Raising the Halberd to Sever Clouds, Condensing a Shattered Moon; Guiding Autumn's Flow to Shake Heavenly Might

The fresh fragrance of grass and trees in the air vanished in an instant, replaced by a chill that sank into the marrow.

The leaves of the ancient pines by the distant cliff began to fall with a rustle. Even the mountain wind seemed to have gained an edge, leaving a faint pain where it scraped across the skin.

This was not the sharpness of a sword blade, but a power of rules aligned with the great momentum of heaven and earth—irresistible as the turning of seasons. It was as if the entire world were baring its killing intent at Zhao Cheng, seeking to wither away his mass of "blazing vitality" completely.

Just as summer grass, having flourished to its very peak, must begin to wither and fall.

Though Zhao Cheng's aura was as domineering as a blazing sun, before this grim, murderous force, it faintly showed signs of being suppressed.

Yet rather than dimming, Zhao Cheng's gaze grew ever more fervent. He stared fixedly at Xie Qingmian below, and even a trace of excitement flashed through his eyes.

Sword intent so attuned to the grand momentum of heaven and earth was far more exquisite than the moves of Green Bamboo Sword Urn!

"An explanation?"

He threw back his head and laughed, his voice shaking the sea of clouds into turbulence. "I came to demand an accounting, not to make amends to you lot!

"The explanation I want, I'll naturally take from the Sword Hut.

"And the answer you want—you're welcome to come take it yourself!"

Before his words had faded, the baleful qi around Zhao Cheng abruptly exploded outward. Surging like a tsunami from the deep sea, it rolled from his body and crashed straight into the skies.

Carrying the blazing ferocity of one who had slaughtered through an