Batian Martial Soul

The man forced himself to remain calm, trying to straighten his back and not lose face, but his slightly trembling voice betrayed his inner fear:
"Does Your Excellency intend to become an enemy of my Blazing Fire Sect?"

Do you know... that my Blazing Fire Sect is renowned and powerful in the Cloud Mist Kingdom, with countless experts within its ranks? If you dare to oppose us, you will surely die without a burial place!

His voice grew louder and louder, as if he wanted to use this blustering shout to cover up his inner panic.

However, Ling Xiao didn't give him a chance to continue shouting.

Then the sword light flashed again, like a shooting star streaking across the night sky, carrying an incomparably sharp momentum, and instantly tore through the void.

Before the man's right arm could react, it fell to the ground!

Blood gushed out like a fountain, drawing a shrill and blinding arc in the sky, splashing onto the surrounding clouds and turning the pure white clouds into a shocking red.

Ling Xiao's expression was cold and stern. He took a step forward, each step seemingly landing on the man's heart, causing his heart to clench sharply.

Ling Xiao's voice was icy cold, as if it came from the deepest hell:

"I'll ask one more time, where is the Blazing Fire Sect?"

Don't test my patience again, or next time it won't just be a matter of losing an arm.

The man gritted his teeth and glared at Ling Xiao, his eyes filled with resentment and hatred, as if he wanted to devour Ling Xiao alive.

He endured the excruciating pain of his severed arm and screamed hoarsely:

"This is the Kingdom of Clouds and Mist, how dare you act so presumptuously!"

Our sect elders are nearby. If you dare to commit any more violence, they will arrive instantly and tear you to pieces, making you regret ever being born!

His voice was full of threats and intimidation, attempting to intimidate Ling Xiao with the prestige of a sect elder.

But Ling Xiao was not intimidated by his words.

Ling Xiao's eyes turned cold, and he swung his long sword again, his left arm flying off his body.

This sword strike was faster, more powerful, and so sharp that it even stopped the bleeding from the wound for a moment, as if time itself had frozen.

The tip of the Lingxiao sword lightly touched the man's throat. The cold tip of the sword made the man feel as if an invisible hand was tightly gripping his throat, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

Ling Xiao's tone was calm, yet it carried a chilling killing intent:
"If you utter another word, I'll take your life with the next sword strike."

I'm not kidding you. Your life or death is in the hands of your next decision.

The man was drenched in cold sweat, which rolled down his forehead like beads from a broken string, soaking his clothes.

His face was as pale as paper, devoid of any color, and his legs trembled uncontrollably.

Finally, he could no longer hold on and said in a trembling voice:

"I'll lead the way!"

Please, don't kill me. I'll take you to the Blazing Fire Sect right now.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the Blazing Fire Sect, they found dozens of people already waiting in full battle array.

They were dressed in uniform, carrying various weapons, and their eyes were filled with vigilance and hostility.

The leader was a middle-aged man in a black robe. His face was sinister, like a venomous snake lurking in the darkness, sending chills down one's spine.

His gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, sweeping over Ling Xiao as if trying to see right through him.

He first examined the man with the missing arm. Seeing the man's miserable appearance, he frowned slightly, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.

Then, he looked coldly at Ling Xiao, his voice low and threatening:

"Did you injure my disciples?"

How dare you act so recklessly in front of the gates of my Blazing Fire Sect! If I don't teach you a lesson today, what will become of the Blazing Fire Sect's reputation?
Ling Xiao nodded calmly, his expression as still as water, without the slightest ripple, as if everything he had just done was nothing more than a trivial matter, not worth his attention.

"The two countries have no history of enmity."

The middle-aged man spoke in a deep, powerful voice, like muffled thunder rumbling in the air. His tone was clearly questioning, and his gaze was fixed on Ling Xiao, as if trying to see through him and figure out what his true intentions were.

"What is your intention in doing this?"

Could it be that they are deliberately provoking a conflict between the two countries so that they can profit from it?
Ling Xiao chuckled softly, the sound clear and resonant, echoing before the silent mountain gate.

His gaze, sharp as an eagle's eye, slowly swept over everyone present. Each person whose gaze fell upon him felt as if enveloped by an invisible pressure, and their hearts tightened involuntarily.

Finally, his gaze fell on the middle-aged man, his eyes filled with disdain and mockery:

"That's how it should be."

The two countries should coexist peacefully and refrain from aggression.

Unfortunately, your sect's disciple tried to forcibly take my woman. That woman and I are deeply in love, and she is someone I cherish like a treasure.

This emperor is merely issuing a slight punishment to set an example and let your sect's disciples understand that they should not rely on the power of their sect to act recklessly, bully men and women.

The middle-aged man's gaze was like a poisoned dagger, fixed on Ling Xiao as if he wanted to tear Ling Xiao to pieces.

His knuckles cracked from the force, and the joints turned white, revealing his anger and resentment.

A cold, icy smile tugged at the corners of his lips, a smile colder than the frost of winter. His voice was forced out through clenched teeth, each word seemingly carrying boundless hatred:
"You killed my sect's disciples, and then you casually say it was just a small lesson?"

My disciples of the Blazing Fire Sect are innocent. They were merely acting in accordance with the sect's rules, yet you are so ruthless as to cruelly murder them. If you are not made to pay for this crime today, how can my Blazing Fire Sect have the face to stand in the Cloud Mist Kingdom?
Ling Xiao's expression remained unchanged, still maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.

His slender fingers gently brushed along the spine of the God-Slaying Sword, the movement soft and elegant, as if he were caressing his most beloved lover.

Sensing its master's emotions, the sword emitted a faint hum, a sound like the beating of a war drum or the roar of a dragon echoing through the heavens, exuding a chilling majesty.

Ling Xiao spoke slowly, his voice as steady as a deep pool, without the slightest inflection, yet carrying an undeniable air of authority:
"He should have learned to respect me, not only me, but also my friends."

In this world, people should respect each other, regardless of their status or wealth.

If someone becomes arrogant and acts recklessly simply because they have a little power, they will ultimately suffer the consequences.

He tilted his head slightly, and the sunlight fell on his sharply defined profile, outlining a perfect silhouette and adding to his imposing and dignified air.

"Do you think this is true?"

The middle-aged man sneered, his laughter filled with disdain and arrogance.

His sleeves moved without wind, as if an invisible force was stirring them.

Faint, illusory flames swirled around him, the flames resembling fiery dragons coiling and dancing around him, causing the surrounding temperature to rise sharply, as if he were engulfed in a raging inferno. (End of Chapter)