[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-cursed-blade-s-walk":3,"chapter-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-671":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Cursed Blade's Walk",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2262976,4415,"Chapter 671","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-671",671,"\u003Cp>“What the hell are you trying to say?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing Li Yan’s words, Zhang Tiankui instantly bristled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pulled him up, Li Yan still held his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fellow jerked like a startled leopard, his spine snapping taut, muscles rippling, his palm clamping down on Li Yan’s wrist like an iron vice, then twisted his body, hoisting Li Yan overhead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having inherited the Cangzhou wrestling crown and fused it with his own dock laborer’s techniques, he created the “Seventy-Two Ways of Dragon-Catching Grappling” and the “Eighteen Riverbank Takedowns,” emphasizing “the ground as river, the body as boat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His spine was unlike ordinary men’s, its power only slightly less than Wu Ba’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his signature move: the “Capsizing Technique.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he seized an opponent, using his waist as an axis to slam them into the knee, even an iron anchor the width of a bowl could be shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Li Yan remained calm, his wrist-snake whip whistling out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui’s spirit-summoning art had already been shattered by Wu Ba; he had no resistance left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, his body stiffened, vision plunged into darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan spoke softly, so to outsiders it looked as if Zhang Tiankui had suddenly launched a sneak attack, while Li Yan flipped midair like a kite, his wrist-winding technique reversing naturally—he landed with Zhang Tiankui’s arm twisted and pinned to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excellent skill!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This Zhang is too uncouth!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk tsk, the ‘Eighteen Riverbank Takedowns’ aren’t that impressive…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many martial artists watching from afar immediately cheered in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jinghai Gang dominated Jinmen, and this was a gathering place for heroes from north and south—how could they lack enemies?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They dared not speak openly, but inevitably muttered sarcastic remarks among the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second Master!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “River River Giants” farther off shouted in alarm and rushed forward to rescue him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These hundred-plus men were all tall and massive, bare-chested with knotted muscles, their bodies tattooed with dragons and tigers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they charged through the dust, it felt like an army’s assault.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan glanced Dandan ly, “Don’t go too far.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Roar!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Ba bellowed and charged straight in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He assumed the Baji stance, his body landing like an iron tower, cracking the blue bricks beneath his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One had to admire these “River River Giants”—they knew Wu Ba was terrifying, that even Zhang Tiankui couldn’t match him, yet showed no fear, and coordinated with clear discipline: one leapt to hug his waist, two reached from the sides, trying to overwhelm Wu Ba with sheer numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this was pure delusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Ba kicked off with his rear foot, his left arm swinging like a great gate to block the three grapplers’ grabs; his right elbow arced upward from his ribs, striking the foremost giant’s Shanzhong point; then his palms swept left and right, sending the three giants flying like rolling gourds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was still because Li Yan had ordered him to hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Wu Ba hadn’t restrained his strength, all three would have died with shattered organs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the enemy’s numbers were too great—before the three rolled away, more surged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were all martial artists; some had even drawn daggers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Wu Ba gripped two men’s heads, they crouched low and stabbed toward his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Lu San’s body shrank like a monkey, slipping out from under Wu Ba’s armpit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He used Xingxiang Quan, his five fingers forming an eagle’s claw to seize the man’s wrist, twisting it— the dagger clattered to the ground with a crunch of breaking bone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Li Fei struck as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He laughed loudly, swinging his ebony scabbard in a crescent arc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Guanshan Sword Art “Mountain-Splitting Strike” came down from above, smashing the grappler lunging at Lu San into a kneeling position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scabbard swept sideways, sending the man sprawling, his mouth a bloody ruin, teeth scattered everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only because Li Yan had ordered restraint, but also because killing a street full of corpses in broad daylight was unthinkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even holding back, the three handled themselves effortlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back-to-back, they spun within inches, unleashing tidal waves in confined space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Ba’s spine dragon vertebrae exploded with thunderous cracks—Baji’s “Heart-Top Elbow” followed by “Earth-Piercing Sky-Cannon”—wherever he passed, the “River River Giants” flew backward like they’d been struck by siege rams, spitting blood…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu San’s snake-step circled to the enemy flank, his crane-beak fist targeting the Yifeng point behind the ear—those struck collapsed like mud…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Li Fei’s scabbard whirled like snowflakes, left “Dragging Sword Slash,” right “Reversing Horse Thrust,” leaving the encircling grapplers bloodied and battered…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though numerous, these men were nothing compared to the peril of Chengdu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only the onlookers, but even Wang Company Commander stared in astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Twelve Yuan Chen were famed across the martial world, but most had only heard of Li Yan’s prowess, assuming his companions were mere ornaments—never imagining each could stand alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this was without using Xuanmen techniques, and clearly holding back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder he’d earned such a fearsome reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the dust settled, the hundred-odd grapplers lay sprawled across the street—some unconscious, some groaning in pain, none able to rise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides these hundred “River River Giants,” the Jinghai Gang had brought many more—hooligans hired for menial tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, they all turned to jelly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jinmen had no shortage of powerful figures, but never had they seen such ferocity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dragon of Jinmen has never lacked for rivals, but such ferocious ones they had never seen before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged scholar with the white fan stepped back, trembling as he shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, one Jinghai Gang thug pulled a signal flare from his sleeve, preparing to ignite it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though this was Beicheng, far from the Sanchahe docks, the city held many gang members—they could arrive within half a stick of incense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though this is Beicheng, far from the Sanchahe Wharf, there are many gang members in the city—they can arrive within half a stick of incense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a roar halted him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Zhang Tiankui—he had somehow regained consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cursed his men: “What are you yelling for? Are you not ashamed enough today?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Send for someone—find the city’s best physician to treat them. I’ll handle the rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was firm, but his eyes, when fixed on Li Yan, were filled with wariness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Zhang, please, go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan smiled faintly, gesturing with his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan smiled faintly and raised his hand in signal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui snorted, gritting his teeth, limping painfully into the guild hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old shopkeeper of the Jinzhou Guild Hall was astute—he had already cleared a tea room for them, ordered hot tea served, then shut the wooden door and driven away all onlookers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the tea room grew utterly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the teahouse grew very quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui growled, “Today I admit defeat. Kill me or cut me up—do as you please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan chuckled softly, “If I meant to kill you, you wouldn’t even have had the chance to meet me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui’s face darkened, but after what had just happened, he knew Li Yan spoke truthfully. He growled, “What do you really want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui’s face darkened, but after what had just happened, he knew Li Yan spoke the truth; he growled, “What do you really want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan lifted his hot tea, sipped it casually, “I heard you’ve long opposed Yu Wenhai selling Fushou Paste. Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan picked up the hot tea and took a sip, casually saying, “I’ve heard that Master Zhang has long opposed Yu Wenhai’s sale of Fushou Gao —could this be true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui replied coldly, “Correct. Jinmen is a den of dragons and snakes. For Jinghai Gang to survive, we must wrestle to preserve face, kill in shadows—but never forget the martial code: ‘Leave a thread of mercy.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fushou Paste ruins men—corrupts our reputation, destroys our brothers. It’s a poison waiting to explode.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he suddenly realized, “So last night you raided Hou Family Alley—that was about this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not that simple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s eyes grew cold, “Yu Wenhai has conspired with demons, using Fushou Paste to undermine the divine qi of our Shenzhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s eyes grew cold. “Yu Wenhai has conspired with demons, attempting to use Fushou Gao  to corrupt the vital breath of our Shenzhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui sneered, “You’re spouting nonsense. It’s just some petty drug—how could it harm Shenzhou’s divine qi? In the martial world, it’s all about fame and profit. Say what you want outright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re the fool—you’re blind to the disaster looming over you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cold voice rang out, then Wang Company Commander pushed the door open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhang Tiankui tense, Li Yan smiled and introduced, “This is Commandant Wang Company Commander of the Capital Guard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhang Tiankui’s wariness, Li Yan smiled and introduced, “This is Commandant Wang Company Commander.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui’s muscles instantly tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop pretending!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Company Commander, knowing Li Yan’s intent, sneered, “Your Jinghai Gang works for the Ying Prince’s mansion too—what’s the difference between you and watchdogs? Now you’ve committed capital crimes and don’t even realize it— even the Ying Prince can’t save you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui’s eyes flared, “Don’t try to scare me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were harsh, but his tone had lost its edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jinghai Gang controlled Jinmen’s dock hub—how could they care only about petty profits from the docks?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their secret dealings, if not for the Ying Prince, would have earned them beheadings many times over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now even the Commandant’s Office had moved—it was no small matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s expression turned grim, his aura bristling with lethal intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s expression turned grim, his entire body brimming with lethal intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He has now entered Golden Core; though his fist intent and killing intent cannot sever foes from afar like Cheng Jianxian, it is more than enough to generate overwhelming pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui first tensed his muscles in defense, then sweat beaded on his forehead, and finally closed his eyes, assuming the posture of one awaiting death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after suppressing him with aura did Li Yan speak: “Do you know why I became famous?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve heard—about the ‘Nine Tripods’…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish, Zhang Tiankui turned pale: “Is Yu Wenhai also scheming for this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter of the Nine Tripods is known to few commoners, but has long reverberated through the Daoist underworld.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More critically, the Imperial Daoist Sacrificial Office has just issued a warning: anyone who participates in this affair, regardless of status, will be executed on sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To touch this is no different from rebellion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two feudal princes have already died because of it; even the Ying Prince’s mansion dare not provoke it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan nodded: “Yu Wenhai is suspect, but the specifics are beyond your station to know. Suffice it to say, the Jinghai Gang has brought ruin upon itself—it has earned its death. Behead every last one of you, and the court will only applaud.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And that Fushou Gao —also an enemy plot. You are guilty upon guilt!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui’s expression flickered between anger and fear: “What do you want me to do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Li Yan had spared him today because he still had use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Simple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan spoke low and grave: “The Jinghai Gang controls the Jinmen docks, commands over ten thousand men, and colludes with the Naval Camp. If Yu Wenhai, desperate and reckless, incites you to revolt, Jinmen will descend into chaos.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want you to seize the leadership, control the situation, and then punish only those directly involved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui’s face darkened: “My foster father has treated me well. If I seize his position, what face will I have left…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What face, if you’re dead?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Company Commander sneered: “When you’re all dead, you won’t leave behind any good name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My foster father knows nothing of this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui gritted his teeth: “He is in seclusion at the Jade Emperor Pavilion; all gang affairs are handled by Yu Wenhai. The Fushou Gao  came from the red-haired barbarian merchants. I’ll go straight to him and ask him to take charge…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You fool! How could Lu Jinghai not know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Wang Company Commander snapped in cold fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s raid on Hou Family Alley last night had already put the Jinghai Gang on alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That Zhang Tiankui found this place means the Twelve Zodiacs’ entry into Jinmen is known to the Jianmu demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy has long laid plans in Jinmen; if they strike now, the consequences are unthinkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We intended to use Zhang Tiankui to control the situation, but this fool still clings to old loyalties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph! All your side of the story!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Company Commander’s reprimand only stoked Zhang Tiankui’s defiance—he began to act the fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan raised a hand to stop Wang Company Commander, then spoke coolly: “The words are spoken. You, Zhang Bangzhu, decide your path—but think carefully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One misstep—and you fall into an abyss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he lifted his teacup and fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui gritted his teeth, said no more, rose, bowed, and strode out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching his departing figure, Wang Company Commander’s face darkened: “He’ll go straight to Lu Jinghai. This will ruin everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan shook his head, voice grave: “We have no time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Jianmu have long been wary of me. They’ve spread word of last night’s fire everywhere—they won’t act covertly. They’re likely already laying traps. Let this fool go to Lu Jinghai. It will disrupt their rhythm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wang Company Commander, this is the token left by Tian Battalion Commander. Take it immediately, mobilize the Commandant’s trusted men, then proceed directly to the Jinmen Northern City outpost. Have them prepare—ready to move at once if needed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Company Commander seized the token at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Naval Camp colludes with the Jinghai Gang; the Jinmen outpost is close. If trouble erupts, they can storm the city and seize control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though lacking the Tiger Talisman, should Jinmen truly erupt in chaos, the outpost won’t dare stand idle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And you, Li Shaoxia?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Company Commander, seeing Li Yan rise, asked with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan gazed toward the southern city: “I’ll go see what kind of fish this bait, Zhang Tiankui, will catch…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Jade Emperor Pavilion, pines and cypresses stood dense and dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dusk was near; pilgrims had thinned considerably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get out of my way!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui roared, shoving aside the Daoist blocking his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him trailed two dozen men—all cold-eyed, skilled with blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the eaves and bracket sets of the rear courtyard, Zhang Tiankui quickened his pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His steps were heavy, crushing the ash from incense between the blue bricks; the bronze wrestling collar around his neck clattered with each step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pushed open the rear courtyard gate and exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, beneath the veranda of the side hall, an old man practiced Taiji.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tall and imposing, his hair and beard were white, his skin a weathered bronze, his Daoist robe stiff with starch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pushed, the sleeve revealed faint tattoos of an anchor chain and lotus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Lu Jinghai, leader of the Jinghai Gang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhang Tiankui storm in with armed followers, Lu Jinghai remained calm, continuing his Taiji, completing a Cloud Hand, then spoke slowly: “Tiankui, bringing so many men—can’t you wait for the leadership?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Foster father, no time for jokes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui’s face darkened, the bronze collar clattering as he knelt on the blue stone slab, fists clasped: “Yu Wenhai has conspired with demons, scheming for the Nine Tripods—he’s drawn the Twelve Zodiacs and the Commandant’s Office!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You must emerge from seclusion and take charge—or our Jinghai Gang is finished!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Jinghai frowned: “What exactly happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui clearly trusted Lu Jinghai; he revealed everything without concealment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unthinkable!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Jinghai erupted in fury, slapping his palm against the veranda pillar—shattering it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That Yu—after all I’ve trusted him with—he plots such treachery behind my back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come. I’ll take his head myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He strode toward the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui rose quickly and followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then Lu Jinghai suddenly turned, flicking out a three-inch blackwood spike from his fingertip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the ancient secret technique of the Boatmen’s Guild: “Nail-Sealing the Meridians”—a method used against lake demons and turtle monsters. Once it pierced an acupoint, even Daoist cultivators would collapse, unable to use their arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Tiankui’s heart jolted; his muscles tensed instinctively. He arched his back to dodge, then countered with the Dragon Wrestling technique “Little Ghost Turning Mill,” seizing Lu Jinghai’s wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was furious—his foster father, the man who raised him, was trying to kill him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he felt only anger—not fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many years ago, Lu Jinghai was no longer his match; aging, he had retreated into seclusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as his fingers closed on the wrist, Zhang Tiankui froze in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand met cold, slimy skin. He looked down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Jinghai’s arm was now covered in black-green snake scales.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puff!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Jinghai suddenly opened his mouth and spat a thick, pungent red mist directly at Zhang Tiankui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Simultaneously, figures leapt down from the walls—black-clad, masked, blades flashing—blood sprayed as Zhang Tiankui’s men were cut down one after another…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2848,"2026-06-19T18:28:35.913Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f41ee962403f334cf033ec4e5eb43d4e1070e4b641dca4da9d5f3f11f6793246","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-672","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-670",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]