In the dense forest, a handsome young man stood with a sword held behind his back in his left hand, while the longsword in his right pointed diagonally at the ground. The blade was entirely crimson, with two lifelike Vermilion Birds coiling around it.
His eyes shone brightly. He wore the distinctive uniform of the Soul Master Guild Academy, adorned with metal accents. The overall design was close-fitting for ease of combat, while his short hair was neat and sharp, making him look young and handsome.
The outfit was primarily blue and white, with bracers on the arms and a traditional woven belt around his waist. A dark blue cloak hung from his shoulders, giving him something of a wandering swordsman's air.
The autumn wind was bleak, and withered yellow leaves swirled through the air. The young man stood quietly amid the woods as several dark shadows flickered faintly around him.
Suddenly, an icy glint flashed from the surroundings, accompanied by the cracking and splintering of trees.
The next second, a massive tree that would have taken two people to encircle was severed from his upper right and came crashing toward him.
Killing intent!
The young man narrowed his eyes. His body shifted rapidly as the longsword in his right hand swung down in a powerful cleaving strike. The tree split in two, its cut smooth and even, the halves flying to either side and revealing Zhen Gang's familiar figure.
The tree had merely been a lure. A cold gleam flickered in Zhen Gang's eyes as he gripped his sword with both hands and hacked downward, only for the young man's sword behind his back to block it.
At that moment, Zhuan Po and Mie Hun made their move. They flashed out from behind Zhen Gang, releasing the chain darts