Volume One: Qin Yang of the Northern Sea Chapter 38: A Visit

After leaving the train station, he headed into a secluded alley. “Come out,” he called.

A burly man with a bristling beard emerged, his frame broad and muscular. Despite the winter chill, he wore only a black tank top and a pair of old-fashioned military boots from the eighties. Beside him stood another man, whose appearance was far more genteel. He wore a Zhongshan suit, though the cuffs were noticeably short—clearly a garment long unworn. His skin was pale and tender, betraying no hint of his true age. He wore his long hair tied back, giving him an effeminate air, and his eyes glimmered coldly, like a snake.

Frowning, Qin Yang assessed the pair before him. Both were at the pinnacle of the Heavenly Awakening Realm. When had such experts become so commonplace? He had never encountered so many masters before, and now, here in Bincheng, they seemed to gather in droves.

“Are you here to kill me?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

The burly man grinned. “Heh, Qin Yang, you’re honest at least. Your life is worth a hundred million. If we kill you, the two of us will never have to worry about money again.”

The effeminate man could not help but sneer. “Boss, what’s the point of telling all this to a dead man?”

The burly man nodded at this. “Mei Qiguan, you’re right. Telling a corpse these things is just a waste.” He glanced at the sky. “It’s getting late. Time to send our guest on his way.”

“Wait.” Qin Yang spoke again. “One more thing. There never used to be so many martial artists in Bincheng. Where have you all been hiding?”

The burly man laughed. “Hidden in plain sight. For us ancient martial artists, it’s easy to stay out of view. If not for that hundred million dollars, my brother and I would probably still be back in our hometown farming.”

“Enough chatter. Anything else you want to ask?” Mei Qiguan’s venomous eyes were fixed on Qin Yang.

“I’m done,” Qin Yang replied, and struck first. Both Wu Changcun and Mei Qiguan were formidable—better to act preemptively than to suffer the consequences of hesitation. After all, they had come to kill him; what need was there for martial courtesy now?

Wu Changcun’s eyes bulged wide. “Qin Yang, that’s not playing by the rules!”

“What, you came to kill me? Am I supposed to just stand here and let you?”

“Idiot.”

“Boss, I’m done waiting.”

“Attack!”

Under their combined assault, Qin Yang felt a surge of pressure—both adversaries were deadly. Wu Changcun drew a greatsword from his back, massive—nearly a meter long. How he managed to bring it here was anyone’s guess, but paired with his imposing build, it was a perfect match.

Mei Qiguan’s pale fingers caressed his single-edged blade, a thoughtful look on his face. “It’s been a long time since I killed anyone. I’ve almost forgotten the feeling.”

“Mei Qiguan, stop posing and just get on with it!” Wu Changcun barked impatiently.

The sound of boots thundered on stone as a savage slash carved the air, forcing Qin Yang to retreat. The spot where he’d stood was shattered to rubble—a testament to the ferocity of that blow. He drew a sharp breath; at that moment, Mei Qiguan lunged in.

Fending off attacks from both sides, he grit his teeth and gave a cold snort. “Let me show you something.”

Heavenly Demon Fist Seal.

Though he had fought many times before, this was his first time using this technique in real combat. It carried a bewitching effect, striking directly at the soul. Each fist imprint seemed to bear a seated demon god—majestic and terrifying—descending upon his foes.

“Damn, this is bad—it’s an illusion technique!”

“Heh, only now do you realize? Isn’t it a bit late?” As he spoke, Qin Yang activated the Immortal Execution Art, channeling true energy furiously through his body. Just as he prepared to deliver a killing blow, a sudden attack struck him from behind.

A sharp, burning pain flared across his back. He gasped—he had never expected a fourth assailant.

“Quick Blade King.”

Wu Changcun and Mei Qiguan stared at the elderly newcomer in shock. They had never imagined that this bounty would even attract a legendary figure from the ancient martial world.

The old man stroked his beard and laughed. “Haha, after twenty years, people still remember me. Yes, I am Duan Ming, the Quick Blade King.”

Short Life? Was that a curse—Short-Lived Ghost?

Duan Ming’s face darkened at the jibe. His given name was unfortunate, but it had been chosen by his parents, and at his age, he couldn’t be bothered to change it.

“Courting death,” Duan Ming snarled, and his blade flashed so quickly that only afterimages could be seen.

Wu Changcun and Mei Qiguan were unwilling to let this interloper steal their prize. So what if he was an old master? In this world, might made right.

“Whoever kills him gets the bounty.”

Under attack from three directions, Qin Yang was forced to retreat, his face grave. This was the most perilous situation he had ever faced.

He gripped the Black Dragon dagger tightly. It was now stained crimson with blood.

A moment’s carelessness—

A fresh wound opened on his arm, the pain fueling his fury.

“Very well, Feng Feng—first I crippled your son, but left him alive. Now I see I was too merciful. This time, I’ll make sure both of you father and son are buried together.”

He lashed out with his legs, blocking Duan Ming’s strikes, and used the momentum to retreat further. His condition was dire—blood pouring from more than a dozen wounds, his eyes burning with unquenchable fire.

“Hahaha! Exhilarating! This is truly exhilarating!”

Demonic Overlord Body.

In an instant, he unleashed the Demonic Overlord Body technique. His aura surged, rising higher and higher. Last time, he had only glimpsed a wisp of Dao intent; now, he finally comprehended his first true path.

The Path of Slaughter.

Menacing killing intent radiated from him, so intense it seemed tangible, stinging the skin. He stepped forward—more than ten meters in a single stride. The Black Dragon dagger danced in his hand; all three opponents blanched in shock.

In this moment, Qin Yang was no longer a mere Heavenly Awakening master; his power and aura were that of a true Dao Initiate—at least at the mid-level.

The three exchanged glances, faces pale. “Together, let’s kill him and split the reward.”

“Agreed.”

“You want to join forces? Too bad you won’t get the chance.” With a mighty step, his true energy drained rapidly, but the Black Dragon dagger swept through the air as he charged at Mei Qiguan.

Mei Qiguan never expected to be the first target. His face changed drastically. He tried to dodge, but found escape impossible—he had no choice but to meet the attack head on.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The Black Dragon dagger, true to its reputation as a divine weapon, clashed with Mei Qiguan’s blade several times without so much as a nick. In contrast, Mei Qiguan’s blade was chipped and notched all over.

“This can’t be!” he exclaimed in horror.

“Nothing is impossible.” The Black Dragon dagger flashed again; blood spurted forth. Wu Changcun’s face twisted in rage. He and Mei Qiguan had been brothers for decades—training, fighting, and chasing women together. Now, Mei Qiguan had been slain before his eyes. How could he not be furious?

“You killed my brother! I’ll kill you if it’s the last thing I do!”

“Ha! He who kills must also be prepared to be killed.” Qin Yang’s face was filled with disdain. “You wanted to kill me—am I not allowed to kill you?”

“Are you joking?”