~~~

Xiao Nan has arrived. The prodigy of the Xiao Sect stands protectively in front of Liu Jin as his aura radiates his unshakable strength across the Dead Plains.

Renegade Realm, Level 9.

Liu Jin’s heart soars. One level. That is all that separates him from the domain of the Emperors. Just one level.

“I apologize, Elder Brother,” Liu Jin says. The smile on his face refuses to dim. “The decisions I have made as of late have been risky.”

“That is completely understandable, Little Brother,” Xiao Nan says. “All your role models, including this dashing Xiao Nan, have been notorious risk-takers.”

“You took far too long to notice us,” Bai Wen says, appearing beside Xiao Nan. “What in the eighteen hells possessed you to think entering the True Dead Plains was a good idea?”

“Like I said, I am a notorious risk taker,” Xiao Nan proclaims, patting himself on the chest and smiling broadly. “It seemed sensible enough when I thought of it, and I was right, so clearly, it was the correct choice.”

He laughs loudly. The look Bai Wen gives him is cold beyond words. Liu Jin finds himself shivering when that cold gaze turns to him for some reason.

“Are you quite done?” Somber Edge asks them. Ever since Xiao Nan appeared, he has not attempted to attack them. Liu Jin would like to say it is because Xiao Nan’s sudden blow left him stunned, but that does not seem to be the case. There is not one sign of hostility emanating from Somber Edge. His finger just impatiently taps the pommel of his sword.

He really is just waiting for them to finish talking.

“Since you have not met in some time, I thought it would be courteous to allow you a few moments,” Somber Edge says. “However, I am afraid patience is a quality that was left in my other half. I already wasted enough time looking for you. I’d hate to waste more.”

Looking for…Oh.

Liu Jin’s eyes grow as he realizes the truth of this encounter. Somber Edge said it from the start. He is here because his other took a disciple. That is what Bright Sword called Xiao Nan. Liu Jin assumed that it was a cruel joke at their expense, but what if the words were genuine?

They did not encounter Somber Edge here because he’d been looking for them. They’d encountered each other because they had both been looking for Xiao Nan. Now that Liu Jin thinks back on it, Somber Edge’s Qi had been unusually loud during the fight. He must have been doing that deliberately to try to draw Xiao Nan’s attention.

Liu Jin’s gaze then shifts to Big Sister Bai. She had also allowed her aura to flare beyond the norm. He’d assumed it was due to the threat presented by Somber Edge, but perhaps she had realized what Somber Edge was doing and imitated him when she realized it served their purposes.

“I don’t really care for anything you want,” Xiao Nan says. “To be honest, the idea of making you waste time holds some appeal. After all, you already wasted enough of mine. Why shouldn't I waste yours?”

Somber Edge sighs.

“That fool,” he says, shaking his head. “Why did he bother raising such a troublesome disciple like you?”

Xiao Nan narrows his eyes. His Qi spikes dangerously. Something about it makes Liu Jin’s instincts wary in a way even Emperors don’t. The power of a Renegade is naturally wild and volatile, an explosion waiting to be unleashed.

“That joke has gone on far too long,” Xiao Nan says. The air screeches as the space around him becomes distorted. “I’ve never been your disciple.”

“You may not like it, but the truth cares not for being liked,” Somber Edge replies. “You spent years with my other in the Sacred Bottomless Pearl. Do you think he has that just so he can torture people? Don’t be ridiculous. It’s a priceless relic, the only one of its kind. It is because of it that you are now one mere step away from joining the ranks of Emperors. Even for someone of your talent, that would have normally taken you decades. My other put you there for a reason.”

“The preservation of humanity, right?” Xiao Nan says. “He kept mentioning that every now and then. The bastard was always cryptic.”

“He was perfectly clear. You merely lack context,” Somber Edge says. To Liu Jin’s surprise, he points a finger at him. “He could tell you all about it.”

Xiao Nan does not turn around to look at him because Xiao Nan is too sensible to ever take his eyes away from a threat as significant as Somber Edge. Nevertheless, Liu Jin feels how Xiao Nan’s attention suddenly focused on him in a way it wasn’t before.

“You’re talking about the barrier,” Liu Jin says. It doesn’t take him long to make the connection. Considering everything that has been happening lately, it is the only thing that makes sense.

“The purpose of the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak is to ensure the survival of humanity,” Somber Edge says. “To that end, we exterminate any demons that happen to arise on these lands. We take that duty extremely seriously.”

That would explain why Bright Sword, a member of the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak, was in charge of eliminating any demons that appeared on this side of the Dead Plains.

“However, that’s only a minor measure. Beyond the barrier that surrounds the continent, there are hundreds of millions of demons. Maybe thousands of them. They try to break through every now and then. Did you know that? Of course, none of them have the courage to make the necessary sacrifice to truly accomplish that.”

“However,” Bright Sword continues. “Should the barrier ever fall, we must be ready. It is our duty to raise as many strong cultivators as possible. That’s the purpose of the Sacred Bottomless Pearl. The one appointed to this side has it in case he finds someone suitable. The harsh environment makes up for the natural disadvantage of having been born here. My other saw potential in you to become stronger than even our most talented disciples. I am here to ensure that it comes to pass. You will come with me.”

Liu Jin blinks. He’s not the only one.

“You really mean that,” Xiao Nan says with gradual realization. His senses probe Somber Edge’s aura for any sign of falsehood, but he finds none. “You are inviting me to join the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak?”

“It is the most proper path for you,” Somber Edge says. “If you stay here, you will become an Emperor. There is no denying that. However, you may yet reach even greater heights with us. In a few centuries, you may break into the realm reserved for the chosen few.”

A Divinity.

Somber Edge is saying Xiao Nan is someone with the talent to become a Divinity.

“That’s a tempting offer,” Xiao Nan says, crossing his arms. “But what about the rest of them? You were being violent to my Little Brother just now. I do not appreciate that.”

Somber Edge snorts.

“I will not bother with lies. The rest we can overlook, but that one is nothing but trouble,” he says, pointing at Liu Jin. “His master was trouble, too. He made several enemies, and that got him killed. For the safety of the barrier, it is best if he is killed. I will not do it now because he is not here, but it will be done. If not by a disciple of the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak, it will be someone from the Temple of the Thousand Shadows. The only ones who want him alive are the Death Fashioning Scripture, and alive is a very generous descriptor when talking about that lot.”

Xiao Nan chuckles. “Yes, yes. I figured it would be something like that.”

Suddenly, his Qi spikes. Liu Jin and Bai Wen take a step back as his angry intent washes over the plains.

“Did you really think I would accept that?!”

“No,” Somber Edge says, unbothered by the angry energy washing over him. “I never imagined it could be that simple. After all, violence is always the easiest path forward. I just thought that, in light of what you have gone through, I should try talking first, my disciple.”

Xiao Nan’s aura grows.

“You are going to regret ever calling me that.”

“I already do,” Somber Edge replies, sounding more annoyed than angry.

The black sword is drawn once more, and though Somber Edge stands several yards away, Liu Jin feels as if the blade were mere inches away from his throat.

‘Be very careful,’ Xiao Nan says, using Qi to communicate his thoughts to the rest of them. ‘If you try to sense his Qi, it only feels as if he’s in the higher levels of the Heaven realm, but that’s an illusion.’

Liu Jin tilts his head. Until Xiao Nan said it, he barely put any thought into it. Though Somber Edge has been fighting Big Sister Bai, someone already on the Ninth Level of the Heaven Realm, his exact level of cultivation remains unclear. That should be impossible for someone in the Heaven Realm.

Bright Sword had been similar. He was also supposed to be in the Heaven Realm, yet he managed to fight the Renegade Realm Xiao Nan in the Storm Dragon Palace. Liu Jin vaguely remembers noticing something unique about him when he had been the Storm Dragon, but it is hard to recall it now. Everything but the Wandering Wind seemed so completely inconsequential back then.

‘When I was inside that pearl, I fought Bright Sword countless times, but I never once won,’ Xiao Nan continues. ‘Even becoming a Renegade did not change this. I used to think he was using a special item or technique to hide his cultivation, but now that this guy is in front of us, I realize the truth. Whatever he did to split himself led to his cultivation feeling like it does. He is not whole, so we cannot feel his full power. However, he is either on the very highest level of the Renegade Realm… or he’s an Emperor.’

A low, almost inaudible whine leaves Big Nose Li’s mouth. Liu Jin can relate. He is arguably the strongest fighter of his generation, but an Emperor Realm cultivator is not a foe he can face. Even a Renegade would be too much.

‘If he’s an Emperor, we stand no chance,’ Xiao Nan says, echoing Liu Jin’s thoughts. ‘You should flee while I distract him. It’s me he’s after. He’s unlikely to waste time chasing you.’

‘Unacceptable,’ Liu Jin replies. ‘We came here for you. I’ll not abandon you now.’

‘Reckless as he sounds, I agree,’ Bai Wen says. ‘Right now, our best chance is to face him together.’

Xiao Nan laughs.

‘I assumed you'd say that. Very well, then!’

He slams his hands together.

[Void Fist]

Liu Jin has seen the Xiao Sect’s signature move dozens of times by now. However, the [Void Fist] unleashed by Xiao Nan is easily superior to even Xiao Fang’s strongest moves during the Crimson Cloud Tournament. Space is ripped, and the earth is torn asunder. Such is the difference between the Earth Realm and the Renegade Realm.

Somber Edge’s dark blade slashes through the air.

It is an odd thing to watch. The air ripples like water as his blade passes by. The technique that should be assaulting his body flows around him instead. It is the same thing that happened with Big Sister Bai’s technique. Somber Edge is cutting space itself to divert their attacks.

“All springs from Emptiness. It is the beginning of everything,” Xiao Nan intones. “It cannot be cut because it is not there."

Xiao Nan’s Dao spreads across the area like a gentle wave washing over the shore. The effect is not quite as dramatic as Liu Jin’s Void, yet Xiao Nan has undeniably changed something at an intrinsic level. A deep frown appears on Somber Edge’s face. When the second [Void Fist] strikes, he dodges.

Space is no longer something he can cut.

Big Sister Bai moves next. Enormous walls of ice rise over the border with the True Dead Plains, which then expand to form a massive circle around the area. Somber Edges runs, trying to escape before the circle is complete. Xiao Nan blocks his path.

[Peerless Blade - First Form: Violent Crescent]

“I already saw that!” Xian Nan yells as he strikes the purple Qi blade with the back of his hand and slaps it away. “How many times do you think he used that attack on me? I could block that in my sleep!”

His voice is an angry growl. There is something almost animalistic about the way Xiao Nan chases after Somber Edge. The Renegade Realm is obviously influencing him, but a large part of it is also the natural anger that comes from being Bright Sword’s prisoner for years.

Purple flames erupt ahead of Somber Edge. They do not damage him, but the temporary distraction they provide is enough for Xiao Nan to catch up to him. Anger is plain to see on the swordsman's face as he’s forced to face Xiao Nan head-on. His sword glows with dark light. Xiao Nan’s aura glows with power.

[Peerless Blade - Second Form: Destructive Second Slash]

[All Consuming Heavenly Void]

Bai Wen grabs Liu Jin and pulls him back while raising yet another ice wall between themselves and Xiao Nan’s attack. Reality distorts, and space collapses into a black void as Xiao Nan unleashes the Xiao Sect’s strongest technique. It is the same move that created the massive chasm they saw earlier. [All Consuming Heavenly Void] is meant to be used to fight multiple foes, but Xiao Nan unleashes its full might right in Somber Edge’s face.

Purple light surges from the void.

A single cut. A thin slice. That’s all, yet the blackness pops like a balloon, creating a massive shockwave that travels miles and hurts Liu Jin’s ears. Xiao Nan and Somber Edge leap away from each other. Both of them are wounded and breathing heavily.

However, Xiao Nan is not alone.

Dozens of snakes rise from the ground, wrapping around Somber Edge’s legs. The swordsman flinches as they begin crackling with lightning. A swing of his sword slices them as he takes to the skies, but Big Sister Bai is already waiting for him there. Liu Jin feels her intent. A single sentence appears in his mind without her needing to say it.

Justice falls from the Heavens.

A pillar of ice slams down, shoving Somber Edge over a mile into the earth. With so many tons of rock and dirt between Somber Edge and the rest of them, Liu Jin no longer has to worry about controlling the lethality of his poison. His snakes are already burrowing underground, wrapping around Somber Edge’s limbs as they release poisonous gases.

“ENOUGH!”

The word is shouted through Somber Edge’s vocal cords and aura in equal parts. The earth rumbles as purple Qi breaks through the ice and dirt. Somber Edge leaps out. The white in his eyes is completely gone. Only menacing purple orbs remain.

“I’ll accept it,” Somber Edge says. “You are worthy.”

He stabs himself.

Liu Jin steps back.

Even though he knows he should be taking advantage of the opening, his body instinctively retreats when Somber Edge drives his black blade into his belly and through his spine. Bai Wen and Xiao Nan do the same. Before their very eyes, all the damage on Somber Edge—the scratches, bruises, and blood—flows through his body and into his blade, leaving his skin untouched.

Somber Edge pulls out his sword, and in doing so, pulls out the damage he has taken. The wound in his stomach seals shut. The black sword pulses with angry energy.

His slice splits the land in half.

Liu Jin and the others dodge the attack, yet something happens as Somber Edge's Qi washes over them. Bruises appear on Liu Jin's skin. A cut opens up on Xiao Nan’s face. Blood stains Bai Wen’s shoulder. Big Nose Li is suddenly kneeling on the ground, holding his knee. Only Su Daji, who used her foxfire to block, is unharmed.

Xiao Nan laughs.

“That’s quite a troublesome thing you did,” he says, forcing his regeneration to mend his face.

“It is not easy to use when I'm like this, but you are worth it,” Somber Edge says.

They vanish.

The impacts of their blows ring across the Dead Plains, but Liu Jin can no longer follow them. Their fight has become far too fast for him. Even Big Sister Bai can only observe the fight in silence, hoping that the right opening will present itself. Worse still, the longer the fight lasts, and the more Qi Somber Edge uses, the more wounds keep appearing on them.

It’s damage, Liu Jin realizes. Somber Edge is deflecting all the damage he took earlier towards his surroundings.

[All Consuming Heavenly Void]

[Peerless Blade - Second Form: Destructive Second Slash]

The exchange from earlier repeats itself, but this time, it is Xiao Nan who is driven back. The prodigy of the Xiao Sect breathes heavily as he stares at Somber Edge. Certainly, he has done some damage, but if Somber Edge can remove it again…

“Do you see the futility of this now?”

Xiao Nan snorts. “Do you think a bluff can work on this Xiao Nan, whose talent towers over the moon and the stars? You can only do that two or three more times, and that’s only if I let you.”

“You think you can stop me?” Somber Edge asks.

“Unlike you, I’m not alone,” Xiao Nan says. “This Xiao Nan is an unspeakably popular man. You will never understand how that feels.”

Somber Edge ignores the taunt. His eyes flick over to the others. "They are not my match. If you surrender now, you have my word I will let them live."

"Your offer is so very kind," Xiao Nan says. "However, I refuse. If you were holding on to the edge of a cliff, I'd happily step on your fingers."

"You are too emotional," Somber Edge says. "A timespan of less than a decade is not worth fixating on."

"Not just emotional," Xiao Nan says. "When I said I'm not alone, I wasn't just talking about them."

They feel it then. A massive eruption in the distance, a wave of force travelling towards them at near-instantaneous speed. Somber Edge immediately turns around and brings his sword down.

[Peerless Blade Fifth Form - Annihilating Wave]

A wave of purple slams into the incoming force, creating a huge explosion that leaves behind a large cloud of smoke. The others have to use Qi to stop themselves from being blown away.

“Quite impressive, young one. Quite impressive indeed.”

He emerges from the smoke, a man dressed in rags. His large, unkempt beard hides much of his face, but Liu Jin immediately recognizes him. He is the Duke, a Renegade Realm cultivator Liu Jin met when he first ventured in the Dead Plains.

He is also the man Xiao Nan has been with these past years.

“What took you so long?” Xiao Nan asks him. "I thought you'd follow me."

“I have long lost the brashness of youth,” the Duke says. “It seemed fitting to monitor the situation from afar.”

He strikes. There is no sudden rise to his aura. No explosion of energy. The Duke merely disappears from Liu Jin’s sight, and Somber Edge’s body is blown back an instant later. Xiao Nan follows, and soon enough, the impacts from their blows have become a never-ending roar.

Ice spreads across the ground. Somber Edge appears for a moment, his legs frozen. Numerous wounds cover his face. Almost immediately, lightning and flames crash into him before he disappears in a blur of speed once more. Wild blades of Qi appear in the air by the hundreds, and Somber Edge’s Qi rises even higher.

However, against so many foes, there is only one outcome.

“What a pity,” Somber Edge says, after an exchange leaves him with a very wounded arm. "Had I known I would be facing two Renegades, I would have approached this differently. This is my loss.”

Even as he speaks, his body is becoming blurry and transparent.

“Make no mistake, I will not take you lightly a second-.”

A furious [Void Fist] from Xiao Nan cuts off his words. Somber Edge’s form collapses into a black puddle, which immediately fades away. Xiao Nan clicks his tongue.

“That’s not much, but I suppose it counts as some measure of payback. At least for now,” he says. He tries to smile, but it fades when he sees that the Duke is already standing in front of Liu Jin.

The Duke looks down.

Liu Jin looks up.

“Would you like to return to our country?" Liu Jin asks him.

~~~