The Legend of the Devil
Ch. 223 - Between Life and Death

Ming Dao raised his face in surprise when his opponent suddenly got above his head and pulled the sword straight about to cut him into two pieces.

He immediately took a step back. The man had not had time to act further because when the enemy landed on the ground and stuck the sword into the sand, the spreading flames resembled a stream that spread to six sides and burned the desert twenty meters away.

Looking astonished at his face as the pure fire burned his white robe, the man shook his sword and protected his face from the torrent of fire.

In an unfathomable speed, fire bracelets invaded from all sides.

With a movement he created fire bracelets around his hands. The bracelets rotated rapidly, emitting a burning light.

In one nimble move, the fox mask twisting those fire bracelets around his body created a ring of fire. Then at high speed he threw those fire bracelets towards Ming Dao.

high speed, leaving a trail of light in the air. They formed a perfect pattern as they hurtled towards the Ming Dao. A heat wave struck the Ming Dao, creating a tinge of flames around him.

Ming Dao quickly reacted, using the power of light present on him to form a protective shield. The shield was emitting a powerful light, protecting it from the attacks of fire bracelets. But several bracelets managed to cross the shield and hit his body, causing deep injuries.

Despite the serious injuries sustained, Ming Dao still fought back. He attempted to overcome the fire attacks that struck him, using the power of his light and sword to fight back.

Ming Dao parried with a sword. However he did not realize that from behind him someone had already stood there for three seconds with a motion without making a sound, eyeing him with one deadly technique the Jiazhen Clan.

The flames with the hottest temperature bent the body of Ming Dao. The sword that was boiling by embers pierced through his throat stem so deeply, cracking and melting his neck bone. Ming Dao opened his eyes wide, he could hardly believe the young man had managed to get him in this kind of position. The man rebelled and fought back in his critical moments.

A reddish glow reflected in Xue Zhan's eyes. Seeing Ming Dao suffer a grievous death. He saw Jiazhen Yan slitting the man, slowly slicing his heart and at the same time burning alive the Ming Dao. It cannot be described the fear that engulfed him.

It was not a friend he had known all along. That person was no longer Jiazhen Yan.

She had absolutely no pity and had no emotions like Jiazhen Yan used to be the hot-tempered one. His gaze was cold with no expression, the young man looked more like a blood-stained murderous puppet.

Ming Dao died at the hands of Jiazhen Yan. He saw the last light fade from his eyes, and his body fell without strength. This battle ended in a crushing victory for Jiazhen Yan, but also at a high price over the life of the Ming Dao.

The ten Sand Rats slowly began to weaken until they finally disintegrated into grains of sand.

Jiazhen Yan stared straight at Ming Dao who only had one or two breaths left. His chest was up and down the difficulty of stopping the air supply even though he was years old already not long. Ming Dao grumbled his teeth with bloodshot eyes full of vengeance.

"I'll wait for you in hell, you fucking traitor. Take your master with you. I will definitely repay you in the afterlife."

The sound of flames eating the bones of the Ming Dao rang out, pure flames continuously gnawing at him to his hairs. The light tattoo on the male body was fading. That power was unable to save him from the Sky Law Substitute.

Jiazhen Yan did not reply to the man's words but cut his face slanted from the crown to the jaw. The head of Ming Dao split into two before finally being turned to ashes by the flames that burned it.

Fight's over. Xue Zhan was sweating coldly. This time the young man would finish him off just like he did to Ming Dao.

Even an enemy stronger than him alone ended up horribly like that, what about him?

On the other hand Xue Zhan was so mindful of one thing when they were kids, Xue Zhan had always felt like he did not want to lose out in any respect to Jiazhen Yan. His friend was always superior to him and that made him have to try hard to catch up.

Yet it seemed that now Xue Zhan had fallen far behind. Jiazhen Yan is growing so fast.

Everything Xue Zhan was worried about had happened and he inevitably had to face it. Fight against his own friends, between life and death.

**

Yun Mei the young genius swordsman of the Bing Empire stood before the monumental statue of the heroes of the Bing Empire. He looked up, the dim sun illuminating his ice-white face.

Around the statue of the monument, he stepped carefully. His footprints left marks on the thick white snow. Around him the towering ice, its walls were formed from a dazzling layer of ice.

Yun Mei felt a bone-chilling cold temperature as a gentle breeze blew around her. However, he was already used to this coldness. He stepped forward, walking inside a majestic ice cave that just anyone could not enter

The walls of the cave were covered by a glittering layer of crystals. The dim light bounced off the crystals, creating a beautiful sparkle. Every corner and surface was adorned by crystals that exuded natural beauty. Yun Mei looked at the reflection of her face on the crystal; full of worry.

Although the cold air was suffocating, Yun Mei could feel the presence of the heroes who were inside the monument statue, she said, the energy from the armor and weapons formed within those indestructible ice crystals felt so close.

Yun Mei looked at her father's statue with a gentle look. Memories of their past flowed in his mind, filling his heart with haru and loss. Her father was a quiet yet powerful figure, a swordsman who had taught Yun Mei many things about life, courage, and honor.

They often spent time together, practicing swords in the middle of the vast prairie or talking about the values of life under the big tree in the imperial garden. His father always gave wise advice and asked him to understand the true meaning of being a swordsman.

Yun Mei recalled the moments of laughter the two of them had. They play around in the river that flows in the village, chase the butterflies in the hills, and watch the orange sky at sunset. Her father always had a warm smile that adorned his face, giving warmth and tranquility to Yun Mei.

However, in the midst of that happiness, his father once said seriously, "Yun May, remember that our lives as warriors are not always peaceful. A war can re-occur, and when it comes, you should be ready to defend the Bing Empire. Although you must face danger, you must be brave and firm as I am, even if it means sacrificing lives."

Those words continued to haunt Yun Mei. He felt great responsibility as the son of a warrior who had fallen. However, he was also honored by the message. His father believed in him, and he did not want to disappoint him.

In the cold and mysterious cave around his Father's statue, Yun Mei pondered the meaning of it all. He looked at the layers of ice crystals that reflected light, reflecting the fragile yet powerful beauty of nature. Like ice that persists amid inhumane temperatures, he wants to be a warrior who is steadfast and unwavering in the face of life's challenges.

Yun Mei took a deep breath and stepped forward. He knows that courage and strength are not only shown through words, but through concrete actions. He swore to keep his father's legacy well, becoming a brave, just, and loyal swordsman to the honor of the Bing Empire.

As a gentle breeze blew around her, carrying the scent of ice and the freshness of life, Yun Mei felt her Father's presence. He felt his spirit continue to live in him, giving strength and calmness in difficult moments.

In Yun Mei's view, her father's statue was a symbol of courage and sacrifice. Yun Mei was determined to guard and honor her father's legacy with all her strength. He understands that being a swordsman is not only about physical strength, but also about integrity, courage, and wisdom.

In the course of her life, Yun Mei had learned a lot from her Father. He had seen how his father set the example of a sincere hero. All of those teachings were imprinted within him, becoming the pillar that guided his steps on the unexpected battlefield.

Looking at his Father's statue in front of him, Yun Mei felt a burning fighting spirit within her. He pondered about the struggle his Father had put in, about his determination in protecting the Bing Empire. Yun Mei promised herself that she would continue that fight, not only for her Father, but also for the honor and safety of the Bing Empire she loved.

He decided to face the future with his head held high, without hesitation or hesitation. The war may be on its way back and he is ready at any moment to deal with it.

Yun Mei stepped forward, leaving behind the ice cave.

And believe that with the burning spirit and honor he held in high regard, he will become the hero that his father had always hoped for.

In the ice cave that seemed to witness his promise and determination, Yun Mei uttered in her heart, "Dad, I promise that I will become a strong and determined warrior. I will defend the Bing Empire with the courage and honor you taught me. I'm sure you've guided me every step of the way. I will never forget you, and I will guard your legacy with all my might."