Chapter 120: Crowds Flock In, Heavenly Sword’s Thunderclap
After a night’s talk with Ning Qi, the Dragon Mountain Daoist was no longer worried. He understood Ning Qi’s character well; since Ning Qi said he had a plan, he would undoubtedly have a way to deal with it.
The Dragon Mountain Daoist’s state of mind gradually became peaceful.
He even felt some anticipation about how his young disciple would respond if the Thunderous Blade Venerable truly arrived.
This naturally also affected the other True Martial disciples.
Seeing the Dragon Mountain Daoist so calm, the others assumed he had received the Heavenly Sword True Person’s approval, which made them secretly even more excited.
However, with Luo Wentian’s restraint, the True Martial disciples did not become arrogant and boastful.
Luo Wentian knew very well.
During such a critical moment, it was better to remain low-key and humble, otherwise, it was easy to become an object of others’ envy.
He had originally planned to select some outstanding disciples to go to the True Profound Sect in the coming days, but with this incident, he had to postpone it.
Time slowly passed.
The atmosphere in the Martial World grew more intense day by day.
Countless eyes looked forward in anticipation, and many people had already traveled from nearby areas to Qingzhou, and even to True Martial City.
A considerable number of people felt that it was only a matter of time before the Thunderous Blade Venerable came to challenge under the pressure of the general trend, and they wanted to secure a spot first.
Under such circumstances, the True Martial disciples also became somewhat nervous.
But unexpectedly.
The first to step onto True Martial Mountain was not the Thunderous Blade Venerable.
Instead, it was an unexpected guest.
“Greetings, King Zhenbei,” said the Dragon Mountain Daoist, leading many disciples in a bow.
He looked at the imposing middle-aged man and the young boy opposite him, his mind filled with various speculations. He wondered why King Zhenbei had suddenly brought his young son. This time, with the update of the Heavenly Human Ranking, King Zhenbei was also a focal figure, leaping from ninth on the Heavenly Human Ranking to seventh.
His solid achievements made everyone marvel, so much so that the Northern Barbarians could not lift their heads.
Logically, King Zhenbei and True Martial Mountain had almost no interaction. The only time they met was when the Demonic Sect’s Heavenly Human attacked True Martial Mountain last time.
King Zhenbei smiled and said:
“You are too kind, True Person.”
His attitude was very amicable.
Li Ling beside him respectfully bowed to the Dragon Mountain Daoist:
“Li Ling greets the True Person. I have come specifically to visit you today. Please forgive any disturbance.”
Seeing this, King Zhenbei shook his head and chuckled inwardly.
His young son was polite to others, but with him, he was quite mischievous.
The Dragon Mountain Daoist smiled and welcomed them in.
Before he could speak.
King Zhenbei had already stated his intention first:
“I have come this time only to let Ling’er witness the demeanor of the Heavenly Sword True Person, and for no other reason.”
He spoke frankly. Although he was imposing, he was actually quite amiable, without that condescending air.
The Dragon Mountain Daoist suddenly realized.
He had made some guesses before.
Now they were confirmed.
He knew what King Zhenbei was referring to. The matter of the Thunderous Blade Venerable and the Heavenly Sword True Person was already causing a stir. It seemed King Zhenbei was certain that the Thunderous Blade Venerable would come, which was why he brought his young son.
But upon further thought, it was more than likely that Li Ling had pleaded with him to come, otherwise, with King Zhenbei’s strength, he wouldn’t have such a strong interest in a fight between two individuals at the end of the Heavenly Human Ranking, traveling all the way to Qingzhou to watch.
If it were a duel between the Blade Demon and the Sun Chasing Sword King, that would be more understandable.
The Dragon Mountain Daoist naturally would not refuse such a small request. When King Zhenbei had intervened previously, although it was to save his son, it had indirectly saved True Martial Mountain. He was clear about grudges and felt grateful to King Zhenbei.
“King Zhenbei, you are too kind. Please feel free to stay at True Martial Mountain. However, the matter has not been settled yet, and I don’t know if the Heavenly Sword Old Senior is on the mountain.”
The Dragon Mountain Daoist could only offer a wry smile.
Although he was grateful for King Zhenbei’s intervention, he couldn’t casually reveal his trump cards.
King Zhenbei waved his hand and chuckled lightly:
“It’s alright. If the Thunderous Blade Venerable doesn’t come, we can just consider it a leisurely trip. Ling’er quite likes your True Martial Mountain.”
A hint of certainty flickered in his eyes.
The last time he saw the Heavenly Sword True Person in action, just by observing his sword intent, he knew this Heavenly Sword True Person was probably not the type to wander around. He suspected the Heavenly Sword True Person was still cultivating on True Martial Mountain. However, what surprised him was that upon careful perception, he couldn’t sense any trace of the Heavenly Sword True Person’s existence.
King Zhenbei looked at the visible joy on Li Ling’s face and couldn’t help but feel helpless.
Ever since he brought Li Ling back to the manor last time.
He had invited another swordsman ranked twenty-first on the Heavenly Human Ranking, the Luofu Sword Master, originally intending for him to be Li Ling’s teacher.
Logically, this Luofu Sword Master was even stronger than the Heavenly Sword True Person, but his sword dao simply did not appeal to Li Ling. He even privately told his father that it wasn’t “cool” enough. After witnessing the Heavenly Sword’s appearance firsthand, Li Ling seemed to have become obsessed, only interested in the Heavenly Sword True Person’s sword dao.
Helplessly, King Zhenbei had to ask the Luofu Sword Master to leave again.
This time, even with the Heavenly Human Ranking update where he advanced two places, Li Ling was unmoved. Instead, he was extremely excited to see the Heavenly Sword True Person on the ranking. After learning about the escalating sword and saber conflict, he pleaded with King Zhenbei to bring him to True Martial Mountain to watch the battle.
Fortunately, the Northern Barbarians had been quiet recently, so King Zhenbei agreed, leading to this trip to True Martial Mountain.
At this moment.
Li Ling’s face was full of confidence:
“I believe the Heavenly Sword True Person will definitely be able to defeat that so-called Thunderous Blade Venerable!”
All the True Martial disciples smiled, their impression of Li Ling greatly improved. They could tell that this young lad was a loyal supporter of the Heavenly Sword True Person.
At the same time, they secretly marveled at how doting King Zhenbei was towards his young son.
King Zhenbei shook his head and chuckled, chatting casually with the Dragon Mountain Daoist.
Li Ling, on the other hand, sat down next to Ning Qi. On the entire True Martial Mountain, he was most familiar with Ning Qi. He had enjoyed talking with Ning Qi during his last visit, but now Ning Qi had Zhuang Chen by his side.
“This is my Tenth Junior Brother, Zhuang Chen,” Ning Qi introduced.
Li Ling initially just smiled politely.
But soon.
He and Zhuang Chen began chatting in low voices. Both had a shared passion for sword dao. After just a few simple words, they realized they were kindred spirits and felt an instant sense of regret for not meeting sooner, even leaving Ning Qi aside.
Ning Qi simply shook his head and smiled.
However, he didn’t mind. Ever since King Zhenbei and Li Ling arrived on the mountain, he had been observing King Zhenbei.
His strength had improved greatly compared to the first time he saw King Zhenbei.
At that time, he still needed the power of a fake core to suppress Elder Wang.
But now, he could do it with ease.
In his perception, King Zhenbei’s aura was restrained and profound, incredibly powerful, truly the strongest he had ever seen.
“However… he’s not as invincible as I initially imagined. After consuming a few more Blood Jade Pills, and with my Jade Liquid Sea advancing further, I should be able to contend with him,” Ning Qi speculated inwardly.
He withdrew his gaze and listened to the general conversation.
King Zhenbei was not arrogant and even proactively spoke about some secret matters of the Northern Barbarians, broadening everyone’s horizons.
The Dragon Mountain Daoist did not oppose King Zhenbei’s arrival.
In a sense, this was a good karma. If he could establish a connection with King Zhenbei, it would make the True Martial Sect more stable.
King Zhenbei and Li Ling settled down at True Martial Mountain.
After the first day of arrival, King Zhenbei rarely showed himself. On the other hand, Li Ling, along with Zhuang Chen, caused a stir on True Martial Mountain. Li Ling also befriended Yuan Tiansheng, and the two, a human and an ape, caused quite a ruckus on True Martial Mountain. Li Ling grew to like True Martial Mountain more and more, finding it more comfortable than his own manor.
In King Zhenbei’s manor, despite his esteemed status, he had few companions of his age. King Zhenbei had to guard the Northern Barbarians for most of the time and had no time to accompany him.
But on True Martial Mountain, the chubby Zhuang Chen was sometimes sly, treating him entirely as if he were not the Heir Apparent of Zhenbei, and together with the White Ape, they would occasionally play pranks on him, leaving him flustered.
Ning Qi observed this.
He had initially been somewhat worried that King Zhenbei would secretly search for the Heavenly Sword True Person’s whereabouts, but upon discovering that King Zhenbei was merely staying in the guest quarters, he relaxed. His impression of King Zhenbei had improved considerably.
Ning Qi continued to cultivate calmly. The matter of the Thunderous Blade Venerable was not on his mind and did not disrupt his state of mind.
……
Time slowly passed.
The conflict between sabers and swords in the world finally reached a critical point.
Many people had sensed that the situation was spiraling out of control, and the calls for the Thunderous Blade Venerable to make a move grew louder. Finally, one day, someone saw an old senior of the saber dao visit the Thunderous Blade Manor.
And then, the next day.
A challenge letter was issued.
Half a month later.
Inviting the Heavenly Sword True Person to True Martial Mountain for a battle.
Submitted by the Thunderous Blade Venerable.
Instantly.
The atmosphere in the Martial World surged to an unprecedented level.
Sabermen and swordsmen alike were in a frenzy. Although they had been anticipating this for a long time, when the Thunderous Blade Venerable’s challenge letter truly reached True Martial Mountain, it still couldn’t help but excite them.
Countless people looked forward to it, and many had already started setting up betting pools.
True Martial City once again became a place of surging undercurrents.
A duel between experts on the Heavenly Human Ranking was extremely rare, let alone one that symbolized the conflict between sabers and swords. Whichever side won, the other would have to lay low and speak cautiously for at least the next few years.
At this time, a rumor spread:
“The sabermen are not fighting honorably; someone gave the Thunderous Blade Venerable a peerless treasure saber. This is unfair.”
The swordsmen were indignant.
The sabermen retorted:
“If you are not satisfied, then go and find a divine sword for the Heavenly Sword True Person. We will absolutely say nothing. In martial artist combat, sabers and swords are also part of strength.”
The swordsmen were instantly silenced.
They could only hope that some old senior of the sword dao would also be equally capable.
In fact.
Someone did go to True Martial Mountain, and it was an old acquaintance of Li Ling, the Luofu Sword Master.
Looking at the Luofu Sword Master in the distance, his gaze carrying a hint of arrogance, Li Ling quietly complained to Ning Qi:
“I don’t like him. I think he talks too boastfully, always feeling like his sword dao will eventually be the best in the world.”
King Zhenbei had invited the Luofu Sword Master to the manor to teach Li Ling sword techniques, but Li Ling was not interested.
Ning Qi chuckled lightly.
He had previously read the introduction to the Heavenly Human Ranking. The Luofu Sword Master was indeed considered young, not even 250 years old, which, compared to the 800-year lifespan of the Heavenly Human Realm, was still like the prime of life. His sword dao cultivation was high, and he had potential.
The Luofu Sword Master stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the Dragon Mountain Daoist:
“Dragon Mountain True Person, please go and invite the Heavenly Sword True Person out.”
His tone held a slight sense of entitlement.
The Dragon Mountain Daoist replied neither servile nor overbearing:
“Please forgive me. The Heavenly Sword Old Senior is accustomed to living in seclusion. If he is unwilling to come out, I cannot force him.”
The Luofu Sword Master frowned:
“Are you saying that when the Thunderous Blade Venerable comes to challenge, he also plans not to show up?”
The Dragon Mountain Daoist simply smiled:
“The Heavenly Sword Old Senior naturally has his own considerations.”
The Luofu Sword Master gave the Dragon Mountain Daoist a deep look, remained silent for a few breaths, and then said lightly:
“You should know that someone gave the Thunderous Blade Venerable a saber. That saber is very powerful. With the Thunderous Blade Venerable wielding it, the Heavenly Sword True Person might not be his match. I have come here to lend him a sword.”
He pointed his hand forward, and behind him, a long sword suddenly suspended in the air, emitting a clear ringing sound. Its blade shimmered like autumn light, clearly a fine sword.
“This sword is called Luofu. It can rival that Heavenly Thunder Saber. If the Heavenly Sword True Person comes out to see it, and agrees to one condition of mine, I can lend him this sword for now.”
The Dragon Mountain Daoist fell silent.
The Luofu Sword Master’s intentions were good, but his approach was somewhat uncomfortable, subtly carrying a condescending air. Perhaps due to his twenty-first rank, he felt he could easily defeat the Heavenly Sword True Person. This offer to lend a sword might be because, as fellow swordsmen, he didn’t want to see a swordsman lose to a saberman.
The Dragon Mountain Daoist hesitated.
At this moment, Ning Qi’s telepathic communication reached his ears. His expression returned to calmness, and he cupped his hands and said:
“Thank you for your kind intentions, Luofu Sword Master, but I truly cannot get the Heavenly Sword Old Senior to come out and meet you.”
The Luofu Sword Master’s gaze sharpened:
“If the Heavenly Sword True Person loses because of this, then he will be a sinner to all swordsmen.”
The Dragon Mountain Daoist’s brow furrowed:
“Luofu Sword Master, you speak too harshly. Regardless of victory or defeat, it has nothing to do with the sabermen and swordsmen of the world.”
Just as the Luofu Sword Master was about to speak, Li Ling couldn’t help but step forward. He bowed and said indignantly:
“Senior Luofu, why must you be like this? The Heavenly Sword Old Senior doesn’t need your sword. Why are you forcing it?”
Seeing Li Ling, the Luofu Sword Master was startled:
“Young Heir Apparent?”
His expression turned slightly unpleasant as he recalled some unpleasant memories. Previously, King Zhenbei had promised him a secret sword dao treasure to teach Li Ling sword techniques. He had been confident at the time, but unexpectedly, Li Ling had not been interested.
A figure approached:
“Luofu, go ahead. It’s just a challenge, there’s no need to care so much about victory or defeat.”
King Zhenbei had arrived at some unknown time.
The Luofu Sword Master was even more astonished. He couldn’t quite fathom the relationship between True Martial Mountain and the Heavenly Sword True Person.
He was silent for a moment, bowed to King Zhenbei, and then descended the mountain.
However, a voice was carried through the breeze:
“I only hope the Heavenly Sword True Person truly has confidence, otherwise, this stance will be ridiculed by the world.”
All the True Martial disciples showed looks of anger.
Ning Qi’s expression remained calm.
Whether there was a sword or not, it made little difference to him.
……
Time approached step by step.
The day of the Thunderous Blade Venerable’s challenge draws nearer.
A rumor spread through the Martial World that Luofu Sword Master, ranked 21st on the Heavenly Human Ranking, went to True Martial Mountain to lend a sword to Heavenly Sword True Person, but was refused.
This made everyone somewhat unsure how to evaluate Heavenly Sword True Person.
I don’t know if it’s due to being too reclusive or too confident.
However, there was one thing everyone knew clearly in their hearts.
If he lost because of this reason, I’m afraid Heavenly Sword True Person’s reputation wouldn’t be very good afterwards.
In True Martial City, Luofu Sword Master sneered, holding his sword.
Powerful figures gathered in True Martial City. The true disciples of the True Martial Sect diligently guided the True Martial disciples in maintaining order. This was different from Dragon Mountain Daoist’s Heavenly Human Ceremony before, as most of the attendees then were masters below the Heavenly Human Realm.
But this time, there were quite a few Heavenly Human Realm masters.
They felt immense pressure.
Fortunately.
This period of time did not last long.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
One by one, gazes converged.
An inn.
The Southern Border Saintess wore a black veil, her demeanor somewhat ethereal. The Snake Granny beside her, with her two exotic snakes on her neck nowhere to be seen, looked like an ordinary old woman.
“Granny, do you think Heavenly Sword True Person will appear?” The Southern Border Saintess took a sip of her tea, her gaze distant.
Snake Granny let out a laugh:
“If they don’t show themselves, the True Martial Sect’s fate today will likely not be very good. Neither the swordsmen nor the swordsmen will let them off.”
“It’s about time, let’s go watch the show.”
The Southern Border Saintess took a light step, and the martial artists around her naturally showed reverence. For some reason, a feeling of reverence welled up from the bottom of their hearts, and they instinctively wanted to move further away from this woman. The two gradually walked away, heading out of the city.
Around True Martial Mountain, gazes of anticipation filled the air.
The sky was a scene of fervor.
Especially for the swordsmen and swordsmen, there were quite a few masters who arrived, including several who were on the Heavenly Human Ranking, and even more who were not on the Heavenly Human Ranking. Many of them came with the intention of observing and learning.
Most of those joining the excitement were martial artists below the Heavenly Human Realm.
Time slowly passed.
The crowd’s gaze grew increasingly anxious.
At this moment.
A purple light broke through the sky, carrying a faint sense of ferocity.
Someone’s spirit was greatly invigorated:
“The Thunderous Blade Venerable has arrived!”
A stream of fiery gazes followed, and they saw the purple light halt before True Martial Mountain, revealing its true form.
That was an elder dressed in purple robes, with a strong and powerful build. His eyes held a sharp gaze. On his back, he carried a Treasure Saber, surging with an inexplicable power. Even before it was unsheathed, it sent a chill through the hearts of some present.
“Thunderous Blade Venerable, formerly 36th on the Heavenly Human Ranking, once fought the Flood Dragon Lord at Baichuan Lake and was undefeated. He defeated many masters close to the Heavenly Human Ranking level. His Saber Dao cultivation was earth-shattering, and when combined with the Way of Thunder, it was ferociously peerless.”
“Rumor has it that he recently received the Heavenly Thunder Saber from an old senior, which is extremely compatible with his own path. Perhaps he can truly fight to reclaim his Heavenly Human Ranking throne!”
Constant low voices discussed, revealing the full details of the Thunderous Blade Venerable.
The Thunderous Blade Venerable sensed his surroundings, clearly able to detect several auras that were not weaker than his, and some even stronger.
He felt a bit helpless inside.
Originally, he didn’t want to make a move, but the temptation of the Heavenly Thunder Saber was too great, and in the end, he couldn’t resist.
However.
He also had confidence in himself.
The reason he was pushed down the Heavenly Human Ranking was simply due to Heavenly Sword True Person’s achievements in his two consecutive battles. However, he has rarely made a move in recent years, and his strength has long since advanced further. Now, with the aid of the Heavenly Thunder Saber, he believes defeating Heavenly Sword True Person is not an issue.
It’s just that doing so will offend a master on the Heavenly Human Ranking, but it doesn’t matter. After this battle, his reputation will also soar, earning the goodwill of many Blade Dao experts.
194 Overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Thinking this way.
The Thunderous Blade Venerable stepped forward.
He stood in the void before True Martial Mountain, his voice domineering like a thunderclap, scattering the layers of clouds:
“Heavenly Sword True Person, come out and fight!”
On True Martial Mountain.
Besides the disciples maintaining order in True Martial City, all other disciples gathered at the mountain gate. Ning Qi was no exception, but he didn’t stand with Li Ling. Although he was confident in his Formless Gang Body, he still tried his best not to attract King Zhenbei’s attention.
At this moment.
Everyone looked towards the Thunderous Blade Venerable in the sky. His powerful aura was fully showcased. Although he didn’t deliberately target the True Martial disciples, everyone still felt waves of pressure.
The Dragon Mountain Daoist’s gaze was calm.
As the Thunderous Blade Venerable spoke, everyone’s heart tightened.
His gaze subconsciously drifted towards the back mountain.
Li Ling stretched his neck and asked the King Zhenbei next to him in a low voice:
“Dad, you don’t think the Heavenly Sword Senior will refuse to appear, do you?”
King Zhenbei’s gaze showed a strange color:
“He will make a move.”
His astonishment grew with each passing day. Although he hadn’t actively searched for it these past few days, as the Seventh on the Heavenly Human Ranking, his perception was keen, and he hadn’t detected any movement. Yet, at this moment, a faint power was emerging from the back mountain.
He realized that this Heavenly Sword True Person was indeed not simple.
“Ling’er, you have good taste.”
Li Ling let out a confused ‘ah’ and was about to speak when his eyes suddenly widened, and an expression of wild joy appeared.
An unparalleled sharpness suddenly rose from the back mountain. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into an peerless Heavenly Sword. The Heavenly Sword broke through the sky, drawing gasps of astonishment. The gazes of all the experts converged upon it with solemnity; they felt an incredibly powerful Sword Intent emanating from that Heavenly Sword.
“Granny, how is it?” The Southern Border Saintess’s eyes rippled slightly.
Snake Granny shook her head:
“For now, I only feel pure Sword Intent, not that poisonous power from before. We’ll have to wait for Heavenly Sword True Person’s true form to be revealed to know.”
Immediately, her gaze became strange:
“Does Heavenly Sword True Person intend to emulate the previous two times, defeating Thunderous Blade Venerable with a single Heavenly Sword strike? Isn’t that underestimating this Blade Dao expert?”
Many people’s gazes were somewhat strange, thinking that Heavenly Sword True Person was being a bit overconfident.
The Thunderous Blade Venerable’s long hair flew, and seeing the Heavenly Sword that arrived horizontally, he laughed in extreme anger:
“Underestimating this Venerable One? Very well, let this Venerable One see if you, Heavenly Sword True Person, are as renowned as your reputation suggests!”
His long saber behind him trembled slightly. It hadn’t been unsheathed, but a wild saber intent spread out.
Purple lightning seemed to flash around the Thunderous Blade Venerable. He pointed a finger, and a hundred-zhang thunderous saber qi instantly condensed. The violent aura caused some swordsmen’s minds to waver. The thunderous blade was peerlessly domineering, slashing towards the Heavenly Sword.
Amidst the widespread attention, the Thunderous Blade and the Heavenly Sword collided, shaking heaven and earth.
Boom!
Waves of aftermath spread outwards, sword Qi and saber Qi condensed into a storm, howling between heaven and earth. The movements of two extremely powerful Heavenly Human realm experts clashing were quite significant.
Luofu Sword Master, standing with his sword held, narrowed his eyes:
“The Thunderous Blade Venerable’s strength is greater than expected, however, this Heavenly Sword True Person is also not simple.”
Their first clash made him look at them with some surprise.
Although the strength now displayed was still some distance from his, it was already strong enough to firmly occupy the Heavenly Human Ranking. He realized that Thunderous Blade Venerable’s strength had improved over the years, but he had not revealed it.
The Green Ox Swordsman was also somewhat surprised and uncertain. He felt that the strength of these two people was not inferior to his own.
He had originally wanted to go to True Martial Mountain, but due to his identity as a swordsman, he temporarily gave up and only watched the battle from below the mountain. Dragon Mountain Daoist was his friend of a different generation, but he also had some old friends in the Blade Dao.
Countless martial artists held their breath.
However, the very first brief clash made everyone realize that this might be a fierce battle, with the two sides evenly matched, and that a visual feast would follow.
The Thunderous Blade Venerable’s gaze was like a blade, his eyes piercing.
If Heavenly Sword True Person does not come out again, he might use some methods to force him out. In this current situation, he feels like he is fighting against air, which is somewhat insulting to himself.
True Martial Mountain.
Ning Qi shook his head silently in his heart.
Originally, he wanted to see if he could deal with the Thunderous Blade Venerable in front of him without using the Formless Vital Energy, but now it seemed the Thunderous Blade Venerable’s strength was a bit beyond what he had anticipated.
To win, you must win decisively, so as to avoid future troubles of this kind coming to your door.
He had already made up his mind.
In an instant.
Under everyone’s gaze, a figure shot up into the sky from behind True Martial Mountain.
Heavenly Sword True Person, for the first time, showcased himself before the people of the world.
