Chapter 55: The White-Clad Hero's Sword Slays the Dragon

Fang Wang looked up, utterly captivated by the black flood dragon coiled around the ancient tree. Though it possessed only two claws, its form and aura were the most formidable he had ever encountered among all monstrous beings.

Xiao Zi spoke with an envious tone, “It’s on the verge of becoming a true dragon.”

Fang Wang sensed the creature’s demonic energy—astonishing, yet not to the point of making him despair. Having just broken through to the Spirit Core realm, he too sought a battle to test his newfound strength.

Meanwhile, under the distant tree, Gu Li tried to rise, but was pressed down by Xu Tianjiao’s hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t be reckless. My spiritual power is nearly depleted. Once the formation is undone, it’ll be hard to hide again. If he can fight his way here alone, his strength must be considerable. We’ll watch and seize the chance to help him if we can,” Xu Tianjiao said quietly, her eyes full of disappointment.

She hadn’t waited for her brother. She’d heard of Fang Wang’s deeds—he was indeed a prodigy, perhaps even more extraordinary than her brother had been. Yet he’d only cultivated for a little over three years; defeating Xu Lang at the ninth level of the Spirit Core realm was likely his limit. How could he hope to overcome this flood dragon king?

She herself was at the first level of the Profound Heart realm, and had barely survived an encounter with the beast. The memory of her narrow escape still haunted her. Now trapped, unable to leave, she could only wait for rescue. Though outwardly calm, her heart was in turmoil.

Gu Li found her reasoning sound. Her own spiritual power had only half recovered; stepping out might not help Fang Wang and could even burden him. Suddenly, she noticed Fang Wang looking around as if searching for someone.

Could he be looking for her?

Her heart skipped a beat at her own fanciful thought; after all, Fang Wang couldn’t possibly know she was here.

But what if, by some chance…

After all, Xu Lang had forced his way out earlier.

Indeed, Fang Wang was searching for Gu Li’s figure, but found nothing. Fortunately, there were several cave entrances behind the massive tree; perhaps Gu Li and her companions had hidden within.

Enough!

First, let me slay the dragon!

A flood dragon was still a dragon! For a young man brimming with vigor, challenging such a creature was an achievement in itself.

Fang Wang advanced with his sword, his robes fluttering. With each step, a sword-shaped aura appeared at his side.

“Mortal, do you wish to challenge me alone?” The black flood dragon atop the ancient tree spoke, its voice deep as thunder. As it spoke, it exhaled searing breaths, raising its upper body to gaze down at Fang Wang.

Fang Wang replied, “Where is the Golden-Scaled White Feather Robe? Tell me, and I might spare your life.”

As his words fell, nine sword-shaped auras had already formed around him, and his steps did not falter.

“The Soaring Swan Divine Sword Technique… Could he be the White-Robed Swan?” Under the yellow paper umbrella, Xu Tianjiao frowned and asked.

Gu Li did not reply, but Ye Xiang and Yan Feiyue were visibly moved.

The White-Robed Swan’s thirty-six sword strikes had led many to believe he was Yang Yuanzi. Even if he denied it, only he seemed capable. The Soaring Swan Divine Sword Technique was a supreme skill—how could a mere disciple reach the thirty-sixth sword?

Watching Fang Wang display the technique, they found it absurd—more so even than seeing Xu Lang defeated at his feet.

“Spare my life? Arrogant fool! How can a mortal covet the Sacred Robe of the Great Sage? You seek death!” the black flood dragon roared, its bellow echoing like a true dragon’s cry.

It lunged at Fang Wang, its massive body stirring fierce winds. At the same time, spectral apparitions surged from all directions, charging at Fang Wang like a vast army, like overwhelming waves crashing to engulf him.

Gu Li and her companions watched in tense silence, their eyes fixed on Fang Wang.

In a distant cave tunnel, Xu Lang, tending his wounds, faintly heard the flood dragon’s roar. He knew that voice all too well—the beast that had broken his left arm and nearly brought him to despair. He took a deep breath and silently prayed for Fang Wang, hoping he would not perish here.

Facing the oncoming specters, Fang Wang did not retreat but advanced, stepping forward and swinging his sword.

The Heavenly Rainbow Sword blazed with dazzling white light, from which countless sword energies erupted, cleaving the ghostly figures in two.

He then leapt into the air, sword auras rapidly materializing around him—almost instantly reaching thirty-six in number.

Light from the sword illuminated the faces of Gu Li and her companions, who stared in shock.

In their eyes, countless ghostly figures howled and writhed, while above them, the black flood dragon twisted its demonic body, snapping at a white-robed figure holding a sword wreathed in thirty-six sword shadows—like a sword god dueling a demon dragon.

The scene was seared into their memories.

Fang Wang thrust his sword forward, and in that instant, all thirty-six sword auras shot forth with the Heavenly Rainbow Sword, merging into a single, colossal sword energy, even larger than the black flood dragon itself.

The flood dragon’s pupils contracted in terror. Instinctively, it opened its jaws and unleashed a torrent of black flames.

Boom—

The two terrifying forces collided, shaking the entire underground chamber. Sand and stones rained down.

The sword energy of the Soaring Swan Divine Sword Technique raged like a hurricane, scattering the black flames after only a moment. The combined might of the thirty-six swords forcefully tore through the inferno and struck the black flood dragon.

In a flash, the dragon twisted to evade, but it was far too late.

The immense sword energy pinned the black flood dragon to the ancient tree, splitting the trunk and sending clouds of dust billowing.

Crash—

The sword energy swept through, cleaving the giant tree in half, along with the dragon’s monstrous body. Blood spurted in all directions.

Amidst the wild winds, Fang Wang stood unmoved, sword extended, his right arm poised, body half-turned, his back to the four observers.

A single sword, and the dragon was slain!

Even Gu Li, who knew Fang Wang well, stared wide-eyed. Xu Tianjiao and Yan Feiyue were struck dumb; only Ye Xiang managed a slightly better composure, though his gaze was vacant.

Was the invincible demon king truly slain so decisively?

“The Thirty-Six Swords of the Soaring Swan… the White-Robed Swan…” Yan Feiyue murmured, his voice trembling.

Fang Wang slowly descended, the force of the sword energy dispersing the dust around him. He watched as the ancient tree split in two, the halves of the black flood dragon crashing to the ground amid a spray of blood.

“Wow! Young Master, you’re incredible!” Xiao Zi finally snapped out of its daze and cheered.

Having nestled in Fang Wang’s arms throughout, it had been paralyzed with fear when facing the black dragon—feeling like a snake about to be swallowed.

Sword in hand, Fang Wang strode forward. The half-zhang-long Heavenly Rainbow Sword could only be carried at an angle, its white glow undimmed even by the swirling dust.

His expression unchanged, Fang Wang sighed inwardly.

Ah… I’m too formidable!

Not a single enemy had yet forced him to unleash the Nine Dragons Divine Transformation.

He approached the black flood dragon’s severed head. The beast’s eyes were wide with terror as it pleaded, “Spare me! Please, master, let me live… I’ll tell you where the Golden-Scaled White Feather Robe is hidden!”

Thunk!

The Heavenly Rainbow Sword plunged straight into the dragon’s skull. The black flood dragon convulsed, then moved no more.

Fang Wang had no patience for its words—better to avoid any sneak attacks from the beast.

“Go and dig out its demon core, tendons, gallbladder, and any other treasures,” Fang Wang ordered. At once, Xiao Zi darted out from his arms.

Casting a glance around, Fang Wang noticed that any remaining specters, upon meeting his gaze, fled in terror into the surrounding tunnels. None dared approach the entrance by which Fang Wang had come.

He began to circle the ancient tree, searching for any other corpses.

“Fang Wang!”

A familiar voice, bright with surprise, startled Fang Wang. He turned to see four figures appear beneath a tree by the cave wall, a yellow paper umbrella floating above their heads.

Fang Wang frowned—how had he failed to sense their presence before?

Gu Li hurried over, gazing at him with unconcealed admiration.

Fang Wang said coldly, “This place is so dangerous. Why did you come? Are you not afraid to die?”

It was rare for Fang Wang to rebuke her, but Gu Li took no offense, her heart still racing with excitement. She asked gently, “Why did you come?”

Did you come to save me?

The words remained unspoken, hidden in her heart.

“Of course, I’m here for the treasures,” Fang Wang replied, avoiding her burning gaze.

“My, so there’s a beauty present—that explains why the Young Master rushed over after hearing those names!” came Xiao Zi’s cry from inside the dragon’s corpse. It poked out its snake head, covered in black dragon blood and flesh.

Though surprised by Xiao Zi’s existence, Gu Li’s attention was entirely caught by its words.

So he really did come for her…

Her eyes sparkled even brighter as she looked at Fang Wang, filled with a gentle, watery affection.

By now, Xu Tianjiao and her companions had approached, their expressions complex as they regarded Fang Wang.