Chapter 277: Should Become Sect Master
However, compared to annihilating the Ye Family, Sword Ancestor Jian Jingjue had a more important matter to attend to.
Before the Ye Family, history was merely fleeting sand.
The elders recounted everything that had happened in the sect, while Ziyang and Jiang Ruhai filled in the details of all their encounters on the way to the Profound True Secret Realm.
Jian Jingjue’s Dao Heart, which had remained motionless for ten thousand years, couldn’t help but stir with the stories told by these individuals.
The elders withdrew, and Jian Jingjue looked directly at Ning Qi. Sword Intent surged around him, and an overwhelmingly powerful aura enveloped the entire area, bringing forth an inexplicable sense of killing intent. Everyone present dared not speak.
“You are Ning Qi?” Jian Jingjue asked.
Ning Qi cupped his fists in response, “Indeed.”
An elder who had been in seclusion for ten thousand years met with a junior, yet Jian Jingjue felt an extremely peculiar sensation upon first seeing Ning Qi.
In his life, besides his extraordinary talent in the Sword Dao, he was also quite skilled in the Art of Destiny.
He could calculate the lay of the land and the flow of mountains and rivers below, the grand momentum of the Immortal Path above, and the immortal and mortal states of individuals in between.
Therefore, the current Grand Formation and Layout of the Boundless Sword Sect were all established by Jian Jingjue when he managed the sect.
Before entering closed-door cultivation, Jian Jingjue had spent sixty years of his lifespan to glimpse the future of the Boundless Sword Sect. He vaguely calculated that a dominant figure would emerge in the future, leading the Boundless Sword Sect to great prosperity!
Thus, he entered closed-door cultivation with peace of mind, never expecting that the sect protecting grand formation would be triggered today, startling him out.
He had initially thought a powerful enemy had attacked the sect, but after understanding the situation, it was merely internal conflict within the sect.
However, this internal conflict was not initiated by the sect elders, but by a true disciple.
Jian Jingjue’s Dao Heart, which had been unmoving for ten thousand years, was severely shaken, and he couldn’t help but recall his calculations before entering seclusion.
Now, upon seeing Ning Qi, Jian Jingjue employed his qi perception technique. As he looked, it seemed as if sword intent condensed into the shape of the Eight Trigrams within his eyes.
At a single glance, Jian Jingjue’s pupils instantly contracted.
Faced with their Old Ancestor emerging from seclusion and unleashing his supreme Sword Dao aura, the reactions of everyone in the sect varied.
The Ye Family members cried for help, the Jiang Family members offered their full submission, other elders were astonished or shocked, and all other true disciples bowed their heads.
Only Ning Qi, while respectful, did not submit to him as the strongest being in the way that others in the sect did.
Ning Qi’s gaze remained calm and unperturbed, his demeanor transcendent, as if the heavens and earth could collapse without him changing expression, or the world perish without him being affected.
There was a clear, pure qi in his eyes, like the primordial state of creation, where clear qi rises and turbid qi falls.
What Jian Jingjue admired most was Ning Qi’s aura, which showed no deference to status or fear of mana level.
Because he was also such a person.
Those dedicated to the Sword Dao, regardless of any obstacles ahead, must break through all laws with a single sword to achieve success.
For the Boundless Sword Sect to prosper, the younger generation absolutely cannot rely on him, their Old Ancestor; they must even surpass his obstruction, for he belongs to the old era.
What surprised Jian Jingjue even more was that, apart from some members of the Ye and Jiang families, he discovered that the fate of most people in the entire sect was tied to Ning Qi!
Ning Qi gazed at Jian Jingjue, while others were also subtly observing.
Many elders’ eyes flickered; they knew Jian Jingjue was skilled in the Art of Destiny, could it be…
Suddenly, the sword intent around Jian Jingjue loosened, and the killing aura receded. Everyone on the plaza felt a sense of relief.
Their hearts were greatly shaken; their Old Ancestor was indeed terrifying!
Without using any mana or supernatural powers, nor any rules, with just his sword intent, it felt as if it was directly aimed at everyone’s foreheads, as if the slightest carelessness could lead to the destruction of their Nascent Soul.
And Senior Brother Ning, facing the Sword Ancestor, whose realm was now unknown, remained as composed as ever, earning everyone’s admiration once again.
“Excellent, excellent, excellent!”
Jian Jingjue stroked his long beard and said “good” three times in a row. His voice was clear and resonant, as if it could shake the Nine Heavens.
Everyone sensed that the Sword Ancestor seemed to be in a very good mood at this moment.
Jian Jingjue then strode towards the bound members of the Ye Family.
His sword-like eyes swept over the Ye Family members. Internal sect conflict, the Ye Family was the source of all trouble; he should have been furious.
But after seeing Ning Qi, the joy in his heart had already dispelled his anger.
Furthermore, the four Great Powers of the Ye Family before him were all bound by Ning Qi’s Rule Divine Chains and unable to move. Even Jian Jingjue couldn’t help but reveal a hint of surprise, further solidifying his belief that Ning Qi was the destined figure for prosperity he had foreseen.
“Old Ancestor, save us, our Ye Family…” Ye Duangjiang’s voice was pained.
However, Jian Jingjue did not listen further. Divine Light blazed in his sword-like eyes, and several illusory small swords shot out from his eyes, instantly annihilating the Ye Family members before him.
The hairs on the backs of most people in the arena stood on end. The Sword Ancestor emerging from seclusion and immediately destroying the Ye Family was truly terrifying.
Jian Jingjue turned back and said:
“The Ye Family is the root of chaos in the Sword Sect. They must be eradicated to set things right. Now, all guilty members of the Ye Family have been executed, and all innocent members are to be expelled. Are there any objections?”
“We obey the Sword Ancestor’s decree!”
All the elders replied in unison.
Immediately, Jian Jingjue looked directly at Jiang Baichuan.
As the Old Ancestor’s gaze fell upon him, Jiang Baichuan slightly bowed his body, but his face had already turned ashen.
When he was Sect Leader, he naturally possessed considerable authority, but facing the Old Ancestor, especially the Old Ancestor who had just annihilated so many people from the Ye Family, and a decisive sword cultivator, Jiang Baichuan felt like an ant under a giant elephant, his composure already unstable.
“Little Chuan, do you know your crime?”
Jiang Baichuan trembled all over and hurriedly said, “Sword Ancestor above, Baichuan knows his crime.”
“What is your crime?”
“I…” Jiang Baichuan paused for a moment before continuing, “I failed to discover the Ye Family’s wolfish ambition in advance; it is the crime of a negligent Sect Leader.”
“Just that one thing?”
Sweat beaded on Jiang Baichuan’s forehead. He continued, “The Ye Family colluded with the Northern Profound Upper Sect to sever our Sword Sect’s future in the Profound True Secret Realm. Yet, with clear evidence, I intended to deal with them later; this is the second.”
Now that he had confessed his own crimes publicly, his heart sank into the abyss. He vaguely realized what the Sword Ancestor was about to do.
Everyone present also had a premonition.
However, even though Jiang Baichuan admitted to two crimes, Jian Jingjue did not accept it, saying:
“These are indeed your transgressions, but they are not the most important. Do you know what is most important?”
“Please enlighten me, Sword Ancestor,” Jiang Baichuan asked, suddenly enlightened.
Jian Jingjue’s voice resonated with the Sound of the Great Dao, spreading throughout the entire area.
“Your Dao Heart is clouded; your sword has dulled!”
Hearing this, Jiang Baichuan froze on the spot, his entire body as if he had been fished out of water.
Not only him, but everyone present also seemed to have their bodies and minds cleansed by the Sound of the Great Dao, gaining some enlightenment.
“Our Boundless Sword Sect is established on the sword. Sect Leader Jiang Baichuan is indecisive and lacks foresight; he shall be relieved of his position as Sect Leader.”
Jian Jingjue’s sword-like eyes swept over everyone, finally settling on Ning Qi.
“True Disciple Ning Qi of the Sword Sect, while in the Profound True Secret Realm, protected the Sword Sect’s foundation, single-handedly rescued Elder Ziyang and Jiang Ruhai, thwarted the Northern Profound Upper Sect’s schemes, and upon returning to the sect, used conclusive evidence to punish the Ye Family, his merits are outstanding.”
“He has now stepped into the Late Void Dao Realm and is no match for the Ye Family’s four Great Powers. I wish to appoint him to the position of Sect Leader.”
“Ning Qi, are you willing?”
The crowd in the arena was once again shocked.
Earlier, the Sword Ancestor had annihilated the Ye Family and asked if anyone had objections.
Then, he deposed Jiang Baichuan as Sect Leader, turning it into a direct command.
But when it came to Senior Brother Ning taking over, he didn’t ask the crowd nor directly decreed it, but rather asked if Senior Brother Ning was willing. Oh, this…
Everyone understood clearly; how could they not grasp how highly the Sword Ancestor valued Ning Qi?
Ning Qi was also momentarily stunned upon hearing this.
He never expected the Sword Ancestor to value him so highly. Although he had harbored ambitions for the position of Sect Leader, he had expected it to require some struggle to achieve. Now, with the Sword Ancestor emerging from seclusion, he was directly appointed Sect Leader.
Ning Qi’s expression immediately turned serious. He cupped his fists and bowed, “True Disciple Ning Qi of the Sword Sect is willing to accept the appointment!”
“Excellent, excellent, excellent!”
Jian Jingjue said “good” three times again. His sword-like eyes, which seemed indifferent to everything, looked at Ning Qi with a hint of gentleness and relief.
As for Jiang Baichuan, he looked as if he had lost his parents, and some of the Jiang Family members were also deeply shaken, looking at Ning Qi with envy.
With Jiang Baichuan removed from the position of Sect Leader, their Jiang Family would likely receive much less in resource allocation in the future.
Although the Jiang Family was not as blatant as the Ye Family in using sect resources to cultivate their own members, they still had to provide some care, which would now come to nothing.
However, the Sword Ancestor’s swift and decisive actions upon emerging from seclusion left them no room for any objections, lest they suffer the same fate as the Ye Family.
Moreover, the Jiang Family members had previously seen Jiang Qingxue and Jiang Ruhai completely siding with Ning Qi. They were not fools and knew there was more to it.
As for the neutral elders and the true disciples below, their faces beamed with joy!
They had finally escaped the situation where the Ye and Jiang families controlled the sect!
For a long time, they had suffered greatly caught between the Ye and Jiang families.
The two families were untouchable, and they had to fight desperately for resources. The sect was divided, and they felt no sense of unity or glory.
The people of Five Elements Peak, under Ning Qi’s banner, were the most excited.
They had followed Senior Brother Ning for the longest time, twenty years at most, and some for only one or two years. They never expected their Senior Brother Ning to become Sect Leader so soon!
They weren’t like the people from the Jiang and Ye families, hoping that Senior Brother Ning becoming Sect Leader would bring more resources to Five Elements Peak.
Because Senior Brother Ning’s guidance was the greatest resource!
Their Five Elements Peak could maximize the use of resources, achieving the most with the least.
Moreover, Senior Brother Ning had always been just, never like the Ye and Jiang families.
The nine True Disciples were also overjoyed at this moment.
With a monstrous talent like Senior Brother Ning leading the sect, it would be infinitely better than the old timers from the previous era. They seemed to see themselves, under Senior Brother Ning’s leadership, making the Boundless Sword Sect even more glorious.
…
The Boundless Sword Sect experienced a seismic shift unseen in ten thousand years.
A successor to the position of Sect Leader was about to ascend, one who was the youngest in history, the fastest to advance, and possessed an Immortal Seed talent.
Sword Ancestor Jian Jingjue decided to officially hold a succession ceremony for Ning Qi one month later.
He personally penned invitations and had several elders deliver them to other Upper Sects in the Northern Xuan Region, and True Disciples deliver them to their subordinate sects.
There were ten major Upper Sects in the Northern Xuan Region in total, but due to the matter of the Profound True Secret Realm, not all Upper Sects were invited, with the Northern Profound Upper Sect being excluded.
The matter of their enmity could be slowly settled later.
Time passed.
On this day, in the Central Peaks’ Mingxin Hall.
Sword Ancestor Jian Jingjue and Ning Qi sat opposite each other, while other Great Powers were seated around them.
Jian Jingjue planned to share his gains from ten thousand years of closed-door cultivation with the younger generation during this period of emergence.
This would not only enhance the new Sect Leader Ning Qi’s comprehension but also assist other Great Powers, thereby deepening the sect’s foundation, and fulfilling their responsibility as elders to him.
“You have all stepped into the Void Dao Realm. Although our Boundless Sword Sect is a sword sect, one cannot be fixated on form.”
Immediately, Jian Jingjue extended a palm. His palm was slender, with slightly protruding bones, lean and powerful.
Everyone’s gaze immediately shifted.
On his palm, an illusory small sword materialized, condensed from the Rules of Sword.
The onlookers thought, “What’s so difficult about this? Everyone present can condense a similar small sword.”
However, given that this was the Sword Ancestor, it certainly wouldn’t be so simple, but everyone genuinely did not understand his intention.
Jian Jingjue suddenly smiled and said, “Watch closely!”
With that, the small sword in his palm suddenly trembled and, in the blink of an eye, transformed into an illusory small knife.
Everyone observed carefully with their Nascent Souls and was instantly startled.
This was because the knife was not formed by the Rules of Sword being shaped into a knife; rather, the knife itself was condensed from the Saber Rule.
The crowd was still confused, wondering if the Sword Ancestor, who specialized only in the Sword Dao, had learned the Saber Rule during his ten thousand years of seclusion.
Only Ning Qi’s eyes seemed to brighten slightly.
Subsequently, they saw the knife in Jian Jingjue’s hand transform into various weapons, all of which were instruments of killing: spears, sabers, halberds, arrows… and even a saw!
This time, everyone was shocked. If Jian Jingjue had mastered the Saber Rule before, it was impossible for him to have mastered so many rules at once.
“Sword Ancestor, how did you achieve this?” True Person Ziyang asked.
Jian Jingjue stroked his beard with his other hand and revealed the secret.
“This is what I have gained over ten thousand years, all contained within ‘One Sword Breaks All Laws’.”
“‘One Sword Breaks All Laws’?”
The crowd was momentarily stunned.
“One Sword Breaks All Laws” could be considered the ultimate dream of a sword cultivator, but who could achieve it?
Therefore, after stepping into the Void Dao Realm, they each honed themselves based on the rules they were most attuned to.
Once one Dao was mastered, they would cultivate another.
They knew that the Sword Ancestor before them was extraordinarily talented and had indeed only cultivated the Sword Dao, being the one closest to the sect’s name.
Ning Qi, on the other hand, fell into silence.
Images of the Rule Divine Chains in the Sword Ancestor’s hands flashed through his mind. It seemed as if boundless spiritual light erupted in his eyes as he meticulously deduced something.
Jian Jingjue then said:
“‘One Sword Breaks All Laws’ is not an empty statement.”
“I meditated for ten thousand years, and every day, my mind would flash with the enemies I had encountered in my life, and I would strike them down with my intent sword.”
“The enemies I annihilated were not just their bodies or spirits, but even their rules were annihilated along with them!”
“Until one day, I suddenly understood that since the Sword Dao could break all laws, the Rules of Sword that I wield could also break all kinds of rules.”
Everyone listened with rapt attention, their hearts filled with longing.
However, the Sword Ancestor had not yet reached the crucial point, but was still organizing his thoughts for everyone.
Above the divine hall, within the void, countless swords suddenly appeared, weaving through like swimming fish.
The entire space seemed to contain only the Rules of Sword; only the sword reigned supreme.
The Great Powers present attempted to communicate with the rules they controlled but were unable to do so, causing them great alarm.
Even with the same Rules of Sword, they could not communicate!
It was as if all the rules in this world were monopolized by the Sword Ancestor alone, with all other rules vanquished beneath his Sword Dao.
Jian Jingjue continued:
“After achieving the supremacy of the Sword Dao, I delved deeper and realized that the Sword Dao could sever all Daos, and also command all Daos, just as a king commands his subjects!”
“Therefore, what you just witnessed was the result of my attainment.”
Upon hearing this, all the Great Powers were shocked.
They seemed to have their confusion within their bodies shattered by Jian Jingjue’s sword strike, receiving enlightenment, and in an instant, their entire disposition was opened up.
They couldn’t help but exclaim in their hearts, “As expected of the Sword Ancestor!”
Jian Jingjue smiled, “It’s a pity that even if I understand this Dao, I can only control a few Daos.”
All the other Great Powers were convinced by his Preaching the Dao, and Jian Jingjue couldn’t help but look at Ning Qi before him.
Ning Qi sat cross-legged as if in a trance, his mind completely immersed in enlightenment.
Jian Jingjue noticed Ning Qi seemed to be comprehending, but since Ning Qi was right in front of him, why didn’t he directly ask instead of comprehending on his own?
It was difficult for him to come out of closed-door cultivation. Wouldn’t asking him save more time? Or could an epiphany in one night compare to his ten thousand years of arduous cultivation?
Jian Jingjue frowned inwardly, but did not show it.
“Ning Qi, why don’t you demonstrate with me, how about it?”
He transmitted the Sound of the Great Dao, directly entering Ning Qi’s mind.
Ning Qi instantly awoke from his enlightenment and then stood up.
“Please impart your teachings, Sword Ancestor.”
“Mm.”
The two walked out of the Bright Heart Hall and arrived in the plaza, standing opposite each other.
The Great Powers also followed them out, all sighing that Ning Qi was fortunate to receive personal guidance from the Sword Ancestor.
Jiang Baichuan’s expression was dejected, and he was among them.
Now he has been removed from the position of Sect Leader, his spirits are low, and his heart is full of distress.
Seeing the Sword Ancestor guide Ning Qi, he only hoped to give Ning Qi some trouble.
True Person Ziyang and Jiang Ruhai exchanged glances, as if seeing the same thought in each other’s eyes.
Ning Qi’s strength had long surpassed theirs. The Sword Ancestor’s realm was unknown, but he likely hadn’t broken through to the Integration Realm yet. Who was stronger between the two?
But according to the essence of “One Sword Breaks Ten Thousand Laws” previously showcased by the Sword Ancestor, the Sword Ancestor’s strength is absolutely the number one person in the Boundless Sword Sect.
“I’m only using thirty percent of my strength, so be careful.”
As soon as Jian Jingjue entered his state, Sword Intent permeated the void around him.
He took a step forward, then struck Ning Qi with a palm strike.
The two were separated by ten zhang. As he attacked, the void seemed to be torn open, and a sword’s cry echoed.
A Rule Divine Chain of the Sword Rule was instantly stabbed towards Ning Qi, it had no edge, yet nothing was sharper.
177 Ning Qi also sacrificed a Rule Divine Chain of Sword.
Buzz!
Two Rule Divine Chains of the Saber Rule collided head-on in mid-air.
Although they were clearly rules between the void and reality, they made the onlookers see sparks flying, and it was the bursting rule fragments that were glowing.
The Saber Rule the two produced simultaneously collapsed, and Ning Qi’s expression remained unchanged.
Jian Jingjue was stunned for a moment, then said:
“Good boy, no wonder they said you could destroy the five Great Powers of the Northern Profound Upper Sect. You indeed have some strength.”
He initially used only thirty percent of his strength, merely probing Ning Qi, and did not truly wield the divine might of his One Sword Breaks Ten Thousand Laws.
“Next, I’ll use fifty percent of my strength, so you’ll have to be careful.”
Ning Qi nodded.
This time, Jian Jingjue’s aura intensified, beginning to affect the space they occupied.
The Great Powers watching were stunned.
Even as mere observers, they felt a terrifying sense of being surrounded by Sword Intent, like a sharp edge against their skin. The pressure Ning Qi faced from the opposite side was imaginable.
However, Ning Qi did not seem to be as vulnerable as they were; his entire body was seamless, impervious to all laws.
Jian Jingjue once again used a palm strike, this time still unleashing a Saber Rule.
However, the Sword Intent that permeated his body merged into it, and that Sword Rule Divine Chain immediately became more flexible, as if it had gained life.
In a trance, it seemed as though this world contained only this one Saber Rule, and no longer had room for all things.
Ning Qi’s gaze flickered.
The Sword Ancestor finally showcased the power of One Sword Breaks Ten Thousand Laws. Although he only used fifty percent of his strength, it was enough for him to learn.
And so, Ning Qi drew his palm through the air.
Only to see two Saber Rules forcefully squeeze out from the void, attacking Jian Jingjue’s Saber Rules.
The onlookers were all shocked to see this.
Previously, they had experienced the terrifying feeling of the Sword Ancestor blocking the rules of the void within the Mingxin Hall. They never expected Ning Qi to still be able to condense his own Saber Rule from the void; this move alone had already surpassed them.
Similarly, Ning Qi’s Sword Dao Rules also seemed to possess spiritual intelligence; one struck directly, while another coiled to the side like a snake.
The reason for unleashing two swords was because of the Sword Ancestor’s explanation of “One Sword Breaks Ten Thousand Laws.” Even he had heard of it for the first time, and it also opened up a new path for him.
Ning Qi had to admit that the Sword Ancestor’s talent in Sword Dao was indeed astonishing.
If he could learn it, his main body could immediately use the Dao of “One Sword Breaks Ten Thousand Laws” to sever rules in the Sea of Realms and integrate them into himself.
Therefore, he wanted to learn while fighting and comprehending.
As expected, the two Rules of Sword collided. Ordinary Rules of Sword were no longer comparable to the Sword Dao Rules of the Sword Ancestor.
The Sword Ancestor’s was like a peerless divine weapon, while his was an ordinary saber.
After barely holding on for a few breaths, he was severed by the Sword Ancestor’s Sword Dao Rules.
It was Ning Qi’s first time using the same rules to descend.
Just as he had fought the four Great Powers of the Ye Family before, his understanding of the Rules far surpassed theirs, allowing him to sweep away their Rules.
But Ning Qi was not without ways to deal with the Sword Ancestor; he still had several rules he hadn’t used. It was just that if he fought with the same rules now, he could comprehend them more deeply.
The only thing that surprised Ning Qi was that he did not lack in his control and comprehension of rules compared to the Sword Ancestor; rather, he lacked a certain cognition of the Great Dao.
212 The Sword Ancestor exclusively cultivated the Sword Dao, his entire Nascent Soul and mind specialized and focused, all integrated into the Sword Dao. He naturally possessed a sharp Sword Intent empowering him.
This was what Ning Qi comprehended from the broken Rule Divine Chain of the Saber Rule.
Another Sword Dao Rule Divine Chain, coiling like a snake, was now manipulated by Ning Qi, contending with the Sword Ancestor.
Only two Rule Divine Chains were seen, constantly colliding in the void.
A thunderclap sounded in the silence.
Even more shocked than Ning Qi was the Sword Ancestor.
Jian Jingjue had already used fifty percent of his strength. He was confident he could instantly sever the rules of not only ordinary Late Void Dao Realm Great Powers, but even those at Void Dao Realm Perfection.
Masters battle, and with the first move, the depths of both sides are known.
The first divine chain, Ning Qi actually held on for a few breaths.
And now, with the second divine chain, Jian Jingjue clearly felt that it was different from before.
Although he could still sever Ning Qi’s Saber Rule, it was becoming increasingly difficult.
Both of their Rules of Sword were no more than five zhang in length. Ning Qi’s second Rule of Sword was used in an extremely divine manner.
Every time Jian Jingjue wanted to end it like the first one, Ning Qi would manipulate him to dodge.
What was even more terrifying was that above Ning Qi’s Saber Rule, there was also a trace of Sword Intent of “One Sword Breaks Ten Thousand Laws”.
Jian Jingjue immediately understood, knowing Ning Qi was gaining enlightenment on the spot.
Thus, both of them used the front ends of their Saber Rule Divine Chains to fight, and from afar, they looked like two snakes biting and devouring each other.
For the first few breaths, Jian Jingjue could continuously sever Ning Qi’s Rule Divine Chains.
But as it went on, everyone clearly saw that Ning Qi’s Saber Rule was beginning to show the momentum to contend with the Sword Ancestor.
In the end, both Rule Divine Chains were only about a foot long. Ning Qi’s Sword Dao Rule merged into the void and suddenly appeared, severing the Sword Ancestor’s Rule Divine Chain.
