Chapter 2462 - 2462: Who Can Lift the Dragon-breaking Knife

Seeing that the Sword Saint Sect Master unexpectedly abandoned the Dragon-breaking Knife, everyone was surprised and couldn't understand why the Sect Master would put down the Dragon-breaking Knife.

Only Ye Qing, Fat Wang, and the Sword Saint Sect Master were acutely aware, as the Sect Master's steps were somewhat unsteady, showing that a considerable amount of strength had been absorbed by the Dragon-breaking Knife. Continuing to hold it, let alone lifting the Dragon-breaking Knife, he might not even be able to stand up.

"Sect Leader, this…" The Second Sect Leader approached, looking at the Sect Master in surprise.

The Sect Master waved his hand, gasped, and said, "Seems I have no fate with the Dragon-breaking Knife. Whoever among you can lift it, go ahead and try!"

These words from the Sect Master effectively allowed other members of the Sword Saint Sect to attempt getting the Dragon-breaking Knife, indicating his relinquishment. The sect members were overjoyed since, with the Sect Master present, they had thoughts about the Dragon-breaking Knife but dared not act rashly to seize it. Now that the Sect Master had given up and permitted them to take the Dragon-breaking Knife, did it not mean they all had a chance?

These people were unaware that the Dragon-breaking Knife contained ninety percent of the Knife Saint's power, but they knew it was crucial for controlling the Sword Saint Sect. As long as they obtained the Dragon-breaking Knife, they could control the sect, a chance none would want to miss. Besides, since it was the Knife Saint's weapon, it surely wouldn't be ordinary; everyone wanted to try and lift the Dragon-breaking Knife.

The Second Sect Leader swallowed, glanced at the Sect Master, and whispered, "If that's the case, may I give it a try?"

The Second Sect Leader himself had long been eager to take that Dragon-breaking Knife, but with the Sect Master there, he dared not seize it. Now that the Sect Master had spoken in agreement, he of course wanted to be the first to try.

The Third Sect Master stood to the side, his face filled with envy; he too wanted to try. However, he did not dare compete with the Second Sect Leader, as the hierarchy in the Sword Saint Sect was clear. Unless both the Grand Sect Master and Second Sect Leader relinquished, he wouldn't be qualified to attempt. Otherwise, if he took action without lifting the Dragon-breaking Knife, the Second Sect Leader would surely not let him off.

The Sect Master's expression was indeed grim; he knew he couldn't lift the Dragon-breaking Knife. Whoever lifted the Dragon-breaking Knife afterward would have control over him, which he was unwilling to accept. Yet, he had no other choice; he could not lift the Dragon-breaking Knife himself and had to let someone else do it. Despite his reluctance, he took the Knife Saint's instructions very seriously.

The Sect Master slowly nodded, indicating agreement. The Second Sect Leader was overjoyed, quickly stepping forward. Despite his confidence, standing before the Dragon-breaking Knife, he dared not underestimating it. Since even the Sect Master could not lift it, he was unsure if he could, but at least he had to try.

Deeply inhaling, the Second Sect Leader extended both hands, gripping the handle of the Dragon-breaking Knife, and applying force to lift it. But upon grasping the Dragon-breaking Knife, strong suction drew power into the knife, nullifying his upward force. Simultaneously, his internal power rushed into the Dragon-breaking Knife like a breached reservoir, unable to be stopped.

Everyone watched the Second Sect Leader concerned he might lift the Dragon-breaking Knife. His reaction relieved them as shortly after gripping the handle, he exclaimed, releasing the knife in panic, and stepped back startled, inspecting the Dragon-breaking Knife as if witnessing something uncanny.

"What happened?" The nearby people quickly asked, particularly the Third Sect Master, who was both excited and anxious; excited because the Second Sect Leader seemingly couldn't lift the Dragon-breaking Knife, giving him a chance; anxious because judging by the Sect Master and the Second Sect Leader's situation, perhaps he couldn't lift the Dragon-breaking Knife either.

The Second Sect Leader deeply inhaled, not replying, but slowly approached the Dragon-breaking Knife again, tried exerting stronger force, aiming to pull up the knife in one go.

On seeing this, the Third Sect Master and others nearby became anxious; the Second Sect Leader had two attempts—it seemed unfair!

Though feeling it was unfair, they dared not voice it, praying internally that the Second Sect Leader would fail to lift the Dragon-breaking Knife.

This time, having accumulated power, the result still left him desolate; he couldn't lift the Dragon-breaking Knife, as every exertion was absorbed. Moreover, while holding the handle, his internal power continuously absorbed, unable to be halted.

After two minutes, the Second Sect Leader still gave up; his strength nowhere near the Sect Master's meant he dared not be reckless. Any further absorption risked compromising his escape power. Faced with controlling the Sword Saint Sect or survival, he knew well how to choose.

Seeing the Second Sect Leader give up, the Third Sect Master, both concerned and hopeful, slowly approached, preparing to try extracting the Dragon-breaking Knife.

Elsewhere, Helian Tiehua and Ye Qing were together. Observing the unsuccessful attempts by two sect leaders, Helian Tiehua recalled Ye Qing's earlier words, looked at Ye Qing and softly asked, "Ye Zi, why did you say not to let them touch the Dragon-breaking Knife? What's strange about it? Why can't they lift it?"

"Inside the Dragon-breaking Knife lies mechanisms left by the Knife Saint, absorbing anyone's power who attempts to hold it," Ye Qing said. "The knife contains ninety percent of the Knife Saint's power; unless someone possesses power surpassing the Knife Saint's, they cannot resist the suction. Otherwise, none can withstand it. Touching the Dragon-breaking Knife absorbs all power!"

"I see!" Helian Tiehua and his companions suddenly understood, watching Sword Saint Sect members one by one attempt, then fail, Helian Tiehua and others abandoned the idea of trying. The sect leaders were Unity of Heaven and Man masters, without any advantage taken, let alone Helian Tiehua's peak masters.

For two hours, half the Sword Saint Sect tried. Except for the Unity of Heaven and Man leaders retaining partial power, other peak masters had theirs utterly absorbed, turning limp like mud, immobile, identical to Fat Wang earlier.

This situation made those yet to try anxious, abandoning thoughts of seizing the Dragon-breaking Knife; earlier attempts showed them hopelessness, doubting themselves capable of succeeding. Unwilling to meet the fate of helpless peak masters, as Wan Yan's people still lurked outside, risking survival. Powerlosses hinder escape if pursued by the Wan Yan family.

The sect leaders feared each other over the Dragon-breaking Knife, but witnessing that none lifted it increased their anxiety of outsiders claiming it—taking control of the sect away.

The Sect Master worried most, observing the remaining sect members retreating far, afraid to touch the Dragon-breaking Knife, grew increasingly anxious.

"What are you standing there for? Move and lift the Dragon-breaking Knife now!" The Sect Master loudly urged, "Whomever does, from now on, everyone in the sect follows your command. I'd even relinquish my position!"

This promise was momentous, yet no sect member dared try; among live examples, they wouldn't risk again.

The Sect Master frowned, intending to speak again when faint sounds reached his ears. Looking up revealed a stone at the cave's top slowly moving, changing his expression again, exclaiming, "It's bad, Wan Yan family arrived!"

"The Wan Yan family arrived?"

"How possible? Isn't Ancestor blocking them?"

"Does the Wan Yan family not possess some Divine Clan corpse? Ancestor may not be its match."

"Impossible, Ancestor is strong, how would he lose to a skeleton? I think Ancestor must have entered!"

The crowd debated, dividing opinions over the newcomer. But the Sect Master's subsequent words eliminated one viewpoint.

"Impossible Ancestor entered!" The Sect Master's voice steady, "Entry mechanism traps intruders. Created by the Ancestor, he wouldn't succumb to it."

Their eyes met in silence; if not the Ancestor, surely the Wan Yan family entered.

"Sect Leader, no need to worry," the Second Sect Leader said, "Since the mechanism moved, they fell into its trap."

"Right, right, trapped in mechanism, uncertain of death or survival—why fear them?" said the Fourth Sect Master eagerly.