The Soon-to-Fall Demon

"Sect Master, Chen Yunxuan has broken through the Four Symbols Annihilation Sword Formation."

"Broken through? As expected of the top-ranked genius on the Human Ranking. Not only does he possess monstrous talent, but his strength is also not to be underestimated."

"Sect Master, Chen Yunxuan has already begun ascending the mountain. Should we send more people to stop him?"

"Hmm? Haven't we already dispatched men?"

"They lost. However, Chen Yunxuan showed no intent to kill and spared their lives. It's clear his sole purpose in coming here is to take Xie Yuyan's life."

Lost?

The Heavenly Sword Sect's Sect Master hadn't anticipated this. He had prepared a double-layered defense—first the sword formation, and then nine disciples as backup.

Though these nine were all at the peak of the Divine Transformation Realm, they had trained in a joint sword technique, making their combined might formidable.

In the past, their teamwork had even defeated an opponent at the third level of the Void Comprehension Realm.

Yet they lost to Chen Yunxuan?

"What is Chen Yunxuan's current cultivation level?" the Sect Master asked with a frown.

"Divine Transformation Realm, seventh level."

"What? Divine Transformation Realm, seventh level?"

"It's only been half a year since the Human Ranking was updated, and he’s already reached this stage?"

Chen Yunxuan's breakthrough speed was unheard of. The Sect Master had seen many prodigies, but compared to Chen Yunxuan, they were nothing.

Who could advance so swiftly even within the Divine Transformation Realm?

Was this the true potential of the Human Ranking's top genius?

"Sect Master, Chen Yunxuan's potential is immense. What do you think…?"

The Sect Master understood the elder's implication—they couldn’t allow Chen Yunxuan to kill Xie Yuyan.

Though many in the sect were furious over Xie Yuyan's actions, she was still the descendant of their Ancestor. If she died here, how could they explain it to him?

If they intervened, the Heavenly Sword Sect would inevitably form a grudge with Chen Yunxuan. Given his talent, if they didn’t kill him today, his eventual rise might spell doom for the sect.

"Ah!"

"If not for that girl Xie Yuyan, things wouldn’t have escalated to this point."

"Killing Chen Yunxuan brings no benefit to our sect."

"But sparing him…"

A choice—an agonizing one.

Chen Yunxuan’s value far exceeded Xie Yuyan’s, yet they couldn’t simply yield to his potential.

Just as Chen Yunxuan refused to back down despite the Heavenly Sword Sect’s might.

"Let him come up first. I’ll speak with him."

At that moment, Xie Yunfei’s arrival eased the Sect Master’s tension slightly.

"Senior Brother, does the Ancestor know of this?"

"Not yet."

"Ah, I spoiled that girl too much over the years. But she’s still my own daughter—how can I stand by and watch her die at another’s hands?"

"If there’s truly no other way, I’ll take action myself. The sin will rest on me alone, separate from the Heavenly Sword Sect." Xie Yunfei sighed helplessly.

"Senior Brother, what kind of talk is that?"

"You are part of our sect. How could we…?"

Before the Sect Master could finish, Xie Yunfei interrupted.

"I understand your meaning. But… someone must take responsibility."

"Even the Ancestor would agree with this course."

"However, it all depends on whether Chen Yunxuan remains unyielding."

Chen Yunxuan advanced unhindered until he reached the Heavenly Sword Sect’s Sword Platform.

By now, many sect members had gathered, their reactions mixed as they watched him arrive.

"Truly worthy of the Human Ranking’s first place—such boldness!"

"His talent and temperament are peerless. What a shame."

"Ah, if not for Xie Yuyan, things wouldn’t have come to this."

"Honestly, I hate to see such a prodigy meet his end here."

"Well, fate is fate. Perhaps his legend was always meant to end by our hands."

"Hmph! Arrogant brat, thinking his talent makes him invincible. He should’ve known the consequences of challenging our sect."

"Even if Xie Yuyan was wrong, does Chen Yunxuan think he can scorn the Heavenly Sword Sect and demand we beg him to drop his vengeance? Who does he think he is?"

The sect members’ personalities shaped their views.

Chen Yunxuan was impressive, but he had no ties to the Heavenly Sword Sect. To many, his actions were sheer provocation—a blatant disregard for their authority.

"Wait here for me."

"If I die, collect my body." Chen Yunxuan glanced at the All-Knowing One, smiling faintly.

Even now, he remained composed. The All-Knowing One admired his calm but thought him foolish.

"Fine. Go die in peace—I’ll handle your corpse!" the All-Knowing One snapped.

Chen Yunxuan chuckled, then turned his gaze to the Heavenly Sword Sect’s crowd.

"Chen Yunxuan, I am Xie Yuyan’s father, Xie Yunfei."

"What happened before was Xie Yuyan’s fault. We’ve already punished her."

"Can you let this end here?" Xie Yunfei asked.

Xie Yunfei held high status in the sect—when had he ever spoken so deferentially to a junior?

Many didn’t understand his approach. Why negotiate? Just eliminate Chen Yunxuan outright.

Why lower themselves?

Chen Yunxuan studied Xie Yunfei before replying coldly, "Tell me, how exactly was Xie Yuyan punished for those lives she took?"

"Or was it just a scolding?"

"To you, those lives might mean nothing."

"Cultivators all have blood on their hands."

"But she shouldn’t have killed them because of me."

"If it were you, would you let it go?"

Xie Yunfei’s brow furrowed. If roles were reversed, what would he do?

He, too, would seek vengeance—but not so recklessly, not by storming a sect far stronger than himself.

That was suicide.

"Do you really think you can kill Xie Yuyan in front of all of us?"

"Chen Yunxuan, you’re the Human Ranking’s top genius, with limitless potential."

"Why throw your life away here?"

"Do you truly believe we won’t kill you?" Xie Yunfei’s voice turned icy.

"I came for a purpose. Why leave without achieving it?"

"Even if the Heavenly Sword Sect is a den of dragons and tigers, today, I will tread it!" Chen Yunxuan declared.

"Hahaha!"

"Good!"

"Since you refuse to relent, don’t blame me for what comes next."

"This matter is between you and me—it has nothing to do with the Heavenly Sword Sect."

"No one from the sect is to interfere!" Xie Yunfei commanded.

His words stunned the crowd. What did he mean?

Only the Sect Master understood—Xie Yunfei was cutting the Heavenly Sword Sect out of the conflict.

This way, no matter what problems arise in the future, they would solely be Xie Yunfei’s responsibility and have nothing to do with the Heavenly Sword Sect.

"Elder Uncle, such a matter is hardly worth your intervention."

"Let me be the one to eliminate Chen Yunxuan!"

Just as Xie Yunfei was about to make his move, a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect shouted these words and had already charged toward Chen Yunxuan.

"This… What nonsense is this kid spouting?"

"Get back here! This has nothing to do with you!"

"Senior Brother, perhaps we should let him go. His cultivation is at the peak of the Void Comprehension Realm’s ninth level—more than enough to deal with Chen Yunxuan," the Heavenly Sword Sect’s Sect Master said helplessly.

"If Chen Yunxuan dies by his hand, the Heavenly Sword Sect won’t be able to wash its hands of this matter," Xie Yunfei said gravely.

"Senior Brother, you are already a member of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Whether you act or someone else does, the outcome remains the same."

"You are not wrong, nor is he. The only mistake is that we now stand on opposing sides."

"That is all."

"What a pity… A once-in-a-generation prodigy, fallen just like this!"