Chapter 243: Where's the Gap?

Chapter 243: Where's the Gap?

Rolling clouds and mist.

A figure stood silently amidst the swirling fog, gazing at the distant Cloud Peak. He wore a simple green robe, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. Under his feet, a longsword with a faint green glow kept him afloat in the air.

"Interesting."

He stood there, hands behind his back, staring at the direction of the Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder for who knows how long, before suddenly speaking up.

Then, with a flick of his sleeve, a beam of sword light instantly plunged into the sea of clouds. After just over ten breaths, this beam of sword light led a scroll of sword diagrams and a figure flying over.

The figure's face was pale, with traces of blood still at the corner of his mouth, and it was none other than Zuo Qianqiu.

Being led by the beam of sword light, the Mystic Heaven Sword Chart flew through the clouds. At this moment, he wasn't overly flustered, but his breath was weak. Upon seeing the green-robed figure, he politely bowed, his voice dry.

"Senior Uncle Jiang, I..."

Since cultivating the Heaven Sword, he had swept through his peers, with none able to match him. Whether it was Flower Moon, Yuan Yingsong, or anyone else, none dared to challenge him, all choosing to retreat.

But who would've thought that one day, he would be so easily defeated by another? Even when he activated the Mystic Heaven Sword Chart, he was still no match for his opponent. Along his journey, he had always believed that the Heaven Sword could slash through all things, even able to overcome Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. His master had taught him this, and he even felt that he could challenge the unparalleled geniuses of Central Province who cultivated Heaven-Earth. But he never expected that in Cold Northern Circuit, he would encounter a peer who cultivated Heaven-Earth, and be defeated so miserably!

"The current Heaven Sword is not a match for Heaven-Earth."

Jiang Changsheng glanced at Zuo Qianqiu and said, "But I feel that in Cold Northern Circuit, having a peer who cultivates Heaven-Earth is not necessarily a bad thing for you."

"Senior Uncle..."

Zuo Qianqiu was slightly startled.

Jiang Changsheng continued calmly, "I've always felt that your invincibility among peers wasn't a good thing. I even suggested to your master that you should leave Cold Northern Circuit and go to Imperial Capital Circuit for training. There are countless geniuses in Central Province, including those who cultivate Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, and even Heaven-Earth. That's where you should truly sharpen your sword."

"The sword masters of hundreds of years ago started from the bottom of the Sword Dao, gradually honing themselves through various Sword Daos, integrating the strengths of numerous schools. Over hundreds of years, they clashed with Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, and other concepts countless times, breaking their swords and sinking into despair. But this sword never bent, always standing firm, eventually becoming the Heaven Sword, reaching a height where it could contend with Yin-Yang and the Five Elements."

"In your hands, will this sword break at the first challenge?"

"Your predecessors have been defeated by Yin-Yang and the Five Elements countless times, but in the end, they prevailed."

The Heaven Sword could be compared to Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, but it wasn't always so. It was through countless defeats and countless tempering, with countless Sword Dao masters falling one after another, that it reached its current level.

At this point, Jiang Changsheng spoke calmly, "Your predecessors all wanted to sharpen their swords against 'Heaven-Earth', but alas, there have been fewer than two hands' worth of cultivators who could cultivate to the Grandmaster level in a thousand years. They couldn't even find a place to sharpen their blades."

"You've encountered a peer who cultivates Heaven-Earth in your generation, and now you should hope that he will become even more outstanding, breaking through the Mystic Gateway and even cultivating to the Heaven-Earth Grandmaster level... Only then will you not lose a worthy opponent after entering the Marrow Washing Realm."

Hearing Jiang Changsheng's words, Zuo Qianqiu seemed to understand something. His dim eyes suddenly lit up.

Yes.

He suddenly realized where the gap between him and Chen Mu lay.

He had swept through his peers, dominating the eleven states of Cold Northern Circuit, forging an invincible sword intent. But in reality, his invincibility was merely an illusion, built upon a pile of victories, seeking only personal dominance.

But Chen Mu's previous attitude wasn't an act or an attempt to humiliate him. Instead, he genuinely wished for Zuo Qianqiu's Heaven Sword to be even stronger! This was the true martial will of an invincible heart!

No longer seeking personal strength, but hoping for stronger opponents, capable of challenging him, rather than simply being defeated by him, leaving him bored. No wonder.

He lost to Chen Mu, and it was so easy, so miserable.

The gap between them wasn't just between the Heaven Sword and Heaven-Earth, but also in their inner will, a fundamental difference!

"Thank you, Senior Uncle, for your guidance. I understand now."

Zuo Qianqiu straightened his body.

Indeed.

Chen Mu was strong, and that was a good thing. Having a worthy opponent among his peers meant he wouldn't be lonely, but instead, he had fallen behind. Not only was his strength insufficient, but his mindset was lacking, unable to satisfy Chen Mu.

The path of the Heaven Sword had no formidable Mystic Gateway obstacles. All those who cultivated the Heaven Sword in the past had become Grandmasters, but now he worried if Chen Mu could keep up after he became a Grandmaster. After all, the path of Heaven-Earth was the most challenging in the world, with countless cultivators but few successes.

In his heart, Zuo Qianqiu felt his somewhat dim Heaven Sword intent gradually brush away the dust, as if merging with the Heaven Sword cultivators of the past, sensing the regret of those Grandmasters who wished to clash with Heaven-Earth but couldn't.

"Understanding is good."

Jiang Changsheng looked into Zuo Qianqiu's eyes, sensing his aura, and knew he had truly comprehended.

Indeed, after nearly a century, a Heaven Sword cultivator had finally appeared. In terms of character, will, and enlightenment, he was far superior to his unpromising disciple. This time, his disciple's Heart Sword had shattered again, but Jiang Changsheng had already guided him once. He wouldn't guide him again; it was time to stand or fall. If he couldn't be supported, then it was time to let him go.

If you want to create a formidable rival for Zuo Qianqiu in the cultivation world, especially one who cultivates Heaven-Earth, you should consider the following enhancements:

1. Personal Growth: Emphasize Zuo Qianqiu's personal growth and development. Show how he learns from his defeat, adjusts his mindset, and strives to improve. This growth will make his character more relatable and engaging.

2. Rivalry and Motivation: Highlight the rivalry between Zuo Qianqiu and Chen Mu. Portray Chen Mu as a challenging and inspiring opponent, pushing Zuo Qianqiu to strive for improvement. This dynamic will create a compelling narrative arc.

3. Training and Challenges: Introduce diverse training methods and challenges for Zuo Qianqiu. Show him seeking out various cultivation techniques, facing different trials, and overcoming obstacles to strengthen his skills. This will add depth to his journey.

4. Understanding Heaven Sword: Explore Zuo Qianqiu's understanding of the Heaven Sword. Show his gradual comprehension of its principles, its history, and the challenges faced by previous Heaven Sword cultivators. This will add depth to his cultivation path.

5. Interaction with Other Cultivators: Include interactions with other cultivators, especially those who cultivate Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, and Heaven-Earth. Portray their experiences, challenges, and the difficulties they faced. This will provide context and a sense of the broader cultivation world.

6. Mystic Gateway and Grandmaster Level: Detail the challenges of breaking through the Mystic Gateway and cultivating to the Grandmaster level. Emphasize the rarity of Heaven-Earth Grandmasters and the significance of achieving this level. This will create a sense of progression and accomplishment.

By incorporating these elements, you can create a compelling narrative where Zuo Qianqiu grows, learns from his rivals, and strives to improve, all while exploring the intricacies of the cultivation world and the Heaven Sword.

"Let's go."

Jiang Changsheng's gaze swept over the Cloud Peak, through the misty clouds, observing the many Sky Sword Sect disciples, including Gu Hong, and finally, he glanced at Chen Mu before waving his sleeve, enveloping Zuo Qianqiu, and disappearing into the depths of the cloud sea.

Not long after his departure...

In the distance, amidst the swirling clouds, a figure clad in a dark robe stood tall, gazing in the direction Jiang Changsheng had left.

"Jiang Changsheng... Hmm, he's indeed arrogant. His disciple was defeated again, and Zuo Qianqiu almost broke his sword. Despite this, he still doesn't put Chen Mu in his eyes. But I suppose he has the qualifications to do so."

Mystic Mechanism Pavilion Elder Murong Hong shook his head slightly.

Jiang Changsheng was the renowned Sword Dao Grandmaster of the eleven states of the Cold Northern Circuit, the youngest of his generation. His fame spread throughout the entire Great Xuan Heaven, and there was a high possibility that he could reach the realm of Blood Exchange. It was understandable that he had no interest in a junior like Chen Mu. After all, even though Chen Mu possessed astonishing abilities and might become another 'Heaven-Earth Grandmaster' in the future, Jiang Changsheng might have already reached the pinnacle of the Martial Dao by then, entering the Blood Exchange Realm. With the ambition to overlook the vast heavens, he wouldn't care about such matters.

But...

Jiang Changsheng didn't care, yet Murong Hong felt a slight headache.

"This child has cultivated the Heaven-Earth Concept in just two years, and his insights are truly extraordinary. He can now withstand the Mystic Heaven Sword Chart, and his strength is almost on par with the Gale Wind Rankings. Even if he doesn't become a Grandmaster, he will at least rank in the top ten of the Gale Wind Rankings... If he truly becomes a Heaven-Earth Grandmaster, it will be a huge problem."

After pondering for a while, Murong Hong silently disappeared into the cloud sea.

The current Chen Mu was too costly to target intentionally, and the gains might not be worth the effort. Moreover, even if Chen Mu could surpass the Mystic Gateway in the future, it wouldn't happen overnight. Currently, Chen Mu was still in the Organ Realms, and the situation in the Cold Northern Circuit was changing daily. Who could predict the future landscape?

In the face of such a grand trend, going against the heavens would be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

Perhaps in ten years, the Northern Capital might have unified the eleven states of the Cold Northern Circuit, but that was uncertain.

...

Cloud Peak.

Summit.

Several figures struggled to climb the snowy peak, finally reaching a cliff face.

"It seems we've reached the limit."

Shen Lin felt the pressure from the heavens and earth, making it difficult for her to breathe. She took a deep breath and shook her head, saying, "Senior Brother, can we continue climbing?"

"We might be able to climb a little further, but we're probably not reaching the Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder."

Linghu Shang shook his head.

To reach the Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder, even if one wasn't a Horizon Pavilion Talent, they should at least have entered the Organ Realms and be an outstanding Inner Disciple or a True Disciple. Shen Lin had completed the Bone Forging Realm, just one step away from the Organ Realms. Aside from having a slightly better foundation, she wasn't much different from Shen Lin.

"I won't be able to see Senior Brother Chen argue on the Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder," Shen Lin said with a hint of disappointment. "I thought I could at least reach a place where I could glimpse the Heavenly Ladder. It seems my cultivation is still lacking."

Shen Lin spoke with some reluctance, but she knew she couldn't climb any further. "Senior Brother Chen is probably debating with someone right now, I wonder how high he can climb."

Linghu Shang looked up and said, "On the Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder, the Heavenly Firmament Energy gathers. For those below the top five on the Rising Talent List, Senior Brother Chen has a good chance of winning. As for the top five, Han Cang and Flower Moon might have a slight edge."

Shen Lin sighed and said, "Senior Brother Chen's body techniques are extraordinary. At Cloudy Peak Pass, even Senior Brother Chu and the others praised him. It's a pity that on the Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder, his techniques won't make much difference."

"Hmm..."

Linghu Shang nodded, about to say something more when his gaze suddenly sharpened, and he stared into the distance with a hint of alertness. "Who's there!"

Shen Lin also tensed up, and they both looked in the direction of Linghu Shang's gaze.

Not far away, on the snowy path, two more figures climbed up, and they were Sky Sword Sect disciples.

Although the crowd climbed Cloud Peak from different directions, the mountain's width narrowed as they reached the middle peak, so they would inevitably encounter each other. Along the way, Linghu Shang and Shen Lin had seen some other climbers, but they hadn't engaged in any conflicts.

"I am Li Yuan."

The Sky Sword Sect disciple noticed Linghu Shang and Shen Lin, and one of them greeted Linghu Shang and Shen Lin, saying, "We are disciples of the Seven Mysteries Sect. Climbing this far is not easy, so let's not fight here."

Upon hearing Li Yuan's words, Linghu Shang and Shen Lin relaxed their vigilance slightly.

Soon, Li Yuan and his companion reached a spot not far from Linghu Shang and Shen Lin, stopping at the side of the cliff where the wind was blocked. They both took a breath and then sized each other up.

True Disciples arguing over martial arts was unnecessary for Inner Disciples, as many hadn't even grasped their own path yet, let alone engaging in martial debates. Furthermore, the Sky Sword Sect and the Seven Mysteries Sect didn't have any significant conflicts at the moment.

"This is my junior sister, Shen Lin."

Linghu Shang also introduced Shen Lin to Li Yuan.

Upon hearing Linghu Shang's words, a glint flashed in Li Yuan's eyes, and he said, "You're Linghu Shang of Spirit Profound Peak, I've heard of your name. I've met your Senior Brother Chen a few times."

Oh?"

Shen Lin looked at Lu Yuan with a hint of surprise.

Lu Yuan smiled and casually recounted his encounter in Yu Province, saying, "...Now that Gu Hong has fallen and risen again, he must have already crossed swords with Chen Mu. But I wonder who emerged victorious."

Upon hearing Lu Yuan's words, Linghu Shang and Shen Lin exchanged glances, both feeling a sense of strangeness. It turned out that the once insignificant Chen Mu, had never been taken seriously by Gu Hong, but now he had made a name for himself and surpassed Gu Hong.

"It's a pity that our cultivation is insufficient to witness the great battle between Gu Hong and Chen Mu from the peak," said Xin Zhong, who was also a Heart Sword cultivator, with a hint of regret.

Unlike Lu Yuan, Xin Zhong was also a Heart Sword cultivator. Gu Hong's shattered Heart Sword and subsequent rebirth had greatly inspired him, but unfortunately, Gu Hong rarely provided guidance to his fellow disciples, and Xin Zhong's requests for teachings were always rejected.

If he could witness Gu Hong's rebirth in person and his rematch with Chen Mu, it would be an invaluable inspiration for his Heart Sword, comparable to a profound realization. Unfortunately, his cultivation was insufficient to ascend to the peak.

However, just as the four of them were talking, another disturbance caught their attention, causing them to halt and look in the direction of the sound.

This time, the disturbance came from the mountain, not from below.

Soon, a figure rushed down from the mountain at an incredible speed. It seemed to have caught sight of Lu Yuan and Xin Zhong, and after a few quick maneuvers, it arrived in front of the rock wall where the group was standing.

Linghu Shang and Shen Lin's faces changed slightly, but they did not draw their weapons. The speed and aura of the newcomer left no doubt that he was a Five Viscera Realm cultivator, someone they couldn't possibly resist.

At that moment, the group also got a clear view of the newcomer's appearance. He wore the clothing of the Sky Sword Sect, and it was none other than Zheng Ji, a true disciple of the Sky Sword Sect. On his back, he carried another figure, with disheveled hair and a lifeless aura, like a corpse.

"Lu Yuan, Xin Zhong?"

Zheng Ji glanced at the two of them and then flicked his hand, sending the lifeless figure flying towards Lu Yuan and Xin Zhong. It landed right in front of them, "You two are just in time to carry Gu Hong down the mountain."

Lu Yuan and Xin Zhong were both stunned. Only then did they realize that the body thrown in front of them, though disheveled and covered in blood, was clearly smaller in stature—it was Gu Hong, the true disciple!

"Gu Hong?" Xin Zhong exclaimed in shock, sensing Gu Hong's aura. He couldn't believe it as he said, "How could Gu Hong be injured like this?"

Xin Zhong, also a Heart Sword cultivator, could clearly sense that Gu Hong's Sword Intent had almost faded to the point of being barely detectable, even more thoroughly shattered than the last time, rendering him practically useless.

Despite Gu Hong's strength after his rebirth, which could likely match any of the top ten on the Rising Talent List except for Zuo Qianqiu, it was hard to imagine how he ended up in such a state.

"He asked Chen Mu for a sword duel and ended up like this," Zheng Ji said with a cold expression.

Xin Zhong opened his mouth, still in disbelief, "This... How could Chen Mu dare to be so ruthless, and Zuo Qianqiu wouldn't just ignore it, would he?"

"Zuo Qianqiu..."

Hearing Xin Zhong's words, a strange glint flashed in Zheng Ji's eyes.

Just then, a soft laugh came from an unknown direction, "Your Zuo Qianqiu, compared to Gu Hong, is probably not much better off now."

The laughter quickly faded into the distance.

Not only Lu Yuan and Xin Zhong, but even Linghu Shang and Shen Lin, who were standing nearby with caution, were all stunned. Every gaze converged on Zheng Ji.

Zheng Ji's expression was complex. He turned and left without a word.

But finally, a voice came from the wind and snow, causing Lu Yuan and the other three to freeze in their tracks. They all looked at each other in disbelief, their faces filled with incredulity.

"This... This..."

Even Shen Lin, usually eloquent, struggled to speak, her eyes wide with shock.

Chen Mu challenging the Cloud Veil Heavenly Ladder?

Does that mean even Zuo Qianqiu lost to Chen Mu?

Shen Lin had great confidence in Chen Mu, even hoping deep down that Chen Mu would make a name for himself and challenge the top five, or even the top three, of the Wind and Cloud Rankings. But hearing about Chen Mu's challenge, she still couldn't believe it.

The others were fine, but how did Zuo Qianqiu lose?!

Back then, when Zuo Qianqiu came to pay respects to the Seven Mysteries Sect, Shen Lin had witnessed Zuo Qianqiu's terrifying strength in his battle against Zhou Hao. Even countless others had spoken of Zuo Qianqiu's dominance over his contemporaries.

Although Chen Mu could climb to the top three and even challenge the Non-Birth Temple's Xuan Gang or the Northern Capital Prefecture's Yuan Ying Song, hearing about Chen Mu's challenge still left her in disbelief.

But these words came from Zheng Ji's own mouth, so they couldn't be false.

Moreover, the soft, alluring voice from earlier, which Zheng Ji did not refute, seemed to imply that Zuo Qianqiu had indeed lost to Chen Mu, and was in the same dire state as Gu Hong.

Linghu Shang and Shen Lin exchanged glances.

On the peak...

What had happened?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end