I established the Eternal Immortal Clan by taming beasts.

Lin Xuanfeng's consciousness floated in the darkness.

He has forgotten the pain, forgotten the awakening, forgotten who he is.

Everything about the Lin family, about swordsmanship, about my father.

All of that receded like the tide, leaving only boundless darkness and nothingness.

Then, light appeared.

It wasn't the light of sword energy, but sunlight.

The sunlight was blinding, scorching, and so bright that it made it impossible to open one's eyes.

He stood atop a city wall.

All around were the deafening sounds of battle, the clashing of swords, and the wails of the dying.

He held a blood-stained longsword in his hand, the blade still dripping with someone's blood.

He kept waving his sword, repelling the endless stream of enemies.

The city gate was breached the next moment.

Large numbers of enemy troops poured into the city like a tidal wave.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the defenders on the city wall quickly organized a retreat.

They fought and retreated repeatedly, from the city walls to the streets, and from the streets to the alleys, leaving behind countless corpses along the way.

Lin Xuanfeng had no idea how long he had been killing.

All he knew was that his arm was numb, his breathing was heavy and labored, and his vision was beginning to blur.

My comrades are dwindling, while the number of enemies is increasing.

Several hours later, panting heavily, he staggered into a small courtyard.

He leaned against a haystack behind a house, burying himself in the dry grass, panting heavily.

The city has been almost entirely occupied by the enemy.

The continuous fighting had exhausted him, and his wounds were still bleeding.

He knew he could no longer fight; in his current state, he would only face certain death if he encountered even a few enemy soldiers.

"Bang!"

The courtyard gate was kicked open.

Three enemy soldiers entered the house and began searching it.

Their footsteps grew closer, and the clanging of swords against the walls and debris created a chilling sound.

Lin Xuanfeng buried himself deeper into the haystack, holding his breath and not daring to make a sound.

Just then—

"Ah! No!"

"Sir, please spare us!"

Lin Xuanfeng's heart sank.

He peered through the gaps in the haystack and saw the three enemy soldiers dragging the family's people out of the cellar.

Two elderly people, a woman, and a teenager.

They were roughly shoved and thrown to the ground, their faces filled with terror and despair.

The enemy began questioning them, asking if there were any garrison troops hiding in the house.

The common people naturally had no idea where Lin Xuanfeng was.

They were just trembling, repeatedly saying they didn't know and begging for their lives.

One of the enemy soldiers seemed to be losing patience.

His gaze fell on the young woman, a lewd glint in his eyes.

He grinned maliciously as he stepped forward and reached out to grab the woman's clothes.

The woman screamed and struggled, and the old man lunged at her to stop her, but was kicked to the ground.

The old man lay on the ground, clutching his chest, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, yet he was still struggling to get up.

The child was so frightened that he cried loudly.

The veins on Lin Xuanfeng's forehead bulged.

He gritted his teeth, his nails digging deep into his palms.

No one noticed him.

As long as he doesn't make a sound and continues to hide here, these enemy troops will leave after searching the house.

He won't be exposed; he can survive.

He should live.

He is a soldier of Daliang, and he still has an unfinished mission: to avenge his fallen comrades!

"Oh."

He suddenly chuckled softly.

The laughter was very soft, almost inaudible.

But in that laughter, there was self-mockery, relief, and an indescribable...resoluteness.

He used his last bit of strength to climb out of the haystack.

Raise your sword.

He broke out from the blind spot of the three!

The first strike: a throat slit.

The enemy soldier, who was still grinning, didn't even have time to react before his throat was slit by a sword.

Blood gushed out, splattering all over Lin Xuanfeng's face.

The other two reacted instantly, roaring as they lunged at him.

Lin Xuanfeng was no longer able to fight.

His arms were trembling, his vision was blurring, and his steps were unsteady.

He continued to wield his sword, engaging the two men in combat, but his movements were unusually sluggish.

He knew he was no match for his opponent.

But all he knew was that he was a soldier of Daliang.

He could not stand by and watch the enemy slaughter the people of Daliang right before his eyes.

Even if it means death, he will die before the people!

The sword flashed.

The blade pierced the air.

Lin Xuanfeng's figure swayed in the bloody light, like a candle flickering in the wind, yet he never fell.

The surrounding scenery shattered with a deafening crash.

……

In the Lin family courtyard.

Everyone remained tense, staring intently at Lin Xuanfeng, not daring to utter a sound.

Lin Xuanqing, who had retreated to the back of the crowd, had a somber expression, just like his father.

Because she possesses the Azure Emperor's Longevity Body, she is particularly dedicated to researching various physiques.

Their understanding of various physical constitutions far surpasses that of ordinary people.

She had naturally studied this Undying Sword Soul Body as well.

That's why she was more worried than her brothers who didn't know the specifics.

Lin Xuanjing was startled when he saw his third brother, who seemed to have lost consciousness.

"What's wrong with the third brother?"

Lin Xuanqing pursed his lips, his voice low:

"The sword energy penetrates to the bone, shattering the mortal body. This is only the first step. The second step is the most crucial if you want to truly awaken the Undying Sword Soul Body."

She paused, her gaze falling on her third brother's lifeless eyes, her tone filled with barely suppressed worry:

"Once the sword bone is initially formed, his consciousness will fall into the illusion of the heart sword. If he cannot adhere to his original heart..."

Lin Xuanjing couldn't help but press further: "What if you can't keep your word?"

Lin Xuanqing took a deep breath, his voice heavy:

"Awakening failed! All his efforts over the years will be in vain."

Everyone fell silent.

They finally understood why their father had chosen to help his third son awaken the Undying Sword Soul Body only after the third son had already established his foundation.

Because after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, one's physique will be stronger and one's Dao heart will be more steadfast.

The cost of failing to awaken is too heavy.

Lin Xuanjing clenched his fists, staring intently at his third brother, his eyes filled with anxiety and anticipation.

Third brother, you must hold on!

……