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

The shopkeeper pointed to a canyon on the east side of the town: "Go in from 'Liuhuo Gorge' and it will take about a day to reach 'Fenxin Cliff'. Legend has it that the Burning Heaven Sword is on the 'Sacred Fire Platform' at the top of the cliff. But I advise you not to go there, the wind on that cliff is scorching hot, and even birds can't fly over it."

The next morning, the two set off for Flowing Fire Gorge. The cliffs on both sides of the gorge were crimson red, reflecting the sunlight with a blinding glare. The air was thick with the smell of sulfur, and the stones underfoot were so hot they could burn. Wang Xiaohu channeled his sword energy, creating a barrier around them to block out some of the heat, allowing them to barely move forward.

After walking for half a day, the canyon ahead suddenly narrowed, allowing only one person to pass at a time. At the end of the canyon, a towering cliff could be vaguely seen, with red light flickering at its top, as if flames were burning.

“That’s Burning Heart Cliff.” Su Qingwan pointed to the cliff. “The red light at the top of the cliff is probably the flame of the Sacred Flame Platform.”

Just then, a cracking sound suddenly came from the rock walls on both sides of the canyon, and countless boulders rolled down from above, blocking the path in front and behind. At the same time, more than a dozen people dressed in black robes emerged from behind the rock walls. The leader was a middle-aged woman with a silver mask on her face and a long whip burning with black flames in her hand.

"The Reverse Time Cult?" Wang Xiaohu gripped the Demon-Suppressing Sword tightly, the blue mark between his brows slightly burning. These people's demonic energy was purer than that of the bronze-masked man; they were clearly core members of the Reverse Time Cult.

"Master of the Star Sword, I've long admired your name." The woman's voice was somewhat hoarse. "I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly, which saves us a lot of trouble." She brandished her long whip, black flames leaping at the tip. "Hand over the Icebound Sword and tell me the whereabouts of the Burning Heaven Sword, and I might let you die a quick death."

"What do you want with the Burning Heaven Sword?" Wang Xiaohu didn't draw his sword; he wanted to extract more information from the other party.

The woman sneered, "Naturally, it's to summon the God of Time. Once we gather all seven divine swords, we can travel back in time, save the Demon Lord, and then the entire martial world will be ours!" She suddenly lashed out with her whip, and black flames pounced on Wang Xiaohu like venomous snakes. "Enough nonsense, prepare to die!"

Wang Xiaohu dodged to the side, the azure light on the Demon-Suppressing Sword surging as it collided with the black flames. With a sizzle, the black flames were engulfed by the azure light, emitting plumes of black smoke. "You think you can summon the God of Time?"

"You're courting death!" The black-robed figures beside the woman attacked simultaneously, their weapons engulfed in black flames, forming a fire net that surrounded Wang Xiaohu and Su Qingwan.

Su Qingwan plucked the strings of her pipa, the notes transforming into jets of water that shot towards the fire net. The water jets collided with the flames, generating large amounts of steam that temporarily obscured the black-robed man's vision. "Little Tiger, there's an opening to the left rear!"

Wang Xiaohu understood, his toes barely touching the ground as he shot out of the fire net like an arrow. His Demon-Suppressing Sword swept across, severing the weapons of the two black-robed men. He didn't kill them, but instead used his sword energy to subdue them, binding them to the rock wall.

Upon seeing this, a hint of surprise flashed in the woman's eyes, then she became even more frenzied: "Attack them all! Kill them, and the sect leader will reward you handsomely!"

The black-robed figures surged forward like a tide, their black flames illuminating the entire canyon in a crimson glow. Wang Xiaohu and Su Qingwan stood back to back, one wielding a sword, the other using sound, their perfect coordination allowing them to forcefully block the black-robed figures' onslaught.

During the fierce battle, Wang Xiaohu noticed that each swing of the woman's whip absorbed the surrounding heat, making the flames even more intense. He suddenly remembered what his boss had said about the "divine fire vein." Could it be that there was geothermal activity beneath this canyon, and the woman's weapon could absorb this geothermal heat to enhance its flames?
"Miss Su, find a way to lure her to the center of the canyon!" Wang Xiaohu shouted, deliberately revealing an opening to entice the woman to chase after him.

Su Qingwan immediately understood his intention. The pipa music became more urgent, drawing the surrounding black-robed figures to both sides. The woman indeed fell for the trap, brandishing her long whip and chasing after Wang Xiaohu, black flames following closely behind.

Reaching the center of the canyon, Wang Xiaohu suddenly turned around. The azure light from the Demon-Suppressing Sword and the chilling aura from the Ice-Sealing Sword erupted simultaneously, forming a barrier of interwoven azure and white. The woman couldn't brake in time; her whip, wreathed in black flames, struck the barrier, instantly freezing the flames into ice.

"How is this possible?" The woman's face was filled with disbelief. She could feel that her connection with the whip had been severed. "My 'Bone-Corroding Flame'..."

“Your flames are powered by geothermal energy, while the chilling aura of the Icebound Sword perfectly counters it.” Wang Xiaohu walked towards her step by step, the tip of the Demon-Suppressing Sword pointing directly at her mask. “Tell me, where is the headquarters of the Reverse Time Cult? How many people are still searching for the other divine swords?”

A flicker of fear crossed the woman's eyes, which quickly turned resolute. She bit her tongue hard, spitting a mouthful of blood onto the whip. The frozen flames reignited, burning even more fiercely than before, igniting her own black robe.

"I'd rather die than tell you!" she roared, clutching her whip as she charged at Wang Xiaohu, clearly intending to die with him.

Wang Xiaohu's eyes narrowed, but he didn't retreat. He merged the Starry Sky Sword Qi and the Frozen Sword Intent once more, forming a massive ice crystal that trapped the woman and her whip inside. The black flames burned wildly within the ice crystal, but they couldn't break through the ice layer and eventually died down. The woman's figure remained frozen within the ice crystal, her face still bearing the expression of madness.

After dealing with the woman, the remaining black-robed men, now without a leader, were quickly subdued by the two. Wang Xiaohu learned from one of the black-robed men that the leader of the Reverse Time Cult was forging the "Time Compass" in the Misty Swamp, which required the cores of seven divine swords as its power source. The core of the Burning Heaven Sword was said to be hidden within the flames of the Sacred Fire Platform.

"It seems we must obtain the Heaven-Burning Sword." Su Qingwan looked at the red light atop the Heart-Burning Cliff. "Otherwise, if it falls into the hands of the Time-Reversing Sect, the consequences will be unimaginable."

The two cleared the blocked path and continued towards Burning Heart Cliff. The closer they got to the top, the higher the temperature became, and even Wang Xiaohu's sword energy barrier began to become unstable. Sure enough, the Sacred Fire Platform at the top of the cliff was burning; it was a ball of bluish-green flame, suspended on a huge stone platform, the air around the flame distorted by the heat.

The Burning Heaven Sword was stuck in the center of the Sacred Flame Platform. Its entire body was crimson, covered with flame-shaped patterns. Under the reflection of the blue flames, the sword emitted a blazing light.

"This flame is incredibly powerful." Su Qingwan felt a burning sensation on her skin even from three zhang away. "I can't get close."

Wang Xiaohu stared at the blue-green flames and suddenly remembered what Old Master Ouye had said: "The Xuan Tie Mother can withstand temperatures of 10,000 degrees Celsius. When the Qing Shuang Sword was forged, the mold was made of the Xuan Tie Mother." He gripped the Demon-Suppressing Sword tightly. "The Demon-Suppressing Sword was forged from the Xuan Tie Mother. Perhaps it can withstand these flames."

He took a deep breath, channeled his sword energy, and held the Demon-Suppressing Sword in front of him as he walked step by step toward the Sacred Flame Platform. The azure flames were indeed ineffective against the Demon-Suppressing Sword; upon contact with the blade, they automatically parted to the sides, revealing the Heaven-Burning Sword in the center.

Just as Wang Xiaohu's hand was about to touch the Heaven-Burning Sword, the Sacred Flame Platform suddenly trembled violently, and the azure flames surged dramatically, forming a pillar of fire that shot straight into the sky. An aged voice echoed from the cliff top: "Those who trespass on the Sacred Flame Platform shall die!"

An elderly man in a long red robe emerged from the flames. His hair and beard were fiery red, and he held a flaming scepter in his hand. He emanated an aura identical to the blue-green flames. "It's the Sword Guardian!" Wang Xiaohu's heart skipped a beat. This old man's aura was even stronger than that of the Ice Clan descendants from the far north snow mountain, clearly indicating that he was also an ancient inheritor.

"Who are you? Why do you want the Burning Heaven Sword?" The old man's voice was like a booming bell, making the rocks on the cliff top rustle.

"This junior is Wang Xiaohu of the Star Sword Sect, here to stop the Reverse Time Sect." Wang Xiaohu stopped and bowed respectfully. "The Reverse Time Sect wants to gather the seven ancient divine swords, summon the God of Time, and overturn the martial world. This junior has no choice but to take the Burning Heaven Sword to prevent future troubles."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in the old man's eyes: "The Reverse Time Cult? They really haven't given up yet." He looked at Wang Xiaohu, "Do you know the origin of the Heaven-Burning Sword?"

Wang Xiaohu shook his head: "This junior does not know."

"The Burning Heaven Sword is an ancient divine sword used to seal the 'Flame Demon,' containing the power of holy fire that purifies all evil spirits," the old man said slowly. "The Reverse Time Sect's attempt to use it to forge a Time Compass is simply wishful thinking. However..." He changed the subject, "If you wish to take the Burning Heaven Sword, you must pass the test of the holy fire."

"What test?"

The old man waved his scepter, and a huge circle of blue flames formed around the sacred fire platform: "Walk into the circle of fire. If you can withstand the burning of the sacred fire without losing your true self, the Heaven-Burning Sword will naturally recognize you as its master. Otherwise, you will be reduced to ashes by the sacred fire."

Su Qingwan's expression changed: "This is too dangerous!"

Wang Xiaohu nodded: "I am willing to accept the test." He knew that this was the only way to obtain the Burning Heaven Sword and the key to stopping the Reverse Time Cult.

He took a deep breath and stepped into the ring of fire. The moment he entered, he felt an unimaginable heat envelop his entire body, as if it were burning his bones to ashes. His consciousness began to blur, and countless illusions flashed through his mind—the Reverse Time Sect opened a spacetime rift, the Demon Lord returned, the martial world was engulfed in flames, Li Gou Dan, A Man, Su Qing Wan… all the people he cared about were screaming in agony in the flames.

"Give up, you can't stop it." A tempting voice rang in his ear, "As long as you hand over the sword soul, you can gain endless power and protect everyone."

Wang Xiaohu's mind trembled violently, and the blue mark between his brows dimmed. Just then, he suddenly remembered Nangong Wan's words: "The sword is the blade of the heart. If the heart is not firm, the sword will not be sharp." He clenched his teeth, dispelling the illusions, with only one thought in his mind: to protect.

“I can’t give up!”

With his shout, the blue mark between his brows burst forth with dazzling light, and the Demon-Suppressing Sword trembled in response. The icy aura emanating from the sword resonated strangely with the sacred fire. The burning sensation gradually disappeared, replaced by a warm power that flowed into his body through his meridians.

The Heaven-Burning Sword in the center of the Sacred Flame Platform emitted a clear and melodious sword cry, automatically flying off the stone platform and hovering in front of Wang Xiaohu. The flame patterns on the sword's blade lit up, echoing the blue mark between his brows.

"You have passed the test." The old man's voice was filled with satisfaction. "The Burning Heaven Sword has recognized you as its master."

Wang Xiaohu reached out and grasped the Burning Heaven Sword. The hilt was warm to the touch, not as scorching as he had imagined. He could feel a powerful surge of holy fire flowing into his body through his arm, perfectly merging with the chill of the Icebound Sword and the sword energy of the Star Sword.

"Thank you, senior." Wang Xiaohu sheathed the Burning Heaven Sword and bowed respectfully to the old man.

The old man waved his hand: "Go, stop the Reverse Time Cult, protect this era. This is your responsibility, and also the mission of the Burning Heaven Sword." His figure gradually merged into the blue-green flames. "Remember, time cannot be reversed. Every choice has its meaning."

As the old man disappeared, the azure flames gradually died down, and the sacred fire altar returned to calm. Wang Xiaohu and Su Qingwan walked down Burning Heart Cliff, looking back at the towering precipice, their hearts filled with emotion.

"Next, shall we go to the Misty Swamp?" Su Qingwan asked.

Wang Xiaohu nodded, gripping the Demon-Suppressing Sword tightly in his hand. The blade shimmered with blue, white, and red light in the sunlight. "The headquarters of the Reverse Time Cult is in the Misty Swamp. We must stop them before they gather all seven divine swords."

The two turned and walked towards the Misty Swamp, their figures gradually disappearing into the crimson canyon. The heat of Flaming Mountain remained, but their hearts were filled with unwavering conviction.

The road ahead may be even more perilous, and the leader of the Reverse Time Cult may be even more powerful, but Wang Xiaohu knows that the sword in his hand, the path in his heart, and the people around him will accompany him on this journey. This path of trials is far from over, and his legend has only just begun to write a new chapter.

The miasma in the Misty Swamp is even more eerie than the Bone-Eating Miasma of Southern Xinjiang. The gray-green mist moves through the reeds like a living thing, sometimes condensing into twisted human shapes, sometimes transforming into sharp beast claws. If you are not careful, you will be deceived by the illusions and fall into the hidden mud pit.

Wang Xiaohu sheathed the Burning Heaven Sword, placing it alongside the Demon-Suppressing Sword at his waist. The auras of the two divine swords intertwined, forming a faint halo around him that dispelled the miasma that tried to approach. Su Qingwan's pipa also changed its strings—made of ice silkworm silk from the far north snow mountains, the strings carrying a hint of chill that could pierce through the illusions of mist.

“According to the map of the Ice Clan elder, the headquarters of the Reverse Time Sect should be on ‘Island of No Return’ in the center of the swamp.” Wang Xiaohu unfolded the parchment scroll, on which a winding waterway was marked with cinnabar. “But there are seven ‘Spirit-Devouring Pools’ marked around this waterway, which are said to be able to devour the spiritual energy of weapons.”

Su Qingwan plucked the strings of the Ice Silkworm String, the sound rippling through the mist: "The skeleton that just passed by was still clutching half a rusty sword in its hand, it must have fallen into the Soul Devouring Pool."

The two traveled along the waterway in a small boat. The oars parted the dark green water, startling several water birds with wet feathers, which fluttered and plunged into the mist. Midway through their journey, bubbles suddenly rose to the surface, and a giant hand covered in mucus emerged from the water, reaching for the bottom of the boat. (End of Chapter)