Chapter 34

(Recently, the plot has taken a turn, making it harder to write. I estimate that the update will be later than the scheduled time. Please bear with me, and I also request recommendations, favorites, and support. The book is currently sixth on the new book chart.)

The aura of a martial arts grandmaster spread through the heavens and earth.

This was a destructive force. Nearby, rocks crumbled and vegetation turned to ash, as this aura seemed to reach the heavens and penetrate the earth.

Su Qinnian and the other two looked at each other, the Qingyang Sword Seal on their foreheads flickering, an invisible force enveloping them, isolating the aura of the grandmaster.

Terrifying!

Su Qinnian's mind was shaken. He truly witnessed the power of a top-tier figure. Even a mere strand of this aura could easily slay countless martial arts experts.

Buzz!

Just as this force, capable of distorting the void, reached Qingyang Peak, the entire peak emitted a faint green-golden light. This light was not intense, but it was like a spring breeze, absorbing all the destructive waves.

"The True Martial Seven-Section Sword Array has partially awakened!"

The master of Dalian Peak said solemnly. This lineage master was a Daoist nun, appearing to be about thirty years old, with a graceful figure and lingering charm. However, the沧桑 (cāngsāng, meaning "vicissitudes") in her eyes revealed a sense of long years, indicating that her true age was likely much older.

The Luliang Great Sun hung in the sky, and within the entire Wudang Mountain territory, countless disciples, enforcers, protectors, and elders looked up, feeling the terrifying aura and will contained within the Luliang Great Sun. It was hard to imagine which peak master had acted, forcing the current lineage master of Jinshuo Peak, who had attained the pinnacle at the age of forty and was expected to pass the second thunder tribulation within five years, to such a desperate state, even resorting to his ultimate skills.

"The 'Jinguang Luliang Dao Body' is one of the best body cultivation techniques in Wudang, and perhaps even in the world. Even compared to Shaolin's 'Vajra Indestructible Body,' it is only slightly inferior."

"According to legend, Jinguang Zhenren's 'Jinguang Luliang Dao Body' has reached the fourth level. When he attained the pinnacle, he condensed the Jinguang Luliang Spirit, which allowed him to harmonize with the Nine Heavens Sun and survive the first thunder tribulation after being tempered by the Sun's true fire."

…

Elders and protectors from various peaks exchanged information, revealing some secrets, while also expressing some doubts. Normally, top-tier figures like the peak masters should not act recklessly within Wudang Mountain. Their power was too vast, and even a slight misstep could destroy mountains and valleys. Even with the protection of the True Martial Seven-Section Sword Array, it would consume Wudang's own foundation.

However, in the eyes of the Wudang people, the Luliang Great Sun did not last long. Just a moment later, a piercing sword light, green-golden in color, like an ancient sword's edge, pierced the sky, as if it had penetrated the universe. The Luliang Great Sun was instantly shattered.

Buzz!

In Wudang Mountain, swords resonated in unison, showing a sign of submission.

"Ten Thousand Swords Bowing to the Ancestor! A spirit sword has emerged!"

"Or perhaps someone has comprehended the supreme sword intent, causing the swords to sense it and seek to break through the sky."

Many senior protectors were astonished. Regardless of which it was, it was a significant event. Spirit swords were rare, and there were not many in the world. As for the supreme sword intent, it was one of the most elusive forces in the world. Even sword experts who had attained the pinnacle might not be able to comprehend it. Each person who mastered such intents, like sword intent, saber intent, or fist intent, was worthy of being recorded in history and remembered by future generations of martial artists.

At Qingyang Peak, Qingyang Stream.

In Qingyang Palace, Su Qinnian and the other two watched the extinguished Luliang Great Sun in the sky, and Jinguang Zhenren's figure reappeared.

However, at this moment, the lineage master of Jinshuo Peak had a dark face, slightly pale, with a sword scar about an inch long on his right cheek, and tiny droplets of blood appeared.

This…

Even the five nearby peak masters could not help but draw a breath. Just that one sword, they admitted, they might not have been able to block it if they were in his position. How powerful was this Qingyang Sword? Even with the previous peak masters having fallen, it could still inherit such a powerful sword intent.

At the same time, except for the old Daoist from Huixian Peak, the other four peak masters secretly rejoiced that they had not acted. The Qingyang Sword, blessed by the spirit will of the previous Qingyang Peak masters, had a spirit that was not inferior to a human. Its action was, to a certain extent, equivalent to the actions of the previous Qingyang Peak masters. The fact that it left a sword scar on Jinguang Zhenren's face was already very significant.

Su Qinnian and the other two felt an immense sense of satisfaction, but they did not show it. However, when they looked at the Qingyang Sword, which was quietly suspended dozens of feet in front of Jinguang Zhenren, they could not hide their shock and horror. The sword's edge, which had just burst forth, seemed to contain a mysterious force. When that sword was thrust, they felt as if a ten-thousand-foot sword mountain had collapsed, overwhelming them with a sense of their own insignificance, leaving no room for any other thoughts.

"Qingyang Sword!" At this moment, Jinguang Zhenren said coldly, "Just a spirit sword, do you dare to defy the will of Wudang's rise and fall! Submit now, or I will report to the Golden Summit of Tianzhu Peak and request the master to use the True Martial Seven-Section Sword Array to suppress you and disperse your spirit!"

Chime!

As Jinguang Zhenren spoke, the Qingyang Sword trembled, its jade-like body flowing with golden light, like sunlight condensed from the heavens. In an instant, the sword's chime rose, as if tearing through the sky, its edge sharp, and the void cracked. The sword tip pointed remotely at the other side of Jinguang Zhenren's face.

"You dare!"

Jinguang Zhenren's expression immediately changed. If the Qingyang Sword truly did this, his lineage would become a laughingstock in Wudang, and even if the news spread, he would lose face in the martial world. Even now, the sword scar on his face, due to the Qingyang Sword Intent, would take a month to heal.

What a fierce spirit!

Su Qinnian sighed inwardly. If the sword is so fierce, how much more so the person.

"Qingyang, stop it."

Suddenly, without any warning, a slightly aged voice sounded.

The voice was not loud, but it was clear to everyone, even drowning out the Qingyang Sword's chime. Then, a figure materialized between Jinguang Zhenren and the Qingyang Sword, appearing before everyone.

"Master!"

The several peak masters all straightened their expressions and greeted him.

In front of the Qingyang Hall.

Su Qinnian and the other two widened their eyes, looking at the figure in the air, a slightly aged middle-aged Daoist with white temples, wearing a pure purple robe with golden edges. He looked ordinary, but this person had once crossed the Western Sea alone, slaying nine demon kings of the Western Sea with one sword, shocking the world and gaining fame across the land.

The 105th generation master of Wudang, Daoist Ningtong, was also the direct disciple of the three mad Daoists of this generation, ranking fifth on the Great Han Spirit List.

"Meeting you, Uncle Master."

Jinguang Zhenren also spoke, bowing. He was the current Jinguang Zhenren of Jinshuo Peak, a generation younger than Daoist Ningtong, belonging to the 106th generation of the Jing lineage of Wudang.

To attain the pinnacle and become a peak master at the age of forty, he had experienced many fortuitous events. At this moment, among the many Jing lineage figures in Wudang Mountain, the strongest had only recently been promoted from a peak protector to an elder, reaching the First-Class Immortal Realm.

Daoist Ningtong nodded slightly at Jinguang Zhenren and then looked at Su Qinnian and the other two in front of the Qingyang Hall. His gaze was calm, without any sharpness, depth, or changes like the sun and moon, the stars shifting. He seemed like an ordinary person, and although he was looking down, it made Su Qinnian and the other two feel a sense of equality and warmth.

"Young people can be sharp, can be restless, and can challenge their seniors. As long as their hearts are right, Wudang can embrace all."

As Daoist Ningtong spoke, Jinguang Zhenren's heart sank. His gaze changed, and he said, "Master…"

"This is the voice from the Golden Summit of Taihe Palace."

Daoist Ningtong said calmly, his gaze seemingly intentionally or unintentionally sweeping over Jinguang Zhenren.

What!

His gaze paused, and Jinguang Zhenren immediately returned to normal. However, his gaze subtly swept over the distant Golden Summit of Tianzhu Peak, where, through the mist, a gaze seemed to pierce through the distant void, like a brilliant starry sky.

The other five peak masters also showed signs of respect. If the one in Taihe Palace spoke, no one would dare to object. (Recently, the plot has taken a turn, making it harder to write. I estimate that the update will be later than the scheduled time. Please bear with me, and I also request recommendations, favorites, and support. The book is currently sixth on the new book chart.)