Hei Yun continued, "It's been many years; I'd almost forgotten him. Are you Bai Yun's disciple?"

"No," Jiang Chen replied.

"You must have studied with Bai Yun for some time, but unfortunately, he didn't give you the most important thing."

Jiang Chen's interest was piqued. "What thing?"

"Something that would allow you to obtain the strength of The Fallen while simultaneously wielding two types of power."

Jiang Chen looked astonished. So, such a thing really exists. It made sense, come to think of it. Bai Yun was a Swordsman, but also one of The Fallen. He once appeared in the Human World with that identity, but eventually, Bai Yun abandoned his strength as a Swordsman. Now he's a wanted fugitive on the Continent of All-Gods. Yet, even as such a wanted man, no one dared to try and capture him; he was an existence comparable to a True God—an existence capable of challenging the Divine with a mortal body.

Jiang Chen asked, "So, what is it?"

"Bai Yun didn't tell you?"

"My master left in a hurry and didn't tell me. Senior Hei Yun, could you perhaps tell me?"

Hei Yun looked at Jiang Chen. "You don't think Bai Yun and I are good friends, do you?"

"You're not?" Jiang Chen asked, surprised.

"We are enemies."

Damn it, I've been kissing up to the wrong guy, Jiang Chen thought.

Jiang Chen coughed. "Actually, I don't really know Bai Yun. I'm not familiar with him; I haven't even met him."

Hei Yun thought, That Bai Yun, he's truly something else! Just a moment ago, this kid was claiming to be *his* disciple, and now he says he doesn't even know him?

Hei Yun laughed heartily. "You're definitely not Bai Yun's disciple. His disciples are all staunchly upright, not shameless like you. I appreciate that about you."

Like I need your appreciation? Jiang Chen scoffed internally.

"Are you Bai Yun's junior martial brother?" Jiang Chen asked.

"How did you figure that out?" Hei Yun replied.

"Your movement technique is very similar to his."

"You have a keen eye; you're correct. I am indeed Bai Yun's junior martial brother. We share the same master."

Jiang Chen smiled. "Since we're all acquaintances, then, let's just talk things through. There's no need for fighting and killing."

Hei Yun stared at Jiang Chen. "Are you afraid?"

Afraid of you? Like hell I am! Jiang Chen thought.

Jiang Chen said, "You have a grudge against Bai Yun, and I'm not his disciple. So why are you looking for trouble with me? Every grievance has its source, every debt its debtor. Don't you think I'm right?"

"Very true," Hei Yun nodded. "Although Bai Yun and I are enemies, it's not some deep-seated hatred, just a difference in ideals. You should know, he was originally one of The Fallen but abandoned that identity to become a Swordsman."

Jiang Chen nodded. "Yes, I'm aware."

"And I am also seeking a different kind of power—to become a God."

Jiang Chen asked, "What is it that allowed Bai Yun to gain the strength of The Fallen while also possessing the power of the Badge?"

Hei Yun asked, "You wish to obtain it?"

"Yes, very much so."

"I can take you to find Bai Yun, and enable you to obtain the power of the Badge and the strength of True Qi at the same time."

Jiang Chen was overjoyed. This is possible too? That's fantastic! Let's go quickly! I can hardly wait.

Hei Yun retracted his arm and asked, "These Parasitic Beasts are very strong, capable of freely evolving their forms. I know you Heroes possess many Skills, but you only have your two hands. I can enable you to gain abilities like mine, like Xis; to obtain such power."

Hei Yun produced an egg, and inside it lay a Parasitic Beast.

Jiang Chen looked at the Parasitic Beast. Is he kidding me? If I swallow that thing, will I still be myself? Won't I be devoured by the Parasitic Beast?

Jiang Chen knew full well what happened to those who ingested a Parasitic Beast: their Soul would be devoured, and they would become someone else—a fate equivalent to death.

Jiang Chen said, "How about this: you take me to find Bai Yun first. After I get what I need, I'll swallow this thing. How does that sound?"

Hei Yun frowned. "You don't trust me?"

"I trust you."

"It's good that you trust me. Rest assured, I am Bai Yun's junior martial brother, so naturally, I wouldn't harm you. I'll stay by your side. After you obtain the strength from the Parasitic Beast, I'll immediately take you to find Bai Yun."

Jiang Chen looked at Hei Yun. Something's not right. Very not right. There's definitely something wrong with this Hei Yun. Like hell I believe a word you say!

Jiang Chen certainly didn't believe this nonsense. Moreover, he sensed this fellow was lying; it had to be a lie. If he were truly Bai Yun's junior martial brother, he couldn't possibly be this weak, having only just entered the Sixth-stage. Even if he hadn't met Bai Yun, a mortal capable of challenging the Divine couldn't have a junior martial brother this weak. Therefore, this person claiming to be Hei Yun is lying. His strength has stagnated, seemingly due to the influence of a Parasitic Beast. And he *is* a Parasitic Beast, not Hei Yun. So everything he said earlier was utter nonsense meant to deceive!

Jiang Chen considered a possibility: Hei Yun was indeed Bai Yun's junior martial brother—that much seemed probable. However, for some unknown reason, Hei Yun had fallen into the clutches of a Parasitic Beast, which had then possessed his Soul. But even though the Parasitic Beast had possessed Hei Yun's Soul and gained the power of True Qi, it was unable to advance further in its cultivation. Upon encountering Jiang Chen, an idea had suddenly struck it. Its plan was to have Jiang Chen's body taken over by a Parasitic Beast, thereby obtaining the strength of The Fallen and the power of a Swordsman. This would significantly elevate the status of the Parasitic Beast race. And 'Hei Yun's' claim that the Soul wasn't usurped was definitely a lie. It was all a trap.

At this, Jiang Chen smiled.

Hei Yun was puzzled. "What are you smiling about?"

"I'm smiling at your ignorance. Did you really think I'd believe you're Hei Yun? You're nothing but a Parasitic Beast that has taken over his Soul and body. Your attempts to threaten and entice me reveal one thing."

"And what is that?"

"It reveals that you're not confident you can actually kill me."

Hei Yun fell silent. Is this Swordsman that terrifyingly perceptive?! How could he deduce all this?

The truth was indeed as Jiang Chen had speculated. The Parasitic Beast, despite possessing Hei Yun's body, could neither comprehend nor acquire the strength of The Fallen. After witnessing Xis's death and recognizing the enemy's strength, it had laid a trap to lure Jiang Chen in. However, Jiang Chen had seen through it in mere moments. All that talk was merely to get Jiang Chen to swallow the Parasitic Beast, allowing it to completely take over his physical body and turn him into one of them.

Hei Yun sighed softly. "Since you don't believe me, then let's forget it. I, Hei Yun, would never force you."

Jiang Chen chuckled. "Haha..."

"What are you laughing about now?" Hei Yun demanded.

"There's one particular thing you said that convinced me you're not Hei Yun."

"And what was that?"

"The Fallen never refer to themselves as 'The Fallen.' They call themselves Wanderers. Yet, you referred to yourself as one of The Fallen."

Hei Yun moved, launching a swift attack at Jiang Chen. This 'Hei Yun' was covered in hands, just like Xis. A myriad of True Qi attacks assailed Jiang Chen. Thunder and Lightning, Flames, Ice, Sword Qi... various attacks rained down on Jiang Chen. He dodged swiftly, and seeing 'Hei Yun's' attacks, he couldn't help but smile derisively.

It was just as Jiang Chen had predicted: although 'Hei Yun' possessed the True Qi of The Fallen, these haphazard attacks were nothing Jiang Chen needed to take seriously. 'Hei Yun' was fast, but Jiang Chen was no slower. Every move and technique of The Fallen carried profound meaning. Theirs was not a random, chaotic assault.

Jiang Chen's thirty thousand Sword Auras rapidly converged, launching a barrage of assaults at 'Hei Yun'. 'Hei Yun's' defense was also formidable. As a Sixth-stage powerhouse, he could emit True Qi to form a Domain. Within this Domain, it was like an impenetrable wall of Qi, obstructing Jiang Chen's attacks.

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