Empowerment

Min Baxian, that old fellow, had thick brows and big eyes, the very picture of a trustworthy hero. Yet at this moment, his skill at telling barefaced lies with his eyes wide open was truly impressive.

Xiang Yang also noticed something else. At the mention of the Que Xie Blade, the people of South Village did not seem surprised at all. Not only did those important and formidable figures know of it, even ordinary villagers appeared to possess some information about the blade.

"Indeed, Young Hero Xiang. You once showed kindness to South Village, and Zhuang deeply appreciates it. If you come to South Village as a guest, we will welcome you with open arms. But if you have come to seize South Village's treasured blade, then forgive us for being discourteous."

Zhuang Wei stood shoulder to shoulder with Min Baxian. The two had been friends for many years, their hearts in perfect accord. Their auras linked together like the point of a blade, while the experts from the other two Lineages formed its edge. In Xiang Yang's spiritual perception, they became a grim demon blade aimed directly at him.

Of course, to Xiang Yang, whose martial arts had already reached the peak of the postnatal realm, this was not truly a threat. What made the hairs on his body stand on end was the familiar Sharp Qi within that demonic intent—violent yet carrying killing intent, sinister yet reeking of blood. It was Que Xie.

Xiang Yang frowned and took a step forward, as though entering another world. Blade qi filled the space between heaven and earth, thick as a swarm of locusts, striking in droplets against his Heavenly Star Protective Aura. Yet when he stepped back, it vanished like wind dispersing clouds, as though nothing had happened.

*Another grand