A Dish Best Served Cold (The Man In Rage)

Buzz!

The resounding hum of the long sword filled the air, accompanied by a brilliant surge of green light. Ye Fan's commanding cry, "Sword, emerge!" possessed an awe-inspiring power that reverberated far and wide.

Such was its impact that even the fallen Sword of Yunyang, lying motionless on the ground, appeared to heed the call. It quivered and vibrated, reminiscent of an ancient, dormant dragon rousing from slumber, its once heavy-lidded eyes opening and majestic wings unfurling. And then, with an imposing momentum, it soared into the sky. The Sword of Yunyang shone resplendently, piercing through the celestial heights, until it found its rightful place in Ye Fan's hands.

And as Ye Fan held the divine sword, its seven-foot-long emerald blade pulsate within his grip, akin to a tempest gathering strength. They say the wind borrows fire's vigor, while fire harnesses the might of the wind. Empowered by the Sword of Yunyang, Ye Fan's aura and keenness rapidly surged. Finally, it reached an almost tangible apex. It was precisely in that very moment that Invoke the Celestial Sky resurfaced With a resolute spirit, Ye Fan chanted, "Invoke the Celestial Sky, Seventh Form. Celestial Star Sword!"

Over a year had elapsed since the fierce battle at Mount Yunding. Within that span, the world underwent profound transformations. As for Ye Fan, he secluded himself in relentless cultivation, experiencing substantial growth in both character and realm when compared to his former self of a year ago.

At that precise moment, as the Celestial Star Sword emerged once again into the realm, its might surpassed all previous expectations. The interweaving rays of sword radiance resembled a celestial tapestry, akin to the vast expanse of the Milky Way. Glimmering specks of starlight converged and twinkled, pulsating with a resplendent emerald glow. From a distance, it appeared not as a singular blade, but as an infinite array of swords. The amalgamation of countless sword forces merged into a single devastating strike. None could fathom the fate of those below when this unleashed sword descended. "Is... is this Daddy's sword?" Ye Fan's son whispered incredulously.

"It's really... so powerful..." The brilliance of the sword was dazzling, and its power overwhelming. At that moment when the Celestial Star Sword descended, the hearts of people worldwide were stirred by its presence.

Ye Fan's son, Chu Lin, was also shaken to the core. He couldn't help but be awestruck, realizing the immense prowess his father possessed. While the world was in awe, in Western Epea, an elderly man crawled out of a widow's bed.

"D*mn it..." he muttered

"They were right... At thirty, one is like a wolf. At forty, like a tiger..." Gaius sighed, gazing at the enchanting woman slumbering beside him. Genuine fear gripped him. For even his own supreme grandmaster's physique was nearly depleted.

He decided that he needed to take some time in the next few days to focus on recuperating and replenishing his energy. Otherwise, his body wouldn't be able to withstand it. "Hmm? What's happening out there? Why is it so radiant?"

Perhaps due to his exhaustion, Gaius, who was sleeping like a log, hadn't noticed what was happening outside. At that moment, he pulled back the curtains and beheld a spectacle beyond the horizon. The Celestial Road ascended toward the heavens, and a sky adorned with azure luminosity. In the celestial realm, two majestic figures clashed in a ferocious battle.

Over the past year, Gaius had undoubtedly heard about the transformation in the martial arts world. However, following the abdication of Dragon Master and the disbandment of Dragon God Hall, Gaius had already retreated from the martial arts world.

Indifferent to the vicissitudes of life or death outside, impervious to dire circumstances or raging infernos, Gaius remained detached. Even if the sky were to crumble or doomsday were to arrive, he paid no heed. His days were spent carefree, cherishing the company of countless widows.

Otherwise, he would end up like their Dragon Master, toiling tirelessly throughout his entire life. Fighting against the heavens and the earth, battling for family, country, and the people of the world. What was the ultimate result? Only to end up in a miserable and untimely death. Didn't even have a chance to truly relish a carefree existence. It was a life lived in vain. Thus, it was Ye Fan's death that served as a profound awakening for many.

Gaius had truly seen through it all. In this messed-up world and this d*mn life, no matter how much one sacrificed for others, it seemed that no good would come of it. It was far wiser to prioritize self-care, seek happiness in one's own unique way, and engage in pursuits that brought joy. However, in that particular moment, as Gaius beheld the figure deep within the firmament and witnessed the divine sword's unleashed might, Gaius, who had spent a year being indifferent and adopting a carefree attitude, found it impossible to maintain his calm demeanor.

"This... this is... Invoke the Celestial Sky!" His voice trembled, and his eyes stared fixedly ahead. The dormant emotions within him, subdued for an entire year, surged forth like an unruly tempest. He had followed Ye Fan for countless years, from Jingzhou to the Chu Sect, and then to Mount Yunding.

Gaius had undoubtedly witnessed the awe-inspiring power of Invoke the Celestial Cloud on numerous occasions. And then, as he beheld the ongoing battle before him, Gaius was unequivocally certain. That was indeed Invoke the Celestial Sky, the very technique only their Dragon Master could unleash!

"Hahaha... It's Dragon Master! Dragon Master has returned. Dragon Master is alive. Dragon Master has returned... Hahaha..." Gaia suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter, exuding an infectious joy akin to that of a child.

His hearty laughter startled the beautiful woman from her slumber.

"Gaius, you've awakened me," she said with a hint of playfulness.

"I shall punish you with three more rounds..." Her captivating gaze held an irresistible allure and temptation. She gracefully descended from the bed, her bare skin brushing against Gaius' back as she sensually caressed his chiseled chest, attempting to entice him, and pulling him onto the bed. However, Gaius resisted her advances, retaliating with a swift slap that sent her tumbling onto the bed. "Get lost!" he commanded firmly.

"Do not obstruct me. I must find my Dragon Master!" Gaius exclaimed excitedly.

The beautiful woman buried her face in her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Gaius, don't you love me anymore?" she pleaded, her voice filled with anguish. Gaius shook his head, his expression resolute.

"I love you, but my love for my Dragon Master surpasses all else."

Throughout Gaius's entire life, the Dragon Master had been his true passion, while everyone else was merely incidental. After slapping the woman and sending her tumbling, Gaius made a firm decision. He leaped from the high building with unwavering determination, heading towards the presence of his beloved Dragon Master, Ye Fan.

"No! Gaius, please don't go..." The beautiful woman cried out loudly, her voice filled with sorrow, evoking sympathy from those who heard her. As anticipated, upon hearing her anguished cry, Gaius returned. The woman's excitement surged instantly.

"Gaius, have you changed your mind?" she asked.

"I knew it, you still love me..." her voice trembling with hope.

With tears streaming down her face, the woman threw herself back into Gaius's embrace. Yet, Gaius paid her no attention, kicking her back onto the bed.

"I'm sorry, I only returned to get dressed," he declared. In his haste earlier, Gaius stepped outside only to feel the wind blowing coolly on his skin. It was then that he realized, he had completely forgotten to put on any clothes. He quickly returned, donned his garments, and set off on a direct path to Kransbay, China. However, as he arrived, Gaius realized that the Battle of Kransbay had already reached its climactic stage. Following the descent of the Celestial Star Sword, its awe-inspiring power surged forth, spanning across the heavens and earth, mercilessly cleaving through Symborsus. Demonic Palm and Celestial Star Sword clashed in the most tumultuous confrontation!

"It's useless," Symborsus sneered.

"Even if Chu Yunyang himself were here to personally display his skill, he would be no match for my Hell's Asura Formation!"

The radiance emanating from the Sword of Yunyang left Symborsus astounded. Clearly, he had never anticipated that such a seemingly insignificant human could incite such a tremendous upheaval. However, it became apparent that Symborsus was all show and had no substance.

Flashy moves could never rival the might of the Demonic Palm.

But just as Symborsus entertained such thoughts, the clash of their attacks erupted. It was as if a dormant volcano had suddenly erupted from beneath the Earth's surface. Terrifying power swept across the celestial expanse and the mortal realm. Dazzling light engulfed the surroundings, accompanied by an unfathomable force. Mountains crumbled, rivers quaked, and the very fabric of the void shattered from the impact.

Countless chaotic void streams scattered in disarray, fleeing in terror. Amidst the trembling gazes of those present, the Celestial Star Sword and Devil's Palm found themselves momentarily locked in a tense stalemate before the divine sword pierced through the palm with an unstoppable force.

"What? How is this even possible?" Symborsus' eyes widened in disbelief, almost on the verge of bursting. He couldn't fathom that his ultimate move, honed over thousands of years, had been pierced through by a mere human with a single stroke of his sword!