https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-452-Innate-Sword-Immortal-Constitution/13451786/
Chapter 453: Emperor Sword Mountain Strife
Chapter 453: Emperor Sword Mountain Strife
Li Hao was somewhat surprised by the tone in Old Li's voice, which clearly indicated something was up.
He didn't waste any time, quickly putting on his outer robe and then darting away like a Clear Wind, landing outside the Sword Immortal Pavilion.
The square in front was already bustling with Disciples.
As Li Hao landed, he scanned the crowd and noticed that, in addition to a few Heaven Courtyard Disciples, many Earth Courtyard Disciples had also gathered, numbering in the thousands.
These people glanced at Li Hao's Heaven Academy cultivation uniform, but most of them didn't recognize him.
Li Hao moved to the front of the crowd, where he saw Old Li, Zhou Qingyun from their previous encounter, and an old woman with a cane standing together, clearly of equal status.
Xu Jianming was already there, standing at the foot of the steps in front of Old Li.
Li Hao flew over to them.
"You're here. I've heard there's something big happening."
Xu Jianming, sensing Li Hao's presence, didn't turn around but spoke telepathically, "It seems to be about the opportunity to gain an Emperor Sword slot."
"Emperor Sword slot?"
Li Hao was surprised. In the Sword Abyss, there were two Sword Forms left behind, rumored to have been created by an Immortal Emperor from a hundred thousand years ago, imbued with the essence of Imperial Dao. Mastering these forms was the strongest legacy of the Sword Abyss!
If one could fully understand and master them, a same-realm Swordsman would be nearly invincible!
This was the pursuit and goal of all Disciples in the Sword Abyss.
The Imperial Sword Cliff was where the previous chief disciple had left a mark after mastering one of these forms.
As they spoke, Wei Hongye and Yue Xi also flew over, landing beside Li Hao and Xu Jianming. According to their seniority, Wei Hongye took the front position.
"Has Eldest Senior Brother arrived yet?"
Wei Hongye asked Xu Jianming.
Xu Jianming whispered, "I heard he just returned from the border and is still being appointed. He'll be a bit late."
Wei Hongye nodded.
As Yue Xi stepped past Li Hao, she glanced at him and murmured, "It's been almost two years. Why haven't you gone to the Imperial Sword Cliff to leave your name?"
Li Hao smiled. "I'm too lazy."
"..."
Yue Xi's eyes narrowed slightly, and she clenched her fingers, saying nothing more. She stood silently in front of Li Hao, her hair fluttering in the breeze. Her tall, elegant, and breathtakingly beautiful figure caught the attention of many, especially those who had seen her leave her name at the Imperial Sword Cliff, though some Disciples who were in seclusion didn't know her.
Soon, Second Senior Brother Lu Wuchen also flew over, wearing a green robe and looking rather stern. He nodded briefly at Li Hao and the others before taking his place in front of Wei Hongye.
Another figure soon arrived, causing a small stir.
Li Hao and the others turned to see the new Junior Brother, Gu Yan.
Gu Yan wore a black robe with dark crimson fire patterns at the cuffs, exuding a restrained yet wild aura. His expression, previously numb, now had a more inwardly cold look.
He landed, glanced at Li Hao and the others, and silently positioned himself behind Li Hao.
Yue Xi looked at him intently, and only when he stood behind Li Hao did she shift her gaze. Her fingers, hidden in her sleeves, clenched tighter, her knuckles turning slightly white, and her beautiful lips pressed together tightly.
At that moment, Xu Jianming said, "Fifth Senior Sister is here."
Li Hao and Yue Xi looked over and saw a graceful young girl in a water-green dress, around sixteen or seventeen years old, with a naturally fresh and delicate appearance, floating down gracefully.
Her eyes were lively, and her cheeks had a hint of baby fat, but she carried herself with an air of maturity.
"Are you three the new arrivals?"
She didn't land on the ground but bent down to look at Li Hao and the others, a charming smile on her face.
"Yep."
Li Hao nodded.
Yue Xi, looking at the younger girl, only nodded lightly.
Gu Yan remained calm, his expression slightly numb, and said nothing.
The girl glanced at their positions and her gaze settled on Gu Yan, who hadn't spoken. She smiled sweetly, "Master said you have a natural Sword Immortal Body? You're at the True Immortal Realm, Fourth Level, right? How about we spar sometime? I'll lower my realm so I don't bully you."
Gu Yan said calmly, "No need."
After speaking, he seemed to realize the air had grown slightly quieter, and that his words might have been a bit inappropriate. He slowly added, "I want to challenge myself."
The girl's face broke into a smile, but her eyes narrowed slightly, "Alright, then it's settled."
With that, she happily stepped past Yue Xi and stood in front of her.
Hearing her words, Yue Xi's heart stirred. When she first arrived, she was at the Third Level of the True Immortal Realm. After more than a year of cultivation, she had recently advanced to the Fourth Level.
Her realm was on par with this junior brother's. If they were to spar with full effort, she was curious to see if she would lose, and if so, where her weaknesses lay.
As she pondered this, more and more Heaven Courtyard Disciples arrived.
When the first rank's time was up and no more disciples came, a figure suddenly flew over and landed in front of the Sword Immortal Pavilion. In mid-air, he bowed slightly to the three elders ahead and said, "Ji Qingxuan has arrived late, please forgive me."
With his arrival, the square seemed to grow even quieter.
Li Hao raised his head slightly and fixed his gaze. This was their Eldest Senior Brother?
"Never mind. I've heard, Qingxuan, that you slew seven Ancient Demon Commanders on the Yan Chu Frontier, earning great immortal merit. What position did the Immortal Dynasties bestow upon you?" Zhou Qingyun asked with a smile.
At his words, some gasps of surprise rippled through the disciples below.
Ancient Demon Commanders were beings at the Immortal Lord realm. Slaying seven on a vast battlefield was extremely difficult, and escaping unscathed was even more so!
"If we were to reward you based on your merit, it would likely be the rank of Second-Class Demon Subduing Guard, right?"
The old woman beside him nodded, her eyes filled with admiration and a smile.
Li Tiemu, standing nearby, wore a smile, but the amusement in his eyes was barely contained. After all, Ji Qingxuan was his prized disciple.
"A small merit, not worth mentioning. Elders, you are too kind."
Ji Qingxuan clearly had no intention of delving deeper into the topic and responded modestly. He then descended in front of Lu Wuchen.
Yue Xi focused her gaze on the handsome and exceptionally mature Eldest Senior Brother. She could feel an intense pressure from him, a pressure that was not from the True Immortal Realm but from the Immortal Lord realm!
Gu Yan, standing behind Li Hao, rarely extended his head, peering over Li Hao's shoulder to glance at the back of the newcomer. He quickly withdrew his gaze, his eyes betraying some unknown thoughts.
"Seven Ancient Demon Commanders..."
Li Hao was somewhat lost in thought, his mouth watering, and his stomach growling slightly.
If he were to cook and eat seven Ancient Demon Commanders, how many Soul Spirit bones could he refine?
As his thoughts wandered, Li Tiemu's voice brought him back. Li Tiemu now looked serious, with no trace of his usual playful demeanor. He was also dressed in a deep black elder's robe, appearing profound and authoritative.
"Today, we have gathered everyone here because the Abyss Lord intends to cultivate you all. The Imperial Sword slots will be made public, and those who deserve it will be given the chance to comprehend the Imperial Sword!"
At Li Tiemu's words, the crowd on the square exchanged glances, all of them stunned and excited.
The Abyss Lord, the master of the Sword Abyss, was a hidden figure at the Immortal King realm, terrifying and powerful. In the vast True World, he was a regional overlord!
And the Imperial Sword slots were now open to all, not selected from above as in the past. This news made many disciples' eyes gleam with excitement.
"Everyone knows that the Southern Domain Battle is approaching soon!"
"This Southern Domain Battle will reshuffle the power dynamics of the Southern Domain. It is the best opportunity for our Great Dream Nine Abyss Sect to return to the glory of the former Tianyi Sect!"
Li Tiemu's eyes were scornful yet serious, his voice ringing out, "Our Nine Abysmal Branches will select the most monstrous prodigies to compete for this opportunity. Therefore, the sect will open all cultivation resources. If you have the talent and can seize the opportunity, you will rise to the peak in one step!"
His words reverberated in the ears of the Disciples, and many of them trembled with excitement.
"This time, the Imperial Sword slots are open, and we will enter the Emperor Sword Domain early to Comprehend the Imperial Sword!"
Li Tiemu glanced around and said to everyone, "This is a heaven-sent opportunity, but it all depends on whether you can pass the trial."
"That's right."
Zhou Qingyun picked up where he left off, smiling. "This trial isn't difficult. The Abyss Lord has set up seven trials on Emperor Sword Mountain. If you can pass all seven and reach the summit, you will secure a slot and the chance!"
"Moreover, there's no limit to the number of slots! Anyone who passes the seven trials can Comprehend the Imperial Sword!"
Hearing his words, the order in the square was shattered, and the crowd couldn't help but cheer.
"It looks like the sect is really going all out this time!"
Xu Jianming couldn't help but remark.
"Then we'll meet at the summit."
Senior Sister Murong Qingwu smiled.
"It's not that simple. With no limit on the slots, the trials are bound to be insane."
Xu Jianming shook his head, but there was no real worry on his face. Instead, his gaze swept over to Li Hao.
"Junior Brother, you and your fellow Disciples should seize this opportunity."
Yue Xi's eyes were grave. She understood the significance of this opportunity; it was a once-in-a-millennium chance.
However, she had only been a disciple for less than two years. Xu Jianming's analysis made sense; the trials would certainly not be easy. Could she really pass them?
Although she believed her Talent was no less than anyone else's, she had been here for too short a time.
"This challenge is primarily aimed at the Earth Courtyard and the Heaven Courtyard. Mystic Courtyard Disciples have no chance, so there's no need for them to participate."
The old woman tapped her cane lightly in the air, and Li Hao felt a Spatial Great Dao fluctuation emanate from the tip of her cane.
The fluctuation followed a curved crack, splitting the space above her head, revealing a towering mountain.
This mountain, though called a mountain, actually had seven layers, each cut off and floating in mid-air.
Spatial Dao... Li Hao glanced at the old woman. The Spatial Dao fluctuation she emitted was not deep, only at the first level of the Spatial Dao origin.
"The seven layers of Emperor Sword Mountain: the first layer consists of a hundred True Immortal Realm Fifth Rank spirit races!"
The old woman's gaze focused on the passage to the other side of Emperor Sword Mountain. Just this first sentence silenced the many cheers in the square.
The first layer alone had a hundred True Immortal Realm Fifth Rank spirit races?!
"The second layer has fifty True Immortal Realm Sixth Rank demon races."
"The third layer has twenty True Immortal Realm Seventh Rank demon races."
"The fourth layer has ten True Immortal Realm Eighth Rank demon races."
"The fifth layer has three True Immortal Realm Sixth Rank ancient demons."
"The sixth layer has one True Immortal Realm Eighth Rank ancient demon."
"The seventh layer has one True Immortal Realm Ninth Rank Ancestral Dragon."
As the old woman's words fell silent, the entire square became deathly quiet, so quiet that a pin could be heard dropping.
Open slots? Everyone has a chance?
These seven trials... what a joke! If they didn't want to give out slots, they should just say so!
Many Earth Courtyard Disciples were on the verge of tears, cursing in their hearts.
Seven trials, each more insane than the last. The seventh trial was especially outrageous—a True Immortal Realm Ninth Rank Ancestral Dragon. The Ancestral Dragon clan, at the same realm, could barely match ancient demons, with only their Soul Spirit being slightly weaker. This meant they would need at least True Immortal Realm Perfection strength to pass!
But in this crowd... the number of Disciples with True Immortal Realm Perfection strength could be counted on one hand.
"This is really..."
Xu Jianming couldn't help but whistle.
Wei Hongye's expression was solemn.
Mourong Qingwu's previously lively smile had now faded, and she stared intently at the Passage leading to Emperor Sword Mountain.
Yue Xi's face was somewhat pale; this opportunity, she feared, might slip away from her.
Seeming to sense the silence and the heavy blow on the square, Li Tiemu chuckled lightly, trying to make his tone sound more relaxed as he said:
"Though the trial is difficult, there's no need to lose heart. Remember, every disciple of Sword Abyss is a standout in their realm. Defeating enemies one or two realms above you is not an impossible feat. This challenge will push the best to become even better!"
"Though it's tough, it's not entirely without hope. I've heard that not long ago in Heavenly Palace, a disciple at the True Immortal Realm, third stage, managed to slay an enemy at the True Immortal Realm, ninth stage. To make a name for yourself in the Southern Domain, such strength is essential. What do you think?"
Everyone exchanged glances. While his words were encouraging, the reality was that achieving such a feat was akin to climbing to the heavens.
"And this challenge selection will last for two years!"
"That means you have two years to improve and enhance yourselves!"
As Li Tiemu spoke, his gaze shifted to Li Hao, but Li Hao felt as if his eyes were looking past him, to the figure behind him.
Hearing this, Yue Xi's pale face lit up with renewed determination.
Two years!
It was a formidable challenge, but she still had a chance!
It would be incredibly difficult, but if she wanted to defy heaven and alter her fate, if she wanted to reach the summit and clear the Yanhuo Clan's name, she would have to fight against all odds, no matter how steep the climb.
"The only rule for this challenge is that during the trial, you cannot use other weapons or take Immortal Pills. You can only rely on the weapons provided by the sect", Zhou Qingyun stated.
This was to prevent some from taking shortcuts with their weapons.
After all, some disciples had significant backing from powerful factions, even receiving Immortal Weapons.
For them, the trial would be a mere formality, and they could easily pass by simply summoning their Immortal Weapons to slay the enemy general.
Hearing this, a few faces in the crowd darkened, their expressions filled with frustration.
"Now, everyone, go ahead. Each trial has an elder watching over it, so if you encounter any danger, just call out for help."
The old woman waved her cane and said, "But if you can't call out in time, you'll just have to accept your fate. After all, opportunities always come with risks, a lesson we've taught you from the beginning."
The disciples all had solemn expressions, their eyes fixed on Emperor Sword Mountain. The initial despair and shock seemed to slowly reignite, for this was their chance to comprehend the Imperial Sword. Giving up would mean losing the opportunity to reach the peak forever!
Every cultivator had the heart to climb to the summit.
"I'll go first and wait for you at the top."
In front, Ji Qingxuan turned, his gaze sweeping over Lu Wuchen and the others. Having slain an Ancient Demon Commander, this trial was a mere formality for him.
"I heard you just joined the sect and your cultivation is still shallow. Don't push yourselves too hard; after all, this trial is very dangerous."
When he saw Yue Xi and Li Hao, Ji Qingxuan gave them a gentle reminder.
Seeing that the three of them didn't react, Ji Qingxuan knew a simple word wouldn't change their minds, so he turned and strode away.
As he entered the Passage, Zhou Qingyun and the old woman's senior disciples also bid farewell to their junior brothers and sisters before following Ji Qingxuan into Emperor Sword Mountain.
"Let's go."
Lu Wuchen, a man of few words, said this and followed them.
Wei Hongye glanced at Yue Xi and said, "Don't push yourself."
Though she had only been with this little junior sister for a short time, she knew her character well enough to offer this advice.
Yue Xi nodded slightly, her eyes still fixed on Emperor Sword Mountain.
Wei Hongye shook her head slightly, knowing that her words hadn't been taken to heart.
Character determines fate, and fate cannot be changed any more than character can. She said no more and set off.
"Come on, don't push yourself."
Xu Jianming called out to Li Hao.
Li Hao smiled and flew off with him.
The numerous Earth Courtyard disciples waited until all the Heaven Courtyard disciples had entered before they gradually followed inside.
"This trial is quite difficult. I wonder how many will make it through."
The old woman watched as numerous disciples soared into the passage, sighing softly.
Li Tiemu's gaze was unusually solemn and deep. "If it were easy, how could we select the most monstrous prodigies? How could we compete with other sects? If we can't even break through the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, how can we talk about making a name for ourselves across the Southern Domain, raising the sect's standing, and restoring its former glory?"
"Mountains and rivers may change, the sun and moon may alternate, but someone will always take the place of others, just as we once replaced another Tianyi Sect, burying them in the sands of time."
Zhou Qingyun, understanding his old companion's nature, sighed lightly and patted his shoulder. "Don't be too stubborn."
Li Tiemu's expression changed slightly, and he shook off Zhou Qingyun's hand, turning to stare at him. "What do you mean? Are you not ambitious? Do you want to see other sects look down on us? This time, Qingxuan returned in triumph, but the disciples sent to the Array Abyss and Sound Abyss all met their end at the border. Why did this happen to us? It's because we're not the Tianyi Sect, and we don't even have the right to refuse!"
Zhou Qingyun fell silent for a moment. "I'm not saying we shouldn't compete, it's just that..."
He paused, seemingly unsure how to express himself, and finally shook his head, sighing.
Seeing their differing views on the matter, the old woman interjected, "Old Li, you've done well this time. You've brought in a descendant of an ancient immortal, one who is born with a Sword Immortal Body. It's a pity he's only been in the sect for such a short time; he might miss this opportunity."
"Maybe not."
Li Tiemu shook his head, his gaze fixed on the Emperor Sword Mountain, where many disciples were already heading towards the first level.
"Two years... For him, it might not be too late. You haven't seen the terror of a Sword Immortal Body. I suspect his mastery of sword dao essence has already reached the fourth level!"
"Fourth level!"
Hearing Li Tiemu's words, Zhou Qingyun and the old woman's faces changed, and they looked at him in shock.
"That's right. Even the top sword techniques of the Sword Abyss, he mastered them after just a few practice sessions. He has already cultivated them to perfection..."
As Li Tiemu spoke, his eyes glowed with pride. Only he knew how monstrous and terrifying the young prodigy he had taken in truly was.
"This..."
Zhou Qingyun and the old woman were stunned, at a loss for words.
"How did you find such a prodigy?"
After a while, Zhou Qingyun couldn't help but ask.
Li Tiemu rolled his eyes at him. "Do you think I just wander around aimlessly every day? There's still time before the Southern Domain Battle. Give that little guy some time. With him and Qingxuan, our Sword Abyss will definitely show the other sects a thing or two!"
Zhou Qingyun and the old woman exchanged glances, both smiling bitterly, their eyes filled with envy.
"I really don't know what kind of good fortune you have. Having Qingxuan was one thing, but now you've brought in a prodigy with a natural Sword Immortal Body. I've heard you also took in two prodigies with Eternal Dao Hearts, both rare talents."
Zhou Qingyun smiled bitterly.
Hearing this, Li Tiemu thought of Yue Xi and Li Hao, and couldn't help but smile. He felt his recent luck had been off the charts.
"Those two are a bit of a pity. The time is too short. If I had another five years, they could have competed."
"Having Qingxuan and that Sword Immortal Body isn't enough for you? Do you want to take all four spots? Oh, and don't forget about Lu Wuchen. That quiet one might not talk much, but he's no pushover!"
"Don't forget Wei Hongye. With a bit of effort, he might make it too."
The more Zhou Qingyun spoke, the more jealous he became, wishing he could strangle the old man and make him spit out a couple more disciples.
Li Tiemu couldn't help but smile at their words, quickly feigning modesty.
"Don't just talk about them. Your own disciples aren't bad either. What about Zhou Minyu and that Gongsun?"
The old woman, hearing his proud tone, couldn't help but roll her eyes, unwilling to listen any longer.
"Look, they're about to start. The Abyss Lord is already seated on the mountain. If any of the little guys catch the Abyss Lord's eye, they might receive personal guidance."
(End of Chapter)
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