In ancient Sinovera, there was a legend: eating the flesh of the monk Xuanzang would grant immortality.
In truth, this tale circulates mainly among Demons and Specters, for the Tang monk Xuanzang—who journeyed west to India for the true scriptures—was likely born with innate Inspiration.
Though Andrew Han cannot truly compare to Xuanzang, the difference is not so great.
“I reckon,”
“If we brothers devour every last scrap of Andrew Han’s flesh and blood, our Demon power will surge. We may not achieve the immortality of legend, but with careful digestion, reaching peak Great‑Class Demon should be well within reach.” Crimson Fang chuckled darkly, slowly opening his blood‑red maw.
His razor‑sharp fangs, each nearly a meter long, glinted with a ghastly pale light as they clashed together.
He was hungry.
He was ravenous beyond measure.
Lesser Demons still needed food; for Great‑Class Demons like them, it was even more so. But devouring a Titled Sequence human was so difficult that they hadn’t truly feasted in ages.
“Brother,” Onyx Fang—the slightly weaker twin—spoke up beside him. “The plot hasn’t even begun; the others are still refining their schemes. Yet we, the two of us, will strike first and kill Andrew Han… If we succeed, we’ll claim precious flesh and blood, and our names will be remembered.”
They would make the name of the Great‑Class Demon resound!
Which was stronger—blood‑soaked Great‑Class Specter, or savage, aberrant Great‑Class Demon? There had never been a clear answer. But today, these brothers were about to make the name of Great‑Class Demon undeniable.
“You’re right.”
Crimson Fang tapped his fangs together, a bloody smile spreading across his face.
Great‑Class Specters before Andrew Han were like clay chickens and pottery dogs… But Great‑Class Demons before Andrew Han were true savagery and terror. He imagined a single swipe of his tiger’s claw would smash Andrew Han into pulp.
Of course.
With such a prime feast, how could he waste it? He must kill, eat, and savor every bite.
“Enough.” Crimson Fang let out a strange, indescribable tiger’s roar. “Together, we brothers can sweep across the Southvale Border Defense Belt, dominate any region! So let the others scheme to their hearts’ content—we’ll kill Andrew Han first, and our kin will be shocked, will praise us, will sing our names.”
“As for the Great‑Class Specters—”
“Once Andrew Han is dead, let’s see if they dare keep boasting!”
The tiger's roar faded into silence.
The two tigers locked eyes, unleashing simultaneous, soaring howls into the sky.
Roar!
Under the noonday sun, iron slag scattered everywhere, the pitch-black mountain peak seemed to harbor two savage presences straight from the depths of hell.
...
The following afternoon.
Just past noon, the midsummer sun scorched the land, the air thick and oppressive, truly like a giant steam cage blanketing the Southvale Province Defense Belt.
"It's too hot."
"Good thing we're in the Martial Artist Realm, or we'd be drenched in sweat and drained of energy." Two Martial Artists on border duty chatted idly with each other.
Such heat barely affects those who practice martial arts.
Martial Artists can ignore it, let alone those at the Martial General or Martial Lord level—or Andrew Han, the titled Sequence master present today.
"This is my first time seeing Andrew Han."
"I've watched Andrew Han give speeches on Martial Arts World livestreams, but seeing him on a screen is nothing like seeing him in person." One Martial Artist sighed, gazing at Andrew Han two hundred meters away.
Today.
A brand-new type of fortification was built at the Southvale Province Defense Belt, and Andrew Han was invited to inspect it.
From afar, beside the fortification, Andrew Han chatted leisurely with Jin Qiyu of Iron Sun Sect, his demeanor relaxed and graceful—making the two Martial Artists envious.
"Look—even Jin Qiyu, known for his impartial, iron-faced manner, has to greet Andrew Han with a smile." One Martial Artist curled his lip.
Despite his words, he actually felt respect deep down.
Jin Qiyu's strict style might irk people, but it also commands immense respect.
"Alright, alright," someone else said. "Andrew Han is the unrivaled peerless genius, the contemporary prodigy. His achievements in the Dawn War and East Sea campaign are legendary—how could Elder Jin compare? Besides, Elder Jin guards this place day and night, but Andrew Han?"
By the end, a hint of resentment crept into his voice.
As a titled Sequence master, Andrew Han had almost never performed border duty; a few martial artists quietly resented this, thinking he basked in glory and relied on his achievements without making sacrifices.
"Watch your mouth! What nonsense!"
Nearby, a Martial General frowned and glared at the two chatty Martial Artists.
The midsummer heat was stifling, but with Andrew Han's Sequence-level power, he could clearly hear any conversation even two hundred meters away.
"Your intelligence is questionable, and your heads are thick as bricks."
"Listen," the Martial General said sternly, "Andrew Han is still a Southland University Martial Student. He doesn't have to do border duty. Besides, his contributions to the Martial Arts World have already surpassed what anyone his age could bear."
That's exactly why—
Andrew Han is the recognized leader of the younger generation!
...
The two Martial Artists glanced at each other, speechless.
"Just keep quiet," the Martial General continued, "Andrew Han has already given enough. When dealing with people, don't keep pushing your luck."
Yes.
The two Martial Artists answered in unison, not daring to speak further.
The Martial General, meanwhile, glanced at Andrew Han, a strange thought surfacing: "Everyone knows Andrew Han can instant-kill Great-Class Specters with Inspiration, but no one's ever heard of him slaying a Great-Class Demon. Even someone this dazzling has his imbalances."
With that thought,
He shook his head and returned to his post.
For most martial artists, Specters are more terrifying than Demons. But with Andrew Han, the order is reversed—a fact that most people ponder in silence.
"Look, look—that's Andrew Han."
"East Sea Dawn Andrew Han is here at our defense belt, accompanied by Elder Jin Qiyu from Iron Sun Sect!" News spread like wildfire; every off-duty martial artist poured out of the barracks, converging toward Andrew Han.