Supreme Sword Master - Chapter 1

"Supreme Sword Master - Chapter 1: The Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Scripture!"

Chapter 1: The Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Scripture!

The Great Qi Dynasty.

On the western frontier, in Tianwu City, within the Gu Family estate.

Night had fallen, and the main hall was brightly lit.

In the center of the hall lay a blood-soaked youth, barely clinging to life. Surrounding him were dozens of the Gu Family's core members, their murderous auras palpable, like a pack of wolves circling their prey.

"Today, we have Gu Han, the adopted son of the Gu Family!"

"Rebellious, immoral, deranged, harming his own kin, and even attempting patricide!"

A tall, slender young man stared at the youth with cruelty and satisfaction in his eyes, speaking slowly: "By order of Elder Gu, he is hereby stripped of his position as Young Master, his cultivation is to be destroyed, his meridians severed, and he is to be exiled from the family and banished outside the city walls, as an example to others!"

Below.

Gu Han, unable to move, remained silent, his face covered in blood. Only his eyes, burning with an intense flame, glared at the crowd, as if they wished to incinerate everything before him.

"Young Master!"

At that moment.

A cry suddenly came from outside the hall. It was a girl, around thirteen or fourteen years old, holding a battered black sword, her bright eyes and white teeth marking her youthful innocence.

Slap!

A sharp sound rang out as a guard struck the girl across her face. She stumbled and fell, her pale cheek visibly swelling, a trickle of blood at the corner of her mouth.

Yet she seemed unfazed, struggling to her feet and attempting once more to rush into the hall. But again, she was slapped down by the guards.

"Remarkable."

Glancing outside, the young man sneered: "Even in your current state, this fool remains loyal to you. You, a stray picked up off the streets, what right did you have to be the Young Master of the Gu Family? What right to enjoy our family's resources? What right to have someone so devoted to you? Do you deserve it?"

"You're jealous of me."

The flames in Gu Han's eyes burned brighter. Though his voice was weak, it carried a mocking tone: "Even using such underhanded methods to cripple and kill me, you're still no match for me!"

"..."

The young man's fingers twitched, a flicker of both caution and murderous intent flashing in his eyes.

"Gu Han."

He suddenly crouched down, speaking earnestly: "I've waited seventeen years for this day. Do you think, in your current condition, how long you and her will last against the demonic beasts outside the city? A day? Half a day? Or perhaps... even less?"

"I'll return."

Gu Han's eyelids drooped slightly, concealing the hatred and fire within.

"Good."

The young man rose slowly, looking down on him: "I'll wait for you to come back. I'll wait for you to seek revenge, to... kill me!"

"Enough."

From the head of the hall, an elder with a hawk-like nose and sharp eyes waved his hand dismissively: "Throw him out."

It was Elder Gu Chang of the Gu Family!

"Yes!"

Immediately, someone responded, dragging Gu Han out of the hall.

As the figures moved, the flickering lights cast shadows over Gu Chang's face, making his already somber expression appear even more ruthless and sinister.

"Like a dog."

Watching Gu Han being dragged away, the young man exhaled deeply, satisfied: "A stray dog without a home!"

"From this day forward."

Gu Chang pointed to the young man, addressing the crowd gravely: "My grandson, Gu Yang, shall be the new Young Master of the Gu Family."

"Hail the Young Master!"

The crowd's expressions turned enthusiastic as they bowed in submission!

"Everyone, rise!"

Gu Yang laughed heartily, his mood buoyant.

Outside the hall.

The night was dark, the youth and girl were dragged carelessly, accompanied by biting winds and the girl's sobs, disappearing into the pitch-black darkness.

Inside the hall.

The servants added more lights, illuminating it like daylight. The crowd was brimming with enthusiasm, their flattery and celebration echoing like the scorching summer sun, heating Gu Yang's heart with pride.

***

Three days later.

In Tianwu City.

The rising sun breathed some life into this small border town.

Within the city, on the main street.

A frail-looking girl, around thirteen or fourteen years old, gritted her teeth as she carried a youth on her back, struggling to move forward step by step. The youth, about seventeen or eighteen, had a black broken sword tied to his back with coarse cloth strips. His body was drenched in blood, his breathing faint, and he had been unconscious for a long time.

It was Gu Han!

And the girl didn't look much better than him.

Her dress was unrecognizable from its original color, her once fair and delicate face now covered in dirt. Several red handprints were clearly visible on her cheeks, and sweat dripped continuously, mingling with her wounds and causing her to wince in pain.

No one knew how far she had walked.

Her shoes were worn through, her feet bloody and raw.

With every step, a faint bloody footprint was left on the stone pavement.

"Disgusting beast!"

"You're flattering him—he's worse than a beast!"

"That's right! Lord Gu raised him for seventeen years, and he repays him with patricide! Utterly deranged!"

"..."

Seeing the two,

The crowd's eyes were filled with ridicule and disdain, their curses raining down.

Over these three days,

Under Gu Chang's deliberate propaganda, Gu Han's supposed patricide had spread throughout Tianwu City. From being the once-glorified Young Master of the Gu Family, he had become a dying man despised by all.

The crowd's words.

The girl seemed not to hear them, or perhaps she had no strength left to refute them.

Stumbling,

She forced herself to take another step, her slightly bewildered eyes filled with unwavering determination. Leaving behind bloody footprints, she pressed on.

Her destination.

Was unmistakably the City Lord's residence!

***

Meanwhile.

Inside the Gu Family's main hall, Gu Chang and Gu Yang were deep in private discussion.

"Grandfather."

Gu Yang asked, puzzled: "That day, why didn't we just kill Gu Han outright? Wouldn't that have been the end of it?"

"Kill him?"

Gu Chang glanced at him.

"We secretly ambushed Gu Tian and reclaimed control of the Gu Family—that's the first reason! Pinning the blame on Gu Han, then utterly crippling him—this is the second!"

Gu Tian.

Was the former head of the Gu Family.

And Gu Han's adoptive father.

"And furthermore,"

Gu Chang continued: "He's severely injured now, and I've completely shattered his meridians. He won't survive more than three days—why should I dirty my hands? Moreover, the longer he clings to life, the more advantageous it is for us!"

"I understand."

Gu Yang suddenly realized: "Grandfather wants to use this incident to build momentum for us?"

"Precisely."

Gu Chang nodded approvingly: "The more tragic his fate, the more it will intimidate others and demonstrate the Gu Family's mercy! It will even benefit you when you enter the Great Qi Martial Academy. Besides, with the frequent appearance of demonic beasts outside the city, he's likely already become their meal by now!"

The Great Qi Martial Academy.

Located in the capital of the Great Qi Dynasty, it was where the elite of the younger generation gathered. Countless young talents fought tooth and nail to enter. If one performed exceptionally well, they might even catch the eye of higher sects and be taken as disciples, soaring to great heights.

However, the academy's admission standards were strict.

For a small place like Tianwu City, only one spot was available every five years, sparking fierce competition among families.

"Enough!"

"Let's not talk about him anymore."

He shifted the topic, warning: "Remember, in one month, there will be a battle for the academy's spot. Don't slack off—you mustn't miss this heaven-sent opportunity!"

"Grandfather, rest assured."

At the mention of the academy, Gu Yang smirked confidently.

"Without Gu Han, the others... are nothing to worry about! This battle will mark the beginning of my rise!"

The path of cultivation was endless.

Qi Condensation, Acupoint Opening, Spirit Enlightenment, Essence Gathering, Spiritual Mysteries, Spirit Mastery... Each realm could be divided into nine sub-levels.

Though only nineteen, Gu Yang had already reached the fifth level of Acupoint Opening. While he lagged behind Gu Han's seventh level, he was still far ahead of the other youths in Tianwu City.

"Still, it's a pity."

A trace of regret flashed in his eyes.

"If only we could have obtained that golden seal from Gu Tian, everything would have been perfect."

"Don't force it."

Gu Chang waved his hand dismissively.

"To seize control of the Gu Family and cripple that little bastard is already the best outcome. As for that golden seal..."

Here,

A flicker of apprehension passed through his eyes.

"At first, I thought it was some extraordinary artifact. But later, as you saw, Gu Tian became deranged because of it, losing all sense of familial ties. Who knows what kind of immense risk it carries? Even if you obtained it, you might not be able to control it!"

"Grandfather, do you think Gu Tian... really died?"

"He can't survive!"

Gu Chang narrowed his eyes, his tone resolute.

"That sword—I personally plunged it into his heart! Forget him—even if it were the City Lord, there'd be no chance of survival!"

Just then.

Rapid footsteps approached from outside.

"Elder Gu, Young Master!"

"Hmm?"

Gu Yang's eyes flashed coldly as he looked at the panting servant. "What did you call me?"

"Young Mas—"

The servant trembled, quickly correcting himself: "Young Master, Gu... Gu Han has returned!"

"What did you say!"

Instantly, Gu Yang's expression darkened. "Where is he?"

"It seems... he went to the City Lord's residence."

***

In front of the City Lord's residence.

"How dare you!"

A guard glared coldly at the girl: "Our young mistress is of noble birth! How could she be friends with a patricidal wretch like him? Speak nonsense again, tarnishing her reputation, and don't blame me for killing you!"

"But..."

The girl was at a loss, murmuring: "Miss Liu isn't the Young Master's friend? Please, let me in. The Young Master... he's dying..."

"A Sha..."

Suddenly, a weak voice came from behind—it was the commotion that had awakened the unconscious Gu Han.

"You... why are you here?"

"Young Master, I want to ask Miss Liu to save you!"

"It's useless. Let's go..."

"But..."

"Do as I say. Let's leave!"

***

At the City Lord's residence.

In the rear garden.

A woman dressed in a light green silk gown stood quietly, her skin as fair as snow, her figure graceful and elegant. Her demeanor was aloof, refined, and ethereal.

She was the City Lord's daughter.

Liu Ying.

"Miss."

Behind her, a maid's eyes were full of confusion: "He's almost dead. Won't you help him?"

"Why should I?"

"But he and you..."

"That was three days ago."

"Miss, do you really believe Gu Han committed patricide? I feel... he's not that kind of person."

"Patricide?"

Liu Ying turned, revealing a face that made the surrounding flowers seem dull in comparison.

"Whether I believe it or not no longer matters."

Her voice carried a cold detachment.

"How can a swan associate with sparrows? How can the moon compare with fireflies? Once, he was arrogant, radiant, the number one genius of Tianwu City. But now, he's a dying cripple. And I... remain who I am."

"Speaking of which."

She changed the subject: "That esteemed guest should arrive in Tianwu City today. Follow me to greet him."

"Yes."

The maid responded and hurried after her.

***

In a quiet alleyway.

A Sha still carried Gu Han on her back. Though her strength was nearly depleted, she refused to let go.

Behind them.

There were no longer any bloody footprints.

Her flesh had been worn away—there was no blood left to spill.

Each step brought excruciating pain!

Suddenly, her body tilted, and she could no longer hold on, collapsing instantly. Gu Han rolled off her back and onto the ground.

"Cough, cough..."

The movement aggravated his injuries, and he spat out another mouthful of blood.

"Medicine!"

Seeing this, something in A Sha's dimwitted mind seemed to finally click.

"Young Master, wait for me!"

"I'll find medicine—I won't let you die!"

As she spoke,

She staggered toward the distance.

"Come back..."

Gu Han tried to stop her, but how could he?

"Gu Chang!!!"

"Gu Yang!!!"

Thinking of his plight and his adoptive father's fate, a torrent of rage and hatred surged within him. With great effort, he raised his arm, fumbling inside his clothes.

Moments later.

His blood-soaked hand trembled as it opened.

A thumb-sized, square-shaped golden seal, covered in dense inscriptions, lay quietly in his palm.

"I can't die!"

His eyes turned crimson, a flash of madness crossing them: "If I die, I can't avenge my father! If I die, A Sha will die too... No, her fate will be worse than death!"

"She's important to me, so important!"

"I can't let anything happen to her!"

"Father!"

He clenched his teeth: "Forgive me—I didn't listen to you!"

Pfft!

As his words faded, he summoned the last of his strength, spitting a mouthful of essence blood onto the golden seal!

In an instant!

The golden seal erupted with brilliant light!

The inscriptions on its surface seemed to come alive, flowing down and transforming into mysterious runes that surged into his forehead!

Countless runes converged, forming a towering golden book several meters high within his mind!

Radiant with divine light!

Mysterious beyond comprehension!

On its cover, six dazzling characters shone brightly:

The Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Scripture!

At the same time.

A voice filled with emotion suddenly emerged from within the golden seal.

"Gu Han?"

"Your physical compatibility is mediocre, your aptitude is mediocre, and your looks... well, they're anything but mediocre, leagues apart from mine. But in times of misfortune, one can't be picky. Very well—it's you!"