At times, needed no swing at all. The halo of molten gold around dissolved lesser cultivators on contact, as if his very presence were their bane.

One cultivator lunged from behind, a bone dagger dripping with demonic energy aimed at Jared’s spine. Without turning, Jared flicked his wrist. A crescent of golden sword energy screamed backward, cleaving attacker and weapon clean in two.

“Pathetic…” The word fell softly, yet carried a chill indifference. He threaded through the enemy ranks like wind through wheat. Each measured swing reaped another cluster of lives. Where the golden light passed, demonic energy shriveled, white bones melted, and even the soil, tainted by years of dark rites, seemed to quake beneath his power.

Half an hour later, silence settled. Every cultivator of Malevolent Path Hall lay dead, save Lunaria, still in Flaxseed’s grasp somewhere inside.

Smoke, blood, and scorched marrow mingled in the air, painting the valley with brutal finality.

Jared halted before the palace gate. Crimson light pulsed from the stone walls, bathing his features in a grim glow.

Deep inside, sensed an aura-vast, coiled, and far stronger than Dioz or Varek. The branch leader of Malevolent Path Hall waited.