Just after Yang Hao had defeated Jin De, he had once smugly asked Hunyuanzi whether he was now ready to challenge Wang Tao. To his surprise, Hunyuanzi had bluntly replied that Yang Hao’s combat strength was still far, far behind Wang Tao’s.
Yang Hao had now reached the Lingxu realm and, after ingesting the Huorong Pill, possessed nearly sixth-level combat strength—roughly matching Jin De. Even if Yang Hao used the pinnacle sword technique of the Danshan Dual Cultivation Sect, his strength would barely approach level seven. The victory over Jin De had been possible only thanks to a mixture of luck and courage.
But Wang Tao was no laughing matter. His base strength had already surpassed level eight, and with enhancements, he might even reach level nine. The Wang Clan’s sword techniques were also top-tier. Unless Yang Hao launched a surprise attack, defeating Wang Tao was practically impossible.
At that time, Hunyuanzi had sighed, “A cultivator like you, blessed with rare opportunities and extraordinary talent, is already extremely rare. In such a short time, I have trained you up to nearly level seven combat strength. Even among the greatest masters in the world, few could rival that achievement. But Wang Tao—he’s a true genius, practically born for swordsmanship. At his age, using his cultivation methods, he has effortlessly broken through to level eight, and his sword techniques have already reached the ‘breaking the wind’ stage. Such talent is nothing short of miraculous. Even in my youth, I never cultivated this quickly. If this person receives proper cultivation, he may one day become the greatest swordsman in the universe.”
“Wang Tao’s heart is not in the right place. No matter how much he’s cultivated, it won’t matter,” Yang Hao had no good feelings toward Wang Tao.
“There’s only a thin line between righteousness and evil. Right now, to others, he is the righteous one, and you are the evil one,” Hunyuanzi had goaded Yang Hao. “Unless you can defeat him, no one will acknowledge your strength.”
“One day, I’ll definitely show him what I’m made of,” Yang Hao had said, clenching his fists with excitement. Fresh from his victory over Jin De, his confidence was soaring, and he almost believed he was already the greatest martial expert in the world.
Naturally, Hunyuanzi poured cold water on his enthusiasm at the right moment: “My dear apprentice, you must remember one thing—absolutely do not provoke Wang Tao until you’ve reached the Hehe realm. Otherwise, you’ll meet a tragic end. If he unleashes his ‘Breaking Wind Sword,’ you probably won’t even have the chance to draw your sword.”
“I don’t believe he could be that powerful. I still have the Huorong Pill and the Five Supreme Sword Techniques. I refuse to believe that…”
“Believe it or not, that’s up to you. If it were me, I wouldn’t dare provoke that guy. He’s practically a monster, not even human,” Hunyuanzi had said, recalling the time he had seen Wang Tao demonstrate his sword skills at the academy. Since then, Hunyuanzi had always felt a lingering fear, describing Wang Tao as if he were a sword saint descended from heaven.
Although Yang Hao had always refused to admit defeat verbally, deep in his heart, he indeed held Wang Tao in great fear. He clearly understood that when Hunyuanzi said something wasn’t dangerous, it might not be, but when he said something was dangerous, it would definitely be a major catastrophe.
Therefore, when Yang Hao now heard approaching footsteps outside the door, he was nearly petrified. He could almost visualize Wang Tao charging toward him with a fierce aura. As soon as the door opened, Wang Tao would strike, instantly killing Yang Hao, who had sneaked in.
Wang Tao tightly gripped his sword hilt. As he walked down the long corridor, he felt his murderous intent swelling uncontrollably. It seemed that every time he held this sword, a bloody scent surged through his body. The sword in Wang Tao’s hand was no ordinary weapon.
As one of the Ten Sword Schools of the Empire, the Wang Clan possessed a glorious history. Legend had it that in ancient times, the Wang Clan had learned sword techniques directly from sword immortals, developing a unique lineage of sword arts. Although the ancient cultivation methods had long been lost, the Wang Clan still maintained a unique breathing and cultivation system of their own. Though such methods were officially banned by the Imperial Senate, the Wang Clan had long provided generals for the imperial army, earning them tacit approval.
Although the Wang Clan had a long and distinguished history, apart from their sword techniques, they had difficulty finding relics left behind by ancient immortals. Within the clan, the most valued and treasured item was the sword now in Wang Tao’s hands. This sword had an ancient design—slender yet sturdy. Unlike modern alloys, it lacked luster, but it exuded a majestic aura. According to legend, this sword had been obtained by the Wang Clan ancestors from an immortal, making it a true ancient immortal sword. Although its hidden mysteries had yet to be fully explored, everyone knew it was an invaluable treasure, the Wang Clan’s most sacred heirloom.
For such a legendary sword to be passed down to Wang Tao clearly showed the high hopes the Wang Clan had for him. Naturally, Wang Tao had not disappointed them. As one of the top young experts in the clan, he had already achieved great feats at a young age.
Wang Tao clearly understood that once he completed the current mission and brought Remon Star completely under the Empire’s control, it would be a tremendous achievement. With Remon Star’s long-term supply of medicinal herbs, the Imperial Senate would certainly recommend promoting his sword team to a top-tier sword unit. As its leader, Wang Tao would immediately become a prominent figure in the Empire. After all, the gap between a second-tier and a first-tier sword team was not small at all.
As Wang Tao approached the door, he naturally knew what lay behind that luxurious palace entrance. He could even hear the sounds coming from inside. Once he stormed in, he might face fierce resistance.
But it didn’t matter. Although the person inside was also an elite expert, to Wang Tao, they were nothing more than a piece of cake. In this planet, even in the entire star system, the only person truly capable of matching Wang Tao in a duel was probably only Dazhen Emperor himself. Unfortunately, that old man was already dead.
Wang Tao naturally knew how Dazhen Emperor had died. But what he understood even more clearly was that once he stormed through that door, all rumors would be silenced. This planet would fall completely under his control, and no one would dare to resist anymore.
As the golden palace door drew closer, Wang Tao raised his hand, signaling his subordinates to stop. He steadied himself, gripping the sword hilt once more. The corridor had reached its end, and the golden glow seemed to herald Wang Tao’s glorious future.
Meanwhile, the person inside the door was about to face the greatest challenge of their life—even a challenge to their very existence.
A faint smile involuntarily appeared at the corner of Wang Tao’s lips. He gently pushed open the door and, facing the person inside—the one whose mere appearance could steal someone’s breath—said, “Your Majesty, I hope I’m not interrupting.”
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