Chapter 21: Slaying the Sky-Splitting Weasel

In the end, Jiang Yan spent one million at the weapons shop to purchase a high-quality Hengdao.

The blade was alloyed with a small amount of rare Radiant Gold, ensuring absolute quality. It was also considerably heavier than his previous weapon, making it feel more imposing when swung.

Jiang Yan hefted the Hengdao in his hand, growing more satisfied the longer he looked at it.

The blade shimmered with a faint metallic luster unique to Radiant Gold—slender, straight, and extending to a razor-sharp point. The hilt was flat and oval, wrapped in a special material to ensure the best possible grip.

A few light swings through the air produced faint whistling sounds.

“A fine saber!”

You get what you pay for. To Jiang Yan, money was merely an external possession.

After sending a message to Uncle Wang to assure him of his safety, Jiang Yan strode into the Wilderness.

Wilderness Ruin No. 56—a territory of Fierce Beasts, a paradise for slaughter, the homeland of the brave.

…

Ten days later.

“Battle Saint Armor!”

“You successfully blocked an attack from the Void-Splitting Weasel. [Blade Bearer] triggered [Parry and Counter].”

“The Void-Splitting Weasel was severely wounded. Your comprehension of Saber Technique has slightly improved.”

Inside the Battle Space.

Panting, Jiang Yan watched as the injured Void-Splitting Weasel vanished into space. Gripping his saber, he remained on high alert, prepared to defend against another surprise attack when he least expected it.

Jiang Yan had already fallen victim to this more than once.

Once wounded, the Void-Splitting Weasel would retreat into space to hide, then seize an opportunity to deliver a fatal strike—truly impossible to guard against completely.

Through countless encounters with the Void-Splitting Weasel, Jiang Yan had figured out a way to deal with it: endure an attack using [Blade Bearer] and the Talent Battle Saint Armor, then retaliate with [Parry and Counter].

However, this method had a flaw: the Void-Splitting Weasel’s reactions far surpassed his own. Sometimes, he couldn’t block in time and died under its claws.

The Void-Splitting Weasel—extreme speed and extreme offense.

Jiang Yan dared say that not a single third-tier Fierce Beast in the outside world could compare to even a hair of the Void-Splitting Weasel.

But this only fueled Jiang Yan’s fighting spirit. Only through countless failures could one comprehend the true essence of combat.

“You have died for the thousandth time under the claws of the Void-Splitting Weasel. Congratulations on triggering [Heaven Rewards Diligence] and obtaining the Orange Trait [Life and Death Moment].”

[Life and Death Moment]: Through countless deaths, you have grasped the true meaning of life. When you suffer a fatal attack, your body has a chance to enter a state of absolute defense.

Jiang Yan: “Did I just farm a famous saber?”

He immediately entered combat, engaging in a fierce battle with the Void-Splitting Weasel.

“You suffered a fatal strike from the Void-Splitting Weasel.”

“You triggered [Life and Death Moment]. Congratulations, you successfully immunized against this attack.”

Jiang Yan simply stood still.

“You suffered a fatal strike from the Void-Splitting Weasel.”

“You died.”

“Sample size insufficient. Again.”

That’s right—Jiang Yan was conducting a death test to determine the trigger probability of [Life and Death Moment].

“You suffered a fatal strike from the Void-Splitting Weasel. You died.”

“You suffered a fatal strike from the Void-Splitting Weasel. You died.”

“You suffered a fatal strike from the Void-Splitting Weasel. Congratulations, you successfully immunized against this attack.”

“You suffered a fatal strike from the Void-Splitting Weasel. You died.”

“You suffered a fatal strike from the Void-Splitting Weasel. Congratulations, you successfully immunized against this attack.”

…

After the two hundredth death.

Jiang Yan began organizing the experimental results. His scientific spirit was truly admirable.

“Successful immunizations: 57. Direct deaths: 143. It seems the trigger probability of [Life and Death Moment] is only about 25%.”

The probability wasn’t high—a bit reliant on luck.

“Perhaps it could save my life at a critical moment, but I’d better avoid trying it under normal circumstances.”

Jiang Yan continued battling the Void-Splitting Weasel.

Another day passed, and Jiang Yan’s eyes were bloodshot as he stared at the weasel, now on its last breath.

The Void-Splitting Weasel had no resurrection mechanism, while Jiang Yan could revive infinitely. In terms of stamina alone, Jiang Yan had the upper hand.

The successful parry and counter from before had severely injured the Void-Splitting Weasel. As long as Jiang Yan persisted, he would eventually wear this beast down.

A battle of attrition.

The Void-Splitting Weasel, gravely injured, no longer dared to fight. Knowing Jiang Yan possessed a skill that could reflect damage, it refused to give him any openings, relying solely on its spatial traversal ability to engage in guerrilla warfare.

However, the Void-Splitting Weasel’s Spatial Talent was not unlimited!

“Take this saber strike!”

Jiang Yan gathered his Blade Momentum, and the Nine Leaps Continuous Steps, now at the Profound Proficiency level, erupted instantly.

His figure transformed into a streak of white light, piercing through the Void-Splitting Weasel’s body.

“Congratulations, you have successfully slain the Void-Splitting Weasel.”

“Congratulations, your Realm has broken through to Blood Coagulation Late Stage.”

“Unfortunately, you did not obtain a Trait.”

“Congratulations, you have triggered the guaranteed effect of [Heaven Rewards Diligence] and obtained the Purple Trait [Demon Scale].

Demon Scale: Upon activation, your other attributes will be converted into strength.”

Looking at the description of [Demon Scale], Jiang Yan couldn’t help but click his tongue in amazement: “Wow, what an extreme Trait. But it might prove immensely useful at a critical moment.”

Today’s luck was good—he had obtained two Traits in a row, and with the Realm breakthrough, the current Jiang Yan could completely overpower his former self from a few days ago.

He exited the space.

Inside a dilapidated building, Jiang Yan opened his eyes, his dark pupils perfectly blending into the night.

Outside, occasional eerie cries of Fierce Beasts echoed, adding a sinister touch to the pitch-black night.

Jiang Yan was in Ruin No. 56, spending his days fighting monsters and his nights grinding Instances—a tightly packed schedule.

Opening his Character Panel:

[Host]: Jiang Yan

[Talent]: Battle Saint Armor

[Realm]: Blood Coagulation Late Stage

[Martial Skills]:

(Unranked) Basic Saber Technique – Perfection

(Yellow Grade Low) Wild Bull Strength – Perfection

(Yellow Grade High) Burst Step – Perfection

(Mystic Grade High) Nine Leaps Continuous Steps – Profound

[Traits]: Heaven Rewards Diligence (Destined), Truth of Desperation (Blue), Haste (Blue), Wind Riding (Blue), Blade Bearer (Purple), Life and Death Moment (Orange), Demon Scale (Purple)

[Special]: Blade Momentum (can break through to Saber Intent)

With half-closed eyes, Jiang Yan savored the most peaceful hour before dawn.