Chapter 122: Worldwide Buzz, Dark Currents In The Demonic Sects
Throughout Great Yan’s states.
There was widespread discussion.
Especially under the swordsmen’s promotion, the details of this battle were infinitely amplified and spread everywhere by storytellers, even reaching some county towns.
“Thunderous Blade Venerable drew heavenly thunder with one saber stroke, transforming it into a world-shocking thunder dragon, as if to devour all beings, but Heavenly Sword True Person was calm and composed, merely pointing lightly, and in an instant, seventy-seven forty-nine heavenly swords appeared in the sky!”
In the inn.
Countless people surrounded the storyteller, exclaiming in shock and urging him repeatedly to continue.
“Heavenly Sword slayed the thunder dragon, that scene was world-shocking and horrifying, the ground was shattered…”
Descriptions like this were innumerable.
The news spread from True Martial City throughout Qingzhou, then along Qingzhou to the other states. Although there were many spectators that day, in the Great Yan Dynasty, they were but a drop in the ocean.
After word of mouth, changes were inevitable.
The on-site spectators who heard it just smiled knowingly, but the shock in their hearts had not dissipated. Anyone who had seen that battle with their own eyes knew that Heavenly Sword True Person’s strength far surpassed his ranking on the Heavenly Human Ranking.
This was already the consensus of all.
The major powers almost simultaneously concluded that Heavenly Sword True Person had the strength of the top twenty on the Heavenly Human Ranking, and not the lower end—perhaps even stronger than Luofu Sword Master!
In this battle.
Thunderous Blade Venerable and Heavenly Sword True Person were naturally the protagonists, but Luofu Sword Master’s actions were also secretly spread. Those in the know just chuckled inwardly, of course, not daring to spread it widely—the intimidation of a Heavenly Human Ranking 21st peerless swordsman was still formidable.
But merely these covert rumors were enough to drive Luofu Sword Master mad.
After returning to Thunderous Blade Manor, Thunderous Blade Venerable ordered someone to deliver his Thunderclap Secret Record. He did not break his word, nor did he dare to.
Some blade dao old seniors came to offer condolences, and no one blamed Thunderous Blade Venerable; there was even a sense of compensation. After all, this battle was not due to Thunderous Blade Venerable’s lack of effort, but the enemy being too powerful.
Even several blade dao grandmasters shared their martial arts with Thunderous Blade Venerable, which in a way was a blessing in disguise. Though he lost an arm, he broke through his limits during the battle with Heavenly Sword True Person. If he now absorbed this blade dao nourishment, it would be enough to advance further.
Returning to the Heavenly Human Ranking next year was inevitable, and he even had hope of advancing several places.
During this time.
The congregation inevitably discussed the True Martial Sword Stele, all showing envy and shock in their eyes.
“I saw that True Martial Sword Stele from afar; it was originally just an ordinary stone. The reason it could turn decay into miracle was all because of Heavenly Sword True Person’s sword intent—his sword intent…” At this point, that blade dao old senior fell silent, his expression complex, then continued, “Too terrifying.”
These four short words silenced the congregation.
Someone couldn’t help but propose:
“Why don’t we emulate the True Martial Sword Stele and erect a saber stele for swordsmen of the world to comprehend? Otherwise, in the long run, we will be completely suppressed by the swordsmen.”
Thunderous Blade Venerable’s crushing defeat this time unexpectedly united the swordsmen as never before.
Thunderous Blade Venerable smiled wryly and shook his head:
“We probably can’t. To make saber intent endure forever and allow comprehension, I’m afraid only Blade Demon old senior could do it, but Blade Demon old senior’s whereabouts are unpredictable, and he may not get involved in such matters…”
“Truly don’t know how Heavenly Sword True Person comprehended such peerless sword intent—perhaps a moment of enlightenment… If his cultivation were a bit stronger, he might one day battle Blade Demon old senior.”
At this, the congregation couldn’t help but feel some relief. Fortunately, Heavenly Sword True Person was old in vitality; otherwise, if he became the pinnacle figure among swordsmen, they would truly despair.
Now, the only thing they could proudly use to contend with the swordsmen was Heavenly Human Ranking 3rd Blade Demon.
The congregation all shook their heads with wry smiles, then discussed adopting other methods to counter the existence of the True Martial Sword Stele.
…
True Martial Sect entered the sight of many major powers for the first time, creating even more stir than the previous two instances of Heavenly Sword slaying demons. After all, the two protagonists involved were both Heavenly Human Ranking level experts. Don’t think just because they were at the bottom of the ranking—there were only thirty-six such experts openly in the entire Great Yan.
And it symbolized the saber-sword conflict.
Great Yan Dynasty, Daoist Sects, Southern Border Alliance, Great Awakening Temple, Sword Asking Pavilion… these top-tier powers all secretly discussed it.
And in a certain grand hall.
The Demonic Sect’s experts were also discussing the matter.
Seated at the head were not just one, but three people. One wore a bronze ghost mask, another was a stern-faced middle-aged man whose pupils flickered with silver light, making one somewhat uneasy, and the third was a green-robed middle-aged beauty with a seductive figure, every smile and frown carrying some allure.
These were the Demonic Sect’s three vice sect masters.
“It seems that last time when Elder Wang and the others five went to attack True Martial Sect, that Heavenly Sword old daoist still held back much strength? Otherwise, relying on him alone would probably suffice to repel the five including Elder Wang.”
Ghost Face’s voice was somewhat eerie.
Although he had temporarily abandoned attacking True Martial Sect, it didn’t mean he had forgotten this hatred.
But now, with this world-shocking battle, Heavenly Sword True Person’s displayed strength was somewhat beyond imagination. In the future, even wanting to gnaw at it would be a hard bone.
The silver-pupiled man speculated:
“Perhaps that time King Zhenbei happened to be at True Martial Mountain, so that thieving old daoist hid his strength?”
The green-robed beauty nodded in agreement:
“Tianxing makes sense. Ghost Face, I think we need to put True Martial Sect on hold for now. With one Heavenly Sword old daoist, who has now erected the True Martial Sword Stele attracting numerous swordsmen, it won’t be easy to take True Martial Sect in the future— not worth the loss. After all, at bottom, True Martial Sect doesn’t have much hatred with us.”
An elder immediately proposed:
“Three vice sect masters, perhaps we can change our approach?”
He glanced at Ghost Face and smiled:
“This subordinate has heard that under Ghost Face Vice Sect Master, there is a peerless genius who has entered the Blood Demon Pool and caused quite a stir there, with the bearing of a holy son. Since he originated from True Martial Sect, why not let him try to see if he can make True Martial Sect submit to us?”
“If it works, then we not only lose an opponent but gain a powerful fresh blood force.”
The three had varied expressions; they naturally knew this elder was referring to Qin Yun.
Qin Yun’s metamorphosis in the Blood Demon Pool had gone unexpectedly smoothly and caused a big commotion, alarming the Great Elder and even being specially permitted to enter deeper into the Blood Demon Pool to draw power.
Ghost Face slowly shook his head:
“This plan has too low a probability. Qin Yun initially defected from True Martial Sect…”
The green-robed beauty casually glanced at her slender fingers and said:
“Though he defected, the master-disciple bond is deep, like father and son. I see that Dragon Mountain Daoist may not be heartless toward this former disciple. It won’t hurt to let Qin Yun try after he exits the Blood Demon Pool.”
Ghost Face stared fixedly at the beauty, saying nothing, but everyone could see his displeasure. After all, Qin Yun was his man. After a few breaths, he suddenly said:
“Vice Sect Leader Lin, I hear your niece Ruhua is now stunningly beautiful, with the bearing of a saintess. Since you think so highly of Qin Yun, why not have her pair with him? This might create a beautiful tale for our Sacred Sect in the future.”
Lin Xueshuang’s eyes narrowed, and she snorted coldly:
“That little ghost girl Ruhua can’t bear the saintess title; lately, who knows where she’s run off to.”
But then she seemed somewhat tempted and began considering carefully:
“However, after Qin Yun exits the Blood Demon Pool, perhaps we can try letting the two of them make contact.”
Ghost Face immediately burst into laughter.
The middle Xiang Tianxing frowned slightly and interrupted:
“There is another important matter recently.”
The congregation all tensed, realizing what Xiang Tianxing meant.
“The Southern Border Alliance doesn’t know what madness seized them, but they successively attacked several of our strongholds, catching us off guard—especially near the southern Baizhou, where one branch was directly wiped out, and even a Heavenly Human Realm elder was killed!”
In an instant.
The congregation was furious.
Although they had heard of it before, they didn’t know a Heavenly Human Realm elder had also been killed.
Lin Xueshuang’s brows filled with killing intent:
“Is the Southern Border Alliance wanting war with us? Do those neither god nor ghost fellows think forming an alliance lets them challenge our Sacred Sect? If they don’t fear benefiting Great Yan, let them come!”
Ghost Face pondered, somewhat puzzled:
“Is there some misunderstanding here? Our Sacred Sect and Southern Border Alliance have never had conflict; after all, they also hope to step out of the Hundred Thousand Mountains. It’s said the survival environment in the Hundred Thousand Mountains is growing harsher, with exotic beasts rioting frequently—even the outskirts are no longer as safe as before.”
“Whatever the reason, even if it’s truly a misunderstanding, we must first beat them into submission! Then we can sit down to talk!” Xiang Tianxing stood up, his silver pupils gleaming with killing intent.
“Then let’s fight!”
The congregation was all impassioned.
Great Yan pressing over their heads was one thing, but now even the Southern Border Alliance dared to provoke them?
The congregation reached a consensus and began discussing various counterattack actions.
…
Insidiously and soundlessly.
Amid the storm of Heavenly Sword True Person, the Southern Border Alliance and Demonic Sect began various undercurrents, puzzling the Great Yan Dynasty which had noticed some movements. They didn’t know why these two suddenly clashed, but for them, it was good—they were happy to sit back and watch the tigers fight, even occasionally stirring the pot.
And the instigator of all this was leisurely in the Seeker’s Courtyard.
After the great battle ended, Ning Qi finally had some rare leisure.
No one disturbed him; all True Martial Disciples who used swords were obsessed with comprehending the True Martial Sword Stele. After Luo Wentian set various rules, it was gradually opened to martial artists outside True Martial Sect—swordsmen prioritized, but other martial artists could also if they wished, though with fewer spots.
Ning Qi lay on the rattan chair, the nearby Enlightenment Tea Tree thriving under the irrigation of Blood Jade Pill liquid, slowly nearing thigh height.
He himself was communing with the sword intent on the True Martial Sword Stele, sensing the imprints left by these days’ comprehenders.
Though he had some small gains, the time was still short. But Ning Qi was very expectant—at least it proved the method feasible. One person’s wisdom was far inferior to his, but the painstaking efforts of tens of thousands would absolutely elevate his sword dao to unprecedented heights.
“In this great battle, borrowing the application from the True Martial Inheritance produced miraculous effects, leading to such a clean victory.”
Ning Qi reflected on the sword that had defeated Thunderous Blade Venerable before.
Heavenly Sword Transforms Nine had given him great inspiration.
“Perhaps, I can further perfect the Heavenly Sword Technique to fuse with sword formations.”
A spiritual insight rose in Ning Qi’s mind. He had previously created some powerful sword formations, like the Heavenly Stars Earthly Fiends Sword Formation, which had stunned several Heavenly Human Realm experts at the Heavenly Human Ceremony. True Martial Disciples had already made a name for themselves in Qingzhou with this sword formation.
The Heavenly Stars Earthly Fiends Sword Formation had become one of True Martial Sect’s major signatures.
When Ning Qi created the Heavenly Sword Technique back then, it was to fuse his own gang qi with heaven and earth power for explosive might—powerful but lacking finesse, because his comprehension of heaven and earth power hadn’t reached that level.
Now, with Ning Qi’s deepening foundation, he could naturally strengthen it further.
This was not difficult for him.
“However, with my current Jade Liquid Realm gang qi strength and quantity, Heavenly Sword Transforms Nine is relatively easy. Progressing further, full exertion might fuse the Heavenly Stars Sword Formation, but any more would lead to lack of follow-through.”
“To fully evolve the Heavenly Stars Earthly Fiends Sword Formation with the Heavenly Sword Technique, it would require Core Elixir Realm.”
“As for myriad swords filling the sky, that would need Heavenly Human Realm.”
Ning Qi was somewhat expectant.
He cultivated Myriad Manifestations True Gang, mastering many paths, but now sword dao killing was at the forefront. With the True Martial Sword Stele providing constant feedback henceforth, it would likely continue leading.
“However, the Heavenly Sword Technique is actually the fusion of sword intent, gang qi, and heaven and earth power. With my ability, transforming it into Heavenly Saber Technique or Heavenly Spear Technique would be no problem at all.”
At this thought, Ning Qi’s lips curved slightly.
He beckoned with his hand, and a domineering long saber gleaming with purple intent flew out from the room into his grasp.
He stroked it lightly.
This newly acquired Heavenly Thunder Saber immediately emitted a humming tremor, with thunder flickering on the blade, even resonating with some thunder power above the high heavens.
“This saber… is somewhat special; it seems able to channel heavenly thunder power. Previously, Thunderous Blade Venerable used this saber to build momentum, further amplifying his thunderous saber intent, but he didn’t develop the Heavenly Thunder Saber’s ability to the limit. Perfectly, I know a bit of saber arts, and fusing the Thunder Tiger fake core before gave me some insight into the Way of Thunder.”
Ning Qi chuckled lightly.
He gripped the Heavenly Thunder Saber and swung, a thunder dragon saber qi surging forth, annihilating just before touching a peach tree.
Such ease—if seen by Thunderous Blade Venerable, he would surely be dumbfounded. His signature martial art perfectly replicated in another’s hands, even surpassing it.
“Thunderous Blade Venerable is also a blade dao genius. When the Thunderclap Secret Record arrives, I can study it carefully.”
Ning Qi was very interested in the Heavenly Human Secret Records.
Accumulating foundation now would make advancing to Heavenly Human Realm even smoother later.
Casting aside stray thoughts, Ning Qi turned his gaze to the Heavenly Thunder Saber.
Like the previous Azure Profound Armored Vest, he wasn’t content with merely obtaining a treasure armor and treasure saber; he hoped to comprehend the essence of the Heavenly Thunder Saber—how it channeled heavenly thunder and the principle behind it.
He had a premonition.
If he could simulate it, he would obtain a peerless secret technique.
Gang qi circulated, purple intent flowing over the Heavenly Thunder Saber. Ning Qi immersed in comprehension, perceiving the saber’s changes, spiritual insights surging like a spring in his mind. But after a while, he shook his head slightly.
“To truly comprehend it, I still need to enter above the high heavens, or wait for thunderous weather—that would be best.”
Channeling thunder required personal experience.
Ning Qi was still somewhat wary of true heavenly thunder power. Above the high heavens in this world were terrifying thunders; even Heavenly Human Realm experts venturing too deep would be blasted to powder. Many classics recorded that experts tried probing beyond the skies, but all ended in failure with tragic fates.
“For now, King Zhenbei is still at True Martial Mountain. I’ll try after he leaves—not urgent.”
Ning Qi was very patient. After comprehending the Heavenly Thunder Saber a bit more, he began meditating in cultivation.
The rumbling of the Heaven and Earth Millstone Gang Tempering Method resounded in his ears, Ning Qi’s mind in perfect tranquility.
…
At this moment, in Mingwu Pavilion.
King Zhenbei sat facing Dragon Mountain Daoist.
After the great battle ended, King Zhenbei did not leave immediately because Li Ling wanted to comprehend the True Martial Sword Stele. King Zhenbei could only let him, and since he harbored a certain thought, he stayed on True Martial Mountain.
These days, King Zhenbei observed secretly and increasingly felt True Martial Sect was extraordinary.
The disciples under him were full of talents; some martial arts displayed even astonished him—deep foundation. He thought later he could investigate the origins of the True Martial Inheritance; it seemed not simple.
And what satisfied him most was Dragon Mountain Daoist’s talent in teaching disciples.
Some people were born to be masters. The previous Luofu Sword Master incident made King Zhenbei realize that being a master wasn’t just about being stronger—the compatibility mattered.
He had seen Dragon Mountain Daoist teach Zhuang Chen and knew he himself lacked such teaching level, so that thought in his heart grew stronger, leading to today’s scene.
“Has King Zhenbei been comfortable staying at True Martial Mountain these days? If there was any neglect, please forgive us.” Dragon Mountain Daoist was somewhat puzzled why King Zhenbei visited today, but he remained polite on the surface.
He guessed King Zhenbei might be preparing to leave, after all, he had rarely appeared these days.
But King Zhenbei’s first words stunned Dragon Mountain Daoist. He smiled amiably:
“True Person is too polite. I came this time with a request.”
“Please speak, King Zhenbei. If True Martial Sect can do it, we will spare no effort.” Dragon Mountain Daoist’s expression turned serious; he always remembered King Zhenbei’s favor back then.
King Zhenbei’s face was solemn:
“I want Ling’er to join True Martial Sect.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist was put in a difficult position; he had just boasted boldly, and now it was time to be slapped in the face:
“This… it’s not that I am unwilling, but Heavenly Sword old senior probably doesn’t wish to take disciples.”
He instinctively thought King Zhenbei wanted Li Ling to apprentice under Heavenly Sword True Person—that wouldn’t do. Only he knew Heavenly Sword True Person was his own little disciple; how could he take apprentices?
King Zhenbei shook his head with a smile:
“No, not under Heavenly Sword True Person. I want Ling’er to apprentice under you, True Person. Please agree; I will prepare a generous apprenticeship gift for Ling’er.”
After seeing Heavenly Sword True Person that day, he felt that while Heavenly Sword True Person was powerful, he was absolutely unsuitable as a master—too cold, too emotionless.
This time, Dragon Mountain Daoist was even more astonished.
He never expected King Zhenbei to have Li Ling apprentice under him.
“This… what virtue or ability do I have? I’m afraid I would delay the Heir Apparent.”
He knew his own limits. For the dignified Prince of Zhenbei to seek a master, countless people would scramble, including even Heavenly Human Ranking experts. He heard that Heavenly Human Ranking 21st Luofu Sword Master had once been invited to the king’s mansion but later left.
Though Dragon Mountain Daoist believed he would have a place on the Heavenly Human Ranking in the future, he had only just broken into Heavenly Human Realm not long ago and still needed time to accumulate and settle.
King Zhenbei stood, cupping his fists and bowing:
“True Person, don’t be modest. To be honest, I have observed you teaching disciples—you could be a master renowned under heaven. Ling’er lost his mother young and is somewhat naughty, but on True Martial Mountain, he is extremely happy. If he can apprentice under you, it is his fortune. I have no other intentions, just want to find a good master for Ling’er. Please grant this, True Person!”
His words were sincere, his posture very low.
Previously, with True Martial Sect targeted by the Demonic Sect, he didn’t want Li Ling in danger. But now, with Heavenly Sword True Person displaying great strength and the True Martial Sword Stele attracting many swordsmen, the safety factor had greatly increased.
If he arranged a few more experts to settle in True Martial City, Li Ling would even be safer than in the king’s mansion—after all, King Zhenbei himself couldn’t guard Li Ling every moment.
Dragon Mountain Daoist was moved.
The peerless expert ranked 7th on the Heavenly Human Ranking adopting such a posture toward him showed utmost sincerity.
He sighed inwardly: pitiful are parents’ hearts the world over.
Dragon Mountain Daoist helped King Zhenbei up and said emotionally:
“King Zhenbei, no need for this. To be honest, I like this child Li Ling very much too. His comprehension and bone structure are both top-notch, and his passion for sword dao is pure. With proper polishing later, he will surely become accomplished.”
“Since King Zhenbei does not disdain, from now on he will be the eleventh true disciple under me.”
After understanding King Zhenbei’s intent, he decisively agreed.
He wasn’t flattering; Li Ling’s own aptitude made him an excellent disciple. Though his personality had some naughtiness, his nature was kind. Previously, when Luofu Sword Master came up the mountain to forcibly borrow the sword, he had even stepped forward to scold.
And besides that.
Taking Li Ling as disciple also meant True Martial Sect gained a solid backer behind it—a very reliable one.
In the future, anyone wanting to move against True Martial Sect would have to think twice.
A smile appeared on King Zhenbei’s face.
A weight lifted from his heart.
He smiled:
“Thank you, True Person! Additionally, there is one more thing. Ling’er reveres Heavenly Sword True Person’s sword dao. Please convey to True Person, if Heavenly Sword True Person is willing to teach Ling’er sword dao, I am willing to exchange my Heaven Suppressing Fist, or find other inheritances of interest to Heavenly Sword True Person.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist was moved inwardly and slowly nodded:
“If there is a chance to see Heavenly Sword Senior, I will convey it truthfully.”
