That person from the righteous and demonic paths was quite formidable, having reached the Spirit Severing stage of cultivation over a thousand years ago. He had comprehended the Bloodthirsty Soul-Slaying Sword Art and had refined his sword intent through the blood and souls of tens of thousands, achieving great mastery in sword intent. He was extremely powerful and infamous, nearly able to silence children’s nighttime cries!
Such a character should, in theory, belong to the demonic path. However, the people he used for his practice were all individuals who had committed numerous heinous acts, and the sects he exterminated were all notorious evil demonic sects. If he were said to be a member of the immortal path, his methods were too ruthless, using blood and souls for his practice; how could he be considered a practitioner of the immortal path? But if he were labeled as a demonic practitioner, given that he had slain countless evildoers without engaging in indiscriminate killing, he certainly couldn’t be regarded as an extremely evil demon cultivator.
Thus, after he gained such a tremendous reputation, whenever someone mentioned him, they viewed him as a practitioner of both the righteous and demonic paths.
Gongye Feibai had met this person many years ago during an expedition when he accidentally fell into a trap and encountered him inside. Originally, they had mutual reservations, but to escape the trap, they had to work together. After spending some time collaborating, they gradually developed a mutual respect, and after breaking free from the trap, they put aside their past grievances and became friends.
Now, upon hearing about the Sword God Token, Gongye Feibai recalled that his friend had not broken through for many years. This friend was known for being a solitary figure without burdens, making him a suitable candidate. However, he was from the demonic path, and his identity was somewhat sensitive… Although currently, the immortal path was only at odds with the demonic path, the attitude towards practitioners of both the righteous and demonic paths was still quite delicate.
Especially now that this friend from the righteous-demonic path had reached the late Spirit Severing Stage, he was among the top candidates, which might cause other practitioners from the immortal path to be wary…
This made Gongye Feibai hesitate.
Xu Ziqing listened and understood why Gongye Shixiong was so reluctant. However, he smiled nonchalantly and said, “This is indeed a good candidate. If there are any issues in the Nine Void realm, it would still be beneficial to us.”
What did it matter whether he was from the immortal path or the demonic path? The former weren’t necessarily all upright, and the latter weren’t all shameless villains. He trusted his shixiong’s judgment.
Upon hearing Xu Ziqing’s words, Gongye Feibai felt relieved and smiled. “Junior Brother Xu, you are broad-minded. I was being narrow-minded. Although Tu Jin has a strange temperament, his character is indeed quite good.”
Xu Ziqing’s smile deepened even further.
The other shixiongs also laughed heartily.
Once they had made their plans, everyone dispersed. Mi Xing, Gongye Feibai, and Lu Wenge each contacted their friends in their own ways, agreeing to meet half a month later at Shandui Town outside Zhou Tian Immortal Sect, while also briefly mentioning the matter of the Sword God Token.
As for the business run by the Chen sisters from the outer sect, the shixiongs also took note of it.
Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing returned to their own mountain residences, closing their doors to organize everything in preparation for their journey to the Nine Void realm.
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More than ten days passed in the blink of an eye, and it was time for the meeting.
Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie transformed into two streams of light, one blue and one black, heading directly out of the sect.
Before long, they arrived at Shandui Town.
Though the two had been in the Qianyuan Greater World for over twenty years, they had little knowledge of the surroundings near the Zhou Tian Immortal Sect. Since they arrived early today, they decided to take a brief stroll around the town to broaden their understanding.
This town, being close to a first-rate immortal sect, was indeed impressive. Although it was called a town, it seemed to be larger than some cities in the Qingyun Great World.
The town was bustling with numerous shops, markets, and venues, as well as restaurants and street vendors, creating a lively atmosphere.
After exploring, the two saw that the time was approaching and headed to the designated restaurant.
Yun Lie took out his disciple token to prove their identity.
Immediately, a beautiful woman came to greet them and led the two into a private room within the restaurant.
Having walked around the town, they found that some people had already arrived in the private room, including Lu Wenge, a shixiong from the Wuling Immortal Sect. Next to him sat a young man with striking features, though his demeanor seemed somewhat gloomy as if he was unwilling to engage in much conversation. He only appeared a bit more open when looking at Lü Wenge.
Xu Ziqing thought to himself that this was indeed a friend.
Upon seeing his junior brothers arrive, Lu Wenge pointed to the gloomy young man and smiled, saying, “This is the friend I mentioned, named Yin Xiu. He’s a bit shy, so don’t mind him.” His tone indicated a strong closeness to this friend.
Yin Xiu nodded to the two and said, “Sorry for the disturbance.”
Yun Lie glanced over and noticed the sharp aura emanating from Yin Xiu; his sword intent was not only fierce but also as delicate as threads. He sensed that if Yin Xiu were to unleash it, it would give the impression of being inescapable. His level of swordsmanship was quite impressive, yet he hadn’t been seen at the Sword Conference. It was unclear whether he was a solitary practitioner or simply uninterested in the event.
Seeing the admiration in his shixiong’s eyes, Xu Ziqing knew that this person was not just a name; he smiled and introduced himself, saying, “I’m Xu Ziqing, and this is my shixiong Yun Lie, who also holds the Sword God Token. Fellow Daoist Yin, greetings.”
Yun Lie also nodded slightly.
Yin Xiu returned the gesture and said, “You both are too kind.”
The mutual impressions were quite good, and Lu Wenge felt reassured, pouring tea for his shidis as they all sat down to chat.
Since they were all going to the Nine Void realm together, it was only natural to get to know each other better. Thus, Lu Wenge initiated a discussion, and Yin Xiu shared some insights about swordsmanship. Although Yun Lie was not particularly talkative, he also contributed some thoughts.
After exchanging a few words, Xu Ziqing could tell that both had remarkable skills. While Yin Xiu might not match in swordsmanship level, his extensive experience brought a unique perspective.
Gradually, the atmosphere became less tense.
Just as they were enjoying the conversation, someone pushed open the door and entered.
It was Mi Xing, accompanied by a very tall man, whose robust physique almost overshadowed Mi Xing.
Xu Ziqing was taken aback; in terms of height, this man truly seemed unmatched!
Mi Xing greeted everyone with a smile, saying, “I’ve brought Xun Liang!”
The tall man had a heroic appearance, his features sharp and well-defined, exuding a strong presence. He clasped his fists, his expression serious, and said, “I’m Xun Liang, pleased to meet all fellow Daoists!”
In the private room, everyone reciprocated the greetings and introduced themselves.
Without needing much more discussion, another expert in swordsmanship joined the group.
Xun Liang carried a heavy sword intent, giving off the impression of a blunt yet powerful blade.
After about half an hour, Gongye Feibai finally arrived, looking somewhat delayed. Upon entering, he first apologized and then opened the door wider, saying, “Tu Jin, why are you still not coming in?” With that, he stepped aside and waved his hand toward the outside.
Everyone turned to look in that direction.
Now that all present were individuals of the immortal path, they were quite curious about the one remaining—Tu Jin from the righteous and demonic path—who had yet to reveal his true appearance. After all, their identities were different.
In the next moment, a gust of wind slammed the door open, and an overwhelming aura of bloodlust rushed in, almost suffocating everyone.
At that moment, a young man in blood-red attire entered. His eyes were narrow, and although he wore a smile on his lips, there was an unsettling aura about him.
For a moment, everyone was taken aback, silently acknowledging the powerful presence he emanated.
This blood-clad figure possessed high cultivation; logically, everyone in the room should have addressed him as “senior.”
However, since he was a friend of Gongye Feibai, and because, among sword practitioners, the level of one’s swordsmanship mattered more than their cultivation level, they chose not to refer to him as “senior.”
However, the originally harmonious atmosphere became a bit tense at this moment.
The blood-clad man’s presence was too strong; even without hostility, it still triggered an instinctual reaction from everyone, making them feel threatened.
Upon entering, the blood-clad man slowly spoke, his voice deep yet carrying an indescribable meaning: “Is this who you want me to meet, Feibai?” His words had a rhythmic quality to them. “I’m not disappointed.”
Gongye Feibai chuckled, “I thought of you when I came across this opportunity. Please don’t throw a tantrum.”
The blood-clad man snorted with a chuckle, his gaze sweeping over the others in the room: “I am Tu Jin. Which of you are you?” As he spoke, his aura seemed to retract somewhat.
The other immortal path practitioners also returned his introduction with kindness, sharing their names.
However, while they recognized each other, they didn’t expect to engage in a discussion about swordsmanship with Tu Jin. They sat for a brief moment, unable to become too close.
Gongye Feibai felt a bit helpless but didn’t say much more.
After sitting in silence for a while, Xu Ziqing smiled and broke the tension: “Since everyone is here, why don’t we head to the Nine Void realm sooner?”
Before Tu Jin arrived, Xu Ziqing had already explained the matter regarding the Sword God Token in detail. Yin Xiu and Xun Liang were quite pleased upon hearing it, and their attitude towards Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie became noticeably warmer. They clearly understood the rarity of this opportunity, and it was even more precious since those who had gained it were willing to share.
Both Yin Xiu and Xun Liang faced difficulties in their early years, often feeling distant from others and only forging deep connections with a few friends. However, they now held a favorable impression of the two shixiongs.
As for Tu Jin, the other disciples from Wuling had previously worried about his potential difficulties in blending in, knowing his peculiar temperament. They had already decided that Gongye Feibai would welcome him, informing him about everything on the way, which turned out to be for the best.
Thus, the three other sword practitioners had already learned the details of the Nine Void realm.
That was why Xu Ziqing was now inviting them.
Everyone had no objections. Having reached a high level of sword intent for quite some time, the opportunity was rare, and they all felt a sense of urgency.
Tu Jin gave a light hum, tacitly agreeing.
Xu Ziqing smiled and stood up first: “To activate the Sword God Token, we need to go to a secluded place to avoid drawing attention and causing any complications.” He then looked at Yun Lie, saying, “Shixiong, how about we head to the mountains outside the town?”
Yun Lie nodded slightly: “Let’s go together.”
The group exited the private room and moved outside the town.
To avoid being noticed by others, they split into several directions, making their way to a small mountain range about fifty miles west of Shandui Town. They arrived in a valley surrounded by several small peaks.
Upon arrival, everyone was very cautious. They used their abilities to scan the area within a thousand miles with their spiritual senses, confirming that there were no anomalies or hidden followers, which allowed them to relax somewhat. They quickly set up barriers to obstruct outside visibility.
Yun Lie, always straightforward, took out the Sword God Token and tossed it into the air. He then pointed at his brow to draw out a wisp of sword soul and sent it into the Sword God Token. In the next instant, the Sword God Token emitted a brilliant golden light, casting five circular phantoms onto the ground.
Yun Lie stepped forward first, taking his place in one of the positions.
Xu Ziqing followed closely to the right, while Tu Jin raised an eyebrow and took the left. The other two also moved forward and occupied the remaining two positions.
Once all five stood firmly, Yun Lie retracted the sword soul.
A wave of black-golden light flashed, and after a blink, Gongye Feibai and the others realized that the five had already vanished without a trace.
<End of Arc 22: Affairs at Sword Conference>
Translator: Lynn
Translations are not 100% correct. Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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