Chapter 10: The True Culprit

"Yu Hualong, today you die!" Ghost Hand shrieked maniacally. He had become the inner demon of Ghost Hand’s soul.

"Nether Hand!"

A gargantuan, blood-red palm whistled through the air. This pair of hands possessed an incredibly powerful suction, instantly draining the life force of every disciple in the vicinity. It was a supreme technique that converted life force into killing intent—one of Ghost Hand’s ultimate trump cards.

"Die for me!"

*Bang!*

The formidable Nether Hand smashed Yu Hualong deep into the earth, sending up a cloud of dust. The disciples who had narrowly escaped the attack gasped in horror. Was this the power of the Nether Hand? Was Lord Yu Hualong doomed?

"Hahaha! How is it? This is the Nether Hand you always looked down upon; today, you die by its power! Do you have any last words? Your era has long since passed. Today, in front of everyone, I will defeat you to prove that I alone am the strongest in Demon Heaven City!"

"Hmm, you’re as long-winded as ever. Is this the Nether Hand? It seems rather mediocre. I feel cheated for having looked forward to it."

Yu Hualong was unharmed! How was this possible?

Amidst the stunned gazes of the crowd, Yu Hualong slowly climbed out of the crater. Aside from being covered in dust, he showed no signs of injury.

"Since you’ve had your fun, it’s my turn now!"

"Heavenly Demon Palm!"

An enormous palm descended slowly from the heavens. At that moment, everyone was frozen, their eyes locked on the falling hand. The overwhelming pressure instantly flattened the once-magnificent Demon Heaven City into a wasteland.

*Pfft!*

The violent shockwave severely wounded all the disciples of the city. As they coughed up blood, they wondered: had he gone mad? Did he even know what he was doing?

*Boom!*

The massive palm slammed into the terrified Ghost Hand. It all happened too fast; despite his formidable strength, he was dealt a devastating blow.

"Demon Heaven City is no longer what it once was. Since that’s the case, we might as well destroy it and start anew. But before that, I must finish you. Get up, Ghost Hand! Weren’t you being very arrogant just now? Come on, this isn’t your full strength, is it? What are you waiting for?"

"Hahaha! That’s right! That’s the version of you I recognize! I haven’t been injured in such a long time. This is truly exhilarating!"

"Space Slaughter!"

Ghost Hand was now completely insane. Blood stained his clothes, but he didn't care. The one who would die in the end would surely be Yu Hualong!

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!*

A massive vortex appeared in space! If it was to be destroyed, then so be it! Let everything be annihilated! Ghost Hand roared in his heart.

Spatial energy was the most stable force, rarely causing issues, but once it went wild, it brought destruction beyond imagination. Once the Space Slaughter vortex appeared, no one could stop it.

"Ah!!!"

"My Lord, save me!"

The screams of disciples rang in Ghost Hand’s ears, but the only thing that mattered to him was the calm expression on Yu Hualong’s face. Why, even at a time like this, could he remain so composed? Did he still have a way to break this?

*Whoosh!*

"No!!"

Cheng Ji watched in despair as her beloved was swallowed by the vortex. At that moment, she felt as if her mind had stopped functioning. After a shrill scream, she collapsed. How did things end up like this? It shouldn't be this way! A-Long had reached the pinnacle of martial arts; in Demon Heaven City, he was supposed to be invincible! What had happened?

"Hahaha! Do you all see? I am the strongest! Since I created Space Slaughter, no one has been able to withstand it. The dense spatial energy will tear him into fragments in an instant!"

Ghost Hand’s face was twisted, and the crowd felt a bone-chilling cold. Had the former Lord of Demon Heaven City really been defeated so easily? They hadn't even recovered from the sight of Yin Mo being killed instantly by Yu Hualong, and now they were told their champion was finished!

"Hahaha! Who’s next? If anyone is still dissatisfied, come up and I’ll finish you all together! Do you think I don’t know what you’re all thinking? You all deserve to die!"

"Demon Heaven Fist!"

*Boom!*

Just then, Yu Hualong’s voice echoed through the sky. With a thunderous sound, space shattered once more. Yu Hualong’s upper garments were tattered, but he remained uninjured. On the contrary, his eyes grew colder.

"Long live the City Lord!"

Someone shouted, and the chant spread like wildfire. Every disciple in Demon Heaven City realized that only if Yu Hualong won could they survive. They felt cold inside; they had risked their lives for the city, sweating and suffering, only to be betrayed by Lord Ghost Hand who now wanted them dead.

Such a man was not fit to be the Lord of Demon Heaven City.

"Kill Ghost Hand!"

"Kill Ghost Hand!"

"Look, this is the voice of the people. You have become a rat crossing the street. Many years ago, I told you to treat the disciples well. It’s a pity that over the years, you’ve forgotten. No, you’ve always been stubborn and self-centered—how could you ever care about the lives of others? Ghost Hand, today is your death day! No one can save you!"

"No! I will not be defeated! You should be the ones dying, all of you! You wretches—if not for me, where would you be today? Traitors! You are all traitors! Die!"

"Brothers, Ghost Hand is a villain! Today, we shall avenge our fallen brothers!"

"Sacred Arrows!"

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!*

Countless beams of light shot from the hands of the disciples, piercing Ghost Hand’s body in an instant!

"No! This is impossible! I won't lose!"

In utter disbelief, Ghost Hand perished. A man like him deserved such an end. After years of arrogance, this was his due retribution.

*Pfft!*

The disciples had clearly used all their remaining strength to unleash the Sacred Arrows, and the backlash was severe. They collapsed, heavily wounded, yet faint smiles graced their faces. What was a wound? As long as they could kill Ghost Hand, it was worth it.

Now, it was finally over.

Yu Hualong walked up to Ghost Hand. When this man was quiet, he truly exuded a sense of intimacy. "Ghost Hand, you never expected to die so miserably, did you? Our feud ends here."

*Sshh!*

A sharp blade pierced Yu Hualong’s body when he least expected it.

"The feud ends here? You’re dreaming! What? You thought I was dead? You were wrong. I was waiting for you to get close so I could kill you in one strike! Hahaha! You brat, despite your profound cultivation, you are still too naive. What do you think got me from a common soldier to where I am today? It was my brain—it was deception! You’re frustrated, aren't you? I told you, even if you came, you couldn't change anything. Soon, I will finish everyone here! They are all dying because of you!"

*Pfft!*

Yu Hualong spat out a mouthful of black blood. He had been poisoned! The dagger had been laced with toxin.

"My 'Thousand Tears Ice'—the taste is quite good, isn't it? I remember I owed the development of this poison to you. But you never imagined you would die by it!"

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!*

Several beams of light struck down the disciples who had attacked him. Ghost Hand never showed mercy to traitors.

"What? You all thought I was finished and that you could escape my control? It’s not that easy. I worked so hard to get here; how could I let it go? Hmph, although I don't like Yu Hualong, he said one thing right: Demon Heaven City has changed. Since it has changed, it might as well be destroyed!"

"Holy Light Sword!"

A fierce sword aura cut through the air!

*Clang!*

Ghost Hand didn't even turn around; he blocked Cheng Ji’s ultimate technique with just one finger.

"Cheng Ji, you’ve always been the most disobedient one. Fine, I’ll start with you. I’ll let you die in front of your beloved man—consider it a mercy!"

Ghost Hand’s face was pale. The Sacred Arrows had truly been powerful, and he was severely wounded; he had risked his life to poison Yu Hualong, or else he would never have stood a chance. He gasped for air, dragging his right foot across the uneven ground, leaving a shocking trail of blood.

"Hmph, your Holy Light Sword is pathetic. It might be good for catching a rabbit, but you aren't qualified to kill me! Your man is poisoned and about to perish, so go join him!"

"Thousand Demon Finger!"

Ghost Hand’s slender finger tapped lightly on Cheng Ji’s forehead. Normally, this move was intended to kill with powerful force, but now, it could only induce hallucinations. Yet, that was enough!

"Ah!!! Let me go!"

Cheng Ji’s face was filled with terror as she let out a scream. What had she seen?

"Don't grab me! Don't grab me! I was wrong! I was wrong! I’ll never do it again!"

Cheng Ji had completely lost her mind! Gone was her elegant temperament; she was disheveled, her eyes wide with fear, as if secrets buried for years had suddenly been unearthed.

"Cheng Ji, what’s wrong with you? Look at me! Calm down!"

"Mother! What is wrong with you? You’re scaring me!"

Yu Hualong’s calls and Yu Xin’s crying intertwined—a truly suffocating, heart-wrenching scene.

"Ghost Hand! If you have the guts, come at me! What kind of skill is it to bully a weak woman?"

Yu Hualong lay paralyzed on the ground, lacking even the strength to move.

Ghost Hand found this ridiculous. "A weak woman? Yu Hualong, do you not know who your wife is? You call her a weak woman, but her schemes are a hundred times sharper than any man’s in this world. You saw it yourself; she wanted to kill me. It’s a pity I wouldn't give her the chance. You must be curious what she saw to make her look so terrified."

"This woman has done too many wicked things; now the ghosts are knocking at her door. Can she not be afraid? Enough, let’s settle our accounts. Look at you—when you appeared, you were majestic, but now you’re whimpering before me like a dog. It’s truly pathetic."

*Whoosh!*

A Soul-Losing Nail was driven into his body. The heart-wrenching pain was unbearable for an ordinary person, but Yu Hualong endured it through sheer willpower.

"A tough guy indeed. This Soul-Losing Nail was something you developed yourself, though it has been modified over the years. The more you endure the pain, the worse it gets. Scream! Beg me to spare you, just as you once did to me!"

"I promise, if you beg, I will spare your whole family. I can't help it; you did look after me once. Everyone says I’m cold-blooded, but that’s not true. I remember who was good to me!"

*Whoosh!*

Another nail was driven in, but Yu Hualong held his breath and remained silent.

"Ghost Hand, don't get cocky. If I don't die today, I will never let you off!"

Ghost Hand found it laughable that this once-invincible man, now a prisoner, would dare say such things. "Fine, I’ll wait for you. But you’d better hurry. Look, your wife has fainted from exhaustion, and you are poisoned. How are you going to fight me? How about this: watch as I kill everyone here, and we can share the credit. How does that sound?"

"Stop! I’m going to kill you!" Yu Hualong watched as Ghost Hand walked away, his mind snapping.

*Ah!!*

The ceaseless screams turned Yu Hualong’s eyes red. He had built Demon Heaven City with his own hands; he could not watch it be destroyed.

"City Lord! Save me!"

That day, blood stained the sky and the moon red. It became known as the Night of the Red Moon. Every disciple in Demon Heaven City was finally wiped out.

"Hahaha! Exhilarating! Truly exhilarating! Now that all the obstacles are dead, it’s your turn, Yu Hualong. These disciples died because of you! Only your death can cleanse your sins!"

Yu Hualong stared at the carnage, his heart cold. Was all this because of him? Was he responsible for their deaths? Aside from bewilderment, he felt a burning rage. He was deathly quiet.

"Did you kill all these disciples and my family just now?"

Yu Hualong should have been at his most furious and in the most pain, yet his voice was eerily calm.

Ghost Hand was satisfied with his work. "Yes, didn't you see? These are my masterpieces. What? Do you have an opinion?"

Ghost Hand was triumphant, so he didn't notice the icy tone in Yu Hualong’s voice. Even if he had, he wouldn't have cared. What could a poisoned man on the verge of death do?

"Nothing. I just wanted to confirm it. Now that you’ve admitted it, I can rest easy. Because you are a dead man!"

*Boom!*

Red killing intent surged into the sky, and Yu Hualong transformed into a demon! The space around him seemed to distort!

*Bang!*

Yu Hualong kicked the stunned Ghost Hand away! How was this possible? Ghost Hand couldn't even react!

*Bang!*

An iron fist slammed into his face!

*Bang, bang, bang!*

The calm Yu Hualong’s punches were frenzied. Ghost Hand’s handsome face was beaten into a pulp, bruised and swollen!

"Yu Hualong, you’re courting death!"

"Demon Heaven Fist!"

A terrifying fist shadow descended from the sky. He had to kill this man!

"Demon Heaven Fist!"

At almost the same moment, a black fist shadow shot from Yu Hualong’s palm! How could it be black? Ghost Hand was horrified; the black Demon Heaven Fist represented absolute destruction. No one could withstand such power!

*Boom!*

The shocking impact triggered a massive tsunami, completely obliterating the surface of the earth! What would be the outcome of this battle? No one knew.

*Pfft!*

Ghost Hand was sent flying, his meridians snapped! What had happened? Why did the dying Yu Hualong suddenly possess such terrifying strength?

"My Lord, my Lord, don't kill me! I’m just a nobody, why bother with me?" Ghost Hand was that type of person—the moment things went wrong, he would humble himself and wait for a chance to strike back. Countless people had died to this trick, including Yu Hualong in the past!

"Heaven-Piercing Demon God Fist!"

Yu Hualong threw a punch—it looked plain, nothing special.

"What? Is that all your power? You made such a fuss, and now nothing happened? You really are a piece of trash. I shouldn't have had any expectations! Hahaha!"

Soon, Ghost Hand couldn't laugh. His eyes turned to terror. He smelled danger, but he couldn't predict it!

*Bang, bang, bang!*

Space began to twist and shatter! A brilliant red fist shadow slammed into him in an instant!

*Boom, boom, boom!*

The red fist shadow hammered relentlessly at Ghost Hand, who had fallen into the earth. Yu Hualong was in a state of extreme rage; the fire of fury had consumed him. Everyone was dead—what was the point of living? But he couldn't die yet. Before his last ounce of strength was gone, he had to kill Ghost Hand!

"Ghost Hand! I will kill you!"

The killing intent condensed into a red God of War, fueled by Yu Hualong’s regret for his own incompetence.

*Boom!*

A powerful blade of light split the sky in two. "Do you think I’ll believe you again? You’re wrong. You should die by my hand!"

"Frost Heaven Shield!"

Ghost Hand no longer felt fear; he was equally insane. The temperature plummeted, and countless frosts condensed into a shield. The Frost Heaven Shield could withstand any powerful attack!

"Hahaha! If you can kill me, try it! But know this: even if I die, your beloved woman won't come back. I die with honor!"

*Boom!*

The Frost Heaven Shield shattered! The blade of the God of War was unstoppable!

*Pfft!*

Ghost Hand finally exhausted his last strength. He spat blood, but he couldn't fall yet. He still had important things to do—kill the man in front of him!

"Blood Heaven Great Technique!"

Ghost Hand’s body was enveloped in blood mist. "Yu Hualong, you are truly impressive to have forced me to use my final trump card. Know that this move wasn't meant for you, but dying by it is your ultimate glory!"

"When I emerge from this mist, even if you have heaven-defying skills, you will be a soul under my blade! Before that, let these dead spirits be your opponents. Can you really bring yourself to kill them?"

"If you don't fight back, you will die. It’s a hard choice, isn't it?"

Ghost Hand hadn't expected the battle to reach this point. "Attack! You spirits, strike down the man before you. Only then can you quell your anger. Your deaths were all his fault!"

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!*

Countless spirits crawled out of the earth, charging like swords at the shocked and heartbroken Yu Hualong! What could he do? He had no choice but to fight!

"God of War Peerless Sword!"

A sky full of sword light hung over Yu Hualong’s head. He saw many of his old friends among the spirits; his heart ached, and his hatred for Ghost Hand reached its zenith.

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!*

The sword light whistled out with awe-inspiring momentum. At this moment, all his anger was vented. "My old friends, please do not blame me!"

*Boom, boom, boom!*

Countless spirits were consumed by the sharp sword light. Their power was strong, but how could they compare to the Peerless Sword? Against such a divine weapon, numbers meant nothing.

"Hmph, is this the Peerless Sword? Truly impressive. It’s a pity you underestimated me. If these were ordinary spirits, how could they be your opponents?"

"Spirit Reincarnation Slaughter!"

Countless spirits rushed out of the sword light, their soul energy condensing in mid-air to form a massive soul formation. Yu Hualong had studied formations, but he had never seen this one!

Soon, pale hands reached out from the formation. "Something is coming out!"

*Bang!*

The soul formation shattered, replaced by a spirit body engulfed in blue flames!

"Didn't expect this, did you? This is the true form of the Spirit Reincarnation Slaughter—the God of Spirits, formed by the collective power of all spirits. It seems today we can finally settle this!"

"Spirit Spear!"

The dense spirit energy condensed into a long, sharp spear. The God of Spirits gripped it in its left hand and threw it!

*Whoosh!*

A blue stream of light whistled through the air, shaking the very heavens!

"Die! It seems I don't need to do anything else!" Ghost Hand was manic, believing victory was within his grasp.

"Truly a powerful move. But I can't do that. All I can do is unleash everything I’ve learned!"

"God of War Peerless Sword!"

*Boom!*

A terrifying red sword light roared out once more! The sky shattered, the earth collapsed, and everything around them was destroyed!

*Boom!*

The two ultimate techniques collided! The surroundings fell into silence; heaven and earth returned to chaos!

"Hahaha! That’s right! Yu Hualong, now you know, you aren't my opponent. This is the end for you!"

"I won this battle. I am the strongest in Demon Heaven City!"

The dark clouds dispersed, and rain began to fall. Ghost Hand looked at the muddy scene, finally satisfied. The man he had fought for so many years had finally died by his hand. Yet, he felt a sense of emptiness. "You were a decent opponent, but unfortunately, you met me."

*Cough, cough!*

This battle had drained Ghost Hand of his power. His complexion was grim; he was standing only through sheer willpower!

*Sshh!*

A sharp sword pierced Ghost Hand’s body one last time! It happened too fast!

"No! The one who lost in the end is you. Have you forgotten? I told you: never leave your back to your enemy!"

Yu Hualong? How was this possible? This man should have been blown to pieces!

"What? You think I’m dead? Take a good look—whose sword is currently piercing your body?"

Yu Hualong had suffered severe internal injuries, but he was holding on. This was his final stand! The city was destroyed, and he had to avenge the dead.

Ghost Hand looked down at the sword through his chest, his face turning ghostly pale. Hahaha, what a brilliant scheme. This was the God of Spirits' sword. So, the God of Spirits had been Yu Hualong’s man from the start!

"God of Spirits, you’re good. I excel at plotting, but I never thought I’d be defeated by you. Tell me, when did you become his man?"

"Ghost Hand, you are wrong. I was Yu Hualong’s man from the very beginning. Did you really not think of that? You used similar tactics to harm Yu Hualong back then; I was just following your example. Compared to you, I still have much to learn. Anyway, you’re a dead man now—it doesn't matter."

*Pfft!*

A mouthful of blood sprayed out!

"Hahaha!"

Ghost Hand laughed three times and then gasped his last breath.

It was finally over! Cheng Ji, I’m coming. Don't be afraid. I promised I would protect you, and I did it! Others' lives mean nothing to me—only you, you are the only thing I can't let go of!

Yu Hualong finally exhausted his last bit of strength and crawled to Cheng Ji’s side. They could finally be together!

Who was calling him? Where was he? How was A-Long?

"This is your spiritual world. You’ve just fallen into a deep sleep. Rest assured, your beloved is by your side. He has resolved everything, so you can stop worrying. You can open your eyes and see him now."

Spiritual world? Yes, she remembered. Ghost Hand had gone mad, and Demon Heaven City was destroyed! Who was speaking to her? Why couldn't she feel their presence anymore?

Cheng Ji woke up to find Yu Hualong by her side. He was leaning against a boulder, holding her hand, asleep.

Even this small movement woke him. "Cheng Ji, you’re awake! That’s wonderful. I was so worried. Seeing that you’re safe, I can finally rest. The battle is over. It’s a pity our Demon Heaven City is destroyed."

"No, as long as we are alive, the city remains. From now on, I will be by your side."

"Mother!"

It was little Yu Xin. Heaven had been kind; the people she loved were safe!

"Xin’er, are you hurt? You worried me to death. Seeing you’re okay, I’m relieved!"

"Mother, didn't you teach me to hide when in danger? I saw that the bad man was powerful, so I found a hidden spot and hid when the explosion happened!"

"Good, my son is smart!" Yu Hualong was happy. He no longer cared about being a City Lord; he just wanted to take his family far away from this place of right and wrong, find a quiet spot, and live in seclusion. That was the life he yearned for.

"Let’s go. Let’s head to the Qin family; friends are waiting for our news."

Indeed, Liang Xi had been waiting for news from Demon Heaven City. He knew about the great battle, but per their agreement, he could not interfere. He could only wait. But sometimes, waiting was the most agonizing part.

"Don't worry. You’ve waited this long, what’s another day or two? Or do you not trust the City Lord’s ability?"

"Exactly, Young Master Liang. I have a feeling that all the mysteries are about to be revealed. The killer of Beifeng might have already appeared, we just don't know it yet!"

Everyone tried to comfort him, but how could Liang Xi not know? "I know, but I can't wait anymore!"

"Hahaha! Why can't you wait? Boy, sometimes you shouldn't be so impatient. You see, you were waiting for me, and now, here I am, aren't I?"

"Senior! You must have the answer to who killed Beifeng now, right? You said that after the battle, the killer would reveal themselves. So, this person must be among us, right?"

"Indeed. This person is well-hidden and has good relationships with both Demon Heaven City and the Qin family. Honestly, I was shocked when I found out who it was."

"Who is it?"

"We are at this point, yet you still want to hide? Qin Zhantian, do you think you’ve hidden yourself so well that I wouldn't know? I know exactly what you did back then. Today, everyone is here. No matter how great your skills are, you won't be walking out!"

"What are you talking about? Yu Hualong, I respected you as a senior, but you shouldn't speak nonsense. You say I killed Beifeng? What proof do you have?"

Everyone was shocked. Qin Zhantian, who had been getting along so well with them, was the killer of Beifeng? How could that be?

"You want proof? Fine, I’ll grant it. When Beifeng died, I examined the body. He died from the 'Formless Palm.' Among those I know, only you possess this technique. Look, everyone!"

Although Yu Hualong had been imprisoned for years, he was well-informed. He had a messenger who had died to bring back a rubbing of the Formless Palm print.

Sure enough, upon seeing the rubbing, Qin Zhantian’s expression relaxed. "Hahaha, you’re good. We only met today, yet you found out about my Formless Palm. Impressive. Yes, I killed Beifeng. But now that you know, what can you do? Do you really dare to kill me?"

"Do you know who is behind me? If I die, you all die. Some things are better left unknown. It would have been better for everyone if you had just kept it to yourselves, yet you insist on bringing it all out!"

"Today, we will seek justice for everyone!"

"Hahaha! Justice? Fine, let me tell you what justice is! Don't move. Look around you. A 'Chain-Breaking Kill Formation' has been set up. You are experts, so you know its power."

"My request is simple: let me leave, and I guarantee you will all live. Otherwise, when that Great Lord arrives, you won't be able to escape!"

That Great Lord? Who was he?

"Don't guess. I will never tell you. That Great Lord has shown me great kindness. Even if I lose my life today, I will never reveal his whereabouts! Luo Mingyu, actually, you should have died long ago. What? You think Nanshi belongs to you? You’re wrong. How did Nanshi come to be? You stole it! You stole that Great Lord’s property. After all these years, shouldn't you return it?"

Luo Mingyu’s face turned gray. Qin Zhantian had touched a nerve. "What? You have nothing to say? It seems you know you’re a thief! Yes, no matter how many years pass, you are still a thief! This time you were lucky, and I didn't expect so many people to help you. But next time? And the time after that? Will your luck always hold?"

"If you aren't afraid of dying, then come at me!"

Luo Mingyu had no strength left. "Yuan Hui, forget it. I have no interest in who the killer is anymore. I want to leave. Nanshi... Hahaha!"

"Brother, you can't just leave! Do you want to carry this stain forever? As your brother, I won't let him go!"

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!*

At that moment, three beams of light pierced Qin Zhantian’s body. He died, and the one who had struck was Cheng Ji!

"Why did you kill him? Don't you know that now that he’s dead, no one can prove my brother’s innocence?"

*Sshh!*

"A-Long, I wanted to live a good life with you. Why did you have to be so smart? Couldn't you have just pretended not to know? You were so smart, and yet you ruined yourself. Why were you so foolish?"

A sharp dagger buried itself into Yu Hualong’s body! He was shocked, but after the shock, he felt a sense of relief.

"It really was you!"

"It was me. I was the one who killed Beifeng. Sister, you’ve followed me all the way here; it’s time to show yourself, isn't it? Isn't it tiring to hide?"