Han Yan rushed toward the east gate of Feijian City with Xiaowan in his arms, carefully hiding in the shadows. However, as soon as he arrived, he saw that the gate was already tightly guarded by numerous Han family enforcers and younger disciples. Leading them was none other than Han Wencheng, the Second Elder of the Han family.
Han Xiao's father had come in person!
At this moment, Han Wencheng's bloodshot eyes burned with rage as he carefully examined every person attempting to leave the city.
There was no way he would allow his son's murderer to escape right before his eyes.
Every individual trying to exit Feijian City was being thoroughly searched—it was impossible for Han Yan to slip away unnoticed.
Behind him, Han Tian was in hot pursuit.Ahead, Han Wencheng was personally guarding the gate.Han Yan was caught in a deadly predicament.
Adding to the crisis, he had already suffered a direct strike from Han Tian. His internal organs churned painfully, his spiritual energy was nearly depleted, and he could feel his soul weakening—a consequence of forcefully summoning his sword earlier.
In his current condition, facing either of them alone could mean certain death.
Han Yan let out a bitter smile. To think that the once-mighty Sovereign of Swords, reborn in this lower realm, would be forced into such a desperate situation.
But he did not despair. The outcome had yet to be decided—there was still a chance.
"Brother… are they going to kill us?"
Xiaowan trembled as she clung tightly to Han Yan.
"Don't be afraid, Xiaowan. As long as I'm here, we will not die."
Han Yan's voice was calm and steady. He forced a smile, gently patting Xiaowan's head to reassure her.
He had already killed Han Xiao—there was no turning back now. The Han family would never let him live.
Feijian City had become a deathtrap for them.Even worse, the commotion in the Han family would undoubtedly attract the attention of the Sun family. Sun Tianba might even take advantage of this chaos to make his move.
This was no longer a place they could stay.
Han Yan analyzed every possible outcome, trying to devise a way to escape in the shortest possible time.
Even with death closing in from all sides, his mind remained as calm as a still lake. This was the composure honed from his past life as the Sovereign of Swords.
Han Tian finally arrived at the east gate, immediately rushing to Han Wencheng's side.
"Second Brother, I deeply regret Han Xiao's death. I swear I will capture that brat and hand him over to you for judgment!"
Han Tian's voice carried both guilt and fury as he swept his eyes across the area.
"Han Yan is hiding nearby. I chased him all the way here—he cannot have gone far!"
"Find him! No matter the cost!"
Han Wencheng's voice was hoarse with rage, his bloodshot eyes brimming with murderous intent.
"Leave it to me, Second Brother!"
At Han Tian's command, twelve enforcers and over thirty Han family disciples immediately began searching every corner of the three-kilometer area surrounding the east gate.
Meanwhile, Han Wencheng stood watch at the gate himself, glaring at every single person trying to leave the city.
"As long as I guard this gate, Han Yan will never escape."
Suddenly, a loud shout echoed from a Han family enforcer.
"Second Elder, Fifth Elder—Han Yan is here!"
Han Yan's hiding spot—between two buildings—had been exposed.
Han Tian and Han Wencheng rushed toward him without hesitation.
Han Wencheng arrived first, his killing intent surging.
"Don't come any closer!"
Han Yan pressed a dagger against the throat of Han Xuan, a Foundation Profound Realm early-stage disciple.
Han Xuan had been the first to discover Han Yan, but now he was completely powerless, his hair gripped tightly, the dagger's cold blade pressed against his neck.
The surrounding Han family enforcers hesitated, unwilling to act recklessly.
Han Xuan had a high status within the family—his talent ranked him among the top five of the younger generation.
"Die!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Han Wencheng unsheathed his sword and slashed forward.
The full force of his late-stage Heaven Profound Realm cultivation erupted, his sword cutting through the air like lightning.
Han Xuan's eyes widened in horror.
Before he could even react—His body was sliced in two from head to toe.
Han Yan barely managed to raise his dagger to block, but the sheer force sent him flying backward, smashing through a stone wall in a back alley.
His right arm cracked under the impact, and blood gushed from his mouth as he struggled to his feet.
"Brother!"
Xiaowan rushed toward him, her tear-filled eyes fixed on his broken arm.
"I told you to stay hidden… why did you come out?"
Han Yan pulled her behind him, his voice still calm—completely devoid of anger or fear.
"Han Yan!"
"You killed my son. I will have your life!"
Han Wencheng raised his sword again, preparing to strike down Han Yan where he stood.
Han Qi and the other Han family members watched in silence, making no move to stop him.
Han Yan turned his back to them, shielding Xiaowan within his arms.
Even now, his heart held no fear—only a deep unwillingness.
"If I summon the Black Sword again, I can block another strike. But… my body and soul will suffer immense damage."
Han Yan quickly calculated his chances.
He had no other choice.
Just as he was about to expend his soul energy to summon his sword once more—
"Clang—!"
A sudden collision of blades sent sparks flying, the shrill cry of steel echoing in the air.
A silhouette appeared before Han Yan.
It was the Third Elder, Han Tan!
"Han Yan, run!"
Han Tan roared, forcefully knocking Han Wencheng's sword aside before grabbing Han Yan and pulling him toward the alleyway.
Han Tan had been searching for Han Yan ever since learning of the situation. Seeing the commotion at the east gate, he rushed over just in time to intercept Han Wencheng's fatal strike.
"Uncle… live until I return!"
Han Yan's gaze flickered with hesitation, but he had no choice.
If he stayed, all three of them would die.
With Xiaowan in his arms, he sprinted past the city gates.
As Feijian City faded into the distance, Han Yan made a vow:
"I will return. And when I do… the Han family will fall."