Chapter 143: A Sword Of Certain Death In The Nick Of Time!
Ling Xiao Pavilion is located within Ling Xiao City.
This Ling Xiao City did not originally exist; it only gradually developed into a small city after the establishment of Ling Xiao Pavilion.
The entire Ling Xiao City relies on Ling Xiao Pavilion.
Although this is now a great era of cultivation, with immortal sects emerging endlessly.
For the people of Ling Xiao City, entering Ling Xiao Pavilion remains the greatest dream.
However, in the past few days, Ling Xiao City has gradually become lively.
From all corners of the world, whether old or young, famous or obscure, as long as they are first-rank martial artists or grandmasters, they have been arriving at Ling Xiao Pavilion one after another to participate in the martial arts gathering held by Ling Xiao Pavilion.
Third-rate and second-rank martial artists, who are not qualified to participate, have flooded into Ling Xiao City.
In the past, such a grand event from Ling Xiao Pavilion would surely have been the focus of the world.
But now, aside from some martial artists, no one pays attention to the Ling Xiao Pavilion gathering anymore.
In the eyes of cultivators, they are just martial artists, mere dregs, not worth mentioning.
But in the eyes of martial artists, this is still a rare grand event.
“I heard that basically all the grandmasters in the world will come to Ling Xiao Pavilion this time.”
“Grandmasters… how unattainable they once were, and now they have all emerged.”
“They have no choice but to emerge. It is now a great era of cultivation, and even grandmasters are insignificant in the eyes of those cultivators. What about the three grandmaster old ancestors of the Great Shang imperial family? They were killed by a single sword from a cultivator.”
“Are we martial artists truly inferior to cultivators?”
“Who says martial artists are inferior to cultivators? Don’t forget Mister Ji, the Astonishing Swan Saber, who cut down three immortal masters, one of whom even had a flying sword!”
Upon hearing the name “Ji Qing,” many martial artists began to talk incessantly.
The impact of Ji Qing cutting down three cultivators was too great.
Especially among martial artists.
He has almost become the role model for martial artists worldwide.
The Great Shang imperial family’s three grandmasters were killed by a single sword from a cultivator.
Countless martial artists in the world have been killed by cultivators.
Martial artists have become the lowest tier.
The once lofty first-rank martial artists, even innate grandmasters, can only seek refuge with cultivators, subject to their whims.
Only “Astonishing Swan Saber” Ji Qing.
As a grandmaster, he cut down three cultivators with his saber.
This greatly invigorated many martial artists.
Martial artists can also kill cultivators!
At this moment, a large number of first-rank martial artists and even grandmasters have gathered in Ling Xiao Pavilion.
Especially grandmasters.
In the past Dharma-Ending Age, grandmasters lived in seclusion, rarely seen.
No one knew how many grandmasters there were in the world.
But now, in the Great Hall of Ling Xiao Pavilion, there are gradually about twenty-something individuals.
These people are all grandmasters.
This is all the grandmasters in the world today.
Merely twenty-something individuals.
In the Dharma-Ending Age, this was the number of grandmasters.
Even with the current Spiritual Energy Revival, it still requires spiritual objects or spirit stones for first-rank experts to break through to the grandmaster realm.
But where can they find spiritual objects and spirit stones?
Relying solely on the current heaven and earth spiritual energy for a breakthrough is not enough.
“Isn’t it about time? What are we waiting for?”
Suddenly, a grandmaster spoke.
All eyes turned to the three grandmasters seated in the main seat.
They were the three grandmasters of Ling Xiao Pavilion.
Known as the “Ling Xiao Three Elders.”
This was the foundation for Ling Xiao Pavilion’s transcendent status in the Dharma-Ending Age.
Three grandmasters were enough to look down upon the entire Jianghu!
That’s why Ling Xiao Pavilion could establish the Jianghu Ranking without anyone daring to object.
These three grandmasters are Elder Crane, Elder Deer, and Elder Tiger.
The reason for these appellations is said to be that the three of them cultivate divine skills related to cranes, deer, and tigers.
No one knows the specifics.
But these three innate grandmasters are unfathomable.
Some even suspect that the Ling Xiao Three Elders have taken the final step beyond Innate, reaching Innate Perfection.
That is a Great Grandmaster!
However, no one has ever confirmed it.
In the Dharma-Ending Age, to step into the realm of Great Grandmaster?
Too difficult!
Unless there were truly an inexhaustible supply of spiritual objects, it would be possible to become a Great Grandmaster.
After all, forging an innate physique consumes too much spiritual energy.
“Everyone, please be patient. We still need to wait a bit longer, as someone has not arrived yet.”
Elder Crane said slowly.
“Someone hasn’t arrived yet?”
“Who else hasn’t arrived?”
“With so many of us here, are we waiting for him alone?”
“With over twenty grandmasters like us, which martial artist in the world is worthy of us waiting like this?”
The grandmasters stood at the peak of the martial way today.
Each was also proud and arrogant.
The Ling Xiao Three Elders were one thing, with their old seniority, strong strength, and deep background.
But besides the Ling Xiao Three Elders, the grandmasters of the world did not fear anyone.
“This person is extremely important. Without him, the effect of this martial arts gathering would likely be greatly diminished. Moreover, you all should have heard his name.”
Elder Crane’s words caused some grandmasters to start guessing immediately.
In the hearts of many grandmasters, a name had already faintly emerged.
“Could it be… ‘Astonishing Swan Saber’ Ji Qing?”
Upon hearing the name “Astonishing Swan Saber,” the twenty-odd grandmasters in the Great Hall fell silent.
“Astonishing Swan Saber” now held immense fame.
Since the Dharma-Ending Age, “Astonishing Swan Saber” had resounded throughout the Jianghu.
To this day, “Astonishing Swan Saber” is the first martial artist to publicly kill cultivators.
Moreover, he killed three cultivators at once, one of whom possessed a flying sword.
Many grandmasters asked themselves if they could kill a cultivator possessing a flying sword?
Perhaps they could.
Perhaps they could not.
But whether they could or not, they lacked Ji Qing’s courage.
“If it is ‘Astonishing Swan Saber,’ then it is indeed worth waiting a bit longer…”
A grandmaster in the Great Hall spoke.
No one else objected.
The Jianghu is still the same Jianghu.
Strength is paramount!
Being able to cut down three cultivators with a saber means his strength must be outstanding among grandmasters.
What does it matter if they wait a little longer?
Suddenly, a commotion arose from outside.
Immediately, everyone’s gaze turned towards the outside of the Great Hall.
There was a figure.
Black clothes, conical hat, long saber!
The figure descended from the sky and then walked into the Great Hall step by step.
The Ling Xiao Three Elders immediately stood up.
“‘Astonishing Swan Saber’ Mister Ji, you have finally arrived! Please take a seat, we are waiting for you!”
Elder Crane spoke, pointing to the first chair on the lower left.
That was the seat reserved for Ji Qing.
The seating arrangement in Jianghu had significant meaning.
It was even quite important.
Which chair one sat on represented their identity, status, and strength!
It was a comprehensive consideration.
The fact that Ji Qing could sit in the first chair made the meaning crystal clear.
Ji Qing nodded, and without any pretense of politeness, he directly sat in the first chair.
“Mister Ji, may I ask if you have already become a Great Grandmaster?”
Suddenly, a grandmaster with white hair and beard spoke.
“Swish.”
Instantly, all eyes focused on Ji Qing again.
Many grandmasters’ eyes shone with sharpness.
As grandmasters, they naturally understood the meaning of “Great Grandmaster.”
“Why do you ask, sir?”
Ji Qing retorted.
“This old man considers himself knowledgeable. Just now, when Mister Ji entered the Great Hall, his physique seemed extraordinary, very similar to the legendary ‘innate physique,’ hence this question.”
Ji Qing remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, “Yes, Ji Mou has fortunately cultivated an innate physique!”
“Boom.”
As these words were spoken, all the grandmasters’ hearts were thrown into turmoil.
Cultivating an innate physique means having already achieved the realm of Great Grandmaster!
No one had expected that Ji Qing was already a Great Grandmaster?
This was the realm that all martial artists dreamed of.
“Great Grandmaster… how is that possible?”
“Wasn’t it said that in the Dharma-Ending Age, spiritual objects were rare, so how could anyone cultivate an innate physique?”
“This is no longer the Dharma-Ending Age; there is already spiritual energy in heaven and earth.”
“But with just this amount of spiritual energy, do you think it’s enough to forge an innate physique?”
For a time, the grandmasters looked at Ji Qing with fervent gazes.
They wanted to know why Ji Qing was able to cultivate an innate physique.
Moreover, they also greatly desired it.
Since Ji Qing could cultivate an innate physique, they could too!
It wasn’t that difficult in itself.
Cultivating an innate physique only requires sufficient spiritual energy.
For these grandmasters from the Dharma-Ending Age, they were basically all in the late stage of the grandmaster realm.
They were only one step away from forging an innate physique.
But this one step had blocked all the grandmasters.
However, Ji Qing did not speak.
He did indeed have many spirit stones.
But why should he give them to these grandmasters?
He had no saintly heart.
What concern were these grandmasters to him?
“Everyone, the current world is a great era of cultivation. We martial artists have become the lowest tier, and the situation for martial artists is extremely difficult. Therefore, this martial arts gathering mainly concerns three matters.”
“Firstly, the martial way is in decline, with a lack of successors. If this continues, the martial way will cease to exist. Therefore, I propose that everyone should no longer hoard their knowledge but contribute their secret manuals, cultivation techniques, martial skills, and so on, and engage in mutual exchange.”
Regarding this first matter, many grandmasters showed no inclination.
They neither objected nor agreed.
The reaction was lukewarm.
This was also normal. Who would easily contribute their ultimate techniques, divine skills, especially secret manuals, from the martial world?
After all, that was the foundation of a sect or a prominent family’s inheritance.
To expect people to contribute them with just a few words was impossible.
Elder Crane, seeing the expressions and reactions of the crowd, seemed to have anticipated this and was unfazed. He continued, “The second matter is that the martial artists of the world are too scattered. As the saying goes, unity brings mutual benefit, while division leads to mutual harm. Martial artists can no longer continue to deplete each other like this. Therefore, Ling Xiao Pavilion proposes that we grandmasters discuss and establish a Martial Arts Alliance, elect an Alliance Leader, elders, and so on, to unify the power of the entire martial world. We do not seek to confront immortal sects, only to protect ourselves!”
The crowd was somewhat moved.
In the current situation, even a single grandmaster was actually in great danger.
If a cultivator possessed a magic tool, they would pose a significant threat to a grandmaster.
If a Martial Arts Alliance were established and everyone gathered together, it would also be a force, at least comparable to an ordinary Immortal Sect.
But still, no one responded.
Elder Crane continued, “The third matter: My Ling Xiao Pavilion was once a Holy Land of the Martial World. A thousand years ago, many Martial Dao seniors gathered here and left behind twenty-eight Martial Dao Steles! It is said that among these Martial Dao Steles lies the path to ‘Above Grandmaster,’ but one can only comprehend it after ascending to the Innate realm and becoming a Grandmaster.”
“Alternatively, geniuses who have condensed ‘Martial Dao Momentum’ and ‘Martial Dao True Meaning’ are also qualified to comprehend the Martial Dao Steles.”
“My Ling Xiao Pavilion’s Patriarch said that if one day the Spiritual Energy Revival occurs, then all Martial Artists in the world can be invited to comprehend the Martial Dao Steles together, to promote the Martial Way, to pass on the torch, and to ensure its unending continuation!”
“Boom.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the Grandmasters in the Great Hall were in an uproar.
Martial Dao Steles?
Containing the mysteries of the realm above Grandmaster?
How could these be called Martial Dao Steles? They were clearly Martial Dao seeds, belonging to the Martial Dao Inheritance!
Those who could leave these twenty-eight Martial Dao Steles must have been Martial Dao experts above the Grandmaster realm!
The three matters mentioned by the three elders of Ling Xiao Pavilion.
Only the third matter made the numerous Grandmasters extremely excited, feeling that the trip was worthwhile.
Even Ji Qing was moved.
What was his purpose in coming to Ling Xiao Pavilion?
Naturally, it was to find the path to “Above Grandmaster.”
And now, there was no need to search.
Ling Xiao Pavilion had even revealed the Martial Dao Steles.
These were the seeds of the Martial Way!
The torch of the Martial Way!
“Elder Crane, in the thousand years that Ling Xiao Pavilion has existed, have you not tried to comprehend the Martial Dao Steles?”
Someone suddenly asked.
Everyone had also thought of this question.
The Martial Dao Steles were right there in Ling Xiao Pavilion, could they have resisted looking at them?
That was simply impossible.
Elder Crane sighed and said, “To tell you the truth, in the thousand years of Ling Xiao Pavilion, there have been many geniuses who comprehended Martial Dao Momentum. We did indeed attempt to comprehend the Martial Dao Steles, but unfortunately, our talent was insufficient, and we were unable to produce a single expert above the Grandmaster realm.”
“Later, we carefully reflected and felt that it should also be related to the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy. If one cannot even reach the Great Grandmaster realm, what is the use of being a genius?”
“The Martial Way must be walked step by step, with one’s feet firmly on the ground, to reach the Peak of Martial Way!”
Everyone fell into deep thought.
“Mister Ji, since you were able to become a Great Grandmaster, you must have some surplus Spiritual Objects, right? What conditions or requests do you have? We will do whatever we can to fulfill them, as long as we can obtain more Spiritual Objects to help us forge an Innate Body!”
All eyes turned to Ji Qing.
Yes, to reach the realm above Grandmaster, one must first forge an Innate Body.
Without an Innate Body, even if the path above Grandmaster were revealed, what would it have to do with them?
The path must be walked step by step.
Even the gazes of the three elders of Ling Xiao Pavilion held a hint of expectation.
Ji Qing’s heart stirred.
He did indeed have a lot of Spirit Stones.
Giving some would not really affect him.
But giving them away for free was impossible.
He needed to have conditions.
So, what was Ji Qing lacking now?
He lacked Martial Skills of the Innate level, and they had to be top-tier Martial Skills.
Secondly, Origin Points.
Although he already had enough Origin Points.
But why would Ji Qing ever complain about having too many Origin Points?
The more Origin Points, the better!
Killing demons by himself was too slow.
Moreover, he could not always be going around killing demons.
But it would be different if these Grandmasters were present.
These people were Grandmasters, capable of killing demons.
Thinking of this, Ji Qing spoke, “Spirit Stones, I do have them, and a lot of them!”
Ji Qing immediately waved his hand.
“Rustle.”
A pile of Spirit Stones, like a small mountain, appeared before everyone.
Instantly, even the usually calm Grandmasters were dumbfounded.
Spirit Stones!
Mountains of Spirit Stones!
With so many Spirit Stones, just a few, at most ten, would be enough for them to forge an Innate Body.
For a moment, greed, envy, and desire, all sorts of emotions appeared in the eyes of the many Grandmasters.
At Ji Qing’s current strength.
The principle of not showing off one’s wealth no longer applied to him.
What if he showed off his wealth?
“Clang.”
Ji Qing drew his sword.
With a Saber Slash, terrifying Saber Qi carved a massive gully on the ground.
Seeing this, the expressions of the many Grandmasters changed drastically.
Their eyes even seemed to become much clearer.
This was just a casual strike from Ji Qing.
Yet, with this casual strike of his, every Grandmaster present, without exception, felt an incomparable shock in their hearts.
If they were in Ji Qing’s shoes, could they block this saber strike?
The answer was, they could not block it!
This was the reality.
They could not block Ji Qing’s casual saber strike.
Therefore, even if Ji Qing had a pile of Spirit Stones, what of it?
They dared not have any other thoughts.
In Jianghu, strength is paramount!
At this moment, it was vividly displayed.
Ji Qing sheathed his sword.
That saber strike just now was to make these Grandmasters clear their heads a bit.
To prevent them from doing anything foolish.
It seemed that these Grandmasters were indeed very clear-headed now.
Ji Qing then spoke, “You want Spirit Stones? Very well, then exchange them for Martial Arts! I only want Martial Arts of the Innate level, or very special Secret Manuals are also acceptable. One Martial Art for one Spirit Stone!”
Ji Qing thought for a moment, Secret Manuals could be passed down to descendants or disciples.
It wouldn’t hurt to prepare more.
“Alternatively, you can go capture demons. Remember, they must be captured alive! At least when they are before me, they must still be alive. One ordinary demon, one Spirit Stone. If you can capture a Great Demon alive, five Spirit Stones per Great Demon.”
Ji Qing proposed two conditions.
Either Martial Arts, or capture demons alive.
Both conditions could be exchanged for Spirit Stones from him.
Many Grandmasters’ eyes lit up.
These conditions seemed not difficult.
Martial Arts, Secret Manuals, they all possessed them, but if Ji Qing were to choose, he would surely only select a small portion.
But demons were different.
Now that Spiritual Energy was reviving, there were many demons in the world.
Grandmasters were on par with the Qi Refining Stage, and while dealing with ordinary demons had risks, there was still a great chance of capturing them alive.
Even for Great Demons, if several or even a dozen Grandmasters joined forces, it wasn’t impossible to capture them alive.
As for why Ji Qing wanted demons, they wouldn’t ask.
As long as they could obtain Spirit Stones, it was enough.
“Mister Ji, I have a Martial Art called Divine Luo Fist, its power is immense, do you think it can be exchanged for a Spirit Stone?”
“Mister Ji, this old man also has a Martial Art…”
“This old man also has a miraculous Secret Manual that can cultivate five Acupoints…”
Immediately, some Grandmasters spoke up, presenting their unique skills, all for the sake of exchanging for a Spirit Stone.
Even Ling Xiao Pavilion, with its millennia-long inheritance, was immensely tempted at this moment.
The three elders of Ling Xiao Pavilion each presented Ling Xiao Pavilion’s ultimate skills, also seeking just one Spirit Stone.
What about treasuring one’s own belongings like a precious broom?
What about the inheritance of a Holy Land?
What about Divine Skills, Secret Manuals?
At this moment, none of them mattered anymore.
Ji Qing was selecting various Divine Skills and Secret Manuals.
Seeing which ones were more suitable for him.
He didn’t even notice that a figure in the crowd was slowly approaching.
The person moved silently, seemingly blending completely into the crowd, as if no one would notice him, as if he didn’t exist.
When the person approached Ji Qing, to within about one foot.
“Whoosh.”
They made their move.
A silver light, containing sharp edge, struck rapidly towards Ji Qing with lightning speed.
It was a Short Sword.
Yet it exuded a chilling edge.
Moreover, at such close range, who would have thought that someone would dare to make a move amidst so many Grandmasters?
“Stop!”
“It’s Shadow Ghost, only his sword is silent.”
“Damn it, it’s too close, there’s no time.”
“Shadow Ghost specializes in assassination, how dare he?”
The three elders of Ling Xiao Pavilion were extremely furious.
But they were too far away, and it was too late to act now.
There were other Grandmasters in the crowd who also moved to intercept.
But it was still too late.
Too close.
And the one who made the move was Shadow Ghost, specializing in the path of assassination, his attacks silent, yet fast and accurate.
Once he made a move, his target would surely die!
Seeing Ji Qing’s lack of reaction, Shadow Ghost couldn’t help but show a smile.
Exchanging Martial Arts for Spirit Stones?
Even fighting demons to the death for Spirit Stones?
Shadow Ghost had always disdained doing such things.
What he wanted, he always took for himself!
Moreover, he could also tell.
Ji Qing had just taken out Spirit Stones from his Storage Jade Pendant.
This was only a small portion.
The majority was likely still in the Storage Jade Pendant.
If he killed Ji Qing and took the Storage Jade Pendant, all those Spirit Stones would be his.
“I have practiced the art of assassination for decades. As long as I get within three feet, even a Grandmaster will surely die!”
“Moreover, I am within one foot of Ji Qing. Even if you have forged an Innate Body, so what? An Innate Body is still a flesh and blood body, it cannot withstand my full sword strike!”
“It’s laughable that you people, esteemed Grandmasters standing at the Peak of Martial Way, actually have to honestly exchange your Martial Arts and Secret Manuals for a mere Spirit Stone?”
“It’s even more laughable that Ji Qing, you trust others so easily? Even showing so many Spirit Stones to the public, simply foolish! You are courting death!”
Closer.
Shadow Ghost’s sword was even closer to Ji Qing.
It seemed that in the next moment, it would pierce Ji Qing’s throat.
At this moment, Ji Qing raised his head and stared at Shadow Ghost.
He showed neither panic nor fear.
Instead, his gaze was incomparably cold.
Shadow Ghost’s heart pounded.
With death looming, how can Ji Qing remain so calm?
Could it be that Ji Qing has some other way to turn the tables?
No, that’s absolutely impossible!
Shadow Ghost has absolute confidence in himself.
With this sword strike, Ji Qing is bound to die!
“Swish.”
Ji Qing extended his hand.
Fair skin, delicate fingers.
They didn’t look like the hands of a martial artist.
Yet, it was precisely such a hand that gently grasped the short sword that was now within reach.
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