Chapter 851: The Battle with Huang Qiu
At the courtyard atop Myriad Sword Mountain, Xiao Ze shared drinks and conversation with the Azure Clad Sword Saint and Huang Qiu, leader of the Desolate Ancient Clan.
"Haha! Meeting the Lord of the Origin Realm today was truly worth the journey," Huang Qiu said heartily, downing a cup of the renowned spirit wine of the Great Thousand World. His bold and forthright demeanor was on full display.
"I feel the same, Huang Qiu. It's rare to find such camaraderie on first meeting," Xiao Ze replied with a smile, raising his cup in a toast.
The Azure Clad Sword Saint looked on with satisfaction. Both men were prominent figures in the Great Thousand World, and their easy rapport lightened the burden of being the intermediary.
The Sword Saint then revealed a small jade bottle, drawing the attention of both Xiao Ze and Huang Qiu.
"Since we're all gathered here today, let's enjoy a taste of the Sword Domain's exclusive spirit wine," he said.
Huang Qiu's eyes brightened as he took the bottle. "So you're finally willing to share this treasure!"
He poured the wine into cups, explaining to Xiao Ze, "This spirit wine is unique to the Sword Domain. It's infused with potent sword energy. Drinking it is akin to letting sword energy cleanse your body an experience far stronger than any ordinary spirit wine."
Xiao Ze raised an eyebrow. Such wine sounded more like a trial than a pleasure sword energy was not something the unprepared could handle.
Taking the offered cup, Xiao Ze examined the liquid. The sharp sword energy within it was palpable, yet he showed no hesitation and drank it in one gulp.
The wine coursed through his body like a torrent of sharp, cutting energy, accompanied by a rush of spiritual energy. For most, it would have been a painful ordeal. However, with Xiao Ze's perfected Saint Physique, the experience was merely a stimulating tingling sensation.
"Well done!" Xiao Ze said simply, his concise approval drawing smiles from both Huang Qiu and the Sword Saint.
A Request from the Sword Saint
After several rounds of drinks, the Sword Saint turned to Xiao Ze, his tone serious. "Xiao Ze, there's something I wish to ask of you."
"Please, speak freely," Xiao Ze replied.
The Sword Saint hesitated briefly before saying, "I've heard that you possess the Heavenly Emperor's inheritance the Heavenly Emperor Sword. Is that true?"
Xiao Ze nodded. "That is correct. What do you have in mind?"
"I would like to witness its majesty. As one of the most legendary divine swords, it would be a shame for me, a Sword Saint, to never see it in person."
Xiao Ze smiled. "If that's all, there's no need for such formality. Consider it done."
With a wave of his hand, Xiao Ze summoned the Heavenly Emperor Sword from the Zhou Tian Star Chart.
The crystalline sword shimmered with starlight, radiating an awe inspiring aura. Streams of starlight danced around the blade, giving it the appearance of a boundless river of stars.
The Sword Saint's eyes lit up with fascination as he studied the Heavenly Emperor Sword. He refrained from touching the blade, understanding the sanctity of a divine sword's bond with its owner.
Xiao Ze, noticing the Sword Saint's rapt attention, turned his focus to Huang Qiu.
Xiao Ze's Request
"Huang Qiu, I have a favor to ask of you as well," Xiao Ze said.
"Haha! No need for such courtesy. Just say the word, and if it's within my power, I'll make it happen," Huang Qiu replied, his tone confident.
"I wish to observe the Desolate God Physique of your clan," Xiao Ze began. "In exchange, I can offer a recipe for a body refining pill I've developed the Primal Body Refinement Pill."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"My cultivation of the Supreme Physique has reached a bottleneck. To progress, I need to study other Supreme Physiques. Among them, the five Original Physiques are particularly vital. Meeting you today feels like a rare opportunity, so I hope you'll allow me this request."
The Sword Saint looked intrigued, while Huang Qiu's expression grew serious.
After a moment of thought, Huang Qiu replied, "The Desolate God Physique is one of my clan's greatest treasures. Even as its leader, I cannot grant access to it on my own. Such a decision must go through the Council of Elders."
"But," he continued, a hint of mischief in his tone, "how about we have a little contest? If you defeat me, I'll do everything in my power to convince the elders."
Xiao Ze's eyes gleamed with interest. Though Huang Qiu couldn't make the decision alone, his willingness to advocate for Xiao Ze was a promising sign.
"How would you like to compete?" Xiao Ze asked.
Huang Qiu grinned. "Straight combat wouldn't be fair you defeated Maha Tian, and I doubt I could best you in a fight. Instead, let's test our physical endurance and strength.
"In the Myriad Sword Spiritual Domain, there are two formidable trial grounds: the Sea of Sword Qi and the Sword Peak Mountain. We'll compete in those two trials, followed by a physical contest between us. Best two out of three wins."
Xiao Ze considered the proposal. Huang Qiu had chosen the trials in the Myriad Sword Spiritual Domain to ensure neutrality and fairness.
"Agreed."
With that, the two finalized their challenge, setting the stage for a battle that would undoubtedly draw the attention of the entire Sword Domain.
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