Chapter Thirty: A Double Kill in the Blink of an Eye

Most of the powerful figures watching the battle had come for the Shaoyang Manual, only to discover that the Shaoyin Manual had appeared in Jiang Ming’s hands first.

At once, countless eyes turned green with envy.

Yet, however eager they might be, yearning to snatch it for themselves, not a single soul dared step forward.

This was the God of Slaughter standing before them.

Even four grandmasters joining forces had either met their deaths or suffered terrible wounds at his hands—his strength left all in utter despair.

Now, with the Shaoyang Manual also emerging, even Bai Yunfei and the others found their breathing grow heavy.

Many could not help taking a step closer.

“With both the Shaoyin and Shaoyang Manuals appearing together, something momentous is about to happen!” On the other side, Lu Yuan’s expression grew grave.

“Indeed, something big is brewing,” murmured the woman in black beside him, her tone cool. “Even Cold Moon Palace, Pure Yang Sect, Sun and Moon Demon Sect—none of them will stand idly by. When the world’s powers surge like a tidal wave, they may even unite to exterminate evil. Brother Jiang may well be in grave danger.”

“Exterminate evil?” Lu Yuan started, then shook his head. “It won’t come to that, absolutely not. They still have their pride!”

“Pride?” The woman in black laughed softly. “First, Brother Jiang comes from White Cloud Stronghold—he’s a bandit. Second, after today’s bloodbath, he’s slaughtered over a hundred martial heroes, each with a host of followers behind them. With public outcry, he’ll be branded a demonic outlaw. Third, regardless, the Xiao and Liang families are prominent martial clans—he’s annihilated them. In the wake of such tragedy, they’ll nail him to the pillar of infamy. Fourth, the many powers of the martial world will not allow a single force to rise, especially one that could grow to rival Master Zhang. Fifth, the Sun and Moon Demon Sect will fan the flames, claiming Brother Jiang is their prodigy, making him the enemy of the righteous path. Sixth, rumor has it that the Nine Yin and Nine Yang Manuals contain secrets to an even higher realm of martial arts. Tell me, how could the martial world not covet this? How could they not act?”

Lu Yuan was left speechless, anxiety etching his features. “Doesn’t that mean if Brother Jiang gets the Shaoyang Manual, he’ll become the very eye of the storm?”

“Almost certainly.” The woman’s voice grew ethereal. “With the whole world out to destroy him, he has but one path to survival.”

“So, that’s your plan?” Lu Yuan immediately understood her meaning, and chuckled. “Careful, you may lose everything in the end.”

On the other side, Chief Constable Zhang Tong leapt from afar. With that single entrance, his mastery of lightness skill was evident—he landed lightly beside Xiao Yuanrang, his expression somber as he cupped his fists. “Brother Yuanrang, what has happened?”

“Brother Zhang, my Xiao family has been loyal servants of the Empire for generations, guarding Kaoshan City with diligence and bringing peace to the land,” Xiao Yuanrang replied coldly. “Now disaster has befallen us. I beg Chief Constable Zhang to protect my Xiao family.”

Zhang Tong raised an eyebrow, a flicker of murderous intent passing through his eyes, but he could only sigh. “You martial artists fight among yourselves—what can I do?”

“Zhang Tong!” Xiao Yuanrang’s voice suddenly rose by eight degrees, the threat in his tone unmistakable.

The onlookers exchanged strange glances.

If anyone still failed to see that the Xiao family held something over Chief Constable Zhang, they were fools indeed.

Jiang Ming was in no hurry—he wanted to see what tricks Zhang Tong would play, all while pondering Lu Yuan and the woman in black’s conversation.

He also noticed something else: Captain Jin had exchanged a subtle, distant salute with the woman in black.

Zhang Tong maintained his composure, but turned to Jiang Ming, cupping his fists. “Commander Jiang, too many have died today, even the City Defense Battalion has suffered heavy casualties. Outsiders might think you mean to attack Kaoshan City! For my sake, why not end things here for today?”

Attack Kaoshan City? That was an obvious threat. No matter how strong you are, can you defy the imperial court?

Then, by asking Jiang Ming to give him face, he was clearly offering an olive branch.

“Give you face? And who are you? Do I know you? Is your reputation that grand?” Jiang Ming sneered coldly. “I’ve said it before: in this battle, anyone who stands with the Xiao family is my enemy. And to my enemies, it’s a fight to the death. Are you still determined to stand here?”

Zhang Tong’s face flushed instantly. He bellowed, “Jiang Ming, I am a Chief Constable of the Six Gates, representing both the Six Gates and the imperial court. And you—you’re nothing but a bandit. Do you really think that might alone can challenge the imperial court? Are you planning treason?”

“You? Representing the Six Gates, the imperial court?” Jiang Ming mocked. “A dignified Chief Constable, stationed in Kaoshan City, yet you turn a blind eye as the three bandit strongholds nearby commit every evil; you ignore the Xiao and Liang families ruling with blood and terror. And you dare claim to represent the imperial court? Useless, corrupt, colluding with villains—how dare you boast with such shamelessness? Zhang Tong, where did you get that dog’s face of yours?”

“You’re courting death!” Zhang Tong roared, fury blazing in his eyes.

Though those in the know had long suspected Zhang’s secret dealings, he’d never been openly exposed before.

As long as it remained unspoken, he was still the Six Gates’ model constable.

But now, it was all laid bare.

“Jiang Ming, you’re inciting rebellion, attacking Kaoshan City—your crimes are unforgivable and deserve death!” Even as Zhang Tong spoke, his mind raced.

This man, terrifying as he was, must surely be exhausted after so many battles. Even if he seemed fine, he was most likely bluffing.

If he killed Jiang Ming, today’s incident could be smoothed over; otherwise, his own fate would be grim.

Captain Jin would certainly seize the chance to strike him down.

He had to risk it!

“Brother Yuanrang, I swear this: if you fall in battle, I will protect the Xiao family and ensure its legacy endures!” Chief Constable Zhang roared, “Kill!”

“Yes, kill!” Xiao Yuanrang knew this was the best outcome.

With Zhang Tong fighting at his side, the Xiao family had a sliver of hope. Otherwise, they faced utter annihilation.

“Seven Severed Meridians Technique!” He struck acupoint after acupoint on his body.

His hands moved at lightning speed.

Jiang Ming saw it all clearly—each finger landed precisely on vital meridian points, causing his inner energy to surge and his aura to skyrocket.

“He’s destroying his own meridians, unleashing his true energy without restraint to rampage through his body. Though it will have irreversible consequences, even death, it will allow him to unleash all his power in a short burst, creating incredible combat strength!”

Jiang Ming’s eyes glimmered as he understood most of the technique.

He also memorized the opponent’s sequence and force of attacks.

It was a remarkable forbidden art, albeit one with unbearable side effects.

A low hum filled the air.

Xiao Yuanrang’s aura swelled, a whirlwind forming around him, elevating his power to its peak.

“Great Primordial Hand—die!” His eyes bloodshot, he lunged at Jiang Ming like a human warhead, leaving destruction in his wake.

“Triple Void Slash!” Zhang Tong followed close behind, clearly intending for Xiao Yuanrang to take the lead.

Not far away, Liang Dashan grew restless.

The hidden experts began circulating their inner energy, readying themselves to strike.

In that instant, tension once again shrouded the western gate of Kaoshan City.

Even the spectators—Bai Yunfei, Lu Yuan, and the others—were on edge.

If Jiang Ming was killed or gravely wounded, chaos would inevitably follow.

“So you really think I’m all spent after these battles?” Jiang Ming snorted coldly. His dantian roared, his sea of energy surged, and torrents of true energy poured forth like great rivers, sending his aura soaring once more.

His gaze sharpened like lightning, reflecting every nuance of his opponents’ attacks; their weaknesses lay bare before him.

“Die!” His roar boomed like thunder as he slashed at Xiao Yuanrang with his blade—a devastating technique, Thunderclap Flash.

Thunder crashed, lightning split the sky.

“Raindrop Sword!” At the same time, Jiang Ming drew the longsword from his back with his left hand. It shimmered in midair, transforming into a thousand sword shadows that rained down on Zhang Tong.

The sword shadows scattered like rain on banana leaves—dense, relentless—then suddenly converged into a single point of light, piercing illusion, shattering time and space. It tore through Zhang Tong’s blade and plunged into his throat.

A spray of blood.

At the same time, Xiao Yuanrang was sent flying by the blade, his body cleaved in two midair, a rain of blood showering the ground.