Sharpening Another Sword

Slasher, a warrior loyal to the end, lay broken and bleeding before his lord, Bao Shi. Surrounded by assassins, he offered his final words of gratitude before charging into the fray, meeting a valiant but inevitable demise. Steel sang its mournful song as his broken body met the assassins' merciless onslaught.

Bao Shi, his life ebbing away, clutched at his spilling entrails, his thoughts consumed by the fate of his daughter, Bao An, left defenseless and alone. "Curses upon those mountain brigands," he rasped, regret heavy in his voice. "If not for their treachery, I wouldn't have been caught off guard...

An assassin, his short sword pointed at the fallen lord, sneered. "A fool's errand from the start," he hissed. "You, a leader? A talentless man daring to challenge the Shadow? A mere moth drawn to a flame."

"A fleeting dream... all of it... a dream..." Bao Shi, his vision fading, pleaded for his daughter's life. "Spare my daughter... at least..."

The assassin's grip tightened around his sword. "A swift end is all I can offer her."

"If only the Heavens had granted her talent," Bao Shi lamented, "I wouldn't have ventured down this path..." Resignation settled upon him as he awaited his final blow.

A piercing hiss sliced through the tense silence, a feathered serpent of death hurtling towards its mark. With lightning reflexes honed in countless battles, the assassin barely parried the arrow with his forearm, the razor-sharp tip grazing his flesh and leaving a thin line of blood in its wake. The chilling proximity of death sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins.

"Foes!" he snarled, his voice laced with venom, alerting his companions to the unseen threat. Like shadows dispersing before a sudden burst of light, they scattered, seeking refuge amidst the surrounding chaos of the forest.

Ming Ren emerged from the shadows, unleashing a volley of arrows that sent the assassins into disarray. He transitioned seamlessly from bow to blade, his movements a whirlwind of lethal grace.

Fueled by desperation, the first assassin charged, his short sword a blur of deadly intent. Ming Ren, with effortless grace, parried the blow and countered with lightning speed. His blade pressed against the assassin's neck, and with a swift movement of his free hand, he sent the enemy's head rolling onto the blood-soaked earth.

A pincer movement unfolded as two more assassins flanked Ming Ren, their hands a whirlwind of motion as they launched a volley of throwing knives. Ming Ren, his senses heightened, anticipated their attack and evaded the deadly projectiles with ease. He closed the distance to one of his attackers in a heartbeat, dodging a thrust from the assassin's reverse-grip short sword and delivering a single, decisive stroke that ended his life.

Using the fallen assassin's body as a shield against the remaining attacker's barrage of knives, Ming Ren propelled the lifeless form forward, leaping over it with acrobatic agility. His blade, guided by an unerring hand, found its mark, piercing the assassin's skull and extinguishing his life force. As the body crumpled to the ground, Ming Ren cleansed his sword with a series of elegant flourishes, the crimson stains vanishing like morning mist before the rising sun.

"You! Who are you?" the last remaining assassin roared, his voice thick with pain and fury. He ripped the arrow from his forearm, his grip tightening around his sword as he glared at Ming Ren. "Do you know who you are messing with?!"

A tremor of caution coursed through Ming Ren as he faced the assassin. This adversary, unlike the fallen trio, emanated an aura of formidable power. 'No more holding back,' he resolved, his gaze locking onto the assassin with unwavering intensity. Sword intent surged forth, enveloping his blade in a tangible manifestation of his will. He assumed a ready stance, his blade pointed forward, his knees bent, and his hand poised in parallel.

The assassin, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, felt a shiver of fear crawl down his spine. In a blink, he vanished into thin air, leaving behind only the faint echo of his fading presence.

'A stealth technique…' Ming Ren mused, his senses heightened, his body remaining still amidst the swirling currents of danger.

The assassin, like a predator stalking its prey, circled Ming Ren, his movements silent and unseen. With the swiftness and precision of a viper, he lunged from the shadows, his blade aimed at Ming Ren's back, imbued with the lethal power of spiritual energy.

But Ming Ren was ready. His eyes ignited with an inner fire as the full might of his cultivation law and honed physique surged through him. His blade, now radiating with intense sword intent, met the assassin's strike head-on. In a flash, he turned and unleashed a devastating counter-attack. A single, resounding slash, infused with all his spiritual energy, cleaved through the assassin.

"Impossible..." the assassin gasped, his voice barely a whisper as his lifeless body crumpled to the ground.

Ming Ren, his breath ragged from the exertion, offered a solemn apology. "Sorry," he said, "but your technique would never work on me."

Indeed, a low-grade stealth technique, designed to mask one's presence, was no match for Ming Ren's heightened senses and powerful spiritual perception. The assassin's attempt at deception was futile against such a formidable opponent.

Despite the swift victory, Ming Ren's body throbbed with pain, each muscle screaming in protest against the exertion of channeling such power.

"...Young man... you... how...?" Bao Shi, his voice barely a whisper, stared at the approaching Ming Ren with a mixture of astonishment and disbelief.

"We meet again," Ming Ren replied, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"...Ha... I knew it… I was right in not messing with you…" Bao Shi chuckled weakly, his gaze sweeping over the fallen assassins before settling upon the still form of Slasher. "...Slasher?"

Ming Ren's smile faded, replaced by a solemn expression. He shook his head gently. "He has left this mortal realm."

A sigh, heavy with the weight of impending death, escaped Bao Shi's lips. "And I will follow him… soon… young man, can I ask you a favor..?"

"..." Ming Ren remained silent, his gaze fixed upon the dying man.

"I suppose… I should first explain who they are…" Bao Shi continued, his voice tinged with regret.

Ming Ren offered a silent nod, his expression unreadable.

"My Jewel Clan," Bao Shi began, his words painting a picture of shadows and secrets, "is but a single thread in a certain organization. We deal in information and undertake some… less than righteous tasks. I… was too hasty. I tried too hard, reached too far… I wanted to lead the organization. They found out… and this is how I ended up."

Ming Ren listened intently, his face betraying no emotion.

"But I didn't do it out of greed… you see, An'er's grandfather had many enemies… He was a wandering cultivator who rampaged across these lands, bowing to no one. When I married her mother, we were unaware of his past. While he was alive, no one dared to harm us. But when he died… My wife was killed, and we barely escaped. They seemed to have given up, but I know they won't rest until An'er is dead. I needed power… to protect my daughter."

A growl of pain escaped Bao Shi's lips, his face contorted in agony. "How could I allow my daughter to die? Yet, my actions have only made things worse... Young man... I implore you... I beg of you... take her somewhere safe... perhaps, just perhaps, they will spare her life..."

A spark of understanding flickered in Ming Ren's eyes. "Is this the reason you wanted my cultivation law?" he inquired, his voice low and steady.

"Heh…" Bao Shi chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. "I admit it, I almost tried to take it for myself. If I had a good law, my daughter might find backing. But, seeing you fight… it wouldn't have gone well… haha… you… you're a monster… If you promise to save my daughter, I will tell you something important…"

Ming Ren shook his head, his expression resolute. "I cannot offer such a promise. I am not even sure I will leave this place alive."

"...What?" Bao Shi's eyes widened in surprise as he peered into Ming Ren's eyes, discerning the unwavering truth in his words. "...Very well... it appears I have no other choice… Your enemies already know where you are going, Ming Ren of the Bright Clan."

"...!" Ming Ren frowned, "I see…"

"Forgive me, I shouldn't have looked into your background…"

"It doesn't matter. It's not like I've been making an effort to hide myself."

"You should be careful," Bao Shi warned, his voice weak but sincere. "The Brave Clan is more ruthless than you can imagine. They will stop at nothing to eliminate their enemies."

Ming Ren smirked, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint. "Those who harmed the Bright Clan will die."

Bao Shi shivered at the sudden transformation in Ming Ren's demeanor. For a brief moment, he saw the chilling gaze of a reaper, a harbinger of death and destruction.

"...Ugh…" Bao Shi winced in pain, his face contorted in agony. "It seems my time has come… Please, I beg of you, my daughter is innocent..."

"The world of cultivation cares little for innocence," Ming Ren replied, his voice devoid of emotion. "Remember this, and protect her better next time."

"...What?" Bao Shi stammered, confused by the sudden shift in Ming Ren's tone.

"Remain still," Ming Ren instructed, his movements swift and purposeful as he retrieved a set of needles from his spatial ring. He channeled his spiritual energy, transforming it into a potent healing force within his spirit sea. With practiced precision, he inserted the energized needles into vital points on Bao Shi's battered body.

A miraculous transformation unfolded. The flow of blood ceased, and Bao Shi's internal channels began to mend, restoring the harmonious circulation of Qi and blood. Color returned to his pallid face, and his body, once teetering on the brink of death, was gradually infused with renewed vigor. The shadow of death receded, replaced by a flicker of hope.

"Consume these," Ming Ren instructed, offering Bao Shi a handful of healing pills. With trembling hands, Bao Shi obeyed, feeling their restorative properties coursing through his ravaged body. The gaping wound on his stomach slowly began to close, though complete healing would require time and rest.

Ming Ren could have healed him further by utilizing more of his spiritual energy, but it would be unwise to deplete his reserves in his current situation.

"This…" Bao Shi's eyes widened in disbelief as he marveled at his miraculous recovery. He had been snatched from the jaws of death by Ming Ren's extraordinary abilities. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he rose to his feet and kowtowed before Ming Ren.

"Thank you… Thank you…" he repeated, tears streaming down his face as thoughts of Bao An flooded his mind. "To extend your compassion to me, even after what my men did… Thank you, young lord. From this day forward, my life is yours to command!"

Ming Ren nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Are those your true sentiments? I demand nothing in return, nor do I wish to control your destiny. You are free to go and ensure your daughter's safety."

Bao Shi shook his head resolutely. "No, my lord. I have my pride as a cultivator. To serve a talent such as yourself would be the greatest honor of my life." He knelt once more, his hands clasped together in a gesture of fealty. "I, Bao Shi, swear upon the heavens, that I take Young Lord Ming Ren as my master, for the entirety of my years. May the Heavens condemn me if I ever break this vow!"

Ming Ren was momentarily taken aback by Bao Shi's sudden oath, sworn upon the heavens themselves. He had never sought servants, only companions to walk alongside him on his path. Yet, his innate charisma and the undeniable power he wielded seemed to draw people to him, inspiring loyalty and devotion. A faint smile touched his lips as he recalled Lin Dong.

He understood that with each follower came a responsibility, an obligation to protect them and vanquish their enemies. Determination blazed in his eyes as he accepted Bao Shi's oath.

"Very well," he declared. "From this day forward, I recognize your vow. As my follower, your mission is simple."

"What must I do?" Bao Shi inquired, bowing his head in anticipation.

"Take over your organization," Ming Ren replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes.