Chapter 54: If they stand in my way, I’ll slit their throats
The battle had finally ended. After eight days of relentless clashes, the war cries had given way to a heavy silence, broken only by the crunch of monster carcasses beneath the survivors’ feet.
Many believed it was the work of the ancients to test the new generation. But in truth, it was the doing of Hu Fei. He had unleashed a wave of frenzied monsters with his foul aura, repulsive even to the beasts themselves. BaiShe, issuing the command, sought to gauge the abilities of the most powerful among the younger generation, especially Qing Long. He was the only one for whom BaiShe had yet found no means to kill. The man even bore the Yin-yang symbol on his forehead. His destiny and potential were far too monstrous for his current power.
BaiShe stood atop a mountain of carcasses, his white cloak stained with blood. The cultivators present gazed at him with admiration, but also with a hint of apprehension. He had not fought merely for his own survival, nor even for the glory of his family. He had traversed the battlefield, protecting those who fought with courage, whether they were disciples of a great sect or mere wandering cultivators.
Qing Long, the imperial prince and leader of the disciples of the Immortal Tao, leaped onto the pile of corpses and extended his hand.
"Martial Brother, without you, there would have been far more deaths among our ranks."
BaiShe glanced at the outstretched hand for a moment before grasping it.
"I don’t save them out of nobility, like you, Prince."
Qing Long raised an eyebrow.
"Hm?"
"I only save those who have the courage to fight. Cowards who flee at the first obstacle... their agony holds no interest for me."
The imperial prince slowly nodded, his gaze thoughtful.