My Wife Is The Leader Of A Demonic Cult

Chapter 233: Chapter 233: Xuanqing Mountain Sword Breaks Heaven and Earth

The name of Xuanqing Mountain is known to all under the heavens, once the ancestral home of the Mystical Sect, the most prosperous faction in the world.

With beautiful scenery, clear mountains and waters, shrouded in mist and drizzle all year round, the ever-changing mists envelop the mountains.

Entering Xuanqing Mountain, one finds layers upon layers of peaks, ancient trees reaching for the sky, broken cloud bridges, deep valleys, a sliver of sky, waterfalls cascading through a myriad of ravines, exotic flowers paving the paths, revealing a unique realm within.

In Yan Chu’s “Origin Opening Scripture,” it was recorded that of the five famous mountains within the territory of Yan Country, Nanhua Mountain is tall, Tianku Mountain is steep, and Xuanqing Mountain is divine.

Standing atop Xuanqing Mountain, one can feel the vast expanse of mists and clouds, as if being in the boundless universe itself.

Along the dense and secluded trail in the forest, the crisp chirping of birds can be heard, as a gracefully dressed young master in white makes his way up the mountain.

Accompanying the young master in white is a beautiful, delicate maid, along with several black-clad attendants following behind.

An Jing looked at the scenery along the way and said, “Yan Country occupies the ancestral land, blessed with good fortune, a place where gifted people and spiritual lands converge, truly the heartland of the world. No wonder Houjin desires to move southward and Zhao Country wishes to move northward.”

Although it was his second visit to Xuanqing Mountain, his feelings were different each time he came to this place.

It was as if infinite secrets within Xuanqing Mountain awaited his discovery.

Yu Qiurong, who lived for a long time in the desolate Dongluo Pass, couldn’t help but look several times at the ethereal immortal energy.

Qian Cishan quickly said, “Even this serene shaded path alone is so picturesque, evoking boundless longing and imagination.”

An Jing glanced at the Heavenly Ascending Stairs and said in a deep voice, “The shaded path you admire is wet with dew every night and morning.”

Qian Cishan didn’t understand, but his heart was profoundly shaken, and he flattered, “What the Tributor says is true.”

Yu Qiurong was silent, feeling a deeper meaning in his words, yet unable to comprehend, and thought to herself, “I am indeed far from the master’s realm, worthy of being a genius who reached the Second Qi Grandmaster level at such a young age.”

…….

Xuanqing Mountain’s Black Bull Ridge was bustling with activity.

Following the sound, one could see several children of different ages collaborating to move a log. Among them were teenagers around thirteen or fourteen, as well as children around five or six years old. The log was thick enough to require the embrace of an adult, a task that would demand considerable effort even from strong men, let alone these children, who naturally found it extremely strenuous and arduous.

Their clothing was colorful with patches, and despite being drenched in sweat and out of breath, their expressions were filled with enthusiasm.

At the forefront stood a woman in her twenties, of average looks but with a gentle brow, currently passing water from a porcelain bowl to the children in front of her.

There were many logs, all neatly arranged, evidently the product of their hard work felling trees in the mountains.

A boy, panting heavily, said, “Sister Yu’er, we’ve more or less prepared the timber, only the roof tiles remain.”

A girl beside him said with longing, “The roof tiles should be beautiful, with red, blue, yellow, brown… the more colors, the better, they will look comfortable to the eyes.”

At this, everyone present showed yearning expressions.

Luo Yu’er laughed lightly, “Alright, I’ll speak with Uncle Luo later, to add more color when making the tiles.”

“That’s wonderful! Red is my favorite,” exclaimed a child joyfully.

“Sister Yu’er, we should move more timber to make the Daoist temple bigger and stronger, so that the wind won’t get through at night,” suggested another.

…..

All the children’s eyes lit up as they talked.

Luo Yu’er patted the head of the girl in front, chuckling, “Good, I’ll go make food now. Everyone did great today, so we’ll have potatoes stewed with meat.”

Her words sparked cheers among the children, with the younger ones even involuntarily swallowing their saliva.

As Luo Yu’er was about to head toward the stove nearby, a group of people not far away caught her attention.

“What a handsome young master.”

Especially the leading man in white, whose smile seemed to glimmer in his eyes, his eyelashes fluttering as if clouds obscured the moon, making her heart skip a beat.

The next instant, when she saw the tall and burly Qian Cishan with a long saber at his waist, her face turned pale.

An Jing took a few steps forward, smiling as he asked, “Miss, are you renovating the Daoist temple?”

“Yes… yes, we are,” Luo Yu’er replied softly, her face blushing.

An Jing nodded slightly, looking at the children of various ages and the neatly piled timber, gaining some insight. Perhaps it was related to his cheap Daoist uncle.

At that moment, the children were staring wide-eyed at the wealthy young master who had suddenly arrived.

An Jing asked further, “Do you know where Taoist Luo is?”

“Uncle Luo is inside the Thousand Mechanism Palace.”

Luo Yu’er’s eyes shone as she quickly offered, “Are you here to see Uncle Luo? I can lead the way for you, young master.”

“No need, I know where the Thousand Mechanism Palace is,” replied An Jing with a chuckle, and continued walking ahead.

“`

Hearing this, a flicker of disappointment passed through Luo Yu’er’s eyes.

Just then, An Jing turned his head and said, “If Miss plans to make potato stew with meat, remember to make some extra.”

“O… okay.”

By the time Luo Yu’er had recovered her composure, she hastily replied.

A youth called out, “Sister Yu’er, stop staring. That young master has already left.”

“Always the smart mouth with you.”

Luo Yu’er’s face grew even redder, then she quickly made her way toward the stove, such handsome and gentle young masters were scarce to come by.

An Jing, on the other hand, had passed through Black Bull Ridge and arrived in front of the Thousand Mechanism Palace.

An old Taoist was sitting cross-legged at the entrance of the palace, engrossed in studying a set of drawings, and beside him was a dish of peanuts.

He was eating the peanuts while gazing intently at the drawings in his hand, seemingly lost in thought.

Yu Qiurong and Qian Cishan looked at the old Taoist with a trace of nervousness on their faces. The man before them had quite the reputation; he was the number one wanted individual by the Zhenyi Sect and had managed to elude capture for decades. His mere words had once daunted Mansion Master Qiu Fengsheng of Soul Seeker Mansion.

How could they not be nervous?

An Jing instructed, “Wait here for a moment.”

“Yes.”

The two bowed and responded.

An Jing then walked towards Luo Chongyang and greeted with a smile, “Uncle Master, it has been a while since we’ve met.”

Luo Chongyang lifted his head upon hearing the voice, “You, with your bare butt, are actually dressed decently today, eh?”

Damn it!

The only time An Jing had been embarrassed was when he got his clothes blasted off by Yuan Feng’s Black Gold Thunder Pill at Dongluo Pass. But amid the chaos, he had run off so swiftly that no one saw him, only Luo Chongyang noticed clearly.

Seeing An Jing’s expression, Luo Chongyang felt a surge of satisfaction. He always felt deceived by the appearance of the ‘Ghost Swordsman,’ but now he felt like he had avenged one deceit.

An Jing coughed lightly to change the subject, “Elder Taoist Luo, are you really planning to establish a Taoist temple here on Xuanqing Mountain?”

Xuanqing Mountain was the ancestral court of the Mystical Sect. Xiao Qianqiu would visit to pay homage to the Mystical Sect’s ancestor at regular intervals; his ambition was clear to see.

In the past, Luo Chongyang might have been able to meditate in seclusion on Xuanqing Mountain with the Zhenyi Sect turning a blind eye. But now that he was refurbishing the palaces, it was an outright challenge to the Zhenyi Sect.

Luo Chongyang said indifferently, “This spiritual land has been abandoned for many years; renovating it to create a small Taoist temple is not a problem.”

An Jing pondered for a moment before speaking, “If Uncle Master has made such a plan, you must be fully prepared, right?”

With a peanut in hand, Luo Chongyang replied, “It’s just a redundant Taoist temple. Why make a fuss about it? The significance of this temple is merely to provide a shelter for the children from the rain and wind.”

“Is this your way, Uncle Master?”

“To have a grand abode that shelters all under heaven, isn’t that ‘the way’? Just stay grounded—why strive for those illusory things?”

Hearing this, An Jing felt deeply moved.

Taoist temples, Taoist lineages… all those myriad external things, none mattered as much as the grand path that Luo Chongyang kept in his heart.

Some people live in high towers, while others are stuck in deep ditches; some shine brilliantly, while others rust away. Among the myriad types of people in the world, don’t chase after fleeting clouds.

Luo Chongyang glanced at An Jing and said, “Don’t put on that moved look. Show me something tangible.”

An Jing sat down on the ground as well, took a peanut, and put it in his mouth, “Uncle Master, where would I have any money?”

Luo Chongyang said irritably, “You’re now a tributor of the Demon Sect, aren’t your silvers flowing like water? Give your uncle master a few hundred thousand silver to spend first.”

An Jing sighed and did not speak.

“Still want to eat peanuts?”

Seeing this, Luo Chongyang snatched the peanuts from An Jing’s hand, “So you came empty-handed, and I still have to shell out?”

An Jing said with a smile, “Don’t be so stingy. When I have money in the future, Uncle Master can open as many Taoist temples as you want.”

Luo Chongyang’s eyebrow shot up, “Why don’t you muster some spirit and relieve me of the need to open a temple? If you succeed, Uncle Master’s wish could be fulfilled, and I might even step into the realm of an Immortal.”

Luo Chongyang’s ambition wasn’t small either, aspiring even to become a Land Immortal.

An Jing shook his head with a chuckle, “Have you heard about the National Teaching Order, Uncle Master?”

“Of course, those bald heads in the Buddhist sect must be thrilled. If they get that order, their status in Yan Country could rise to rival the Zhenyi Sect.”

Luo Chongyang gave An Jing a meaningful look, “You wouldn’t be trying to get me to take action because you can’t beat the Exalted Vajra, would you?”

He knew of the animosity between An Jing and the Buddhist sect. With the Demon Sect and the Buddhist sect clashing over the National Teaching Order, could it be that his cheap nephew wanted to drag him into the Demon Sect?

Though the Demon Sect and Great Yan had formed an alliance, the sect couldn’t just spread its teachings within Yan Country at will. If Houjin became powerful, the Demon Sect would have no way out.

“`

“`

If we could enter Yan Country to spread our teachings, the implications would be quite different.

The Demon Sect could then retreat to the territory of Yan Country at any time, which would undoubtedly be a very tempting prospect for the Demon Sect.

An Jing didn’t answer Luo Chongyang’s question but instead asked, “Uncle Master, who do you think is stronger between me and Exalted Vajra?”

“If I’m not mistaken, Qiu Fengsheng must have been killed by you. It seems that your cultivation has reached the Second Qi Grandmaster Realm. However, I’ve crossed hands with Qiu Fengsheng. Among the Third Qi Grandmasters, he definitely ranks at the bottom. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to call him a past genius, but when placed among Third Qi Grandmasters, he hardly meets the standard, whereas Exalted Vajra is at the peak of the Third Qi and the power of a Buddhist Vajra is top-notch even among those of the same realm. Add to that the secret technique you gifted to the Buddhist sect.”

After Luo Chongyang finished his analysis without mincing words, he said, “I think your chances of winning are slim.”

He was well aware of the capabilities of both Exalted Vajra and Qiu Fengsheng. Although they were seemingly at the same level of Three Qi, their strengths were worlds apart.

An Jing remained silent, not uttering a word.

Luo Chongyang said indifferently, “Moreover, you simply cannot take this National Teaching Order away. For the Demon Sect to become the national religion of Great Yan, that’s frankly a joke.”

An Jing raised his eyes and asked, “Uncle Master, what about you facing Exalted Vajra?”

Luo Chongyang said with a chuckle, “Exalted Vajra has commendable strength, but I am unafraid.”

An Jing had seen Luo Chongyang’s ability, who was able to hold off the Honghu under the Beili Volcano. It seemed he was either at the level of Four Qi, or at the pinnacle of Third Qi.

An Jing flattered, “Experience does come with age.”

Luo Chongyang snorted disapprovingly, “All your flattering words won’t help. There are plenty of people in this world who would like to kiss up to me; I don’t need it from you. The waters of Yujing City run deep, even more dangerous than last time at Dongluo Pass. Even I might drown.”

An Jing: “…..”

From the beginning, he never intended to have Luo Chongyang replace him to face Exalted Vajra and vie for the National Teaching Order.

Luo Chongyang slapped his buttocks and laughed, “Enough talk, that lass Yu’er has almost finished cooking. Her culinary skills are exceptional. It’s a pity that you, my boy, are too enamored with the beauty of the Demon Sect Hierarch, otherwise…”

Just as Luo Chongyang stood up and prepared to head towards Black Bull Ridge, his eyes shifted towards the distance, his brow furrowed with a hint of gravity.

An Jing also looked in the direction of Luo Chongyang’s gaze, and his pupils severely contracted.

In the sunlight ahead, a Taoist wearing a Purple Sun Cloth and Eight Diagrams Robe drifted in on the gentle breeze.

This Taoist was dressed very plainly and simply, but that could not conceal his peerless elegance. His figure seemed hazy, as if merging with the ground beneath his feet and the sky above his head.

Otherworldly, a high sage from beyond this mortal coil.

If Luo Chongyang cultivated a path of worldly involvement, indulging in the myriad tastes of life, then the Taoist before them was lofty and untainted by dust, like an exiled immortal from heaven, too awe-inspiring to behold.

Xiao Qianqiu!

The person approaching was none other than the current State Preceptor of Yan Country, the Sect Leader Xiao Qianqiu from Zhenyi Sect.

This was the second time An Jing had witnessed this world-famous decisive master since Abyss Lake.

Back then, Lou Xiangzhen’s Human Dao Sword had entered the Sixth Realm, and only the final thrust had injured this foremost figure of the Great Yan Martial World, breaking the momentum he had been accumulating for many years.

But now, seeing those calm, lake-like eyes, An Jing felt that he had not been affected by that battle; rather, it seemed that his cultivation had advanced further because of that sword strike.

“Is it him!?”

Yu Qiurong and Qian Cishan were even more internally shaken. They had not seen Xiao Qianqiu in person, but they had seen his portrait countless times.

Now, with the saintly Taoist appearing before them, his name involuntarily leapt to mind.

The foremost expert of the Great Yan Martial World, the State Preceptor of Yan Country, the Sect Leader of Zhenyi Sect—any one of these titles would make the world tremble, but to think they all resided in one person, how terrifying could that be?

Xiao Qianqiu gave Luo Chongyang a Taoist salute, “Xiao Qianqiu pays respects to Junior Uncle Master.”

Luo Chongyang replied with an impassive face, “You’ve come before the time is due?”

Xiao Qianqiu responded calmly, “Although the time we agreed upon has not yet arrived, my nephew has had some insights due to a stroke of good fortune and would like to seek advice from Uncle Master.”

Ever since Luo Chongyang left Zhenyi Sect, the sect had initiated a manhunt for him, but not only did they fail to kill Luo Chongyang, they even lost a high-ranking member of the ‘Hua’ generation. Since then, Zhenyi Sect had not launched any further pursuits against him.

Instead, Xiao Qianqiu would visit Xuanqing Mountain from time to time. In addition to paying respects to the Mystical Sect ancestors, he would seek Luo Chongyang for sparring and comparison.

In the past decade, they had already fought twice.

Luo Chongyang took two steps forward with unhurried and steady gait, “Fifteen years ago, I spared you out of gratitude to Zhenyi Sect and couldn’t bring myself to kill you. Five years ago, you had good fortune on your side. Today, you may not be so lucky.”

Xiao Qianqiu gave a gentle smile, “Junior Uncle Master, rest assured, in my heart death is merely another form of rebirth.”

As his words fell, all was silent between heaven and earth.

An Jing’s heart skipped a beat, sensing that Xiao Qianqiu was specially here to compete with Luo Chongyang.

“Very well.”

Luo Chongyang glanced at his own hand and laughed, “It seems you have gained some enlightenment from your battle with Lou Xiangzhen.”

Every time Xiao Qianqiu came to challenge Luo Chongyang, his cultivation had made great strides forward, looking to test his edge against him. This was also one of the reasons why Zhenyi Sect had refrained from further pursuits against him.

“Indeed.”

“`

Xiao Qianqiu nodded slightly, “It depends on whether the junior martial uncle has made any progress.”

“We’ll know with a try.”

Luo Chongyang’s demeanor was serene and immovable.

The two Taoists stood firm at opposite ends of heaven and earth, as if even the wind itself had stilled.

Not to mention Yu Qiurong and Qian Cishan, at this moment even An Jing felt a tinge of nervousness within, his feet subconsciously retreating backward.

The question of who was stronger between Xiao Qianqiu and Luo Chongyang.

Luo Chongyang was a high-level expert of the previous generation, and among the prodigies, he was a prodigy, whereas Xiao Qianqiu, though young, was hailed as possessing the immense talent of a banished immortal.

Especially after his battle with Lou Xiangzhen, he gained new insights.

“Junior martial uncle, please make your move,” incited Xiao Qianqiu.

True qi swirled around Xiao Qianqiu, forming a giant vortex, from which a purple light coalesced, stirring up a sudden fierce wind.

Luo Chongyang’s eyebrows lifted; it seemed Xiao Qianqiu truly made a breakthrough after that battle.

Worthy of the term banished immortal.

Clothed in his Taoist robe, Luo Chongyang stood against the wind, his garment fluttering with the fierce gales.

The vortex swirling around Xiao Qianqiu further intensified his already formidable presence, sending chills into spectators’ hearts.

Xiao Qianqiu struck forward with a palm.

Boom! Boom!

The palm print descended, and the air itself exploded with roaring sounds, trembling the hearts of those within earshot.

In Luo Chongyang’s eyes, Xiao Qianqiu’s palm print rapidly enlarged, yet facing such a ferocious strike, Luo Chongyang chose not to retreat.

Behind him, a Yin Yang fish emerged, its robust True Qi surging forth, and he too advanced with a palm thrust.

Boom!

In the next instant, the two palm prints ferociously collided with each other, creating visible ripples that swept outwards.

The True Qi spread like a torrent to the distance, as Luo Chongyang’s body shuddered violently and he rapidly retreated backwards, dragging deep marks on the ground with his feet.

Once he stabilized his stance, Luo Chongyang’s face flushed, then calmed, and he clenched his throbbing palms.

Xiao Qianqiu, having reached the Four Qi Realm, was indeed formidable.

Xiao Qianqiu also took several dozen steps back, but compared to Luo Chongyang, he appeared much more composed.

Although Luo Chongyang had been sent flying several meters by his palm strike, it didn’t seem to cause any injury.

“My master once said that if junior martial uncle had stayed in the Zhenyi Sect, his cultivation might have already reached the Five Qi Realm, and he had the potential to attain the Half-immortal Body,” Xiao Qianqiu said with a faint smile, looking at his palm.

He lowered his head to glance at his hands, where there was a faint flicker of black and white light on the surface of his palm—Luo Chongyang’s True Qi that had secretly invaded his arm during their palm contact.

Qiankun Eight Diagram Technique!

Although Xiao Qianqiu had not cultivated it, he had studied it and had prior experience clashing with Luo Chongyang.

The Qiankun Eight Diagram, taking heaven, earth, thunder, wind, water, fire, mountain, and lake as images for cultivation, left residual traits within the True Qi.

But this time, the Qiankun Eight Diagram Technique proved to be particularly difficult to handle.

“Could it be that junior martial uncle has cultivated to the unprecedented Eighth Layer?”

Xiao Qianqiu seemed to realize something, looking at Luo Chongyang, “It seems that the name of genius is indeed indisputable.”

Qiankun Eight Diagram Technique!

Rumored to be the most challenging Martial Arts of the Mystical Sect to cultivate, very few Mystical Sect experts chose to cultivate this technique, and the records in the Mystical Sect indicated it only reached the Seventh Layer.

The True Qi vortex around Xiao Qianqiu quivered even more violently, and at the same time, a dangerous aura emerged from within him.

Sensing that dangerous aura, Luo Chongyang’s gaze also slightly hardened.

Woo woo!

Xiao Qianqiu hovered in the air, with what seemed like howling winds surrounding him, and at the moment his momentum reached its peak, a brilliant light burst forth from his eyes.

Whir whir whir!

Lightning and thunder appeared within the surrounding True Qi vortex, as if something was about to explode forth.

His palm slowly lifted, and as it rose, it visibly swelled to a colossal size in mere moments, becoming an enormous hand that obscured the sky.

On that giant hand, a mystical aura emerged, descending upon Luo Chongyang below.

The air around Xuanqing Mountain boiled at that moment.

“The Jade Emperor Scripture!?”

An Jing’s heart thudded uncontrollably upon seeing this, and he hurriedly transmitted a message, “What Xiao Qianqiu is cultivating must be the ‘Jade Emperor Scripture’.”

Xiao Qianqiu’s gaze was fixed on Luo Chongyang. Without wasting a word, his giant palm descended from the sky and mercilessly slammed down on the spot where Luo Chongyang stood.

Boom!

As the giant palm fell, it seemed to block out the sun in the sky, and the land was plunged into utter darkness.

Standing beneath the shadow, Luo Chongyang was like a small boat in a storm, teetering on the verge of collapse.

With Xiao Qianqiu’s strength, what kind of terror would it be for him to cultivate the supreme secret technique ‘Jade Emperor Scripture’?

He had one hand behind his back and his expression was unfazed as he said, “Grasping a thread of wind in the human world, I prove my Dao is among the three thousand paths.”

Boom!

The next moment, a white aurora appeared between heaven and earth, piercing through the giant hand and completely melting it.

The power of heaven and earth!

Luo Chongyang stood proud between heaven and earth, his clothes fluttering with the breeze, his form seeming to merge with the world around him.

Connecting with heaven and earth! Heavenly Human Communication!

An Jing’s heart surged—he was witnessing the realm of Heavenly Human Communication once more, a grandmaster harnessing the power of heaven and earth.

Luo Chongyang, at the peak of Three Qi, fought Xiao Qianqiu, a Grandmaster of Four Qi, by harnessing the power of Heavenly Human Communication.

Last time, Yu Qiurong had only seen Qiu Fengsheng about to enter this realm and was profoundly shaken; now, witnessing Luo Chongyang leveraging the power of heaven and earth was even more astounding.

“Is this the legendary Heavenly Human Communication?”

Qian Cishan was left agape with shock.

Heavenly Human Communication, in the Jianghu, was a legendary realm. Everyone who reached this realm was among those with the highest comprehension.

With his move broken, Xiao Qianqiu remained calm, “Little uncle, that’s a good move.”

Luo Chongyang, blending into the universe, had an even more powerful aura, and his voice resounded like rolling drums, “Nephew, hiding and holding back is not your style.”

A flash of light appeared in Xiao Qianqiu’s eyes as he took a step forward.

“Hmm!?”

An Jing furrowed his brows; that step was not merely forward—it was into the world itself.

Xiao Qianqiu was suddenly surrounded by rising winds and whirlwinds, and the momentum from the heavens and earth above grew magnificent.

Connection to heaven and earth! Heavenly Human Communication again!

This Xiao Qianqiu, whose reputation shook the Great Yan Martial World, had undergone a breakthrough under the pressure of his battle with Lou Xiangzhen, destroyed and then reestablished himself, reaching the realm of Heavenly Human Communication.

Xiao Qianqiu stood amidst the wind, “Regretting the wind passing through the human world, sufficient to fill ten thousand autumns’ long water.”

“Splashing!” “Splashing!”

In an instant, two extreme Grandmasters confronted each other, the power of heaven and earth intertwining between them, carving long gashes on the ground with the vigor that erupted.

The new and old generations of the Zhenyi Sect’s prodigies were clashing fiercely.

And such an astonishing scene, unfortunately, went unseen.

The intense contention between the two had become invisible, surged in the dark currents, and reached a stalemate.

Heavenly Human Communication’s greatest strength lies in borrowing a sliver of power from heaven and earth—and how much one can borrow naturally depends on their realm.

Compared to Xiao Qianqiu, who had just entered Heavenly Human Communication, Luo Chongyang had been in this realm much longer and thus was much deeper.

But Xiao Qianqiu, with the massive resources of the Zhenyi Sect behind him, had a cultivation that surpassed Luo Chongyang’s.

As for mastering the ‘Jade Emperor Scripture,’ even if Xiao Qianqiu had exceptional talent, it would be unlikely for him to grasp its essence so quickly.

The force of heaven and earth kept intertwining, and though there wasn’t much noise, the energy that burst forth was terrifying.

This was a contest between the two men, a contest of Dao, and a contest of the power of heaven and earth.

An Jing, observing the surging power of heaven and earth, suddenly felt an enlightenment strike his mind.

His understanding of the Sword Dao, which had previously been stuck, seemed to loosen a bit.

Without a sword in hand, nor in heart.

The Sword Dao Tao General Outline once mentioned that this realm is: Moves with the heart; nothing is contrary; yin and yang as one; all-encompassing.

With no sword in hand or heart, when the sword is gone, the Dao is achieved.

Time wafted gently by, and Xiao Qianqiu and Luo Chongyang were still confronting each other.

Boom!

A piercing sword light streaked across the heaven and earth.

Both men felt a trace of strangeness and simultaneously took a step back. The connection with the heaven and earth that was still accessible a moment ago was instantly lost.

The Heavenly Human Communication had disappeared!?

Luo Chongyang’s heart was shocked. The connection with heaven and earth that he had just now felt like a streak of aurora that had been directly severed.

Is it him!?

Xiao Qianqiu, however, looked towards the distant figure in white, his expression carrying a trace of gravity and curiosity.

“Swoosh!”

At this moment, an astonishing sword qi surged from An Jing’s body, heading towards the vast expanse above, as if it carried an endless chill, threatening to puncture a hole in the heaven and earth.

Chill!

Every living being on Mount Xuanqing felt a coldness despite it being the late summer of September; an ice-cold sensation emerged from the depths of their hearts.

Xiao Qianqiu murmured in a low voice, “Such astonishing swordsmanship.”

Usually, a Sixth Realm swordsmanship could not possibly sever the connection with heaven and earth. However, the youth in front of them not only simultaneously severed the connection for both men but also carried with it a sense of oppression.

Luo Chongyang also inwardly exclaimed, “Could this young man have reached the Sixth Realm?”

He remembered this junior nephew’s grand and majestic sword intent surpassed that of Lou Xiangzhen by far. How terrifying would it be if he had reached the Sixth Realm?

The astonishing sword qi was fleeting, and after rushing to the sky, it completely vanished from sight.

Mount Xuanqing returned to calm.

An Jing had an epiphany. He slowly came back to his senses and said, “Alas, the wind leaves no trace, this dream must be but a fantastic one.”

Xiao Qianqiu looked at Luo Chongyang and said, “Little junior uncle, your swordsmanship hasn’t reached this realm yet, has it? He shouldn’t be the young talent you’re looking for, right?”

Luo Chongyang lazily said, “You could say that. What do you think?”

Xiao Qianqiu glanced at An Jing, then at Yu Qiurong and the others in the distance, “Demon Sect? It seems like Sang Tianyou was killed by him. This person must be the Demon Sect Tributor dispatched.”

He could still sense their auras. Piecing together the recent events, he quickly understood.

Luo Chongyang, Demon Sect, Swordsman….

It was as if there was a connection that made him think of something.

Luo Chongyang said indifferently, “It doesn’t matter who he is. The important thing is whether you still want to compete? I, your junior uncle, am ready to accompany you to the end at any time.”

Xiao Qianqiu said calmly, “Just by looking at it, I’ve seen the outcome of this battle. I would be seriously injured, but you, junior uncle, would perish along with your Dao.”

“Hahaha.”

Upon hearing this, Luo Chongyang laughed loudly.

Unperturbed, Xiao Qianqiu said, “Junior uncle, I know you are not far from entering the Four Qi Realm. I’ll give you this chance.”

With those words, he waved his sleeves and, offering Luo Chongyang a solemn gesture of respect, turned and walked down the mountain.

As if by some unspoken understanding between the two, they stopped at the right moment.

Looking at Xiao Qianqiu’s departing figure, Luo Chongyang felt an extreme weight in his heart.

“Drip.”

“Drip.”

….

Blood dripped from his fingertips, staining the ground red.

An Jing stepped forward and asked in a low voice, “Junior uncle, is what Xiao Qianqiu said true?”

“True.”

Taking a deep breath, Luo Chongyang said, “After his battle with Lou Xiangzhen, his cultivation has greatly improved, and he has come to understand many principles. Thus, he does not wish to fight to the death with me since there are no benefits to him. After all, he has a bright future ahead and no need to risk his life over every matter.”

Resting in the shade of a big tree is comfortable. Zhenyi Sect, as the national religion, provides astounding resources, and with Xiao Qianqiu’s demon-like talent, it’s only natural for his strength to skyrocket. Now having obtained the Jade Emperor Scripture, given time, he would certainly become a renowned top master throughout the world.

Luo Chongyang left some things unsaid; his visit to this nephew had not been as simple as it seemed.

The two had sparred over the years, developing a silent understanding, not needing words.

An Jing felt a sinking feeling in his heart upon hearing this. Xiao Qianqiu’s strength was truly fearsome. With Luo Chongyang’s peak Three Qi cultivation and the ability to step into Heavenly Human Communication, harnessing the power of the world, he was still no match for Xiao Qianqiu.

Luo Chongyang turned to An Jing and asked, “Have you reached the Sixth Realm?”

An Jing thought for a moment and said, “I don’t know. Just now, it felt like I was in a sort of trance, as if I was in a dream.”

Although what he said was profoundly mysterious, Luo Chongyang faintly understood something, and a glint of light appeared in his eyes, “You’re still missing an opportunity.”

An Jing muttered to himself, “An opportunity!?”

Luo Chongyang slowly said, “It lies in the north.”

An Jing looked towards the north, also deep in thought, “How did Xiao Qianqiu cultivate the Jade Emperor Scripture?”

The Jade Emperor Scripture required the integration of three major heart methods, and Xiao Qianqiu at best only had the Beidou Seven Stars Technique and the Ghost Valley Heart Method; it was absolutely impossible for him to have the Daluo Heart Method. If he had, he wouldn’t have possibly sent a Grand Real Person of the Zhenyi Sect to kill him back then.

But without integration, how did he cultivate the Jade Emperor Scripture?

Luo Chongyang shook his head, “Heaven knows.”

At this moment, Luo Yu’er came hurrying over from afar, “Uncle Luo, are you all right?”

“I’m fine.”

Luo Chongyang waved his hand, smiling, “Are the meals ready? I made a guarantee that your cooking is supreme; you can’t let this poor Daoist lose face.”

Luo Yu’er breathed a sigh of relief and stole a glance at An Jing, saying, “They’re ready.”

“Let’s go have our meal first.”

Luo Chongyang waved his hand and said.

Subsequently, An Jing and the others arrived at Black Bull Ridge, where they saw the stove emanating a fragrant aroma that made one’s mouth water.

Luo Yu’er systematically served food to everyone, handing it out one by one.

Yu Qiurong, seeing An Jing chatting leisurely with Luo Chongyang in the distance, could only find a spot to sit down.

“Miss Luo, what excellent culinary skills.”

Qian Cishan had a taste of the potato pork stew and immediately his eyes lit up, giving a thumbs up.

“You flatter me.”

At this moment, Luo Yu’er, looking at the fierce-looking burly man, suddenly felt he was not so intimidating and even found him somewhat simple and lovable.

An Jing and Luo Chongyang were sitting beside the stone steps, casually chatting back and forth.

Luo Chongyang reminded him, “The waters of Yujing City are deep; the current Human Emperor is not a simple character, and whether his injury is real or fake, there remains doubt. Besides that, there’s the foremost scholar of Confucianism, the masters of Buddhism—there are struggles not only in Jianghu but also in the courts of the temple. You mustn’t get overwhelmed by these currents and lose your way.”

“With experts as plentiful as carps crossing a river, you’ve reached the Second Qi now, but you need to be even more cautious. After all, as a Tribune of the Demon Sect now, you’re mingling with top experts from all over the world, and if you aren’t careful, you might just get taken down by some old cunning fellow.”

In the past, it was just a small city in Yu State, where First Grade was the pinnacle. Now, however, you are among the top renowned experts in the world. The position you’re in is different, and so are your opponents.

An Jing nodded, “I’m aware of that.”

If it hadn’t been for Jun Qinglin coming out of seclusion, how would he have known that such a Five Qi Grandmaster lay hidden within the Demon Sect?

What about the Great Yan Royal Family then?

For example, that elder who stands behind the Crown Prince.

And the mysterious expert who killed Zongzheng Yuan and the Mu Jin Dharma King.

It’s hard to say whether other powers around the world don’t have other top experts; in any case, he had to be extremely careful.

Luo Chongyang, thinking of something, asked, “Is that old fellow from the Sealing Demon Platform with the last name Jun dead yet?”

An Jing shook his head, “No.”

Hearing this, Luo Chongyang couldn’t help but feel a chill, exhaling, “That was really dangerous back then. I always thought that old guy was dead. Otherwise, I never would have gone with you to Dongluo Pass.”

An Jing couldn’t help but laugh, “Uncle, are you afraid of dying?”

Luo Chongyang replied irritably, “Who in this world isn’t afraid of death? If I were like that old guy Jun, living over a hundred years, I wouldn’t be afraid anymore.”

As he spoke, Luo Chongyang grabbed some peanuts next to him and mixed them into his rice.

“How could I not help when my nephew is in trouble?”

“Xiao Qianqiu also calls me uncle, doesn’t he?”

“That’s different; Xiao Qianqiu has ulterior motives.”

“Indeed, you only call me Old Dao Luo when you have no ulterior motives.”

An Jing said, “This demonstrates the deep bond between us, uncle and nephew.”

Luo Chongyang scoffed, “White butt, you’re young but cunning as a fox.”

An Jing’s expression darkened, “Old Dao Luo, if you keep talking like that, I’ll get angry.”

“I’ll stop, I’ll stop.”

Luo Chongyang laughed, “Since that old guy from the Demon Sect is still alive, then I’ll tell you a secret. You know about the Sword God of the Yu Heng Sword Sect, right?”

An Jing nodded, “I know.”

The Sword God and the Sword Demon were the top swordsmen several decades ago, and even after so many years, their legends still persist in Jianghu, reflecting their profound influence.

When the Sword God and the Sword Demon became famous, even Lou Xiangzhen was but a junior in Jianghu, which shows how much older their qualifications are.

Especially the Sword God, Liu Moyuan, who is also the Sect Master of the Yu Heng Sword Sect, had defeated Lou Xiangzhen with just three swords, causing the Peach Blossom Sword Immortal to never recover from the blow.

However, both of them had retreated from Jianghu decades ago and were later rumored to have died, with the Yu Heng Sword Sect even making an official announcement.

Luo Chongyang spoke in a low voice, “This Liu Moyuan is still alive.”

“What!?”

An Jing’s heart trembled upon hearing this.

The swordsman who had defeated Lou Xiangzhen with three swords is still alive!?

Isn’t he a monster just like Jun Qinglin then!?

Luo Chongyang patted An Jing on the shoulder and said, “So you must be more careful, an old turtle might be hiding in the pond ready to ambush you.”

An Jing took a deep breath and nodded firmly.

The two of them talked a bit more until it was almost dark.

An Jing took out two strands of Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence stored within his body and said, “Uncle-Master, it seems like your cultivation is still a bit short of reaching the Four Qi Realm, so your nephew will take out something to honor you.”

These two strands of Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence had been obtained from Sang Tianyou. His cultivation had just reached the Second Qi, and he had already absorbed three strands of Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence. It was time to stabilize his foundation, so naturally he didn’t need these two strands.

And Luo Chongyang was at the peak of the Three Qi, with these two strands of Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence perhaps he could reach the Four Qi.

Luo Chongyang had gone to Dongluo Pass to help, and An Jing had always kept this kindness in mind.

“Is this for me?”

Luo Chongyang did not take it.

“Of course.”

An Jing injected the two strands of Heaven and Earth Spirit Essence into Luo Chongyang’s Dantian, then stood up and said goodbye, “Uncle-Master, I’m heading to Yujing City, so I’ll take my leave.”

Saying this, An Jing got up and walked towards Yu Qiurong and Qian Cishan, who had been waiting for a long time.

Luo Chongyang watched An Jing’s figure as he walked further and further away, and then cracked a smile, “This kid, still knows how to honor his Uncle-Master.”

…..

Two days later, Yujing City.

With the arrival of the Buddhist delegation, numerous masters gathered in the martial world of Yujing City.

Many people wanted to witness the grandeur of the Buddhist Vajra. Among the three oldest sects, only Buddhism had preserved its ancient teachings.

The Mystical Sect had split into three, the Demon Sect’s supreme martial arts secret scriptures were also lost, and Buddhism, besides being expelled from its ancestral land hundreds of years ago, had not suffered any other damages, thus maintaining a very ancient heritage.

Every year, many people would head to the Pure Land to study Buddhist martial arts, and after Buddhism spread eastward, the number of people studying Buddhist martial arts increased even more.

Now that the top masters of Buddhism were coming to Yan Country, how could it not draw attention?

Especially since the Demon Sect would also send envoys to Yujing City, therefore attracting a large number of martial arts masters.

The sky was clear, the sun blazed like fire, and the land was scorched and hot.

The soldiers holding spears were parched and dizzy, barely able to suppress their complaints as they muttered, “Why hasn’t Wu De come to take over yet? Is he still lying on top of that woman’s belly?”

A comrade beside him said, “It’s just past noon; what’s the rush?”

The soldier sighed, feeling every breath as drawn out as the New Year, when suddenly there was a sound of horse hooves in the distance, followed by a cloud of dust.

“Huh?! Who is that?”

In Yujing City, all were significant figures, so as gatekeeping soldiers, they needed to have some discernment.

The other soldiers also perked up and looked in that direction.

They saw several spirited horses galloping towards Yujing City’s gate, led by a dashing young man in white.

Behind the young man in white, there fluttered a flag, waving in the wind.

The flag was bright red like fire, hotter than the sun in the sky, and upon a closer look, it seemed to have a vine curve with a gleam of gold at its center.

The soldier almost collapsed, then exclaimed with a tremble,

“The Demon Sect! It’s the Demon Sect!”

…….

PS: Brothers, I’m asking for a monthly ticket!