Sword Annihilates Entire Clan, All Preparations Complete!

"Hiss!"

The restless power slowly calmed down!

Breakthrough! It happened as naturally as water flowing into a channel!

However, there was still a surplus of energy!

Lin Chen did not stop for a moment, guiding the remaining energy to continue the assault!

It was just a pity that it was not enough for another breakthrough.

When the last trace of energy was completely devoured and refined!

The hall was left with nothing but shriveled corpses scattered across the floor, like mummies dried by the wind for thousands of years.

The scene was terrifying and ghastly.

Lin Chen felt the surging, roaring power within his body, far exceeding what he had possessed before, and clenched his fist in satisfaction.

Dou Ling! This was a qualitative leap!

He turned and walked out of the hall, which now resembled a purgatory.

Outside, there were still many ordinary guards and clansmen who had rushed over upon hearing the commotion, only to be frozen in terror by the horrific sight inside the hall.

Without a shred of pity, without a moment of hesitation:

"Swish! Swish!"

The Yuantu Abi Twin Swords transformed once again into life-reaping streaks of light, whistling as they shuttled through the air.

Screams, footsteps of those fleeing, and pleas for mercy rose one after another, but soon returned to deathly silence.

When Lin Chen stepped out of the gates of the Jialie Clan, treading through blood, what lay behind him was a dead zone.

In the entire core area of the Jialie Clan, there was not a single living soul left.

And his cultivation, through this final harvest, had completely stabilized at the two-star Dou Ling realm!

He did not leave immediately, but instead acted as if he were returning to his own home.

He found the Jialie Clan's treasury and the secret chambers of several elders with practiced ease!

This was thanks to the formidable soul perception strengthened by the Blood Scripture!

Murder and arson bring wealth; naturally, the more cultivation resources, the better.

After stowing the large amount of gold coins, medicinal herbs, monster cores, and the few items that caught his eye into his storage ring.

Only then did Lin Chen vanish like a ghost into the thick night, leaving no traces behind...

He returned to the secluded little courtyard in the outer city of Wutan City and pushed open the creaking wooden door!

The familiar, desolate scene of the courtyard came into view.

However, right beneath the withered old tree in the center of the yard.

Beside a simple stone table, a petite figure sat quietly.

Moonlight like water spilled over her, as if draping her in a soft silver veil.

Dressed in a pale green gown, her dark hair cascaded like a waterfall, her profile was exquisitely perfect, and her temperament was ethereal and serene.

She was quietly brewing a pot of clear tea, her movements elegant and natural, as if this place were not a desolate courtyard, but an elegant pavilion.

It was none other than Xiao Xun'er.

On the stone table sat two clean white jade teacups, with tea fragrance curling upward, refreshing and soothing.

Hearing the sound of the door opening, she slowly raised her head, revealing a face of peerless beauty.

Her glazed eyes looked toward Lin Chen:

"You're back?"

She spoke softly, her voice like a clear spring dripping onto jade.

Gentle and melodious, she naturally picked up the teapot and poured the empty cup opposite her seven-tenths full:

"Is it done?"

Lin Chen's footsteps paused slightly, then returned to normal.

He walked to the stone table and sat down, removing his already tattered hood.

Revealing a face that was cold and hard, yet still extremely young.

He glanced at the clear tea in the cup, then looked at the girl who was as serene as water across from him:

"Mm."

He picked up the teacup and drained it in one gulp. The tea was warm.

Carrying a faint fragrance and a hint of bitterness, it slid down his throat, as if washing away some of the stench of blood.

A brief silence fell between the two, yet it was not awkward.

Instead, a strange sense of tacit understanding and tranquility flowed between them:

"You certainly made quite a stir."

Xiao Xun'er gently held her teacup, her tone indifferent.

It was as if she were speaking of an everyday occurrence:

"The Galie Clan... it is just as well they are gone. Wutan City will be much quieter now."

She did not ask about the process, nor did she question right or wrong; it was a pure, unwavering understanding, standing firmly by his side.

"Elder Ling went to take a look; he handled it very cleanly."

She added another sentence, her tone still gentle, yet imbued with immense confidence and power.

This was her way of telling him that she would take care of any lingering concerns.

Lin Chen looked at her and nodded:

"Thank you."

Xiao Xun'er smiled faintly, her expression appearing exceptionally moving under the moonlight.

There was not a trace of the airs of an Ancient Clan heiress, nor the coy shyness of an ordinary young girl.

There was only a heartfelt, water-like gentleness and sincerity:

"Between you and me, why the need for thanks?"

She paused, her gaze shifting to linger on Lin Chen with a hint of curiosity:

"It seems... you have broken through again?"

Lin Chen had not suppressed his aura.

The surging sense of power, not yet fully settled after his recent breakthrough, could not escape her perception:

"Mm, two-star Dou Ling."

Lin Chen did not hide it.

A flash of amazement crossed Xiao Xun'er's eyes, though there was little surprise, as if she felt it were only natural:

"It seems your trip was quite fruitful."

Her tone was relaxed, carrying a hint of genuine happiness for him.

The two chatted for a while longer, mostly with Xiao Xun'er sharing interesting anecdotes from around Wutan City.

Or perhaps observations on cultivation, her voice soft and her cadence soothing.

Lin Chen mostly listened quietly, occasionally responding with a word or two.

Moonlight, clear tea, a small courtyard, a young man and a young woman.

The scene was impossibly serene and beautiful, forming an extreme contrast to the bloody, purgatory-like scene from not long ago.

After a while, Lin Chen set down his teacup, taking the initiative to break the tranquility:

"I am leaving."

He spoke, his voice calm.

Xiao Xun'er's movement of pouring tea paused slightly, her long eyelashes fluttering.

She raised her eyes: "Leaving Wutan City?"

"Mm."

Lin Chen cast his gaze toward the boundless night outside the courtyard:

"This place is too small."

"It cannot allow me to improve at full strength."

His goal was a broader world, and more powerful enemies.

It was the massive amount of resources needed to repair his supreme treasure, and that ultimate, peerless power.

Wutan City could no longer satisfy him.

Xiao Xun'er remained silent for a moment, a trace of imperceptible loss flashing through her eyes.

But it was quickly replaced by understanding and blessings. She had known all along, This shallow shoal could not trap a true dragon destined to soar into the nine heavens:

"Very well."

She nodded gently, her voice still soft:

"The world outside is vast. With your talent, you should indeed go and soar in a wider expanse."

"When do you depart?"

"Now."

Xiao Xun'er was stunned once more, not expecting such urgency.

Yet she did not speak to ask him to stay, only taking a pale gold token from her sleeve.

She placed it on the table; the token was engraved with a complex emblem and radiated a faint ripple of energy:

"Keep this token well. If you encounter a danger you cannot resolve, crush it."

"Perhaps it can help you secure a sliver of hope for survival."

Lin Chen glanced at the token, did not refuse, and put it away:

"Very well."

Xiao Xun'er then took an ancient-looking cyan jade slip from her bosom.

She handed it toward Lin Chen; the jade slip was warm and smooth, emitting a faint glow, with no characters on its surface.

Yet it exuded an ancient and obscure aura:

"Take this as well; it might be of some help to you."

Lin Chen took the jade slip, feeling its slight weight, and could sense the strange energy contained within.

He nodded:

"Many thanks."

Xiao Xun'er looked at his profile, a soft sigh escaping her heart.

In truth, she was somewhat reluctant to see Lin Chen go.

But she did not show it, instead revealing a gentle smile:

"Then... I wish you a smooth journey."

Lin Chen stood up and nodded at her, a gesture of farewell.

Without any superfluous words, he turned and walked toward the courtyard gate, his back resolute.

Just as he was about to step out of the courtyard, Xiao Xun'er's voice sounded once more.

It carried a trace of an imperceptible tremor:

"Lin Chen!"

Lin Chen's footsteps halted.

"Take care."

A thousand words ultimately distilled into these two, containing endless concern.

This time, Lin Chen did not respond, but his previously firm back suddenly stiffened.

The next second, he turned abruptly and strode a few steps to stand before Xiao Xun'er.

He opened his arms and pulled her tightly into his embrace.

Xiao Xun'er was completely stunned, her glass-like eyes filled with astonishment.

Her body stiffened instantly, and she even forgot how to breathe.

The tip of her nose was filled with the faint scent of blood lingering on him, yet strangely, it was not unpleasant.

Instead, it was mixed with a scent that brought a sense of peace:

"Xun'er..."