Chapter 589 - 476: Ambush (Part 3)

Chapter 589: Chapter 476: Ambush (Part 3)

Xiao Tianci was unwilling to miss such an opportunity. He had just witnessed a few sword techniques from the Mingyu Sword Sect. Although he had won, there was much he gained, especially Yan Hengzhou’s "City Destruction" and "No Life," which had an impact on his own "Wind, Fire, and Thunder" and "Self-Slaying."

So, he requested, "This opportunity is rare, I humbly ask the Master to allow me to exchange sword intents with your sect."

Exchanging sword intents involves each person using their sword techniques, but the techniques do not directly collide. Instead, they hit the void or attack from a distance, comparing the sword intent contained within the techniques and the mysteries they hold.

Even though Xiao Tianci was injured, he was unwilling to miss any opportunity for sparring and improvement. The disciples outside were momentarily silent, some lost in thought.

Master Cangfeng observed the changes in everyone’s expressions and felt quite satisfied. His body moved, flying into the air. His voice was loud, resonating throughout the training field.

"You believe the Mingyu Sword Sect’s renown dominates, with your sword scripture unmatched in the world, thus sitting in a well and looking at the sky, overly prideful, and dismissive of the world’s heroes. You are not far from defeat and downfall!"

"I always feel that my swordsmanship is far from perfect, yet you, who haven’t even learned the basics, have the nerve to be smug and arrogant!"

"Understand the path of swordsmanship is endless and unfathomable; after climbing this mountain, many peaks await before you. Studying the best, you only grasp the middle; study the middle, and you fall below. If you can’t keep ascending, cease this pursuit early!"

This rebuke struck the disciples deeply, causing a great tremor in their hearts. They all bowed in respect, saying, "We will heed your teachings, Master!"

Master Cangfeng had already returned to the spectators’ stand and said to Xiao Tianci, "Tianci, please bandage yourself first before starting the sword intent exchange."

Half an hour later, the exchanges resumed. This time, the atmosphere on the field was much more lively and harmonious.

The Foundation Establishment Feather Scholars of the Mingyu Sword Sect took turns participating, and even a few outstanding Qi Cultivation students joined in, each using virtual moves to wield their sword intents, exchanging insights with one another.

In the end, Xiao Tianci also lost one match and drew two others.

The opponents in these matches were veteran elders of the Mingyu Sword Sect, well along in years, with cultivation nearing Perfection of Late-Stage Foundation Establishment, long immersed in the Sword Dao. Xiao Tianci, having expended considerable energy, was not surprised to lose a move. His fighting spirit remained undiminished, and he thought to himself to challenge again after some cultivation.

The exchanges had started in the morning and continued until dusk. Even with some rounds of rest, Xiao Tianci was exhausted, drained of any Spiritual Power.

His usually stern face now rarely bore an expression of elation. With the Sword Soul within him, his understanding of the Sword Dao far exceeded that of ordinary people. The mutual display of sword intent yielded harvests beyond imagination, naturally filling him with immense joy. He anticipated organizing and contemplating the insights upon returning to the mountain for his Sword Dao to surely advance.

After a brief rest, the moon gradually ascended the sky. Lu Qian declined Master Cangfeng’s banquet invitation and flew toward Minglong Mountain with Xiao Tianci.

This was because he had received news, relayed through various communication points, that Senior Sister Qingfeng had successfully completed Foundation Establishment and was on her way back!

Lu Qian was overjoyed and naturally wanted to return early to await her.

The distance from Minglong Mountain to Heaven-Sundering Sword Peak was 2,600 li. Normally, it would take over three hours at the escape speed of a standard Foundation Establishment. However, fortunately, Lu Qian had the Tunneling Armor Divine Decree, which increased their speed, effectively halving the time.

The two flew forward with the resplendent Divine Decree overhead, gazing at the vast, boundless world under the radiance of the Moon Palace and Star Sea, while exchanging insights and experiences from the day, feeling extremely exhilarated.

Xiao Tianci spoke more today than usual, and suddenly, he changed the topic: "Sect Leader, please forgive me, but I wish to resign from the position of Conquest Steward."

In fact, Lu Qian had previously guessed this, so he calmly asked, "Why?"

"I am really not good at handling affairs, only wishing to focus on Sword Dao cultivation." Xiao Tianci was a bit embarrassed and continued, "Moreover, now that there are seven hundred disciples in the sect, I’ve found a few promising sword cultivation seedlings among them. I also want to try guiding them into the path of sword cultivation."

These words truly surprised Lu Qian. He slowed his escape speed, chuckling lightly, "Tianci, are you thinking of taking disciples?"

Xiao Tianci shook his head, "That’s far off; it’s just that the path of sword cultivation requires constant exchange and sparring. It’s not good to work behind closed doors alone. Since our sect has such profound and extraordinary Sword Dao heritage, it shouldn’t be wasted. The more who cultivate this path, the better."

Lu Qian laughed, "That’s splendid, but until I find a new steward, you’ll continue as acting steward. After all, there aren’t many conquest matters currently, so the workload isn’t heavy."

Just as Xiao Tianci agreed, suddenly, Lu Qian’s expression changed dramatically. He abruptly halted, and saw below, lights flashing as a surging Spiritual Pressure rose, and a red glow roared past them, with intense shockwaves setting their garments ablaze. If not for Lu Qian’s timely stop, they would have been struck by the red glow!

Lu Qian looked gravely and saw within the blossoming red light, a Golden Core Master slowly rising.

"You shall die here, Lu Qian."