Chapter 26: Signing in for the Northern Darkness Divine Skill

(1/3)

Cloud Crane's speed was astonishing. Before Jade Truth had time to react, Cloud Crane was already standing before A'Zi, blocking his assault. There was no time to be startled; Jade Truth quickly composed himself. Realizing his plan had failed, he immediately spun around and dashed off in the opposite direction.

Watching Jade Truth flee in utter disgrace like a beaten cur, Cloud Crane's lips curled with disdain. The Nine Yin Manual contained an immense array of techniques, including methods for lightfoot movement. Though not quite on par with the supreme arts Steps of the Lingering Wave or the Hundred Transformations Divine Walk, it was certainly not far behind. At this moment, Cloud Crane's inner strength was profound, and the lightness skill he employed propelled him at a speed far beyond that of ordinary men.

For Jade Truth to dream of escaping from him was sheer folly. This was the very source of Cloud Crane's confidence: if he wished to leave, few in the world could bar his path; if he wished to keep someone, few could escape from his grasp. Jade Truth was clearly not among those few.

Unaware that, in Cloud Crane's eyes, he was already meat on the chopping block, Jade Truth desperately urged his inner energy, pushing his speed to the utmost. When he saw himself about to vanish from Cloud Crane's sight, a smile of relief crept onto Jade Truth's face—at last, he felt his heart settle. Now, Cloud Crane could never catch up.

Just wait, he thought. Once his injuries healed, he would make Cloud Crane pay a terrible price. As for A'Zi, Jade Truth was determined to possess her, to make her witness his power.

But as this thought took root, before the smile at his lips could spread, it froze solid. His eyes widened in terror as a figure appeared before him, reeking of death. How could Cloud Crane possibly be so fast?

As his mind raced, his fleeing figure ground to a halt. Sensing the astonishment in Jade Truth's gaze, Cloud Crane spoke with a self-mocking tone, "My martial arts are modest; to preserve my life, I've had no choice but to devote myself to lightness skill."

"Damn it!" Unable to restrain himself, Jade Truth cursed aloud at Cloud Crane's words. If this could be called modest martial skill, then there were no masters left in the world.

With no other choice, Jade Truth decided to yield once more. Without hesitation, he tossed the iron sword to Cloud Crane.

(2/3)

He couldn't win in a fight, and he couldn't run away. Nothing mattered more than his own life; he could always find a way to retrieve the sword later.

"May I go now?" Jade Truth asked as he flung the iron sword toward Cloud Crane, who caught it with a hand. The sword's weight made his arm dip slightly, but he quickly regained composure. Gazing down at the sword, Cloud Crane showed a hint of surprise, clearly not expecting Jade Truth to yield so readily.

As thoughts flickered through his mind, Jade Truth's voice rang in his ear, "May I go now?"

"You may," Cloud Crane replied, idly toying with the sword.

Jade Truth's tense frame seemed to relax. Yet in that very instant, Cloud Crane's gaze sharpened. The sword whistled through the air with lightning speed, thrusting straight for Jade Truth's chest.

It was at this moment that Jade Truth understood: even if he surrendered the sword, Cloud Crane would never let him go. A chill of terror spread across his face, and savage light burst from his eyes. "If you insist on forcing me, then even if I die, I'll drag you down with me!"

With that, he summoned all his strength and launched a desperate counterattack.

Faced with Jade Truth's furious last stand, Cloud Crane's expression did not change in the slightest—the sword's momentum only grew fiercer.

So, you want to stake your life? Fine. I will accompany you. Let's see who dies first.

Bang!

A spurt of blood.

Jade Truth, mustering all his inner power, struck Cloud Crane with a heavy blow. At the same time, Cloud Crane's sword plunged into Jade Truth's body, the blade dyed red with blood, drops falling to the ground like blossoming flowers.

Jade Truth's face turned deathly pale as the vitality within him ebbed away. He struggled to lift his head, meeting Cloud Crane's gaze with a faint smile. Blood continued to pour from him, his pallor growing even more ghastly, yet his eyes shone with a fevered excitement.

No matter how deep Cloud Crane's inner strength ran, such a blow should have shattered his organs completely. Most importantly, he would perish in agony, tormented to his last breath.

The thought made Jade Truth's gruesome smile broaden; blood streamed from him as if it cost nothing.

Cloud Crane, struck with the full force of Jade Truth's palm, closed his eyes slightly, veins bulging at his temple, his face contorted with pain. It was clear he was enduring unspeakable torment.

Jade Truth's inner power surged through Cloud Crane’s meridians like a rampaging beast, wreaking havoc everywhere.

(3/3)

If he could not expel this invading energy in time, once it erupted, Cloud Crane would—at best—have all his meridians shattered, becoming a cripple; at worst, his organs would be torn asunder, dying with bitter regret on the spot.

Watching Cloud Crane’s agony, Jade Truth’s expression grew more deranged. "Cloud Crane, blame only yourself for being so ruthless. I told you—even if I die, I'll take you with me!"

Sensing disaster, A'Zi’s alarmed eyes flicked to Cloud Crane, anxiety etched on her face. No, I can't just watch Brother Yun fall into danger.

With that resolve, A'Zi suppressed her panic, closed her eyes, and summoned her inner energy, charging at the blocked acupoints.

Meanwhile, inside Cloud Crane’s body, the situation was dire. The invading energy contained over a decade’s worth of Jade Truth’s cultivation—too vast to resist. He struggled to counter it with his own energy, but to little avail.

As the energy threatened to tear his meridians apart, Cloud Crane found himself helpless, a surge of frustration rising in his heart.

This time, he really was in trouble.

If only he had the Northern Darkness Divine Skill—then this deadly poison would become the finest of tonics.

His only hope now was the system. But the system’s sign-in rewards were far too random; he had no idea what he might receive today.

Yet with things already beyond repair, Cloud Crane had no choice but to gamble everything.

"Sign in!"

[Ding. Congratulations, host—sign-in successful. Northern Darkness Divine Skill acquired. Current level: first tier.]

Now he was saved.

The Northern Darkness Divine Skill was supremely compatible and would not conflict with any other internal methods. With nothing left to fear, Cloud Crane immediately activated the skill, beginning to devour the vast invading energy, turning it to his own benefit.

Jade Truth’s aura grew fainter and fainter, yet he clung stubbornly to his final breath. He had to see Cloud Crane die in agony—only then could he rest in peace.

Meanwhile, A'Zi, forcing open her blocked acupoints, suffered a harsh backlash—blood traced her lips, her delicate mouth growing ever more vivid. Yet she ignored the pain, finally breaking through.

Regaining movement, she rushed to Cloud Crane’s side, her face filled with worry as she looked at him.