Volume Three: The Tenfold Dao Intent Chapter 76: Total Annihilation (3)

Pure white snowflakes danced through the sky, weaving a beautiful tapestry and forming a long, colorful ribbon. Bathed in the radiance of the bright moon, the scene appeared crystal clear. The snow floated down to earth, sparkling brilliantly, but soon people noticed that while other places had accumulated thick layers of snow, not a trace remained on South Hill. When the snow touched the ground, it melted into water—water tinged red—amidst scattered remnants of limbs, more like refuse strewn all about.

Qin Yang took several steps back, frost forming upon his brows, breathing heavily. Of the Twelve Heavenly Kings, five had been slain. Seven remained, three gravely wounded, their fighting strength greatly diminished. His own condition was far from good; prolonged battle had pushed his body to the limit. Multiple wounds marred his body, blood oozing continuously. He tried to move, grimacing from the pain. He began to circulate his cultivation, staunching the bleeding.

The intense pain heightened his nerves, his eyes still smoldering with murderous intent. Just now, his Slaughter Dao had reached its second stage, rivaling his Thunder Dao. The Gale Dao had entered the threshold; after this, a period of seclusion would surely bring full understanding. Such were the benefits of battle.

He reached upward, capturing countless snowflakes, instantly compressing them into ice and pressing them to his wounds.

“Fight!”

Dragging the Starfall Blade behind him, sparks sputtered as he moved with a light, floating gait, as if strolling midair. The crowd, previously fixated on Qin Yang, suddenly discovered his figure had vanished. Their eyes widened, and as they searched, they realized he had leaped skyward.

Thunder Blade Scripture

First Slash: Thunder

Winter was never a time for lightning, yet now thunder and lightning flashed as in spring. The heavy snow gradually turned to fine rain, nourishing the city. By the strength of one man, the laws of nature were altered.

The members of the Dragon Squad watched in awe, faces full of shock. Such a technique was formidable, rivaling those who had reached the Profound Realm.

Thunder serpents streaked across the sky, dazzlingly bright, illuminating Qin Yang’s face—pale and bloodless, save for the fierce killing intent in his eyes. Gripping the blade with both hands, the Thunder Dao entwined the Starfall Blade, bolts connecting to the heavens, a terrifying blade form manifesting behind him.

The blade had not yet fallen, but its momentum was unmatched.

Annihilate!

He stepped forward with his right leg, no hesitation, and unleashed a ferocious slash. The blade’s radiance was sharp enough to devour all life. Witnessing this, the crowd’s faces changed drastically, retreating in panic, desperate to escape.

Qin Yang spat a mouthful of blood and sneered, “Trying to run?”

“Even escape comes at a price.”

A terrifying voice echoed, and the colossal blade light finally descended. Those hiding afar saw a crack appear before them, and all gasped in shock. They knew the strike would be powerful, but never imagined it would be so devastating.

A hundred-meter-long fissure split the earth; seven Heavenly Kings, five slain instantly, the remaining two mortally wounded, powerless to resist.

Qin Yang stood in the rain, like a sovereign, surveying all. None dared meet his gaze—it was simply too piercing.

“Who else?”

At that moment, he seemed a true overlord, waging war upon the world, never resting, never dying.

His aura shook mountains and rivers, capable of swallowing sun and moon.

Thousands stood below, yet none dared challenge him.

Silence reigned, broken only by the interplay of thunder and the gentle patter of rain.

Seeing no response, he snorted coldly, “If you lack the courage, then leave. Or do you wish for death?”

The Starfall Blade swept once more, ending the last two Heavenly Kings. Thus, the twelve peerless experts of the ancient martial world, comparable to the Profound Realm, all fell at South Hill in the mundane city of Bincheng.

Qin Yang supported himself with the Starfall Blade, standing upright, watching as the warriors retreated, his expression grave and undiminished.

Once all had departed, he breathed a sigh of relief. Had they all attacked at once, even his strength would not have sufficed; even if he managed to hold out, he would likely have been ambushed.

From the shadows, the Enchantress watched the crowd disperse, her tension ebbing. She moved forward, only to be stopped by Lily.

Her beautiful face filled with confusion; she glanced toward Qin Yang, discovering a young man in white robes approaching, treading upon the snow without touching the ground—a testament to his profound skill.

White as snow

Sword Saint Ao Tian

Hearing the name, the Enchantress’s face changed drastically. If Yu Chen, Zhang Kuang, Leng Qianyou, and Wu Jian were the leaders of the new generation, then the Sword Saint was the leader of the previous generation—a legendary disciple of the Sword Sect, whose power had long reached the Profound Realm.

Ao Tian was different from the others. He pursued only the Way of the Sword, seeking its utmost perfection. The sharpness, gentleness, destructive force, and inclusivity of swordsmanship—his sword was both offense and defense, forming its own domain, integrating his insights, creating his own sword field.

Sword Sect Ao Tian.

He clasped his hands and smiled warmly, “Qin Yang of Beihai, your reputation is well deserved. Seeing you today, I find that the rumors are understated; your strength far surpasses what is said.”

“Though you have not yet entered the Dao Realm, you slay Dao Realm experts as easily as pigs and dogs. I doubt even ordinary Profound Realm masters could contend with you.”

“Qin Yang of Beihai, unrivaled beneath the Profound Realm.”

Qin Yang raised his heavy eyelids. The other’s words were but an introduction, mere empty talk, and he replied impatiently, “Get to the point.”

Ao Tian nodded; he too disliked flattery. “Two matters.”

“First, is Wu Jian still alive?”

“He is. He should have had enough time to escape.”

“Second, I wish to challenge you.”

“Agreed!” Qin Yang answered without hesitation. Ao Tian was evidently more upright than the others, perhaps reflecting his sword’s honesty and righteousness.

“Hahaha, such excitement—count me in!”

“Qin Yang, hand over your Dao Fruit, and your cultivation technique.” The Turk’s voice rang out, irritating Ao Tian, who drew the Frost Sword. The air, already icy, grew even colder.

“Annoying!”

Ao Tian struck suddenly, a cold flash in the air. A giant figure fell from the sky, crashing to the ground, then fell silent.

Lily gasped at the sight.

“Sword Saint Ao Tian is truly powerful. That move left no trace—he is indeed the most gifted figure in the ancient martial world.”

Qin Yang watched Ao Tian curiously. He had not expected this man to help him resolve a nuisance.

Though he hadn’t clearly seen the attacker’s face, their strength must have been formidable—at least the peak of the Profound Realm—yet they were slain with a casual sword.

He drew a deep breath; Ao Tian was stronger than he had imagined.

The stronger his opponent, the happier Qin Yang became, for such challenges carried more meaning.

Ao Tian did not attack, but looked at Qin Yang deeply. “Nurse your wounds well. I look forward to our battle after your Daos are fused. For now, you are not my equal.”

With those words, Ao Tian turned and departed, making no move to strike.

Surprised at this behavior, Qin Yang nevertheless felt glad, for the fight need not continue. He stepped with mysterious footwork, descending the mountain.

The surrounding warriors avoided him, fearing to provoke his wrath.

Qin Yang of Beihai, his name resounding through the ancient martial world after his victory at South Hill.