Thirteen

Lu Zhaojin's signature style was beheading his victims, and this time, his strike was as swift as the unseen.

Duan Xuan stood like a statue, his blood still circulating within him as if it hadn't registered the death.

A gentle breeze blew.

His head detached and fell from his neck.

Instead of spraying, the blood gushed out like a fountain.

The martial artists who arrived at the scene gasped in unison at the sight. Seeing Lu Zhaojin's youth, they were even more astonished, wondering when such a formidable young man had appeared in the martial world.

It wasn't until someone recognized him and let out a cry of surprise that his identity was revealed: the newly ranked prodigy on the Dragon Ranking, who had displaced Chen Jingchun. He hailed from Mount Qi... Information spread, and some also mentioned that recently, members of the Chen Family had gone to great lengths, even reigniting the war between two commanderies, to search for Lu Zhaojin in Luoshui Commandery, seeking revenge for their son's death.

They didn't know the full story, especially since Chen Jingchun had secretly entered Luoshui Commandery. Only those from the City Lord's mansion had witnessed the subsequent battle with Lu Zhaojin.

However, since the City Lord himself had been killed by Lu Zhaojin, the circumstances of Chen Jingchun's death remained unknown to most.

It was known, however, that Chen Jingyi had been killed by him. The appearance of the cave mansion on Mount Qi was no secret, and many had visited it at the time.

Lu Zhaojin was not a bloodthirsty individual who would attack others without reason; otherwise, he would be branded a demon by the martial world and face endless pursuit, which would be quite troublesome.

Still, his current moniker on the Dragon Ranking, "Sword Demon," surprised him.

He had actually hoped for a more pleasant title, like "Sword Immortal." Being called the Sword Demon made him feel like he was being treated as a devil.

Tian Geng observed Lu Zhaojin and saw no signs of weakness, indicating that he hadn't used his full strength during his fight with Duan Xuan. He must have been saving it for the final blow.

Why?

He certainly wouldn't be able to use it a second time.

Tian Geng's guess about Lu Zhaojin was the same as Duan Xuan's: Lu Zhaojin hadn't begun cultivating a True Essence condensing technique, so his True Essence reserves were likely low. That final strike must have been incredibly draining, rendering him unable to repeat it.

He glanced at Duan Xuan's corpse and remarked, "As expected of the Sword Demon Lu Zhaojin, truly lives up to his name."

Lu Zhaojin didn't believe the True Martial Division's appearance at this moment was just to say a few words. "Speak your mind."

Tian Geng drew his True Martial Saber and pointed it at Lu Zhaojin, stating righteously, "Lu Zhaojin, you killed over a dozen of my True Martial Division's True Martial Guards and injured Centurion Du Hongwei. You have defied the dynasty's laws and gravely wounded a royal official. By law, you are to be apprehended and sent to the Imperial Prison."

Lu Zhaojin listened, and it sounded quite plausible. If one didn't know the preceding events, he would indeed appear to be a criminal.

However, he was too lazy to explain. Since they intended to fight, they should have been prepared for death.

Tian Geng initiated the attack, his True Essence surging. The True Martial Saber glowed brilliantly, imbued with a saber intent as it cleaved out, creating a saber light several yards long that slashed down at Lu Zhaojin from above.

Sword Intent soared, and a vertical sword light struck the saber light, producing a sound like clashing metal. The calm void rippled, expanding in circles that gradually enveloped the martial artists watching on the city walls. They felt as if sharp objects were piercing their eardrums, causing them to frown in pain.

Lu Zhaojin and Tian Geng clashed, their swords and sabers colliding, sending sparks scattering into the void.

Simultaneously.

Their Sword Intent and Saber Intent also clashed.

Neither gave way.

Whoever gained the upper hand would clearly determine the outcome of this battle.

The onlookers were astonished that Lu Zhaojin was still so powerful after his previous fight with Duan Xuan.

However, they reasoned that after expending so much energy, Lu Zhaojin would eventually falter and be defeated by Tian Geng. If he were captured and taken to the Imperial Prison, his fate would be worse than death.

Many shook their heads, feeling a bit of pity for Lu Zhaojin, but more were hoping that Tian Geng would capture him.

They harbored some resentment towards Lu Zhaojin's origins. Their thoughts were largely aligned: if only Lu Zhaojin hadn't come from Mount Qi.

But just as everyone believed Lu Zhaojin was about to be defeated by Tian Geng, an anomaly occurred. A powerful force erupted from within Lu Zhaojin, and two distinct Sword Intents were fully revealed to everyone present.

Tian Geng's confident expression turned to one of shock. He hadn't expected Lu Zhaojin to not only comprehend Gale Sword Intent but also to possess another hidden Sword Intent. Hearing the thunderous roar in his ears, he knew the opponent had Lightning Sword Intent as well.

He had witnessed Lu Zhaojin's final strike, the Wind Thunder Slash, but he hadn't personally faced it. He couldn't empathize with Duan Xuan's experience, but now he understood why Duan Xuan had died.

Lu Zhaojin, so young, had not only reached the Sixth-Rank Realm but also possessed two Sword Intents. Such a prodigy would be renowned even in the imperial capital.

Tian Geng felt an insurmountable power, his Dao heart damaged, and his Saber Intent weakened further, completely suppressed by Lu Zhaojin's Sword Intent.

There was no possibility of Tian Geng turning the tide.

Lu Zhaojin indeed couldn't use the Wind Thunder Slash again due to his depleted True Essence. However, the two Sword Intents exerted immense pressure on Tian Geng, making him desperate to escape the battlefield. His movements became erratic, unable to counter Lu Zhaojin's attacks.

"Wind and Rain Slash."

Tian Geng was anxious, knowing that continuing this fight meant certain death. He poured all his strength into his most powerful saber strike yet. Countless saber lights, like a fierce wind carrying dense raindrops, poured towards Lu Zhaojin.

Lu Zhaojin didn't confront the attack head-on. He employed his movement technique, swaying left and right like a falling leaf in a storm, dodging the unavoidable raindrops with saber slashes.

Concurrently, he used his movement technique to rapidly close in on Tian Geng. When the distance was right, a sword light pierced through the rain curtain, transforming into a streak of light that flew towards Tian Geng.

Tian Geng swung his saber to block, and with a clang, the immense force sent him staggering back two steps.

Tian Geng seized the opportunity to turn and flee, heading towards the city.

Lu Zhaojin sensed something was amiss. Could the True Martial Division have someone more powerful than Tian Geng?

If so, he couldn't let Tian Geng escape.

Lu Zhaojin decided to use the Wind Thunder Slash again, determined to kill Tian Geng, not only to prevent him from reporting back but also for the fifty thousand EXP.

Tian Geng saw the city walls close at hand, as if seeing a glimmer of hope for survival. As long as he could cross these walls, even Lu Zhaojin would be no match for that person.

However.

Before he could leap, a streak of azure lightning descended from the sky with unbelievable speed. He had no time to react before he was enveloped by the light.

When the light faded.

Tian Geng stood there stunned, leaving everyone watching him in surprise, wondering what had happened.

Then, a red line appeared from his brow and quickly spread. Tian Geng's body split in two, falling to the ground on either side.

[Killed a Sixth Rank Martial Artist, EXP +50000]

[EXP: 135078]

Split in two by a single sword.

Lu Zhaojin exhaled a breath of stale air. He didn't bother looting their belongings, sheathed the Autumn Equinox Sword, and darted into the woods.