Chapter 299: The Lord of Lingjian Mountain Wansui
"So, you were part of the group that hunted Medusa?"
On the outskirts of Iron Sword City in the Great Thousand World's Tiancang Continent, Xiao Tiance's voice turned ice cold. In an instant, his aura exploded outward, no longer concealed.
When his Eight Star Sovereign (early stage) energy erupted, the two Six Star Sovereigns and the One Star Sovereign (early stage) Liu Yuansheng who hadn't yet cultivated a Sovereign Physique instantly turned pale.
If they had been on Tianluo Hall's territory, they could have summoned help to counter Xiao Tiance in mere moments. But here, on Lingjian Mountain's turf, they lacked the strength to face an Eight Star Sovereign.
Before their shock subsided, the concealed aura of Qinghou, Xiao Tiance's Heavenly Puppet, was unleashed.
"Boom!"
"Nine Star Sovereign at the peak... on the cusp of becoming a Heavenly Sovereign!"
The white robed Six Star Sovereign broke out in a cold sweat, his face full of dread.
One Eight Star Sovereign was already difficult enough for him and his companion to contend with, but the addition of a Nine Star Sovereign at the peak? Worse yet, the aura radiating from Qinghou carried the faint majesty unique to a Heavenly Sovereign. This was a disaster.
It was like a game of cards: their opponent had already played a hand of four twos, and now they pulled out a pair of jokers.
Had they not feared Tianluo Hall's wrath upon fleeing, these two Six Star Sovereigns would have already turned tail and run.
Under Pressure
Seeing the shock on their faces, Xiao Tiance frowned and asked coldly, "I'll ask one last time: were you part of the group that hunted Medusa?"
As his voice fell, his oppressive aura surged toward Liu Yuansheng. The young master felt as though he were a small boat in a stormy sea, teetering on the brink of destruction.
The white robed Six Star Sovereign spoke urgently, **"Sir, while the Young Master was part of the pursuit, he never attacked her.
Moreover, the woman in question was taken away by a powerful member of the Nine Colored Sky Swallowing Python Clan. Even if we had ill intentions, we couldn't act against her after they arrived.
Furthermore, we spared no effort to avoid harming her, yet she managed to kill several of our Sovereign level experts.
Sir, we implore you to reconsider. Targeting the Young Master won't change anything now, and Tianluo Hall will ensure you're given an appropriate explanation."**
The white robed man was well aware that Liu Yuansheng couldn't endure much more of Xiao Tiance's pressure. If this continued, the young master's body might give out or worse, he could develop a heart demon, crippling his future potential.
If anything happened to Liu Yuansheng, the two guardians would face severe punishment from Tianluo Hall's hall master, who adored his youngest son.
Xiao Tiance's Response
Xiao Tiance's eyes narrowed as he sneered, "You think invoking Tianluo Hall's name will sway me? Even if your hall master stood here, it would take me no more than a slap to deal with him. What 'face' do you think Tianluo Hall has to offer?"
Though his tone was laced with disdain, Xiao Tiance withdrew his oppressive aura.
A Sudden Intervention
Just then, an immense aura rippled out from Iron Sword City. From the city's skies, a colossal thousand meter long sword shot toward them at high speed.
"It's the Lord of Lingjian Mountain Wansui!" the black robed Six Star Sovereign exclaimed in relief.
Xiao Tiance raised an eyebrow, finding the name amusing. He thought his own name was imposing enough, but "Wansui" (meaning "Ten Thousand Years" or "Eternal Life") was in a league of its own.
In a flash, the enormous sword reached the skies above them. It fragmented into countless smaller blades, forming what appeared to be a shimmering staircase descending toward the ground.
Moments later, a man in a flowing blue robe appeared. His long hair fluttered in the wind, and an elegant jade gourd hung at his waist, exuding a carefree, swordsman like aura.
An Impressive Entrance
As he descended, each step he took on the sword formed staircase emitted a crisp sound, drawing the group's attention. His movements were graceful, his presence commanding.
Upon reaching the ground, the fragmented blades reassembled into three long swords, approximately 1.3 meters each, which floated behind him like an ethereal barrier.
"Greetings to the Lord of Lingjian Mountain, Wansui!"
The two Six Star Sovereigns and Liu Yuansheng bowed deeply, their expressions a mix of awe and desperation.
Wansui waved dismissively, barely acknowledging them. His gaze instead locked onto Xiao Tiance and the imposing Qinghou.
"I am Wansui, Lord of Lingjian Mountain. May I know your name and purpose for visiting Lingjian Mountain's territory?" Wansui asked, his tone polite yet firm.
He didn't bow like the others, indicating he considered Xiao Tiance a peer rather than a superior.
Xiao Tiance's Introduction
Xiao Tiance returned the gesture with a slight bow, his expression calm. "I am Xiao Tiance. Greetings, Lord of Lingjian Mountain."
Wansui smiled faintly. "Ah, Xiao Tiance such a bold name. On Tiancang Continent, few dare dismiss Tianluo Hall's reputation, not even the scholars of Tianqiong Academy. But you, it seems, are different."
Though his tone was lighthearted, Wansui's sharp gaze remained fixed on Xiao Tiance, studying him intently.
Despite Qinghou's overwhelming aura as a Nine Star Sovereign at its peak, it was Xiao Tiance who piqued Wansui's interest. There was something about this Eight Star Sovereign a subtle but lethal edge that set him apart.
"How curious," Wansui mused inwardly. "It's like seeing a harmless child who somehow feels more dangerous than a seasoned warrior."
Wansui had traveled the Great Thousand World for years, deeply aware of its hidden dangers. Many seemingly ordinary individuals were often the deadliest threats, capable of striking with unparalleled force when provoked. His cautious approach avoiding unnecessary conflicts was the reason he had survived this long.
Xiao Tiance's Ultimatum
Xiao Tiance remained calm, his icy gaze fixed on Wansui. "The people of Tianluo Hall have offended me. I plan to punish them. What will you do, Wansui? Will you fight me, or will you stand aside and let me finish this matter before we talk?"
He spoke with a calm confidence, making no effort to defend or justify his words. Whether Tianluo Hall's hall master was present or not, Xiao Tiance would have said the same.
Although Medusa had not been harmed, she was his woman. As such, Xiao Tiance believed he had the right to settle the matter personally. Initially, he had prioritized finding Xiao Xuan and the others, but stumbling across Liu Yuansheng, the son of Tianluo Hall's master and a key player in Medusa's pursuit, made this a convenient detour.
However, instead of stepping aside, Wansui's eyes sparkled as he asked with a smile, **"Xiao Tiance, could you not spare them for the sake of Lingjian Mountain? After all, this young man is the cherished son of Tianluo Hall's master. They've come here seeking a partnership with my Lingjian Mountain.
If you kill Liu Yuansheng here, wouldn't that tarnish Lingjian Mountain's reputation?"**
Xiao Tiance's Response
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance laughed loudly. His aura flared to its peak, leaving no doubt about his resolve. "So Lingjian Mountain values Tianluo Hall's reputation but disregards mine?"
Wansui remained composed, shaking his head slightly as he replied, "Xiao Tiance, why make this difficult? Your strength is impressive, and the puppet behind you is extraordinary. However, such power is insufficient to run amok in Lingjian Mountain's territory."
His tone was lighthearted, but there was an unshakable confidence in his voice, as if he truly had no fear of Xiao Tiance.
The Battle Begins
Xiao Tiance's cold smile deepened. "Oh? Is that so? Let's see who has the upper hand, then!"
With a thought, he sent Qinghou, his Heavenly Puppet, hurtling toward Wansui at lightning speed. Simultaneously, Xiao Tiance raised his hand, summoning an Eighth Grade Spirit Array, instantly trapping Liu Yuansheng and his two guards within its confines.
"A Spirit Array Master? He's a Spirit Array Master too!"
Liu Yuansheng's face turned pale as he stared at the impenetrable Spirit Array that radiated a suffocating aura. Beside him, the two Six Star Sovereigns looked equally alarmed.
"What now? This array hasn't been activated yet, but once it is, we'll be obliterated!" the black robed guard muttered.
The white robed guard steadied himself and replied grimly, "Don't panic. Wansui is fighting that Nine Star Sovereign puppet. As long as the fight isn't decided, we should be safe."
The Clash of Titans
Xiao Tiance stood still, watching the battle unfold with a faint smirk.
Wansui's thousands of flying swords filled the air like a starry sky, each blade capable of severely injuring a Sovereign level expert. Against weaker foes, even one sword would be lethal.
In stark contrast, Qinghou's approach was simple and brutal. The puppet either let the swords clang harmlessly against its golden body or smashed them aside with devastating punches.
"What is this monstrosity?" Wansui muttered, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
His swords renowned for their unmatched sharpness could slice through nearly anything. Even the Heavenly Armor of Tianluo Hall's master, famed for its unparalleled defense, would bear scars after being struck. Yet his swords couldn't even scratch Qinghou's body.
Taking advantage of Wansui's momentary distraction, Qinghou teleported behind him and delivered a punch that tore through space itself.
"Clang!"
Wansui reacted with lightning speed, spinning around and parrying the blow with his sword. However, Qinghou's immense strength comparable to the force of a dragon or elephant shattered the blade instantly.
Had Wansui not leaped away with a well timed counterstrike, he would have been gravely injured.
Wansui's Counterattack
Regaining his composure, Wansui leapt back, creating some distance. His close quarters abilities were formidable, but they paled in comparison to Qinghou's raw power.
"Fine," Wansui muttered under his breath. "If I can't beat you in close combat, let's see how you handle this."
Drawing upon his mastery of the sword, Wansui raised his hand and invoked a powerful technique.
"Ten Thousand Swords Divine Technique: Nine Heavens Lunar Strike!"
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1