Chapter Thirty-One: The Gap in Strength

"Is that the Heaven-Splitting Sword?" Hao Yun turned his head and asked.

"It's the same move, but when used by different people, the difference is truly striking," Hao Yun sighed as he gazed ahead, seeing that Hao Tian had not answered him.

"Perhaps that's the gap between us," Hao Tian murmured after a moment's pause.

"If there's such a gap, why are we assigned to the same mission?" Hao Yun asked.

"There must be something special about us... for instance, the advanced technology in your hands," Hao Tian replied. As he spoke, he instinctively gripped his hand, his expression shifting—he suddenly realized something was missing.

Hao Yun glanced up at the diamond-shaped lamp above their heads, nodding in vague understanding.

"My sword...?" Hao Tian lowered his head, muttering to himself.

The Heaven-Splitting Sword—memories of its use flashed through his mind. He had unleashed it when he had nothing left, when protecting Hao Po. The treasured sword had flown out, and now who knew where it had ended up? In front of him, Hao Po and the others were exhausting themselves. If he left now, who could say what might happen between them?

"You go search for it. I'll stay here and make sure neither of them gets seriously hurt," Hao Yun said, clenching his fists.

Hao Tian nodded, his gaze sharp as he looked into the distance. He felt a subtle connection to his sword, as if guided by fate—within a certain range, he could find it.

"Don't get lost. We all need you," Hao Yun called out with a smile. He certainly didn't want Hao Tian to lose himself in pursuit of a sword.

Hao Tian nodded once more and replied softly. In the blink of an eye, his figure shrank into a black dot and vanished.

Sword light flared brilliantly. Despite Xiaoshan's exquisite footwork, he could not avoid the dazzling edge bearing down on him.

He raised his sword, its blade darker than ever, and held it upright before him. If he could not escape, then he would face it head-on.

The blood-red sword met him directly—blades clashed at close quarters, the impact stirring the air. Wind whipped Xiaoshan's hair and clothes; he bared his teeth.

His face changed; the sword in his hand suddenly regained its original color. With a deft motion, he managed to deflect the attack sideways.

He had blocked it. The moon-red longsword ceased its rotation, grazing past Xiaoshan's right shoulder.

He turned his head—fortunately, it was a bladeless sword. His clothes were torn, but his skin remained unscathed.

In an instant, Hao Po was before him. Their eyes met, and a flash of sword-light caught the corner of Xiaoshan's eye. He closed his eyes—surprised and unprepared for the sudden brilliance.

Hao Po curled his lips, slicing his right hand through the air—a blade of light marked his movement as he sheathed his sword.

"Return to the Scabbard!"

With those simple words, the blood-red broadsword, which had been at a distance, abruptly halted. The tip swiveled and flew back into the scabbard on Hao Po's back.

Before him, Xiaoshan squeezed his eyes shut. His sword fell to the ground with a resounding "clang" that echoed through the air, and he collapsed backward onto the earth.

"Xiaoshan!... Xiaoshan!"

"What's wrong with you? Don't scare me!" Ruoxi, seeing him suddenly collapse and even drop his sword, rushed over in panic. Her voice trembled, choked with sobs.

"What happened to him?" Hao Yun stepped over and asked Hao Po.

"It's nothing, he just fainted..." Hao Po replied weakly, his words fading as his body gave out and he slumped over.

"Ah!" Hao Yun saw Hao Po sway and quickly caught him before he could fall.

Hao Yun's right hand glided like a serpent to Hao Po's pulse. His expression shifted, then he relaxed.

"Fortunately, it's only exhaustion," he breathed, pulling Hao Po into his arms.

He looked up at Ruoxi, who was still sobbing, and assured her, "He's just fainted," then said no more.