Deep within the Beast Ridge, the forest was dense, the trees towering as if touching the heavens. Even at midday, the thick canopy left much of the path shrouded in shadows, casting an oppressive atmosphere over the terrain. A winding trail stretched through the mountain range, narrow yet winding endlessly forward.
A grand carriage slowly made its way down the narrow path. Behind it marched dozens of soldiers clad in black armor, their synchronized steps exuding a well-disciplined lethality. Even without any overt actions, the chill of their killing intent seeped into the air, lowering the surrounding temperature.
At the head of this formation strode two elderly men in black and white robes, their auras concealed, yet their mere presence was enough to send the surrounding beasts into silent retreat. With an invisible wave of power, they kept the mountain's dangers at bay.
The carriage's curtains parted, and a young man in luxurious robes emerged, his features sharp and striking, with hawk-like eyes that gleamed with piercing intelligence. This was none other than Lance Ying, the Crown Prince of the Immortal Qin Empire.
"How much longer until we reach Chang'an, Elder Xuan?" Lance Ying asked, a hint of impatience crossing his face. "I've heard that tomorrow marks the three-year duel between the Princess of Chang'an and that young heir of the Ye family."
"At our current pace, we will arrive by dawn tomorrow, Your Highness," replied the elder at the head of the column.
"Too slow, far too slow," Lance Ying muttered, shaking his head.
"Is His Highness concerned about missing the duel?" Elder Xuan inquired with a knowing smile.
"It's not about the duel," Lance Ying sneered, lips twisting into a wicked smile. "What interests me more is meeting the so-called 'most notorious aristocrat in the land,' Livia Dong, the Crown Princess of Chang'an. Rumor has it that she's unrivaled in beauty, even surpassing Sarah Long."
Elder Xuan and Elder Ming exchanged weary glances. They were well aware of the Prince's penchant for beautiful women, a habit that had already led to multiple concubines and favored prince consorts at his young age.
"So, Your Highness intends to…?" Elder Xuan ventured.
Lance Ying let out a dark chuckle. "My father insists that I bring back a noblewoman from Chang'an as a bride. If this Livia Dong is as mesmerizing as they say, then I'll make her mine. Even if I must drag her back to the Qin Empire."
The elder shook his head. "Your Highness, Livia Dong is no ordinary noble. She's the daughter of General Dong Raymond Dong himself, a man few dare to cross."
"So what?" Lance Ying scoffed, his expression hardening. "I don't care whose daughter she is. If I want her, then I'll take her. The Qin Empire has an army of eight hundred thousand and countless sects and cultivators. If I demand her hand, her father wouldn't dare refuse."
He leaned back, a wicked smile spreading across his face. "Besides, she's just another spoiled noble. Once she's bound to my bed, she'll learn her place."
The two elders sighed in resignation, glancing at each other with a mixture of weariness and frustration. Their Prince, for all his talents, had a reckless and dangerously unrestrained streak.
Just then, an ominous shadow descended over the convoy, casting an unnatural gloom across the path.
"Who goes there?" Elder Xuan and Elder Ming shouted, their voices booming as they unleashed a wave of force that sent tremors through the forest.
The soldiers quickly moved into a defensive formation around Lance Ying's carriage, their eyes scanning the surroundings with keen vigilance. From the shadows, a solitary figure stepped forward, catching the attention of everyone present.
Dressed in pristine white robes, his appearance was ethereal, almost otherworldly, with a presence that seemed utterly incongruous with the rugged wilderness. Jason Ji had arrived.
"You dare obstruct my carriage?" Lance Ying sneered, glaring at Jason with barely concealed disdain.
"I've been waiting for you," Jason said calmly, his expression unreadable as he looked at the Prince. In the original story, Lance Ying had tried to forcefully claim Livia Dong, relying on the Qin Empire's might. He had no idea that Livia had already amassed enough power to decimate an entire army. She had not only defeated the Qin's forces but had stormed into the imperial palace herself, slaughtering every guard in her path before executing Lance Ying in the most brutal fashion imaginable.
"Some dogs simply can't change their habits," Jason remarked coldly, his tone dripping with contempt. Lance Ying's vile ambitions had just given him yet another reason to put an end to this man's life.
Lance Ying's lip curled in contempt. "Kill him."
At his command, the soldiers unsheathed their blades, charging at Jason in perfect formation. Yet before they could even close the distance—
"Rain of Blazing Needles!" Jason's voice echoed as his hands moved in a swift, practiced pattern. Within moments, golden needles filled the air, descending upon the soldiers with lethal precision.
In mere seconds, dozens of battle-hardened warriors lay on the ground, their bodies pierced by countless needles, blood seeping from every orifice. The once-dignified soldiers were reduced to twisted, contorted figures, each one wearing an expression of eternal horror.
The two elders exchanged glances, their faces mirroring the shock that flooded their minds. This young man's mastery of hidden weapon techniques was unparalleled, something neither of them had ever encountered.
"A… a demon?" Lance Ying stammered, his arrogant demeanor crumbling as fear took hold. "Who… who are you?"
Elders Xuan and Ming positioned themselves protectively in front of the terrified Prince, their senses heightened, every instinct screaming of the danger before them.
"Both at the peak of the eighth stage in the Legendary Realm," Jason murmured, his eyes scanning the two men. The strength of his opponents was indeed formidable, slightly more challenging than he had anticipated. But he couldn't deny the thrill that surged within him. The stronger his adversaries, the greater the rewards awaiting him.
Jason's eyes glinted as he activated his divine powers.
With a soft hum, Jason's sword emerged from its scabbard, slicing through the air with a sound that seemed to cleave reality itself. The atmosphere shifted as the Immortal Slayer Sword—the infamous blade known across the land—shone with an aura of deadly, indomitable energy.
"Th-The Immortal Slayer Sword!" The two elders gasped, their faces paling as they registered the significance of the weapon before them. "You… you're Jason Ji, the Immortal Slayer!"
The name struck Lance Ying with visible terror, his hand trembling as he realized the magnitude of his mistake. Even as the Prince of Qin, he had heard the legends surrounding Jason Ji, the Immortal Slayer, and the seemingly impossible feats he had accomplished.
And now, standing in the flesh before him, was the very man he had foolishly provoked. Worse yet, he remembered that Livia Dong—the woman he coveted—was Jason's betrothed.
"Elder Xuan, Elder Ming! Kill him now!" Lance Ying's voice cracked with desperation as he barked the order.
The two elders didn't hesitate. They unleashed their full power, knowing that facing the Immortal Slayer would require every ounce of strength and skill they possessed.
But Jason's gaze was steady, and his aura remained unshaken. As the two elders lunged forward, he raised the Immortal Slayer Sword and prepared to wield his newfound power.
The fate of the Qin Prince, and the impending chaos it would unleash, was now sealed.
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