Chapter 348: The Immortal Sword, Jade Flute Guest

Chapter 348: The Immortal Sword, Jade Flute Guest

Ice Province.

Frost Province Capital City.

Ever since the Qiuan Sect established its presence in Ice Province and occupied Frost County, the entire county government had become much more peaceful. However, at this very moment, a heavy and oppressive atmosphere permeated the entire county, causing unease among the millions of commoners.

The reason for this was the sun in the high heavens, which had split into two, manifesting as two large suns. This phenomenon had been passed down through generations as one of the most ominous signs, and the oppressive atmosphere spread throughout the city. Despite the county officials' efforts to calm the people, the intangible influence of the heavenly anomaly could not be eradicated.

On the city walls of the county government.

Numerous Qiuan Sect disciples were stationed, replacing the Frost County guards and keeping watch over the various directions of the county.

In one corner of the southern wall, a figure stood tall, dressed in the long robe of a Qiuan Sect guardian. With her hair tied up, she exuded a somewhat androgynous and refreshing aura; it was none other than Meng Danyu, the guardian of Spirit Profound Peak.

At that moment, another figure approached, also clad in the guardian's robe, and said, "Sister Meng."

"Brother Zhao," Meng Danyu acknowledged.

Meng Danyu turned to Zhao Zhenchuan and said with a hint of emotion, "Brother Chu has been diligently cultivating for many years and has finally surpassed the Marrow Washing Grandmaster realm. It's a pity that you and I have to stay in Frost County and can't return to congratulate Brother Chu."

News of Chu Jingsu's breakthrough to the Marrow Washing Grandmaster realm had already reached Frost County. However, with the anomalies in Ice Province intensifying and the convergence of the two suns, not to mention the turmoil in the Earth Abyss, a large-scale demon chaos was about to unfold on the surface. The Qiuan Sect members in Ice Province were not going to return to the sect but were instead dispatched to Frost County and Cold County, with a particular focus on Frost County.

"Brother Chu has just broken through and needs to consolidate his realm. He most likely won't participate in the opening of the Earth Abyss. However, Brother Chen will probably still come," Zhao Zhenchuan said with a smile.

"Mmm," Meng Danyu nodded.

The Earth Abyss was an extremely dangerous place, situated deep underground with complex conditions. Not only did it harbor various ferocious Demon Kings, but even ancient demons that had almost disappeared from the surface also dwelled within. Consequently, only Grandmaster-level figures were qualified to venture inside for exploration. Chen Mu, ranked third on the Wind and Cloud Rankings and known for slaying Bone Marquis, certainly had the qualifications to enter.

Chen Mu would not miss out on such an opportunity, but it was unclear when he would arrive.

Just as Meng Danyu and Zhao Zhenchuan were conversing.

Both of their gazes flickered, their words abruptly cut short, as they became alert and directed their attention towards the distant horizon beyond the county government walls.

From the perspective of the heavens above, one could witness the violent tremors of the distant mountains outside Frost County, with some even collapsing. Although Frost County was not at the epicenter of the earthquake, it was still affected, shaking repeatedly.

However, Meng Danyu and Zhao Zhenchuan remained composed, their expressions calm as they stood firmly on the city walls, addressing the guards stationed at various points.

"Stay calm!"

"Everyone, remain at your posts and don't panic!" their voices quickly spread out, remaining clear amidst the rumbling of the earthquake. The guards on the walls, after initial moments of panic, quickly regained their composure, steadying themselves.

Ever since the anomalies in Ice Province began to intensify, with the convergence of the two suns becoming more pronounced, earthquakes had become a frequent occurrence in Frost County, happening almost daily in various locations. The county government had also experienced tremors multiple times, but this particular earthquake was closer and more intense.

The earthquake did not last long, and as it was not centered on Frost County, the shaking was not too violent. Although it caused some chaos in the outer city, the scale was not significant, and the walls of the county government remained relatively stable.

However, this earthquake brought about a change. About a dozen miles away from Frost County, amidst the barren land and ravines, a series of shattering sounds erupted, followed by an explosion of dirt. A gigantic, pitch-black creature, over twenty feet long, emerged from underground, its head raised high towards the split suns in the sky, its demonic energy surging wildly.

It seemed to let out a frenzied, silent roar, as if it had sensed the scent of human flesh. The black creature immediately hugged the ground, transforming into a black arrow, rushing towards the direction of Frost County, accompanied by waves of demonic energy.

Since the walls of Frost County were quite high, with only a small settlement outside and an endless expanse of wilderness beyond, Meng Danyu and Zhao Zhenchuan noticed the creature when it was about ten miles away from the city walls.

"Demonic energy," Meng Danyu said.

"Mmm, it's a demon insect..." Zhao Zhenchuan narrowed his eyes, staring at the distant creature. As he observed the black insect approaching like a black arrow, he quickly identified it, saying softly, "It should be a Sixth-Rank Great Demon, a Black Frost Scorpion."

With the ongoing heavenly anomalies, the frequency of demon appearances had increased significantly compared to normal days, and it was not unusual for a Sixth-Rank Great Demon to emerge from the depths of the earth. This was precisely why the guardians like them were personally stationed on the walls.

Meng Danyu's eyes flashed with a faint light as she saw the approaching Black Frost Scorpion. She already had her spirit armament, the Peach Deity Sword, in her hand.

A Sixth-Rank Great Demon was not something ordinary soldiers or even regular disciples could handle. It required the intervention of a guardian like her, who had reached the Six Viscera Realm. Meng Danyu, having entered this realm some time ago and almost perfected it, held a spirit armament, making her more than capable of dealing with a Sixth-Rank Great Demon, even though she might not match the experts on the Wind and Cloud Rankings.

"Wait."

Just as Meng Danyu was about to draw her sword and take action against the demon, Zhao Zhenchuan suddenly stopped her.

Meng Danyu was slightly startled and was about to say something when she also sensed something amiss. She turned her gaze towards the distant horizon, where a white streak traversed the sky like a sun-piercing rainbow, its majestic sword intent overwhelming.

Even from such a distance, the surging sword intent brought a sense of oppression and palpitations to Meng Danyu. Such a majestic display of sword intent was like a heavenly river of swords, an overwhelming force that was hard to match.

A Sword Dao Grandmaster! Meng Danyu instantly thought, taking a deep breath. Her eyes revealed a solemn expression, for the sheer pressure she felt from a mere sword light at such a distance indicated that this individual was not an ordinary Sword Dao Grandmaster but a formidable and renowned figure.

Boom!

A white beam of sword light traversed the sky, rapidly catching up to the Black Frost Scorpion that was skimming the ground, rushing towards the villages outside the County City. In an instant, the scorpion was enveloped and covered.

As the white sword light dissipated, the scorpion's body solidified on the barren soil. Starting from its head, its two-zhang-long body split perfectly from the center, silently breaking into dozens of segments!

"..."

Meng Danyun's pupils constricted as she witnessed this scene.

For a Grandmaster, slaying a sixth-rank great demon with a single sword strike from a distance wasn't extraordinary. However, this white sword light, from such a far distance, precisely severed every segment of the Black Frost Scorpion's body, maximizing the preservation of its demon body. The power was completely contained, causing no unnecessary destruction.

The fact that the sword light maintained such concentrated power from such a distance was a testament to its terror.

Zhao Zhenchuan's gaze also grew solemn, and he turned his attention to the direction from which the sword light had come, eager to see who could wield such a sword. However, before he could react, a cheerful voice resonated from the west of the County City.

"Excellent sword technique!"

"Aside from the 'White Supreme Elder' in your Heaven Sword Sect, you are the most revered in this generation when it comes to the Sword Dao. To have cultivated the Sword Intent to such heights, I may no longer be your match. Even Tuoba Xi might not be able to surpass you."

The voice was not just loud but also deep and resonant, echoing like thunder throughout the entire Frost County City.

As the voice reverberated, a figure clad in coarse linen appeared on the western wasteland, striding towards the County City. Each step covered a distance of a hundred zhang, and in just a few strides, he had reached the outskirts of the County City.

His long hair flowed freely, exuding a carefree aura. He carried a long flute that resembled both bamboo and jade. Despite his casual appearance, the aura and spirit he exuded were profound and overwhelming. As soon as he appeared, he attracted the attention of countless people on the city walls.

"Jade Flute Guest, Sang Danying," Zhao Zhenchuan murmured, his gaze fixed on the approaching figure. In the entire Cold Northern Region, Sang Danying's reputation was as well-known as thunder.

The second-ranked Grandmaster in the Cold Northern Region! He was the only one among the top Grandmasters who had no sect or clan affiliation, a lone free spirit.

As for the 'Tuoba Xi' mentioned by Sang Danying, he was none other than the current number one Grandmaster in the Cold Northern Region, ranked fourteenth on the Great Proclamation Grandmaster List, surpassing Sang Danying, Jiang Changsheng, and others. He was also the junior fellow disciple of the Cold Northern Sword Saint, Gongshe Yu!

Known as—Absolute Blade!

"Tuoba Xi, Sang Danying, then that sword strike just now must have been..."

Meng Danyun turned her gaze to the direction from which the sword light had come.

Among the numerous Grandmasters in the Cold Northern Region, only one person could be mentioned in the same breath as Sang Danying, and even compared to Tuoba Xi—Jiang Changsheng, the third-ranked Grandmaster and the creator of the Eternal Sword!

As Sang Danying's voice thundered, another voice, calm and indifferent, echoed from the southern horizon.

"I've heard that Sang Danying's Grand Illusion Heavenly Sound has reached perfection. In the realm of music, he can establish his own sect. To be able to create a path in martial arts is something I cannot achieve."

The voice carried a hint of indifference, and even just hearing it gave the impression of hundreds of sword lights flashing past one's ears. There was no doubt that it belonged to Jiang Changsheng of the Heaven Sword Sect!

Shua!

Accompanied by a flash of light in the distance, a figure in a blue robe appeared, riding a sword through the air. In an instant, he landed beside the County City and gazed towards Sang Danying on the other side.

Sang Danying burst into laughter, "I'm just a carefree wanderer, unbound by any restrictions. Establishing a sect is not something I aspire to. Moreover, you, Jiang Changsheng, have created the Eternal Sword, which can also establish its own lineage. There's no need for such modesty."

The two figures stood facing each other.

Jiang Changsheng stared at Sang Danying, and after a moment, he shook his head slightly. The surging sword intent instantly dissipated, and he turned his gaze towards the County Government House, striding towards it.

The County Government House was currently occupied by the Seven Mystics Sect, but since Sang Danying had summoned him, he wouldn't turn back. After all, the County Government House wasn't the Seven Mystics Sect's territory, and since they had started their journey from the County, staying there was not an issue.

At that moment, a Grandmaster from the Seven Mystics Sect had already appeared within the County Government House.

"It's been a long time, Jiang Changsheng. Your sword intent has improved significantly, and you're probably not far from that final step."

The newcomer, clad in a brown robe, remained calm and composed in the face of Jiang Changsheng. He appeared quite young, even younger than Jiang Changsheng.

Jiang Changsheng looked towards Liu Tong, and a scrutinizing gleam flashed in his eyes. Suddenly, a glint of sword light appeared in the depths of his pupils.

In the 1619th chapter of the novel, there was not a single mistake!

Pa!

Liu Tong stood tall on the city wall, gazing at Jiang Changsheng. In the void between them, an invisible ripple seemed to form, only to quickly dissipate and return to calmness.

Jiang Changsheng's expression remained unchanged, and Liu Tong maintained a faint smile.

"You're not bad either," Jiang Changsheng replied calmly. "In the future, you may even surpass her."

Liu Tong spoke with humility, "Qin Taishang has surpassed that barrier and is already a Supreme Elder. I don't possess the talent or ability to match her..."

Jiang Changsheng's expression remained serene as he said, "You're a guest from afar, please come in."

With a flash, Jiang Changsheng appeared on the city wall.

At the same time, Sang Danying's figure silently ascended the city wall, looking at Liu Tong with a hint of surprise. He exclaimed, "The Seven Mystics Sect is truly flourishing. First, Qin Mengjun achieved Blood Transformation, and now you've reached this realm."

Liu Tong...

During the Seven Mystics Sect's joint attack on the Quietude Valley, he had not yet comprehended the Heavenly Domain and the Heavenly Body, still fell short of the top Grandmasters. However, after the battle in the Quietude Valley, he had somehow gained an insight and crossed that barrier.

With the combination of the Heavenly Domain and the Heavenly Body, even though he had just taken this step, there was no doubt that he had entered the threshold of the top Grandmasters. This allowed him to remain composed in front of Jiang Changsheng, not appearing inferior in terms of aura.

Of course, when it came to strength, Liu Tong, who had just stepped into this level at the age of forty-four, could only be considered at the bottom of the top Grandmasters. Against the eighth-rank Demon Sovereign from the Heaven Demon Sect or top Grandmasters like the Dark Bone Marquis, he could only maintain an undefeated record. He was still a step behind Jiang Changsheng, but the gap was not as significant.

Despite Bamboo Flute Guest's admiration, Immortal Sword Jiang Changsheng remained calm.

The strength of the Qiuan Sect was of no concern to him. The Heaven Sword Sect's cultivation focused on the individual, and though Liu Tong had reached this level, joining the ranks of the top grandmasters, he was still too inexperienced to pose a threat.

Currently, among the grandmasters of Frost North, the only ones who could threaten Jiang Changsheng were Bamboo Flute Guest and the 'Absolute Blade' Tuoba Xi. However, Tuoba Xi was Gongshe Yu's junior, already over a hundred years old, and from a different generation. He was no longer a concern.

In fact, Jiang Changsheng considered himself the supreme elder. His only remaining ambition was to reach the Blood Transformation Realm and take that final step before challenging Tuoba Xi. He wanted to see if his Eternal Sword could surpass Tuoba Xi's Absolute Blade. Everyone else was no longer on his radar.

"Bamboo Flute Guest, please."

Liu Tong's gaze shifted to Bamboo Flute Guest, his demeanor more relaxed than when facing Jiang Changsheng.

Bamboo Flute Guest, who often traveled alone, was less intimidating than Jiang Changsheng. Moreover, various sects and factions were open to befriending such a free-spirited top-tier grandmaster.

"Please."

Bamboo Flute Guest smiled and invited Liu Tong to walk with him towards the city.

After Liu Tong, Jiang Changsheng, and Bamboo Flute Guest left the city, the nearby guards and Qiuan Sect officials, who had been holding their breath, finally exhaled, their faces revealing their relief.

Despite the three top-tier grandmasters suppressing their auras, being so close to them was still intimidating. They dared not breathe until the trio left.

Grandmasters were already revered figures.

These three, including Bamboo Flute Guest and Jiang Changsheng, were among the top figures in the eleven provinces of Frost North, just below the Blood Transformation Realm. Even grandmasters like Feng Hongsheng respected Jiang Changsheng.

On the other side of the city wall, Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan's faces relaxed slightly as Jiang Changsheng's presence faded from the government house.

"Liu Tong has reached that level," Meng Danyun said, her heart stirred. Though younger than Qin Mengjun, who had become a top-tier grandmaster, Liu Tong was already in his forties and had mastered the Heavenly Firmament Realm, reaching a level where he could discuss the path with top-tier grandmasters like Jiang Changsheng. This was no ordinary achievement.

Zhao Zhenchuan, standing beside her, sighed, "Since Chen Mu joined Master's sect, our sect has been thriving. First, Chen Mu mastered the Heaven and Earth Path, then Master recovered from his old injuries and reached the Blood Transformation Realm. Now, Liu Tong has grasped the Heavenly Domain. Is there such a thing as fate in this world?"

Meng Danyun was taken aback but shook her head. "It's just a coincidence, Zhao Zhenchuan. Don't speak of it. If people with ulterior motives start connecting it to Chen Mu, it could cause big trouble."

Chen Mu was already impressive enough. At just 32 years old, he ranked third on the Wind and Cloud Rankings. Even after being targeted by the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, he remained a thorn in many people's sides. Adding a title like 'The Chosen One' would only attract more unwanted attention.

"I was just thinking out loud. I won't say more," Zhao Zhenchuan assured her. But then he sighed, "If I'm making these connections, others might too. Unfortunately, we can't help Chen Mu much anymore."

Any threat to Chen Mu would likely come from grandmasters or top-tier grandmasters. Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan couldn't be sure if they would ever reach the Bone Marrow Cleansing Realm, let alone in the next decade or two.

Take this situation, for instance.

Chen Mu was qualified to explore the Earth Abyss in Ice State, but they could only guard Frost County. Even when they were at Cloud Peak Pass, they could only help a little. The gap between them had been widening.

All this had happened in just a few short years, and it still felt surreal.

"Mmm," Meng Danyun nodded, sighing softly. Unless she could break through the Mystic Gate and reach the Bone Marrow Cleansing Realm, becoming a grandmaster, she couldn't keep up with Chen Mu. She could only watch him gradually move beyond her reach.

Immortal Sword Jiang Changsheng and Bamboo Flute Guest's appearance seemed to herald a new beginning.

Soon after, in just half a day, dozens of grandmasters from various sects and factions arrived in Frost County.

With only one or two grandmasters, they might have feared the Qiuan Sect's interference. Once the Earth Abyss opened, everyone would enter and compete for resources, making them enemies. However, with Jiang Changsheng and Bamboo Flute Guest leading the way, the grandmasters from various sects and factions arrived together, turning Frost County into a chaotic mix. Under these circumstances, no one worried about the Qiuan Sect making a move.

After all, with grandmasters from the eleven provinces of Frost North gathered, anyone daring to act rashly before the Earth Abyss opened would become a target. Even with the Qiuan Sect's prosperity and two Blood Transformation Realm grandmasters, they wouldn't dare cause trouble.

Once inside the Earth Abyss, it would be a free-for-all, with resources and treasures up for grabs, determined by individual strength and fate.

The next day, at noon, Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan were still stationed at the city gate when their eyes lit up simultaneously, both looking in the same direction.

A figure in plain robes approached the city gate, walked calmly beneath it, and then, with a light step, ascended onto the wall, landing near Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan.

"Meng Danyun, Zhao Zhenchuan, how are you?"

It was Chen Mu, who, after bidding farewell to Xu Hongyu and others in the state capital, had rushed to Frost County.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end