The memories of all humanity are awakening, except for mine.

Under Jiang Chuan's fierce attack, the snake's breath grew weaker and weaker. Finally, its body crashed heavily to the ground, and it remained motionless.

Jiang Chuan, panting heavily, collapsed to the ground. Looking at the enormous snake carcass before him, he was filled with the joy of surviving a close call. The battle had been incredibly dangerous; if he hadn't remained calm and used his skills, he would likely have perished in the snake's jaws.

After resting for a while, Jiang Chuan stood up.

He walked to the snake-like creature's corpse and examined it closely. He discovered that the snake's scales and bones contained immense power; if he could refine them, they would surely become a powerful magical artifact.

Jiang Chuan took out his storage bag and began collecting materials from the snake-like creature. He put the scales and bones into the storage bag one by one, pondering how to refine them into magical artifacts.

After collecting the materials, Jiang Chuan glanced at the hot spring valley one last time. He knew that although it was dangerous, it was also full of opportunities. If given the chance, he would come back to explore it again.

Jiang Chuan turned and walked towards the edge of the canyon. He needed to leave as soon as possible and return to the Nine-Colored Spirit Deer. He was exhausted after the battle and desperately needed a good rest.

As Jiang Chuan emerged from the canyon, the Nine-Colored Spirit Deer immediately came to greet him. Seeing Jiang Chuan return safely, it let out a joyful neigh. Jiang Chuan gently stroked the Nine-Colored Spirit Deer's head and said, "Let's go, things are over here."

Jiang Chuan clutched the jade box containing the snake fruit and snake eggs, just about to turn and leave Wenquan Tingzhou, when suddenly a low hissing sound came from behind him.

His heart tightened, and he whirled around to see a gigantic black serpent slowly emerging from the thick fog. The serpent exuded a chilling aura, its scales shimmering with a cold light, and its eyes burned like blood-red flames, revealing boundless aggression.

"How could there still be a Xuan Snake!" Jiang Chuan was shocked. He realized that his act of picking the Snake Essence Fruit had disturbed the magical beast guarding the spiritual medicine. This was not the remnant soul of the ancient Xuan Snake he had seen last night, but a living, terrifying being in its prime.

The black serpent didn't give Jiang Chuan much time to think. It twisted its body and pounced on Jiang Chuan like a black lightning bolt. Jiang Chuan reacted extremely quickly, dodging the serpent's first attack by flashing to the side.

However, the Xuan Snake's attacks came one after another like a storm. Its thick snake body swept across suddenly, and Jiang Chuan was unable to dodge and was heavily slammed into the hot spring lake.

With a "plop," Jiang Chuan fell into the water, and the icy lake water instantly enveloped his body.

Before he could even react, the black serpent's tail, like a giant steel whip, burst forth from the water and lashed out at him. Jiang Chuan felt a sharp pain, and his entire body was flung away like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the shore.

"Cough cough..." Jiang Chuan coughed up a mouthful of blood and struggled to his feet. He knew he was in an extremely dangerous situation and had to do everything in his power.

He swiftly drew the Huangshan Sword, his inner energy surging wildly as he unleashed the "Taiyi Shengshui" technique. Water vapor swirled around him, then merged with the "Five Elements Sword Qi," preparing to launch a powerful counterattack.

"All trees bloom in spring!" Jiang Chuan shouted, unleashing countless streaks of azure sword energy from his Huangshan sword, like trees bursting forth in spring, sweeping towards the Xuan Snake. These sword energies carried a fierce momentum, seemingly intent on shredding everything in their path.

However, the black serpent showed no fear. It opened its blood-red maw and roared, the powerful sound waves distorting the surrounding air.

Immediately afterwards, it charged directly at the sword energy. Surprisingly, its hard scales easily shattered the sword energy that Jiang Chuan had unleashed with all his might, as if the sword energy were just fragile bubbles.

Having landed a successful blow, the black serpent pressed its advantage, its tail lashing out at Jiang Chuan. Jiang Chuan tried to dodge, but his body was sluggish from the previous attack, and he could only barely raise his Huangshan sword to defend himself.

With a loud bang, the enormous impact knocked Jiang Chuan to the ground. He rolled several times on the ground before coming to a stop, and several more wounds were added to his body.

Jiang Chuan knew in his heart that the strength of this black serpent far exceeded his imagination.

Ordinary attacks were completely ineffective against it; he had to resort to his trump card. He reached into his robes and retrieved the black stone Xie Xuan had left him. This seemingly ordinary black stone contained immense power, his last resort in this desperate situation.

At this moment, the black serpent launched another attack. Jiang Chuan took a deep breath and unleashed the "Rolling River" sword intent. In an instant, a powerful sword aura surged from his body, rushing towards the black serpent like a surging river.

This sword energy carried an indomitable momentum, attempting to suppress the Xuan Snake.

But the Black Serpent's abilities were equally terrifying. It suddenly opened its mouth wide and spewed out a chilling breath.

Wherever this chilling aura reached, the air instantly froze, and the surface of the hot spring lake was instantly frozen into a thick layer of ice. Even more terrifying, the sword energy Jiang Chuan unleashed was also frozen by this chilling aura, and then crushed by the Xuan Snake's bite.

"This... how can this freezing power be so terrifying!" Jiang Chuan was filled with shock and fear. But he did not back down, knowing that retreating would only lead to his death.

At this critical moment, Jiang Chuan no longer hesitated. He raised the black stone high and broke the seal on it.

Instantly, an overwhelmingly powerful force was released from the black stone, forming a dazzling sword light. This was the Sword Emperor's Sword left behind by Xie Xuan, its power enough to destroy the heavens and the earth.

"Go!" Jiang Chuan shouted, shooting his sword light towards the Xuan Snake.

The sword light struck the black serpent like lightning. With a deafening roar, the serpent's body was nearly cleaved in two by the sword, blood splattering onto the ice.

Jiang Chuan took the opportunity to retreat. He knew that although his sword strike had severely injured the Xuan Snake, it was not enough to kill it.

As expected, the black serpent let out a painful roar and charged at Jiang Chuan again, dragging its wounded body. Jiang Chuan was already at his limit and couldn't dodge in time. He was struck by the black serpent again and was slammed into the lake.

At the bottom of the lake, Jiang Chuan was struck hard in the back by the black serpent's tail. He felt everything go black and his consciousness began to fade.

His internal energy became chaotic, and blood gushed from his wounds, spreading in the icy lake water. Finally, Jiang Chuan succumbed to his injuries and lost consciousness, his body slowly sinking.

At the same time, Xie Xuan, far away at Hulao Pass, suddenly opened his eyes. He sensed the power fluctuations from Jiang Chuan's use of the chess pieces and inwardly cried out in alarm.

"This kid is probably in big trouble," he muttered to himself.

Xie Xuan frowned, lost in thought. He knew Jiang Chuan might be facing a life-or-death crisis, but he couldn't rush to his aid immediately. The situation at Hulao Pass was also extremely tense; Yan's Grand Marshal Wang Lang was about to lead his troops south, and a major battle was imminent.

Just then, Mu Suifeng hurried into the tent. Seeing Xie Xuan's solemn expression, he felt a pang of anxiety and asked, "General Xie, has something happened?"

Xie Xuan glanced at him and said, "That kid Jiang Chuan encountered danger in the Southern Region and used the pawn I left for him."

Mu Suifeng was slightly startled: "Then we..."

Xie Xuan waved his hand: "Now is not the time. Wang Lang, the Grand Marshal of Yan, is about to lead his troops south to Hulao Pass. That is our top priority."

Mu Suifeng nodded, his expression turning serious: "Wang Lang is a cunning man, and the strength of his Yan army should not be underestimated. How should we deal with him?"

Xie Xuan stood up, walked to the front of the tent, looked into the distance, and slowly said, "I plan to use the strategy of 'killing the general on the battlefield.' As long as we can kill Wang Lang, the Yan army will surely be thrown into chaos, and we will be able to win without fighting."

Mu Suifeng looked surprised: "Kill a general on the battlefield? That's easier said than done. Wang Lang must be surrounded by experts and heavily guarded."

Xie Xuan smiled slightly: "I have arranged for Ye Xuan, the patrol commander of Hulao Pass, to assassinate Wang Lang. He is agile and skilled in stealth, making him the best candidate to carry out this mission."

Mu Suifeng thought for a moment and said, "Although Ye Xuan is quite capable, Wang Lang is, after all, the Grand Marshal of Yan, and his guards are definitely elite. It would be difficult for him to succeed on his own."

Xie Xuan nodded: "You're right, that's why I need your assistance. Your swordsmanship is superb, and you can play a crucial role at critical moments."

Mu Suifeng knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This humble general will do his utmost to assist Ye Xuan in completing the mission."

Xie Xuan patted him on the shoulder: "This mission is of great importance, so we must not be careless. We must complete the assassination before the Yan army attacks the city, so as to gain the upper hand for our army."

"Understood, Your subordinate!" Mu Suifeng stood up, his eyes flashing with determination.

The two discussed the assassination plan and details in detail until late at night. Xie Xuan gazed at the night sky outside the tent, silently praying that Jiang Chuan would be safe and sound.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the hot spring valley lake in the southern region, Jiang Chuan remained unconscious, his fate unknown.

Inside the Chamber of Commerce in Heyang City, Yu Youwei, dressed in a moon-white robe, sat calmly on a carved pear wood chair, her fingers lightly tapping the table, producing a rhythmic sound. Opposite her, the pageboy beside He Zongzheng looked worried, his brows furrowed, and fine beads of sweat even appearing on his forehead.

“Miss Yu, Zhao Dun is leading his army to attack Weicheng. Although the allied forces of the noble families are resisting, Zhao Dun is brave and skilled in battle, and his soldiers are well-trained. I'm afraid Weicheng won't be able to hold out for long.” The page’s voice trembled slightly, clearly showing his great concern for the current situation.

Yu Youwei smiled slightly, her face confident. She shook her head gently and said, "Don't worry, the Duke's army will stop attacking Weicheng in less than three days." Her tone was firm, as if everything was under her control.

A hint of surprise flashed in the page's eyes, and he asked in confusion, "Miss Yu, why are you so sure? Do you have some brilliant plan?"

Yu Youwei took a sip of tea and said slowly, "In a month, our people will sweep through the Southern Region. It's only a matter of time. As for the reinforcements from Handan, hmph, they're nothing but bluffers. They're not worth fearing."

She narrowed her eyes slightly, a cold glint flashing in them. "He Chentang was able to successfully defend the city for a year back then. With He Zongzheng's abilities, defending the city for a month should not be a problem."

Although the page still had doubts, seeing Yu Youwei's confidence, he didn't say anything more. He got up to take his leave and hurriedly left the study.

After the page boy left, Uncle Long slowly emerged from the shadows. He was tall and burly, with a hideous scar on his face, giving him an imposing and dignified air.

"Uncle Long, you've arrived." Yu Youwei put down her teacup, her expression turning serious. "I want you to release the beast Zhu Yan in front of Weicheng."

Uncle Long was slightly taken aback, then a trace of worry flashed in his eyes: "Zhu Yan? That is an extremely ferocious spirit beast. Once it is released, I'm afraid it will cause widespread destruction."

Yu Youwei sneered: "It's precisely to scare Zhao Dun's army and shake their morale. Zhu Yan once appeared in front of Hulao Pass, causing a great uproar. Its appearance in front of Weicheng this time will surely make Zhao Dun wary."

Uncle Long hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Alright, I'll make the arrangements right away. However, with the news of Wang Lang's southward march, there's likely to be a fierce battle at Hulao Pass."

Yu Youwei waved her hand dismissively and said, "Wang Lang's southward journey is nothing to worry about. Hulao Pass is in Mu Suifeng's hands, and it won't be easy for him to get through. Moreover, it won't be long before news of Wang Lang's assassination reaches Handan."

Uncle Long asked in surprise, "Wang Lang was assassinated? Who did it? Could it be Mu Suifeng?"

Yu Youwei shook her head slightly, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes: "It's not Mu Suifeng, it's Xie Xuan. However, the intervention of the Nine Provinces Sword Emperor can't change anything. The overthrow of the Great Yan is the will of Heaven, and no one can stop it."

Uncle Long was silent for a moment, then clasped his hands and said, "In that case, I'll go and arrange things for Zhu Yan first." After saying that, he turned and strode out of the study.

Yu Youwei watched Uncle Long's departing figure, a smile appearing on her lips once again, as if everything was proceeding smoothly according to her plan.

Meanwhile, in the distant southern region, Jiang Chuan slowly opened his eyes, only to find himself surrounded by darkness and a damp, chilly atmosphere.

He struggled to sit up and found himself in a dark, narrow cave, next to a cold, deep pool whose waters emanated a chilling aura.

"Where...am I?" Jiang Chuan rubbed his throbbing head, trying hard to recall what had happened. He remembered fighting the Xuan Snake in the Hot Spring Valley, being severely injured, and then passing out. Could he have been rescued?
Just then, a familiar figure slowly emerged from the darkness—it was the Nine-Colored Spirit Deer. It affectionately nuzzled Jiang Chuan's face and let out a joyful neigh.

Jiang Chuan felt a warmth in his heart. He understood that the Nine-Colored Spirit Deer had saved him at the critical moment. Moreover, he noticed that his injuries seemed to have healed considerably, presumably because the Nine-Colored Deer had used its jade to heal him.

"Thank you, little one." Jiang Chuan gently stroked the nine-colored spirit deer's head and said gratefully. (End of Chapter)