A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5935

Soon, the group was led to Heavenly Sword Pavilion's Sword Duel Platform.

The arena floated above a rolling ocean of cloud, a flawless circle of black Test-Blade Stone. Its surface was carved by countless grooves—each a scar left by some bygone duel—and every scar still breathed a razor-sharp intent.

At the platform's heart stood an elderly man in coarse gray robes. His hair, streaked white, tangled in the wind while he stared up at the sky as though listening to secrets only he could hear.

A plain iron sword hung at his waist. The sheath was mottled with rust, yet Jared sensed a killing edge within it fierce enough to split mountains.

Winslow bowed. "Mr. Dugan."

Oswald Dugan turned with deliberate languor. His face was unremarkable, almost shabby, but his eyes flashed like twin naked blades—keen enough, it seemed, to pierce straight through a man's heart. They ignored everyone else and fixed on Jared.

"Your sword intent intrigues me," he rasped. "It is not the austere way of pure swordsmanship, but at the same time, it feels broader than that."

Jared bowed. "Greetings, Mr. Dugan. My name is Jared Chance."

"Jared Chance..." Oswald tasted the name, and cold light flashed behind his lashes. "Three months ago, in level eleven's Chthonic Abyss, someone crippled Soul Devourer. That someone was you, wasn't it?"

"Yes," Jared answered, giving a small nod.

So, he even knows about that. I'm not sure how he found out about that, but now that he knows, he can better understand just how strong I really am.

Oswald's chin dipped once. "Excellent. If you could wound that ancient fiend, you have earned the right to stand upon this platform. Speak. What brings you here? If it is only to cross blades, we can begin at once."

"I have come to invite Heavenly Sword Pavilion to join an alliance," Jared said, his voice steady as steel drawn free of the scabbard. "Together we will eradicate Malevolent Path Hall."

Oswald stood in absolute stillness, the wind combing through his unbound hair while the clouds above the Sword Duel Platform seemed to pause with him.

"The blades of Heavenly Sword Pavilion are raised for no one but their bearers. If Malevolent Path Hall keeps its distance, why should I swing at them?" the swordsman finally said, every word slow, deliberate, and bright as polished steel.

"Because a falling tide sinks all boats."Jared replied, his voice cutting across the hush like a warning bell. "Malevolent Path Hall wants the divine souls of every cultivator. Heavenly Sword Pavilion will not be spared. Once they finish grinding down the other factions, this sect will be next."

"Then let them try," Oswald retorted, a flicker of savage anticipation sparking in his eyes. "My blade has hungered far too long for the blood of a High Immortal."

"Perhaps you fear nothing, Mr. Dugan, but what about your disciples?" Jared pressed, stepping closer. "Even though Myriad Blades Convergence Array is strong, can it withstand a Soul-Devouring Puppet, a Soul-Subduing Puppet General, and Malcolm Vayne himself?"

Oswald's gaze sharpened to ice. "Do you doubt the strength of Heavenly Sword Pavilion?"

"No," Jared answered, meeting that icy stare without flinch. "I'm merely stating a simple fact. Malevolent Path Hall commands the Door of Reincarnation—fresh puppets flow without end. As for Heavenly Sword Pavilion, you're one sword weaker whenever you lose one disciple. Who do you think will win as the battle drags on?"

Oswald slid a hand to his sword hilt. "So are you here to talk us into giving up?"

The atmosphere atop the stone platform hardened. Air refused to move. Sound forgot to echo.

Sweat gathered on Winslow's brow far behind them. Vermilion Demon Lord, hidden in the rear, gathered demonic fire in his palm, ready to shield Jared with his life.

Yet Jared smiled, calm as dawn breaking through storm clouds.

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