From Sword to Slaughter: Evolution

The members of the Heavenly Sky Sect didn't stay long in Tianlang City. After about a week, a new City Lord was appointed, and everything seemed to return to normal. The sect also took several young, talented individuals from the city back to their headquarters.

Zhang Xiaoming carried a basket full of swords as he walked on the road back to the sect, a slight smile tugging at his lips. It was clear that he was in an excellent mood.

A sword! That sword wasn't just any ordinary weapon.

Over the past few days, he had discovered that simply holding the sword increased his cultivation speed significantly! It was incredible! What would have taken him months to achieve in the past, he had now accomplished in just a few days.

With this sword in hand, he was confident that he would soon reach the level of a second-rank warrior!

However, strange things had been happening recently. He seemed to be getting a bit unlucky. He found a stone in his food that cracked a tooth, and he tripped more often while walking...

But overall, the thrill of possessing a divine sword far outweighed these minor inconveniences.

"Finally leaving this place," Ye Fan thought, pleased. After so long, he was finally leaving Tianlang City and heading elsewhere. Although he was currently sheathed, he discovered that as long as the hilt wasn't completely covered, he could still see his surroundings.

The Heavenly Sky Sect party was returning to their headquarters, bringing along many young, talented boys and girls, as well as supplies.

"Zhang Xiaoming, you seem to be in a good mood lately," a fellow disciple remarked as they walked.

"Can't I be in a good mood?" Zhang Xiaoming replied coolly, glancing at him.

"The assessment is coming up soon. With your current state, I'm worried you might not pass," the disciple teased.

"You don't need to worry about that," Zhang Xiaoming snorted, gripping the sword at his waist more tightly.

With this unique divine sword in his possession, his strength would surely soar!

"The new swordmaster, Zhang Xiaoming, is a peak first-rank warrior, about to break through to the second rank," Ye Fan observed. "The Sword of Misfortune effect affects him only slightly—some bad luck, but nothing fatal."

"Still, why haven't any high-level warriors come to claim the sword? It's always these low-level ones," Ye Fan thought with a hint of frustration. He decided to watch Zhang Xiaoming's performance closely—if it wasn't satisfactory, then Zhang Xiaoming might have to die as well.

The Heavenly Sky Sect was situated on a high mountain north of Tianlang City. The mountain was tall, with long, winding steps leading to the top. At the base of the mountain, many warriors stood guard.

"Those carrying weapons, store them in the armory. The rest of you, take the newcomers to their lodgings," Zhang Yinlong began to organize the group upon arrival.

Zhang Xiaoming, carrying the swords, headed toward the armory. The armory was vast and elaborately decorated.

"Place the weapons here. I'll inventory them later," the armory manager instructed the disciples carrying the weapons.

"Zhang Xiaoming, should we let Elder Qian take a look at that sword? I still think there's something special about it," Zhao Si suggested, recalling the unusual sword.

"They'll see it when they open the basket. Don't worry about it," Zhang Xiaoming replied, his expression changing slightly. He quickly left the sword basket and walked away.

Zhao Si, watching him go, reluctantly placed his own weapons down and left as well.

Zhang Xiaoming had only joined the Heavenly Sky Sect the previous year. His cultivation was mediocre, so he had been assigned to sweep the leaves off the mountain paths. The sect's mountain was vast, and most disciples lived alone in small bamboo huts they had built themselves.

"It's certainly a large sect. The energy in the air is rich," Ye Fan mused as he observed his surroundings.

Back at his hut, Zhang Xiaoming slowly drew the long sword. His eyes were filled with obsession.

"Divine sword, help me improve my strength quickly!"

He immediately began to cultivate. With the divine sword in hand, he knew his cultivation speed would be astonishing.

"Ma Honghu cultivated diligently for a while after obtaining the sword. Let's see how this new swordmaster fares," Ye Fan thought with interest.

As long as Zhang Xiaoming focused on cultivation, his strength would surely grow rapidly, thanks to the All Attributes Amplification effect. But few people had the patience to wait that long.

Half a month passed quickly. During this time, Zhang Xiaoming cultivated fervently. With the help of the All Attributes Amplification effect, his progress was rapid. He had already broken through to become a second-rank warrior.

"His strength is sufficient now. He should start training against demonic beasts," Ye Fan noted. He then checked his own status panel:

[Host]: Ye Fan

[Sword Name]: Shadowblood Sword (A long sword with dark attributes, capable of absorbing blood, extremely sharp)

[Quality]: B

[Active Skill]:

[Phantom Dance (B-grade)]: A dazzling sword dance that inflicts significant damage on the enemy.

[Passive Skills]:

Blood Absorption (B-grade): Absorbs blood to enhance the sword's sharpness and gain energy points.

Master Devourer (B-grade): Upon the swordmaster's death, it actively absorbs their blood and energy.

Attribute Energy (B-grade): When the swordmaster infuses energy into the sword, it gains the appropriate attributes. Currently, attributes are [Light] and [Dark].

All Attributes Amplification (B-grade): Enhances all of the swordmaster's abilities based on their cultivation level.

Sword of Misfortune: If the swordmaster's strength is too low, they will attract bad luck.

[Evolution Points]: 19760/20000

[Energy]: 201.5

"Energy points have reached two hundred. I'm close to the two thousand evolution points mark."

But Zhang Xiaoming's focus on cultivation these past weeks had left Ye Fan feeling a bit frustrated.

"Zhang Xiaoming, did you take that sword!?"

While Zhang Xiaoming was practicing his swordsmanship in the bamboo forest near his hut, a voice suddenly called out.

Hearing the voice, Zhang Xiaoming's eyes narrowed, and his expression darkened.