Chapter 1565 - 169: Flying Sword Platform on the Lianxin Rope

Chapter 1565: Chapter 169: Flying Sword Platform on the Lianxin Rope

Xun Huaiying, like the third-generation Senior Disciple Qing Chenzi, had attended the Sword Fighting Conference. He was well respected within the sect. When he spoke, Chen Yuanning and the other two dared not disobey and all bowed and went off to greet Miao Kun and the others.

Zhang Yan cast his gaze over and briefly assessed him. It had been over a hundred years since they last met, and the other party’s cultivation progress was swift, with three Gang Clouds formed above his head. However, it had yet to match Huo Xuan’s phenomenon of embracing refinement. Smiling, he bowed and saluted, saying, "It has been over a century since our last rushed farewell at the swordfight. How have you been, Daoist Xun?"

Xun Huaiying solemnly returned the salute and said, "Last time, thanks to your assistance, I was able to escape calamity. Since then, I have been rigorously honing my Sword Skill in the sect. Unfortunately, Feng Haiyang was slain by you; otherwise, I would have liked to learn from him once more."

There was a hint of regret in his words as he spoke the latter part.

Zhang Yan chuckled and said, "Before I killed Feng Haiyang, he said something. Daoist Xun, would you like to know what it was?"

Xun Huaiying, having personally experienced Feng Haiyang’s methods, could only imagine how harrowing it was for Zhang Yan to fight him alone inside the Star Stone. He was intrigued and asked, "What did he say?"

Zhang Yan replied, "He said that within a millennium, there will be three major calamities and asked if I could avoid them."

Xun Huaiying’s eyes focused, and he asked, "How did you respond, fellow Daoist?"

Zhang Yan laughed heartily and said, "I said that his great calamities are opportunities for people like us."

Xun Huaiying was moved and exclaimed, "You have great spirit, fellow Daoist!"

Zhang Yan solemnly said, "Since heaven and earth have bestowed great calamities, heroes will naturally emerge across the Nine Provinces. Wouldn’t Daoist Xun find it easy to seek worthy opponents?"

Xun Huaiying nodded seriously and said, "What you say is entirely true, fellow Daoist." Then he gazed at Zhang Yan and sighed, "It’s a pity you’re not of the Shaoqing Sect; otherwise, we could discuss not only Dharma but Swordsmanship, which is truly regrettable."

Zhang Yan smiled slightly and said, "There may yet be a chance."

Xun Huaiying did not give much thought to these words. He knew Zhang Yan was skilled with the Flying Sword, but since he hadn’t received formal instruction, he might not even match the lower-level disciples in terms of Sword Dao.

This was not meant with any disparagement. He greatly admired Zhang Yan for reaching his current level without the guidance of a renowned master.

However, the Shaoqing Sect had been passing down its Swordsmanship for ten thousand years, imbued with the wisdom and efforts of countless predecessors and sages. Such a legacy cannot be easily bridged by talent alone.

He stepped aside and said, "I intended to invite you to my Cave Mansion, but since you are here as the Chief Envoy of Mingcang, you must first settle at the Yi Pavilion of the East Court. I will send someone to inform Master Ying, and unless something unexpected happens, you will be able to meet him tomorrow."

The Sect Leader of the Shaoqing Sect, Sect Leader Yue, typically does not handle affairs, which are usually managed by his Senior Disciple Ying Chunqiu, whose status within the sect is comparable to True Master Meng.

Zhang Yan was well aware of this situation, so he nodded and clasped his hands, saying, "Thank you for the trouble, fellow Daoist."

Xun Huaiying led the way, guiding them towards where the Pavilion was located.

To show his respect, Zhang Yan dismounted from his vehicle and traversed the air. Along the way, he saw four or five suspended platforms where sword lights clashed and the sounds of battle cries faintly echoed. Clearly, someone was engaging in a swordfight there. But Xun Huaiying seemed accustomed to it, which made Zhang Yan think privately, "I once heard that the Shaoqing Sect is renowned for daily battles, and it seems those words are true."

Xun Huaiying noticed Zhang Yan observing the floating islands and pointed out, "This is called the Sword Platform. Whenever a disciple manifests Sword Consciousness from within their sword ball, they can establish one here. After ten thousand years, there are now over three thousand platforms."

In the Shaoqing Sect, there are one thousand disciples, but those truly deserving the title of Sword Cultivators are only about two hundred. Yet, no one in the world dares to underestimate them; the suspended Sword Platforms are a testament to this ten-thousand-year legacy.

Zhang Yan looked around and noticed that many Sword Platforms had a sword ball placed at the top like bright pearls among flying stars, radiating streams of brilliant light. He was somewhat surprised and asked, "Daoist Xun, may I ask why this is so?"

Xun Huaiying was silent for a moment before saying, "These sword balls are relics of deceased fellow disciples, placed here to quietly await their return."

The sword ball is the purest of objects. Once a disciple cultivates True Recognition and True Spirit with their sword, if they are Enlightened in the next life and their sword ball aligns with their Divine Heart, it will still pursue them to recognize them as master.

However, Sword Cultivators are exceedingly rare, and even if one is Enlightened again after reincarnation, they might not possess the same talent. Hence, over ninety percent of these sword balls remain without masters.

At this moment, Xun Huaiying pointed to a vacant Sword Platform and said, "Senior Brother Ban cultivated here, but ever since he went missing, even his sword ball is unaccounted for."