Legend of the Fire Sword: Volume 0 - Special Edition

By Benjamin Louie

Demons are everywhere; they lurk around dark corners waiting for their prey. But some demons disguise themselves as humans...They are living amongst us, plotting to throw the world into chaos. It is the destiny of whoever wields the Legendary Fire Sword to stop these demons at all costs.
Lurking in the shadows is an ancient 500 year old demon who slain thousands of master swordsmen. Can the Demon Slayer uncover the mystery of the Vanishing Warrior and save China?

Author’s Note: Volume 0 is a special edition that covers the story in volumes 1 and 2. Volume 0 is a shorter version whereas volumes 1 and 2 contain more detail on the story. Warning: contain scenes of nonconsensual sex

• Language: English
• Publisher: Benjamin Louie
• Release date: Feb 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215094969

Benjamin Louie

Sometimes images appear in my dreams, they are just image fragments. I have recurring dreams with the same images. I piece those fragments together to form scenes. I put scenes together to form plots. And I turn plots into stories.Join my discord channel to discuss my novels with other fans, find out about new releases or give the author suggestions

Book preview

Contents

Somewhere in ancient China, in an area called the Xiyang Forest, a group of bounty hunters were traversing the forest, led by their leader, a famous and renowned swordsman. They were all wearing heavy clothing and thick armor, each holding several weapons. They have gathered together for a reason, so that they can get the prize, one that is worth dying for.

They had been traveling for days, and the path so far has been rough and dirty, but it was nothing to these hardened warriors. One of the bounty hunters suddenly heard a sound in the trees and gasped. Upon seeing nothing, he thought nothing of it and shrugged it off, thinking that he was just seeing things. But then he saw a shadow amongst the trees, and then he grew nervous. Sir, are you sure this place is safe? he asked. "We are entering the Valley of Death, home of the legendary War God!"

Why do you think we came all this way? To be able to fight the strongest swordsman who has ever lived, doesn’t the thought of that excite you? replied the leader.

But sir, the War God is said to have killed all those who trespass in this valley. According to legend, no one has ever seen him and lived.

Bah, what nonsense are you speaking? replied the leader. Do not tell me you are scared? We do not know if he even exists. And even if he does, he will be no match for us. Each one of us is the best in what we do, so we have nothing to fear. Now keep marching!

The bounty hunter stayed silent, not uttering a word as the men marched on, and he stared at the wilderness. He was still not convinced that they are completely safe, but he did not want to get left behind, so he quickly followed the group.

Little did he know, his suspicions were correct. He did not know who or what was following them, but they were not safe. A silhouetted figure observed the group from the trees. He was wearing a straw hat and rogue clothing. After observing, he jumped away.

The hunter saw a glimpse of someone jumping in the trees. It was so quick it could have been anything, even a mosquito. He shrugged it off. Whoosh, whoosh. That sound again. Something was not right.

Sir, I really think we are being followed. said one of the hunters.

Bahhh! said the leader. Am I surrounded by a bunch of cowards? If you guys are scared, then you can turn around and go home. From this point on there is no turning back. Now keep marching!

Doosh doosh doosh. The straw hat warrior snuck up from behind the group and attacked the last guy in line. Agh!! After only a second, he was already dead.

Everyone turned around and saw the warrior in the straw hat.

Who dares trespass into the Valley of Death? said he.

The bounty hunters grew nervous. It is him…it really is him…the legendary God of War! one of them shouted.

Ha, said the leader, Today is my lucky day. I get to meet the famous War God himself…once I kill you I will become the strongest fighter in the entire country! Now, charge!!

All the bounty hunters charged at once. Yaaaah!

The War God, with his straw hat covering his face, remained calm and still. All those who trespass must die. His left hand held onto his sheath and he cocked his thumb against the sword’s handle, popping it out a little. His right hand grabbed the pummel and drew his sword out all the way. Scchhhing. What he held was the legendary Fire Sword, one of the strongest weapons in the entire world, said to be imbued with sorcery. A second later, the blade glowed red and it caught fire. Froom!

The bounty hunters saw the fiery blade but they were already running and full of adrenaline so they continued charging without stopping.

In an instant, the War God charged forward with lightning fast speed and slashed the warriors, one by one. Slish! Slash! Each one of them was killed in one hit. They never stood a chance…and now the group of seven was down to one.

The leader was shocked beyond belief. This c-cannot be…

It is your turn. said the War God.

No!! You die! The brute screamed and charged forward and raised his sword to the air. Whoosh!

The War God ducked, avoiding the swing, and stabbed the brute in the stomach. Slish! His blood dripped on the ground as he felt the throbbing pain in his stomach. The brute looked down and saw the metal embedded into his own flesh and it was at that moment when he realized he has no hope of surviving.

The warrior in the straw hat pulled his sword out of the brute’s stomach, and he fell to the ground and he was surrounded by a pool of blood, his own blood.

The grass became red and was tainted with their corpses and the War God walked away as silently as he came.

Legend of the

Fire Sword

Demon Slayer

It was a busy day as usual in the province of Yi Ling, the capital city of the Kingdom of Shen. A certain man was sitting down and eating in his favorite restaurant, quietly minding his own business and sipping his tea. The restaurant is usually loud and filled with lots of people, but today there were less people so it was relatively peaceful.

Since this is the capital, the people here are always busy and doing business. A lot happens in this city, but none of that concerns this young man. He did not care about living the life of a high lord. He is considered to be a peasant, but life as a peasant is not so bad.

The silver haired man was staring out the window at the street. Everyday hundreds of people come in and out of Yi Ling. He wonders if one of those people can be his sister. He hasn’t seen her in over ten years, and it as been a very painful journey searching for her. She just disappeared one day without warning, and Alex Cheng has been looking for her ever since.

Outside, a group of brutes were making a commotion. Hua and his gangster friends were joking and laughing loudly in an annoying way. People who walked by glanced at them, and went about their way, not wanting to get involved with these annoying people. Not only were they loud, but their physical appearance was not to die for either. They were wearing ragged clothing, torn, smelly, and their pants were rolled up. They also carried swords and other hidden weapons in their bags and clothes.

Coming into the restaurant, Hua went over to Alex’s table. He sipped his tea, and noticed a shadow covered him.

Can I help you, gentlemen? Alex asked politely.

Heh. The brute put one leg on the chair. "You are sitting on my table. I dislike people who sit on my table."

Your table? Alex replied.

That is correct. Everybody in this neighborhood knows Hua. And this is my table.

How is this your table? It does not have your name on it.

Hey boss, said another brute. He just talked back to you.

Hua grunted and laughed. He grabbed Alex by the collar. Look boy, I’ve been sitting at this table every week. If you’re smart you’ll leave now. Unless, of course, if you want trouble. Then he let him go.

Alex fixed his shirt, and then got up. I am sorry to have caused you trouble. he said reluctantly. But of course, on the inside he did not mean that. He wanted to beat the living daylights out of these brutes. But violence is not the answer, and he walked away.

Hold it. said Hua.

Alex stopped without looking at him. What is it?

Don’t forget to bow down the next you see me.

Alex walked on as the gangsters laughed. Today is not the day to start a fight. He just wants to drink his tea peacefully and not cause any trouble. He had a sword on him, but so do the brutes.

Life is not easy in Yi Ling, the capital of Shen. Making a living is making a living while living. Mess with the wrong people, and you and your family are pretty much screwed for the rest of your life.

Even though Yi Ling is a heavily guarded area, the imperials have no power over the street gangsters, hooligans, loan sharks and other punks who live on the borderline of the law. They can pretty do anything they want and get away with it, whether it be theft, assault, rape, or even burning down someone’s house.

[ A ] - Walking Through The Market

Despite what happened to Alex, the city is not all that bad. Alex enjoys walking through the marketplace, probably the busiest place in town. The streets were always crowded with anxious shoppers. A few stores were selling fish, and the storeowners were yelling and trying to get customers. Other stores sold fruits and vegetables, and customers were bargaining and eager to get a deal.

That is what a typical day is like in the marketplace, and Alex did not like crowded places. He came here to see a certain friend. She and her grandmother owned a jewelry store, and that store is her main source of income. Jade Lee was busy selling to customers and then she saw Alex and waved enthusiastically.

How can one not return the enthusiasm? Hey Jade. Alex said. How is business?

Business is terrific! Would you like to buy some jewelry?

Alex stared at the necklaces for sale. Hmmm…

Ah, may I interest you in this one? She took the one in the middle, holding it at eye level. The necklace was sparkling gold, and its diamond was bluish purple.

What is so special about this one?

This necklace is truly an antique. It is said to have been worn by the wise King Solomon. Centuries ago he came to China to visit King Chao, who took him as a guest. Solomon offered his necklace as tribute to Chao’s hospitality.

Hold on there a second. And since when did King Solomon visit China?

Ehh. Somewhere down the line he came to the east. He definitely visited King Chao.

Okay Jade, stop making up stories.

She snapped her fingers. Damn. That one always worked.

Alex slapped his own face. Argh, people buy the necklace for the necklace itself, not for the story behind it. Besides, how many of these stories you tell about these jewels are real, and how many are fake?

Hey, most of them are real.

Whatever. I was on my way home. I’ll catch you later.

As he walked, she said Wait. Are you doing anything tonight?

Nothing. Why?

Well, if you are not busy or anything, maybe I can come overnight and make dinner. It is not healthy to eat food from the market, trust me on this one. she said, staring at the floor.

Ummm, okay, no problem.

Okay great! she said with excitement. It’s a done deal. See you tonight at sunset.

They waved each other goodbye. Jade was already thinking of what to cook for dinner.

Alex Cheng opened the door to his home and closed it. His friend was sitting at the table, waiting for him. Alex was a little startled that he’s already here.

Welcome home, Alex. said the friend.

When did you get here? asked Alex.

Just a few moments ago. Zi Lai replied.

Zi? Did I not tell you that you should wait for someone to get home first before entering his home? said Alex.

Yeah, you did, but that doesn’t apply to us. C’mon, we’re best friends, aren’t we?

Anyways, do you have news on my sister?

"Yeah, and it took me a while to find out. I ran into this old man who owns a stable. He says many years ago, he recalls seeing a little girl ask for a horse. She was buying a horse to travel someplace out of town, in a place called the Temple of Enlightenment, up in the Xiyang mountains. No one knows how long she stayed there, or if she’s still there. That’s the last anyone has seen of her."

The Legendary Temple of Enlightenment? Alex repeated.

Yes. Legend says that people who enter the temple will be healed by the monks over there. No matter what injuries you have, you will be miraculously healed.

The Temple of Enlightenment… he repeated blankly.

You are not seriously considering going, are you, Alex? asked his friend.

That is the only clue we have about my sister. The expression on his face was dead serious.

This is ridiculous. Zi replied. We do not even know if such a place exists.

I have been searching for her for half my life. Alex replied, determined. I am not going to rule out any possibilities.

Zi sighed. I know it’s useless to try to talk you out of it. I had a feeling it was coming to this.

Their conversation was interrupted by Jade knocking on the door.

You expecting company? Zi asked.

Uhhh…oh yeah! He just remembered that Jade was supposed to come. Yeah, sorry.

Standing outside, Jade knocked again. Alex, are you inside?

Zi’s face turned suspicious and naughty. "Oh, that kind of company. Alright, I’ll let you two be."

Hey, don’t get any ideas. It’s just a visit.

Sure, sure. Zi left the house from the back.

It’s not what you think. You need to clean your mind sometimes. Alex said.

As he did,