Chapter 10: Xiao Chen — Black-Clad Killing God? What Kind of Nickname Is That?

Chapter 10: Xiao Chen — Black-Clad Killing God? What Kind of Nickname Is That?

"Junior Sister Liu, are you sure you didn't see wrong? How could that guy possibly be Xiao Chen, that cripple?"

A male disciple spoke with clear irritation upon hearing Xiao Chen's name.

He had been pursuing Liu Yue'er for a long time and always disliked how she stayed close to Xiao Chen. When the news came out that Xiao Chen had become a cripple, he'd been delighted for days.

He even had a few of his buddies go and give Xiao Chen a hard time.

He thought for sure that Liu Yue'er would give up on Xiao Chen after that—but to his surprise, she still hadn't let him go.

This training trip was supposed to be his chance to get closer to her.

He hadn't expected to run into the pervert Hua Junzi and end up completely humiliated.

The other Wendao Academy disciples quickly chimed in.

"Junior Sister Liu, Senior Brother Tang is right. That man couldn't possibly be Xiao Chen."

Even Liu Yue'er's close friend, Feng Qinqin, added, "Yue'er, are you thinking about Senior Brother Xiao too much? Even if he still had his cultivation, he couldn't have unleashed a sword like that."

Her words earned a round of agreement.

Tang Feng said, "Exactly. Xiao Chen never comprehended sword intent. He could never use a sword like that."

Liu Yue'er didn't argue with anyone. She just said calmly, "I was only speaking casually. Everyone, focus on recovering your strength. Don't give others a chance to take advantage of our condition."

Only then did the group remember to circulate their qi and purge the lingering effects of the drug.

Liu Yue'er held her sword to stand guard, but her thoughts were still lingering on that shadowy figure.

'I couldn't be mistaken. That was definitely Senior Brother Xiao. But… why didn't he say anything to me?'

Not far away, Xiao Chen stood silently, protecting them from the shadows.

He hadn't revealed himself to Liu Yue'er for a reason.

It wasn't that he didn't trust her—but he didn't trust the others around her.

If they found out he was still alive and had recovered his cultivation, the news would quickly spread across Wendao Academy.

By the time the outer sect tournament arrived, he'd lose the chance to deliver a stunning surprise—and more importantly, he wouldn't be able to win honor for his master and the Miscellaneous Dao Institute.

This setback had made him more mature. His thoughts and actions had become more stable and cautious.

By dusk, Liu Yue'er and the others had almost fully recovered.

Only then did Xiao Chen leave, continuing his training in the depths of Yunmeng Swamp.

One month later—

The name Black-Clad Killing God became widely known throughout the outer regions of Yunmeng Swamp.

Every cultivator training in the area had heard of the masked swordsman in a black cloak.

Though only at the Dao Foundation realm, he had comprehended sword intent.

Neither Dao Foundation-level nor True Fate-level beasts and demonic cultivators could withstand even one strike from him.

Many tried to discover the identity of the Black-Clad Killing God, but no one had seen his true face.

Even more puzzling—no one had seen him use a second sword strike. His first move, a basic slash, ended every fight.

That morning, just as the sun rose—

Xiao Chen slowly opened his eyes from meditation. His aura surged, and the dew on his hair and clothes instantly evaporated from the force of his energy.

After stabilizing his breath, he stood and murmured to himself,

"Second stage of Dao Foundation. Sure enough, real combat is the best way to increase strength. It's a shame I can't stay in Yunmeng Swamp much longer.

At this rate, I could return to my peak within a year.

But second stage is good enough. It's time to go back to Wendao Academy."

After a bit of preparation, he packed up his gains and left the swamp.

…

In the Miscellaneous Dao Institute—

Chu Feng was fast asleep on his bed when a familiar mechanical voice echoed in his mind.

[ Detected that the host's disciple Xiao Chen has broken through one minor realm. Host receives tenfold reward: one year of cultivation. ]

Chu Feng didn't even notice. He turned over and kept sleeping.

It wasn't until he woke up that he realized his cultivation had increased slightly.

"Huh… I gained cultivation from just sleeping?"

Chu Feng muttered, then shrugged and began his usual lazy day.

"I wonder when that kid Xiao Chen is coming back."

Achoo!

Far away in Mist Swamp, Xiao Chen sneezed out of nowhere. He rubbed his nose and basked in the warm sunlight, thinking,

'Why did I suddenly sneeze? It's not even cold today.'

Though puzzled, he quickened his pace.

Several days later, he returned safely to Wendao City.

As soon as he entered the city, Xiao Chen immediately felt dozens of gazes fixated on him. He could even hear murmured conversations nearby.

He didn't bother paying attention to what they were saying and instinctively walked faster.

The moment he stepped into the Thousand Mechanisms Pavilion, someone in the crowd suddenly cried out in surprise.

"Look! It's the Black-Clad Killing God!"

"Whoa, it really is him!"

"What's he doing in Wendao City? Don't tell me he's a disciple of Wendao Academy?"

"..."

Xiao Chen froze, confused.

'Black-Clad Killing God? What kind of ridiculous nickname is that? I'm the dignified chief disciple of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, and that's the name you give me?'

With just a glance from him, the crowd immediately fell silent.

Though there were many cultivators in the Thousand Mechanisms Pavilion, most of them were only at the Dao Foundation or True Fate level.

None of them dared provoke the so-called killing god.

Xiao Chen had no interest in clearing up their confusion. He walked straight over to the mission counter.

He retrieved Hua Junzi's severed head from his storage pouch and placed it on the desk.

"This is Hua Junzi's head."

"Do you have anything else to confirm his identity?" the receptionist, a young woman, asked respectfully.

Xiao Chen placed the entire storage pouch on the table. "Everything inside should be enough."

The girl used her spiritual sense to examine the contents. The moment she saw the pile of women's undergarments, her face flushed bright red.

"Esteemed guest, Hua Junzi's identity is confirmed. I will now process your reward."

Hiss...

The entire hall fell into a hushed gasp.

They had all heard tales of the Black-Clad Killing God, but none of them expected him to be this powerful.

Even the notorious Hua Junzi had fallen at his hands.

Just how strong was this man?

Xiao Chen accepted his reward and calmly stored it in his pouch.

Under everyone's silent gaze, he left the Thousand Mechanisms Pavilion.

He didn't immediately return to Wendao Academy. In his current outfit, he was far too conspicuous.

If he returned like this, the entire academy would be buzzing with rumors by the end of the day.

So, he found an inn and laid low for the night.

When night fell the next day, Xiao Chen changed into a different outfit and quietly made his way back to Wendao Academy without attracting attention.

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