Shengui Changsheng: Start from Zhenwuwei and add some points to cultivate immortality

"Sect Master!" Wang Xiaohu's eyes widened in horror, and the blue light on the Demon-Suppressing Sword suddenly surged. "Miss Su, cover me!"

Before he finished speaking, he had already shot out like an arrow. The Demon-Suppressing Sword sliced ​​through the air, emitting a clear dragon's roar. The dragon patterns on the sword seemed to come alive, flowing along the blade and tearing apart the oncoming black energy. Seeing this, a Blood Soul Sect protector grinned maliciously and swung his sword, the blood-red light condensing on the blade almost solidifying: "Sword Master? You've come at the perfect time! Today, your sword soul will become a sacrifice for our sect's flag-raising ceremony!"

Without dodging or avoiding, Wang Xiaohu fused the sword intent of "Azure Frost Sword Inquiry" and "Misty Rain Locking the River" together with a flick of his wrist. The azure sword energy was initially as gentle as flowing water, but suddenly erupted as it approached the blade, transforming into thousands of starlight points—a principle he had realized in the Misty Forest: only by combining strength and gentleness can one defeat all evil spirits.

"Pfft!"

The sword energy pierced through the blood-red light, striking the back of the protector's blade. The seemingly indestructible black blade snapped like rotten wood, the remaining force of the sword energy still powerful, carving a deep, bone-revealing wound into the protector's chest. Even more bizarrely, no blood flowed from the wound; instead, wisps of black smoke rose, accompanied by the protector's piercing screams.

"My Blood Soul..." The guardian stared in horror as his body turned into black mist. "Impossible! How can your sword counter the Blood Soul Technique?"

"Because your sword contains only slaughter, while my sword contains protection." Wang Xiaohu's voice was calm yet carried immense power. He didn't pursue, but turned and rushed towards the center of the sword mound. "Miss Su, help me stop them!"

Su Qingwan had already begun playing the pipa, the strings transforming into invisible blades of energy that entangled the other two guardians. Although her "Rainy Night Sword Technique" was not known for its lethality, it could overcome strength with softness. As the strings flowed, they wove an impenetrable wall of energy around her, making it difficult for the two guardians to get close.

Wang Xiaohu rushed to Nangong Wan's side, his fingertips just touching the short blade at his chest when he was repelled by a chilling force. The short blade was covered in blood-red runes, continuously injecting black energy into Nangong Wan's body.

“Little Tiger…” Nangong Wan opened his eyes with difficulty, his cloudy gaze falling on the mark between his brows, “Don’t worry about me… The Blood Soul Sect is… is awakening the remnant soul of the Demon Lord… They want to use the three divine swords as sacrifices…”

Only then did Wang Xiaohu notice that a massive crimson array was carved into the ground in the center of the Sword Tomb. Three divine swords were suspended in the center of the array, pulled by chains. The spiritual light on the swords was being gradually drawn away by the array and merged into a black vortex at the center of the array. A blurry face could be vaguely seen in the vortex—it was none other than the Demon Realm Sword Master whom Wang Xiaohu had slain years ago!
"Hahaha! Just in time!" Beside the formation, an old man in a blood-red robe raised his head. His hair and beard were dark red, and he held a staff inlaid with a skull in his hand. "The sword master's sword spirit can complete the last piece of the puzzle of the Demon Lord's remnant soul!"

"Who are you?" Wang Xiaohu gripped the Demon-Suppressing Sword tightly, sword energy swirling around him.

"I am Blood Butcher, the leader of the Blood Soul Cult." The old man licked his lips, his eyes gleaming with greed. "After the Demon Lord fell, I collected his scattered remnants of soul. Today, if I devour your sword spirit, the Demon Lord can return to the mortal realm, and I will become the new ruler of the Demon Realm!"

He swung his staff violently, and the black vortex in the center of the formation suddenly expanded. A powerful suction force emanated from the vortex, even causing Wang Xiaohu's robes to flutter loudly. The three divine swords emitted painful cries, and the spiritual light on their blades grew dimmer and dimmer, as if they would be extinguished completely at any moment.

"We can't let him succeed!" Su Qingwan's voice was filled with anxiety. One of her pipa strings had broken, and she was clearly about to be overwhelmed by the two protectors' attacks.

Wang Xiaohu took a deep breath and suddenly remembered what Ou Ye had said when he forged the sword: "A sword has a spirit. If you treat it like a brother, it will block all the blades for you." He held the Demon-Suppressing Sword horizontally in front of his chest, closed his eyes, and let the blue mark between his eyebrows completely merge with the sword energy in his body.

In an instant, he felt as if he had established a connection with all the swords in the world—the rusty knife dropped by the boy from Broken Cloud City, Ayi's short knife in the Misty Forest, and even the three divine swords in front of him that were on the verge of extinction, all trembled slightly in his perception.

"With my sword spirit as the guide, I summon the Three Saints back to their rightful place!"

With a low shout from Wang Xiaohu, the cyan mark between his brows erupted with dazzling light, which transformed into three streams of light that flowed into the three divine swords. The originally dim Azure Frost Sword, Purple Lightning Sword, and Black Iron Sword simultaneously shone with brilliant light, breaking free from the black chains and hovering behind Wang Xiaohu.

"This...this is the divine swords recognizing their master!" Blood Butcher's smile froze instantly. "Impossible! How could you possibly gain the recognition of three divine swords at the same time?"

Wang Xiaohu did not answer. He extended his right hand, and the three divine swords flew into his palm at the same time, merging into a longsword whose entire body flowed with blue, purple, and black light. The sword body possessed the coldness of the Azure Frost Sword, the speed of the Purple Lightning Sword, and the weight of the Mysterious Iron Sword. The three completely different sword intents were perfectly intertwined.

"This is... the lost technique of the Star Sword Sect, 'Three Saints United'!" Shock flashed in Nangong Wan's eyes, then turned into wild joy. "You've done what Shaoping couldn't do back then!"

Blood Butcher's face turned ashen as he slammed his staff into the center of the formation: "So what if you obtain the divine sword? The Demon Lord's remnant soul is almost fully formed!"

The black vortex in the center of the formation spun violently, and the Demon Lord's face became clearer and clearer. He opened his mouth and let out a silent roar. An even more terrifying pressure than before spread out, forcing Su Qingwan and the remaining disciples to kneel on the ground.

"Little Tiger, use 'Starry Sky Returns to Nothingness'!" Nangong Wan shouted with his last bit of strength. "That's a forbidden move of the Starry Sky Sword Sect. It uses the essence blood of the sword master as a catalyst and can slay all evil spirits in the world!"

Wang Xiaohu looked at Nangong Wan, then at Su Qingwan struggling beside him, and at his fellow disciples lying in pools of blood. He thought of Li Gou Dan seeking revenge for his father in Black Wind Valley, of A Man protecting the medicinal herbs with her life in Broken Cloud City, and of Senior Shi Qing sacrificing himself in the Misty Forest… All the people he had met and the Dao he had comprehended along the way transformed into a warm current, flowing into his entire body.

“I understand.” Wang Xiaohu gripped the fused divine sword, a relieved smile appearing on his lips. “The true essence of swordsmanship is not just about killing, but about protecting. Even if it costs everything, you must protect what you cherish.”

He raised his sword, its tip pointing directly at the black vortex in the center of the formation. The azure mark between his brows completely merged into the sword, making the tri-colored light even more dazzling. Blood began to seep from his palm, slowly flowing down the sword's blade; each drop of blood that fell made the divine sword shine even brighter.

"Stars Return to Ruins!"

With Wang Xiaohu's sword strike, the fused divine sword transformed into a pillar of light piercing through heaven and earth, directly stabbing into the black vortex. Wherever the pillar of light passed, the crimson array shattered inch by inch, the black vortex let out a painful roar, and the Demon Lord's face twisted and dissipated continuously within the pillar of light.

Blood Butcher watched in horror, turning to flee, but was struck by the aftershocks of the pillar of light, his body instantly turning to ashes. The two Blood Soul Sect protectors, seeing this, were terrified and tried to escape, but Su Qingwan used her last remaining pipa string to ensnare them, and they were subsequently killed by the arriving disciples of the Star Sword Sect. The pillar of light lasted for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before gradually dissipating.

The Sword Tomb returned to tranquility, except for a deep, bottomless ravine in the ground. The three divine swords were restored to their original state, silently floating in the center of the Sword Tomb, their spiritual light softer and purer than ever before.

Wang Xiaohu, leaning on his sword, slowly knelt down. His face was as pale as paper, and the blue mark between his brows had faded considerably, clearly indicating he had consumed too much of his vital essence. Su Qingwan rushed over to support him, her eyes red-rimmed: "How are you?"

"It's nothing..." Wang Xiaohu smiled weakly, "I'm just a little tired."

Nangong Wan was helped up by his disciples. He looked at Wang Xiaohu with eyes full of satisfaction: "Good boy, the Star Sword Sect... no, the entire martial arts world should thank you."

Just then, three streams of light flew out from the three divine swords and merged into the bodies of Wang Xiaohu, Su Qingwan, and Nangong Wan respectively. Wang Xiaohu felt a warm current flow through his entire body, his depleted essence and blood were rapidly recovering, and the blue mark between his eyebrows became clear again.

"This is... a gift from the divine swords." Nangong Wan exclaimed, feeling the power restored within his body, "They have acknowledged our heart of protection."

Three months later, the Star Sword Sect held a grand ceremony.

Wang Xiaohu officially assumed the position of the 122nd generation Sword Master of the Starry Sky Sword Sect, while Nangong Wan stepped down to become a Supreme Elder. Su Qingwan, due to her contributions in the great battle, was exceptionally accepted as a guest elder of the Starry Sky Sword Sect and put in charge of the Scripture Pavilion. Li Gou Dan and A Man were also brought to the Starry Sky Sword Sect; the former became an outer disciple, while the latter studied medicine under the elders of the Medicine Hall, occasionally bringing freshly gathered herbs to Wang Xiaohu, chattering incessantly.

After the ceremony, Wang Xiaohu stood before the Sword Tomb, gazing at the three divine swords floating in the center. The blue mark between his brows glowed gently, echoing the spiritual light emanating from the divine swords.

"How are you feeling?" Su Qingwan walked to his side, holding a newly copied sword manual in her hand.

“Very good.” Wang Xiaohu turned around and looked at the distant mountains shrouded in mist. “I suddenly realized that trials are never the end, but a new beginning.”

Su Qingwan smiled: "Then will we still need to go down the mountain often in the future?"

“Of course.” Wang Xiaohu grasped her hand, his eyes sparkling brightly. “The world is so vast, there are still many people who need help, and many truths to be understood. Moreover…” He paused, a gentle smile playing on his lips, “I also want to take you to see the places I’ve traveled along the way.”

In the distance, the setting sun slowly descended, painting the sky a warm orange-red. The light of the three divine swords shimmered in the sunset, as if illuminating the path for the young couple.

Wang Xiaohu knew that his legendary swordsmanship had only just begun. And this legend contained not only swords and guardians, but also those around him and the distant martial world. The wind in the Sword Tomb carried a chilling coolness and a profound stillness.

Three years have passed since Wang Xiaohu assumed the position of Sword Master. In these three years, the Starry Sky Sword Sect has enjoyed a long-awaited peace, and even shows signs of revival—students from all over have flocked to the sect, many of whom were commoners who were persecuted by the remnants of the Demon Lord and now want to learn swordsmanship to protect themselves. Wang Xiaohu did not follow the old precedent, but instead had Nangong Wan take the lead in opening the "Puhui Hall" in the outer sect, where anyone with a righteous heart, regardless of their background, can learn basic swordsmanship and breathing techniques.

That morning, Wang Xiaohu was instructing his disciples on swordsmanship in the training ground. Dressed in a plain sword robe, he stood tall and straight like a pine tree. Occasionally, a wisp of azure sword energy would flick from his fingertips, lightly touching the blades of his disciples' swords to correct their deviations in technique. The azure mark between his brows was faintly visible in the morning light, appearing even more gentle than it had three years ago.

“Sword techniques are static, but people are dynamic.” He watched as a young man used too much force, causing his swordplay to become chaotic, and said gently, “Look at the mountain streams, which meander around rocks and gather in depressions. They seem weak, yet they can pierce through rocks and break rocks. The sword should be like that too.”

The boy seemed to understand, but he also learned to slow his breathing, and his swordplay indeed became more steady.

Su Qingwan walked over from the library carrying an ancient book and stood quietly at the edge of the training ground. She was now the renowned "Fairy of the Qin and Sword" in the martial arts world; her pipa music could soothe the mind, and her swordsmanship could repel enemies. The coldness in her eyes had faded considerably, replaced by a gentler demeanor. Seeing that Wang Xiaohu had finished his instruction, she stepped forward and handed him the book: "This is the 'Hundred Herbs Detoxification Manual' compiled from Senior Shi Qing's notes. Aman said that a poison similar to the Heart-Rotting Grass has recently appeared in Southern Xinjiang; perhaps it will come in handy."

Wang Xiaohu took the ancient book, his fingertips brushing against the yellowed pages. The handwriting was delicate, clearly copied by Su Qingwan herself. He thought of Aman—that child was now a capable assistant in the medicine hall. Half a year ago, he returned to Black Stone Mountain with several junior brothers, saying he wanted to combine the medical skills of the Bai Miao with the detoxification techniques of the Star Sword Sect to benefit more Miao people.

“Looks like I’ll have to go on another long trip.” Wang Xiaohu closed the ancient book, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes. “In the past three years, although the Blood Soul Sect has been destroyed, the evil spirits that have appeared sporadically in various places always carry a familiar aura, as if… someone is deliberately imitating the Demon Lord’s techniques.”

Su Qingwan nodded: "I noticed it too. A few days ago, I received a message from the Jiangnan branch saying that a 'water monster' had appeared in the Taihu Lake area, which would drag ferries into the water. The bodies of the dead were covered with a layer of black mucus, which was of the same origin as the demonic energy of the Demon Lord back then."

Just then, an outer disciple rushed over, carrying a carrier pigeon: "Sword Master, urgent report from Jiangbei!"

Inside the bamboo tube on the carrier pigeon's leg was a crumpled note, written hastily in messy handwriting: "Bronze-masked men have reappeared in Black Wind Valley, abducting dozens of children, seemingly refining 'blood pills'. Urgent assistance needed!"

Wang Xiaohu's face darkened. Black Wind Valley, Li Gou Dan. These two names instantly flashed into his mind. Three years ago, when he left Qing Shi Town, he had instructed Li Gou Dan to send a message to the Star Sword Sect if he encountered any danger. Now it seemed that the boy had ultimately gotten himself into trouble.

"Prepare the sword." Wang Xiaohu turned and walked towards the sword mound. "Miss Su, you stay behind to guard the sect. I will lead a team of disciples and set off immediately."

Su Qingwan tugged at his sleeve and unfastened a jade pendant from her waist—the very same miasma-repelling pendant given to her by the White Mulberry Clan Chief years ago, now adorned with several zither patterns: "I will go with you. Your sword needs protection, and my pipa should see some blood." (End of Chapter)