Prologue

At the precipice of the Jiuyun Cliff on Langhuan Mountain, Liu Nian found himself in a perilous situation. He was surrounded by a dense crowd of people, all vying for the coveted Heavenly Venom Pearl. Leaning against a massive boulder, he was drenched in blood, his black attire covered in countless wounds. His breath was labored, his muscles trembling slightly; he was on the brink of exhaustion. Nevertheless, his gaze remained as sharp as a blade, unwavering and filled with a menacing glint, reminiscent of a fierce wolf. His lips curled into a faint, scornful smile that revealed both determination and disdain.

Before him, the crowd blocked any escape route.

"Liu Nian, you have nowhere to run! Hand over the Heavenly Venom Pearl, and perhaps we might spare you!" one voice demanded.

"For the sake of righteousness, we must eliminate this menace! Surrender the Heavenly Venom Pearl, and I can grant you a swift death. Otherwise, you shall suffer the torment of a thousand cuts and ten thousand tortures!" another voice bellowed.

"Liu Nian, don't persist in your foolishness any longer. Hand over the Heavenly Venom Pearl; it's your only way out! Such a divine artifact is not meant for someone like you!!"

Indignant shouts echoed all around, exuding a sense of justice. If any passerby from the Cangyun Continent happened upon this scene, they would undoubtedly be astonished by the grandeur of the assembly. Virtually all of the continent's strongest sects and martial clans were present, with their respective leaders in attendance. Even reclusive veterans emerged from seclusion to join in. Each person standing there was a formidable powerhouse, evoking awe from anyone who witnessed them.

Their objective was clear – they all aimed to seize the man who was now cornered at the edge of Jiuyun Cliff: Liu Nian. More precisely, they sought the Heavenly Venom Pearl in his possession, the most coveted treasure of the Cangyun Continent.

Threats and shouts intermingled as the crowd closed in. The Heavenly Venom Pearl was once again revealed, and faced with this irresistible temptation, peak-level experts swiftly approached. After three days and three nights of relentless pursuit, they were finally on the verge of claiming their sought-after prize.

"Do you... still want this... Heavenly Venom Pearl?" Liu Nian sneered, slowly raising his right hand. A faint green orb emitted a dim glow. At this moment, everyone halted their steps, their eyes gleaming with greed.

Despite the impressive might of these experts, in Liu Nian's eyes, they seemed utterly insignificant. Raising his eyes defiantly, even in his dire situation, his gaze remained full of pride and mockery. Deep within his heart, a burning hatred surged forth: "My master possessed supreme medical skills and saved countless lives. Yet, because of the Heavenly Venom Pearl, you righteous sects drove him to his death seven years ago. I regret not exterminating you back then. Seven years were not enough to rid the world of your corruption!"

His words carried a deep-seated loathing. Even though seven years had passed, he couldn't quell his hatred. The death of his master had left him emotionally unsettled, and his eyes still welled with tears of blood. Liu Nian never knew his biological parents; he was found by his master when he was just a few days old. It was a time of flourishing vitality, surrounded by abundant natural energy. His master named him "Liu Nian," symbolizing a heart as pure as clouds and wisdom as clear as water. His master imparted his medical expertise, teaching him how to heal even the gravest illnesses and injuries under his guidance. And the Heavenly Venom Pearl concealed within him was the secret weapon of his medical practice.

The phrase "Heavenly Venom" suggested immense toxicity, yet his master never used its power for harm. Instead, he harnessed its abilities to extract and refine numerous medicinal substances, saving countless lives. His master passed down his medical skills to Liu Nian, along with the knowledge of how to responsibly wield the Heavenly Venom Pearl. However, seven years ago, his master's secret was exposed. In a bid to protect Liu Nian, his master entrusted the Heavenly Venom Pearl to him and fell victim to the righteous sects' assault.

Upon learning of his master's demise, Liu Nian wept for three days and nights, planting the seed of vengeance within him. He turned his focus away from medicine and began absorbing the terrifying poison within the Heavenly Venom Pearl, driven solely by his thirst for revenge. Within ten days, his poisonous aura spread for thousands of miles, resulting in numerous deaths and spreading panic across the Cangyun Continent. Peak-level experts were enticed, forming an alliance to hunt down Liu Nian, leading to his current predicament.

Glaring hatefully at the crowd, Liu Nian's smile grew colder, his words dripping with mockery: "You bunch of vermin really think you can lay hands on the Heavenly Venom Pearl in my possession? Dream on!"

A deep voice emanated from him as he slowly raised his hand, shoving the Heavenly Venom Pearl into his mouth, forcefully pushing it down into his abdomen...

Gasps filled the air as those present watched in astonishment. They had believed that the poison within the pearl would consume him, but instead, they saw a faint, emerald glow enveloping his body.

"Kill him now! Otherwise, if the Heavenly Venom Pearl undergoes a change within him, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

A furious roar erupted, and several individuals in the front charged towards Liu Nian simultaneously. As he observed those who had once earned his loathing, Liu Nian's laughter only grew stronger. Though weak and hoarse, his laughter brimmed with defiance: "I might not have been able to kill you lot, but you won't have the privilege of killing me either! You scum aren't even worthy of taking my life! Even in death, it will be by my own hand! Hahaha..."

Amidst the laughter, Liu Nian released all his remaining strength and leaped backwards...

"Stop him!!!"

Realizing his intent, the crowd erupted in cries, but it was too late. Five or six hands reached out, attempting to grasp him, yet they could only watch helplessly as he plummeted into the abyss of Jiuyun Cliff...

Jiuyun Cliff became Liu Nian's final resting place...

He had no attachments left, and though he felt regret, it was a fleeting sentiment. He hadn't avenged his master, nor had he uncovered the identity of his birth parents...

Liu Nian gently clasped a silver pendant hanging from his chest. When his master found him as a baby, this was the only possession he had. The wind howled in his ears as he slowly closed his eyes, descending into the darkness along with the sound of the wind...