Evening.
The setting sun bathed the sky in a crimson hue as more people gathered at Linzhou Immortal Martial Academy. Within just a few hours, Linzhou had become the center of global attention.
The tale of the mysterious warrior, Su Changsheng, slaying a dragon with a single sword had spread worldwide. While many foreign onlookers were skeptical and eager to investigate, the miraculous story continued to capture imaginations. The fact that this warrior not only vanquished the dragon but also sealed the newly formed space rift with his sword seemed too fantastical for many to believe. Yet, the name Su Changsheng was now shrouded in an air of mystery.
Above the academy, Lin Zixuan, Mr. Wei, and others stood a hundred meters from the Burning Sky Sword, attempting to comprehend its profound Sword Intent. Lin Zixuan had already reported the incident to Xia State's senior officials, as had Jiang Wan, Mr. Wei, and Mr. Qiao. With their reports, the Xia Kingdom's leadership no longer doubted the one-sword dragon-slaying event in Linzhou.
In response, the Imperial Capital's Hidden Division dispatched powerful reinforcements to Linzhou, with other strong practitioners from across Xia Kingdom also converging on the academy to witness the legendary dragon-slaying sword firsthand. Most of those gathered were local cultivators, with the more advanced ones attempting to approach the Burning Sky Sword, while others sat cross-legged on the ground, striving to understand its enigmatic Sword Intent.
Yang Hai, head of the Linzhou branch of the Yinbu, had been en route to the Imperial Capital when he learned of the space rift and the black dragon's appearance. Initially, he intended to avoid Linzhou to preserve his life, but after confirming the dragon's defeat, he hastily returned to the city.
"Dean Lin, you witnessed everything. Please recount what happened," Yang Hai demanded, approaching Lin Zixuan with an air of authority. As he gazed at the rift sealed by the Burning Sky Sword, fear gripped him. Even from a hundred meters away, the sword's aura was overwhelming. Su Changsheng, he realized, was indeed a terrifying force.
Lin Zixuan, however, remained cold and distant, ignoring Yang Hai's demand. Earlier, Yang Hai had manipulated her into leaving the academy, only to realize too late that it was a ploy to distract her. When she discovered the Su family branch's destruction, she was certain it was Horn's doing—a feat easily accomplished given his early Creation Realm cultivation. Now, Yang Hai's presence was an irritant she had no patience for.
Yang Hai, sensing her disdain, pressed on with a cold tone, "Dean Lin, as head of the Linzhou branch of the Yinbu, I demand you answer my questions truthfully. And where is Horn? He is a wanted criminal, suspected in the murder of the Su family branch. If you're hiding him, even your family won't be able to protect you!"
Without warning, Lin Zixuan unleashed her half-step cultivation power, sending Yang Hai hurtling backward with a single swipe of her arm. His body was riddled with blood mist as he plummeted to the ground, landing with a resounding crash that created a deep crater. Dust filled the air as shocked onlookers turned their attention to the scene, recognizing Yang Hai as the head of the Linzhou Yinbu branch.
As Yang Hai struggled to rise, bloodied and furious, he screamed, "Lin Zixuan, you're defying the Yinbu! Do you have any idea what it means to offend us?"
His anger barely masked his terror. Lin Zixuan, once only at the Late Stage of the Sky Control Realm, now displayed the power of a half-step master. He had underestimated her, and now he was paying the price.
Lin Zixuan retorted icily, "Where were you when the space rift appeared? When the black dragon descended? You're nothing but a coward, unfit to speak to me!"
Yang Hai could only seethe in silence as whispers spread among the crowd, clearly siding with Lin Zixuan.
At that moment, Horn arrived outside the academy, where Tang Yuxin and Wang Menglu eagerly greeted him.
"Horn, you missed the big event! Just a few hours ago, a space rift opened over the academy. A mysterious warrior slayed the dragon with one sword and sealed the rift!" Wang Menglu exclaimed excitedly.
Before Tang Yuxin could add more, Yang Hai interrupted, "Horn, you're coming with me. I have questions for you." He turned to Lin Zixuan, warning, "If you protect this boy, even your family won't save you. He's coming with me today!"
Yang Hai, still in pain, mustered his mid-stage Sky Control Realm aura and reached out to seize Horn. But before Lin Zixuan or Jiang Wan could react, Mr. Wei and Mr. Qiao, eager to impress Horn, intervened. They unleashed their half-step Creation Realm auras, causing Yang Hai to freeze in fear.
With a roar, Mr. Wei sneered, "You dare act tough? I think you've lived long enough!" Mr. Qiao added, "The crisis in Linzhou just ended, and here you are barking orders?"
Yang Hai, paralyzed with fear, could only watch as Mr. Wei and Mr. Qiao each grabbed an arm and, with a sickening tear, ripped them from his body. Blood spurted everywhere as Yang Hai screamed in agony.
Horn looked on with mild disinterest. "How boring," he muttered.