A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 423 The Birth of the Divine Sword
Inside the volcanic cave, Gu Xu withdrew his hands and scanned the eight blue stone slabs around the Flame Pool. Multicolored light flickered and flowed on them, intertwining into strange and obscure runes. Gu Xu then cast the final hand seal, and the eight blue stone slabs trembled violently. Then, the light on them rapidly receded and slowly sank to the ground, leaving only eight ancient-looking beast heads.

"There is a sky-covering dust array outside and an eight-beast heaven-controlling array inside, so there should be no chance of failure."

This Eight Beasts Sky-Controlling Formation was also comprehended by Gu Xu from the Dreamlike Limitless. This formation is based on absorbing the true power of eight strange beasts to suppress spiritual things. However, Gu Xu disliked that this formation was too harmful to nature, so he used the blood of the strange beasts as a catalyst to connect with the celestial stars and form this formation. As long as the celestial stars do not perish and the blood does not dry up, this formation can continue to operate.

"Master, the outside has been checked and nothing has been missed."

As Gu Xu was inspecting the formation, Jian Xiong slowly walked in.

"Yes, that Heaven-Covering Dust Array is no ordinary formation. Tell the people below to guard their positions when the array is in operation and not to move around at will, otherwise they will be injured by the array's power."

"Yes, I have already given the order. From today onwards, no one selected to oversee the formation is allowed to leave without permission. All necessary supplies will be provided from within the city. Daoist, is there anything else that needs to be prepared?"

"Come with me to take a look."

Gu Xu nodded upon hearing this and walked outside, with Jian Xiong hurriedly following.

"These nine gates are crucial. If even one gate is breached, the power of the formation will weaken. Therefore, the person guarding the formation must be at least a top-notch expert. As long as they can hold out for half an hour, even if the formation is broken, it will not have any impact on the overall situation."

"Rest assured, Daoist Master, the city can afford to provide these candidates."

Jianxiong was now full of confidence. Now that Jianzun had entrusted him with the entire matter, he also told her about the hidden forces in the city. Only then did she realize that there were so many experts in Sword Forging City. Including the seven elders of Jianyang, there were a total of sixteen people. Although they were all quite old and their martial arts had declined, they were still more than capable of guarding the city.

"That's good. The Supreme Alliance and Helian Ba ​​sent people to investigate again the night before last. Fortunately, you defended well, otherwise they really would have found the location of the Frost Sword."

"It is the Taoist priest who is truly wise and insightful. If we hadn't received his warning beforehand, the outcome of this battle would have been very different."

At this point, Jianxiong was also secretly alarmed. Half a month had passed since the Supreme Alliance first probed consciousness. On the night of the full moon, when Sword Forging City was holding a celebration, someone quietly came to the back mountain. At that time, Guan Yutian, Ren Qianxing and other high-ranking officials were all there. Sword Venerable and others gradually lowered their guard, but they did not expect that all of this was a smokescreen. Although Ren Qianxing and the others did not move, an extremely powerful force brazenly broke into the volcanic cave.

The disciples guarding the mountain were no match for them and were wiped out before they could even send out a signal. It was only later that Gu Xu suddenly noticed something was wrong with the back mountain. He then calculated the situation and had Jian Xiong deploy troops to block the group that had sneaked into the mountain cave. After a fierce battle, no one from the Sword Forging City was injured, while the other side was left with several corpses. If it weren't for the fact that the other side possessed the Crimson Thunder Pearl, Jian Xiong would not have let them leave so easily. Even so, after those people withdrew, Jian Xiong still seized the opportunity and swiftly killed several more of them.

"Master, those people all wield swords, and their moves are ruthless, leaving no room for retreat. This is the first time I've ever seen such extreme sword techniques. Could these be the remnants of the Demon Sword Clan that you mentioned before?"

"That's right. This Demon Sword Clan is descended from General Ying Shuntian, who lived five hundred years ago. They were also the first owners of the Frost Sword. However, they perished together with the Chess Saint and Sword Ancestor, and their descendants became the target of everyone's hatred. They were besieged and attacked by various sects in the martial arts world. After a fierce battle, the remaining clansmen went into seclusion and disappeared from the martial arts world. Even the books that recorded their stories were deliberately destroyed. That's why you don't know the reason behind this. But just sixty years ago, this clan quietly reappeared and passed on the method of forging the Frost Sword to your grandfather, hoping to reforge the Frost Sword. They have been doing this ever since."

After a pause, Gu Xu glanced at the astonished Jian Xiong and continued, "Guan Yutian is the direct descendant of the Demon Sword Clan. It is perfectly legitimate for him to take the sword this time. However, Guan Yutian is a wicked man. Once the divine sword falls into his hands, he will rule the entire martial world. He is capable and ambitious, and we do not know where he will lead the future of the martial world."

Gu Xu initially favored Guan Yutian, but during subsequent investigations, he discovered that Guan Yutian was too arrogant. As long as Guan Yutian was alive, the Supreme Alliance would perish with him, which was not what Gu Xu wanted to see. The reason he chose Sword Venerable was twofold: firstly, his ambition was not as great as Guan Yutian's, so he could be controlled within a certain range and would not cause too much impact; secondly, there was a qualified successor, Jian Xiong. Although she was a woman, she was of upright character and quite dignified. Even if Sword Venerable unfortunately died, Jian Xiong could quickly take control of Sword Casting City, which was completely different from Ren Qianxing, Guan Yutian's successor.

"I never imagined that the Frost Sword had such a past. If the Daoist hadn't told me, I would have found it hard to believe. In your opinion, could those Demon Sword Remnants possibly put pressure on Sword Forging City?"

"As long as you follow my instructions, I can guarantee that no matter how many enemies come, if they cannot conquer Sword Forging City within half an hour, they will have no chance."

Hearing the Taoist priest's affirmative words, Jianxiong felt reassured. Then, thinking of Helian Ba, Jianxiong said solemnly, "Taoist priest, Helian Ba's Wind God's Wrath is not a threat, given our precautions and Brother Yan's guidance. But that martial art that can absorb people's internal energy..."

"This method can only absorb those with weaker skills than him, but I will not give him that opportunity. When the time comes, in the Heaven-Covering Dust Array, Helian Ba ​​will finally meet the opponent he least wants to encounter. Young City Lord, you can rest assured."

Gu Xu looked down on Helian Ba ​​and ultimately had to hand him over to Master Sixin to deal with. The only one he took seriously was Jian Yin. The two had exchanged blows from a distance before, and they were evenly matched, but it was just a test, and neither of them used their full strength.

“That’s good. The city lord will deal with Guan Yutian, I will take care of Ren Qianxing, the Daoist will focus on dealing with the hidden arrow, and the rest of you will use the formation to defeat them one by one.”

“Formations are not omnipotent. We need to act quickly. If we still cannot defeat Guan Yutian and the others when the divine sword is born, there will be endless troubles in the future.”

Gu Xu had done his best to maximize his side's advantages, but he was only about 70-80% sure how much of it would be successful; the rest was up to fate.

"I want to see if the main trajectory of this world can actually be changed."

Just as Gu Xu and Jian Xiong were investigating the formation, Guan Yutian, Ren Qianxing, and others, led by a disciple, briefly toured the eastern part of the city within Sword Casting City.

"Tomorrow is December 12th, Qianxing, are you ready?"

After returning to Qingxin Garden, Guan Yutian left Ren Qianxing behind and dismissed the others.

"We are fully prepared and await the battle tomorrow." Ren Qianxing stroked the scabbard with his right hand, his words calm and composed.

Guan Yutian nodded upon hearing this and said calmly, "Alright, let's settle this with a battle tomorrow. With our combined efforts, we, master and disciple, will surely take control of the martial world."

Outside Sword Forging City, Helian Ba, Changyangzi, Fu Xiao, and Zhao Qian sat in a circle. Helian Ba ​​took a sip of tea, looked at the setting sun in the distance, and said calmly, "Gentlemen, tomorrow is the day the divine sword is born. Success or failure hinges on this. I'm making it clear beforehand that before we achieve our goal, anyone who dares to have selfish intentions will be taken away by me at the cost of my life. Do you all understand?" "Brother Helian, what you're saying is true. We're all in the same boat now. Only when everyone is doing well can our personal interests be guaranteed. We have that much wisdom, don't we, True Man Changyang?"

"Sect Leader Fu is absolutely right. Among the three forces, we are the weakest. Only by uniting can we exert our greatest strength. Brother Helian, there's no need to say more. Let's review our plan again and see if there are any oversights."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qian, who had been silent all along, asked in a low voice, "Brother Helian, Huangfu Changhen's Thousand-Mile Thunder Whip has reached its highest level. Are you confident in dealing with it?"

"We're not entirely confident, but we're about 70-80%. Besides, we only verbally agreed to Guan Yutian's request to stop Huangfu Changhen and Master Sixin. How long we actually hold them off is up to us. We said an hour before, but I think that's too long. All you need to do is stall for half an hour. After that, no matter how the battle goes, you'll immediately withdraw."

Upon hearing Helian Ba's words, a glint flashed in Changyangzi's eyes, followed by a sigh of praise.

"Brother Helian, what a brilliant plan! Once we retreat, no matter how much strength Huangfu Changhen and Master Sixin have left, they will surely come to our aid. This will put pressure on the Supreme Alliance. We can hide in the shadows and wait for the right moment to strike. If we are lucky, we can use the Crimson Thunder Pearl to destroy both of these major sects in the volcanic cave."

Fu Xiao and Zhao Qian felt a chill run down their spines upon hearing Changyangzi's words. This old codger's methods were as cruel as ever. If the volcanic cave were blown open, the entire Sword Casting City would surely be doomed. He was truly vicious. If they were not careful, they might even fall into the trap.

"Master Changyang's plan is so well-thought-out, I admire him to the point of prostration. But is it against the natural order to use the Crimson Thunder Pearl?"

Zhao Qian frowned as he looked at the composed Changyangzi. Helian Ba ​​glanced at him but said nothing. Changyangzi, however, said coldly, "No poison, no hero. Our goal is the Ling Shuang Sword. We are outnumbered and outmatched. If we don't resort to extreme measures, we will be devoured by both factions. Brother Zhao, you are all alone and carefree, but we have to consider the sects behind us. Eliminating the root of the problem is the right thing to do."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qian's expression changed slightly. Just as he was about to say something, Fu Xiao stopped him in time and said solemnly, "What Master Changyang said makes sense, and what Brother Zhao said is also correct. Brother Helian, we should use the Crimson Thunder Pearl as little as possible. If it is exposed and it attracts the entire martial arts world to condemn us, even if we replace two sects, it will only make the other sects wary."

After Fu Xiao finished speaking, Zhao Qian remained silent, while Changyangzi sneered. Helian Ba ​​said in a deep voice, "What Sect Leader Fu said makes sense, but at crucial moments, it is still necessary to protect oneself. As for using some methods, it is acceptable. Fellow Daoist Changyang, you should still be careful."

"As Brother Helian would like."

"I have already sent men to infiltrate Sword Forging City; it's time for us to take action."

After discussing for a while, the four dispersed. Half an hour later, a large group of people set off for Sword Casting City under the moonlight. Although they were keeping their movements secret, Sword Casting City still noticed them. Less than a quarter of an hour later, the news was delivered to the Sword Master.

"As expected, they couldn't hold back any longer."

Sword Master sneered and ordered the four sword envoys: "Relax the guard at the city gates. As long as they don't make a move, turn a blind eye. We'll teach them a lesson when we get to the volcanic caves."

"Yes, I obey."

The four swordsmen acknowledged and turned to leave. Jian Yang, who was sitting at the lower end, stood up and asked, "City Lord, what about the Chang side..."

"The Taoist priest has already completed the formation. We will capture all the invaders by noon tomorrow. All elders, you must rest and prepare tonight. We cannot afford to be careless in tomorrow's battle."

Although protected by the formation, the Taoist priest also said that the formation is not omnipotent. The longer it lasts, the easier it is to find flaws. Therefore, what he needs to do is to reduce the number of the invading enemies to more than half an hour, and those on the list must be eliminated as soon as possible.

Upon hearing this, Jian Yang and the others nodded. Just as they stepped out of the Sword Hall, the Sword Master's expression suddenly changed. He darted out of the Sword Hall and rushed towards the volcanic cave. The eight people were puzzled and wondering what was going on when they saw a brilliant white rainbow shooting straight into the sky from the direction of the volcanic cave. Its light shone brightly, dispelling the darkness. The entire Sword Forging City was instantly bathed in the intense light of the white rainbow, as if it were daytime. It could be clearly seen even from thousands of miles away.

Meanwhile, inside Qingxin Garden, Guan Yutian and Ren Qianxing both stared intently at the white rainbow. Guan Yutian felt a sense of unease. The white rainbow was as brilliant as the sun, its intense light sweeping across the area. If the Nine Dragon Stone hadn't been in his possession, he would have thought a divine sword had been born.

"Master?"

“Something’s not right. Qianxing, take some men and come with me to the volcanic cave immediately.”

"Yes."

Ren Qianxing hurriedly went down to gather people, and soon Zhu Long, Xue Jian, and twenty others arrived one after another. Guan Yutian called out to Jian Yin, and everyone used their lightness skills to head straight for the volcanic cave.

"Brother Helian, what's going on? Isn't the divine sword supposed to be unveiled tomorrow?"

"Perhaps it was Sword Forging City that did this, causing the divine sword to be born ahead of schedule. If that's the case, it was a brilliant move. Master, the plan has changed. Quickly gather manpower, or it will be too late."

Helian Ba ​​was also somewhat uneasy. The soaring white rainbow was too amazing. He couldn't care about anything else now. The Ling Shuang Sword must not fall into the hands of the two factions, otherwise how could he have a place to live?

Upon hearing this, Changyangzi realized the seriousness of the matter. Just as he was gathering his men, he saw Fu Xiao and Zhao Qian rushing over. He didn't have time to explain much, so he simply said a few words. Fu Xiao and Changyangzi went to gather their men, while Zhao Qian went alone to the high hill, gazing intently at the white pillar of light that seemed to be stirring up the clouds and mist.

"Things are starting to get interesting," Zhao Qian said with a smile, then turned and left.

(End of this chapter)