in the deepest part of this quicksand wasteland, most encounters are with those who have surpassed three steps. These three-step Nirvana realms wouldn't care about a mere one-step Nirvana.Unbeknownst...The vast martial arts garden was now deathly silent!

A hush fell upon the scene.

Everyone stared blankly at the rolling head on the ground and the fallen corpse, their shock indescribable in words.

That's Zhao Ling.

And he had already broken through to the Sea Transformation Realm, even resorting to using his Mad Demon Blade, Zhao Ling's strength skyrocketed after this—the result was—he was still killed by Su Xin with a single sword!

Zhao Ling is dead

After a brief moment of silence, what followed was an eruption!

"Su Xin! Su Xin!!"

"Young Master!"

All of the powerful disciples of the Su family went crazy, erupting in a frenzy.

Especially those young boys.

For the past three years, Zhao Ling's presence has been like a mountain weighing down on them, leaving them helpless.

Now, this mountain is gone, swept flat by Su Xin's sword.

And lastly, Su Xin said something.

Traitors!

"Even attempted to usurp the master's authority!"

>Such a person deserves to die!

Yes.

Over the past three years, the 門客派 has grown in influence, frantically seizing resources and speaking rights within the Su family. The younger generations of the 門客派 have always been riding roughshod over the Su family's own children because of Zhao Ling's presence as a formidable figure.

Because their younger generation couldn't compete with Zhao Ling, they could only swallow their anger. How frustrating that must be.

And now, this Zhao Ling is finally dead.

"Good job killing!"

This Zhao Ling, deserves to be killed!!

The young men of the Su family stared at Zhao Ling's corpse, their teeth gritted one by one.

And then……

"Be bold!"

A furious shout echoed, and Long Yuan appeared on the battlefield. The moment he arrived, he radiated killing intent, charging directly at Su Xin.

"Stop!"

Similarly, on the battlefield, Elder Su Baihu immediately stepped forward and stopped Long Yuan.

"Long Yuan, what are you going to do" Su Baihu's eyes were like lightning, staring intently at Long Yuan.

"Su Baihu, you dare to stop me" Long Yuan's murderous aura was overwhelming, and his body was surging with an incomparably violent energy.

When Zhao Ling was wielding the Blazing Demon Sword, he didn't stop him immediately. He hoped that Zhao Ling could defeat Su Xin with the Blazing Demon Sword. However, Su Xin only struck a sword and killed Zhao Ling who was wielding the Blazing Demon Sword.

When he sensed the sudden surge of murderous intent from Su Xin, he acted immediately, but it was still too late to save Zhao Ling.

“This is the Su family’s grand competition, with two people battling head-on to the death. There was already a risk of casualties, and Zhao Ling has already unleashed his Devilblade Technique, meaning he’s fighting to the bitter end. Under these circumstances, Su Xin naturally couldn't hold back. You should understand this,” Su Baihu growled.

Upon hearing this, although Long Yuan was furious, he couldn't refute it.

Berserk blade... this is truly a last resort.

Once unleashed, it is relentless and unstoppable.

Zhao Ling had resorted to such ruthless tactics, determined to fight Su Xin to the death. Su Xin, naturally, would not hold back either.

"Su Baihu, you need to know, this is Zhao Ling! The son of Zhao Tianlei," Long Yuan gritted his teeth.

"Su Xin, that's still my Su family's young master, the only son of my eldest brother," Su Baihu stated directly.

Long Yuan gritted his teeth in anger.

At this time, Su Bai, who had been sitting in the stands all along, finally stood up. With the imposing manner of a powerful Void Breaking Realm expert, he swept across the entire arena, silencing it once again.

That's it for now.

Su Baichen gazed around with an indifferent expression, "This grand competition is won by Su Xin. From today onwards, the Sword Order of the younger generation of the Su family will be held by Su Xin."

Su Xin, your actions were too severe, resulting in Zhao Ling's death. Although there were reasons behind the incident, you still need to be held accountable. You will be confined for ten days as a form of punishment.

After finishing his words, Su Bai ignored the reactions of the people present. After bowing to Yuan Qing, he flicked his sleeves and left.

Long Yuan and his disciples, all powerful figures in the martial world, heard this result. Though they felt unwilling to accept it, they dared not openly confront Su Bai Chen.

Su Xin took the Su family sword order from Zhao Baihu and was about to leave.

"Big brother, big brother!!"

Zhao Qing hugged Zhao Ling's body, crying hysterically, and he also roared, "Su Xin, you killed my brother, my father will not let you go!"

"He will surely kill you, my father will surely kill you!"

I waited, and Su Xin gave Zhao Qing a cold glance before turning and leaving.

As he walked through the crowd, a large number of young Su family members all looked at him with burning eyes.

His eyes were filled with admiration.

Three years ago, the Su family fell into ruin because of him.

But in today's battle, he saved the Su family's dignity and pride.

His status as the son-in-law of the Su family was also reinstated with respect within the Su family.

In the stands, Chi Long Lou's manager Yuan Qing was also staring at Su Xin, but there was a trace of undisguised shock in his eyes.

"Just now that sword..."

"It can't be wrong, that should be the phantom style from the swordsmanship of Beicang."

Yuan Qing was still recalling Su Xin's last dazzling sword strike.

"It seems my previous guess was right. He has indeed taken that step and grasped a hint of the Dao." Yuan Qing pondered.

Martial arts, heavy form, even heavier meaning!

A person, regardless of the weapon they use or the martial arts secrets they practice, at the beginning is only confined to the forms of moves. The true essence lies in the realm of understanding and intention, which is the real soul of a weapon.

For example, a person wielding a sword and practicing swordsmanship, once imbued with intention, is equivalent to swordsmanship gaining thought. It no longer adheres to rigid, traditional sword techniques.

Once this step is reached, it will be a qualitative leap, in swordsmanship equivalent to completely entering a brand new level.

Before at the Zhenwu Pavilion, Yuan Qing saw Su Xin break through to the fourteenth floor of the Zhenwu Pavilion, and he suspected that Su Xin had already taken that step and comprehended a trace of the realm.

And now seeing Su Xin displaying the "Northern Azure" sword technique... Yuan Qing knew very well that the "Northern Azure" sword technique was the number one sword technique recognized by the Heavenly Flame Dynasty.

Its origin is ancient, but the secret technique isn't uncommon. Some influential families or factions within the Heavenly Fire Dynasty possess copies of this sword technique. The Su family naturally has one as well.

However, although there are swordsmanship manuals, the threshold for cultivation is extremely high.

To comprehend a glimmer of the artistic conception is the lowest requirement for cultivating this sword technique.

Su Xinen being able to wield the phantom style of the "Bei Cang" sword technique naturally meant he had grasped a hint of its essence.

In the Heavenly Flame Empire, even those who reach the Sea Transformation Realm, including those at the peak of the Sea Transformation Realm, are considered super geniuses if they can comprehend a trace of an artistic conception. If they were to challenge the Dragon Seeking Tower, they could easily pass the first layer. With slightly higher comprehension or other powerful techniques, they might even be able to pass the second layer.

"But Su Xin, a mere True Martial Realm cultivator, comprehending even a sliver of the artistic conception and able to utilize the Phantom Style…simply…incredible!"

Yuan Qing marveled.

"Not only is his talent and skill frightening, but also his mentality…"

As the head of the Chi Long Lou, Yuan Qing had seen through Su Xin's intentions from the very beginning of the battle - his goal was to kill Zhao Ling!

But he didn't immediately make his move. Instead, he gradually revealed his skills and prowess, step by step, provoking Zhao Ling into a rage and pushing him to the brink. In the end, Zhao Ling even resorted to using his frenzied blade.

Once the Demon-Crazed Blade was unleashed, Su Xin effortlessly slaughtered Zhao Ling.

“He clearly intended to kill, yet he left his opponent without a single word. What a terrifying little fellow.” Yuan Qing smiled faintly. “Unfortunately, he’s only at the Zhenwu Realm and hasn’t broken through to the Huai Hai Realm. Otherwise, he could have caught up with this year’s Imperial City Hunt.”

It's a shame I missed it this year. If I want to participate again, I'll probably have to wait five years.

……

As soon as Su Xinguang returned to his courtyard, a guard arrived at his door on Su Bai's orders, requesting an audience.

A dimly lit study, even in broad daylight, only a few rays of light faintly discernible.

"father"

Su Xin respectfully stood there, his eyes still holding a glimmer of excitement.

It has been half a month since he returned to the Su family from the Demonic Prison, but only today did his father agree to see him.

Su Bai was facing away from him, holding a brush in his hand as he painted on a scroll. He ignored him completely.

Su Xin also watched quietly, not disturbing.

Su had known since he was young that his father loved to paint. He often watched his father paint when he was little. In his memory, every painting his father created was unrestrained, free-spirited, and defiant.

But today, this painting depicts a hawk soaring through the sky while overlooking its prey below. This painting, with a touch of defiance, also conveys a sense of loneliness and ruthlessness towards its target.

After a long time, Su Bai finally put down his pen and turned to look at Su Xin.

After three years of hardship, he looked much more mature. Su Bai stared at Su Xin's face, a smile finally appearing on his face after a long silence.

This smile, clearly radiating love, eased Su Xin's heart, and a smile also appeared on his face.

Sit down, Su Bai. Chen waved his hand.

Su Xin sat down.

Three years ago, you didn't say anything, and as your father, I didn't ask. But today, tell me, why did you have to kill Zhao Ling Su Bai calmly stared at Su Xin.

Su Xin was not surprised.

Zhao Ling had cultivated the Demonic Blade, this was common knowledge within the Su family. And in today's battle, he had clearly step by step pushed Zhao Ling to his limit, forcing him to use the Demonic Blade. Then, he took advantage of the situation to kill him.

A little thought reveals that he had planned to kill Zhao Ling from the very beginning.

"Zhao Ling, a guest, dared to covet the power of my Su family. He deserved death," said Su Xindao.

"Then what" Su Bai asked calmly.

Three years ago, my family held a great deal of prejudice and resentment towards me. As the youngest son, I was already disregarded by everyone. Killing Zhao Ling not only protects the honor of my Su family but also serves as a display of power, allowing me to regain respect and status within the family,” Su Xin continued.

"Anything else" Su Bai remained calm.

I heard that Zhao Tianlei went to Tianshui City to compete with the Grand Elder for the Su family's property there. The competition has reached its most critical stage, and this property is of vital importance to the Su family at present.

If Zhao Ling's death could provoke Zhao Tianlei, making him immediately return to the Su family to seek revenge on me, then that portion of the assets would be safeguarded for Su Xindao.

Upon hearing this, Su Bai finally smiled. "Being able to think of the third point isn't bad, but unfortunately, you underestimate Zhao Tianlei too much."

“Based on my understanding of him, Zhao Ling's death would anger him, but it would also further motivate him to vie for our Su family's possessions. Therefore, if this news reached his ears, he would most likely choose to endure it and wait until he had completely secured the property. Only after things had settled would he return to the family to seek revenge on you.

"This Zhao Tianlei, even his son's death, could he choose to bear it first"

Su Xin frowned, then solemnly said: "Father, I must speak frankly. The faction led by Zhao Tianlei has long ceased to be a help to our Su family, but has become a tumor. If we continue to allow it to 'corrode' us, until it reaches the bone marrow, then our Su family will find it too late to save ourselves."

“I understand what you’re saying,” the father said, nodding slightly and sighing softly. “The Su family has long fallen from grace. With Zhao Tianlei leading a powerful faction of followers, eradicating this ‘tumor’ won’t be easy. And to do so, we must first eliminate Zhao Tianlei.”

“But Zhao Tianlei’s cultivation base had already broken through to the middle stage of Void Breaking a year ago. The entire Su family, the only one capable of killing him is his father!”

"Alas, as a father now, it is inconvenient for me to intervene!"

"Is it inconvenient to make a move" Su Xin's heart moved.

He's been speculating why his father hasn't taken action to eliminate Zhao Tianlei and his followers. Perhaps it's because of concerns about external forces, or maybe he's worried about weakening the overall strength of the Su family, or there might be some other reason.

But now it seems that is not the case.

His own father wants to kill Zhao Tianlei, but he just can't do it himself.

Understanding this, Su Xin immediately stood up.

"Father, this Zhao Tianlei... I'm here to kill him!!"

……ter has already arranged a path for your cultivation before. If you can follow this path and don't encounter any unexpected accidents on the way, you are destined to transcend."There's even a 20 to 30...