Forge a path to success.

Chapter 417 A Fleeting Finale: Dawn of the Future
The surface of the dark moon covered the sky; the flesh-and-blood moon had expanded to its limit. The waxing moon was approaching its fullness, and the leap to the First Abyss was about to be completed.

Under the increasingly deep moonlight, the giants engaged in a desperate battle to the death.

Divine power erupted, beams of light converged, and the dragon and serpent clashed fiercely, causing a massive tremor that shook the battlefield. The skeletal dragon and the steel serpent, the totem guarding the past and the machine paving the way for the future, fought with diametrically opposed wills under the moon. Their only similarity was their unwavering steadfastness and deep-seated hatred.

Above the colossal creature, the flames of the burning night and the white flames ignited with the clash of swords, coalescing and rising into a frenzied beastly form, tearing and plundering each other's power as they fought. The essence of that firestorm was life forced to its limits, the strongest assassins killing each other in the raging flames.

This is a unique and fierce battle. At this moment, the swordsmanship they display has transcended technique and approached the Tao. This skill is worthy of a duel watched by the world, and countless warriors will be willing to spend a fortune to witness their prowess. But this battle has no spectators. It will determine the fate of the city-state and even the world, but it is destined to be a battle fought in the shadows.

They are the spokespeople of the abyss and the warriors of the allies. They are also the Blood Alliance assassins hidden in the shadows, seemingly able to decide the world, yet seemingly nothing more than blood-soaked blades in dark alleys.

The once cynical assassin now possesses only solemnity in his eyes. The assassin who once remained aloof now laughs amidst the carnage. The two sides have subtly switched positions, and in the long passage of time, who is it that wears a mask and coldly observes, and who is it that remains detached yet roars inwardly?
"Aren't you going to apologize to me?!" Chu Hengkong brandished his sword fiercely. "We've known each other for so many years, yet you've kept this from me for so long!"

Wang Quan laughed: "So what if I tell you the truth? Will you come over from beside Verus to help me?"

"I'll kill you first, my good friend, so you won't have to suffer! Every year on Tomb Sweeping Day, I'll bring you wine and cigarettes to visit your grave, and place the most beautiful flowers of that year on your tomb!"

"How romantic by your barbarian standards! You even knew to send me flowers!" Wang Quan raised his hand, releasing gravity. "Unfortunately, I cannot die before the mission is complete, and even if you kill me, you'll only face certain death. So let's switch roles; let me mourn you at your grave!"

Gravity formed a jet-black sphere, forcefully pushing Chu Hengkong away. He plunged the Divine Slash into the corpse dragon's back to slow it down, simultaneously unleashing a Qi-infused throwing knife. Strands of blood bloomed like flowers on the dragon's back, obscuring his path. Wang Quan hurled a series of white-flame darts, sacrificing herself to be wounded by the knives and knocking him off the dragon's back. She pierced her palm and struck the corpse dragon's head, weaving a new divine spell with incantation.

"The darkest moon, the cradle of beginnings, the first forgotten abyss. Respond to my will, isolate time and create an eternal cradle!"

The approaching black moon's outline rippled slightly, like the smile of a star. Moonlight solidified into a black beam, striking the corpse dragon's decaying wings. The sacrificial corpse dragon resonated with divine power, and that beam of moonlight transformed within its body, shooting out through its festering flesh to form anchors that pulled through space and time.

Dark Moon Divine Art: Meteorite Well. Absolute protection that manipulates space and time!

The overwhelming force dragged down space, causing spacetime to collapse around the Corpse Dragon. The black and white battlefield coiled into an invisible "well," and Wang Quan and the Corpse Dragon, inside the well, gradually drifted toward the Black Moon. No matter how hard the two snakes outside the well tried, they could not move forward any further.

Chu Hengkong immediately realized the other party's scheme, and she began to evade again, using this courtyard to avoid the battle itself. The king didn't need to defeat them; he only needed to wait for the Black Moon to arrive to achieve his goal.

"Ah Kong, come back!"

His sword could not transcend time and space; he did not yet possess such power. But Chu Hengkong was not worried; he believed someone must have another way. He sheathed his sword and returned to the top of the Nether Serpent's head, where Velbert held her staff high. A signal emanated from the tip of her staff, resonating with the chimes on the Silent Ark. The Nether Serpent heard the call to it, and golden light shone from its eyes.

"Special spacetime parameters established, anti-divine power equation proven. Order for final battle issued, main gun doors open!"

Divine light burst forth from the snake's eyes, flowing down like tears into the slowly opening mouth of the Serpent of the Underworld. At the same time, Velvet infused her spiritual power, and deep blue and golden light converged at the snake's mouth, causing high-frequency vibrations in the surrounding spacetime.

Vilbert's eyes bled from the strain of operating the machine, yet she poured her energy into it relentlessly, barely managing to stand with Chu Hengkong's support. The cane tip opened to reveal a red button; she slammed it down as if declaring the final decision, issuing the final command.

"Time axis measuring cannon, fire!"

Then the Nether Serpent glared angrily, unleashing a burst of light that pierced the gravitational well like a divine spear. The ever-collapsed spacetime suddenly froze, and the light pierced straight into the well, penetrating the corpse dragon's chest, becoming a bridge of divine light connecting the inside and outside!

The king's astonishment turned into anger, and even though they were far apart, they could feel that rage.

"A power targeting the spacetime barrier? Why go to such lengths just for the battle of the city-states!"

“I’m going to cross the Second Abyss, so of course I’ll prepare measures against Eternal Time in advance.” Violet wiped the blood from the corner of her eye. “It’s a difference in thinking; you, who are unwilling to look to the future, will never understand.”

She looked at Chu Hengkong, her gaze resolute: "Now I'm giving you the final mission for this operation. I'll deal with the enemy's totem; you go and kill their assassins!"

"Oh."

Chu Hengkong responded casually.

Like the last time I went into battle.

"You can leave it to me without worry!"

He left his boss's side and embarked on the road to hell. The murderous blade rang excitedly, carving a scarlet mark above the Bridge of Divine Light. He defied gravity with his spear, used his Death Wings to deflect the white flames, and the Corpse Dragon spewed out putrid blood, attempting to bury him halfway. However, the Staff of God on the back of the Serpent of the Underworld rose one after another, clearing the sea of ​​blood and piercing the path with a relentless bombardment.

Wang Quan's strike arrived at that moment, aiming for the most fatal opportunity as always, unleashing a circular slash mimicking her own Iaijutsu. Chu Hengkong created his protective aura armor to the maximum extent, using his body to withstand the blow. To Wang Quan's astonishment, he threw his divine blade; the long sword flew from her hand and pierced her shoulder, knocking her off the top of the corpse dragon's head!

His wounds barely healed, black blood and inner turmoil clashing within him. Chu Heng hurled the chains of misfortune, using causal connections to grab the severed blade that had slipped from his grasp. This caused him to fall alongside Wang Quan, plummeting towards the edge of the gravity-enhanced ceiling.

Chu Hengkong wielded his divine slash in mid-air, the slash leaving a bright line across the battlefield. Wang Quan steadied himself first, deflecting the attack with his sword and unleashing a deadly Lone Star. Chu Hengkong's blood-red aura was devoured and transformed into a fiery star like a satellite, roaring in succession with each thrust.

All around was death, and the annihilating strikes were relentless. Chu Hengkong wielded his sword with one hand, transforming his calamity wrist into a scythe, while the death wings on his back unfurled, forming withered claws. Left upper, right upper, and both sides of his waist, the death wings lashed out four times in an instant, creating sharp claw marks that extinguished the white flames. Simultaneously, the Divine Slash and the Calamity Scythe struck out together, using his exquisite swordsmanship to block the Lone Star!
A thousand thrusts echoed from a single sword strike, while the intertwined blades countered with even greater speed. Skills were further refined in the battle against a formidable foe, each stealing the other's techniques, achieving self-transcendence in seconds.

However, Wang Quan's swordsmanship was ultimately more refined. Chu Hengkong cleaved away 99% of the stardust in the Lone Star, but he couldn't successfully parry the final, deadly thrust. The blade was too weak to reach it, and the scythe was just a hair's breadth away. He simply transformed the scythe into his palm, tossed the Divine Slash into the air, and gripped the longsword with his right hand!

In an instant, Lone Star's sword intent erupted, piercing through his palm and shattering his strong bones, tracing through his entire arm in the most brutal way. Blood gushed from the gaps in his muscles; Chu Hengkong's right hand was ruined. Yet, he smiled indifferently, raising his left arm, which had been transformed into a calamity wrist.

He grabbed the chains fluttering in the air, and the Divine Slash followed the chains. In a narrow space with no way to dodge, he gripped the murderous blade and slashed down fiercely!
The sound of splattering blood was like the wind; a vicious slash nearly severed Wang Quan's life, and Chu Hengkong's right arm was also rendered useless by the burst of white flames. Both simultaneously created distance; Chu Hengkong temporarily switched to wielding his sword with his calamity wrist, while Wang Quan held her sword with both her intact hands. Rage and sorrow mingled in her eyes, like a chaotic vortex.

"Are you going to kill me?"

"Ah, I'll kill you."

"What good will it do to kill me?" Wang Quan asked. "Will the city-state remain peaceful? Will the Earth be saved? Will the turbulent world have any hope?"

Chu Hengkong's smile faded, and Wang Quan gazed at him intently.

Nothing will be solved. Everything you cherish will eventually be lost. The future holds only sorrow.

Therefore, I will not let you move forward.

She swung her sword again.

Ignoring the spreading wounds, he slashed away the crimson blade.

"You are the only person I value in this world."

"I will not allow you to go down a dead end. I will definitely save you."

Use the opening in the right hand to see through the sword's stance.

He stepped forward first, thrusting his longsword into the assassin's chest.

Even if you hate me for the rest of my life, even if I have to kill you here! I will definitely save you!

Like a final burst of energy before death, her power surged. The Dark Kingdom had been driven to the brink, all the methods she relied on had been broken, yet she was stronger than ever before. In the very end, she finally revealed her true feelings; responsibility and heart resonated for the first time, imbuing her sword with an unparalleled will.

Chu Hengkong's blade, however, weakened. At this crucial moment of life and death, which would determine victory or defeat, his unstoppable momentum was suppressed by his opponent's madness. Something within him was roaring, forcing him to refute his enemy's arrogant words. But for some reason, the words that were about to escape his lips were stuck in his throat for an unknown reason.

What's the point of what you're doing?

Therefore, only one-sided questions can be posed.

"What good does it do to drown out pain with pain? To cover up a great tragedy with a small tragedy, to replace a great pain with a small pain, will that save everything? This endless escape only accumulates new mistakes. Moving forward in your way will only bring suffering!"

"Then let's not go any further!"

Wang Quan roared.

"Stop! That's enough!"

"Lingering in the gentle cradle, savoring the only happiness of the past. Even if it's the stagnation you scorn, I will make this safe moment eternal!!!"

She stood still, then drew her sword. All her energy, all her perseverance, all her will surged into the blade, making the longsword form a pure white line.

The white flames died down. The storm ceased to blow. Even the roars became echoes of the past. In the utterly silent world, only the light of the sword spread, slowly yet resolutely imprisoning eternity.

That was no longer a false secret technique; it was a true sword forged from the heart. The desperate cry of the one at the end of their rope finally revealed a genuine miracle. The sword itself was "now," a moment forcibly frozen by life force. It would occupy all existing time and space; there was no future before this sword. True Secret Sword: Moment of Eternity!
Chu Hengkong felt as if the world had been filled with white light, and even Wang Quan himself had ceased to exist, leaving only the infinitely spreading sword light and the endless echoing prayers. He sheathed his sword and unleashed a withered flame, the raging fire piercing through the space-time for a moment, but failing to burn to its end, flickering in the encirclement of white light like a faint candle flame.

It's a matter of injury. His right hand hasn't recovered yet. Using only one hand to unleash the Withered Heart Flame isn't enough to withstand Wang Quan's strongest sword strike. He needs to use this gained time to recover, and then gamble everything on that final blow—

wrong.

The mind instinctively resists.

not like this.

It has nothing to do with the injury. It has nothing to do with skill. It's a difference in spirit.

The so-called "martial arts" is the culmination of one's life experiences.

Despite her extremism and despair, the king, who had abandoned all lies, poured her true heart into this sword strike. This strike was the answer she arrived at at the end of her struggle and pain. Such swordsmanship is the life of a martial artist. You can only defeat her with your own will, but you cannot deny the time she fought with all her might.

But he could not give an answer, for his life was more meaningless than royal power. Without a firm goal, without a sense of purpose, an empty soul anchored to others can only respond with the words of others and engage in debate with their thoughts.

Those answers were ultimately not his own will, just as the sword in his hand was not his own blade. The Withered Heart Fire was the sword of Seven Stars Renewed Brightness, the words the Lord of the Broken Heart would utter to the throne. Chu Hengkong was not Seven Stars Renewed Brightness, and could not truly unleash the power of this sword.

Therefore, he is bound to lose.

To win, you need your own words.

Despite its extremism and foolishness, it is an absolute voice that can be uttered without hesitation at this moment.

What can we do after knowing the truth? What can we do after knowing the end of the world?

What can the sacrificial serpent say?

What is Chu Hengkong capable of?
"--Well then, let's move on."

"It's an empty man," the voice said.

"Heading towards the end. Heading towards despair. Running wildly down the road to certain death."

The empty heart began to beat violently.

From the depths of nothingness, shimmering starlight emerges.

He reached out and grasped the radiance.

Seize the answer that arises in the split second between life and death.

"Your will is inherited by me. Your wishes are fulfilled by me."

"I will defeat the heretics, defeat the abyss, I will smash all those lousy plans, and personally save the earth—"

"Go and save the world with your own hands!!"

What other reason is needed?

If you can't even believe in yourself in the present moment, how can you expect to have a future?
A brilliant light shone in his heart, projecting onto the blade. No more confusion remained in his mind; from the endless emptiness, something called self finally emerged.

Chu Hengkong, wielding his sword in one hand, slashed towards the pure white world, unleashing a dazzling display of starlight. He raced with the starlight, arriving at the end of frozen time. His strike touched the longsword of Wang Quan, its white blade trembling at his unwavering resolve!
The equally fanatical monarchy retorted: "What makes you think you can do it!"

He swung his long sword once more, his mind no longer filled with confusion.

He brandished his sword and roared at the dark monarchy, at the black moon, at this morbid and insane world. He uttered a cry that belonged only to him, arrogant and heroic.

"—Because I am the invincible sacrificial serpent!!"

It was a relentless, forward-moving strike, disregarding the past and the future, utterly ignoring all possibilities, stubbornly charging forward in the present. The blade's light, condensed by willpower, became an incomparably blazing and dazzling star, rising from beyond the frozen horizon.

Like the end of a long night and the breaking of dawn, the ethereal man unleashed his true self at the last moment. The light of the morning star pierced through the stillness, and the strike, imbued with the warrior's wild imagination, transcended eternity in that instant!

True Secret Sword: Dawn of the Shining Star!
That slash pierced through frozen time and space, shattering the sword of royal power.

And so, everything came to a close in the light.

·
The first thing to be extinguished was the blood-red spirit.

The overdrawn vitality had long exceeded its limit, and it was extinguished and scattered with the thrust of the slash.

Then, the white flames gradually faded, falling like pure white petals. The dark sea was as calm as an abyss, the stillness without wind broken by a slight noise.

A drop of blood traced the blade, fell onto the sea surface, and caused a faint ripple.

That was different from the blood of the fallen; it was bright red. Blood flowed from the wound in her heart as the murderous knife plunged into her chest.

Chu Heng stood silently, holding his sword in one hand. Wang Quan's sword was only a hair's breadth away from his head; that hair's breadth was a matter of life and death.

Wang Quan chuckled and released his grip on the sword.

She had a lot to say: why is your knife so powerful? Why are you so confident? Why can you find your so-called self in a moment like this?

But she swallowed those words back, because she knew that Chu Hengkong was that kind of person.

This person never reasoned; he just jumped out and made a mess of everything, possessing pure power without any explanation, like a barbarian who had traveled to Earth. Reasoning with a barbarian is useless; you can't understand your difficulties and hardships. A barbarian only believes in his own success and then uses his incomprehensible methods to achieve one miracle after another.

That's his strength.

Because of perseverance, we become strong.

Wang Quan suddenly felt incredibly tired, so tired that she didn't even want to say anything polite. She had prepared a very touching last message, intending to leave the other person with an unforgettable heartache should she die. Stubborn people are also heavy-hearted people; she would tell Chu Hengkong, "I will become your memory," thus becoming a figure living in his memory, causing him pain.

But never mind. Chu Hengkong always keeps his word. He's already chosen such a terrible future, why torment him further?

She was going to die anyway.

"Congratulations," she said curtly. "You won again."

Chu Hengkong released the hilt of his sword and met her gaze. His eyes changed at that moment, carrying an emotion that Wang Quan was familiar with and longed for, yet had never seen before in her eyes.

“I used to like you,” he said.

He let out a long sigh, feeling relieved, and finally spoke the truth that had been weighing on his mind for many years.

He recalled that night long ago when the girl secretly hid in his room to give him an unexpected surprise in celebration of his birthday. He stammered and made up some nonsense, not daring to look into her eyes as she lay on the bed.

Now, a considerable amount of time has passed, long enough for him to openly look the girl in the eye. Her eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and a slight smile on her face, like a naive girl being confessed to for the first time, unable to believe it.

Tears streamed down his grimy cheeks. The white-haired girl reached out to him, touching his shoulder one last time.

She moved her lips silently, imprinting her final words into his eyes.

She crumbled before the killer's eyes, like rain falling into the sea.

　(The third update tomorrow; the story will conclude tomorrow with the completion of the first part of the "Forging Destiny" series.)

　　
　
(End of this chapter)