Chapter 26: The Viper’s Ascendancy

Purple Lotus City's central square buzzed with whispers as Chen Fong stood before the gathered crowd. Sunlight glinted off Viper's Edge at his hip, its presence a stark reminder of his victory over Ra Cun.

"Many of you know me as Chen Fong," his voice carried across the square, steady despite his bandaged ribs. "But I stand before you today under my true name - Li Shen. I am the new Viper King."

The masses exploded into commotion. Traders abandoned their goods. Sentries clutched their blades. This mysterious youth's abrupt claim to leadership caught them off guard.

The sacred sword throbbed against his waist, its radiance swelling until it cast supernatural illumination across the plaza. The legendary artifact's might quelled the mounting disorder, its essence extending to every soul in attendance. The weapon's endorsement of its latest wielder resonated deeply.