The Land of Eternal Night

The snow ape was cleaved in two with a single strike. This shocking scene sent chills down the spines of Shao Chengfeng and Feng Yi'an, causing them to involuntarily step back. Doubts crept into their minds—could their leader truly handle him?

Fu Entao's expression shifted slightly, but his assault did not falter. Taking advantage of Qin Ming's momentary opening while sidestepping the snow ape, Fu Entao's gleaming long blade sliced through the stormy snow, aiming to cut him at the waist with overwhelming power.

It seemed Qin Ming had anticipated this. With his left hand, he raised his spear behind him to block the attack. Then, leveraging the force of Fu Entao's fierce blow on the iron spear shaft, he propelled himself forward in a leap.

Most people wouldn't dare such a move; even if they avoided being cut down on the spot, the sheer force of the blow would have left them gravely injured, coughing up blood.

Yet Qin Ming remained unscathed, closing in on his target with a single bound.

The stout patrolman's hair stood on end as he realized that the terrifying youth was charging straight at him, ferocious like a beast from the mountains. As Qin Ming landed, the glint of his blade came sweeping down.

The patrolman raised his own blade to retaliate, hoping to engage in a clash of strength. However, in mere moments, his grip faltered under the overwhelming power of his opponent. His fingers bled profusely, the flesh torn apart, staining the handle red as he could no longer hold his weapon.

With a swift and radiant flash of the blade, his head was sent flying. His body collapsed heavily to the ground, illuminated by the light of the fiery spring.

Qin Ming spun around sharply, using his iron spear to block Fu Entao's long blade. His killing intent was now directed at Feng Yi'an and Shao Chengfeng.

The two remaining patrolmen panicked. While they were usually ruthless and cunning, capable of unspeakable deeds, the young man before them was terrifyingly decisive, not uttering a single word before slaying. His savage efficiency sent shivers down their spines.

Even Fu Entao felt the weight of a shadow in his heart. This youth, reborn anew, brought immense pressure with every spear thrust and blade strike, leaving his arms slightly numb after each clash.

He desperately wanted to flee into the pitch-black woods, but he feared exposing his back to such a lethal adversary and being killed on the spot.

Qin Ming spoke calmly, "The mountain outpost has seven heads waiting to be taken. Four have fallen already; only you three remain."

Fu Entao froze momentarily, then his expression darkened. This youth was equating him, his men, and their guard beasts—the golden mastiff and the snow ape—as one and the same?

Shao Chengfeng and Feng Yi'an gripped their weapons tightly. Under normal circumstances, anyone daring to belittle them like this would be courting death.

But Qin Ming aimed to ignite their anger intentionally, sensing their hesitation and the likelihood of escape. He feared Fu Entao's potential retreat and the ensuing chase.

Indeed, Fu Entao's inner shadow was momentarily dispelled by this provocation. Even the most seasoned patrol group leaders in the area wouldn't dare to insult him so blatantly. Having built his reputation over years, Fu Entao was on the verge of breaking through to greater heights.

"He's that Qin Ming from Shuangshu Village?" Fu Entao asked his two subordinates.

Earlier, when discussing the dangers of the Blood Bamboo Forest, both Feng Yi'an and Shao Chengfeng had mentioned Qin Ming, hoping to use the boy's golden roots as a tool to explore the treacherous paths—and to get rid of him in the process.

"It's him," replied Feng Yi'an, a bearded man, with a nod.

Fu Entao sneered coldly. "Fine then. When this is over, we'll raze Shuangshu Village to the ground, leaving no one alive—men, women, or children. During this period of mountain cleansing, a 'famed beast' like the one in the deep forest slaughtering a village would be considered normal."

His sinister smile exuded bloodlust as he raised his long blade.

Qin Ming remained unfazed. This was exactly the emotional turmoil he wanted to evoke, ensuring his opponent wouldn't lose the courage to fight and flee.

He added fuel to the fire, saying, "Was I wrong in what I said earlier? Chixia City pays you a hefty salary. The villagers respect you, even planting Black Moon crops despite reduced yields. Yet what have you done? You drain the land dry, exploiting every ounce of its vitality without care for future famine or the innocent lives lost in your power games. To you, human lives are worth less than a deer, far less than your golden mastiff. Are you not more harmful than the beasts I've slain? Think of the old patrol leader who once upheld integrity and the dedicated members of other patrol groups. You're unworthy of their legacy."

Qin Ming's voice remained calm and measured, without anger or raised volume.

This infuriated Fu Entao further, his grip tightening as veins bulged on his hands. Silently, he advanced.

Even Feng Yi'an and Shao Chengfeng, overcome by bloodlust, yearned to silence this unflinching youth who pierced their consciences with his composed words.

Qin Ming struck first, wielding his iron spear with effortless precision. The tip danced, slicing through the swirling snow. When Fu Entao dodged aside, the spear punctured a tree behind him, snapping it with a single movement.

What followed was a ferocious and dangerous exchange of blows. Their attacks left trees collapsing and destroyed the large wooden house near the fiery spring.

Though Fu Entao's towering figure was imposing, he began to pant heavily. His curly hair steamed in the icy air as exhaustion crept in. In contrast, Qin Ming's ferocity remained unrelenting.

Sensing an opening, Fu Entao's subordinates joined the fray, unleashing an all-out attack. Qin Ming deflected their strikes with his chopping blade, the clash echoing amidst the snowstorm.

Their fierce battle climaxed with Qin Ming delivering decisive strikes, ensuring no one escaped to jeopardize his mission. The confrontation was brutal and bloody, leaving only Qin Ming standing victorious amidst the carnage.