If this chapter's quest is titled "[Dan Heng's Past]," it would be fitting indeed.
They had now reached Scalegorge Waterscape's shore.
Guinaifen anticipated encountering more mirages here, gradually unveiling the events of years past and shedding light on Dan Heng's origins.
However!
The ensuing plot twist caught everyone completely off guard.
Just as Dan Heng stepped ashore...
Two figures appeared within the scene.
It seemed they had known all along that Dan Heng would land here, waiting for him patiently!
Blade and Kafka!
In a detached tone, Blade spoke first, "He has arrived."
Kafka echoed, "Yes, right on time."
"Those emotions are surfacing again, Kafka. I can sense them—this familiar feeling!"
"This kind of..."
"Then unleash it—the Mara-Struck transformation..."
Guinaifen was utterly astounded!
It turned out!
After escaping from the Divination Commission, Kafka and Blade had come directly to this location!
They were specifically lying in wait for Dan Heng!
From the beginning of the Xianzhou arc, the longstanding rivalry between Dan Heng and Blade had been evident. After enduring numerous trials, the two finally confronted each other face-to-face! It felt almost like witnessing a long-awaited resolution!
The stream viewers erupted with excitement!
"Aaaaaah!"
"Fuck, is Dan Heng going to fight two at once? Not good!"
"Help—help help help help help!"
"Are we about to witness Dan Heng's hidden strength?"
"Astral Express Crew, hurry over!"
Dan Heng approached Blade and Kafka.
Blade's tone and expression began to shift as well—transforming from emotionless indifference to frenzied excitement.
"You're here."
"It's time to pay the price! The moment has come!"
"Did you think changing your appearance would let you escape?"
"Could you truly escape..."
Despite this, Dan Heng remained composed.
He spoke coldly, "I've told both you and that woman numerous times... I am [Dan Heng]."
"My past with you holds no relevance."
Upon hearing these words,
Blade reacted as if he'd heard the greatest joke.
"Dan Heng...?"
"Hahahahahaha!!"
"Do you really believe by adopting a new face and identity, your past sins can be erased?
"You...you haven't even experienced [death] yet..."
"I will make you feel this agony, [Dan Heng]. You shall know the pain of [death]!"
On the Scaledeep Sea.
Jing Yuan, Jingliu, Blade, and Dan Heng were also watching this scene unfold together.
As Blade saw himself appear within the plot, his lips twitched slightly. Then, he heard his own boisterous laughter erupting—a sound so loud it startled seagulls flying over the sea's surface!
The atmosphere momentarily turned awkward among them.
Under different circumstances, it might not have been significant. However, the key issue was that they had just finished a fight moments ago, leaving Blade significantly drained. His mood was at its lowest point.
Suddenly!
The scene began replaying that frenzied moment once more. It felt akin to showing someone their hysterical outburst right after they've calmed down following an argument.
Even for Blade...
it was intensely uncomfortable, as if ants were crawling all over his body.
Recalling Jingliu's earlier breakdown, Blade suddenly wished to retreat back inside the ship cabin and find a quiet corner to sulk in!
Fortunately,
at that moment,
the storyline took an unexpected turn.
Someone stepped forward!
He came to Blade's rescue!
"Ha! Not today," came the youth's voice from behind Blade.
"You won't kill anyone here, fugitive, because you're coming with me." Yanqing placed one hand on his hip and stepped in front of Blade, blocking his path.
"Jing Yuan's sidekick... Didn't Jing Yuan teach you to assess your situation?"
Yanqing seemed uninterested in engaging in a verbal spat with Blade. Instead, he turned to Dan Heng behind him and said, "Hey, move away quickly. Swords have no eyes."
Witnessing Yanqing's confident demeanor, Guinaifen could barely contain her astonishment!
The scene was already chaotic enough!
Why did you suddenly intervene, Yanqing?!
And why so swiftly this time?!
In the live stream chatroom,
the viewers were evidently caught off guard by this turn of events.
"Yanqing! There he is again!"
"You brat, how can you be even faster than Jingliu?"
"Yanqing's back for another high-stakes match."
"I really didn't expect him to show up at this moment!"
"That's good, though! Now Dan Heng has some support—at least it's two against two, making it quite fair."
Yanqing glanced at Dan Heng and suddenly remarked with puzzlement, "Your appearance seems... somewhat familiar..."
"Watch out!"
Blade had no intention of wasting more words, transforming instantly into a streak of blood-red light and launching his attack directly towards Dan Heng.
In a flash, Blade appeared behind him.
Dan Heng hastily raised his long spear to defend.
"No need to hide anymore."
"Reveal your true form..."
"Now!"
Blade's assault sent Dan Heng flying, crashing onto the ground.
Instantly, Yanqing stepped forward, using his own sword to intercept Blade's next strike.
Blade swiftly turned his focus to Yanqing.
With each clash,
"Clang!"
"Clang!"
"Clang!"
their blades resonated like ringing metal!
Two ice blades descended from above.
Blade quickly retreated a step.
Following closely after were multiple flying swords controlled by Yanqing, turning into streaks of light attacking Blade from various angles!
Blade swung his ancient sword effortlessly, as if forging iron, deflecting each flying sword one by one!
As the last flying sword was knocked aside, he bared a menacing grin and hurled his own blade.
The throw narrowly grazed Yanqing's cheek, its true target being Dan Heng, who was half-kneeling on the ground.
In an instant!
The blade pierced straight through Dan Heng's chest!
"Dan Heng!" someone exclaimed.
"No——!"
"Holy shit!"
"Why?!"
The witnessing players were utterly stunned!
Caught off guard!
Just like that, Dan Heng was gone?
He's about to log out?!
However, the unexpected twist unfolded swiftly.
It took only a second for disbelief and sorrow to grip all the players.
Blade spread his arms wide, then stepped forward with a smile on his face. As he walked, he announced, "Let me introduce this young man behind you."
"He is guilty of unspeakable crimes,
"Having betrayed Xianzhou, causing chaos.
"A sinner forever exiled—
"The Vidyadhara High Elder:
"Imbibitor Lunae!"
With Blade's words, Dan Heng's body, impaled by the sword, began to stir. Streams of water lifted him gently upwards, soaring into the sky. More currents continuously gathered, forming a massive sphere around him.
Blade's sword clattered to the ground with a thud. The blue orb resembled a cocoon, suddenly rupturing open.
A colossal water dragon emerged, filling the air as if born anew!
After coiling high above, it lunged downward with immense force!
In an instant, misty vapor enveloped the entire scene like a sea fog!
Meanwhile, intense energy radiated from the figure aloft, its green glow akin to a newly risen star!
As the light faded away, the person revealed had undergone a complete transformation!
Long hair cascaded down to their waist, and a pair of azure-blue dragon horns sprouted from their forehead! Their ears became distinctly pointed, characteristic of the Vidyadhara race! Even their eyes seemed enhanced with vibrant contacts...
The live stream erupted instantly!
"Aaaaaah!"
"Huh?"
"Fuck me!!"
"Help! He's unbelievably handsome!"
"It matches perfectly with the leaked info about Imbibitor Lunae!"
"How can I stay calm?!?"
"Dan Heng, you're actually..."