Xie Jinghan vs. Wei Dong

Hu Province.

Golden River Prefecture.

The mighty Han River surged south for ten thousand li. Upon reaching Hu Province, it split into a broad tributary.

It was called the Golden Sand River.

It was famed for the vast quantities of natural gold sand deposited along its bed.

Since ancient times, it had boasted the grand spectacle of ten thousand people panning for gold.

The city built along the river was Golden River Prefecture.

The waters around Golden River Prefecture flowed gently, their surface shimmering with rippling light.

It was afternoon, and the daylight was soft.

The largest restaurant in the city was the Fortune and Prosperity Restaurant.

A private room on the top floor, beside the window.

The view was wide open, taking in a thousand li of river scenery at a glance.

Xie Jinghan sat quietly by the window, enjoying both the river view and the fine food.

It was exceedingly pleasant!

The table was laden with delicacies, their fresh fragrance overflowing. In particular, the steamed Golden Sand River carp was tender and delicious, leaving a sweet aftertaste upon entry.

Since setting out from Heaven-Bearing Prefecture on horseback, he had ridden at full speed for nine days.

He had weathered wind and slept in the open, sparing no hardship.

At this pace, he would reach his destination tomorrow.

Thus, he stopped in Golden River Prefecture to rest his feet and wash away the exhaustion of days spent traveling.

Without drawing attention, he had shaken off a large number of followers. Along the way, he had also quietly dealt with several groups of ill-intentioned people harboring wicked designs.

Yet from beginning to end, two deeply concealed auras still lurked in the shadows, following him closely. Their cultivation far surpassed that of ordinary martial artists.

After eating and drinking his fill, Xie Jinghan slowly set down his bowl and chopsticks.

A trace of cold light flashed through the depths of his dark eyes.

He silently thought:

"Since you two are so impossible to shake off, then I'll meet you."

Over the past few days, his tracking technique had improved again. He had already identified one of those auras as the gray-robed old man who had once stood beside Gong Feiyu. The other aura was illusory and indistinct, still impossible to lock onto.

Having made up his mind, he rose, lifted the sword case onto his back, and walked out of the restaurant.

One hour later.

Golden River Prefecture, outside the city, on a deserted stretch of riverbank.

Xie Jinghan carried the Twelve Moonlit Nights sword case on his back and wore the Thunderclap longsword at his waist, waiting quietly.

The river wind blew, sending his robes fluttering.

After a long while, his gaze sharpened, and he lifted his head to look toward a corner of the riverbank.

His voice was icy as he said:

"Since you're here, why not show yourself?"

"Why hide your head and conceal your tail like this?"

"What despicable behavior."

The aura hidden in the darkness faltered slightly. A moment later, an aged figure slowly stepped forth—it was the gray-robed old man, Wei Dong.

His face was grim and cold, his killing intent thick, as he said frostily:

"I didn't expect that, at such a young age, you would be so meticulous."

"You actually saw through my trail!"

Xie Jinghan's gaze remained calm as he mocked, "The Holy Son of the Blood Slaughter Sect is actually so pathetic, unwilling to keep his word."

"In martial conflicts, the victor is king and the loser is a bandit."

"Could it be that Gong Feiyu is such a sore loser?!"

"With conduct like this, aren't you afraid of becoming the laughingstock of the martial world?"

Wei Dong's expression darkened as he said:

"Xie Jinghan, stop trying to gain the upper hand with your tongue."

"My young master keeps his word!"

"The Blood Slaughter Sect will not interfere in this matter."

"But I cannot be counted as a member of the Blood Slaughter Sect. I am merely a servant."

"You injured my master in public. Naturally, I must share his burdens."

"If you must blame someone, blame yourself for being too much of a genius!"

After this exchange of words, both sides were deeply wary.

Xie Jinghan's mind stirred. The Twelve Moonlit Nights sword case on his back trembled lightly, mechanisms clicking as a star-and-moon longsword shot through the air and landed steadily in his palm. Fine glimmers flowed across its blade, and cold sword qi spread along the riverbank.

Second Stage of the Innate Realm, true qi erupted.

Holding the Moonlit Night Sword, he pointed its tip directly at Wei Dong and said:

"Since that's the case, today I'll personally experience the strength of the Seventh Stage of the Innate Realm."

At the same time, Wei Dong's gray robes billowed without wind. A pressure several times greater than Xie Jinghan's swept across the area, freezing even the river wind.

He said coldly, "A mere Second Stage of the Innate Realm dares to spout such wild words before me?"

"You think that just because you relied on a few sword techniques and secret arts to defeat several prodigies of your generation, you're truly invincible?"

"Ridiculous!"

"I have cultivated to the Seventh Stage of the Innate Realm. My state of mind is already like a boulder. Your Heart-Severing sword technique is useless against me!"

"I'd like to see how you intend to turn the tables today, and what you can use to contend against me!"

"Hmph!"

"Whether it works or not, we'll only know after we fight."

Sword light flickered in Xie Jinghan's eyes as he gathered his momentum, ready to strike.