"Villa Master! We must demand compensation from the Blue Wind Imperial Family!"The voice of one of the top elders echoed through the Heavenly Sword Villa's grand hall, filled with indignation and fury.
"Ling Yun's loss to Yun Che, and Ling Jie falling to Xia Yuanba—this is beyond disgraceful! And worse still, both before even reaching the top four!" another elder shouted, his fists clenched in frustration.
"The destruction of the Celestial Yang and Yuan swords—our villa's ancestral blades—this is unacceptable!" a third chimed in, voice quivering with rage.
"Heavenly Sword Villa, kicked out of the top four… what face do we have left? The world is ridiculing us!"
"Our reputation is in tatters! This humiliation must be paid back tenfold!"
"We should march on the Imperial Palace and demand compensation—for the swords, for the disgrace, for everything!"
The hall roared with the elders' indignation, voices overlapping, emotions spiraling out of control—until a single voice cut through it like a blade.
"Enough!"Ling Yuefeng's shout slammed down like thunder, and silence consumed the hall instantly.
The elders froze. They had never seen him like this—eyes shadowed, face pale, his usual composed demeanor replaced by something that bordered on despair.
Inside, Ling Yuefeng was a storm barely contained. He didn't need the elders to remind him of the shame the villa now carried. He, more than anyone, was shouldering its weight:
—The Limitless Sword, lost to Chu Yueli and Chu Yuechan.—His father, Ling Tianni, his Emperor Profound Realm crippled and lost by the day.—His wife, gone by her own hand.—His sons, both defeated in tournament, their future clouded.—And now, the villa's treasured swords, Yang and Yuan, broken in front of the entire empire.
All of it tied to one man—Yun Che.
The same man Ling Tianni had foolishly crossed. The same man who was now walking freely, untouchable, not just because of his strength, but because of the quiet storm surrounding him.
And still, Cang Yue hadn't pressed charges for her abduction. Nor had Yun Che acted on the offense. Why?
Because they didn't need to.
They were watching. Waiting. And Ling Yuefeng could feel it: a noose tightening. Not by brute force… but by design. They already dealt with his father and eliminated the Burning Heaven Clan elites by unmasked their true cultivation. All this time, they were pretending.
"Villa Master…" one elder stepped forward hesitantly, his voice quiet, sensing the shift in the room.
Ling Yuefeng didn't look at him. He didn't need to. His voice, when it came again, was cold as the steel that built their legacy.
There was only one thing Ling Yuefeng could do.
"There's nothing we can do," he finally said, his voice firm, eyes like tempered steel. "They defeated Yun'er and Jie'er fair and square. If the Celestial Swords were destroyed in battle, then so be it. That is fate. But for us to demand compensation?" He paused, sweeping his gaze across the grand hall. "That would bring true disgrace. What face would we have left if we lowered ourselves so far?"
The elders flinched, some opening their mouths to protest.
"But—"
"Silence!" Ling Yuefeng's voice cracked through the air like lightning. "If you value your sorry lives… let the matter go."
A stunned hush fell over the room. That was unthinkable—to let such humiliation go unpunished? For generations, the Heavenly Sword Villa had repaid slights tenfold. It was one of their unshakable tenets.
One elder finally dared speak, voice trembling. "Villa Master… surely we can't just—"
"You think I don't understand what's at stake?!" Ling Yuefeng's roar shook the chamber. "We have already lost too much!" He took a heavy step forward. "How many of you know that we've already lost lives—cut down by the cursed swordsman himself?!"
Gasps rippled across the hall.
"How many of you know that my wife is dead? That Yufeng is gone? That our Grand Villa Master… has been crippled, his cultivation shattered? If Elder Ling Kun knew his niece is dead because of the Villa, it will be as good as dead!"
The elders paled. Several looked as though the ground had just opened beneath them.
"We've been hiding behind Father's reputation, using his shadow to cast our pride across the empire. But that shadow no longer protects us." Ling Yuefeng's voice lowered, each word laced with fury. "You want to stir more trouble? Do you dare offend the Imperial Protector, Xue Ling? A woman whose sister wife is none other than Frozen Cloud Asgard's Fairy of the Frozen Glass, Chu Yueli?"
He let that settle. Then, his final blow:
"Do you dare offend the one who backs her? The man known as Mihawk—the cursed swordsman who has slain more than half our elite in silence and shadow? That bastard is her husband!"
Silence. Absolute. Unrelenting. Suffocating.
The elders—men who had wielded power for decades—stood frozen. Their pride warred with the creeping fear now settling in their hearts.
No one dared speak another word.
Ling Yuefeng turned his back to them, the weight of the villa's legacy pressing harder than ever.
"My advice," Ling Yuefeng said coldly, "is to let the matter go. There is nothing more we can do. We are no longer the strongest sect—no longer even among the top four because of Yun Che, Cang Yue and Unohana Retsu."
The elders sat in stunned silence as his words continued like hammer blows.
"Yufeng crippled the villa from within with her disgraceful stunt… and ended herself. Princess Cang Yue has shattered the Grand Villa Master's cultivation. And all of you are still talking about pride?" He shook his head, bitterly. "Our only hope now… is that Elder Ling Kun will stand with us."
One of the elders finally whispered, hesitant and pale, "But… if he finds out. About Yufeng… that she betrayed us and… that she—"
"He will not find out," Ling Yuefeng snapped. "I've told him Yufeng is in closed-door cultivation. He accepted it—for now. We just need to delay the truth long enough. Once Elder Ling Kun moves against the Imperial Family, it'll be too late to turn back."
A wicked glint flickered in his eyes.
"Perhaps when he learns that Princess Cang Yue carries the bloodline tied to the ancient arts, it will be enough to capture his interest… and his wrath."
The room went still. The elders exchanged uneasy glances. No one dared speak.
In that moment, they all understood: the Heavenly Sword Villa no longer stood tall because of strength or honor.
They stood because of secrets… and desperation.
====================
Ling Kun's status within the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region wasn't particularly high—he was merely a mid-ranking executive among the elites of the Sacred Ground. However, in the Blue Wind Empire, he was a figure of untouchable prestige. His strength alone was enough to instill both fear and reverence in the hearts of every major sect. None of them would dare to offend or disobey him.
And yet, today…
He had been rejected.
Not by one. Not by two.
By four.
Four of the most promising young geniuses had flat-out denied his offer to join the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. To say he was furious was an understatement. However, he masked his disappointment behind a composed smile, unwilling to let his true emotions be exposed.
For countless years, young cultivators would beg, plead, and even crawl on their hands and knees just for a sliver of acknowledgment from the Sacred Grounds. They would sacrifice everything to be granted the honor of training under their guidance.
Yet these four had refused.
Worse, he had failed to secure Nezuko, the Heaven's Child.
That alone was unacceptable.
From the perspective of the Four Great Sacred Grounds, the Blue Wind Empire and other small nations were nothing more than insignificant third-rate territories—mere specks of dust beneath their gaze. These lands weren't worth their time, their efforts, or even their disdain.
But Nezuko…
Nezuko was different.
She wasn't just a genius. She was an opportunity. A child with unparalleled talent and boundless potential—someone who could be shaped, molded, and trained into the future monarch of the continent. If raised under the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region's doctrine, she could become the Sword Deity, a force that could dominate all others.
She was the key.
And Ling Kun would not let this opportunity slip away as he might suspect that little one has something he wants.
Could it be? It must be….
Something else gnawed at him—the two great heavenly phenomena that had occurred not long ago. Their emergence had shaken the entire continent, signaling the birth of two unprecedented geniuses.
For nearly two years, the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region had scoured the land, searching for any traces of these prodigies. They had interrogated sects, tracked countless disciples, and eliminated obstacles in their way.
Yet, despite all their efforts…
They had found nothing.
And now, standing before these defiant youths, Ling Kun could feel it—
The answer had been right in front of him all along.
========================
The courtyard that Heavenly Sword Villa had prepared for Ling Kun was nothing short of extravagant. The sheer luxury and attention to detail reflected the profound respect they held for a figure of his stature.
More than a dozen servants had been assigned to his service, yet tonight, he had sent every single one of them away. He desired privacy—no interruptions, no prying eyes.
Within the dimly lit chamber, the flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the walls as Ling Kun retrieved a treasure—a bluish-purple jade of exceptional rarity. The moment he infused it with his profound energy, the stone began to glow faintly, its internal formation spinning into motion.
A moment later, a voice—smooth yet laced with authority—echoed from within.
"Senior Ling? Ling Kun of Mighty Heavenly Sword Region? Now this is rare. It seems you must have something... quite interesting to discuss with this young master."
Ling Kun's lips curled into a subtle smirk as he narrowed his eyes. He had his bait. Now, it was time to reel it in.
"Indeed," he said slowly. "I wish to make a trade, Young Hall Master. One that I am certain will pique your interest."
A brief silence followed before the voice responded, curiosity evident in its tone.
"Oh? Go on."
Ling Kun let the tension linger before finally delivering his offer.
"Hoho… I have heard that the Young Hall Master has spent years searching for a girl who possesses the legendary 'Nine Profound Exquisite Body.' A body so rare that it appears perhaps once in ten thousand years. And as fate would have it… this old man has encountered such a girl."
The previously indifferent voice sharpened instantly.
"What?"
There was a brief pause, then a shift in tone—from surprise to skepticism.
"This young master does not doubt Senior Ling's insight… but if what you say is true, then why are you offering this girl to me? A physique of such value—would it not be better used by the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region? Or perhaps presented to your Holy Master?"
Ling Kun's smirk widened.
Ling Kun's smirk deepened as he carefully measured his words. He was playing a dangerous game, but he knew exactly how to bait his prey.
"This old man knows his place," he said smoothly, his voice dripping with calculated humility. "I lack the courage—or rather, the qualifications—to claim such a treasure for myself. Were I to present her to the Holy Master, my reward would amount to nothing more than so-called 'merits.' But if I were to offer her to Young Hall Master instead…"
He let the implication hang in the air before continuing with a low chuckle.
"Heh… I believe, with Young Hall Master's boldness and wit, this old man might receive far greater benefits."
The voice on the other end of the sound transmission jade erupted into laughter.
"Hahahaha! Senior Ling, you truly are a man after my own heart. This young master enjoys dealing with clever people. Leaving that jade with you all those years ago was indeed a wise decision on my part. Now, tell me—what exactly does Senior Ling desire in exchange? If this girl is truly the owner of the 'Nine Profound Exquisite Body'… no price would be too great."
Ling Kun's eyes glinted.
"As expected, Young Hall Master is refreshingly direct." He gave a deep, knowing chuckle before finally naming his price. "This old man desires only one thing… One thousand five hundred grams of Purple Veined Divine Crystals."
A heavy silence fell over the transmission. Then, the voice on the other end spoke again—no longer amused, but calculating.
"…One thousand five hundred grams. Senior Ling, that is quite the demand."
Ling Kun chuckled.
"Hahaha! To most, even dreaming of such a thing would be laughable. Forget one thousand five hundred grams of Purple Veined Divine Crystals—many would struggle to acquire the same amount in mere Purple Veined Heaven Crystals. But to Young Hall Master?" His smirk widened. "Surely such a sum is nothing more than a minor inconvenience. And when compared to the value of the Nine Profound Exquisite Body… well, the crystals are worth little more than a handful of dust, don't you agree?"
There was another pause, and then, just as Ling Kun had anticipated, the Young Hall Master's curiosity got the better of him.
"Where is she now?"
Ling Kun let out a slow, deliberate sigh.
"That, Young Hall Master, is the only unfortunate drawback. The girl is merely five years old."
Silence.
Then—laughter.
"Oh? Did you say… five years old?" The Young Hall Master's laughter echoed through the sound transmission jade. "Hahaha! Senior Ling, surely you jest! The Nine Profound Exquisite Body… possessed by a mere child? What do you take this young master for? Even if she truly holds such a physique, how could I possibly enjoy a body that is only five years old?"
Ling Kun remained unfazed, his smirk deepening.
"Ah, Young Hall Master, I believe you misunderstand me." His voice was laced with amusement. "I am not speaking merely of her age… but her cultivation. A five-year-old child… who has already reached the Sky Profound Realm."
A stunned silence followed. Then, the Young Hall Master's voice returned, no longer amused but sharp with intrigue.
"What?! A five-year-old… at the Sky Profound Realm? Impossible! Even the youngest prodigy of the Sun Moon Divine Hall only reached the Emperor Profound Realm at the age of sixteen!"
Ling Kun chuckled darkly, knowing he had successfully baited his target.
"And yet, this one is real. I have personally confirmed it. A five-year-old at the Sky Profound Realm, and if the rumors hold true… she advanced from the Peak Earth Profound Realm to the Peak Sky Profound Realm in a single week. There are eyewitnesses to prove it. She even captured a Peak Spirit Profound Realm tiger all on her own and defeated a black panther with similar cultivation. Isn't that more than enough proof that she possessed the Nine Profound Exquisite Body."
The Young Hall Master took a sharp breath. The implications were staggering. If such a child was left to cultivate unhindered, what heights could she reach in another month? Two months? In those months, she might ascend to the Emperor Profound Realm… or even the Tyrant Profound Realm. The possibility of grooming such a prodigy to serve the Sacred Ground was too great to ignore.
"This is… fascinating," the Young Hall Master murmured. Then, after a pause, his tone shifted. "Tell me… is she beautiful?"
Ling Kun smiled. He had already won.
"A small beauty, to be sure. But given time… with the right guidance… she could become a Monarch with the beauty of a fairy in just two years. Imagine it, Young Hall Master. A powerful ruler, raised and molded to serve the Sacred Ground. A monarch and a fairy queen shaped by your own hand."
The Young Hall Master let out a slow, calculating laugh.
"Hahaha… Now this is an offer worth considering. Very well! Two years from now, this young master will personally prepare one thousand five hundred grams of Purple Veined Divine Crystals. When that time comes, Senior Ling, I expect you to deliver. The small girl… and her Nine Profound Exquisite Body. If you do, we will have made a most profitable trade."
The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became—he needed that child. Not just as a disciple, but as something much more. Raised properly, molded under his influence, she could one day become his wife—a ruler wielding immense power, shaping the world in the name of the Sacred Ground. With her terrifying talent, she might even reach the legendary Half-Step Divine Realm at such a young age.
Ling Kun smirked. "Young Hall Master, please be at ease. Unless this old man has grown tired of living, I would never dare deceive you in the slightest. I shall quietly await your good news… and your generous payment."
The glow of the sound transmission jade flickered before vanishing into darkness. Ling Kun leaned back, an eerie smile creeping across his face. His fingers traced the surface of the jade as he muttered to himself,
"The profound aura of that small girl… it matches exactly with the descriptions of the Nine Profound Exquisite Body in the Secret Tome. Heh, to think such a divine physique would manifest in this lowly land… Heaven is truly on my side."
A five-year-old… at the Peak Sky Profound Realm. An absurdity, and yet, the proof was undeniable.
That level of cultivation at such a tender age could only mean one thing—this girl was no ordinary prodigy. She had transcended the natural order, bending the element of sword around her with an ease that even seasoned cultivators would envy. But there was more. Much more.
Ling Kun had deliberately withheld a crucial detail from the Young Hall Master.
Not only was there a girl who manipulated the very essence of the sword elements, but also—there was a mysterious beauty who wielded dominion over the laws of water… and a young man named Yun Che, who had mastery over the laws of fire.
These two were an enigma. A force unseen in this world.
And when the time came, he would offer them up as well.
Those foolish juniors had dared to refuse him?
No matter.
They would become bargaining chips.
One way or another, he would have his trade.
The only real problem was—how would he take the girl?
Her mothers would fight to the death to protect her. That much was certain. And the father… he was an enigma. No matter how Ling Kun tried to gauge his strength, the man remained an unknown variable. Troublesome.
But then, a smirk crept onto his lips.
Did it even matter?
What could they do? Resist the will of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region?
Laughable.
Even if they dared to waltz in and take the child back, they wouldn't make it past the outer gates before being cut down. The difference in power was absolute.
Yes… this so-called "Empire" was nothing more than a backwater. Its people, ants beneath his feet.
Tomorrow.
At the tournament.
That was when he would strike and forcefully take the child in the name of the sacred ground.
By then, no one would be able to stop him. Not even her mothers or her father.
As exhaustion crept over Ling Kun, his body felt unnaturally heavy. His vision blurred, and a strange lethargy overtook him.
"Must be exhaustion…" he muttered, collapsing onto his bed, his eyelids too heavy to keep open.
Darkness.
===============
Then—cold air, the scent of damp earth, and an eerie silence.
Ling Kun's eyes snapped open. But something was wrong.
He wasn't in his bed.
He was outside, tied to a chair in the middle of a vast, open plain. The Heavenly Sword Villa was nowhere in sight, and the dead of night surrounded him. He struggled against the restraints, but they didn't budge. He gasped, realizing that the ropes binding him weren't ordinary—they were formed entirely from energy. Even his Sixth Level Tyrant Profound strength couldn't break free.
"What… what is this sorcery?!" Ling Kun roared, his voice echoing into the night.
A crackle of static. Then, a mechanical, distorted voice.
"Mighty Heavenly Sword Region… Ling Kun."
His gaze darted toward the source—a small golden pig-shaped speaker, perched a few feet away.
His confusion turned to rage. "Who the hell are you?! Release me at once! You're DEAD when I find you! Do you even know who I am?!"
The voice remained eerily calm. "Of course, I know."
The metallic hum of the speaker carried an unsettling weight, like a predator toying with its prey.
Ling Kun gritted his teeth. "Then say your name, coward!"
A brief pause. Then— "You can call me… the Front Man."
"Front Man?" Ling Kun repeated, his mind racing. This was no ordinary abduction.
"Who I am doesn't matter," the voice continued. "What matters is… do you like games?"
A chill ran down Ling Kun's spine. "Games? What nonsense are you spouting?! RELEASE ME AT ONCE! When I find you, you and your entire family will be—"
"Tsk, tsk." The voice cut him off, almost amused. "Petty threats… from a man tied to a chair."
Ling Kun seethed, but the voice ignored his rage. "Very well. I will give you a chance to earn your freedom."
The pig-shaped speaker emitted a faint hum. "We're going to play a game."
Suddenly, a figure materialized before Ling Kun as if he stood there all this time.
Draped in black from head to toe, the man wore a hooded robe, a geometrically patterned mask, and gloves that concealed his hands completely. His presence was suffocating—unnatural.
Then, he spoke.
His voice was covered, distorted—unrecognizable.
"You..."
Ling Kun's eyes widened as the figure casually strode toward him, unbothered by his presence.
"I am the Front Man."
The words sent a chill through the air.
"You bastard! Let me go this instant!" Ling Kun snarled, glaring daggers at the man, his fury barely contained.
The Front Man didn't react. Didn't flinch. His posture was eerily composed, as if he had already won.
"Why?" he asked flatly. "So you can kill me? The only fool here would be the one who obeys such an order."
Ling Kun's sneer deepened. "Tch. What is this nonsense?"
The Front Man tilted his head slightly. "A game."
Ling Kun scoffed. "A game? You expect me to play along with your stupidity?"
The masked figure chuckled. "Oh, you don't have a choice."
Ling Kun bristled at the audacity. "And if I refuse?"
"Then you die."
The words were delivered so casually, so matter-of-fact, that for a second, Ling Kun almost thought he misheard.
Then, his lips curled into a sneer.
"Kill an elder of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region? Even the Emperor himself wouldn't dare offend me." He leaned forward as much as his restraints allowed, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Are you truly foolish enough to drag this puny empire into the abyss with you?"
He expected hesitation.
He expected fear.
Instead, the masked figure merely chuckled.
"Who said anything about killing you?" The Front Man's voice was cold, unwavering. "I'm just here to inflict pain—slowly, carefully—until you're at the very edge of death. Then, repeat the process over and over again."
With that, he pulled out a small formation disc and held it up for Ling Kun to see.
"This…!" Ling Kun's eyes widened, his breath hitching. His fingers instinctively twitched, but the bindings held firm. That's when he noticed—his spatial ring was missing.
"Looking for this?" The Front Man's voice dripped with amusement. "I took the liberty of rummaging through your treasures. And what did I find? A compact version of the Heaven's Might Soul Suppressing Formation."
Ling Kun's face darkened.
"You planned to use this tomorrow, didn't you?" The Front Man continued, stepping closer. "To suppress everyone's strength—to make sure no one could resist when you take that little girl tomorrow."
Ling Kun clenched his jaw, his mind racing. How did this man know about his plan? No one was supposed to—
Then, the Front Man spoke again, his tone turning even sharper.
"Just like the so-called sacred ground forcefully sealed those from the Illusory Demon Realm."
Ling Kun stiffened.
"Those people came searching for their leader, only for the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region to slaughter their elders and take their great elder hostage. And now you're here—to reinforce the seal on the one beneath the Heavenly Sword Villa. Calling him a demon."
A chill ran down Ling Kun's spine. How does he know that?!
Ling Kun's eyes widened in shock. This was one of the sacred ground's most well-guarded secrets—known only to the highest-ranking elders and grand elders.
Beneath the so-called tomb, they had not sealed a demon, but a human. A man they had shackled in torment, buried alive beneath the Heavenly Sword Villa. The sect itself was nothing more than a façade, built atop his prison to conceal the truth.
And now, Ling Kun had been sent here for one purpose—to renew the seal.
But how did this masked man know about it?
A shiver ran down his spine. If someone outside the sacred ground had uncovered this secret… what else did they know?
That was one of the most closely guarded secrets of the sacred ground. Only the highest-ranking elders were aware of it. The one imprisoned beneath the villa…
He swallowed hard. "You… how do you know about that?!"
The Front Man let out a low chuckle, his masked face tilting slightly.
"That's not important. What matters is this—" he leaned in, his voice now a whisper, but no less deadly "—I know far more about the sacred ground's secrets than you ever could."
"I even know about your little arrangement with the young master of the Sun Moon Divine Hall. What was his name…?" The masked man's voice was laced with amusement. "Ah, yes. Ye Xinghan. Trading a child's life for mere divine crystals. How despicable."
Ling Kun's eyes widened in shock. "You! How could you possibly know about that?!" he roared.
The masked man chuckled. "I have my ways."
Without another word, he activated the formation disc.
A surge of energy pulsed through the air, and Ling Kun's body stiffened. He felt it immediately—his cultivation vanishing, his profound energy collapsing in on itself like a crumbling mountain.
"My cultivation...!" He staggered, his legs buckling under the sudden weight of mortality. Panic flashed in his eyes. "You! Only the blood essence of the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region's grand elders can activate that formation! How did you—?!"
The masked man twirled the formation disc between his fingers, as if toying with a trivial puzzle. "Hmph… mere bad coding. This formation was child's play to tamper with." His voice was mocking. "As long as you have the right skills, even your so-called divine formations are nothing more than fragile toys."
With a flick of his wrist, he dispelled the energy bindings around Ling Kun.
Freed at last, Ling Kun roared in fury and lunged at the masked man—only to feel the feebleness of his own body. His punch, once capable of shattering mountains, was now as weak as a child's.
The masked man sidestepped effortlessly. Then, with a single strike, he sent Ling Kun sprawling to the ground.
Powerless.
Helpless.
Defeated by his own formation.
"Now, shall we play a game?" The Front Man's voice was cold and mocking. "Have you ever heard of Red Light, Green Light?"
Ling Kun glared at him, his expression filled with defiance.
"It's a simple children's game," the Front Man continued. "You can only move when I say 'Green Light.' The moment I say 'Red Light,' you must freeze—don't even twitch. Break the rules, and… well, let's just say there will be consequences." He tilted his head slightly, as if considering something. "You have the duration of two long incense sticks to reach me. If you refuse to play or fail to follow the rules… I'm sure we can come up with an appropriate punishment."
"Bastard! Do you really think I'll play along with your twisted game?!" Ling Kun spat.
"Oh, you will." The Front Man smirked. "After all, you're gambling with your life."
Behind him, an illusionary clock materialized, its hands beginning to turn. "Once the needle completes a full cycle, the game ends."
A golden pig statue, eerily childlike, lit up with a bright green glow. A cheerful, almost innocent voice rang out:
"Green Light!"
Ling Kun stood his ground, refusing to move. He wasn't about to be toyed with like some pawn.
"Failure to comply… punishment initiated."
The pig's voice chimed again, and before Ling Kun could react, a translucent aqua arrow shot out of nowhere, piercing straight through his knee.
"Arrghh!!!" His scream echoed through the empty space as he collapsed onto one leg, clutching the wound.
The Front Man sighed, shaking his head. "You really didn't listen, huh?" His voice was almost amused. "If you don't move during Green Light, you get shot. If you move during Red Light… you get shot. It's that simple."
He chuckled darkly. "Now, let's see if you can follow the rules, shall we?"
"You bastard!! Shooting an elder like me!" Ling Kun spat, fury blazing in his eyes.
"Green Light!"
Despite the searing pain in his leg, he forced himself forward. His hatred for the Front Man burned hotter than his wound. The moment he regained his power, he would use the full might of the Sacred Ground to track down this masked menace and his entire bloodline—wipe them out over and over again.
"Red Light!"
Ling Kun froze in place, but his wounded leg betrayed him. A single, involuntary twitch.
"Violation detected. Punishment initiated."
Another aqua arrow shot through the air, piercing his back.
"Arrgghh…!!" He gritted his teeth, barely keeping himself upright.
The game continued, each mistake punished without mercy. By the time he collapsed onto the cold ground, he had been shot more than five times, his body riddled with wounds. His breath came in ragged gasps, and his vision blurred from pain and exhaustion.
The Front Man sighed. "This is getting boring. Let's play another game."
He tossed a small bottle toward Ling Kun, the liquid inside a deep crimson. "Drink this. You'll feel better."
Ling Kun eyed the potion warily. "What is this… poison?!"
The Front Man chuckled, his stance relaxed, hands clasped behind his back. "Poison? Killing you that way would be far too dull. That's a health potion—it will instantly heal your wounds. But suit yourself. You can stay there bleeding if you'd rather."
Ling Kun clenched his fists. Every fiber of his being screamed not to trust this man, but the agony coursing through his body left him no choice. With a growl, he snatched the bottle and downed its contents.
A sudden warmth spread through him, and within moments, a green glow enveloped his body. His wounds sealed shut, the pain vanished, and his strength returned.
His eyes widened in disbelief. Such a miraculous potion… something that could instantly heal even grave injuries. Greed flashed across his face. If I can get my hands on more of these…
His gaze snapped back to the Front Man, dark thoughts brewing. Once I regain my power, I'll make him hand over every last one of these divine elixirs… even if I have to break him to do it.
"Let's play another game," the Front Man offered, his voice calm, almost amused.
"Enough with your games!!!"
With a roar, Ling Kun lunged forward, his fist aiming to strike the masked tormentor. But before he could land a hit—
CRACK!
A brutal punch slammed into his face, sending him sprawling to the ground once again.
The Front Man exhaled, almost bored. "If getting punched all day is what you want, I'm happy to comply."
Behind the mask, his eyes bore down on Ling Kun like he was nothing more than an insect—an inconvenience. If the empire could see what was happening, they would be shaken to their core. A man they feared, reduced to nothing more than a battered plaything.
With a flick of his hand, a small table and two chairs materialized from thin air. Ling Kun blinked, still dizzy from the blow, watching as the Front Man placed the golden pig figurine onto the table.
Then, out of nowhere, a haunting melody filled the air—
"Time To Say Goodbye."
The foreign song echoed through the room, its solemn yet powerful notes sending a chill down Ling Kun's spine. He had never heard anything like it.
"Sit."
Ling Kun hesitated, his entire body tense. But a flicker of movement—a hidden threat—reminded him of the unseen arrows waiting to punish disobedience.
Gritting his teeth, he complied, lowering himself into the chair across from the Front Man.
His rage burned brighter than ever, his eyes locked onto the masked figure, promising silent vengeance.
The Front Man reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek, black revolver. He placed it onto the table between them with a deliberate thud.
"This is a six-chamber revolver. A .44 Magnum, to be exact," he said, his voice even. "I don't expect you to understand what that means. But let me show you."
With fluid precision, he loaded a single bullet into the chamber, spun the cylinder with a flick of his wrist, then raised the gun.
BANG!
The shot roared through the air like thunder. In the distance, a rock shattered into fragments, the sheer force of the bullet leaving nothing but dust behind.
Ling Kun's eyes widened. What kind of weapon is this?! The explosion, the speed, the sheer destructive power—this was unlike anything he had ever seen.
His gaze flickered to the revolver, then back to the masked man. How many more weapons does he possess? The aqua energy arrows, the miraculous health potion, and now this… a hand cannon that fit in his palm.
Greed ignited in his eyes. If he could take these weapons for himself, if he could bring them to the Sacred Ground—he could change everything.
But there was one problem.
Capturing this man.
And so far, that had proven impossible.
"We're going to play a game called Russian Roulette." The Front Man's voice was steady, almost casual, as he ran his gloved fingers along the barrel of the revolver. "A simple game, really. We take turns pulling the trigger, aiming at our own heads."
Ling Kun's face twisted. "You expect me to play a game where I might kill myself?!"
"That's exactly the point." The Front Man leaned forward, his masked face unreadable. "This gun holds six chambers, but only one contains a bullet. We spin the cylinder before each round, resetting the odds—one in six. You pull the trigger, maybe you live. Maybe you don't."
He demonstrated, raising the gun to his temple.
Click.
Empty. He set the gun down with deliberate slowness.
Ling Kun swallowed hard. He had witnessed firsthand what that weapon could do. The sheer power it unleashed. If a shot landed at point-blank range, even a Monarch would die. And now, with his cultivation sealed and his protective treasures gone, he was nothing but a fragile mortal.
But then, the Front Man made things worse.
"Of course, since I'm playing against an esteemed elder of the Sacred Ground, I feel like the stakes should be higher." His tone was laced with contempt.
Ling Kun gritted his teeth. "Cut to the chase, bastard."
"We won't spin the cylinder again after each turn. That means, after six pulls, the bullet will definitely fire." The Front Man tapped the table. "No resets. No luck. Just inevitability. One of us will die."
A cold shiver ran down Ling Kun's spine. The odds were no longer one in six every round. The longer the game went on, the closer death crept.
But then, another idea flashed in his mind. What if I take the gun the moment I get it? I can shoot him instantly. I don't have to play his sick game. I can kill him, take his treasures, and escape.
The Front Man chuckled as if reading his thoughts. "Ah, I know what you're thinking. Just grab the gun and fire all six shots at me, right?" He leaned back, his voice mocking. "That's why there's one more rule. Each of us can only pull the trigger once per turn. The gun will lock its trigger after each shot. Fair play, don't you think?"
Ling Kun's jaw clenched. His only chance to cheat had been sniffed out before he could act.
The Front Man slid the revolver across the table.
"Your move."
The atmosphere in the room thickened, the haunting melody of Time to Say Goodbye echoing through the air. The golden pig's mechanical voice hummed softly, underscoring the tension like a cruel puppeteer watching its marionettes dance.
Ling Kun's hands trembled as he raised the cold steel to his temple. His breath came in ragged gasps, his pulse hammering in his throat. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to stop, to drop the gun and run.
But he couldn't.
The Front Man watched, silent and motionless. His masked face was unreadable, an executioner who held no axe—only the cruel hand of fate.
With gritted teeth, Ling Kun squeezed the trigger.
CLICK.
Empty.
The rush of air that escaped his lungs was part relief, part sheer terror. His hand trembled as he set the revolver down. His body was rigid, but inside, his mind spun wildly. I lived… but that means the odds just got worse.
The Front Man picked up the gun with an eerie calm, tilting his head slightly as if considering the weight of the moment. Then, without hesitation, he pressed the barrel against his own temple.
Ling Kun held his breath.
Do it. Pull it. Blow your damn head off.
His teeth clenched as he willed the gun to fire. His nails dug into his palms as the Front Man pulled the trigger.
CLICK.
Ling Kun's heart sank. The disappointment was sharp and bitter, twisting in his gut like a knife.
The Front Man lowered the gun, slowly turning it in his fingers. "Four chances left." His voice was maddeningly composed, as if death itself were merely a trivial inconvenience.
The revolver slid across the table once more.
Ling Kun stared at it.
His hands were drenched in sweat. Ling Kun's fingers trembled as he grasped the revolver, the cold steel biting against his sweat-slicked skin. Fear—an emotion he had long discarded—crept up his spine like a venomous serpent, tightening its grip with every passing second.
He could turn the gun on the Front Man. End this game now. But what if this was the loaded chamber? If the gun misfired, he would lose his only chance. And if he failed… death was inevitable.
The Front Man's voice sliced through the tension like a blade.
"I've always wondered… what exactly were you planning to do with those divine crystals after selling the secret of the Nine Profound Exquisite Body? Did you truly believe Ye Xinghan would honor your deal? That he wouldn't double-cross you—take both the crystals and the girl for himself?"
Ling Kun clenched his jaw, saying nothing.
"The Sun Moon Divine Hall and the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region suffered heavy losses in the last small war in the mountains within this empire. You think he values an expendable pawn like you? Whatever knowledge that old tome holds—it might be worth my curiosity. Of course, you don't have it for now." The Front Man leaned forward slightly. "I already checked your ring. Perhaps I'll send someone to retrieve it for me."
Ling Kun's eyes widened in shock. He even knows about the tome?!
His pulse thundered in his ears. His mind raced. And then—without thinking—he pulled the trigger.
CLICK.
Empty.
He exhaled shakily and slid the revolver across the table. The Front Man caught it effortlessly, his movements smooth, controlled. Without hesitation, he turned the barrel toward Ling Kun, making him flinch.
Then, without breaking eye contact, he tilted the gun beneath his own chin and pulled the trigger.
CLICK.
The silence was suffocating.
The Front Man set the revolver down, fingers tapping idly against the table.
"One in two chances." His voice was cold, almost amused. "One of us lives. One of us dies."
The game was nearing its end. And Ling Kun could feel death breathing down his neck.
Ling Kun's fingers tightened around the revolver, his knuckles turning white. His breath came in ragged gasps.
"What's wrong?" The Front Man taunted, his voice dripping with amusement. "Is your mind racing? Your odds are now fifty-fifty. The next pull of the trigger will either spare you… or end you."
Ling Kun swallowed hard. His thoughts swirled like a raging storm. He could feel the weight of the gun in his hand, the cold steel pressing against his palm.
"Let me guess," the Front Man continued, his smirk never faltering. "You're thinking—this contraption is in my hands. Fire two shots, and the game will be over. Kill the man in front of me. Blow his face off. That's the rational choice, isn't it?"
The Front Man leaned forward slightly, his presence suffocating.
"But there's a problem. This gun only allows one shot per wielder before resetting. If you fire now and the chamber is empty, the next turn belongs to me… and my shot will be guaranteed."
Ling Kun's breathing quickened.
"So, what will you do? Will you take the chance? Will you gamble everything and shoot me?" The Front Man's voice turned mocking, daring him. "Or will you cower, knowing that you're just another piece of trash hiding behind the illusion of power? Another false god from the so-called Mighty Heavenly Sword Region."
Ling Kun's rage ignited. "You dare insult our sacred ground!?" he bellowed.
"Then prove me wrong." The Front Man's smirk deepened. "Pull the trigger. Show me you're nothing more than the inhuman monster I already know you to be. Show me you think yourself above all others."
Blinded by fury, Ling Kun let out a roar.
"Arrrgh!!!"
He pressed the trigger.
CLICK.
His breath caught in his throat.
Empty.
Ling Kun smirked. He had won. The killing shot belonged to the Front Man. The fool had no choice but to end himself.
Relief washed over him, replacing the suffocating dread that had gripped him moments before. He had stared death in the face, and now it was the Front Man's turn to cower.
The masked man picked up the revolver with an eerie calm, pressing the barrel under his chin.
Ling Kun couldn't resist taunting him. "What's wrong? Is your mind racing now? How does it feel, knowing death is breathing down your neck?"
The Front Man chuckled. "So, you think you've won?"
Ling Kun's smirk widened. "I didn't break a single rule. Go on, shoot me if you want, but then what does that make you? A hypocrite? A coward? A piece of trash beyond trash? If you're truly a man of honor, then pull the trigger and accept your fate. Or prove to me that you're nothing but a fraud."
The Front Man tilted his head, his masked face unreadable. "Honor? You speak of honor as if you know the meaning of the word." He leaned forward. "But let me tell you the truth, Ling Kun. You may call yourself an elder, but in the sacred ground, you're nothing more than a well-trained dog. You run, you bark, you wag your tail at the command of your masters. You think yourself powerful, but in the end, you're just another pawn."
Ling Kun scoffed. "Talk all you want. It doesn't change anything. You lost. Now, do it. End yourself."
The Front Man remained still for a moment. Then, without hesitation, he pulled the trigger.
BOOM!!
The deafening blast echoed in the open area.
The Front Man's body jerked violently as he collapsed onto the table. Smoke curled from the barrel of the gun.
Ling Kun's eyes widened in disbelief before twisting into triumph.
"HAHAHA! Serves you right! The heavens have favored me! That's what you get for—"
"Well, that certainly got your attention."
The voice cut through Ling Kun's victory like a knife.
His laughter died in his throat.
The Front Man stirred. Slowly, deliberately, he sat up.
Ling Kun's breath hitched. His mind refused to process what he was seeing.
There was no blood. No shattered skull. No sign of a fatal wound.
The Front Man was unharmed.
Ling Kun's smirk vanished. For the first time, true terror settled in.
What... just happened?
"Oh, did I forget to mention?" The Front Man's voice was laced with amusement as he lifted the revolver, flipping open the cylinder with a practiced flick of his wrist. A single spent cartridge dropped onto the table with a hollow clink.
"It didn't have to be a live bullet."
Ling Kun's breath hitched. His eyes darted between the empty shell and the masked man standing before him, realization dawning like a nightmare. "You… you cheated…!"
The Front Man chuckled, shaking his head. "Did I? I never broke a single rule. I just didn't tell you everything."
He tilted the revolver, letting Ling Kun see the truth—the bullet he had fired earlier had been a blank all along. He had never switched it for a live round. The live bullet was only the bullet he shot at the rock to show Ling Kun the power of the .44 Magnum. The one he used in the game?
It was a blank.
Ling Kun's face twisted with rage and disbelief. "You said it was a one-in-six chance! You were supposed to be dead!"
"Sorry you got twisted up in this scheme." The Front Man sighed, amusement dripping from his voice. "From where you're sitting, it must feel like you just ran into eighteen karats of bad luck."
He stood up, his shadow looming over the elder.
Ling Kun's body trembled. His supposed victory had been nothing more than an illusion—a dance orchestrated by the very man he thought he had outwitted.
"You cheated! You lying bastard!" Ling Kun's voice cracked with desperation.
The Front Man's hand moved deliberately as he reloaded the revolver, the soft click of the chamber echoing in the silence. Then, he aimed it straight at Ling Kun.
His voice dropped to a whisper, calm yet final.
"The truth is… the game was rigged from the start."
"No… no… NO!!!"
BOOM.
A single gunshot shattered the air.
-------------------
"You didn't shoot him?" Jasmine asked, her sharp gaze fixed on Yun Che as he taken off the Front Man's mask revealing to be him all along. She had clearly seen him pull the trigger, but instead of killing Ling Kun, the man stood frozen, his mind ensnared in an illusion.
Yun Che smirked, lowering his Quincy .44 Magnum Revolver. "He was shot with a blank—but only in his mind. The moment I pulled the trigger, I cast an illusion strong enough to take complete control over him."
Jasmine folded her arms, sighing. "And here I thought you were going to kill him."
"I considered it," Yun Che admitted. "But I need him alive. There's someone I need to deal with first, and he might prove useful. Maybe even as a safeguard for my agent. After all, they're related."
Jasmine's expression darkened. "So, he knows about the Nine Profound Exquisite Body… That knowledge is supposed to be limited to the Realm of the Gods."
"Apparently, he found references to it in a secret tome within the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region," Yun Che replied. "The problem is, he thinks Nezuko has the Nine Profound Exquisite Body instead of Xia Qingyue."
"Hmph." Jasmine scoffed. "Leaving him alive might come back to bite you."
"That's why I erased his memories of tonight's events," Yun Che assured her. "But I've also given him a new purpose. He'll now guard Xuanyuan Yufeng—since the two of them are connected by blood. At the same time, I'll use him to stage a separation and dismantle the Heavenly Sword Villa's support system. That'll clear the path for Xuanyuan Yufeng to return to the sacred ground."
Jasmine studied him for a moment before sighing again. "You're playing a dangerous game, Yuuki."
Yun Che simply smiled. "When have I ever played it safe?"
"How is she going to help you destroy that Sacred Ground?" Jasmine asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
Yun Che smirked. "Right now, Xuanyuan Yufeng believes the ones who ruined her life came from the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. That alone fuels her grudge against them. But she needs someone who understands the region inside and out. That's why I'm sending this guy to back her up—whether he realizes it or not." He gestured toward the entranced Ling Kun.
Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "And what's your long-term plan for her?"
"I need her to establish order within the Sacred Ground, build influence, and recruit allies from the inside," Yun Che explained. "By working covertly, she'll lay the groundwork for a new order—one that ultimately answers to me. When we finally make our move, we'll already have a foothold in the heart of their powerful Sacred Ground. When that day comes… expect a war."
Jasmine crossed her arms. "You really care about that woman. You said she was controlled by some kind of potion, and you freed her true self."
Yun Che nodded. "Yeah, I did. But more importantly, I gave her the strength and ability to take back her life. I didn't force her into anything—just woke her up. And now, she's driven by her own hatred to find those responsible, even if it means turning against her own origins. At the same time, using the knowledge I gave her to establish her footing."
"But you don't think she can succeed on her own?" Jasmine guessed.
"She won't," Yun Che confirmed. "That's why her dear uncle here will be watching her back. And the best part? He won't even realize he's following my orders." His smirk widened. "Plus, I might be able to use him to stir up some trouble without it ever leading back to me."
Jasmine narrowed her eyes. "You're a schemer through and through. So, you're just going to let him go?"
"I could turn him into a human torch," Yun Che admitted, "but that wouldn't accomplish anything. I'll let things play out for now. But not just yet—there's one last thing he needs to do before he wakes up, thinking all of this was just a dream."
With a wicked grin, Yun Che reached forward, inputting a final set of commands into Ling Kun's mind.
-------------------------
Ling Kun jolted awake, his breath ragged, cold sweat dripping down his forehead. He sat up abruptly, clutching his chest. His eyes darted around—he was in his own chamber, the familiar surroundings of his quarters within the Heavenly Sword Villa.
A dream?
No… a nightmare.
But it had felt so real. The gun, the table, the Front Man's mocking voice. That final gunshot still echoed in his mind, sending shivers down his spine. He exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. He had no time to dwell on illusions. There was business to attend to.
Ling Kun quickly set up the profound crystal, channeling his energy into it. The crystal flickered before stabilizing, forming a shimmering projection. Moments later, the image of a young man appeared—Ye Xinghan, the prodigious young master of the Sun Moon Divine Hall.
"Ah, the esteemed Elder Ling Kun," Ye Xinghan greeted with his usual arrogance. "You contacted me out of the blue. Do you have further information on the Nine Profound Exquisite Body?"
Ling Kun smirked, his fingers tapping against the table. "This old man has recently come across new information. It seems the father of the little one has taken her away."
Ye Xinghan's interest visibly piqued. "Oh? Pray tell."
Ling Kun leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "They are headed to the Lunar Sea. It appears her father intends to cultivate with her in seclusion there."
A slow grin crept across Ye Xinghan's face. "The Lunar Sea…? That is within our jurisdiction. This is excellent news."
Ling Kun chuckled. "If the young master acts quickly, they can be intercepted before any other sacred ground catches wind of their location."
Ye Xinghan's eyes gleamed with ambition. "Very well. I shall mobilize a few trusted men to sweep the area discreetly. This matter must not go public. We will comb through every nook and cranny until we find the girl."
"Then I wish you luck, young master. And do not forget our arrangement," Ling Kun reminded him with a knowing smile.
Ye Xinghan waved a hand dismissively. "In two years' time, elder, you will have what was promised. You need not worry."
The transmission ended, and Ling Kun leaned back, closing his eyes in satisfaction.
Unbeknownst to him, a shadow lingered just beyond the chamber's exit. Yun Che smirked in the darkness before silently vanishing into the night.
-------------------------
[Ding…. Achievement Achieved]
[Wild Goose Chase]
[Description: Disrupt Ling Kun's Plan of revealing the Nine Profound Exquisite Body to the young master of the Sun Moon Divine Hall, Ye Xinghan and sent him on a wild goose chase.]
[SP: 75000 XP: 500,000]
--------------------------
"Wow… you really sent them on a wild goose chase?" Jasmine remarked, watching as Yun Che effortlessly manipulated Ling Kun into leading Ye Xinghan astray. At the same time, he had sown distrust between the Sun Moon Divine Hall and the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region—a move that would have lasting consequences.
"They wanted a clue, so I gave them one." Yun Che smirked. "By the time they realize it's nothing but air, it'll be too late. Ye Xinghan's going to be livid."
Jasmine's gaze sharpened. "Why go to such lengths to protect that woman?"
Yun Che had used Ling Kun's knowledge of the Nine Profound Exquisite Body against him, ensuring that the secret remained hidden. More than that, he had indirectly protected Xia Qingyue, her Frozen Cloud Asgard, and countless innocent lives that would have been caught in the storm.
His smirk faded slightly. "This moment here might not just save her, but also her entire sect."
A pause. Then, a soft chuckle. "I won't lie—I care for her in my own way. I could have just let things play out as they were supposed to… but maybe this is my way of apologizing to her for what happened on our wedding day."
Jasmine tilted her head. "So, your way of apologizing… is indirectly saving her and her Asgard?"
She fell silent for a moment, then finally voiced the question that had been bothering her since day one.
"Yuuki… how do you know all of this?"
Yun Che blinked. "What do you—"
"Don't play dumb." Jasmine cut him off, her eyes piercing. "You always act like you know exactly how things will unfold. At first, I thought it was the system feeding you information, but… I've been watching you. When something bad happens, you don't panic. It's like you already knew it was coming."
Her voice grew sharper. "How did you know this guy was going to be a problem? You predicted someone was reporting to Xuanyuan Yufeng and killed them before they could act. You knew Xuanyuan Yufeng would come after Chu Yuechan, so you turned her into your agent. Now, you're dealing with this guy because you knew he'd be a threat to your so-called wife.
"And you keep mentioning 'the original novel'—as if things were supposed to happen a certain way."
Jasmine's eyes locked onto him. "So, tell me, Yun Che… what exactly do you know? How do you know all of this? What do you mean by original novel?"