With a sharp crack, a Golden Sword shattered into pieces. Golden light flowed from within its blade and washed over Yang Kai, nourishing his own sword body and bolstering his strength.
A full year had passed since he helped Lang Qingshan slay the first Golden Sword.
In that year, he had led a vast army across the sword world, sweeping through heaven and earth. There had been bitter struggles and effortless conquests alike, as he rolled through one army after another. The number of Golden Swords cut down under his and Lang Qingshan's combined hand was beyond counting.
By now, both he and Lang Qingshan had Cultivated to the absolute pinnacle of the Golden Sword level, with no room for further advancement. Moreover, over a dozen members of his army had also risen to the Golden Sword rank.
Since there was no way for the two of them to grow any stronger, those gains naturally trickled down to his subordinates. But Yang Kai kept a tight grip on the situation, ensuring none of them grew so powerful that they might cause trouble. After more than a year of campaigning, his army had ballooned to over a million strong.
Within that million-strong force, one could not find a single Rusted Sword or Bronze Sword. The lowest rank present was Black Iron Sword, while the backbone consisted of Silver Swords.
One could only imagine how many swords had been shattered over this past year for such growth to occur — otherwise, such advancement would have been impossible.
The reason Yang Kai had mobilized such a massive force was for one thing: the final battle.
Over half a year ago, while leading his army on campaign, Yang Kai had discovered an enormous stronghold. That stronghold housed over a million swords, a force that rivaled his own in scale, including over a dozen Golden Swords as well.
And that stronghold was the last remaining one in this entire sword world. If he could destroy it, then Yang Kai would have no opponents left!
When that time came, he and Lang Qingshan would perhaps finally be able to leave this world.
It was the only opportunity he had found, so failure was not an option.
After a brief rest, the army set out. Over a million strong, they marched in magnificent formation, sword energy piercing the sky, the very winds and clouds shifting with their passage.
Half a month later, they finally arrived at the last stronghold. Looking into the distance, they could see that the enemy's sword intent was equally fierce, its aura piercing the heavens. Among their ranks, Golden Swords were numerous, and Silver Swords could be seen everywhere.
There was no need for further probing. Yang Kai led from the front, throwing all million swords into the fray. The army charged!
Though the enemy had been caught off guard, they quickly rallied and formed their formations, using their defensive advantage to strike back.
Over two million swords clashed in a final battle across heaven and earth. Every moment, swords were shattered. Even Silver Swords, on a battlefield of this scale, were insignificant as individuals — their safety could not be guaranteed, and the slightest lapse meant a broken blade and utter destruction.
Only the Golden Swords could turn the tide!
Yang Kai and Lang Qingshan fought together, weaving across the battlefield as they sought out the enemy's Golden Swords for targeted kills. Both of them had Cultivated to the peak of the Golden Sword level — even fighting alone, the power they could wield far surpassed that of an ordinary Golden Sword, let alone when they fought side by side.
One by one, over a dozen Golden Swords in the enemy ranks were cut down. Yang Kai's own side also suffered significant losses, with fully half of their Golden Swords destroyed.
But viewed in the grand scheme of things, such losses were worth it.
After days of fierce fighting, the two-million-strong force had dwindled to one million. Of the losses, seventy percent belonged to Yang Kai's army, while the remaining thirty percent came from the enemy.
At this point, the outcome was decided!
In the enemy's ranks, only a single Golden Sword remained, guarding the central command. Despite the countless casualties among its forces, it had watched coldly from the sidelines these past few days, unmoved. Yet Yang Kai sensed an indescribable pressure emanating from that Golden Sword.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh — sounds of tearing through the air. Seven Golden Swords, led by Yang Kai, stood tall in the void, facing off against the lone Golden Sword across the battlefield.
That Golden Sword hovered above a throne. On its blade, a face bore an expression of commanding authority, like an overwhelming powerhouse who would not so much as flinch even if heaven and earth crumbled before them.
This Golden Sword was different from any Yang Kai had seen before. At its hilt, a purple gemstone was embedded, emitting a faint violet glow — most peculiar.
Yang Kai stared at the purple gemstone for a moment and frowned, unable to discern its mystery.
On the blade, eyelids lifted slightly. A cold glance swept over Yang Kai and his companions, and a commanding voice boomed across the entire battlefield: "Submit, or die!"
Yang Kai turned his blade and roared: "Kill!"
Hisss, hisss, hisss, hisss…
Golden sword qi crisscrossed the void, slashing forward, tearing through heaven and earth.
Countless swords threw themselves forward to protect their master, but every Golden Sword in the enemy camp had already been slain. Those charging now were at best Silver Swords — how could they possibly withstand Golden sword qi?
The moment they made contact, those Silver Swords fell apart in pieces.
Even so, they did not flinch, pouring forward one after another without end to block with their bodies.
Golden sword qi carved a path forward, leaving behind an endless trail of Silver Sword fragments.
Yang Kai was moved!
One by one, the power of the golden sword qi was worn down. By the time the golden sword qi reached the enemy commander, it shattered completely, failing to inflict even the slightest damage.