The Spear Still Stood

Tianshu told me that ever since the Vastaya began frequently attacking the Kinkou Order, all the disciples of Balance have been on the front lines monitoring the area to ensure they receive news of the intrusions immediately. 👤💝 💀👹

He wasn't entirely clear on the current situation. Kennen and Shen were discussing their next move at the temple; I could ask them for advice.

I continued my journey to the Kinkou Monastery, just as Tianshu had said, there were people scouting along the way.

Once inside the temple, I discovered that besides Kennen and Shen, Mangi was also there. This unpleasant-speaking little inventor had come to help as well.

"You've arrived, Yasuo."

"What's the situation now, Master Kennen?"

"This is a bit troublesome. Zed and Kayn are frequently seen here, and there's also a Vastaya in southwestern Prexian, whose strength is no less than Zed's..."

Kennen told me that the Kinkou Order has been under frequent attacks recently. In addition to Zed and Kayn becoming much stronger, the Shadow Disciples have also become much stronger.

Previously, they were evenly matched with the disciples of the Kinkou Order, but now they can easily gain the upper hand and show no mercy in their attacks.

In addition, a new Vastaya has appeared in southwestern Prexian. He is extremely powerful. Shen fought him personally a few days ago, but was defeated and had to flee due to exhaustion.

However, the Vastaya was not very interested in the Kinkou Order; he frequently attacked the Noxus in the vicinity, and none who were targeted by him escaped.

Vastaya strength is no less than Zed and Shen's must be a famous person, but Shen told me that the Vastaya concealed his face, so his true identity could not be seen.

It seems we need to confirm this in person. Regardless of whether he's someone we know or not, we cannot allow him to harm ordinary people!

In the short time they had been chatting, three disciples brought news: Kayn was approaching from the east, and two Noxus had been killed in the west!

Shen immediately went to the east to set up a perimeter, while I took over the task in the west. I want to see who's behind this trouble!

Southwest Prexian was a fertile plain, the first place Noxus occupied. Later, the two regions united, and it became the settlement of the Noxus. Now, however, it is a scene of devastation.

Many houses were destroyed, farmland was in a mess, farm tools and daily necessities were scattered on the ground, and many valuables were left behind.

Mutilated corpses lay scattered everywhere, and many eagles, vultures, and jackals were fighting over food, their eyes flashing with ferocity when they saw me.

Besides the smell of blood, I also sensed a dark aura. Following this aura, I found several fresh corpses, and at the same time, a powerful being was lurking nearby.

"Come out, I know you're here, you stinking Vastaya."

"Knowing I'm here, you still dare to come looking for me? That's not a wise choice."

A man emerged from the left front, wearing a bamboo hat and a raincoat. His agile figure exuded the air of a chivalrous knight. If it weren't for the strong aura of darkness emanating from him, I would never have doubted that he was a Vastaya.

"Why do you hate Noxus so much that you would even kill defenseless merchants and civilians?"

"Anything with the name Noxus is innocent. They forcibly opened the gates of Ionia, destroying the original harmony here."

"Judging from your tone, you seem to be from Ionia. Have you ever considered that the Noxus are currently protecting Ionia from your Vastaya?"

"It doesn't matter whether it's Ionia or Noxus anymore. You've formed a ridiculous alliance, and I'm going to destroy you!"

"Then you can give it a try!"

I drew my Gale Sword and swung it a few times, unleashing a series of circular Wind Force that slashed out. I swung my Vastaya Spear, using Dark Power to block the attack.

After exchanging greetings, let's officially begin our match!

In just a few rounds, the Vastaya realized my strength and threw off his straw hat and raincoat to fight me with all his might.

However, there was a mask under the straw hat, so his face was still not visible. He was so careful to conceal himself, he definitely didn't want to be recognized.

His marksmanship was exquisite, unlike Djis's fierce fighting style. It was less forceful and more unpredictable. He never used strenuous moves like sweeping or slashing, but only thrust with the tip of his spear.

Because the spear is longer than the sword, I was a little unaccustomed to it when we first started fighting, just like when I fought Huo Su. We were always at a distance where he could attack me but I couldn't retaliate.

Back then, it was all about fists and kicks; you could always find a way to get close, and even if you failed, it wasn't a big deal. But it's a different story with weapons. If you accidentally got stabbed a few holes in someone, it wouldn't be a joke.

Such a master! No wonder Shen lost in the end!

If I defend with all my might, he won't have a chance to defeat me. Given enough time, he'll find a weakness. But I don't want to do that; I'm not here for a friendly spar.

Since he relies on his superior weaponry to keep attacking, I will fight fire with fire!

I concentrated the Wind Force on the sword's edge, making the blade several inches longer. Moreover, the wind was invisible and colorless, so my opponent had no idea that my sword had been lengthened. He was caught off guard and his sword slashed upwards, striking his cheek!

As the mask was cut open, a scar was also slashed across his left cheek. Had he not reacted quickly, half of his face would have been sliced off.

I stared in disbelief at his disheveled hair, his handsome features, and his resolute face—it was Zhao Xin!

I lived as Zhao Xin for a period of time, so I'm very familiar with this face!

Surprised?

"You know about us?"

"I didn't know at first, but I've heard others mention it."

"Riven?"

"I find your behavior extremely offensive, using other people's bodies to act according to your own will, but like the hatred between two places, it doesn't matter anymore."

"This wasn't my choice, but you seem quite lucid. Why are you willingly being driven by the Vastaya?"

"I have never been driven by anyone. I have a friendly relationship with Don, and neither of us forced the other. Our current actions are a mutual decision."

"What exactly is the purpose of you Vastaya? Is it simply destruction and slaughter?"

"We're here for... never mind, you wouldn't believe me even if I told you. If you can beat me, maybe I'll tell you!"

"It seems this is the only way!"

Zhao Xin is different from the other Vastaya; his words lacked any obsession or resentment, yet he still chose to oppose us. We don't know what his true thoughts are.

Since he said he could tell me his purpose if I won, then I will certainly give it my all!

We've just had a Martial Arts contest, and although I had a slight edge, it wasn't a decisive victory. This time, I'm going to use the Wind Riding Technique!

Zhao Xin sensed the surging Wind Force around him and knew he was about to use other powers. He swung his spear in front of him and transformed into the Vastaya!

"Defeat him, Don!"

Don't worry, Zhao Xin!