Bengtie, I'm really not a villain!

He slowly reached out his hand, his calloused, weathered hand trembling slightly, gently touching the marks on the statue. The instant his fingertips touched a crack, his body jolted violently, as if struck by an electric current.

"This...this isn't ordinary damage; this is the essence of Iaijutsu!"

His voice trembled slightly with excitement and shock, as if he were revealing a shocking secret. Though not loud, his voice, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, caused a considerable stir among the crowd.

Other people gathered around, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and doubt, and began to examine the marks on the statue closely.

Upon seeing this, everyone involuntarily gasped. Those cracks looked as if they had been slashed in an instant by an invisible blade from a peerless master. Each crack was imbued with power, its varying depths perfectly placed, seemingly containing a rhythm beyond comprehension, as if silently narrating a breathtaking battle, one capable of changing destiny.

At this moment, someone in the crowd noticed that an aura still lingered on the statue, making people hesitant to approach.

This aura was extremely domineering, like a biting cold wind that swept over them, causing the people who approached to shiver involuntarily. They saw that the air around the statue seemed to distort, the aura almost tangible, swirling between every crack in the statue, as if some powerful being was leaving a unique mark on Raiden Mei's statue.

The power contained within that aura filled the crowd with a deep sense of awe. The previously noisy crowd instantly fell silent; everyone held their breath, afraid to utter a sound.

"This aura is terrifying!"

"Such a powerful aura, who could have left it behind? Could it be a peerless master from a distant and mysterious land?"

As news spread rapidly throughout Izumo, more and more people flocked to the square, eager to witness the "miracle" depicted on the statue. A frenzied atmosphere permeated the crowd, and their admiration for Raiden Mei reached unprecedented heights.

"This is the power of Lady Mei! Even a statue can withstand such a powerful attack and still leave such a miraculous mark!"

The martial artist's face was flushed, his eyes gleaming with fanaticism as he shouted loudly.

"Yes, Lady Mei must have been blessed by the gods. Even her statue possesses such divine power. Under her protection, our Izumo Kingdom will surely prosper even more!"

People knelt down, worshipping the statue devoutly, murmuring incantations, as if they could draw a sliver of blessing from that mystical power.

However, Raiden Mei was completely unaware of everything happening around her. She lay limply on the bed, her face ashen and bloodless. Her disheveled hair lay scattered on the pillow, and sweat soaked her forehead.

After Jing Ye's inhumane torture last night, her body had reached its limit. Every muscle felt like it had been torn apart and then pieced back together. The constant soreness plunged her into a deep sleep.

In another room, Himeko lay slumped on the tatami mat, unable to move. Her eyes were empty and lifeless as she stared at the ceiling, her thoughts still lingering on the nightmarish scene of the previous night.

The physical pain and mental torment nearly broke her will. She tried to struggle to her feet to check on Raiden Mei and the others, but her body wouldn't obey, as if bound by invisible shackles.

[Raiden Mei's mother and Furibas are also in the same predicament.]

In the vast square of Izumo Province, the sun shone brightly, but it did nothing to extinguish the fervent flames in the hearts of the people; on the contrary, it only fueled their enthusiasm.

The crowd surged around the statue of Raiden Mei, layer upon layer, completely blocking the way. Their faces beamed with almost devout fervor, and they continuously chanted the "great deeds" of Raiden Mei.

"Lady Mei was able to leave such a miraculous mark of power on the statue alone; she must be a deity sent by heaven to protect us!"

Everyone was immersed in this craze for idol worship, oblivious to the fact that behind this so-called "miracle" lay a demonically ugly truth.

At this moment, Jing Ye's lips curled into a mocking smile, a smile filled with twisted pleasure, as if he were watching a farcical spectacle.

These utterly foolish people are utterly laughable. They naively believe this is a blessing from the gods, unaware that every crack, every drop of blood, is an insult to Raiden Mei.

The more fervently they venerate this statue, the deeper they push Raiden Mei into the abyss of shame.

This is not merely revenge against Raiden Mei personally, but a provocation against all the people of Izumo who regard her as a hero.

The crowd in the square continued to cheer, their deafening shouts seemingly piercing the heavens. They gathered excitedly, enthusiastically discussing plans to hold a grand celebration for Raiden Mei.

The voices of the crowd rose and fell, weaving into a fervent symphony. Yet, they were completely unaware that their idol was currently mired in an abyss of suffering, as if plunged into an icy abyss.

The statue, which they regarded as a symbol of glory and a source of strength, stood silently under the sunlight, unaware that every mark on it was irrefutable evidence of Jing Ye's evil deeds, silently telling a tragic story unknown to others.

Raiden Mei's eyelids felt as heavy as if they were being crushed by a boulder; every movement of opening them seemed to drain all her strength. Images of her time with family and friends flashed through her mind, along with Jing Ye's狰狞 (zhengning - ferocious/hideous) face.

Finally, after a difficult struggle, she slowly opened her eyes. A heavy, oppressive atmosphere filled the air; every breath seemed to carry the scent of pain and sorrow, making it hard to breathe.

She had just tried to move her body slightly when, in an instant, excruciating pain surged through her limbs like a tidal wave, as if every muscle was being torn apart and every bone was being crushed.

She couldn't help but let out a soft moan, a weak and mournful sound that echoed in the silent space, adding to her sorrow. When she slowly and laboriously swept her gaze to her side, her already pale face instantly turned ashen.

The mother was curled up in a worn-out chair, her figure appearing exceptionally thin. Her disheveled hair fell loosely, obscuring half her face, the visible portion etched with exhaustion and pain. Even in her sleep, her brow was tightly furrowed.

[On the floor beside Himeko's bed lay some used bandages, soaked with dried blood, silently testifying to the torment she had suffered.]

Furibas clutched the hem of her clothes tightly with both hands; it was the only solace she could grasp in her pain.

Just then, a faint yet incredibly enthusiastic cheer drifted into the room through the dilapidated window. Raiden Mei's body stiffened abruptly; her thoughts, previously immersed in guilt towards her family and friends, were instantly interrupted by the cheers.

She turned her head slightly, gazing towards the window, her eyes filled with confusion and doubt. As the cheers grew clearer, she finally understood what the crowd was shouting—a celebration was being prepared for her.

In an instant, an even stronger sense of shame overwhelmed her like a raging tsunami. Tears welled up in her eyes again, this time filled with self-reproach and regret.

"The people outside love me so much, preparing grand celebrations for me, but they don't know that I not only failed to protect their peace of mind, but also dragged my family and friends into this desperate situation."

She murmured painfully to herself, her voice almost choked with sobs.

"I am now lying in this dimly lit room, in such a wretched state, surrounded by my family and friends who are in great pain, while outside there is a jubilant celebration. How can I bear this stark contrast? What have I done to deserve their enthusiasm and trust?"

She bit her lip tightly, drawing blood from her lower lip, yet felt no pain. The physical pain bound her firmly to the bed, rendering her immobile, leaving her only to let her tears flow freely in endless shame and self-reproach.

"I can make you stronger"

[The promise Jingye made earlier, in Raiden Mei's chaotic and desperate world, was like a ray of dawn piercing through endless darkness. It instantly became the only lifeline she could grasp tightly, and the last shred of belief that supported her crumbling mental world, preventing it from collapsing completely.]

"Get stronger... I must get stronger..."

[Raiden Mei murmured to herself again and again in her heart, the sound as faint as the gentle flutter of a mosquito's wings in the quiet night, easily overlooked, yet filled with a resolute determination, like burning one's bridges and fighting a desperate battle.]

The darkness in her eyes, initially filled with pain and despair, was gradually replaced by a resolute struggle and intense anticipation. She knew with absolute clarity that if she possessed power strong enough to change the world, she could be like an invincible blade, forcefully tearing a hole in this impenetrable darkness, allowing the long-awaited light to pour in.

At that time, she will be able to transform into a towering, unshakeable mountain, standing firmly before Himeko and her mother, sheltering them from the wind and rain, so that they will never again suffer the same sneak attack from a despicable traitor.

She can become a strong shield for everyone she cherishes, protecting their safety and creating a peaceful and tranquil environment for everyone.

This insatiable thirst for power quickly took root in her heart, and even amidst the thorns of pain and struggle surrounding her, it still managed to grow strong with its tenacious vitality.

However, before the flame of hope could fully ignite, the shadow of doubt, like a rolling, heavy cloud, once again enveloped her heart. Jing Ye's various misdeeds, each and every one, were like the sharp, cold claw marks of a demon, deeply etched into her memory, impossible to erase no matter how hard she tried.

Looking back on my past encounters with Jing Ye, every moment felt like a terrible nightmare.

[Jing Ye's attacks were unimaginably powerful; each strike was like a raging tsunami, carrying a destructive force that easily shattered her and her loved ones' defenses.]

Before Jing Ye, she was like an insignificant ant; all her struggles seemed so powerless, easily crushed by him.

He watched her and her loved ones writhe in agony, their faces contorted with pain, their methods cruel and brutal—all of which chilled him to the bone. Could such a vile and ruthless person truly keep their promise and genuinely help him become stronger?

"Could he have just thrown out this bait to further torment me, leading me step by step into a deeper trap? Besides, even if I could really become stronger, facing Jing Ye's terrifying and despair-inducing power gap, could I truly avenge myself and seek justice for my family and friends?"

[Raiden Mei was filled with suspicion; her unease surged like a turbulent, never-ending tide, wave after wave.]

But now she was in dire straits, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't see a glimmer of hope. In this moment of despair, besides clinging to Jing Ye's seemingly illusory promise, which could burst like a bubble at any moment, she seemed to have no other way out, no other choice.

Raiden Mei fell into deep thought. In Izumo Province, her strength was already among the best, earning her praise and respect. But whenever her thoughts turned to Jing Ye, her heart felt as if a huge boulder was pressing down on it, heavy and suffocating.

[The nightmarish battlefield scene involuntarily flashed through Raiden Mei's mind. Jingye controlled her like a puppet. And the blade in his hand, under his command, unleashed two strikes powerful enough to reshape the landscape.]

Raiden Mei's body trembled slightly. The power contained in those two strikes far exceeded the limits of her previous understanding.

She couldn't help but ask herself, was she truly capable of reaching even half of Jing Ye's strength? Even if Jing Ye were willing to teach her, the gap in strength was like an insurmountable chasm between heaven and earth.

The power he usually took pride in seemed so insignificant and utterly vulnerable before Jing Ye's world-destroying strength.

She had wielded her sword countless times on the training ground, constantly pushing her limits, but whenever she compared herself to Jing Ye, a deep sense of powerlessness welled up within her.

"Can I really do this?"

Her gaze was vacant and blank, fixed on the ground, as if she could see through the cold stone slabs and into her own despair.

In her mind, the scenes of her confrontation with Jing Ye played on a recurring loop. Her former confidence as a powerful figure shone like a star in the sky, radiant and surrounded by a dazzling halo.

But now, faced with Jing Ye's terrifying power, as if a demon god had descended to earth, all this beauty is like a bubble in the sunlight, easily shattering and vanishing without a trace with a "pop."

Recalling the moment Jing Ye unleashed his power, she still felt lingering fear. Every move Jing Ye made contained overwhelming force. Compared to that, her once-proud techniques, those skills honed through countless hours of rigorous training, were perhaps nothing more than a child's random flailing in a game in Jing Ye's eyes.

This stark contrast in perception was like a series of sharp steel needles, piercing deep into her heart, each one bringing excruciating pain.

She was acutely aware that, with her current strength, defeating Jing Ye was like trying to move a towering mountain with her bare hands—a pipe dream, a distant, almost impossible goal, and even getting close seemed incredibly difficult.

However, fate always takes an unexpected turn. When her pained and bewildered gaze slowly swept over the still-sleeping, wounded Himeko and her mother, time seemed to freeze for a moment.

[The groans and pained expressions of her equally tormented relatives and friends struck her heart like heavy hammer blows.]

[For now, defeating Jing Ye might just be an unattainable dream, a fantasy that can only be buried deep in her heart for the time being.]

But as long as I can learn even the slightest bit of power from Jing Ye, as long as I can become stronger, strong enough to protect those I cherish, and prevent them from suffering any harm because of me, then all this effort will have been meaningful, and that will be enough.

For this goal, she was willing to set aside her former pride and relinquish the halo that had once made her shine so brightly.

She resolved to accept Jing Ye's teachings with the utmost humility and devotion.

From a young age, she displayed an extraordinary comprehension of swordsmanship, relying on her innate talent and exceptional effort.

As a swordsmanship prodigy, she possesses a unique sense of dignity and firmly believes that in this world, with the sword in her hand, she will surely forge an unparalleled path to glory.

However, Jing Ye's appearance was like a meteorite carrying destructive power, mercilessly crashing into her world. In her clash with Jing Ye, she was shocked to realize that her previously prized, exquisite swordsmanship was utterly vulnerable before him.

Every move Jing Ye made was like a judgment from hell, carrying an irresistible and terrifying power that easily shattered her defenses and trampled her pride underfoot.

Her once unbreakable confidence now seemed like a fragile bubble, bursting at the slightest touch. Her dignity was being crushed bit by bit, and despair washed over her like a surging tide, wave after wave, leaving her barely able to breathe.

She began to doubt herself, to doubt the path of swordsmanship she had always adhered to. Her heart teetered on the brink of collapse, unsure of where her future lay.

[While she was immersed in this endless pain and confusion, she was completely unaware that the sword patterns on her body were subtly changing.]

The original blade patterns, though already possessing a unique luster, were now even more vibrant and dazzling. The patterns seemed to come alive, subtly writhing beneath her skin and shimmering with an eerie light, echoing the equally beautifully patterned blade in her hand.

Who would have thought that Raiden Mei, who was once revered like a god in Izumo and praised by everyone, would now be so humble as to be dust in front of Jingye?

Her superb swordsmanship was not only a powerful asset on the battlefield, but also a solid foundation of her dignity and pride, enabling her to win countless honors and admiring glances in Izumo.

But now, cruel reality has shattered her past glory like a hammer blow. In order to gain enough power to protect her loved ones struggling on the brink of life and death, she has been forced to abandon all her pride and the absolute confidence she once had in her swordsmanship.

At this moment, her heart and mind were filled with nothing but a thirst for power. This thirst made her almost plead for the slightest opportunity to become stronger from Jing Ye.

The once spirited and arrogant Raiden Mei has vanished, replaced by a courageous and solitary figure who is willing to abandon all pride to protect those she loves.

[Jing Ye's lips curled into a mocking smile in the darkness, a cold smirk slowly forming on his face, as if mercilessly mocking Raiden Mei's current disheveled state, or as if he had already seen through everything that was happening to her.]

Jingye's gaze, almost tangible, slowly swept over Raiden Mei's entire body. When it touched the increasingly beautiful and mysteriously shimmering sword patterns on her skin, a hint of anticipation flashed in his eyes.

Jingye repeatedly emphasized in his heart that the various difficulties and oppressions he showed to Raiden Mei were not out of malicious humiliation, nor were they to satisfy his own twisted desires.

On the contrary, every move he made was like the turning of precise gears, tightly focused on a single goal.

This will truly make Raiden Mei stronger, prompting the sword in her hand to undergo a complete transformation.

The power of the "Spirit of the Blade" attribute requires the wielder of the blade to endure extreme suffering and have their inner strength pushed to its limit.

Now, thanks to his meticulous planning and efforts, the sword spirit is on the verge of awakening, and is just a hair's breadth away from that crucial breakthrough moment. It is only a matter of time before it is born from extreme pain and despair.

Thus, he subtly orchestrated a series of tragic events.

To achieve his goal, he didn't hesitate to secretly condone the traitor. He deliberately created opportunities for the traitor to severely injure Raiden Mei's mother and Himeko-sensei.

He watched Raiden Mei's mother and Himeko-sensei struggle in pain, and watched Raiden Mei fall into endless self-blame and despair. Although he felt no pity, he looked forward to the moment when she would break down.

Only when Raiden Mei's spiritual world is completely destroyed can the power hidden deep within her heart be awakened, thus triggering the awakening of the sword spirit.

Despite the humiliation suffered by Raiden Mei, Himeko, her mother, and Furibas last night, his heart was not as cold and indifferent as it appeared.

As a great philanthropist, how could he remain indifferent to the humiliation suffered by these people?

In reality, deep down, he was waiting for a special moment—the moment when Raiden Mei's heart collapsed to its breaking point.

At this moment, Raiden Mei's heart had completely collapsed.

Once a genius revered by all of Izumo, pride and self-confidence were ever-present.

But now, her pride has been ruthlessly crushed, and her dignity has vanished into the dust.

Her thirst for power was like a raging fire, intense and fierce, but reality was like buckets of icy cold water, extinguishing the flame time and time again.

In those dark and hopeless times, she watched helplessly as her loved ones suffered, and she herself was also in dire straits. This extreme pain and despair was constantly sending strong signals to the sword spirit.

When Raiden Mei's inner emotions reach the critical point of imminent explosion, the powerful spiritual strength she possesses will surge forth like a flood bursting its banks.

Jing Ye's cold smile grew even more pronounced, his lips curving upwards like a malice-twisted, sharp and icy blade.

He approached Raiden Mei with slow, heavy steps, each step feeling like a blow to her heart.

He leaned slightly closer to Raiden Mei and spoke slowly, his voice deep and hoarse, as if it came from the depths of hell.

"You really think I'll make you stronger? What I said before was just to tease you."

As he spoke, his breath seemed to carry a chill, which brushed against Raiden Mei's face, causing her to shiver involuntarily.

Upon hearing this, Raiden Mei's previously dull eyes widened instantly, filled with disbelief as if she had heard the most absurd joke in the world.

Her body began to tremble violently, as if struck by an invisible yet incredibly powerful force, her very soul teetering on the brink of collapse.