Chapter 346: Insidious Plan, Wang Haotian's Current Situation (Two-in-One)
A hint of arrogance flashed in Gu Yun's eyes, and mysterious light swirled in his double pupils.
"No risks, no great rewards."
He gently stroked Dragon Spring's small head.
His gaze swept towards the nine Sword Steles in the sky; the opportunities here were, of course, tailor-made by the so-called Sword Immortal for Xiao Xuan, and even he himself was originally just a stepping stone on Xiao Xuan's path forward.
After all, in the script of Destiny, his character was not skilled in Sword Qi.
However… with the financial support from Wang Haotian, the Child of Destiny, the current Gu Yun was no longer what he used to be.
If Sword Qi was insufficient, then Immortal Swords would make up for it!
Even if that Sword Immortal were to return to the world, had he ever seen an Immortal Sword more powerful than the Zhan Tian Divine Sword? Had he ever seen a Sword Spirit with a more mysterious origin than Yao Yu?
What's more, after being filled twice with his Myriad Transformation Power, Yao Yu's body became even more graceful, and her changes were not insignificant!
He, Gu Yun, had been in an invincible position from the very beginning.
"This…"
Upon hearing Gu Yun's bold plan, Wu Ling and Luoluo couldn't help but exchange glances, seeing the excitement in each other's eyes.
How… how exciting!!!
"Gu Yun, can we help you?"
"I…"
"Uh…"
Gu Yun glanced at the excited Wu Ling and Luoluo.
Then he said, "In that case, each of you can take a Divine Sword."
"Yay!"
Wu Ling was extremely excited; she had been coveting the Dragon Spring Divine Sword for a long time.
"Then I want Dragon Spring!"
Her eyes glowed as she stared intently at little Dragon Spring.
The latter couldn't help but shrink further into Gu Yun's embrace.
"Daddy, she's so scary, Dragon Spring doesn't want to go with her."
Wu Ling's face darkened.
What was going on? Was she really that annoying?
"Wu Ling, your strength is too weak; you're not suitable for the Dragon Spring Divine Sword."
Dragon Spring had, after all, been damaged before, and in terms of individual strength, it was the weakest among the three Divine Swords.
Gu Yun naturally wouldn't let Wu Ling wield this sword.
He raised his hand, and the Mountain and Sea Divine Sword fell into Gu Yun's grasp.
He gently caressed the sword's body, then handed it to Wu Ling.
"Although Shan Hai is not present at the moment, she is a genuine Quasi-Emperor, and the Mountain and Sea Divine Sword is also a genuine Quasi-Emperor weapon.
Among these three Divine Swords, this one possesses the strongest power."
"You can take this sword."
"Alright…"
Although Wu Ling felt a little disheartened, she was still incredibly excited to receive a Divine Sword.
"Luoluo, you take Dragon Spring."
"This sword is also of quite high grade, and little Dragon Spring is much more obedient than Yao Yu, so it will definitely cooperate well with you."
As he spoke, he couldn't help but scratch Dragon Spring's head.
"Hehe, Daddy is the best~"
Dragon Spring happily rubbed against Gu Yun's embrace, then obediently flew to Luoluo's side, transforming into an exquisite longsword of shimmering azure.
Luoluo carefully took the Dragon Spring Divine Sword; the sword felt warm and smooth like jade in her hand, and she could faintly sense the Sword Spirit's joyful emotions.
She couldn't help but reveal a gentle smile: "Thank you, Gu Yun, Dragon Spring is so well-behaved."
The Dragon Spring Divine Sword also rubbed against Luoluo's palm.
"Hmph!"
Wu Ling pouted sourly from the side, feeling as if a treasure that should have been hers now belonged to someone else.
This feeling of being… in front of her was truly unpleasant, but since the other party was her best friend Luoluo and the person she liked most, Gu Yun, she couldn't say anything.
To alleviate this emotion, her attention was quickly drawn to the Mountain and Sea Divine Sword in her hand.
This ancient and weighty Divine Sword emitted a terrifying pressure, and the mountain and river patterns on its blade seemed to slowly flow like living things.
"Such powerful Sword Qi!"
Wu Ling couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, her hand stroking the Mountain and Sea Divine Sword back and forth, wishing she could rush out and slaughter everything in the next second.
For a sword cultivator, the most unbearable thing was undoubtedly letting a divine sword be tarnished; she, Wu Ling, would never allow such a thing to happen.
"Yao Yu, are you ready?"
Gu Yun nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to the Zhan Tian Divine Sword, reaching out to touch it, but Yao Yu twisted the sword's body to evade him.
"Hmph, someone went to find an obedient Divine Sword, why are you looking for me, a rebellious little brat?"
Yao Yu huffed, crossing her arms, her red robes fluttering, and her head held proudly.
Gu Yun chuckled, raising his hand to summon the Zhan Tian Divine Sword, which shamelessly flew into Gu Yun's hand.
Even Yao Yu, the Sword Spirit, couldn't stop it.
The Myriad Transformation Power then poured into it like it was free, and Yao Yu's pretty face instantly flushed crimson.
"No, no, Gu Yun, no more, it can't fit!!!"
Seeing her body about to become strange again, Yao Yu quickly cried out for mercy.
"Oh? You can't handle this already? Will you be obedient later?"
Gu Yun gently caressed the sword, smiling teasingly, and stopped the input of Myriad Transformation Power.
Yao Yu was still shaken: "Yes, obedient, I will absolutely be the most obedient in the world."
"Next time, you're not allowed to do that."
"I can't bear it at all! Unless you give a little less, then it's fine."
Yao Yu couldn't help but lick her lips, a seductive blush appearing on her face, clearly intoxicated by the Myriad Transformation Power.
Just then, the nine sword lights in the void suddenly trembled violently, and each sword light began to differentiate into countless tiny strands of Sword Qi, wrapping around the swords of all the sword cultivators present.
"It's starting!"
Ling Xiaoyao was the first to react, immediately sitting cross-legged, his longsword suspended before him.
A purple Sword Qi erupted from his body, resonating with the sword light in the void.
Ximen Qingyun, Chu Fengyun, Mo Xuan, and others followed suit, each activating their Sword Qi.
"Brother Su!"
Xiao Xuan was not to be outdone; his rusty sword seemed to be resonating with one of the sword steles, and he immediately charged towards that location.
"Good."
Su Xinghe followed closely; he keenly observed that Chu Fengyun's gaze was fixed on the two of them, and once he had fully comprehended the Sword Qi, he would certainly attack them without any hesitation.
Therefore, he decided to first protect Xiao Xuan, whose strength was greater, and once he broke through, they would have more confidence.
"Gu Yun, let's go too!"
Wu Ling was eager to try, her longsword already thirsting for battle!
"No rush."
Gu Yun held back the restless girl.
"Why?"
"If those cultivators comprehend first, won't our share of Sword Qi decrease?"
"Then what do you propose?"
"Kill them all!"
A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Wu Ling's eyes; like a chameleon, the dignified Female Lead of Fortune had now completely taken on his traits.
"Pop!"
Gu Yun flicked Wu Ling's forehead.
"Ow, Gu Yun, what are you doing~!"
Wu Ling asked, covering her head in confusion.
Luoluo couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, while her fingers made some small movements behind Gu Yun's back.
"Next time, use your brain a bit. If you kill everyone, do you want us to comprehend the Sword Qi ourselves?"
"How much time would that take?"
"Is it more efficient than having so many people comprehend together?!"
"Let's wait and see, and then make our move to snatch it… that's all."
Holding Wu Ling in his arms, Gu Yun was calm and composed.
Are you kidding? What kind of status does he have? Does he still have to do the hard work of comprehending Sword Qi himself?!
Meanwhile.
Somewhere in the Three Thousand Dao Domains.
"Ah…"
Wang Haotian was walking through a dense forest when he suddenly heard his master let out a cry of pain. He quickly turned back to check.
But he saw the cold and aloof Mountain and Sea Fairy still standing in the void, seemingly without any discomfort.
"Master, what happened to you just now?"
Wang Haotian asked tentatively.
Shan Hai's cheeks were flushed, but she used a mist of water to conceal her face.
"I'm fine, Haotian, continue forward. The location of the Blazing Divine Sword is just ahead."
She forced her voice to be calm and indifferent, and after saying this, she looked into the distance, no longer paying attention to Wang Haotian.
Wang Haotian couldn't help but frown slightly. Ever since his master had been found again after being lost, he always felt that things had become a bit strange.
She was still the cool and aloof Mountain and Sea Fairy, and her cultivation was even higher, making her a Quasi-Emperor of Sword Dao revered by everyone in the Three Thousand Dao Domains.
But Wang Haotian just felt—something had changed.
Shan Hai often gazed into the distance at night, the night wind carrying the sound of pine waves sweeping across the cliffs, making the Mountain and Sea Fairy's snow-white robes flutter.
The tall Yu Jie stood under the moonlight, her jade hand unconsciously caressing her chest, her fingertips trembling slightly.
She looked as if she was missing someone.
Whenever Wang Haotian saw this scene, he would unconsciously clench the hilt of the sword at his waist, his knuckles turning white.
The patterns on the bronze scabbard were deeply etched into his palm, but they couldn't compare to the burning pain in his heart.
Occasionally, when he returned from practicing his sword, he could still see candlelight glowing in his master's room.
Through the paper window, that slender figure was softly whispering to a water mirror, her voice unbelievably gentle.
When he couldn't help but get closer, he would always hear the "clang" of a sword, and the water mirror would shatter in response.
His master would emerge from it, her face as cold as ice.
And then, a punishment would inevitably follow.
These matters weighed like huge stones on his heart.
He had asked Brother Tian Luo, but even he didn't know if his master had ever had a Dao Companion.
As time passed, he always had a bad premonition.
It was as if this most important person would one day leave him.
But at this moment, he also knew that retrieving the Blazing Divine Sword was of paramount importance to him. Only then could he gradually become stronger. Ever since he had fully integrated Brother Tian Luo, he had also successfully absorbed a former spiritual avatar and gained some fragments of past memories.
Although he still didn't know his true identity, he already had a general idea; he must have been extraordinary in the past.
But he wouldn't be complacent; those were the achievements of his former self, of that spiritual avatar, and he, Wang Haotian, would only be Wang Haotian; he would not be anyone else.
Continuing to search for things from the past was only to make himself stronger. Only then could he truly be worthy of his master!
His peripheral vision swept over the tall and beautiful figure, and Wang Haotian's eyes flashed with a hint of tenderness.
No matter who that person was, he, Wang Haotian, would never hand his master over to anyone. Only he could make his master happy for a lifetime!!!
Suppressing the doubts in his heart, he continued to move forward.
The mist in the depths of the dense forest grew thicker, and silence reigned all around, with only the faint sound of dried leaves being crushed underfoot.
Shan Hai's pretty face was flushed, her whole body feeling as if it had been caressed by a pair of hands. She knew this feeling all too well, but the current situation…
"Master, ah, Master, you've truly given me a difficult problem."
Looking at Wang Haotian walking ahead, a hint of disgust flashed in Shan Hai's eyes.
If it weren't for her Master, she would never have any connection with this heartless man.
"Mmm…"
"Master…"
The Mountain and Sea Fairy in the void suddenly trembled all over, her slender neck arching slightly backward, and a soft hum escaping her lips.
Her face, concealed by the mist, was already a fiery red. She quickly bit her lower lip, her slender jade fingers unconsciously gripping her sleeve.
"Master?!"
Wang Haotian suddenly turned his head; his master's voice was so strange…
"It's nothing, Haotian, there's a beast aura ahead; be careful."
Shan Hai forced herself to remain calm, but her voice carried a subtle tremor.
"Master…"
Wang Haotian clenched his fists, feeling that things were not simple.
But then a roar suddenly erupted from in front of him, and a giant bear, like a small mountain, suddenly rushed out of the forest, breaking countless branches.
"Damn bastard!"
Wang Haotian raised the Heavenfall Divine Sword and charged directly, wanting to vent all the anger he had accumulated during this time!!!
"Ding, the Child of Destiny Wang Haotian has generated negative emotions, rewarding 2000 Villain Points."
Gu Yun, who was wantonly playing with the Mountain and Sea Divine Sword and Wu Ling, raised an eyebrow slightly, not expecting such an unexpected gain.
"This is quite unexpected."
"Logically, with the personality of that Emperor Haotian, it shouldn't be possible for him to have any emotional fluctuations because of Shan Hai."
"It seems this Destiny is different."
Gu Yun no longer dwelled on it. No matter what kind of Child of Destiny he was, as long as he could provide Villain Points, he was a good Child of Destiny.
Don't be like Qin Xiang, whom he had schemed against so many times, yet he didn't generate many Villain Points. His emotions were too stable, which was disappointing.
"Gu Yun~~ Gu Yun~~"
Wu Ling's pretty face flushed, seeing Gu Yun pushing his luck…
She quickly pressed down on Gu Yun's hand, her pretty face crimson, gently shaking her head.
Gu Yun regained his composure, his gaze falling upon the cultivators in the field.
At this moment, apart from the three of them, almost everyone else was sitting upright, diligently cultivating.
The nine Sword Steles emitted a blazing divine radiance.
Gu Yun's lips curved slightly, and he directly picked up the Zhan Tian Divine Sword and stood up.
"It's time…"
"Ah, good…"
Luoluo, who was still secretly snuggling beside Gu Yun, quickly said, hurrying to stand up, only to see Wu Ling's cheeks flushed, completely oblivious to her, which made her sigh in relief.
Wu Ling held the Mountain and Sea Divine Sword, suppressing the restlessness in her heart, eager to try: "Gu Yun, who should we attack first?"
"I think that one from the Han Bing Immortal Palace is good; he's so arrogant, it's annoying to look at him!"
"How can someone be more arrogant than you? We must teach him a lesson!!"
"Thwack!"
Gu Yun flicked Wu Ling's forehead.
"What are you doing? You'll make me stupid, you know."
Wu Ling was aggrieved.
"It doesn't matter, you weren't smart to begin with anyway."
"Why be so ostentatious?"
"You want to become the target of all; I don't have a habit of being an enemy to everyone."
This was exclusively for the Child of Destiny; he, Gu Yun, wouldn't do it.
He wanted to be the number one good person in the Three Thousand Dao Domains, where all the benefits went to him, and others took the blame!
"We'll absorb it quietly; no action needed, understand?!"
//347//
Chapter 347: Absorbing the Sword Intent, Xiao Xuan is the Object of Thousands of Points (Two in One)
A hint of slyness flashed in Gu Yun's eyes, and mysterious light swirled within his double pupils.
The deceiving heaven mask emitted a strange light, enveloping the three of them.
"This..."
Luluo was surprised to find that even when they passed by those cultivators, no one could detect their presence.
"Just a small trick."
Gu Yun chuckled, "Now we can harvest in peace."
Wu Ling excitedly gripped the Mountain and Sea Divine Sword, the mountain and river patterns on its blade glowing faintly: "What should we do?"
"Luluo, Wu Ling, we each take three Sword Steles. You must be connected heart-to-heart with the Divine Sword. This way, the Sword Qi received by the Divine Sword will also feedback to you. This is very important."
Gu Yun responded, then lightly pointed his hand, and the Zhan Tian Divine Sword silently floated up, its tip suspended in the air.
"Okay."
The two women nodded in unison, then unhesitatingly headed in their respective directions.
By now, all cultivators had been comprehending Sword Qi for some time; they had to act quickly.
"Yao Yu, whose Sword Qi are you most interested in?"
Gu Yun's slender fingers slowly glided over the exquisite and translucent blade of the Zhan Tian Divine Sword, his fingertips entwined with wisps of Myriad Transformation Power.
In these Three Thousand Dao Domains, only his, Gu Yun's, methods could pass through the sword body and affect the Sword Spirit's true form.
"Mm~~"
Only Yao Yu's sweet moan responded to Gu Yun, her delicate body wrapped in red robes trembling slightly.
Those eyes that looked at everyone as if they were trash were now misted, and her fair cheeks were already flushed with crimson.
"Ma-Master, don't touch..."
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
Gu Yun smiled mischievously, grabbing the hilt of the Zhan Tian Divine Sword. To wield a sword, if you don't hold the hilt, how can you fight?
"Ugh--!"
The Myriad Transformation Power was like countless tiny tentacles, wantonly flowing within Yao Yu's spiritual body.
Gu Yun could clearly feel every tremor of the Sword Spirit, thus connecting him and Yao Yu closely, almost indistinguishably.
"How about we start with Ling Xiaoyao of the Zixiao Sword Sect?"
"That Zixiao Sword Qi contains lightning, which is very special."
Gu Yun said teasingly.
Yao Yu nodded: "Good, good, quick, I, I want, I want to absorb Sword Qi."
She seemed to grasp at a life-saving straw, calling out urgently.
Only then did Gu Yun reduce the input of Myriad Transformation Power, which made Yao Yu give Gu Yun a resentful look.
"At a time like this, and still not serious..."
"Bad Master, stinky Master, Miscellaneous Cultivation!"
"?"
Gu Yun raised an eyebrow. Good for you, Yao Yu, you're living quite well.
"Master, Master, I was wrong, no, no more..."
Then Yao Yu's wails followed one after another.
At the same time.
The crowd diligently comprehending the Sword Steles' Sword Qi were unaware of all this.
Ling Xiaoyao's eyes were tightly closed, a faint purple divine sword hovering above his head, emitting brilliant lightning.
Fine beads of sweat seeped from his forehead, clearly indicating he was at a critical moment of comprehension.
"The Sword Qi left by the Sword Immortal senior is indeed extraordinary. The Sword Qi contained within it is no less impressive than the Zixiao Divine Sword recently recovered by our sect."
Ling Xiaoyao rejoiced in his heart: "If I can fully comprehend it, my cultivation will definitely advance another level!"
His heart was incredibly excited, and at this moment, he was giving his all, fully concentrated.
"It's just that the speed is a bit slow."
"Never mind, after all, it's Sword Immortal Sword Qi; comprehending it is bound to be difficult."
Ling Xiaoyao quickly found the reason. How could Sword Immortal Sword Qi be so easy to comprehend?
Perhaps being able to gain anything at all was already beyond what ordinary people could achieve.
Who was Ling Xiaoyao? He was a sword Dao genius who had been the focus of global attention since childhood. At just over a hundred years old, he had already cultivated his own Sword Heart.
Having stepped into the Great Dao of Swords, he had the potential to become an Emperor. Even he found it so difficult to cultivate, so how much harder must it be for the other cultivators present?
Sharing his thoughts were Ximen Qingyun, Chu Fengyun, Mo Xuan, and many other Sword Dao cultivators who had absolute confidence in their own talent.
And the instigator, our little Sword Spirit Yao Yu, was currently nestled in Gu Yun's arms, being played with at his whim.
Her little tongue was numb from the electric current, slowly drifting in the air.
"Gu Yun, you bastard, did you know that this Zixiao Sword Qi has a numbing effect, which is why you absorbed it so fiercely?"
Yao Yu, with her tongue lolling, angrily reprimanded him.
"You've wronged me! I merely picked a lucky individual at random; I had no such thoughts."
Gu Yun had the attitude of a dead pig not fearing boiling water, making Yao Yu's teeth itch with anger, but she couldn't do anything about this scoundrel.
"Then, then why didn't you attack that guy?"
"Are you afraid of him?!"
Yao Yu looked at Xiao Xuan nearby and retorted.
Right now, she just wanted to make Gu Yun uncomfortable with her words, as for what she would experience next, that was not within her consideration.
"Him?"
"With so many Dao Body Realm Peaks and Xiantai Realm cultivators, someone has to bear their wrath, don't they?"
Gu Yun chuckled teasingly, "I can't possibly lower myself to play such childish games with them, can I?"
"You're truly rotten!"
Yao Yu gnashed her teeth.
"Oh? Do you like it then?"
Myriad Transformation Power surged.
"Li-Like it, I, I really can't take it anymore. If this continues, and more Sword Qi comes in, I'll definitely explode."
Yao Yu clutched her slightly swollen lower abdomen, crying, "Sword Qi is good, but don't be greedy."
Only then did Gu Yun let her go, his gaze drifting in another direction.
"Why is she here?"
"Coming so late, can she still participate in the Divine Sword Trial?"
"But after all, she's a red-grade Heavenly Destiny Daughter, anything is possible."
Seeing Shi Qingwu stealthily approaching, Gu Yun thought to himself. Originally, there was only one orange-grade Xiao Xuan to exploit, and he still felt it wasn't enough. Now that a red-grade Shi Qingwu had arrived, he wasn't sleepy at all!
But upon seeing Shi Qingwu also blocked by an invisible barrier, Gu Yun knew that she had probably missed this first round of Sword Qi trials.
However, it didn't matter. With her Saint Realm strength, it should be easy for her to stand out in the second round.
Gu Yun no longer paid attention, continuing to wholeheartedly absorb the Sword Qi painstakingly gathered by the cultivators present.
At this moment, Gu Yun felt as if he were the most wicked capitalist in the world. All the cultivators present were his laborers, and he didn't even have to pay them a single penny!
"My sin, my sin."
He silently recited, wildly condemning, reviewing all the knowledge he had learned since childhood.
"I will first absorb the Sword Qi. Once I achieve the position of a Sword Immortal, I will then come to enlighten the masses!"
With that thought, Gu Yun showed no mercy, increasing the speed of his Sword Qi absorption.
"Gu Yun!!"
Yao Yu angrily rebuked, seemingly the sole victim appearing.
As time continued to pass.
Even if Ling Xiaoyao was slow-witted, he had already realized that something was amiss.
Even if comprehending the Sword Immortal's Sword Qi was difficult, this feeling of disproportionate effort and reward was too strange!
He had never felt this way before.
Just then--
"Buzz!!"
A strange tremor suddenly came from overhead. Ling Xiaoyao's eyes snapped open, then he was horrified to find that his Zixiao Sword Qi was being frantically extracted by some force!
"Who!"
He roared, and purple lightning surged around him.
But looking around, there was no one.
The appearance of Sword Qi had a lag. Ling Xiaoyao could clearly see that the Sword Qi flowed out from the Sword Stele, then a large amount of it disappeared, and less than 10% of it could flow into the Zixiao Sword!
"Damn it, which bastard is playing tricks? If I find you, I will tear you to pieces!"
Ling Xiaoyao was furious in his heart, hastily forming hand seals to stabilize the Sword Qi, but he was horrified to find it was useless.
He couldn't even stabilize the last 10% of the Sword Qi; all his efforts just now were basically in vain!
"Who?"
"Who!!!"
He couldn't help but roar to the sky, his eyes scanning around, determined to find the culprit!
At the same time, Ximen Qingyun, not far away, encountered the same situation.
"What's going on?!"
His handsome face twisted, and the folding fan in his hand shattered with a "snap."
The white Sword Qi above his head was being devoured by an invisible giant mouth, decreasing at a visible rate!
Chu Fengyun also reacted; he was furious.
Ice Sword Qi swept around: "What kind of rat dares to hide their head and show their tail!"
"Do you dare to come out and fight me, Chu Fengyun?!"
The entire scene was silent, and what responded to him... was only the "hissing" sound of the Sword Qi continuing to drain away.
"No, no! My Sword Qi, my Sword Qi!!"
Someone reached out to grab, but unfortunately, the Sword Qi showed no lingering attachment to him.
"Ah ah ah!! I practiced non-stop for three hours, three hours!! But where's my Sword Qi, ah ah ah!!"
Someone fell into a frenzy.
"No, look at that guy."
Mo Xuan finally opened his eyes, his gaze terrifyingly gloomy. He pointed in a certain direction, and everyone looked over, only to see Xiao Xuan comprehending the Sword Qi as if nothing was wrong.
This should have been a perfectly normal thing, but now it seemed so out of place with everyone else present.
His eyes were tightly closed, dazzling Sword Qi swirling around him, his entire being had reached the critical point of advancing to the Xiantai Realm, looking vibrant and thriving.
This formed a stark contrast to the miserable state of others whose Sword Qi was constantly draining away.
"It's him! It must be him!!"
"Our Sword Qi has all been stolen by someone, yet he can cultivate and comprehend safely."
"He must have stolen our Sword Qi, if not, he must be connected to the mastermind!"
A cold light flashed in Ximen Qingyun's eyes, and Sword Qi surged around him, already unable to suppress the rage in his heart.
"Damn it, he even dares to steal my Sword Qi!!"
"He simply doesn't want to live!!"
Chu Fengyun was even more frenzied. He had just touched the threshold of the Saint Realm, just one step, just one step away!
Su Xinghe had also woken up long ago. Because he and Xiao Xuan were relatively close, he was now the target of everyone's gaze, and a chill ran down his spine. He glanced at Xiao Xuan, who was still sitting upright, preparing to break through.
His heart also trembled, because even his Sword Qi had been absorbed by someone else.
"Brother Xiao, is it really you?"
"Everyone, whether it is or not, we'll know with a try. Originally, it was a joyous occasion for everyone to peacefully absorb Sword Qi together, but someone always wants to play tricks, so we absolutely cannot let him off easy!!"
Ling Xiaoyao raised the Zixiao Sword in his hand, pointing it at Xiao Xuan, his eyes flashing with cold light, revealing murderous intent!
"Yes, we'll know with a try!"
Chu Fengyun's anger surged. Earlier, before the trial began, this brat dared to disrespect him. At this moment, it was a reckoning of old and new grudges!
"Yes, kill him!!"
"To dare to steal our Sword Qi is simply a beast, worse than pigs and dogs!!"
In an instant, the crowd became agitated.
Seeing everyone about to pounce, Su Xinghe's face changed drastically, and he hastily blocked in front of Xiao Xuan.
"Everyone, don't jump to conclusions so quickly."
"Brother Xiao has always been focused on comprehending; how could he have the time to snatch your Sword Qi..."
"Everyone, please calm down and be sure to observe carefully, so as not to wrongly accuse the innocent and let the true culprit escape justice!"
He pondered for a moment, still feeling that Xiao Xuan was not that kind of person, at least it was absolutely impossible for him to absorb his own Sword Qi.
Therefore, this situation must be someone framing Brother Xiao!
"Get lost!"
Ling Xiaoyao didn't bother to listen to Su Xinghe's explanation, he swung the Zixiao Sword violently, and a violent surge of lightning power erupted, directly sending Su Xinghe flying!
"Pfft--!"
Su Xinghe's chest ached intensely, and he flew back dozens of feet, crashing heavily against a Sword Stele, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with horror.
"Ling Xiaoyao, you...!"
"Hmph, if not for the fact that you are a Fenghua Academy disciple, otherwise, an ant like you, a first-level Xiantai Realm cultivator, how could you still be alive?!"
"You barely escaped with your life, so stay put and don't bring trouble upon yourself!"
Chu Fengyun sneered, and Ice Sword Qi swept out, instantly freezing the ground, heading straight for Xiao Xuan!
"Xiao Xuan! You stole our Sword Qi, your crime is unforgivable, you will surely die today!"
"Kill him!"
"Get back our Sword Qi!"
In an instant, dozens of cultivators attacked simultaneously, sword light, lightning techniques, ice, raging flames... various divine abilities covered the sky and earth, bombarding Xiao Xuan!
Xiao Xuan was at a critical moment of breakthrough, Sword Qi swirling around him, faintly emitting the pressure of the Xiantai Realm, but facing so many powerful cultivators besieging him, he had no time to react!
"Boom--!!!"
In an instant, a terrifying explosion swept across the entire scene, dust rose everywhere, and the earth cracked!
Even the Sword Steles in the void trembled wildly because of it.
"Cough cough... Damn it!"
Xiao Xuan violently spat out a mouthful of blood, forcibly interrupting his breakthrough, his figure retreating rapidly, his eyes filled with anger and unwillingness.
"Who!!"
"Heh, with such strength, you dare to absorb our Sword Qi? You're simply courting death!"
"Exactly! Kid, pay for your foolishness with your life!"
Someone said teasingly, looking at Xiao Xuan.
Listening to these idle words, Xiao Xuan still didn't understand the whole story. Being slandered like this, he was almost driven mad.
Xiao Xuan clenched his fists, his fingernails almost embedding into his flesh, spiritual power surging around him.
"You idiots, I didn't do anything at all!!"
//348//
Chapter 348 Sword Trial (Two in One)
"Ding! The Host caused Xiao Xuan to fail in breaking through to the Xiantai Realm, and his comprehension of Sword Qi had flaws, resulting in a decrease of 3000 Destiny Points."
"Ding! Xiao Xuan is extremely furious, rewarding 1000 Villain Points."
Looking at the cultivators surrounding him, Xiao Xuan's eyes held no fear, only an almost uncontrollable rage.
Although the failed breakthrough was a huge blow to him, as a Child of Destiny, he didn't completely collapse. Instead, he managed to take half a step forward; his Celestial Altar was already forged, though damaged. As long as he returned and used spiritual medicine to assist, consolidating his cultivation, he could re-enter the Xiantai Realm.
His strength would be even greater than before his injury.
However, even though the situation wasn't irreversible, Xiao Xuan's heart was still surging with uncontrollable rage.
"Still daring to quibble?!"
Facing Xiao Xuan's explanation, Ximen Qingyun completely ignored him: "If it weren't for your secret machinations, why was only your Sword Qi not plundered?!"
"That's right! If we don't kill you today, it will be hard to quell the hatred in our hearts!"
Mo Xuan sneered coldly, and the black longsword in his hand transformed into a black light, piercing directly towards Xiao Xuan's throat!
"Clang—!!"
Xiao Xuan parried with his sword, and the black longsword sparked brightly three inches from his throat.
The ground beneath his feet exploded, and he was pushed back more than ten feet by the immense force.
"What?! He can actually block a sword from Mo Xuan!"
"What kind of strength is this? Didn't he just fail his breakthrough? If he had succeeded, how powerful would he be now?!"
Su Xinghe stood up, clutching his chest, and couldn't help but feel admiration at this sight.
"Brother Xiao Xuan's strength is indeed extraordinary."
"This guy, it seems he still has some unexpected luck."
Ximen Qingyun's eyes narrowed slightly, and for the first time, a hint of vigilance arose towards Xiao Xuan.
"Cough, cough..."
A trace of blood spilled from Xiao Xuan's lips, but his eyes burned with fierce battle intent: "I said, it wasn't me!!"
"Instead, it's you all! How dare you launch a sneak attack at such a crucial moment of my breakthrough? What are your intentions?!"
"Are you worthy of your sect's legacy! Are you worthy of the swords in your hands!!"
Xiao Xuan's questioning echoed through the arena, causing the blades in many cultivators' hands to tremble slightly.
Some disciples with weaker cultivation turned pale, their longswords almost slipping from their grasp.
"Questioning the Sword Heart?"
"This person indeed has good methods."
Shi Qingwu, who was observing the battle from outside, was also drawn by Xiao Xuan's actions at this moment.
But it was only for a moment.
Her target, from beginning to end, was only Gu Yun.
"That damned bastard—my big treasure, where did he run off to..."
Halfway through her sentence, Shi Qingwu received a warning from the system and quickly changed her words.
However, with her eyesight, she simply couldn't see through the deceiving heaven mask's disguise.
At this moment, Gu Yun was watching the scene in the arena with great interest, and Wu Ling and Luoluo had already returned to his side.
"This guy is really seeking death. He just failed his breakthrough and yet he dares to provoke everyone."
Wu Ling looked at Xiao Xuan and sneered.
"Do you think you're Gu Yun? Which one of these people present isn't a prominent figure? Even if you could defeat them, it wouldn't be a worthwhile trade, as you'd face relentless pursuit once you leave the Ancient Continent."
If it were her, she would definitely not do such a thing. What difference is there between such an action and Ye Bufan, who once captured the young masters of various major forces and threatened them to extort high compensation?
Luoluo also frowned, looking at Xiao Xuan with an innate sense of aversion.
"Then you underestimate him."
Gu Yun smiled faintly.
"What, you think he can win? With such a huge disparity in strength, how can he win?"
Wu Ling was puzzled.
"Whether he wants to win isn't up to him, but rather..."
Gu Yun looked up at the sky. How could the person chosen by the Sword Immortal fall so easily here?
"I wonder what kind of blow it would be to you, a mere orange Child of Destiny, if I were to seize an entire Sword Immortal legacy."
For Gu Yun, whether Xiao Xuan lived or died didn't matter, because in his script, the female lead, Water Flowing Clouds, was connected to him.
The latter would come to his side at some point in the future, thus igniting Xiao Xuan's wrath towards him, vowing to reclaim Water Flowing Clouds.
Therefore, even if he were to kill him here, there would be no consequences.
And all of this depended on whether he was up to the task.
"Playing tricks!!"
In the center of the battlefield, facing Xiao Xuan's question that shook the Sword Heart, Chu Fengyun chose to attack directly!
Nine ice dragons formed from chilling Sword Qi lunged at Xiao Xuan, and Chu Fengyun's voice was like thunder, shaking the nine heavens!
"You vile wretch who secretly absorbed our Sword Qi, how dare you speak of Sword Qi?!"
"Today, I shall let you witness what true Sword Dao is!"
Facing such a terrifying attack, Xiao Xuan retreated rapidly, his robes fluttering.
The nine ice dragons carried bone-chilling coldness and an aura that could crush everything.
At the last moment, Xiao Xuan narrowly twisted his body, barely dodging the sword.
The ice dragon's claws grazed his shoulder, instantly forming ice crystal cracks.
Without any chance to breathe, Mo Xuan, wielding a dark longsword, attacked again from the side. Xiao Xuan barely managed to stabilize himself, and a rusty sword flew from his sleeve, blocking in front of him, barely holding the attack.
"You brat, you actually have a rusty sword too?!"
Mo Xuan was somewhat shocked.
Xiao Xuan sneered: "How many trump cards this young master has, you can't even guess!"
With that, he found strength from somewhere, sweeping out with the rusty sword, a brilliant Sword Qi blossoming.
Mo Xuan dared not meet it head-on and quickly dodged its edge.
"He can actually unleash such terrifying combat power?!"
"Could it be that this brat has gained the recognition of the rusty sword?!"
Ling Xiaoyao was slightly surprised by Xiao Xuan's performance.
"Hmph."
"Just a spent force."
Ximen Qingyun sneered, having seen through everything.
However, Xiao Xuan, who had been fighting two opponents with high spirits, was clearly not in good condition at this moment. The blood spilling from the corner of his mouth was particularly striking against his pale face.
The intense pain from his damaged Celestial Altar surged through his consciousness like a tide, and every circulation of spiritual energy felt like tearing his meridians.
Just standing there seemed to exhaust all his strength.
"Brat, die!"
Ximen Qingyun seized the opportunity and roared, his Qingyun Sword transforming into nine streams of green light, sealing Xiao Xuan's retreat.
"Ximen, don't even think about taking all the glory!"
Ling Xiaoyao sneered, a flick of his wrist causing the Purple Heaven Sword to instantly unleash endless electric light, striking towards the already weak and powerless Xiao Xuan.
"Gentlemen, at this point, still trying to snatch kills? That's not very honorable!"
Chu Fengyun glanced, his voice stern. From the moment Xiao Xuan revealed the rusty sword, the situation had changed.
Although he didn't know its purpose, he presumed it was a treasure, and he would never allow others to lay claim to it.
Mo Xuan remained silent, simply attacking with his sword.
Besides them, countless other cultivators also attacked Xiao Xuan with their swords, vowing to vent their hatred!
In an instant, countless attacks rained down like a storm.
Sword Qi crisscrossed the heavens and earth, all locked onto Xiao Xuan.
His damaged Celestial Altar trembled violently, his eyes quivered, and he gritted his teeth, parrying with his sword, but ultimately, his strength was insufficient.
In a flash, dozens of sword lights flickered, and in an instant, his green robe was stained with blood.
"Damn it...!"
Xiao Xuan knelt on one knee, his sword plunged into the ground to support his body.
Veins bulged on his forehead, and the spiritual energy in his body surged like boiling water—a sign of forcibly activating his damaged Celestial Altar.
But he was completely unable to fight any longer!
Ximen Qingyun seized the opportunity, and his Qingyun Sword transformed into a hundred-zhang green rainbow, striking down from above!
"It's over."
Mo Xuan sneered.
At the critical moment, a clear sword cry suddenly came from the sky.
Nine rays of starlight descended from the clouds, intertwining into a star map above Xiao Xuan's head.
The Qingyun Sword struck the star map as if sinking into mud, not even stirring a ripple.
"What?!"
Ximen Qingyun looked at this scene in disbelief. Throughout the battle, he had held back, wanting to observe the best moment to strike.
But now...
"See?"
Gu Yun, while helping Wu Ling to develop, chuckled mockingly: "The master of this place won't want him to die just like that!"
"Mm, mm..."
"Ding! The second trial of the Divine Sword Trial begins: Sword Dao Trial!"
An ancient voice resounded through heaven and earth, and everyone's vision blurred.
A divine light flashed from the sword stele, then quickly enveloped everyone present, even Shi Qingwu was included.
When they opened their eyes again, they seemed to be in an independent space.
"This..."
Xiao Xuan looked around, his eyes trembling.
The ancient voice continued to ring in his ears: "Sword Dao Trial! Next, you will be randomly paired up for Sword Dao duels. The winner will advance to the next round, the loser... dies!!"
The cold words spread.
Almost everyone who was pulled in trembled in their hearts.
"What a clumsy way to protect the Child of Destiny."
Gu Yun looked at the surroundings and sneered in his heart.
"Gu Yun, what should we do? You seem to know nothing about Sword Dao..."
The Sword Spirit Yao Yu appeared, saying with some concern.
"Know nothing?"
Gu Yun's lips curved into a cold smile: "What are you talking about?"
"Is there anything in this world I don't know?"
"That's right, your Myriad Transformation Power is indeed very strong, but Sword Dao is different. To cultivate it successfully, you need to start with diligent practice from a young age, plus unparalleled talent, and then you'll have a tiny possibility of succeeding in cultivation."
"There are no shortcuts in the path of the sword; only by relying on continuous effort and struggle can one ultimately achieve something."
"Forget it, this assessment probably doesn't restrict weapons. Let this young lady properly carry you this time."
Yao Yu was very excited. Being under Gu Yun's thumb all the time, she was constantly frustrated and almost forgot that she used to be an Immortal King weapon.
Her power was boundless.
Now that she finally found an opportunity, she naturally wanted to show off in front of Gu Yun.
"Oh?"
Gu Yun's lips curved into a half-smile: "Then I'll just refuse to let you act!"
Saying that, he deliberately put away the divine sword.
This made Yao Yu furious: "Gu Yun! You, you don't have to be so stubborn, do you? You've never cultivated Sword Dao since childhood, how can you duel others in Sword Dao?!"
"Be good, listen to me. I definitely won't mock you."
But Gu Yun paid no attention to any of this. In front of him, the enemy's aura had slowly appeared.
Leaving Yao Yu in place, Gu Yun slowly stepped forward.
"This bastard!!"
Yao Yu gritted her teeth, but her body simply couldn't disobey Gu Yun's command.
"Hmph, let's see how you make a fool of yourself. Later, when you're defeated, this immortal sword will descend like a god, saving you from distress."
"Hehe, don't worship your elder sister too much!"
Yao Yu sneered.
Gu Yun didn't know Yao Yu's inner thoughts. If he did, he would definitely infuse Yao Yu with Myriad Transformation Power, filling her up completely.
Otherwise, how could he live up to her painstaking efforts?
"I don't know Sword Dao?"
"Sword Dao needs to be cultivated step by step from a young age?"
Gu Yun smiled faintly. How could cultivation be such an inconvenient thing?
"System, exchange!"
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for consuming 100,000 Villain Points to exchange for—Great Dao of Sword (Minor Accomplishment)!"
The system understood perfectly and completed the exchange directly.
The comprehension of the Great Dao usually begins only at the Quasi-Emperor Realm.
And to reach the Minor Accomplishment realm, it's usually at the Quasi-Emperor Triple Heaven.
100,000 Villain Points in exchange for a Minor Accomplishment Sword Dao, and a very stable one at that.
There was no more cost-effective deal in the world than this.
Now Gu Yun was wealthy, facing increasingly powerful Children of Destiny, and also had various ways to obtain Villain Points.
He used them less sparingly than before.
"Now, if I unleash one sword, even a Great Saint Realm expert wouldn't be able to withstand it, right?"
Gu Yun's lips curved into a smile.
What was he saying about not understanding Sword Dao?
What a joke! Did he, the dignified Young Master Gu, still need to use traditional cultivation methods?
System-produced, this Minor Accomplishment Sword Dao had no flaws whatsoever.
The light cluster in front of him quickly materialized into a person.
"Sword Fanatic" Li Wuhen.
The system quickly identified the person in front of him.
"Sword Fanatic Li Wuhen, a famous Sword Dao fanatic in the Three Thousand Dao Domains, Celestial Altar First Layer, Sword Heart..."
"Swish!"
A sword light flashed, and the person didn't even have time to say a word, and the system's introduction hadn't even finished.
Li Wuhen had already been completely split in half.
Perfectly and cleanly, both his eyes were still wide open, almost unable to believe what he was seeing.
"Woohoo, this Sword Dao is indeed awesome."
Gu Yun was happy in his heart. Now, without using any external means, he also had methods to threaten a Great Saint.
"In that case, I'll find an opportunity to pay the remaining 300,000 balance later."
The Sword Dao was of a very high grade. To perfectly comprehend it, 400,000 Villain Points were needed.
This was not a small sum, after all, it was a shortcut directly to the Great Emperor, but now it seemed clearly worth it.
"I... this..."
Yao Yu's mouth was wide open, unable to close for a long time, almost able to fit two quail eggs inside. At this moment, the little sword spirit's entire perception of Sword Dao seemed to completely collapse in an instant.
With her eyesight, she naturally couldn't fail to see how strong the method Gu Yun displayed was.
But... someone who had never even used Sword Qi before, now casually performing, actually reached the level of Minor Accomplishment in Sword Dao?!
Even if he had started cultivating in his mother's womb, it would be impossible, right?
"You... you, did you cheat?"
Yao Yu flew in front of Gu Yun and whispered, "Did you use Myriad Transformation Power to simulate Sword Qi? Will that work? Will the owner of this place find out?"
Gu Yun casually twirled his sword, and the Sword Qi condensed at his fingertips actually carved Dao patterns in the void.
Then he lightly flicked Yao Yu on the head, making Yao Yu tumble several times in the air.
"It's proper Sword Dao, little one. Why do you underestimate your master so much?"
"Ding! Yao Yu produced extreme shock, the Seven Emotions Tribulation Classic intercepted 3000 Villain Points."
"But... but..."
Yao Yu's mouth was wide open, unable to close for a long time, almost able to fit two quail eggs inside.
//349//
Chapter 349: Tragedy of Yao Yu, Xiao Xuan meets an old friend, and the sword trial ends (two in one)
The little guy hung in the air, the body of the Zhan Tian Divine Sword trembled violently, emitting a sharp, piercing hum, its astonishment almost beyond words.
"You don't think I can't, do you?"
Gu Yun casually beckoned, and the Zhan Tian Divine Sword obediently fell into his hand, his slender fingers tracing its gleaming blade.
Yao Yu felt as if she had been electrocuted, shouting, "Gu Yun! Stop touching it..."
"Must... must..."
"What?"
Gu Yun paused slightly, looking at the groove on the hilt of the divine sword, and asked with apparent confusion, "Do you think I should place a bead here?"
"Would it look better that way?"
His thumb gently rubbed it, Gu Yun's expression serious.
"You..."
Yao Yu was drenched in sweat, she came to Gu Yun's side, placing her small hands on his fingers, her face full of pleading.
"Master, please, spare Yao Yu."
"What do you mean?"
"I just want to make my precious sword more impressive, that's normal, isn't it?"
Gu Yun said indifferently, "I think the Sky-Breaking Bead from the Gu Family's treasury earlier was actually quite good."
"Its size, shape, and quality are all a perfect match."
"It's very suitable..."
Gu Yun meticulously considered all the details of this groove and quickly identified his target.
"Yao Yu, what do you think?"
"Mm..."
Gu Yun didn't even notice, the little sword spirit had already floated up and kissed his lips.
"Second battle..."
The announcement in the sky resumed, and a ball of light gradually coalesced.
"Hmph, I want to see who my opponent for this second battle will be!"
"Kid, I, Xin Daorong, am an unparalleled sword genius; I held a sword at three and was invincible by thirty. You, kid, are truly..."
Before he could finish, a dazzling sword light appeared before the man's eyes.
It enveloped the entire world, making it impossible to distinguish between dream and reality.
"Am I... seeing the light?"
Xin Daorong stretched out his palm, and his body suddenly turned into ashes.
"Mm."
"Look at you, I still have to fight."
Gu Yun finally managed to release Yao Yu, glancing to his side. He seemed to have just heard about some sword genius appearing as his opponent for the second battle.
"No, not enough, I, I want..."
Yao Yu looked at Gu Yun, her eyes filled with desire. She craved everything from Gu Yun now.
"Quick, quick, fill me with Myriad Transformation Power!"
She threw herself at him, kissing Gu Yun's lips again, her small hands beginning to tear at Gu Yun's clothes.
He sighed softly.
"Sigh... I truly just wanted to practice my sword properly."
"Such an excellent opportunity."
Gu Yun narrowed his eyes and casually set up a sword formation at the location where the enemy appeared.
An Emperor-level one.
A sword formation also belonged to the Way of the Sword, which was very reasonable.
He and Yao Yu vanished. A mere Sword Immortal Space couldn't stop the unruly Great Luo Dao Pagoda.
...
Originally forced into a desperate situation, Xiao Xuan was suddenly pulled into this space, it was like a new village emerging after a winding path. A wild laugh couldn't help but escape his lips.
"Hahaha, as expected, Heaven won't take me!"
"I, Xiao Xuan, am the favored one of this world. The Sword Immortal Legacy here will surely belong to me!"
After his laughter, he dared not delay. The injuries he had just sustained wouldn't heal on their own just because his location changed. He immediately sat cross-legged and began to heal his wounds.
Looking at the cracked Celestial Altar, Xiao Xuan's heart was filled with furious rage.
"Those damned bastards! How dare they disrupt my cultivation? I, Xiao Xuan, swear I will tear all of you to shreds!!"
"And that sneaky scoundrel who tampered with things in the dark, don't let me find you!"
[Ding! Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan's anger is unquenchable, rewarding 3000 villain points.]
Xiao Xuan's rage towards this insidious person who acted in the dark was clearly far greater than towards those who directly attacked him.
Because he wasn't foolish, he naturally saw who the true culprit was.
After sitting cross-legged for a while, Xiao Xuan's brows furrowed even deeper. The Celestial Altar injury couldn't be healed in a short time.
But... time was not on his side.
"First battle... start!"
Xiao Xuan was forced to stand up, his expression solemn as he looked at the figure appearing before him.
If it were one of those four people, he would be truly doomed this time.
Fortunately, Destiny exerted its power at the critical moment.
Even if the Child of Destiny was destined to undergo trials and grow stronger, his Destiny Dad wouldn't directly aim for Xiao Xuan's life.
As the figure slowly materialized, Xiao Xuan finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Xiao Xuan? It's actually you!"
The moment he saw Xiao Xuan, the person's body radiated an extremely excited light.
This person was none other than the senior disciple of Guang Han Palace, which Xiao Xuan had previously annihilated.
When Xiao Xuan eradicated Guang Han Palace, he luckily escaped with his life. He never expected to have the chance to enter this Ancient Continent.
"Sun Hao, you're still alive?"
Xiao Xuan sneered, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes: "It was sheer luck that you escaped back then. I never thought you'd dare face me again. You truly don't know your place!"
The damaged Celestial Altar, however, brought a sharp pain at this moment, but he endured it, straightening his back, the rusty sword in his hand emitting a low hum.
Upon hearing this, Sun Hao's face twisted, and the ice crystal longsword in his hand emitted a bone-chilling cold light: "Xiao Xuan, you're very pleased with yourself, aren't you?"
"Not being able to kill me back then was the biggest mistake you ever made in your life!"
"You never would have imagined that I, who luckily escaped Guang Han Palace with my life, would be favored by the Han Bing Immortal Palace!"
"Hahaha, compared to a colossal entity like the Immortal Palace, you are just an ant!"
Sun Hao pointed his longsword, and his aura erupted, causing the temperature of the entire trial space to plummet.
"Xiantai Realm?!"
"How is that possible! How could your strength reach such a level? This is even stronger than the Palace Master of Guang Han Palace back then?"
Xiao Xuan's expression was grim. If he were at his peak, he would certainly not fear him in the slightest, and would slay Sun Hao here to make up for the past deficiency.
"Hahaha, shocked, aren't you?"
"Originally, seeing your cultivation, my heart sank by half, thinking revenge was hopeless."
"Who knew you were so foolish, making enemies everywhere."
"You actually dared to secretly absorb the Sword Qi that everyone worked so hard to cultivate, you truly have the guts of a bear and a leopard!"
"Since Heaven has allowed me to meet you here today, let me thoroughly eliminate a scourge for the people!"
With that, Sun Hao flicked his longsword, and a cold ice Sword Qi swept out, its power terrifying. He had clearly switched to the sword techniques of the Han Bing Immortal Palace.
"You're spouting nonsense, that wasn't me!!"
Xiao Xuan roared, he truly had no way to explain himself!
[Ding! Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan is burning with rage, rewarding 1000 villain points.]
"So what? Die for me!"
Sun Hao didn't care about any of that.
You have a point? Go tell it to your deceased sect brothers and sisters, teachers, and friends!
In a blink of an eye—the sword light arrived.
Xiao Xuan tried to dodge, but found that his feet were somehow covered in ice crystals, freezing his legs firmly.
"Hahaha, don't waste your energy, this is a sword technique I specially researched for you!"
The senior disciple laughed wildly. For this moment, he had hidden for too long.
Now that he finally had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, how could he not be excited?
"Is that so?"
Facing Sun Hao's aggressive approach, Xiao Xuan merely curled his lips into a cold smile.
He lightly shook his ankle, and the ice crystals rattled down.
"How is that possible?"
Sun Hao's eyes widened, almost in disbelief: "How could you break my Profound Ice Heavenly Prison?!"
"A mere spell. I can learn it in a blink of an eye. Why is it worth mentioning?!"
Xiao Xuan sneered. No matter how special Sun Hao's methods were, they hadn't transcended the scope of sword techniques. Possessing the Tian Yan Sword Body, he could naturally practice them with ease.
"It's truly a pity I couldn't kill you back then."
"But since you're so persistent, today I'll send you to join your sect friends!"
"Clang—!"
A Sword Qi shot into the sky, directly severing Sun Hao's ice sword!
The Sword Qi, its momentum undiminished, even sliced off Sun Hao's right arm at the shoulder!
"Ah!!"
Sun Hao screamed, staggering back several steps, his eyes filled with disbelief: "No, impossible, your Celestial Altar was clearly already..."
"This is all thanks to you!"
Xiao Xuan sneered. He had just discovered with surprise that when Sun Hao attacked him, his Tian Yan Sword Body seemed to have not only mimicked the opponent's sword technique but also successfully absorbed some of the spiritual energy from those profound ice crystals.
This stabilized his Celestial Altar. Although he didn't know the underlying principle, it was undoubtedly excellent news.
"Die!!"
The sword light, carrying terrifying power, grew larger and larger in Sun Hao's eyes.
"No, impossible..."
Accompanied by a final mournful shriek, Sun Hao's entire chest was pierced through, leaving a bowl-sized bloody hole.
Kneeling on the ground, he looked at the still arrogant Xiao Xuan, his eyes filled with despair.
"Junior brother, junior sister, master..."
"Senior brother... did his best..."
Thud.
His body suddenly collapsed to the ground. Xiao Xuan stepped on his head, and the rusty sword in his hand directly pierced through his crown.
That feeling, once it started, was somewhat irresistible.
"Could it be that besides the Tian Yan Sword Body, I also have a special physique?"
Feeling the spiritual energy beginning to flow within his body, Xiao Xuan's face showed an ineffable, wondrous expression.
Sun Hao's body shriveled at a visible rate, eventually turning into a dried corpse.
And Xiao Xuan's Celestial Altar injury, surprisingly, recovered by more than seventy percent!
"With this... I have confidence!"
Holding the rusty sword, Xiao Xuan's eyes gleamed with a bloodthirsty light.
Once he recovered to his peak state, those who had ganged up to humiliate him, he would absolutely make them pay the most tragic price, one by one!
...
"Ang ~ Ang ~ Ang ~"
"Oh, Gu Yun, how could I not do this little thing well?"
"When I absorbed the Sword Qi just now, I naturally left something for that kid."
Yao Yu tidied her clothes, looking at the corpse in the sword formation, which had been torn into pieces by the Sword Qi.
Her face showed some distaste: "It's pitch black, you can't even tell who the person was."
"You're truly ruthless."
"How can I not be ruthless?"
Gu Yun rubbed Yao Yu: "Were those sounds you made just now for him to hear?"
"Is he worthy?"
Yao Yu's face couldn't help but flush: "What are you saying? It's not like you weren't acting recklessly, regardless of the occasion, really..."
"That's not my problem."
Gu Yun waved his hand, saying, it was always Yao Yu who was constantly demanding, and he was at most guilty of indulgence.
From beginning to end, he hadn't even glanced at the guy who had been minced into meat by the sword formation. This sword trial was originally a life-and-death struggle; it didn't matter who died, and the Gu Family wasn't afraid.
"That Xiao Xuan should be very proud now, right?"
Gu Yun curled his lips into a smile. When facing difficulties, most people would be blinded by the lifeline that appeared before their eyes, to the extent that they couldn't see the huge hidden dangers behind it.
Xiao Xuan's situation was exactly like this.
He urgently needed to recover his cultivation to deal with the current crisis, so he naturally couldn't care about anything else.
After the three battles concluded, heaven and earth transformed once more.
Everyone was once again thrown back into the original square.
With an eighth survival rate, a large number of people should have been eliminated, but now, the cultivators present were a third of the initial number.
"It seems this second trial also pulled in those who were previously blocked from the first trial."
Gu Yun quickly spotted Shi Qingwu's figure.
Then his gaze was drawn to the rusty sword on her waist.
"Rusty sword?"
"Who did she kill?"
Gu Yun was a little curious. Three rusty swords were in his possession.
Looking around, Su Xinghe was nowhere to be seen.
"A small destiny, not good enough."
The unlucky one was obvious. Under the red destiny shroud of Shi Qingwu, the influence of little Xiao Xuan was almost negligible.
[Ding, Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan's helper Su Xinghe has died, Xiao Xuan's Destiny value has decreased by 2000 points.]
Indeed, after checking the previously shielded system, there was indeed such a notification.
"What a pity, they can only share hardships, but not wealth."
Gu Yun sighed slightly. These brothers of the Child of Destiny were simply too easy to 'knife'.
The better they were portrayed, the more satisfying it was to 'knife' them.
Besides that, there were 2000 villain points provided by Shi Qingwu's scattered emotions during this period, and 3000 points provided by Yao Yu's strong emotions.
Earn 100,000 Destiny points?
It's too easy to earn!
Gu Yun's lips curved into a cold smile.
"Why are you smiling at me?"
"Could it be that you've fallen for this immortal maiden?"
Shi Qingwu secretly glanced at Gu Yun. Seeing him reveal a smile as warm as a spring breeze, her heart couldn't help but tremble fiercely.
[Host, don't be narcissistic. The binding progress hasn't increased at all.]
"Do I need you to tell me?"
"This is just his way of pleasing me. How could a system like you understand our human emotions and thoughts?"
"Too shallow!"
Shi Qingwu sneered, but remained silent, moving closer to Gu Yun's side.
"This immortal maiden painstakingly managed to obtain this rusty sword, surely it can advance the progress a little, right?"
She had specifically inquired and it seemed Gu Yun's subordinates had a practice of collecting rusty swords, hence her conjecture.
Before her.
Wu Ling and Luoluo had already returned to Gu Yun's side.
With the help of the divine sword, their battles were all thrilling but without danger.
Especially Wu Ling, when the Mountain and Sea Divine Sword appeared, the opponent immediately wet themselves, unable to even hold their sword, let alone fight.
"Gu Yun, Shan Hai is so useful..."
She spoke excitedly.
"Mm, I think it's very useful too."
Gu Yun silently retrieved the divine sword from Wu Ling's hand.
"Stingy."
Wu Ling put her hands on her hips, grumbled a bit, then immediately burrowed into Gu Yun's embrace, acting spoiled.
Luoluo watched, filled with envy, but she knew her secret couldn't be known by Wu Ling. Once exposed, her appeal would be reduced by eighty percent, and Gu Yun might never pay attention to her again.
She was meant to be in the shadows, needing to cautiously maintain this relationship.
Just then, a wild laugh rang out.
"Hahaha, hahahaha!"
"Kill me? You think you can kill me?!"
//350//
Chapter 350 Sword Skill Trial (Two-in-One)
The sudden, wild laughter drew everyone's attention.
Everyone's eyes simultaneously turned towards the source of the sound, as a figure, bathed in blood, stumbled out.
Xiao Xuan's once handsome face was now contorted with a ferocious expression, his eyes blood-red, and faint black mist swirled around his body.
In his left hand, he clutched a rusty ancient sword, its blade dripping with fresh blood.
And in his right hand—he was astonishingly holding another rusty sword of identical design!
"This is impossible!"
"How can he have two rusty swords? Whose is the other one?!"
Ling Xiaoyao's expression turned cold, and he hurriedly looked around, but Mo Xuan was still nowhere to be seen.
"He killed Mo Xuan?!"
Chu Fengyun's face instantly turned ashen.
He clearly remembered that before entering the trial space, Xiao Xuan was severely wounded and on the verge of death after their combined assault.
Yet now, he not only walked out unscathed, but Mo Xuan, who had joined them in the initial siege, had vanished.
Xiao Xuan's previously displayed strength had already made him wary; now, with such a battle record, his assessment of his strength needed to be recalculated!
"And... his Xiantai Realm injury... has healed!"
Ximen Qingyun's face was grim.
"What?! How is this possible!!"
Before his words even fell, the surrounding cultivators collectively gasped.
It was well known that damage to the Xiantai Realm was a devastating blow for cultivators, causing many geniuses to fall into decline.
Typically, it required quasi-Emperor level spirit medicine, coupled with countless rare heavenly treasures, and years of recuperation to even have a chance of recovery, and even then, their cultivation and combat power would be greatly diminished.
But this monster before them, he actually completed his healing during a battle!
How was this possible?!
It was simply beyond human capability!
"No... this aura..."
Ling Xiaoyao's pupils contracted sharply: "He absorbed Mo Xuan's Nether Sword Qi!"
Within the black mist surrounding Xiao Xuan, faint blue light points subtly moved—that was the Nether Sword Qi, unique to the Nether Sword Sect!
These normally violent foreign Sword Qi were now docilely integrating into Xiao Xuan's body.
It was known that devouring an opponent's Sword Qi in a sword Dao trial was an extremely dangerous act, risking qi deviation with the slightest mistake.
Yet Xiao Xuan not only achieved it but perfectly transformed this power for his own use.
In the history of the Three Thousand Dao Domains, only one cultivation method could accomplish this.
"Heaven Devouring Demonic Art!"
Ling Xiaoyao, Chu Fengyun, and Ximen Qingyun spoke in unison, their voices filled with deep apprehension.
These four words struck everyone's hearts like a thunderclap, and in an instant, the entire square fell silent, filled with trepidation.
This name, for the cultivators of the Three Thousand Dao Domains today...
could be said to resonate like thunder!
This forbidden art could not only devour Sword Qi but also assimilate all cultivators' origins for its own use!
Ten billion years ago, the end of the Chaotic Ancient Era was said to be due to that Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor.
She proved her Dao by devouring, almost slaughtering all the Great Emperors of that era who had hoped to ascend to immortality, carving a bloody path from piles of white bones, achieving immortality against the odds, and also ending that chaotic epoch.
From then on, the immortal lock appeared, the word 'immortal' became taboo, and the Three Thousand Dao Domains entered the immortal-less era.
Some said it was because the Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor's slaughter was too great, and this was the punishment from the Heavenly Dao for the Three Thousand Dao Domains.
Others said it was because the Devouring Heaven Demon Emperor's mad actions angered certain forbidden existences in the Immortal Realm, who then cast the immortal lock upon the Three Thousand Dao Domains, severing the path to immortality for all future generations.
But regardless, the Heaven Devouring Demonic Art—this forbidden demonic art, rumored to be capable of devouring all Dao and refining all heavens—had long become the most terrifying legend in the Three Thousand Dao Domains!
Seeing Xiao Xuan's current state, its name instantly resounded in everyone's hearts.
Xiao Xuan slowly raised his head, and beneath his blood-stained hair, a pair of crimson eyes, like abysses, stared at everyone.
"You all..."
His gaze swept over everyone, lingering especially long on Ling Xiaoyao, Chu Fengyun, and Ximen Qingyun, before his lips curled into a chilling smile.
"Weren't you all very smug just now? Why aren't you thinking of killing me anymore?!"
"Hmph, demon, do not be arrogant. If not for being in this space now, I would have already slain you!"
Chu Fengyun's eyes burned, showing no fear.
"Hahahaha... Hahahahaha!!"
Xiao Xuan laughed maniacally: "You can try."
"Why is it 'demon' again?"
"Has this Ancient Continent become a demon's den?"
Wu Ling pouted, feeling that in such a short time, she had already seen more demons than she had ever seen in her life.
"After all, with the Sky Demon in this world, it's not surprising that many cultivators are affected."
Green Luo sighed, feeling helpless about it.
"I just hope it doesn't cause too severe consequences for the Three Thousand Dao Domains."
Gu Yun's eyes remained calm as he looked up at the sky.
"Old man, the inheritor is about to die."
As if responding to Gu Yun's unspoken words, the ancient and vast voice in the heavens and earth sounded again.
"Third Trial, Sword Skill Trial!"
As the voice sounded, everyone seemed to lose control of their bodies once more.
"Hmph, consider yourself lucky, kid! Otherwise, I would have certainly slain you, evil demon, right here today!"
Chu Fengyun said coldly.
"If you wish to die, feel free to come!"
Xiao Xuan showed no fear.
In an instant, the situation changed dramatically; nine sword steles shot out nine brilliant divine lights, instantly illuminating everyone present who held a rusty sword.
Among them, the light on Xiao Xuan's body was the brightest.
And Gu Yun and the two others, who had been silently inconspicuous due to the deceiving heaven mask concealing their aura, were now forced to step forward.
Being stared at by so many eyes made Wu Ling feel a bit uncomfortable.
Green Luo even directly hid behind Gu Yun.
"What's going on?"
Wu Ling clutched Gu Yun's clothes, a little nervous.
"In the third trial, those of us holding rusty swords have become the targets."
Gu Yun said calmly.
His subsequent words confirmed his judgment.
"One who inherits my Sword Dao must possess extraordinary sword skills."
"The nine rusty swords are the keys to unlocking the final inheritance."
"Engage in battle with each other; the last nine survivors will receive my inheritance!"
As the voice fell, the entire world suddenly became silent.
The figures of the nine rusty sword holders stood out remarkably in the divine light at this moment.
Xiao Xuan held two swords, black mist surging around him.
Ling Xiaoyao, Chu Fengyun, and Ximen Qingyun stood proudly, their expressions arrogant.
Shi Qingwu suddenly appeared, attracting the gazes of many lecherous old men.
Finally, Gu Yun and the two others were enveloped in a golden light.
At this instant, countless greedy gazes instantly locked onto the nine individuals holding rusty swords!
Regardless of their identity, they were all sweet and delicious prey!
"Heh heh, everyone is shouting to kill me, but in reality, they are also others' prey, and they don't even realize it!"
Xiao Xuan laughed incessantly.
He looked around, a slight smirk playing on his lips: "Everyone, I have two rusty swords in my hands."
"If you help me slay those three, I can gift four rusty swords to those who are fated!"
Upon hearing this, everyone became somewhat restless.
With such immense benefits before them, who could remain unmoved?
"Heh, what a foolish move!"
"Do these ants dare to be enemies with us?!"
Chu Fengyun's eyes swept around, and a cold, icy aura emanated from him.
"If you want to test the Sword Qi of my Violet Heaven Sword Sect, I, Ling Xiaoyao, will not back down!"
Ling Xiaoyao also stepped forward, a purple longsword in his hand crackling with lightning.
Ximen Qingyun said nothing, walking forward to stand with the two of them.
They all held rusty swords, and at this moment, they naturally banded together for warmth, having lost any reason to fight among themselves.
And the alliance of the three caused the atmosphere to fall silent.
"Kid, hand over the rusty swords, you can't keep them!"
Someone, it's unclear who, spoke first, pointing the spearhead at Xiao Xuan, and then shouts began to rise and fall.
"What a fool, he doesn't even look at his own status, yet he dares to contend with us."
Chu Fengyun sneered.
When you're out and about, you need both strength and background!
You, Xiao Xuan, are very good at fighting?!
But what about your background?
If we pile enough people to kill you here, after we leave, neither I nor my sect will be held accountable, and no one will seek revenge.
But if they were to act against Chu Fengyun and the others, they would have to be prepared to be hunted to death by the Han Bing Immortal Palace and the other three top forces.
The difference in consequences was so clear that no sensible person would make the wrong choice.
"That's right! A demon is someone everyone should kill!"
"Hand over the rusty swords, and we'll spare your life!"
Facing the surging crowd, Xiao Xuan didn't get angry; instead, he laughed.
"Since you all want to die, then come at me together!"
"Let me see what my current strength is!"
Xiao Xuan showed no fear; with his current power, facing these disorganized individuals was simply too easy.
A group of cultivators not even at the second layer of the Xiantai Realm could only be easily slain before him, like cutting melons and vegetables.
As for his stamina consumption, it could be fully recovered by that mysterious power through absorbing his opponents.
One could say he was in an invincible position from the very beginning!
Now, facing a collective assault, was the time for Xiao Xuan to make his name known!
His twin swords shone brilliantly, and the heavens and earth trembled.
Xiao Xuan's eyes gleamed as he looked up at everyone: "Remember, the one who kills you is called..."
Before his words could finish, Xiao Xuan's heart suddenly tightened, and the syllables that were about to leave his throat turned into a muffled grunt.
His right foot heavily ground into the bluestone ground, and his entire body shot out diagonally like an arrow from a bowstring, his dark robe torn by the fierce wind, leaving a shattered afterimage behind him.
He didn't even care about his landing posture, falling completely onto the ground, looking as disheveled as possible.
[Ding! Host disrupted Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan's attempt to show off, Xiao Xuan's Destiny Value decreased by 2000 points.]
"Haha, he talks a big game, but was he scared silly in the end?"
"Are you trying to make me laugh myself to death, and then inherit my precious sword?"
[Ding! Child of Destiny is enraged from humiliation, rewarding 1000 Villain Points.]
The mocking sounds rang out, but then immediately turned into a deathly silence.
A sharp whistle tore through the sky, and a sword light descended from the heavens, sweeping across the world, destroying everything in its path.
The air within a ten-zhang radius instantly twisted, and the ground was crushed as if by an invisible giant hand, exploding into dust inch by inch.
If not for that timely, undignified posture, Xiao Xuan himself would have almost been split in half.
As for the cultivators who had mocked him, they were instantly swept away by the sword light, not even leaving a trace of dust before being completely annihilated.
"There's another master?!"
Even Ling Xiaoyao, Chu Fengyun, and Ximen Qingyun were incredibly shocked.
Looking towards the source of the attack, they had never noticed such a master before, whose concealment methods were so superb, and whose strength was very likely superior to their own.
But before they even saw the person, they heard a clear voice resonate through the heavens and earth.
"So many people want to besiege one person?"
"Do you all even deserve to be sword cultivators?!"
Looking up, they saw a white-robed figure standing with hands behind his back, his white robes as pure as snow, and stars seemingly swirling in his eyes.
He instantly captivated countless female cultivators.
Beside him, there were also two peerless beauties, graceful and enchanting.
The three stood in mid-air, like banished immortals descending to the mortal world.
They exuded an extremely strong sense of pressure.
And Ling Xiaoyao, Chu Fengyun, and Ximen Qingyun's pupils contracted sharply; they felt that Gu Yun's figure seemed very familiar, yet they couldn't recall who he was.
"Since fellow Daoist has been hiding in the dark all this time, you should not wish to get involved in this matter."
"Why do you now choose to act and hinder everyone?"
"You and the two beside you already possess rusty swords; there's truly no need to help this evil demon."
"Or are you... connected to this demon who cultivates demonic arts?"
Ximen Qingyun's words were sharp, not only urging Gu Yun to distance himself but also splashing a pile of dog shit onto Xiao Xuan; now, simply being associated with him made people sick.
The 'demonic art inheritor' title was like a rat crossing the street in the Three Thousand Dao Domains, hated by all.
"Ximen Qingyun."
"What truly happened is not for you to decide."
Gu Yun looked at Ximen Qingyun, calm and composed.
Xiao Xuan spent a little time finally calming his emotions. When he looked at Gu Yun, a flicker of undetectable anger flashed in his eyes.
Damn it, who asked you to help!
And he helped so poorly! It was supposed to be a good opportunity for him to make a name for himself, but now it was all ruined by Gu Yun.
However, since the other party had helped him, Xiao Xuan wasn't so beastly as to turn against Gu Yun now.
It was a good chance to let this foolish bastard share some of the firepower for him.
"Many thanks, fellow Daoist, for your assistance. This person is slandering me and inciting everyone to attack me, a pure and benevolent person."
"He is undoubtedly the true demonic art inheritor."
"Everyone, do not hesitate. Follow me and together, let's slay the demons!"
Isn't it just about slinging mud?
He, Xiao Xuan, could do it too!
Gu Yun raised an eyebrow, realizing he had underestimated Xiao Xuan.
He helped the other party simply because he was worried that the Sword Immortal wouldn't appear later.
After all, it was a destined opportunity tailored for the Child of Destiny; what kind of situation would it be if the Child of Destiny didn't enter the final trial?
If the Sword Immortal remained hidden, he would lose a Sword Immortal inheritance, and having to spend his Villain Points for an opportunity he could have gotten for free was a losing business only a fool would do.
He just didn't expect that Xiao Xuan would actually play along.
He had thought the other party was like Ye Bufan, a reckless protagonist who would just fight without a word.
But this was good too; it saved him trouble later.
"Nonsense."
He looked at Ximen Qingyun, his eyes cold, and unleashed a sword strike.
Seeing this, Wu Ling and Green Luo, though unsure why Gu Yun made this choice, also stepped forward to assist.
"No... what is this guy doing?"
Shi Qingwu was dumbfounded seeing this scene; was Gu Yun the type of person who liked to right wrongs?
"Never mind, just help him out."
She hardened her heart, cleared her mind, and also charged towards the three.