The Cunning Treasure Hunter

Chapter 85 March to Hollow Demon Valley

The Blade's Purpose

A blade is meant to kill.

Some might ask, "Isn't that true of all sharp tools? Can't a farmer's sickle or a chef's knife do the same?"

But a master blacksmith would answer differently:

A sword is forged solely to kill. It is not like a sickle or a knife, which can also kill.

A sword exists for one purpose, and one purpose only—to take life.

That is why those who carry swords are watched with far more caution than those who carry other tools.

For they are people who possess the intent to kill.

And Infernal Blade Corps Lord Daven understood this all too well.

A man with white hair, his presence radiating an aura of sheer authority.

During The Great War of Light and Shadow, the martial world had given him a title:

Sword Phantom—the direct disciple of the Sword Demon, now a master nearing his former teacher's realm.

"The Fiery Blade clan has lost its strength, Lord."

Before him knelt a middle-aged woman, her voice steady but reverent.

"Seems my blade was sharper than I thought. Kekeke…"

Lord Daven, the Infernal Blade Corps Lord, one of the few who dared call himself an Old Demon, chuckled darkly.

To him, humans were tools—tools to kill other humans. That was the very essence of the Demonic Sect, and also why the Orthodox Sect despised them.

But who could judge him?

His skill with the blade had nearly reached the peak of the Transcendent Realm. The only thing left was to break through the final wall—an accomplishment that might take years, or perhaps never come at all.

Still, he had gained a new insight recently, a faint glimmer of understanding that spurred him forward.

"And the movements of the Crimson Demon Gate?"

"They align with your expectations, my Lord. They are preparing to rise, unaware of your presence here."

"Good... They'll play their part soon enough."

Before him knelt his subordinate, Helena, a woman in her fifties and the Vice-Lord of the Infernal Blade Corps—and his daughter.

"This time, we will finally sever the bloodline of the Fiery Blade clan," she said with quiet determination.

"Yes," he replied, his tone carrying the weight of an unshakable resolve.

Both father and daughter carried deep-seated hatred for the Fiery Blade clan, for they, too, had suffered losses at their hands.

The Demonic energy swirling in their cores was proof of their devotion to the Heavenly Demon. They were survivors of The Great War of Light and Shadow—true members of the Demonic Sect.

The Ashes of the Fiery Blade clan

The once-proud Eastern Mountain Fiery Blade clan's main residence lay in ruins, blanketed in ash.

Their wealth remained untouched—gold and silver were not so easily consumed by fire.

Though some traitorous retainers had fled with what they could carry, the true assets of the clan—their businesses and enterprises—were still intact.

Rebuilding was not impossible.

But human resources were another matter.

Many key figures had either fled or been killed, leaving the clan vulnerable to the machinations of hidden enemies.

Regis, the leader, surveyed the completely incinerated inner hall, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.

Now, the family was forced to reside in the guest annex, the only structure left standing.

He had ordered all warriors of the clan to sleep outside, including himself.

Those without martial training couldn't endure the cold night air, so it was only fair to spare them.

"leader, how are things progressing?"

The voice came from behind, soft yet steady.

Regis turned to see Vera, the young disciple of the Suncrest Sect.

"I have a question," he said, looking at her intently.

"Please ask," she replied, bowing slightly.

"How old are you?"

She blinked at the unexpected question, knowing full well it wouldn't lead to anything advantageous. Yet, there was no point in avoiding it.

"Fourteen."

"Don't you think you're too harsh on yourself?"

"Harsh… on myself?"

She glanced at her hands, noting the calluses that marred her palms.

The backs of her hands were smooth and pale, but beneath them lay years of grueling training.

There was a way to reverse it all—she knew that.

If she laid down her sword and picked up a teacup instead, the calluses would fade.

But that was a life she had no intention of living.

"No, I don't think so," she replied firmly.

"And why is that?"

"Because… I, too, have someone I must take revenge on."

The leader narrowed his eyes.

Revenge?

From a girl barely fourteen years old?

What kind of grudge could such a young soul carry?

"So, that's how it is..."

"Yes. Let's just say it's to avenge my parents," Vera said, her voice calm yet resolute.

"I see... In that case, it makes sense."

To wield a sword in the name of avenging one's parents. To relentlessly train, pushing oneself to the very brink, all for that single goal.

Regis, the leader of the Eastern Mountain Fiery Blade clan, looked at the girl before him.

He could see it—the faint, flickering sword aura emanating from her blade. It was still incomplete, yet it wouldn't remain so for long.

For others, breaking through the wall to mastery was an impossible task. But for this monstrous girl, it was merely a staircase to climb. A matter of time and effort.

"You were asking about our progress?"

"Yes," Vera replied with a polite nod.

"We've begun reorganizing the clan's intelligence network and collecting information on nearby activities. According to what we've gathered…"

Regis paused, steadying his breath.

"The primary aggressors are remnants of the Infernal Blade Corps, part of the Demonic Sect, aided by the Crimson Demon Gate."

"The Infernal Blade Corps and the Crimson Demon Gate..."

"That's right. I doubt you've heard of them before."

Vera nodded, her limited knowledge of the world outside her sect leaving her unfamiliar with these names.

"The Crimson Demon Gate has been a thorn in our side for generations. They're a sect of the unorthodox path that once rivaled our clan for dominance in southern Eastern Mountain Province. Before The Great War of Light and Shadow, they were formidable."

"What caused their decline?"

"They supported the Demonic Sect during the war. When the sect fell, they were dragged down with it. The Martial Unity sent forces to crush them, and we allied with the Golden Peak Clan to drive the nail in their coffin."

The Golden Peak Clan and the Eastern Mountain Fiery Blade clan—both major powers in the region. The combined might of these two noble houses, backed by the Martial Unity at its peak strength following the war, was an insurmountable force for any sect.

"And yet, they survived?"

"They were clever. They fled."

"Fled?"

"Yes. To Hollow Demon Valley, the second-largest mountain in Eastern Mountain, after Great Mountain. A place known for its imposing cliffs and treacherous terrain. Perfect for hiding."

"And the Infernal Blade Corps?"

"It was the martial arm of the Demonic Sect, led by none other than the Sword Demon himself."

"The Sword Demon…"

Vera's brow furrowed. She hadn't heard of this name before.

That was unsurprising—it had been over fifty years since the Sword Demon terrorized the martial world. In the present day, his deeds were little more than exaggerated tales.

But Regis, who had grown up hearing countless stories of the Sword Demon, knew better.

"He was a master of the Blade Blood Heaven Sword, a technique as ominous as its name suggests."

"A fearsome name indeed," Vera remarked, her tone thoughtful.

"There's more. It's said the Sword Demon provided guidance to the Crimson Demon Gate, refining their spear techniques in exchange for their support."

"A swordsman teaching spear techniques? That's… unusual."

"Indeed. But at the end of the day, both are weapons of blade and shaft. The principles overlap. However…"

"However?"

"The spears of the Crimson Demon Gate evolved into something twisted—blades and shafts of equal length, turning their weapons into grotesque hybrids."

Vera frowned. A weapon that defied convention, paired with martial techniques steeped in Demonic energy—it was an unsettling combination.

"When do you plan to set out for Hollow Demon Valley?"

"Tomorrow morning. We've coordinated with the Martial Unity's Eastern Mountain Branch," Regis replied.

"And they're offering assistance?"

The leader nodded.

"They've agreed to dispatch the Seventh Battalion of the Unity Forces."

Read exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire

"The Unity Forces…"

The Unity Forces were elite battalions formed by the Martial Unity, comprising skilled warriors pledged to bring the martial world under unified rule.

Each battalion, from the First to the Thirteenth, was led by a commander of exceptional strength, typically in the Transcendent Realm or beyond.

But Regis's expression darkened.

"I don't have much faith in them."

"Why is that?"

"The commander of the Thirteenth Battalion was a member of my clan's branch family—a man named Darian. He was said to have reached the early stages of the Transcendent Realm, yet he was found dead in a remote village, under circumstances far beneath his station."

Vera's gaze fell to her hands. The faint, imagined warmth of Darian's blood seemed to linger there still.

"Their presence will help, but we cannot rely on them entirely," Regis concluded, his tone resolute.

Vera nodded, her expression unreadable.

Tomorrow, they would march into the heart of Hollow Demon Valley, to confront the remnants of the Demonic Sect and their allies.

And as always, her sword would be ready.