Chapter 1:

It was said that there were three terrifying places in the world: the God-Slaughtering Platform in the Divine Realm, the Avici Hell in the Ghost Realm, and the Molten Abyss in the Demon Realm. These three places were so fearsome that even gods feared to enter and ghosts mourned their existence. Never had any deity or demon survived more than seven days in any of these three locations.

Yet, more terrifying than these three places was a man named Xie Xuechen.

He was merely a mortal, yet he endured seven days of extreme punishment in the Molten Abyss and survived.

Not only did he survive, he escaped.

No, to be precise, Xie Xuechen didn’t escape—he fought his way out, sword in hand, with earth-shaking might and a boldness that shook the heavens.

The crimson blood moon over the Demon Realm seemed even redder, and beneath it, the demon capital was thrown into chaos. Demons and monsters fled in panic, faces filled with terror, rushing toward the Zhen Shen Palace.

Yet behind the horde was just a single human swordsman, his body drenched in blood, his clothes tattered. He wielded the Jun Tian Sword, its blade emitting a faint golden glow. Sword qi like a rainbow flew through the air, forming the Demon-Slaying Formation, reaping countless demon lives. Any demon touched by the Jun Tian Sword dissolved into black demonic energy, returning to chaos.

“Lord Demon Sovereign, save us—”

“Xie Xuechen has gone mad—”

Innumerable demons crowded before the Zhen Shen Palace, wailing in terror. Suddenly, the palace doors opened from within, and a graceful purple figure slowly stepped out. She yawned lazily, her eyes half-closed, saying indifferently, “Lord Demon Sovereign is in retreat. How dare you make such a ruckus? Don’t you fear death?”

Her appearance momentarily silenced the chaos, replaced by a different kind of fear.

She was merely a girl of unparalleled beauty, wearing a crimson-purple gown. Her slender waist could be encircled by a single hand, her posture graceful and alluring. Her long skirt reached her ankles, and a gentle breeze revealed a pair of snow-white feet. Though she wore no silk socks, her bare feet were spotless, smooth and tender like a child’s. Around her delicate ankle was a white bone bell shaped like a flower bud, emitting a crisp yet ethereal chime with each step, captivating all who heard it, even causing them to forget her breathtaking beauty.

She was a rare beauty in the world, as pure and enchanting as an orchid blooming at midnight. Her peach-blossom eyes seemed to hold a perpetual smile, their glances stirring hearts with subtle allure. A single glance from her could create the illusion of being deeply loved. Yet, if one recalled her name and deeds, those enraptured gazes would instantly turn to fear.

She was Mu Xuanling, the direct disciple of the High Priest, the Holy Maiden of the Demon Race, and the enforcer of demonic law. The number of demons she had killed was likely no fewer than Xie Xuechen’s.

“Sa… Saintess, Xie Xuechen is coming!” a demon finally dared to speak.

But it was already too late, for Xie Xuechen had already reached the gates of Zhen Shen Palace.

A gap was carved through the mass of demons as the white-robed swordsman, wielding the Jun Tian Sword, advanced. Wherever he went, evil forces scattered, leaving countless dead and wounded. He slightly lifted his head, revealing a face as handsome as a deity’s, yet as cold as frost and snow.

His body was covered in wounds. His white robes were stained with blood, torn in many places, revealing his chest, where whip marks crisscrossed like scars on jade. Purple-black energy still coursed through the wounds, clearly indicating grave injuries. Yet he exuded the peak aura of a Law Manifestation cultivator, causing demons to retreat in fear and tremble.

Xie Xuechen raised his sword-brow, the red mark on his forehead glowing more vividly due to the surging spiritual energy. His clear black pupils reflected the crimson gates of Zhen Shen Palace and the petite purple figure before it.

He lifted the tip of his sword, pointing it at the girl, and spoke in a cold, hoarse voice: “Where is the Demon Sovereign?”

Mu Xuanling gazed at Xie Xuechen, her expression showing no fear. Upon hearing his question, she smiled and said, “No wonder it’s Xie Xuechen. Even after being wounded by Lord Demon Sovereign and High Priest, enduring seven days of punishment, you still possess such power.”

Upon hearing her voice, Xie Xuechen’s pupils constricted, and his grip on the sword tightened. His gaze lowered to her feet, landing on the flower-shaped bell tied around her delicate ankle.

“It’s you…” His eyes grew even colder.

Noticing Xie Xuechen’s gaze, Mu Xuanling smiled and took a few steps forward. The bell on her ankle chimed melodiously.

“Hmm? Has Master Xie recognized me?” she said with a smile. “I’ve seen you before, but this is our first meeting. I am Mu Xuanling, the Holy Maiden of the Demon Race. Please, Master Xie, grant me your guidance.”

As soon as Mu Xuanling finished speaking, Xie Xuechen’s sword qi swept forth. The pale golden sword qi carved a half-moon shape, directly targeting Mu Xuanling’s waist. Mu Xuanling’s expression changed, and she quickly formed seals with both hands, erecting ten layers of barriers within a breath to resist the sword qi. Each barrier was severed one by one by the sharp sword qi, but Mu Xuanling’s figure had already turned into a wisp of smoke, vanishing from the spot.

A soft, small hand suddenly rested on Xie Xuechen’s shoulder from behind, and a sweet voice whispered, “Oh? Master Xie, people often say that even a single night of marriage brings a hundred days of affection. I kissed you, so we must have at least ten or fifteen days of gratitude. Yet you strike without hesitation.”

Before she could finish speaking, Xie Xuechen had already grabbed her hand and thrust his sword backward.

But he struck only an illusion.

Mu Xuanling’s true form floated midair, smiling down at Xie Xuechen: “Master Xie, how can you repay kindness with cruelty?”

Xie Xuechen paid no heed to her taunts. His spiritual energy surged, his sleeves billowing. The Jun Tian Sword sensed its master’s intent, vibrating and transforming into countless sword shadows.

This was the sword formation of the greatest swordsman in the world—the Yu Que Tian Po Formation. Both the Demon Sovereign and High Priest had suffered grave injuries under this formation.

Mu Xuanling’s expression also turned serious as she sternly commanded, “All of you, retreat!”

The high-ranking demons, who had no intention of aiding her in the first place, were all shaken to their cores upon seeing the Yu Que Tian Po Formation. Those with lower cultivation immediately collapsed to their knees, while those capable of fleeing were considered the stronger ones.

Seeing the demons running faster than her words could reach, Mu Xuanling inwardly cursed—heartless creatures!

Mu Xuanling removed the black cloak from her back and threw it upward. The cloak expanded, covering the sky and moon, enveloping Mu Xuanling like a shroud.

It was the demonic artifact Yantian, rumored to be capable of withstanding an attack from a Celestial Immortal. Previously, during the pursuit of Xie Xuechen, it had saved the High Priest by blocking the full force of the Yu Que Tian Po Formation.

Whether this half-damaged artifact could withstand Xie Xuechen’s sword now was unknown to anyone.

All the demons watched the celestial battle unfolding in the sky.

Yantian obscured their figures. The Jun Tian Sword emitted a blinding light, like the midday sun, making the demons dare not look directly. Only the clashing sounds of swords and blades echoed from within the formation, as the two fought without restraint, causing horror among the onlookers.

“Why haven’t Lord Demon Sovereign and High Priest emerged from retreat yet?”

“I heard they were severely injured seven days ago during the pursuit of Xie Xuechen and must remain in retreat for ten days!”

“What about the Three Demon Deities?”

“They’re in the same condition.”

“Can Xie Xuechen alone really have withstood the combined assault of Lord Demon Sovereign, High Priest, and the Three Demon Deities?”

“He is the Chosen of Heaven’s Dao, the strongest swordsman of the human race. Even the Molten Abyss couldn’t destroy him. Who else could possibly defeat him?”

“Then… isn’t the Holy Maiden in danger?”

As the words fell, the Yantian barrier was torn apart by countless sword beams. The crimson moonlight shone down once more, illuminating countless despairing faces.

The white-robed swordsman stood proudly in the void like a celestial being, holding the demon holy maiden tightly in his grasp.

Mu Xuanling’s hands were twisted behind her back, her meridians sealed, rendering her unable to unleash any demonic arts. Xie Xuechen held her firmly with one hand while the other kept the sword poised at her neck, its sharp intent threatening her life.

Xie Xuechen coldly said, “Take me out of the Demon Realm.”

There were three hundred grand formations guarding the exits of the Demon Realm. Without a high-ranking demon familiar with the formations to guide him, escape was impossible.

Mu Xuanling’s face turned pale, and she coldly huffed, “Master Xie is so capable, why don’t you just walk out by yourself?”

In response, the sword blade pressed closer to her throat.

A thin line of red appeared on her tender neck.

Mu Xuanling stiffened, her clear peach-blossom eyes misting over, on the verge of tears, as she said, “Indeed, sword cultivators show no mercy to beauty.”

In the cultivation path of humans, there are countless routes, but the swordsman’s path is straightforward.

Direct and unyielding, without emotion or desire, a single sword to break all laws.

Xie Xuechen tightened his grip on her arm and repeated, “Lead the way.”

Mu Xuanling cast a resentful glance at him and said, “Fine, I’ll lead.”

Countless demons could only watch helplessly as Xie Xuechen took Mu Xuanling away.

In the Demon Realm, the Demon Sovereign held the highest status, followed by the High Priest. The Three Demon Deities and the Holy Maiden were on equal footing. Now, with the elders severely injured and the Holy Maiden captured, the demon race was left leaderless, descending into chaos.

“Disaster! Disaster! The Holy Maiden has been captured!”

“The Holy Maiden being captured… might not be such a bad thing.”

“And Xie Xuechen has left.”

“Doesn’t that mean we won’t die?”

“Right! Then let’s celebrate!”

“Let’s have a feast tonight, eat a human!”

As is well known, demons are immortal, unintelligent beings born from the Void Sea.

Xie Xuechen, holding Mu Xuanling, moved cautiously through the deadly arrays of the Demon Realm, never daring to be careless. After an unknown amount of time, the two finally exited the Demon Realm’s arrays. Before them was no longer the blood moon, but a bright sun and a blue sky belonging to the human race.

Xie Xuechen exhaled in relief, releasing his grip on Mu Xuanling. His body, strained for so long, swayed slightly, barely managing to steady himself by leaning on the Jun Tian Sword.

Mu Xuanling, still unable to move, could only roll her eyes at Xie Xuechen and shout, “Master Xie, now that we’ve left the Demon Realm, you should release me, shouldn’t you?”

Xie Xuechen slightly lifted his eyelids, glancing at Mu Xuanling, but showed no intention of removing the seal.

“Release you?” He furrowed his brow, as if he had heard a ridiculous and unreasonable request. His gaze turned even colder. “You are the Holy Maiden of the Demon Race, guilty of countless crimes. How could I possibly let you go?”

Mu Xuanling widened her eyes, her face flushed with anger. “Master Xie, to act this way after crossing the river is truly unchivalrous. We not only shared a fleeting intimacy, but I also saved your life! Even if you don’t repay my life-saving favor with marriage, it’s still unreasonable to repay kindness with cruelty!”

Upon hearing Mu Xuanling’s words, Xie Xuechen did not feel grateful; instead, his expression darkened further. He raised his sword and advanced toward her, his eyes brimming with killing intent.

He faintly sensed his spiritual energy depleting. Once he lost consciousness, he feared falling into the witch’s hands, undoing all his efforts. He had to kill her first…

Mu Xuanling sensed the cold killing intent in Xie Xuechen’s eyes and cried out in panic, “Xie Xuechen, you can’t kill me! I…”

Before Mu Xuanling could finish speaking, Xie Xuechen’s long sword was already thrusting toward her. In Mu Xuanling’s pupils, the Jun Tian Sword’s pale golden blade approached. However, just as it was about to pierce her, the golden sword light suddenly vanished. Xie Xuechen’s imposing presence also dissipated into nothingness. His tall figure stiffened abruptly, as if all his strength had been instantly drained. His face paled, waves of pain surged through him, and he couldn’t help but let out a stifled groan. He no longer had the strength to support his body. The sword fell from his hand, and his body toppled forward, crashing into Mu Xuanling.

Mu Xuanling, her meridians sealed and unable to move, was knocked over by Xie Xuechen’s impact. Her body fell to the ground, with Xie Xuechen collapsing on top of her. His body, devoid of strength, pressed heavily against her, his head resting on her neck, his breath and vitality fading rapidly.

Startled, Mu Xuanling, disregarding the pain from the fall, quickly shouted, “Hey, Master Xie, Xie Xuechen, before you pass out, at least release me first! What if some bad people come now?”

She had the audacity to call others bad—Xie Xuechen thought faintly.

He used all his strength but couldn’t force his eyes open. He only felt himself lying on something soft, his whole body aching as if crushed inch by inch by a stone mill. Blood spilled from the corner of his mouth, and his thoughts sank into darkness.

In the boundless darkness, Mu Xuanling’s cries echoed from afar: “Xie Xuechen—Xie Xuechen—”