Near the boundary of Frostfall Peak, Commander Luoyang stood on a large icy cliff, staring off into the distance.
There were numerous villages he could see, spanning a long distance across this vast snowy area.
Even though these cold mountains were merely a small part of the Northern Continent, it had been his entire world for longer than he'd like to admit, despite the fact that he was quite accomplished and young for his profound achievements and martial prowess.
He could go nearly anywhere he wanted due to his fame and prowess. But, he decided to remain and become a Commander instead.
Quiet footsteps came from behind, and Commander Luoyang only barely turned his head to see who it was.
It was a blonde-haired young man, squad captain Stephen, alongside another squad captain, a young redhead called Lackwall.
They approached him until there was merely a few feet between them, and then squad captain Stephen asked a question.
"Are you still thinking about him? That young man?"
Commander Luoyang sighed. And then, after a long pause, he finally replied.
"…Yes."
"In a way, he and I are somewhat similar."
Squad captain Lackwall grew confused.
"How?"
"Well… I was once also the sole remnant of a destroyed Sect, after all. However, my Sect was destroyed by a Mystic Beast, wielding extraordinary powers I wouldn't be able to face even today…"
"Ah…" Lackwall's eyes softened, but as the captain's eyes caught his gaze, he shook his head as if his mind was in disarray.
"It's alright. Even I feel pity for myself on some days. My past was full of bloodshed, pain, regret, killing and even more killing. I fought and fought against all those who tried to kill me, and eventually, my body and my mind were both soaked in blood."
"Those dark years were confusing and horrifying. All those years, battling against physical and mental demons, all for naught when I eventually succumbed to my heart demon..."
"However, I was saved. By the one of the 'Eighteen Suns' of the Golden Sun Hall ruling over this continent. The Chained Sun, who was, and still is, my saviour."
"They are the only ones who can melt the bitter frost of the North. They are the ones wielding power and prowess far beyond my own. I don't doubt my strength as a mere mortal who is among the 'Strongest Thousand Men', but there are still many who are far beyond my level and comprehension."
"Of course, the mental scars from those dark, dark years could not be repaired."
"I grew much, much stronger and tenacious than I ever was before, than I ever could be with a loving home, a mother and a father, but…"
"Was it worth it? For just the pursuit of strength alone, is it worth the bloodshed and purging of other human lives? With that newfound strength I eventually rose to this position, and yet, I still wonder about this question everyday…"
The squad captains remained silent, unable to say anything to the Commander in that moment.
"Anyway, that boy… as he approached us, I could feel a strange but familiar energy coming from him. As if Qi was leaking out of him in waves. You two know what that means?"
Squad captain Stephen looked confused.
"…If Qi is leaking out of him, then doesn't that mean he has Qi Overflow? But, how can that be when he isn't even able to use it?" Squad captain Stephen asked.
"…No. What the Commander is describing may not even be Qi Overflow." Squad Captain Lackwall replied.
"If Qi is leaking out of that young man consistently, that means his Spiritual Vessel is extremely weak, while his Spiritual Roots are extremely vast and powerful… this could mean he has the Fragile Soul Constitution."
"With an abundance of Qi of that magnitude, he could become a force to be reckoned with as soon as he learns to control it with a few Soul Cores…"
Commander Luoyang chuckled.
"As I guessed. He's like me in a way. A mortal with extreme potential."
The two squad captains shared an uneasy, somewhat awkward glance between eachother, unable to say anything when it came to the Commander's past, and decided to change the subject.
"Commander, have you heard of some news recently, especially regarding the 'Wisdomwalker Assembly' between the intercontinental leaders?"
"Now that I think of it… no, I haven't. What happened?"
"Well, in that meeting, there were talks of a 'Demonic Alliance' beginning to surface among the demonic masters, that even some of the Immortals are taking very seriously."
"…A Demonic Alliance?"
"Indeed, and, it seems that it is primarily being led by the demonic master, 'Light Severing Blade'. It is what the Immortals consider a top priority." Squad captain Stephen replied.
Commander Luoyang sighed.
"…Those fools consistently get in the way. No matter how many of them we kill, they continue to appear like pests."
"I agree. But, even despite that, it's quite absurd that the idea of a 'Heavenly Alliance' was also proposed in the Wisdomwalker Assembly."
Commander Luoyang turned around fully, his eyes screaming of an interest in this proposal.
"A Heavenly Alliance, you say?"
"Yes, Commander. The idea of fusing all organizations and factions under the heavens into a myriad kingdom. A 'utopia', some people believe."
"Of course, this will also impose the most significant changes to the lands known in history."
Commander Luoyang remained silent, pondering.
"Strange. I can't figure out for the life of me why they would do this. A Demonic Alliance cannot possibly pose that much of a threat…"
Squad captain Lackwell nodded.
"Me neither, sir."
"Well, I can't say that's a bad idea, but I don't know much about politics anyway." Commander Luoyang said, turning back around.
"All I know is that we must first become the true apex among all living beings on our world first, before we can even think about this all-united paradise."
"There are many creatures on this earth that far surpass even me, after all."
"One of which lies deep beneath my feet at this very moment. A legend from long ago..."
<<…>>
Underneath the grim skies, a small palace stood, old and tattered, but untouched but the sea of swords planted all around it.
Each sword was stained in blood, so much so that a small river of blood had formed, reaching the ankles of anybody daring to visit.
But, the most recent visitor of this decrepit place didn't enter the ancient palace by foot.
No… instead, he traveled on a singular blade.
His most treasured sword.
'Stellar Dance'.
The rest of his most memorable and prized swords followed his lead. It was as if he led a legion, comprised of only swords.
Then, as he approached the ancient palace's gates leading inside, he smirked.
"A poor display of your fearsome might, is it not?!"
"As one of the ten Priests dancing in the palms of one of the most feared demonic masters around, I would've imagined you to be a bit more…"
The resounding noise that came from the suddenly-vibrating swords in the ground created an abrupt cacophony.
However, the sword-obsessed man didn't even cover his ears, and laughed.
"Don't be so hasty to react! I've come to speak to you!"
The swords suddenly stopped vibrating, and the man nodded before entering.
The halls within the ancient palace were not as unkempt as its outwardly appearance, but they were both long and narrow, and the amount of bodies strung from the walls was sickening.
Not to mention, the unusual amount of abnormal Qi emanating from one particular room…
In the end, that man made it to the banquet hall, a room littered with an 'over abundance' of life and flowers.
Roots sprouted from the ground as if it were a garden, and lotuses of a variety of colours floated in the air.
On one particularly large golden lotus flower, a smug jade beauty sat with dark nails and lips, staring at the sword-obsessed man from above.
She wore black and gold robes and had borderline grey skin, alongside serpentine eyes resembling greenish-yellow flames and a forked tongue.
"Ah… my lady, the Mystic Mother pursuing immortality, and yet also the Seventh of the Demonic Priests… Eristhanea."
She covered her mouth and chuckled, as the lotus flower she sat on floated downwards slowly.
"I didn't imagine you to come today… you sword-obsessed fool."
"…Hm, isn't it more respectful to address me by my proper title, Mystic Mother? I am the lord of the Striding Sword Sect, after all."
"…Hmph. There is no respect to be shown to a mere mortal carrying fickle swords."
"Well, you're still obsessed with the subject of immortality yourself, aren't you? We aren't that different, you know?"
The Mystic Mother smiled.
"Of course. That's why I decided to let you live after you discovered my secret."
"But, if you ever decide to betray me…"
At that instant, the sword-obsessed man felt two thorny vines graze his neck.
"…Don't get too excited, Mystic Mother. Your so-called 'plan' is barely even working. You spread the rumours of a 'Demon Tanuki' all so that people could find some random young man for you, but all you've gotten is dust."
"Hahaha… that's because you're impatient. I rely on more deceiving and conniving ways to 'hunt'…"
"As soon as I achieve my goal here, I will make sure everyone in the city achieves the most glorious death, all in the name of the Revenant King!"
The man shuffled his feet, staring patiently at the Mystic Mother in front of him.
"…Also… I need much more blood. This weak body still doesn't even compare to my 'true form'. But, when I achieve the quasi-immortality I've been craving… I'm sure it'll pay off for both me and you."
"…Right. So, should I pay another visit to your Sect? That 'dungeon' you have underground probably still has an ocean of blood left for you to refine."
The Mystic Mother nodded.
"You read my mind. Also, do what you see fit with my Sect in Tianshui City. I have no need for them anymore anyway."