Chapter 466: A Single Sword Technique, An Exchange

Chapter 466: A Single Sword Technique, An Exchange

2025-01-23

After sensing Lu Qing's amiable attitude, the second and third Sage Sovereigns couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.

At least they knew that Lu Qing probably didn't hold a grudge about what had happened in the past.

After all, the Lu Qing before them exuded an aura so profound that it put immense pressure on them.

No matter how they tried to sense his cultivation, they couldn't discern a thing, making it evident that Lu Qing's realm had long surpassed their ability to fathom.

It was no wonder that Lu Qing's cultivation had reached a level beyond their comprehension.

"Young Friend Lu, this place is rather crude. Why don't you come with us old fellows to our cave abode?"

After some polite small talk, the First Sage Sovereign invited.

"Then I shall trouble you, seniors." Lu Qing nodded with delight.

He was also curious about the secluded cultivation grounds of the three Sage Sovereigns, whose fame had resonated throughout the world for over a thousand years.

After all, the Holy Mountain, as the center of this world, held a special significance.

Even during the era of spiritual energy depletion, it allowed the three Sage Sovereigns to surpass their limits and cultivate to the Foundation Establishment Realm.

This alone demonstrated its extraordinary nature.

Now that the world had recovered, this majestic mountain must have become even more divine.

At the very least, Lu Qing felt that the spiritual energy on the Holy Mountain was no less abundant than the spiritual veins beneath the Eternal Hatred Mountain.

Lin Zhirui, standing beside him, was even more excited.

Although he was one of the most outstanding disciples of the Sage of Heavenly Secrets, he had never had the qualification to ascend the mountain alone to meet the Sage Sovereigns.

Not to mention being invited to their cultivation cave.

Soon, led by the three Sage Sovereigns, Lu Qing and Lin Zhirui arrived at a cave abode.

The cave wasn't particularly large, only slightly bigger than the Jade Transformation Cave in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains.

However, as Lu Qing entered, his body suddenly trembled.

The spiritual aura within the cave was so dense that it was almost unbelievable.

Even the spiritual vein beneath Changbai Mountain paled in comparison.

Lu Qing could sense that if he secluded himself here for a period, his cultivation would likely see a significant improvement.

As for Lin Zhirui, it was even more remarkable. With his Primordial Realm cultivation at the peak of perfection, the dense spiritual energy in this place gave him a feeling of suffocation.

Just being here for a short while made him feel like his cultivation was on the verge of a breakthrough.

The First Sage Sovereign had been observing Lu Qing's expression.

Seeing his look of surprise, he couldn't help but smile.

"Young Friend Lu, what do you think of this cave abode?"

"Indeed, it is worthy of the Holy Mountain. The concentration of spiritual aura here is truly beyond anything I've ever seen," Lu Qing exclaimed sincerely.

"Since that's the case, we would like to offer this cave abode to you, Young Friend Lu. What do you think?" The First Sage Sovereign continued.

"Offer it to me?"

Lu Qing was taken aback at first, but his face gradually calmed down.

"Senior Sage Sovereign, I cannot accept such a precious gift without a reason. This cave abode is too valuable for me to bear."

This time, the First Sage Sovereign didn't speak but merely smiled at Lu Qing.

However, Lu Qing understood his intention.

"Senior Sage Sovereign, do you mean that if I agree to your proposal, this cave abode will be mine?"

"Indeed. Since we three proposed this, we wouldn't want you to be at a disadvantage, Young Friend Lu."

Lu Qing fell silent.

Although he had already made up his mind before coming here, he couldn't deny that the First Sage Sovereign's proposal was very tempting.

Currently, he lacked nothing in terms of cultivation techniques, realm, or treasures.

The only thing he needed was abundant spiritual energy to enhance his cultivation.

The spiritual energy in this Holy Mountain cave abode was even denser than that beneath the Eternal Hatred Mountain.

It was undoubtedly an excellent place for him to cultivate.

The three Sage Sovereigns didn't rush Lu Qing but waited patiently, allowing him time to think.

After a while, Lu Qing suddenly smiled and said, "Senior Sage Sovereign, to be honest, I had already made up my mind before coming here.

I've always admired you seniors.

For a thousand years, the Holy Mountain has maintained the order of this world.

It has kept the various states in a relatively stable state.

At the very least, there have been few instances of Primordial Realm experts bullying and killing ordinary civilians at their whim.

Your achievements are truly commendable, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they are meritorious."

Lu Qing's words were not flattery but sincere praise.

The Holy Mountain's decree prohibiting Primordial Realm experts from entering the mortal world had indeed contributed greatly to the stability of the world.

At least when Wang Cang of the Heavenly Old Man plotted against the Wei family's Fire Departure Cauldron, it was the fear of this decree that gave the Wei family a chance to breathe.

Otherwise, not only the Wei family but even the entire county government would have been eradicated long ago.

There would have been no chance for him and his master to come to their rescue.

"To receive Young Friend Lu's recognition is a reward for the efforts we made back then.

"The three Sage Sovereigns couldn't help but smile upon hearing Lu Qing's praise.

They wouldn't have felt anything if it were praise from someone else.

After all, over the past millennium, they had heard countless praises, no matter how grand or eloquent.

But it was different when the praise came from Lu Qing, the strongest being in the world today.

Even with their cultivated minds, they couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

'So, Young Master Lu, you mean...?' The First Sage Sovereign asked with anticipation.

'Actually, before coming to Holy Mountain, I had already decided to join forces with the three of you to help the people of this world,' Lu Qing said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, the three Sage Sovereigns were overjoyed.

'Then I shall send out invitations to various sects and powers, inviting them to Holy City to discuss this matter together,' the First Sage Sovereign said.

'I'll leave it all to the seniors to arrange,' Lu Qing nodded.

Seeing Lu Qing's agreement, the First Sage Sovereign no longer hesitated.

He immediately sent out a message.

With this message, the vast power of Holy Mountain began to mobilize.

Many powerful presences left from the foot of the mountain, heading in all directions.

It was clear that they had made preparations even before Lu Qing's arrival.

Lu Qing didn't mind this; instead, he turned to the Second Sage Sovereign.

'Senior Third Sage, I have a matter I wish to seek your guidance on.'

'You wish to seek my guidance?'

The Third Sage Sovereign was taken aback, never expecting Lu Qing to suddenly say such words.

Even the First and Second Sage Sovereigns were surprised.

For a moment, they even thought that Lu Qing might be seeking to settle old scores with the Third Sage Sovereign.

'Indeed, I wish to ask if you possess a Spirit Pearl treasure?'

'A Spirit Pearl treasure?' The Third Sage Sovereign was initially stunned but quickly realized what Lu Qing meant.

He flipped his palm, and a white pearl appeared in his hand.

'Is this the Golden Spirit Pearl you're referring to, Young Master Lu?'

As the white pearl appeared in the Third Sage Sovereign's hand, sharp auras emanated from it, causing even their souls and skin to sting slightly.

Seeing this, Lu Qing smiled and said, 'Indeed, it's this Golden Spirit Pearl. Senior Third Sage, this pearl holds great significance for me. May I ask if you would be willing to part with it?'

'You want this Golden Spirit Pearl?'

The Third Sage Sovereign's face showed hesitation. 'Young Master Lu, to be honest, this Golden Spirit Pearl is extremely compatible with my cultivation in the sword path. It's one of my most important treasures.

Without it, my sword skills would likely decrease by at least thirty percent.'

The First and Second Sage Sovereigns remained silent.

They also understood the importance of this Golden Spirit Pearl to their third brother.

'Of course, I wouldn't ask you to give it up without a fair exchange,' Lu Qing smiled. 'I'm willing to offer a sword technique in exchange.'

'A sword technique?'

The Third Sage Sovereign's interest was piqued.

As someone who followed the sword path, he was naturally sensitive to various sword cultivation legacies.

His Golden Spirit Pearl was comparable to a high-grade magical treasure.

Lu Qing's offer to exchange it for a sword technique was both shocking and intriguing.

What kind of sword technique could be so valuable that Lu Qing considered it on par with a high-grade magical treasure?

'My master is a sword master. Under his meticulous guidance, I've learned the essence of his sword path.

Without a single mistake, a single hair, a single breath, a single essence, and a single...!'

Lu Qing continued, 'When I passed by Qinglong Pass earlier, I witnessed the One-Line-Sky Canyon, and a realization dawned on me.

Combining my master's sword path legacy, I've comprehended a sword technique.'

He then said, 'Please observe carefully, Senior!'

As Lu Qing finished speaking, he formed a sword with his fingers, and a strand of sword qi slowly condensed from his fingertip, gently piercing towards the Third Sage Sovereign.

As this strand of sword qi emerged, only Lin Zhirui remained clueless.

The faces of the three Sage Sovereigns changed dramatically.

Although the sword qi Lu Qing condensed wasn't particularly powerful, it felt extremely terrifying to their senses.

The aura it exuded carried the implication of cutting through everything and annihilating all existence.

It made their hearts tremble.

Especially the Third Sage Sovereign, who faced the sword technique directly, his entire body stiffened, and his soul seemed to freeze.

His eyes were fixed solely on the strand of sword qi released by Lu Qing.

In a daze, he seemed to see an incredibly sharp and unstoppable heavenly sword qi slicing towards him.

It felt like it would eradicate everything, be it his physical body or his soul's will, completely extinguishing his existence.

Just as the Third Sage Sovereign believed his death was certain, the illusions before his eyes suddenly vanished.

Only Lu Qing remained, smiling at him, his sword fingers already retracted.

The terrifying sword qi had also vanished without a trace.

"Senior Third Sage Sovereign, how was my sword technique just now? Can I exchange it for your Golden Spirit Pearl?" Lu Qing asked with a smile.

The third Sage Sovereign circulated his magical power slightly, dispelling the cold sweat that had formed on his back.

He then looked at Lu Qing with a solemn expression, "Junior Lu, are you saying that you comprehended this sword technique on your journey here?"

"Yes," Lu Qing nodded, "The One-Line-Sky Canyon at Qinglong Pass resembles a heavenly sword scar.

When I was passing by earlier, I suddenly felt inspired by the sight of the canyon.

After some contemplation, I realized this sword technique from it."

Indeed, Lu Qing had just demonstrated this move.

At this moment, Lin Zhirui couldn't help but speak up, "Yes, Sage Sovereign, when we passed by Qinglong Pass, Young Master Lu felt inspired and temporarily secluded himself for a while.

Otherwise, we would have arrived here earlier."

It was true!

The three Sage Sovereigns were all stunned, taking a deep breath.

For a long time, they had known that Lu Qing possessed unparalleled talent in cultivation.

Since the revival of the world's essence qi, he was the first to undergo the heavenly tribulation.

His cultivation speed was so astonishing that it left people speechless.

In just a few short years, he had reached the Golden Core Realm.

Now, he was even considered the number one cultivator in the world, effortlessly slaying Golden Core Realm experts like cutting through melons and vegetables.

But now, hearing Lu Qing say that the sword technique he had just demonstrated was inspired by his journey and comprehended during a brief seclusion, the three Sage Sovereigns were still in awe.

Putting aside the sword technique itself, the profoundness and grandeur of its intent had already surpassed the scope of the Golden Core Realm.

They had no doubt that if Lu Qing were to unleash his full power, even this Holy Mountain might not be able to withstand the sharpness of his sword technique.

Such a terrifying and awe-inspiring move had been casually comprehended.

This left the three Sage Sovereigns in disbelief.

After a long while, the third Sage Sovereign finally managed to calm himself down.

Looking at Lu Qing, his eyes gleamed with fervor, "Junior Lu, are you truly willing to exchange this sword technique for my Golden Spirit Pearl?"

His tone was completely different from his previous hesitation.

"Of course, it depends on whether Senior Third Sage Sovereign is willing to part with it," Lu Qing nodded.

"I am!"

Without hesitation, the third Sage Sovereign took out the Golden Spirit Pearl. As he manipulated his spiritual power, the pearl emitted a dazzling white light before dimming down, transforming into an ordinary-looking bead.

"Junior Lu, here you go. I've retracted the soul imprint on the Golden Spirit Pearl, and it now belongs to you."

The third Sage Sovereign handed the pearl to Lu Qing.

"Third Brother..."

The first and second Sage Sovereigns were taken aback.

They never expected the third Sage Sovereign to make such a swift decision.

They knew how much he cherished this Golden Spirit Pearl, a pure Earth-attributed treasure that perfectly complemented his sword cultivation path.

Without it, not only would his strength decrease significantly, but his future cultivation path might also face obstacles.

"Big Brother, Second Brother, I can sense that this sword technique is of utmost importance to me.

Perhaps, when I enter the Primordial Soul Realm and break free from these shackles, it will be because of this technique!"

The third Sage Sovereign spoke with determination.

Upon hearing the third Sage Sovereign mention the Primordial Soul Realm and breaking free from shackles, the first and second Sage Sovereigns fell silent.

Their cultivation path was not the same as Lu Qing's sword cultivation, so while they were impressed by his sword technique, they couldn't fully grasp its true value.

If its worth was as the third Sage Sovereign claimed, then exchanging it for the Golden Spirit Pearl was not a loss.

On the contrary, it was a great gain! After all, their greatest hope in cultivation was to one day reach the Primordial Soul Realm and break free from the Holy Mountain's constraints.

Even this invitation to Lu Qing was to fulfill their grand wish with his help.

Their ultimate goal was the same.

Now, hearing the third Sage Sovereign say that Lu Qing's sword technique was so crucial to him, they believed that no price was too high.

Lu Qing was also surprised to see the Golden Spirit Pearl being handed over.

He thought the third Sage Sovereign would hesitate a bit more, but he was surprisingly decisive.

It seemed that the longing for freedom of the three Sage Sovereigns, trapped in this Holy Mountain for a thousand years, exceeded his expectations.

Without taking the Golden Spirit Pearl, Lu Qing took out a jade slip with intricate inscriptions from his Cosmos Bag.

A powerful surge of soul power emerged and entered the jade slip, engraving its contents.

After a while, he retracted his soul power and handed the jade slip to the third Sage Sovereign.

"Senior Third Sage Sovereign, please."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end