Bu Ou stood still, his eyes fixed on Qin Ren, his demeanor shifting as he slowly revealed his weapon. It was a short knife, about fifteen inches long. The blade appeared unremarkable—plain and dull, with a color that seemed to absorb all light. To the casual observer, it looked like an ordinary weapon, one that wouldn't turn a single head.
But no one dared to underestimate it. Because this was Bu Ou's knife!
With the blade in hand, Bu Ou's entire aura transformed. His fiery rage dissipated completely, and his posture became calm and composed, like an ancient well, without a single ripple.
Everyone in the hall felt a heavy pressure bearing down. Those with even a basic understanding of martial arts could tell that Bu Ou and his knife had become one. The frail, white-haired man standing there was no longer a person; he was the blade itself.
Bu Ou stared lovingly at his weapon, his voice deep and filled with emotion as he said, "I began training with this knife in the snow at the age of seven. For ten years, I practiced the same move three thousand times a day. At seventeen, I entered the martial world and struck down the 'Knife King Supreme' Dao Wudi, the undisputed blade master of the time. At eighteen, I cleaved through the 'Knife Without Equal' Newton Shou. At nineteen, I severed the 'Knife Emperor' Ma Debao. And at twenty, I took on the largest knife faction in the world, the One-Blade Alliance, killing their leader, 'Big Li Flying Knife' Li Nianhua, with just two strikes. From that day forward, I was known as the 'Demon' in the martial world, and my blade was called the 'Demon Blade.' Since then, no one has dared to draw their blade in front of me! Now, at seventy-seven, this blade has been in solitude for fifty-seven years. The greatest loneliness is to be invincible, young man. Today, I bring out this 'Demon Blade,' one that has not been shown for fifty-seven years. You are fortunate to die by its edge!"
Qin Ren squinted, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Old man, don't puff yourself up in front of me. You think you're the number one sword master in the world? What about 'Thunderclap Blade God' Qin Lei?"
At the mention of 'Thunderclap Blade God,' Bu Ou's breath faltered for a moment, and his composure cracked. Every person in the hall could feel it—Bu Ou, once calm as a placid lake, was now agitated.
Thunderclap Blade God was one of the two most famous young swordsmen in the martial world, equal in fame to the 'Starry Sword Sage.' For any sword master who claimed to be invincible, they had to first pass the Thunderclap Blade God's challenge!
Bu Ou inhaled deeply and gradually returned to his cold, emotionless state. He gazed at his blade, his eyes soft as if looking at a long-lost lover. Slowly, he spoke, "Thunderclap Blade God? A mere child. My Demon Blade remains hidden, while you claim to be a god? Fine, fine, what is a false name in the martial world? I won't compete with children for titles. Let him claim to be a god, if that's what he wants. But before me, Bu Ou, what does 'god' even mean?"
Qin Ren's eyes widened in disbelief. He never imagined Bu Ou could be so shameless. Though clearly afraid to face his older brother, Bu Ou was still here in this brothel, trying to outshine him! Acting like some untouchable sage, but secretly scheming against him!
"Youth, I didn't want to take your life, but you've killed four of my loyal subordinates. If I don't avenge them, how can I stand in the martial world? What face would I have after a hundred years to face their loyal souls? Prepare to die!" Bu Ou's shrill whistle cut through the air as he lunged.
Like a white crane soaring through the air, Bu Ou's movements were graceful, and his Demon Blade came down in a straight cut from above. The blade flashed like a silver ribbon, a starry river cascading down toward Qin Ren's head.
This strike was simple and direct, without any flamboyance. With Qin Ren's current martial skills, it seemed impossible to block it. But with his lightness skill, dodging was no challenge.
Yet, Qin Ren remained unfazed. He didn't even attempt to move. He knew that in this life, he had a full 112 years to live. Bu Ou's strike would never be enough to kill him!
With a gentle flick of his fan, Qin Ren smiled, his gaze locked on the descending blade. He looked as calm as a Buddha sitting beneath the Bodhi tree.
Seeing Qin Ren so unshaken, Bu Ou suddenly felt unease creeping into his heart.
Then it hit him: This youth's surname is Qin! The same surname as Thunderclap Blade God and the Starry Sword Sage!
And in the nearby Xianyao Mountain Manor, there was a powerful figure whose name shook the heavens, and he too shared that same surname—Qin!
Who was this mysterious young man? What connection did he have with Qin Xiyao, Qin Feng, and Qin Lei?
In that split second, Bu Ou's mind raced with countless thoughts. But in that moment of distraction, his focus faltered. His blade wavered and his body slowed just slightly—enough to alter the entire outcome of the battle.
"Shh!" The blade missed its target and cleaved into the window frame instead, splitting it cleanly in two.
"Bang!" Bu Ou's head collided with the edge of the frame as his body was sent flying by the force. The impact jolted his head back, and his body tumbled downward.
At the same time, Qin Ren displayed a speed and lightness skill so incredible that he was already following Bu Ou's falling body, his feet barely brushing the ground. With a swift tap on Bu Ou's forehead, he used the momentum to float upwards like a soft feather, gliding effortlessly toward the high platform where Xiang Yue stood.
The second Qin Ren's foot touched Bu Ou's forehead, the old man's fall accelerated, and within moments, he crashed to the floor with a deafening thud. The sound of splintering wood rang through the hall as Bu Ou's fragile body sank deep into the floorboards, his forehead shattered open and blood spilling everywhere.
How terrifying was Qin Ren's power? The light tap of his foot had more force than a thousand-pound hammer strike!
The hall erupted in chaos. This fight, if one could even call it that, was nothing short of a slaughter. The famed 'Demon' Bu Ou and the Four Kings fell in quick succession, each death more absurd than the last. Many in the hall were still processing what had just happened, unable to comprehend how they had perished.
But Qin Ren paid no mind to them. He didn't even glance at Bu Ou's lifeless body. With a graceful leap, he approached the high platform and, with a smile, greeted Xiang Yue.
"Xiang Yue, my lady. I am at your service."
Xiang Yue gazed up at him, a faint blush spreading across her veiled face. She lowered her head, a coy smile on her lips. "You're too kind, sir."
Qin Ren laughed heartily, pulling out a large bundle of silver bills and slapping them onto the table with a resounding crack. "I can afford the price, and now that I've taken care of the competition, you'll be safe from that old pervert. Xiang Yue, tonight, this new husband will have the honor of spending the night with you."
The woman beside her, a middle-aged beauty, took the silver from Qin Ren with a smile. "Young master, your martial skills are extraordinary, and your wealth is even more impressive. My daughter is fortunate to have such a promising new husband. Come, let us escort the newlyweds to the bridal chamber!"