Volume Two: First Signs of Brilliance Chapter 0059: Arrogance

The blade is the master of all weapons, the epitome of arrogance, and the embodiment of a tyrant’s prowess.

Yu Chen’s eyes were fixed on the two men before him, especially now that Zhang Kuang had drawn the famed Jinghong Blade. His heart was deeply shaken.

Damn it, is it really necessary to go this far? Even the illustrious Jinghong Blade has been brought out—does Qin Yang truly warrant such a response?

The Jinghong Blade is renowned as one of the Ten Divine Weapons in Tianwu Sect. Had Zhang Kuang not shown considerable talent, he would never have obtained such a treasure.

The blade is about 1.2 meters long, its edge broad and thick, lacking the sharpness one expects in most blades.

A blunt blade.

Hell, it’s just like him—a martial fanatic using a blade different from everyone else, a blunt one at that. Why not just fight with a chunk of raw iron?

Yu Chen’s lips curled in a cold sneer. At this moment, the two men moved.

Especially Zhang Kuang—his black hair whipped about wildly, his face aflame with excitement, flushed red as his emotions surged.

The Starfall Blade swept through the air, descending swiftly in a powerful strike.

Clang, clang, clang!

Zhang Kuang’s reputation is not mere hype. He faced the incoming attack with a cold snort, flicked the Jinghong Blade, and deftly deflected Qin Yang’s assault.

Damn, is he really this formidable? He can even shake off the Starfall Blade? Clearly, unless one goes all out, he won’t know the true might of Lord Qin.

Before Qin Yang could strike again, Zhang Kuang's storm-like assault arrived.

Qin Yang gripped his blade tightly, barely holding off the attack.

Thankfully, his blade was strong enough; otherwise, it would have been hacked to pieces.

Damn it.

Anger flared—truly, it was humiliating. He hadn’t even managed a proper attack before being overwhelmed. How was he supposed to play along now? Luckily, there were no women here—well, except for one beauty, cold as she was, but still a woman.

With that thought, he rose, determined to stand firm. A man must be steadfast—especially before a woman, one must not falter.

Isn’t there a saying?

A man cannot admit defeat; even if he can’t, he must.

He unleashed the first step of Nine Steps Shatter Heaven. His once resolute face grew pale, eyes burning bright like the sun, moon, and stars.

A mysterious force surged in the air, pressing toward Zhang Kuang like ocean waves.

Overwhelming by force.

This was the application of Dao Intent, which he had only recently learned.

Zhang Kuang’s eyes narrowed; his inner energy surged, and the Jinghong Blade radiated sharpness.

The blade’s edge gleamed, jagged like saw teeth, scattering all around.

“You want to overwhelm me with force? Qin Yang, you’ve chosen the wrong opponent.” Zhang Kuang’s deep voice rang out. At the same time, he unleashed a terrifying power.

With a single slash, he instantly shattered the momentum before him.

Thud, thud, thud—

Qin Yang was forced several steps back, surprise flickering across his face.

“Heh, not bad.”

With that, he carried the Starfall Blade forward, sparks flying across the ground.

The Gale Blade Technique.

A basic technique, the introductory chapter of blade arts.

The Gale Blade Technique emphasizes speed—of all martial arts under heaven, none surpass speed, and this technique is all about quickness.

Where others deliver one strike, you deliver two or even three.

He moved like a hurricane, body swaying left and right, completely immersed in the technique.

Man and blade as one.

Zhang Kuang’s eyes blazed—he had always yearned for this realm, yet could never grasp its essence. Unexpectedly, Qin Yang had entered this state without even realizing it.

Battle intent surged, proud and unyielding, ringing with the sound of iron.

Those around watched the fight, stunned and speechless.

Damn, could they be any more impressive?

Indeed, Zhang Kuang was the foremost of the Four Heroes, a martial fanatic. Now, Qin Yang was matching him blow for blow—did this mean Qin Yang possessed the power worthy of the Four Heroes?

Yu Chen’s fair face was dark with gloom. He had planned to challenge Zhang Kuang after the New Year and take the top spot among the Four Heroes. Now, it seemed the gap between them was still considerable.

He hadn’t defeated Zhang Kuang yet, and now another contender had appeared—how could he not be furious?

His eyes shifted. Qin Yang claimed he hadn’t killed Wu Jian, but there were no witnesses. If the accusation was forced upon him, no one could refute it. The Sword Sect needed a reason to quell internal disputes.

Then, powerless and without influence, Qin Yang would surely become the scapegoat.

To be precise, he’d be the one to bear the blame.

His clenched fist slowly relaxed.

Mist Barrier Forest.

The blood on the ground gradually disappeared. Before anyone noticed, the ground returned to its dark hue.

The scent of blood drifted everywhere. The battle between the two men was so intense that not even fierce beasts dared approach.

Ten minutes passed, and the two were locked in a brutal struggle, every move deadly, every strike perilous.

Both bore wounds of varying severity, but their faces showed no sorrow—only boundless fighting spirit.

The Starfall Blade struck out, forcing Zhang Kuang to retreat. Qin Yang’s eyes fixed on the Mist Barrier Forest, brows furrowed. Something seemed to be brewing inside, as if it was on the verge of maturity.

Suddenly, he thought of the Enlightenment Fruit. His once calm heart surged with excitement once more.

Could it be the Enlightenment Fruit?

Zhang Kuang charged again, and Qin Yang grew frustrated.

Damn it, at a time like this? The Enlightenment Fruit is about to ripen, and you’re still fighting with me? If you ruin my chance to seize it, you’re dead meat.

Gale Blade Technique—Tornado.

Qin Yang gripped the Starfall Blade tightly, his face grim with murderous intent. He unleashed the Berserk Demon Body, and the eyes of the crowd widened in astonishment.

Holy hell, is this for real? Even now, this isn’t his full strength?

Is it even fair anymore?

Zhang Kuang’s expression changed drastically. He had concealed some of his power, but not much. Qin Yang, however, was different—he slapped his forehead, realizing he’d forgotten that Qin Yang possessed such a technique.

Damn it. Truly damn it.

“Out of my way!”

He moved like a tyrant, his right leg kicking out fiercely, the tremendous recoil almost knocking the Jinghong Blade from his grasp.

Nine Steps Shatter Heaven was unleashed, his speed reaching its peak as he strode toward the Mist Barrier Forest. Zhang Kuang, caught up in the heat of battle, could not possibly let Qin Yang leave so easily.

He laughed, then rushed forward.

Creak—

The Starfall Blade crashed against the Jinghong Blade, the massive recoil nearly causing Zhang Kuang to lose his weapon.

At that moment, more than a dozen figures emerged from the darkness, launching deadly attacks. The spectators, caught off guard, suffered instant casualties.

“Help! Help!”

“It’s an ambush! Hurry, save us!”

Screams erupted. Qin Yang, who had just been ready to continue the fight, abruptly stopped, his eyes cold as he stared at the black-clad assailants.

Leng Qianyou fixed her gaze on the leader, her beautiful eyes sparkling with surprise, her face filled with disbelief as though she had discovered a new world.

Impossible—wasn’t this man missing?

The Sword Sect disciples were dead, yet he lived. Had he been hiding all along, waiting for this moment?

The more she thought, the more unsettled she became.

“Damn it, where did these people come from? Everyone, join forces! Eliminate them first, then we’ll fight for the Enlightenment Fruit!”

Yu Chen’s proposal was unanimously agreed upon.

“Attack!”