Chapter 152: Cherish The Person Before You, Debating The Dao With The Blade Demon
In the mountain forest.
The white-haired youth and the black-skirted Saintess strolled side by side. A wolf clan exotic beast suddenly charged out, only to be effortlessly slain by a single finger from the white-haired youth. A wisp of aura erupted, immediately scaring off some spying exotic beasts in haste.
Lan Yiyi glanced at Qin Yun and said:
“It seems Holy Son Qin has been doing quite well in the Hundred Thousand Mountains these days. You handle exotic beasts with ease, like a fish in water.”
Qin Yun gave a wry smile:
“Saintess, please don’t tease me. I’m no longer any Holy Son now. Just call me Qin Yun. I’ve come personally this time to thank you. If not for your words, I fear Qin Yun would still not be free.”
His previous situation had indeed not been good. Not only was he stripped of his Candidate Holy Son position, but he was also under house arrest and forbidden from going out.
After arriving in the Hundred Thousand Mountains, he worked hard to steady his footing and learned the details of the previous meeting between the Demonic Sect and Southern Border higher-ups. Only then did he find the opportunity to personally thank Lan Yiyi.
Lan Yiyi’s eyes were pensive, her words laced with self-mockery:
“Call me Yiyi. Saintess? Hehe, if I had a choice, I wouldn’t want to be this Saintess.”
The mountain forest fell somewhat quiet.
Qin Yun’s eyes widened in surprise, then he softly said:
“Yiyi, are you in a bad mood?”
Lan Yiyi said nothing. The two walked on in silence, unknowingly arriving at a mountaintop. On the cloud cliff, they could see waves of forest rolling, clouds and mist rising, and in the far distance, snow-capped peaks. The scenery was extremely beautiful.
Leaning on the mountaintop, Lan Yiyi’s head slowly rested on Qin Yun’s shoulder.
Qin Yun’s heart jolted. A faint fragrance lingered at his nose. Before he could react, Lan Yiyi’s pensive voice sounded:
“Qin Yun, tell me… if a person’s future is already destined, is there any point in striving?”
Qin Yun roughly guessed something.
Though his time in the Hundred Thousand Mountains wasn’t long, he had heard some news. The Southern Border Saintess was different from the Demonic Sect Holy Son. The latter, if becoming Holy Son, would be the Sect Master’s heir, but the former… was said to be a sacrificial offering.
Her current status and reverence were merely for future use—like a pavilion in the sky.
He took a deep breath, looking down at Lan Yiyi’s profile, and earnestly said:
“There is no inevitably destined future. Anything is possible.”
Lan Yiyi gave a self-mocking smile:
“Anything is possible? I’ve clearly tried very hard. I’ve strived to prove myself, to increase my own value, but I still can’t escape my destiny. Qin Yun, do you know what the thing I regret most in this life is?”
“What is it?”
“I was born in a small tribe. That year, the alliance selected a Saintess. I was lucky to become one of the thirty-six candidates, able to go to the divine temple for Divine Washing. At that time, I thought I’d found hope to turn things around, to lead the tribe to survive tenaciously.”
“But my Grandmother, also the tribe’s elder, knew and wasn’t happy at all. Instead, she flew into a thunderous rage. I didn’t understand and had a big argument with her. In the end, I secretly underwent Divine Washing and, as wished, became the Southern Border Saintess. I wanted to prove to Grandmother that I was right, that I could help the tribe.”
“But unfortunately, I never saw her again. On the day I underwent Divine Washing, the tribe was attacked by exotic beasts. Not a single soul survived.”
Lan Yiyi’s delicate body trembled slightly. Qin Yun felt some heartache and wrapped his right arm around her shoulder to comfort her.
Lan Yiyi continued:
“Later, I learned why Grandmother opposed it so fiercely. It turns out the so-called Saintess is actually so laughable.”
The sarcasm on her face grew thicker.
These years.
Her status in the Southern Border was revered. From a small branch tribe, she became a core figure of the Lan tribe, but she still couldn’t change her own destiny.
Qin Yun was momentarily speechless.
He thought of himself. Back then, a single thought had led him to a point of no return.
He softly said:
“Since it’s already like this, giving up is futile. We can only go all out. Perhaps your Grandmother wouldn’t want to see you resign yourself like this. Yiyi, I’ll help you.”
Lan Yiyi suddenly turned her head, then gave a charming smile full of grace. Her delicate body had somehow slipped away, leaving Qin Yun feeling somewhat lost. Lan Yiyi laughed:
“If you were a Demonic Sect Holy Son, perhaps you could help me. But now… just take good care of yourself.”
Embarrassment immediately appeared on Qin Yun’s face.
Lan Yiyi chuckled.
“Not teasing you anymore. I appreciate the kind intention, but you can’t get involved in this matter.”
As she spoke, her voice became distant again:
“Qin Yun, some things—don’t wait until you’ve lost them to regret. Cherish the person in front of you more.”
Qin Yun was puzzled.
Lan Yiyi had already leaped into the sea of clouds, like a ethereal immortal. Qin Yun stared blankly, not pursuing, only hearing Lan Yiyi’s voice from afar:
“I’ll tell you some good news. The Southern Border has decided to temporarily shelve all actions against the True Martial Sect.”
Qin Yun stood stunned, watching the beauty depart.
His thoughts raced, thinking of many things. He thought of his Master, his Senior Disciple Brother, his Third Senior Sister, and also his Ninth Junior Brother.
His eyes showed confusion, and he gave a bitter smile.
…
Both the Demonic Sect and Southern Border independently decided to temporarily shelve actions against the True Martial Sect. Externally, this meant the spying eyes around True Martial City suddenly decreased a lot. Of course, the struggle with the Imperial Court remained like fire and water. If they encountered True Martial Disciples in between, they wouldn’t hold back either.
They just wouldn’t keep seeking the True Martial Sect’s weaknesses to prepare for extermination like before. Heavenly Sword True Person’s strength made them wary. If they truly angered this old monster, leaving him without worries, and he came looking for trouble recklessly, that would be trouble.
Yanwu Great General’s Mansion.
Yanwu Great General received a secret letter from Divine Feather Great General. He sat in the lakeside pavilion, silent for a long time, finally letting out a long sigh after a while.
“What a Blade Demon, what a Heavenly Sword True Person.” The elder murmured, his heart shaken. He didn’t even notice when the fishing rod had dropped.
The world only knew Yanwu Great General ranked second on the Heavenly Human Ranking, but didn’t know he was also a swordsman.
Only some old-timers in the army knew this. Back then, Yanwu Great General’s domineering blade shook the battlefield, killing until blood flowed like rivers.
Now, hearing that Blade Demon had stepped into Blade Dao Supreme Realm, battle intent instinctively rose in his heart, because he had also entered that realm. Looking across the world, among swordsmen, probably only Blade Demon could make him go all out.
As for Heavenly Sword True Person.
“I’m afraid I’m not his match either.”
Yanwu Great General sighed.
Perhaps only that mysterious Listening Wind Elder could fight Heavenly Sword True Person.
He repeatedly opened the secret letter, pondering the detailed description. Divine Feather Great General’s complete recounting made it feel like he was watching the battle on site.
When he saw Blade Demon trying to forcibly break through to Martial Saint Realm with Blade Dao Supreme Realm, he couldn’t help shaking his head, not surprised at all.
Yanwu Great General’s expression was somewhat desolate.
“In the past, for people like us, stepping into Martial Saint wasn’t difficult, but now…”
“Blade Demon probably has no hope of breaking through in this lifetime. However, this Heavenly Sword True Person… who knows if he can create a miracle. Perhaps… I should consult Old Ancestor.”
His gaze was solemn, deep in thought.
Finally, he made a decision and headed toward the imperial palace.
Along the way, everyone he saw bowed respectfully, their expressions fearful, but Yanwu Great General just waved his hand and casually said to a eunuch chief:
“Tell His Majesty, I’m going to the imperial ancestral temple.”
In the eyes of billions of Great Yan subjects, Great Yan Emperor was the supreme existence, but only some knew that Great Yan Emperor was merely an executor. That Martial Saint was the truly supreme being, and within the Imperial Court, there were a few who could speak to Great Yan Emperor as equals.
Yanwu Great General walked deeper into the imperial palace.
Finally, he stopped before a heavily guarded ancestral temple. A team of powerful-aura forbidden guards stood before it, but in truth, they were just to handle minor troubles. The real guards were far stronger.
Yanwu Great General’s arrival startled the many forbidden guards.
But he just waved his hand again.
“I’ve come to seek an audience with Old Ancestor.” This wasn’t said to the guards, but to those in the shadows.
He strode in casually, finally stopping before the forbidden area.
He said nothing, just knelt heavily, prostrating respectfully on the ground.
He knew that if Old Ancestor wanted to see him, he would come out.
Time slowly passed.
Sun set, moon rose, repeating like this.
Three days later.
Yanwu Great General stood up with a bitter expression. He shook his head as if to say something, but swallowed it all back, then left desolately.
The several gazes in the shadows also stirred with various inexplicable emotions:
“Even with Li Yanwu’s relationship to Martial Saint, he couldn’t see him. Could Martial Saint…”
“How dare you speculate on Martial Saint matters. Remember your duties!”
“In the past two thousand years, such situations have occurred. It’s just that this time Martial Saint has been sleeping a bit longer. No need to worry.”
Despite thinking this.
Everyone’s hearts were complex.
In recent years, Great Yan had internal and external troubles. Some couldn’t help growing anxious.
…
As time passed.
The result of the battle between Heavenly Sword True Person and Blade Demon spread wider and wider. Across the Thirteen Prefectures of Great Yan, all heard of it. Even many began to question the authority of the Heavenly Human Ranking.
After all, it was too outrageous. When this Heavenly Human Ranking was first updated, Heavenly Sword True Person was only ranked thirty-sixth. But now, even the third-ranked Blade Demon wasn’t his match. The ranking strength and actual gap were too disparate.
Regarding this.
Imperial Heaven Prefecture, which issued the Heavenly Human Ranking, was quite aggrieved. Over so many years, where was there a Heavenly Sword True Person? With absolute strength, he didn’t reveal it, squeezing it out bit by bit like toothpaste.
Of course, they didn’t dare resent Heavenly Sword True Person.
Imperial Heaven Prefecture urgently updated the rankings. Heavenly Sword True Person took third place, Blade Demon fourth. The rest shifted down accordingly. Additionally, since Heart-Seeking Sword died at Ning Qi’s hand, and Heart Blade Elder at Blade Demon’s, Thunderous Blade Venerable luckily entered the list again at thirty-five, and thirty-six was filled by another expert.
The people of the world were all amazed.
Just these two had turned the Heavenly Human Ranking upside down.
Worth mentioning, after Luofu Sword Master heard Blade Demon lost to Heavenly Sword True Person, he paled in fright and immediately announced closed-door cultivation for a century. His previous offense against True Martial Sect wasn’t major or minor—it all depended on whether they cared. This time, he was so guilty he didn’t even dare watch, fearing Heavenly Sword True Person would slay him with one sword if displeased.
Some who knew the inside story couldn’t help sneering darkly.
And beyond the Thirteen Prefectures of Great Yan.
Many forces outside Great Yan also heard of it. Near Sea sects, Northern Barbarian Grasslands, Desert ancient clans—all turned their gazes, because this wasn’t just a Heavenly Human Ranking expert battle; it involved the Secret of Martial Saint. Blade Demon’s breakthrough failure sparked much discussion among forces, and they feared this unfathomably deep Heavenly Sword True Person immensely.
Faint voices were already spreading: Heavenly Sword True Person might become the next Martial Saint.
However.
No matter how noisy the outside world was, it had nothing to do with Ning Qi.
Since setting the ten-year agreement with Blade Demon that day, he returned to True Martial Mountain, resuming his regular life.
Blade Demon was arranged in the back mountain forbidden area, known only to Dragon Mountain Daoist and Luo Wentian.
Of course.
Blade Demon also didn’t know the so-called Heavenly Sword True Person was actually an eleven-year-old youth.
Perhaps one day Ning Qi would face Blade Demon with his true face, but not now.
In the Seeker’s Courtyard.
Ning Qi was studying the silver pages he got from Wu Jianghe. They contained Wu Jianghe’s insights and speculations on incorporating Heaven and Earth Power for own use, similar to Blade Demon. Back then, after Wu Jianghe’s Sword Dao reached Ultimate Realm, he also tried breaking through to Martial Saint Realm but failed.
Thus, Ning Qi wasn’t optimistic about Blade Demon, and facts proved it.
“However, their breakthrough methods differ slightly. Blade Demon used Ultimate Realm Saber Intent to lead the Three Flowers, thereby drawing Heaven and Earth Power into the body. Wu Jianghe united Sword Intent and Three Flowers. Both have similarities, but both failed at the next step.”
“Drawing Heaven and Earth Power into the body is already so difficult, but how to refine Heaven and Earth Power?”
“If using the self as furnace, the flesh body needs extreme strength. Even the perfection of Essence Flower isn’t enough. That day, if not for my intervention, Blade Demon would have perished. Perhaps other conditions are needed?”
Ning Qi pondered darkly, his brows slightly furrowed. He was deducing many possibilities, but since he hadn’t reached that step, he couldn’t practice them.
Then, he let out a long breath.
No matter what, the Martial Saint Realm was now unveiling its veil to him, unlike before when he knew nothing.
Suddenly.
His eyes moved, looking toward the back mountain. He sensed an invisible Saber Intent spreading—only those whose Martial Way Intent reached Ultimate Realm could sense it. This was Blade Demon calling him.
Ning Qi’s mind stirred.
A black-robed Daoist appeared, then headed to the back mountain.
Soon.
Blade Demon’s figure appeared before Ning Qi. He faintly said:
“Brother Blade Demon, why did you call me?”
Blade Demon had been very calm since going up the mountain, but today there was a sudden change.
Blade Demon turned, his gaze somewhat astonished.
He had been carefully sensing the surroundings but still didn’t detect where Heavenly Sword True Person came from—only sensing upon approach. In his heart, he admired Heavenly Sword True Person even more.
His voice slightly hoarse:
“These days, I’ve been recuperating my injuries and expelling my inner demon. Now accomplished, I’ll exchange insights with True Person on that day’s attempt to break into Martial Saint Realm.”
Ning Qi looked over.
Blade Demon’s left arm was empty, but his Essence, Qi, Spirit was even stronger. At their level, losing one arm was no big deal and didn’t affect strength.
Seeing Blade Demon say this, anticipation rose in Ning Qi’s heart.
“I’d like to hear the details.” His expression turned slightly solemn.
The two didn’t stand on ceremony, simply sitting cross-legged on the ground. An invisible momentum immediately spread around.
Blade Demon recalled for a moment, then slowly said:
“That day, borrowing Brother Heavenly Sword’s hand to reach Blade Dao incarnate, I formed the intent to break through. After centuries of deduction, Ultimate Realm Martial Way Intent can connect the Three Flowers, thereby drawing Heaven and Earth Power into the body.”
“All this matched my deductions, no errors, but… one point still baffles me even now.”
At this, a faint, imperceptible fear rose in Blade Demon’s eyes.
Ning Qi’s spirit shook, asking:
“Which point?”
Blade Demon adjusted his breathing and continued:
“That day, I used my own Saber Intent to lead Three Flowers Gathering at the Apex, controlling Heaven and Earth Power to my lifetime limit. Then I faintly sensed some suppression, but as Heaven and Earth Power poured in, the suppression intensified tenfold, a hundredfold. Vaguely, a great terror lingered in my heart, as if great calamity was imminent.”
“If not for stepping into Martial Saint Realm being my centuries-long obsession, I would have quit on the spot. Now thinking back, my later breakthrough failure birthing the inner demon was related. Otherwise, I absolutely wouldn’t have.”
His will was firm; normally, inner demons and obsessions wouldn’t arise easily.
Ning Qi’s pupils contracted sharply.
“Was it sensing a great terror hidden in the Heaven and Earth Power itself?”
Blade Demon was stunned, then furrowed his brows tightly:
“Before, I didn’t think deeply, only feeling this great terror from heaven’s oppression, not allowing us to achieve Martial Saint. Now hearing Brother Heavenly Sword, perhaps it’s from the Heaven and Earth Power itself? Brother Heavenly Sword says this—does that mean you also…”
Ning Qi nodded slightly:
“To be honest with Brother Blade Demon, since stepping into Heavenly Human Realm, I’ve often sensed terror from Heaven and Earth Power. I thought I was the only one, even suspecting it was illusion. But now Brother Blade Demon feels it too, so it must be real.”
The two simultaneously glanced at the sky, faintly feeling horrified.
“If so, does that mean something’s wrong with Heaven and Earth Power? Preventing us from achieving Martial Saint?”
“Or has it always been this way since ancient times? To step into Martial Saint Realm, we must overcome this great terror.”
Blade Demon fell silent.
After Martial Saint inheritance was severed, everything had to be explored oneself—very difficult.
In the short term, he couldn’t attempt Martial Saint again. The Heavenly Sword True Person before him perhaps had much more hope.
Blade Demon continued:
“That great terror is just one thing. The key to stepping into Martial Saint Realm might be controlling Heaven and Earth Power—not crude use like ours, but precise control, refining it into something like our Gang Qi. That would unleash unmatched supreme power!”
His eyes held longing and hope, then he shook his head:
“But it’s not easy. Previously, drawing Heaven and Earth Power into my body, I felt its terror, but I just ‘swallowed it whole.’ Essentially, in my body or out, no difference.”
“These days thinking deeply, there are perhaps two key points.”
“First, how to ‘digest’ this Heaven and Earth Power—needs countless attempts. Second, where to store the ‘digested’ Heaven and Earth Power. If randomly filling the flesh body, it would be like that day, nearly bursting me apart. Even Brother Heavenly Sword couldn’t save me.”
Ning Qi listened to Blade Demon explain the breakthrough details.
That day, though close, he couldn’t sense Blade Demon’s internal situation clearly. Now hearing it, combined with his prior observations, it felt like clouds parting to reveal the sun.
Spiritual insights rose in his mind, gradually outlining the Martial Saint Realm.
This was truly a great harvest.
Ning Qi solemnly said:
“Thank you, Brother Blade Demon, for generously sharing your enlightenment.”
Blade Demon just waved it off.
“I received great favor from Brother Heavenly Sword. These minor failure insights are worthless.”
Ning Qi thought and said:
“I also have some insights. Brother Blade Demon, why not listen.”
Blade Demon’s eyes lit up, assuming a listening posture.
Ning Qi slowly spoke.
Though without breakthrough experience, from Wu Jianghe’s pages, he gained much inspiration. With his comprehension, a little deduction made it feel like personal experience. Like now, Blade Demon sharing his breakthrough insights—after hearing, Ning Qi felt like experiencing it again, even more. He could deduce repeatedly, gaining even more than Blade Demon himself.
At this moment.
Combining both, he shared some essence.
Blade Demon listened entranced.
Light burst in Blade Demon’s dark pupils. He muttered repeatedly:
“Martial Way Intent not only leads Three Flowers but can fuse with them. Thus, drawn Heaven and Earth Power becomes more controllable, more ‘docile.'”
“Incorporating Heaven and Earth Power uses self as furnace. Strengthening the furnace is key—not just flesh body strength, but ‘crafting.’ Like an alchemy furnace: strong material is one aspect, array patterns on it equally key.”
“As for storing refined Heaven and Earth Power, replacing Core Elixir is a good choice. A wisp of refined Heaven and Earth Power exchanges for a wisp of Gang Qi—ingenious idea, truly ingenious!”
“…”
“So that’s it, so that’s it!”
Blade Demon grew more manic and excited, unable to stop laughing and clapping.
When he came back to himself, he bowed to Ning Qi, utterly convinced. His eyes full of astonishment, feeling Ning Qi’s words opened a new world for him.
“Brother Heavenly Sword, great favor needs no thanks. Accept my bow!”
Ning Qi just smiled, then said:
“Brother Blade Demon needn’t be like this. We’re just discussing the Dao. This discussion is also my deduction. Brother Blade Demon, take what’s fitting as reference.”
Blade Demon nodded, his demeanor radiant.
At this moment.
He truly believed: if anyone in the world could step into Martial Saint Realm, it would undoubtedly be Heavenly Sword True Person!
