The Black Book: Seven Deadly Sins

Amidst flying sand and stones, the man flew backward, landing in the courtyard and stumbling back four or five steps before finding his footing.

In disbelief, the man's eyes widened, only now realizing that the youth standing at the entrance was actually a Sixth-Rank Martial Artist like himself!

In fact, the opponent's strength was even slightly superior!

Looking at the opponent's young and immature face, the man felt as if his entire life had gone to waste.

On the other side, Zhu Haomiao gently stretched his limbs, slowly walking down the steps.

"Surrender, and I can spare your life."

"Daydreaming!"

The man roared, charging again without hesitation, but this time he did not hold back. The steel blade in his hand drew a fierce streak aimed straight at the youth's face.

If that blade landed, the man believed, even a giant stone would be cleaved in two!

However, facing this earth-shattering attack, Zhu Haomiao simply raised his hand unhurriedly to meet the man's sharp edge.

In an instant, a shadow of dark scales as thin as a cicada's wings appeared on the youth's skin, with a transparent layer of Protective Gang Qi forming on the outer layer.

[Constant Star Melting Furnace Body Tempering Technique]!

[Heavenly Gang Strength·Imprisonment Formation]!

Bang!

The brittle sound of shattering glass flashed by as the fierce blade tore through the Protective Gang Qi, striking hard into the youth's palm.

Clang!

A sharp and deafening clash of metal resounded, freezing the man's expression of certain victory into shock; he felt as if he was chopping not a soft, pale palm, but a giant hammer forged of Mystic Iron.

The force of the strike rebounded nearly undiminished; the base of his thumb tore as the terrifying energy flowed back up the blade, leaving him numb and weak, his internal organs trembling.

"Ugh~"

A mouthful of metallic taste surged up his throat, and the man staggered back more than ten steps before he could not help but spit out a mouthful of fresh blood.

On the other side, Zhu Haomiao looked at the clear blood scar on his palm and slightly furrowed his brows.

Even with 50 points in [Body] attributes, plus [Heavenly Gang Strength] and [Constant Star Melting Furnace Body Tempering Technique], was he still broken through by someone of the same level?

What kind of justice is this?

Slowly clenching his fist, feeling the faint sting in his palm, Zhu Haomiao raised his head to look at the man questioning his life's decisions.

"I did give you a chance..."

Swoosh~

The youth in his vision suddenly disappeared; the next moment, he appeared without warning at his side, his five fingers gleaming with a cold light like daggers aimed at his chest.

A materialized serpent head phantom enveloped the youth's hand, with the sharp fingers resembling venomous fangs, cold killing intent permeating to the bones.

[Armor Breaking Force·Triumph]!

[Immortal's Grasp]!

On the other side, the man instinctively swung his blade at the youth's neck, hoping to force him back and counterattack.

But it wasn't until the blade touched the youth's skin that the man realized with a shock.

Not good!

This guy is a horizontal training master!

He doesn't need defense!

Clang!

Their attacks simultaneously hit their marks; the steel blade exploded in sparks against Zhu Haomiao's neck, while the youth's hand plunged into the man's chest.

Pop~

The next second, the youth withdrew his hand, gripping a pulsating heart between his blood-soaked fingers.

"Ugh..."

Slowly and stiffly lowering his head, looking at the gaping black hole in his chest, the man looked at the youth in pain and despair, reaching out as if reclaiming his heart might save his life.

But just as he took a step, unbearable pain overtook his mind, causing his muscles to spasm uncontrollably, and he collapsed flatly at Zhu Haomiao's feet.

Blood quickly pooled beneath him, yet Zhu Haomiao didn't spare a glance, instead inspecting the heart in his hand with interest before slowly crushing it and tossing it aside.

Elsewhere on the battlefield, the brutal fight was nearing its end, with the members of the Tiger Head Gang either dead or incapacitated, the entire courtyard reeking with the stench of blood.

"Sir, not one escaped!"

"Hmm, cut off this guy's head and send it to Duke Ning Mansion."

"???!!"

In disbelief, Yan Yunsheng looked at the youth, finally murmuring a question after a long pause.

"Tearing our faces apart like this, won't it..."

Seeing his hesitant and worried expression, Zhu Haomiao chuckled and shook his head.

"Since we're going to fight, let's make it exciting!"

Following this, the youth raised his head, gazing at the sky, and murmured in a voice as thin as a mosquito's buzz.

"Heaven bear witness, it was they who persecuted me, forcing me to change my nature..."

...

Duke Ning Mansion

Amidst the intricately carved beams and exquisite pavilions, an elder and a young figure sat facing each other, sipping tea.

"Recently, news from the Imperial Hospital says that His Majesty's health has weakened again; you must be prepared."

"Yes, Grandfather."

As they spoke, a servant hurried over, carrying a large wooden box.

The faint scent of blood wafted from afar, and the white-haired gentleman in a luxurious robe furrowed his brows slightly.

"Sir, it's not good, [Pingyang Earl] sent a... a..."

"A what?"

"A human head!"

With that, the servant opened the box, revealing a ghastly head with eyes wide open in death.

Recognizing the identity of the deceased, the faces of the elder and youth changed dramatically, with the Python Robed Youth slamming the table, his expression twisted, eyes filled with venom.

"Such audacity!!"

But the elder merely released the crushed teacup from his grip, lightly smiling as he spoke.

"It's been a long time since I've seen a young person with such sharpness, daring to openly challenge Duke Ning Mansion—interesting... interesting..."

Yet within the elder's cold eyes, there was not a hint of amusement, with a chilling killing intent lacing his casual tone.

Soon after, the elder glanced at the young man beside him, lightly laughing as he chided.

"You see, the ant you thought you could easily squash turned around and bit back, even delivering a head to Duke Ning Mansion. This is not only a slap to my face but also to yours..."

Upon hearing these words, the Python Robed Youth's eyes reddened further, gritting his teeth as he spoke.

"I'll arrange for him to be eliminated immediately!"

Yet, upon hearing this, the elder solemnly shook his head.

"No! The more critical the moment, the more cautious one must be."

"[Pingyang Earl], a mere ant, suddenly takes such audacious actions; doesn't that seem strange to you?"

In an instant, a tremor ran through the Python Robed Youth, and he looked at the elder with lingering fear.

"You mean..."

"Indeed, someone is using this guy as bait, trying to lure us in!"

"..."

After a long silence, the Python Robed Youth angrily slammed his fist onto the table, smashing the intricately carved stony surface into dust.

"Lao Wu! It must be Lao Wu!"

Watching his enraged grandson, the elder calmly shook his head.

"Not necessarily; all factions beneath the surface are stirring now, with far too many suspects."