From Sword to Slaughter: Evolution

"Yes, it's definitely here," Xiaofeng nodded. "In the hands of Star City's City Lord."

One of the warriors sneered, "Heh, seems like the old man from Qing City didn't want to come himself. Sent you instead—afraid of dying, is he?"

Xiaofeng ignored the taunt. This group included several ninth-tier warriors, and the rest were peak eighth-tier. Among them, Xiaofeng's strength was insignificant.

"So, how are we splitting the sword once we get it?" another warrior asked.

"We'll figure that out later, gentlemen," Xiaofeng interjected, noticing the tense expressions around him.

It didn't matter who ended up with the sword. These warriors were all from outside Qing City, and they had no particular interest in the region. Unlike Ren Xing, who was the City Lord of Star City and now controlled the entire Heavenly Valley Mountain Range, posing a potential threat to Qing City.

At the city gate, Huang Conghui watched the approaching group of warriors. His eyes narrowed as he sensed something ominous.

This is bad!

Without wasting a moment, Huang Conghui turned and rushed into the city, heading straight for the City Lord's mansion.

"City Lord!" Huang Conghui shouted as he burst into the mansion.

"What's going on?" Ren Xing, who had been in the middle of his cultivation, slowly opened his eyes. His long hair had turned completely white, and his entire aura was filled with a strange, demonic energy.

He had fully mastered the Nine Chapters of the Heavenly Demon during this time. With the All-Attribute Boost from his Soul Cleaver, his comprehension had advanced at an absurd pace.

"I saw a group of warriors outside the city gate," Huang Conghui reported breathlessly. "They seem strong—really strong."

Has word of Commander Cheng's death leaked? Are these warriors sent by the Empire? Huang Conghui's mind raced with possibilities. It wasn't out of the question...

"I know. They've finally arrived," Ren Xing chuckled, showing no signs of fear. In fact, there was a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

They...?

Huang Conghui was confused. "Who are they?"

Ren Xing grinned. "In simple terms, they're high-tier warriors who've come to steal my sword."

Huang Conghui's eyes flicked to the sword in Ren Xing's hands. It was long, its blade razor-sharp, adorned with intricate patterns that resembled the Manjusaka flower—a flower said to bloom in the depths of the underworld, painted in what looked like blood. It exuded a sinister aura.

"You... you think I want your sword?" Huang Conghui stammered, shaken by Ren Xing's gaze.

"No... I don't," Huang Conghui quickly corrected himself, shaking his head vigorously.

"Good. Now hide. The battle is about to begin," Ren Xing said, sheathing his sword and walking outside.

The City Lord's mansion was large, and Ren Xing made his way to the main courtyard. There, he sat in the center, holding his sword across his lap.

"They've finally come," he murmured as he felt the approaching warriors enter the mansion grounds.

One of the ninth-tier warriors, a man with a large sword strapped to his back, approached. He regarded Ren Xing coolly. "It seems you knew we were coming."

Xiaofeng, too, furrowed his brow. How did this old man know we were coming? The City Lord's mansion was eerily quiet—no guards, no defenses. Only Ren Xing was there, waiting.

"You knew we were coming?" Xiaofeng couldn't help but ask.

"Of course," Ren Xing smirked. "Ever since you left the ancient ruins, I suspected this would happen."

He's known since the ancient ruins...!? Xiaofeng's eyes widened in surprise.

"Xiaofeng, is the sword you spoke of the one in his hands?" another peak eighth-tier warrior asked, his gaze fixed on the sword in Ren Xing's arms.

The sword was still sheathed, and from the hilt alone, it didn't seem particularly special.

"Yes," Xiaofeng confirmed with a nod.

"It doesn't look like anything extraordinary. Could he be fooling us?" The warriors exchanged doubtful glances as they eyed the sword.

"Why don't you come and see for yourselves?" Ren Xing stood up, laughing.

"Even ninth-tier warriors have come. Perfect. I'll use your blood to baptize my sword!"

With that, Ren Xing drew his sword.

The moment the Soul Cleaver was unsheathed, a wave of intense killing intent burst forth. At the same time, Ren Xing's aura underwent a dramatic change, growing even more sinister and demonic.

What's happening!? His entire presence... it's transformed! And that sword—it's exuding an unbelievably powerful killing aura!

The high-tier warriors felt the shift immediately. Their eyes widened in shock as they took in the eerie transformation.

"It really is a demonic sword," one of the ninth-tier warriors murmured, his excitement rising. "I've never seen a weapon with such terrifying killing intent."

The warrior's own sword leaped from its scabbard, flying into his hand. "Let's see what you've got!"

Ren Xing tossed aside his scabbard and raised the Soul Cleaver high. With a mere thought, he channeled his energy into the blade. The intricate red patterns on the sword's surface darkened to a deep black, and a burst of blood-colored energy erupted from the sword, spreading across the ground.

A massive Hell Cross Array materialized beneath their feet.

"What is this!?" Xiaofeng and the others felt an oppressive force bear down on them as the array took form.

Power! The array was brimming with a terrifying power.

Ren Xing's own excitement surged as he activated the array. At the same time, he unleashed the power of Bloodthirsty Rampage, consuming his blood essence to amplify his strength.

Though he had only recently advanced to the eighth tier, with the All-Attribute Boost, Bloodthirsty Rampage, and the array's support, Ren Xing felt like he could even slay a ninth-tier warrior!

If he could kill one of them, his Soul Cleaver would absorb their immense power and return that energy to him!