The rumble of sword slashes continued to echo endlessly through the depths of Shenmo Death Valley. Day after day passed within the darkness of that forbidden abyss.
Xiao Chen never stopped training. Under Xue Ling'er's strict guidance, his body now moved like lightning. Untraceable Shadow Step allowed him to change positions in the blink of an eye, leaving behind dozens of illusory shadows to confuse his enemies. Meanwhile, every slash from the God-Demon Destruction Sword Art could split the ancient rocks around him into fine dust.
"Focus your God-Demon energy on the tip of your blade, Master!" Xue Ling'er called out as she floated in the air, watching Xiao Chen's movements. "Don't let the Sacred Qi and Dark Qi repel each other. Fuse them at the core of your soul!"
"Haaah!"
Xiao Chen let out a fierce cry. His silver-gold hair whipped wildly as he spun through the air. The two energies—jet-black and gleaming gold—that had initially clashed along his sword blade suddenly fused together, forming a single dense point of golden-purple energy.
*WUSH!*
Xiao Chen swept his sword toward the stone cliff in front of him.
There was no deafening explosion. Yet the thin, golden-purple wind of the slash shot straight through the fifty-meter-high stone cliff. The next second, the massive cliff split cleanly in half horizontally before shattering into countless grains of sand.
Xiao Chen landed smoothly on the ground. His breathing was steady, and increasingly intense golden light flashed in his eyes.
"Incredible." Xue Ling'er applauded softly as she floated down. "In just three internal weeks here, you've not only mastered the first level of the God-Demon Destruction Sword Art, but your cultivation has also advanced by leaps and bounds."
*BZZZZT!*
The aura surrounding Xiao Chen's body suddenly shook violently. The ring of energy within his soul lake exploded, marking a new breakthrough.
*Foundation Establishment, Third Level!*
"Foundation Establishment, Third Level..." Xiao Chen muttered as he clenched his fingers. This power felt several times denser than when he had first awakened the legacy. With his pure God-Demon energy and this high-level technique, he was confident he could fight an Early Golden Core Realm practitioner to a standstill.
"Your one internal month in this valley is almost up, Master," Xue Ling'er said, pointing toward the top of the abyss. "Three days have passed in the outside world since you were cast away. Today... the Xiao Family is holding a celebration for the success of the Clan Annual Trial and Xiao Yiran's appointment as the top core disciple."
At the mention of Xiao Yiran and the Xiao Family, a cold smile appeared on Xiao Chen's lips. An intensely dense killing aura erupted from his body, causing the small rocks around him to tremble and float into the air.
"A celebration?" Xiao Chen whispered, his voice hoarse and laced with menace. "Perfect. Their joyous celebration will make an excellent funeral."
Xiao Chen sheathed the God-Demon Sword onto his back. His black-and-gold robe fluttered as he stepped toward the steep abyss wall.
"Xue Ling'er, return to the sword," Xiao Chen ordered.
"Yes, Master Ku." Xue Ling'er's shadow melted into a streak of light and slipped into the blade on Xiao Chen's back. "Show them what it means to provoke the Ancient God-Demon Emperor!"
Xiao Chen stamped his foot against the ground.
*BOOM!*
The bottom of the abyss cracked violently as Xiao Chen's body shot upward like an arrow released from a bow. Using Untraceable Shadow Step, he vaulted over the steep stone cliffs at astonishing speed, piercing through the poisonous black mist that could no longer touch his skin.
Within minutes, Xiao Chen was standing tall at the edge of Shenmo Death Valley.
His golden eyes stared straight toward Fengyun City, visible in the distance. The night wind howled, carrying the scent of vengeance waiting to be fulfilled.
"I've returned from hell, Xiao Family..." Xiao Chen murmured coldly as his body merged with the darkness of night and shot toward Fengyun City.