When Elder Iron Pillar was defeated and retreated, Zhu Qianqiu then concealed all the arrays of Black Dragon City. From the exterior, it appeared no different from its original state,
and Black Dragon City returned to its former glory. However, the grand battle of that day became a topic of conversation over tea and meals.
In the Governor’s Mansion, Chu Ming was standing before a small lake in his courtyard. At this moment, scenes of Elder Iron Pillar performing the Sword Slaughter technique replayed in his mind, over and over, like a movie.
"The Six Great Sword Intents are interconnected, differing only in attributes. Perhaps I can comprehend something from his sword techniques!"
Chu Ming’s mind became utterly serene as he pushed his enlightenment ability to its limit, resembling countless flowing auroras.
Chu Ming stood there for several days. During this time, Zhu Hongxue came to find him but sensed the vast ocean-like sword momentum emanating from him and understood he was comprehending sword intent, so she did not disturb him.
Sometime later, ripples spontaneously formed on the lake surface before him, even without wind, as if a mirror was cracking from the center, and the ripples were gradually expanding with the momentum of a rising tide.
The water in the lake surged upwards, and many droplets floated mid-air above the lake, taking on a dreamy, fantastical hue. In an instant, a magnificent scene unfolded.
In an instant, the water droplets hanging in the air transformed, seemingly becoming filled with countless sharp edges, giving the illusion of piercing through the void.
A huge column of water shot skyward from the lake, spraying in all directions like a celestial maiden scattering blossoms. Remarkably, each of these water droplets contained intense Slaughter Sword Intent. Even an ordinary droplet could easily kill a martial artist at the True Dao Fifth Layer.
For half an hour, a shocking Slaughter Sword Intent surged from Chu Ming, reeking of blood. The water droplets in the lake appeared to be tinged with color.
The water droplets now seemed like pearls, slowly falling from the sky, plinking into the lake, creating ripples reminiscent of great pearls and small pearls dropping on a jade plate.
Chu Ming let out a slight breath of turbid air. A few streaks of sharp light flashed in his eyes. The Slaughter Sword Intent around him instantly retracted into his body, becoming restrained.
"I didn’t expect the Slaughter Sword Intent to advance!"
After days of standing by the lake and seeking enlightenment, Chu Ming had not developed a new killing move, but his Slaughter Sword Intent unexpectedly advanced to Tier Two Sword Intent. So it wasn’t without any gains.
The Tier Two Slaughter Sword Intent raised Chu Ming’s understanding of sword techniques to a new level.
Chu Ming’s gaze swept around as a guard from the Governor’s Mansion rushed toward him, looking extremely anxious.
"Young Master Chu, the Governor is asking you to come to the garden; there’s an urgent matter to discuss!"
The guard respectfully addressed Chu Ming upon seeing him, casting a curious glance. The story of Chu Ming killing the pursuer of Young Master Chasing Heart was no secret in Black Dragon City, thus making the guard, who had heard of Chu Ming but never seen him, rather intrigued.
Putting aside his cultivation intentions, Chu Ming understood it must be an urgent matter for Zhu Qianqiu to send someone to interrupt his training.
The guard led the way in front while Chu Ming followed closely, his eyes scanning around. His brows furrowed slightly because the usually calm Governor’s Mansion seemed somewhat tense.
"Did something big happen?"
Chu Ming inquired, making the guard’s expression turn awkward, stammering as he replied.
"The City Lord of White Dragon City has arrived, and many elite talents came with him!"
The guard breathed a sigh of relief after finishing the statement. Upon hearing this, Chu Ming nodded slightly, roughly guessing the purpose of the visit.
As far as he knew, the City Lord of White Dragon City was named Xu Yibai, a top master in the Guiyuan Realm. White Dragon City and Black Dragon City were neighboring counties, often clashing due to trade team interactions. Xu Yibai and Zhu Qianqiu had always been at odds, so it was no surprise the current visit was to stand off.
After turning several corners in the Governor’s Mansion, it didn’t take long for Chu Ming and the guard to reach the garden. The garden was distinctly divided into two camps, and the atmosphere was extremely tense.
Most of the younger generation stood amongst the two sides. Chu Ming recognized two familiar figures in Black Dragon City’s camp: Zhu Hongxue and Zhao Wuhai. However, their faces looked rather bad, with Zhao Wuhai looking particularly pale, indicating severe injuries.
The young warriors from White Dragon City looked at Zhu Hongxue and company with disdain, occasionally mocking them with words.
In a small pavilion, Zhu Qianqiu and a rather obese middle-aged man in black sat at a stone table. Zhu Qianqiu had a sullen expression while the plump man smiled continuously, his thoughts unclear. This man was Xu Yibai, the Prefect of White Dragon City.
"Brother Zhu, I heard you recently fought a great battle with Elder Iron Pillar over a talent. Why isn’t that talent out today?"
Xu Yibai took a sip of tea from the stone table, smiling as he spoke.
"My lord, Chu Ming has arrived!"
Just then, Chu Ming arrived in the garden with the guard, drawing everyone’s attention.
"Greetings, my lord!"
Chu Ming bowed slightly.
Zhu Qianqiu’s face eased a bit as he waved to the guard, who nodded and turned to leave the garden. Not until he stepped out of the garden did he notice the chill on his back, which was already drenched.
"Is this Chu Ming, the so-called genius?"
A hint of surprise flashed in Xu Yibai’s eyes because Chu Ming’s appearance was exceedingly calm. Typically, swordsmen and blade masters develop some characteristics of their weapons—cold, sharp, or fierce—but Chu Ming embodied none of these traits.
"Haha, a genius? They claim to be geniuses, but weren’t they still beaten like dogs by us!"
A sudden clear voice emerged from White Dragon City’s side, deeply toned, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.
Chu Ming followed the voice to see a figure in a blue robe. Upon recognizing the person, his brow furrowed because he knew this blue-robed youth—they had faced each other before.
Yes, the one who had just spoken was indeed Bing Bufan, the Second Prince of the Ice Saint Kingdom. However, compared to before, he appeared more enchanting, with grayish streams of energy occasionally flickering in his eyes.