Chapter Eight: Capturing the Deadly Bandit Alive

The moment the Spiral Blade Slash was unleashed, it was as if a storm of blades spun madly, sharp flashes of steel overlapping and crisscrossing, shattering every flying dagger that shot toward it!

"What kind of blade technique is this!" Ye Xiang stood within the whirlwind of blades, stunned by the ferocity of the technique. His eyes were filled only with that white figure and the crashing waves of blade light it spawned.

Deathbane was utterly shocked. His "Rainstorm Flying Slash" was his trump card, yet Cold Sky had effortlessly deflected it!

Driven by desperation, Deathbane increased the speed of his attacks, sending a torrent of silver daggers at Cold Sky like a raging tempest.

Cold Sky's Spiral Blade Slash, at its peak, created a blade storm over ten feet tall, its invisible force sweeping outward in all directions.

As he glanced at the Bloodsworn Alliance assassins locked in battle with Wild Dragon’s men, Cold Sky’s eyes flashed with a hint of amusement. With each stroke of Bloodstain, he altered the axis of his attack.

Each strike avoided the incoming daggers, the blade’s back shimmering with golden energy. It redirected the daggers, accelerating them with a forceful rebound, sending them straight back at the Bloodsworn assassins with uncanny accuracy.

“Ah!” “Ah!”

Screams echoed, reaching Deathbane’s ears. Glancing sideways, his heart filled with terror; in the blink of an eye, more than a dozen of his own men had been slain by his own flying daggers!

Cold Sky let out a cold laugh, stepped forward rapidly, leaving nothing but a fading afterimage. Though he ceased the Spiral Blade Slash, the overlapping flashes of blade light and the storm’s phantom lingered—a remnant of speed so great it left a spectral blade whirlwind behind.

To onlookers, only a white figure could be seen bursting through the storm of blades, flashing out and charging at Deathbane. The blade storm shattered, revealing Ye Xiang inside, stunned and speechless.

Deathbane’s pupils contracted; he knew things had taken a turn for the worse! He tried to twist away and flee, but Cold Sky was too swift, closing the distance like lightning and thunder!

“Trying to escape?” Cold Sky’s core flashed with crimson light, enveloping Deathbane. In a blink, the light returned to his core, and Deathbane vanished from sight!

It was the Inferno Cold Sky had obtained; it drew Deathbane inside. Cold Sky had discovered this ability by chance—it could imprison enemies within the Inferno. Fortunately, Deathbane’s cultivation was far beneath Cold Sky’s; otherwise, it would not have been so easy.

Cold Sky spared Deathbane’s life, hoping to learn their true purpose from him—and, truthfully, he was intrigued by Deathbane’s skill with daggers, so he kept him alive out of admiration.

The remaining Bloodsworn assassins, seeing Deathbane vanish with a single blow from Cold Sky, were gripped by fear and retreated at once. Wild Dragon’s men wanted to pursue, but Ye Xiang stopped them.

“Second Master, we mustn’t let them go! This will leave future troubles behind. The Bloodsworn Alliance might strike back again!” Wild Dragon thrust his great sword into the ground, voicing his frustration to Ye Xiang.

“Let it be! Even if we slaughter all the Bloodsworn Alliance, their creed won’t die. Having failed this time, they’ll surely return with renewed force,” Ye Xiang said, worry clouding his tone.

He strode quickly to Cold Sky, clasped his fists and bowed, saying, “Captain Cold, thank you for saving my life just now. I am deeply grateful.”

Cold Sky smiled, helping Ye Xiang up. “Second Master, you’re too polite. Protecting you is my duty—I merely take payment to resolve troubles.”

Ye Xiang’s surprise flashed across his face; he hadn’t expected such a reply from Cold Sky, but he didn’t dwell on it. His greatest concern now was the safety of his children.

“Brother Wild Dragon, Captain Cold, thank you both. I’ll go and find Die’er and the others—please handle things here.”

“Father, we’re back!”

Two voices rang out. Ye Xiang turned to see Ye Die’er and her brother returning, guarded by the five members of Flame Dragon.

“Die’er, Fan’er, are you alright?” Ye Xiang hurried forward, embracing his children, the tension in his face finally eased.

“Father, we’re fine. The assassins were all defeated by Flame Dragon and the others,” Ye Fan said, his expression bright. The boy seemed unfazed by the ordeal, even a bit excited.

“Is everyone alright?” Cold Sky asked Fire Dance and her companions as they approached.

“Don’t worry, big brother; the mission was completed smoothly!” Xiao Han glanced proudly at the Wild Dragon Mercenary Group.

“Brother, you weren’t hurt, were you?” Fire Dance walked up to Cold Sky, checking him head to toe for any injuries.

Cold Sky’s heart warmed. “Don’t worry, how could your brother possibly be harmed?”

“Brother Cold, just now that assassin disappeared so suddenly—did you strike him down so completely not even a trace remained?” Wild Dragon approached, his tone now respectful and equal.

Cold Sky actually felt no ill will toward this burly captain. Though Wild Dragon was proud and unruly, what martial artist wasn’t?

“Ha… Brother Wild Dragon, forgive me—I can’t disclose the truth, as it’s a personal secret. I hope you’ll understand.” Cold Sky apologetically declined to answer.

Wild Dragon laughed awkwardly, grinning. “No problem, it was my mistake. Night has fallen; we should prepare for any counterattack from the Bloodsworn Alliance.”

“Yes, Brother Wild Dragon is right,” Cold Sky replied.

Ye Xiang, having reassured his children, issued instructions. “Morning Wind.”

“Second Master, your orders.”

“Lead the guards to bury our fallen brothers properly. Gather the wagons and goods together. No one is to rest tonight—tell everyone to stay alert.”

“Rest assured, Second Master. I’ll see to it.” Morning Wind turned and left with the guards.

Ye Xiang clasped his hands to Cold Sky and Wild Dragon. “I must trouble you both to remain vigilant. I’ll send word to the family, hoping to discover who has targeted the Ye family from the shadows.”

Ye Xiang departed; Cold Sky and Wild Dragon exchanged farewells, then Cold Sky led the five Flame Dragon members to the assembled wagons, found one, and the six entered to meditate and rest.

“Brother Tian, it seems this escort won’t be peaceful…” Xiao Han’s tone was worried, but his face betrayed an eager anticipation for battle.

“Brother, Fire Dance and I took down five assassins—aren’t we impressive?” Little Ke giggled, seeking praise from Cold Sky.

Cold Sky indulged her, making the young girl laugh joyfully.

Night soon fell, the darkness deep and complete, the moon hidden behind thin clouds. Inside the wagon, the six meditated and cultivated in silence.

Martial Peak 8, Chapter Eight: Deathbane Captured—Update Complete!