The Dawn of the New World



Hao Xuan could feel the sword shaking in his hand. It felt alive, happy and ecstatic upon seeing its enemy writhing in pain. And it wanted more, desired more bloodshed and death that was caused by it and it alone.

And he was more than happy to oblige. The sword aura surrounding the blade became sharper with every swing. Its reach also increased but Hao Xuan realized that it was fighting him for control.

Rather than listen to him it was taking a life of its own and even trying to enforce its own will.

And then everything around him began to slow down, eventually even himself. His vision suddenly flashed with a blinding light and the very next second he found himself standing in a colorless shapeless world.

In the front was a copy of him staring back. Its eyes were empty and soulless but Hao Xuan knew what it was.

"You are the sword clone created by my Sword Dao? I knew this was a possibility but...I should be offended, right?" he mocked through gritted teeth.

This kind of 'Sword Clone' was created when a cultivator's dao heart was not strong enough. The Sword Dao would see the cultivator as an obstacle rather than a lifelong companion and as such, it would take it upon itself to challenge the cultivator to a duel for supremacy.

If the 'sword intent' lost then it would completely submit to the cultivator. If the cultivator lost then the Sword Intent would take over his body and a new entity would be born. That would be a human with the heart and soul of a 'sword' that only desired to become strong through bloodshed.

In some places it was also called a 'Sword Fiend'.

Hao Xuan examined himself and as expected here he was in his best condition with both arms still intact. Everything he could do outside could be done in here, other than using any abilities or techniques not related to the Dao of the Sword.

Other than that this was a duel to the death.

Hao Xuan chuckled lightheartedly, making the clone frown.

"This is the first time I've caught a break in a very, VERY long time. And even though this is a slap in the face I appreciate you giving me this opportunity. All I wanted was more time to practice but Lo and behold! The heavens have even given me a sparring partner"

The sword clone stepped back in confusion. Something was off and even it could feel that after looking into Hao Xuan's stony eyes.

His previously cheerful countenance was abruptly replaced by a cold air.

"In my last lifetime I didn't have the opportunity to face you, I was just...stronger. But this time I will take full advantage of it."

Hao Xuan extended his hands and a longsword materialized in each one. He brought them together in front of his chest and they fused into one. The sword was pointing downward and when he released his grip it fell to the ground and disappeared inside.

The clone took another step back as the pure white world was stained with the darkness of Hao Xuan's blade. It continuously expanded outwards in every direction but one. By the end, nearly half of the world was dyed black.

Hao Xuan slowly opened his arms and an ocean of blades flew into the air to float motionlessly behind his back while waiting for orders, all pointing at the clone. With a grasping motion, one of the blades immediately flew into his hand.

"First Step-"

***

Light returned to Hao Xuan's eyes as time began to flow again. There was a streak of white in his hair now but it was his gaze that was should be the main focus.

There was a quality of sharpness to it, a coldness that could not be put into words. Even without going through too many physical changes, he appeared more mature somehow.

All of the colorless aura leaking from the blade suddenly mobilized around it to form a tightly packed outer layer almost like a second skin.

Hao Xuan brought the sword closer, holding it in front of his chest.

"First Step-" he took one step forward, "-to rule the mortal realm!"

His body shook just once.

*SQUELCH!*

And everything in front of him for thirty meters was immediately cut in half. The sword cracked and turned into dust a second later.

Hao Xuan pushed against the ground and used this opportunity to break free from the main horde.

[Warning! Warning!]

[Internal Energy Reserves at 11%]

"I know," he groaned while covering his hand with a cloth.

*beep*

"You are bleeding profusely."

"I said I know."

The skin around the palm of Hao Xuan's hand and in between his fingers was completely blown off.

"I practiced in there for too long. I didn't know that a fraction of the damage would be reflected onto my real body. Eighteen million sword swings really stack up after a while."