The grand main hall of the Yin Clan was now reduced to ruins. Corpses of Yin Clan warriors and elders lay scattered across the floor, blood pooling into dark puddles. Chen Wu stood at the center of the carnage, his black robes fluttering in the breeze blowing through the shattered walls."Chen Wu," Zhao Feng called softly, standing near the doorway, his face a mixture of confusion and fear. "What are you doing? You killed them all—even those who surrendered."Chen Wu turned, his sharp gaze fixed on Zhao Feng. "They were enemies. If I left them alive, they would come for me again. I don’t have time for mercy.""But—" Zhao Feng began to protest, but his words faltered as he met Chen Wu’s cold expression."Feng, you know the path I’ve chosen," Chen Wu said, his voice low yet firm. "Mercy is weakness. In this world, only the strong survive. If you’re not prepared to face that reality, you should leave."Zhao Feng clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with anger. "I followed you not to wit

The faint morning sunlight failed to pierce through the dense fog shrouding Chen Wu and Zhao Feng's journey. The atmosphere around them was oppressive, as though the earth and sky were conspiring to block their every step. The wind carried the damp scent of soil mixed with a faint trace of blood—a stark reminder of every battle they had faced.Chen Wu walked ahead, his posture upright and full of confidence despite the ominous surroundings. Zhao Feng, trailing behind, occasionally cast worried glances at Chen Wu, his face filled with concern."Chen Wu," Zhao Feng finally broke the silence, his voice trembling slightly. "Are you really sure this is the right choice? Your power has grown rapidly, but... aren't you afraid of losing yourself?"Chen Wu paused briefly. Turning slowly, he looked at Zhao Feng with cold, sharp eyes. "Zhao Feng, I’ve told you before. If you’re afraid, you can go back. I don’t need someone who doubts my choices."Zhao Feng clenched his fists, struggling to conta

The cold night wind whipped against Chen Wu and Zhao Feng as they trudged away from the battlefield. Their steps were heavy, not just from exhaustion but from the shadows clouding their minds after what they had just endured.The dark forest gradually gave way to a stony path leading to a small town. Lantern lights glimmered faintly in the distance, signaling their approach to civilization after their long journey.“Chen Wu,” Zhao Feng broke the silence, his voice soft yet filled with concern. “What are we going to do in this town? You’re sinking deeper into the sword’s energy. I’m afraid you—”“Zhao Feng,” Chen Wu interrupted without turning. “I don’t want to hear another lecture. This town is a place for us to recover, not debate my choices.”Zhao Feng fell silent, not daring to argue. He knew his friend had become increasingly difficult to reach ever since the dark energy from the Shadow Blade began dominating Chen Wu’s aura.The town they entered was called Gloomstone, a small set

Chen Wu and Zhao Feng walked slowly toward the center of the town. The streets, once shrouded in fog, now lay silent and foreboding. Lanterns along the way flickered out one by one, as if afraid to illuminate the path they were treading."Are you sure the source is here?" Zhao Feng asked, glancing at the decrepit buildings surrounding them.Chen Wu nodded without looking back. "I can feel it. This energy is growing stronger. We're close."The aura of the Shadow Blade pulsed faintly, as though issuing a warning. Chen Wu tightened his grip on its hilt.They stopped before an old, abandoned house. Its windows were shattered, and the front door hung ajar, creaking softly as the night wind brushed against it."This is the place," Chen Wu said coldly.Zhao Feng swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. He could feel the oppressive weight emanating from the building, as though something inside was watching them."Do we go in?" he asked hesitantly.Chen Wu didn’t respond. He pushed the doo

After walking non-stop for hours, Chen Wu and Zhao Feng finally found a cave large enough to rest in. The cave was located on a hidden cliff, its entrance shielded by thick bushes.Chen Wu entered first, checking for any danger inside. After ensuring the cave was safe, he sat by the stone wall, placing the Dark Sword beside him. Zhao Feng followed, setting down his bow and sitting on the opposite side.The cave felt cold and silent, accompanied only by the soft sound of wind blowing through the cracks in the rocks. Zhao Feng lit a small fire with the flint he carried, trying to warm the atmosphere.After a long moment of silence, Zhao Feng finally spoke up. “Chen Wu, what’s our next move? Those creatures keep chasing us. They won’t stop.”Chen Wu closed his eyes briefly before answering in a low voice. “We’ll fight. I’ll find whoever sent them and put an end to it.”Zhao Feng sighed. “You know it’s not that simple. They’re not just ordinary creatures. We don’t even know who the real e