From Sword to Slaughter: Evolution

"What's wrong?"

Zhang Hu asked, eyeing Ye Lan.

"Nothing, Captain. I'll bring the sword to you in a moment."

Ye Lan replied respectfully.

He hadn't brought the sword with him since it wasn't allowed when meeting Zhang Hu, so the Blood-drinking Sword was currently at his residence.

"This is so boring."

Ye Fan, feeling restless, used his energy to spin the sword in circles on the ground, the sharp tip easily carving a small hole into the floor.

However, as Ye Fan detected footsteps approaching, he stopped using his energy, and the sword lay still on the ground.

Creak—

Ye Lan returned to his room with a grim expression.

"Who touched my sword!?"

He saw the sword lying on the ground and immediately became alert, scanning the room for any signs of an intruder, but found none.

"Could it have fallen by itself?"

He picked up the Shadow Blood-drinking Sword, examined it carefully, then took out a cloth to wipe the blade.

The more he looked at the sword, the more he liked it.

That night, this sword had allowed him to kill six members of the Shadow Mercenary Group, earning him six hundred gold coins and newfound respect within the group.

No one dared to order him around anymore.

"Damn Zhang Hu, I don't want to give him my sword."

Ye Lan clenched his teeth in frustration, his face full of resentment.

This is my sword!

He needed this sword to become a powerful warrior.

No one could take it from him!

"So Zhang Hu wants this sword."

"It seems Ye Lan's recent actions have raised suspicion."

"After all, people saw him take the sword."

Ye Fan pondered.

What would Ye Lan do next?

Ye Fan waited with interest.

For him, a stronger sword master was always better.

Advancing as a martial artist was no easy task, something Ye Fan had learned well over the past few days.

He also noticed that his memory had significantly improved, allowing him to recall all of Ye Lan's cultivation techniques and sword skills in detail.

"If this continues, I might become a walking library of martial arts."

Ye Fan mused.

After all, none of the sword masters would ever know that their sword had a mind of its own.

"Ye Lan, it seems your sword is not as ordinary as it appears."

A voice came from the doorway.

Ye Lan's eyes widened in surprise as he looked toward the door and saw Xin Haohui and a few others.

"No wonder you've been acting strange. You took Tian Jinxin's sword."

"It was thought to be a worthless sword, so no one wanted it, but it turned out to be quite special."

Xin Haohui said coldly.

He had done his research.

Ye Lan's change started that night when he killed six members of the Shadow Mercenary Group using that sword.

Though Zhang Hu had damaged the sword, it now appeared to be in perfect condition and even sharper than before.

As Xin Haohui eyed the sword in Ye Lan's hand, a glint of greed appeared in his eyes.

But he had already reported the matter to Zhang Hu, so he knew Zhang Hu would claim the sword.

"It was you."

Ye Lan glared at Xin Haohui, filled with resentment.

"Don't think that having a sword puts you on our level."

"We're the senior members of the group."

Xin Haohui sneered.

Ye Lan was only a first-rank martial artist; he wasn't afraid of him.

But that sword did seem unusual.

Ye Lan's expression darkened further as he listened to Xin Haohui's words.

He couldn't give up the sword.

He didn't want to return to his old life.

Only with this divine sword could he find the courage to face his enemies!

"What's this? You don't want to hand it over?"

"Ah Bao, take his sword and give it to the Captain."

Xin Haohui ordered, his face twisted with malice.

"Yes."

The man called Ah Bao approached, brandishing a longsword.

"Hand it over. Or do you intend to defy the Captain?"

He pointed his sword at Ye Lan.

"I'm not defying anyone!"

Ye Lan responded, feeling indignant.

"Then hand it over."

Ah Bao snorted.

Ye Lan's expression shifted, his thoughts racing.

He couldn't give up the sword!

He had to escape!

Even if it meant leaving the group!

Ye Lan bolted, running toward the exit.

"Stop!"

Ah Bao was stunned by Ye Lan's sudden flight and quickly gave chase, his sword ready to strike Ye Lan's back.

Clang—

Ye Lan reacted swiftly, using his sword to block the attack.

"Damn it!"

Ye Lan's face darkened.

"You dare resist? You're asking for death."

Ah Bao's expression grew cold as he swung his sword again.

Ye Lan's pupils contracted, and he channeled his Source energy into the Shadow Blood-drinking Sword.

The sword's blade darkened instantly.

Clang—

As their weapons clashed again, dark energy sparked from the contact, landing on Ah Bao's arm.

"Ah!"

The dark energy was terrifying, burning through flesh on contact.

Ah Bao's arm was left riddled with holes, and his grip on the sword weakened.

An opportunity!

Seeing this, Ye Lan's killing intent surged.

Since you want to kill me, you can die instead!

Consumed by bloodlust, Ye Lan thrust the Shadow Blood-drinking Sword forward!

Thud—

The sword pierced through Ah Bao's chest.

Blood gushed from the wound, splattering onto the sword, which absorbed it almost instantly.

[Absorbed vital blood of a first-rank martial artist, gained 0.1 Energy Point]

[Absorbed vital blood of a first-rank martial artist, gained 0.1 Energy Point]

...

The system notifications continued as the Shadow Blood-drinking Sword greedily absorbed Ah Bao's blood.

The blade grew even sharper, its edge gleaming with a deadly light.

It's getting stronger!

Ye Lan could feel it.

"Heh, heh, heh."

He let out a sinister laugh as he pulled the sword from Ah Bao's body.

Ah Bao's eyes widened, and he collapsed to the ground.

"He... he killed Ah Bao!?"

Xin Haohui and the others trembled in fear.

They couldn't believe Ye Lan had done it!

He was like a different person.

"Indeed, the pursuit of power can change a person."

Ye Fan observed, not surprised.

Though Ye Lan had been bullied by the Violent Tiger Mercenary Group, he wasn't a good person himself.

He often took advantage of ordinary people.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next."

Ye Fan chuckled.