Chapter 21: Massacre (Part 2)


    In truth, Han Ming hadn’t unleashed his full strength as he had claimed. He was still wearing the set of ultra-heavy weighted accessories, which had merged from twenty individual sets.


    The scene before them left everyone speechless, their mouths agape in shock.


    The violent tremor that had just shaken the ground made it clear to everyone just how unimaginably heavy the battle axe in Han Ming’s hands was. Forget wielding it as a weapon—most of them wouldn’t even be able to lift it an inch off the ground!


    The black-clad assassins, however, felt a slight sense of relief. They thought to themselves, *This kid is overestimating himself. Sure, his strength is absurd, but such a massive and heavy axe will definitely slow him down. Sacrificing speed for power is a foolish trade-off, especially for assassins like us who rely on agility and precision. He’s outsmarted himself!*


    "Hit and run!" one of the black-clad assassins shouted to his comrades. He and a few others charged forward, confident that Han Ming’s enormous weapon would quickly drain his stamina and hinder his movements. They planned to wear him down, believing that no matter how strong he was, he couldn’t sustain the use of such a weapon for long.


    Han Ming, of course, understood their strategy, but he didn’t care. With a smirk, he moved for the first time.


    *Boom!*


    A gust of wind swept through the area. Before the charging assassins could even process what was happening, Han Ming’s massive axe had already reduced them to bloody pulp, sending their remains flying into the air.


    As soon as Han Ming’s figure paused, he was already on the move again.


    His movements were unpredictable, appearing in places no one could anticipate. With each swing of his axe, another group of assassins was torn apart, limbs and body parts scattering like leaves in a storm. The sky was filled with a gruesome rain of dismembered limbs and blood, as if the world itself was ending. The speed at which he wielded the axe was so fast that no one could even see his movements clearly. All they saw was a blur, followed by death.


    Even the young warriors who had endured nearly a year of life-and-death battles had never witnessed such a horrifying scene. Many of them fell to their knees, vomiting uncontrollably. The brutality was too much to bear.


    But Han Ming didn’t feel any remorse. In his mind, he kept replaying Wei’er’s final words: *"Cough, cough… Han, Han Ming… I’m so sorry… I couldn’t fulfill my dream of becoming a great water mage… But it’s okay. Having you as a friend… I’m really, really happy."*


    He could still see Wei’er’s small, frail figure standing resolutely in front of him, shielding him from Kyle’s fireball attack with her own body.


    "Too weak!" Han Ming roared, swinging his axe once more. Another wave of blood and gore erupted into the sky. His eyes welled up with tears as he silently vowed, *Wei’er, your big brother is avenging you. Watch closely as these scum meet their end!*


    After Han Ming dealt with the last wave of black-clad assailants, he had transformed into a vengeful demon, drenched in blood, resembling a ghoul that had crawled out of hell. He could have avoided the blood, but he chose not to. He wanted to feel the blood of his enemies, to witness the terror in their eyes as they died!


    Everyone present was speechless, unable to comprehend the depth of hatred that could drive someone to such madness.


    Han Ming glared at the remaining ten black-clad leaders in the distance, his words dripping with venom. "Wei''er was my only friend here. I saw her as my sister. And you took her from me. Well done! Truly well done!"


    The leader, known as Shadow, finally realized that the young man before him had gone mad. What was even more terrifying was his strength. All of his subordinates were second-tier warriors, yet Han Ming had slaughtered them effortlessly. This wasn’t a battle; it was a massacre! Shadow himself was a first-tier grand warrior, but he knew without a doubt that he was no match for Han Ming. Even with the other nine first-tier grand warriors by his side, victory was far from certain.


    "Retreat!" Shadow growled through gritted teeth. This was the most bizarre battle he had ever encountered. From start to finish, Han Ming hadn’t shown a trace of combat aura. Yet, with nothing but his flesh and blood, he had annihilated Shadow’s forces. It was the greatest humiliation Shadow had ever suffered.


    "I’ll remember everything that happened today. You’ll regret what you’ve done!" Shadow spat, though fear gnawed at him. Han Ming was an insurmountable wall. The boy was only around twenty years old! How could someone so young possess such terrifying strength? Shadow had always considered himself a prodigy, having reached the first-tier grand warrior level by thirty through relentless training. Yet, Han Ming had surpassed him at such a young age. Judging by the pressure he exuded, Han Ming was likely at the peak of the second-tier grand warrior level, possibly even the fifth or sixth tier! A sixth-tier grand warrior at twenty? Such an enemy could not be allowed to live! Even if Shadow couldn’t handle him, the Dark Palace behind him would never let Han Ming go!


    Stolen novel; please report.


    As the ten black-clad leaders turned to flee, Han Ming’s voice cut through the air like a blade. "Did I say you could leave?"


    *Thud!*


    Han Ming vanished from his spot and reappeared behind one of the fleeing leaders, his hand piercing through the man’s chest and pulling out his heart. In a blur, he was already chasing after another leader.


    The next leader, realizing his dire situation, quickly drew a staff topped with a small yellow magic crystal. He was an earth-element mage!


    The mage hastily chanted an incantation, and a three-meter-thick stone wall erupted in front of him just as Han Ming closed in. As a first-tier grand mage, he was confident in the strength of his barrier. But before he could even think of escaping, Han Ming shattered the wall with a single swing of his axe, closing the distance in an instant. With a powerful kick, he cleaved the mage in two at the waist, then moved on to the next target without pause.


    The young onlookers stared in stunned silence as Han Ming systematically eliminated the black-clad leaders, each of whom they had once thought invincible. These leaders, all second-tier warriors, were utterly powerless against Han Ming, unable to even flee.


    Soon, only Shadow remained.


    Han Ming slammed his battle axe into the ground, causing a seismic shockwave that sent rocks and dirt flying into the air. Shadow was thrown off his feet, and Han Ming smoothly followed up with a kick, pinning Shadow to the ground and breaking several of his ribs.


    "Tell me, where is Kyle?" Han Ming demanded, his voice cold and menacing as he loomed over the bleeding Shadow.


    Shadow, knowing he had no chance of survival, bit down on a hidden poison capsule. With a sinister grin, he took his last breath.


    "Damn it!" Han Ming roared in frustration, unable to stop Shadow from taking his own life. He brought his axe down on Shadow’s body, burying it deep into the ground with a thunderous crash. The force folded Shadow’s body in half, leaving only his hands and feet visible above the blood-soaked earth.


    "Was it worth it?"


    A soft sigh reached Han Ming’s ears. He knew it was Catherine speaking to him. Her words tempered his rage slightly. Despite her cold demeanor, Catherine had helped him numerous times. Her question carried a hint of concern, as if she feared he would lose himself to the bloodlust and become a mindless killing machine.


    "It was worth it! Anyone who dares harm my friends or family must die!" Han Ming replied firmly, though his voice softened slightly. "Thank you for your concern. I know I went too far today. I’ll work on controlling myself."


    Catherine didn’t respond further.


    Han Ming stored his battle axe in his spatial bag and picked up the wooden stick he had discarded earlier, placing it back as well. He walked slowly toward the group of terrified young onlookers, who were only a year or two younger than him.


    "Does anyone here know how to pilot an airship?" Han Ming asked, scanning the group.


    Silence.


    Han Ming realized the terror he had instilled in them. The memories of today’s carnage would likely haunt them for the rest of their lives. He regretted his actions, knowing he had let his rage overshadow his humanity. He didn’t want his vendetta to scar these young souls. He hoped they could return to their homes, forget the horrors of Death Canyon, and live normal lives as warriors or mages. But his actions had undoubtedly left a lasting mark on their journey.


    "Don’t be afraid. I won’t harm any of you," Han Ming said gently. "Once, I was just like you—carefree, innocent, and full of joy. I had strict parents, but I also had friends and happy times. I skipped school, snuck cigarettes and alcohol. Whether you understand me or not, I want you to know this: here, I lost my best friend. If you can’t forget today, then remember it well. Remember that you must never let those you care about get hurt. Otherwise, regret and hatred will destroy your lives."


    Han Ming’s eyes grew moist as he spoke. He, too, was a victim of fate. He could have had a bright future—marrying the woman he loved, raising children, living a simple yet fulfilling life. But now, with Wei’er’s fate uncertain, his friends’ whereabouts unknown, and the looming threat of the demon realm’s invasion, Han Ming couldn’t see a future for himself. He might be the only Earthling in this world, and stopping the invasion was his responsibility. If he didn’t act, there would be no hope.


    Han Ming sighed softly, composing himself. He rubbed his face vigorously, forcing a smile. "After today, live your lives well. I believe the trials you’ve endured have taught you to cherish life, haven’t they? You’ve been trapped in that cave for a year, haven’t you? And you’ve dreamed of returning to your old lives, no matter how good or bad they were, because that’s where happiness lies, right?"


    The young onlookers hesitated, then nodded vigorously. Returning to their old lives was all they had dreamed of for the past two years.


    "Then, does anyone know how to pilot an airship? Can you take me back to Wildland City?" Han Ming asked with a smile.


    "I... I can," a young girl replied timidly.


    Seeing her reminded Han Ming of Wei’er. He steadied himself and said gently, "Thank you. Everyone, follow me."


    Han Ming led the group toward the airship left behind by the Dark Palace members. As they walked, the young onlookers watched his back, their hearts filled with mixed emotions. But they all took his words to heart, and the image of the young man with black hair and a giant battle axe was forever etched in their memories.


    "No matter what you think, I’ll become as strong as him—a true man!" a burly young man declared, his voice filled with determination as he hurried after Han Ming.


    The others were momentarily stunned by his words, then nodded in agreement, their faces filled with resolve and hope. They quickened their pace, following Han Ming toward the airship.


    Thus concluded the Death Canyon arc, the chapter of death and survival.