But no matter how he look at the surroundings with different angles he couldn¡¯t find anything that was wrong.

    On one occasion while he was contemplating about ¡®the change¡¯ for days, the couple returned with a meat on their hands and started to cook it. Smelling the food, Jian Shen¡¯s stomach grumbled and when the couple heard it, one was chuckling but the other was laughing loudly while pointing his index finger towards Jian Shen and daringly asked that ¡®Jian Shen could also do something like that?¡¯

    When he realized his grumbling stomach, he quickly act as if he was asleep. Feeling indignant to his grumbling stomach. Much to his shame, he almost lose his act when he heard Sikong Yi¡¯s taunt.

    At the third day of the second week of their stay, Jian Shen could finally move his fingers until he could move all the parts of his body and it took him for the whole week to recover. Then the next day they left the cave.

    ¡­

    As the trio continued their journey, piles of questions upon questions gathered on Jian Shen¡¯s mind yet no matter how he tried to communicate to the Golden Dragon, would turned out to be futile. Thus, he could only sigh helplessly.

    Placing all the questions behind the back of his head. He started contemplated his previous fight, though the fight was short but he realized that when he just used only a fraction of his power. A powerful pressured rushed down to him on every direction as if he was carrying a chained mountain all over his body turning him a crippled person, resulting for his body to collapse when he met the two person.

    But when he waited for two weeks all that pressure and chained mountains was abruptly gone as if he was leased from his sin, though he didn¡¯t think that it was sinful to use his power.

    Still wondering and keep thinking deeply, he realized that in the past he didn¡¯t feel anything like these before. So he thought, maybe this was what the Golden Dragon wanting to imply to me.

    ¡°Hmph! It takes too many days before you eventually realized it!¡±

    Suddenly a burst of shocking resounding voice echoed in his mind snapping him out from his contemplation. Wanting to shriek but couldn¡¯t do so because he knew that it was the Golden Dragon. So he couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    ¡®You can hear my thoughts too!?¡¯

    ¡°Hmph! As powerful as me would do such lowly tricks on you!?¡±

    ¡®I didn¡¯t mean to but how did yo-?¡¯

    ¡°Hmph! As powerful as me would need to answer such petty questions!?¡±

    As if he was rebuking Jian Shen, he snorted for the second time before fading away.

    Jian Shen could only wryly smile thinking how weird this Golden Dragon¡¯s personality.

    While he was thinking deeply on his mind, the trio has arrived into a tall and boundless gorge. Two towering cliffs that becomes a boundless mountains stood tall on sides. In between these two towering cliffs yet mountainous height, was a dark path and it was eerily quiet.

    The surface of the two cliffs were rough with a pitch black color. It appears that the black cliffs was not made out of a typical soil as if it was blighted by some necromantic entity. Even so there¡¯s no green and poisonous miasma of fogs apparent on the path only deep darkness.

    ¡®Where are we?¡¯ Jian Shen asked.

    ¡°We are in the Dark Curved Gorge.¡± Sikong Yi answered with a hint of seriousness on his face.

    Jian Shen nodded when he heard his answer. Then he closed his eyes and started to release his intangible spiritual sense to the black cliff and into the deep dark path. He suddenly frowned and retracted his spiritual sense.

    ¡®It¡¯s really a mysterious gorge.¡¯

    ¡°Yes it is. Actually the Dark Curved Gorge was¡­.¡± Xiao Lin narrated the story of the Dark Curved Gorge.

    As she narrated the story of the Dark Curved Gorge, Jian Shen finally understand why the cliffs was black and the path was too dark. Actually the gorge was once a tall pillar that pierce towards the skies, but a large great sword descended from the sky. It fell between the towering pillars body cutting it into half. Half of it turned into dust which fell down to the ground. With such a large mass of disintegrated dust from the pillar it formed into a towering mountains and turning it into what it was. And this deep dark path was the remnants of the large great sword¡¯s intent.

    The large great sword¡¯s appearance was so evil. Countless faceless souls were vividly screaming as it moves on the sword¡¯s body, as if it was locked down inside the swords and couldn¡¯t escape forever. The other half of the sword was vague and no one could make out, making it a bit mysterious.

    When Jian Shen heard the description of the sword he suck a cold air and muttered before he nodded.

    ¡°Hmph! You find it hard to believe right!?¡±

    ¡®Yeah, I never thought that, that sword would appear again in this world.¡¯

    ¡°Hmph! It¡¯s just its appearance turned out to be bigger and you felt afraid. Hmph! Hmph!¡±

    Ignoring the snorting Golden Dragon, Jian Shen asked the couple what to do. And without any plans or whatever, their answer were they took a step forward and enter the deep dark gorge. Leaving Jian Shen dumbfounded.

    He could only laugh while feeling baffled, how unusual this world has turned to be.