The First Sword of the Universe

Chapter 530 Su Xinghe: Ding Chunqiu, come out here!
Under a clear blue sky, the vast and continuous Zhongnan Mountains stretch out.

On the mountain peak where the Quanzhen Sect will be located in the future.

A dashing figure dressed in blue stood suspended in mid-air, stepping on swirling white clouds.

On all four sides of this majestic mountain peak, countless martial arts practitioners are scattered across its many summits.

Some people stood on the horizontal branches of the big tree, or hugged their chests with their arms, or held onto the trunk with one hand, or sat cross-legged between the branches.

Some people stood on the undulating rocks, letting the wind blow their hair and clothes, their eyes fixed on the majestic mountain peaks several miles away.

Someone stood atop a cliff, ignoring the towering precipice below, holding their breath and gazing intently at the figure floating in the air, seemingly walking on clouds.

Others stood on the hillside, under the trees, and by the pond.
The crowd was dense, yet everyone maintained a safe distance.

The number is in the tens of thousands.

When they are silent, exclaiming, sighing, or concentrating their energy together, they form an enormous circle with the majestic central mountain as the center point.

Their auras touched and influenced each other, and in the darkness, they were connected as one.

A sense of solemnity and quiet before a storm arises spontaneously and permeates the world.

As for the animals and birds in this area?
They've already run away completely.

Even the baby cubs in tree hollows and caves were taken away from this dangerous place by their parents.

As for those fools who rushed down the mountain earlier, wanting to watch the battle up close, they also realized something was wrong and quickly retreated.

Just at this time.

However, the group once again crossed the mountain and hurried down the mountain, rapidly approaching the majestic mountain in the center.

The group's actions immediately attracted the attention of everyone on the nearby hilltops.

Among the group, the one walking at the front was an elderly man in his fifties or sixties, with a slender build, a refined appearance, and a few long wisps of beard on his chin.

The eight men and women following behind him were dressed in various ways, including musicians, doctors, woodcutters, carpenters and other professions. However, each of them had a solemn aura and sharp eyes, clearly possessing considerable martial arts skills.

Behind them were dozens of men dressed in gray cloth clothes.

People on the nearby hilltops immediately recognized several of them.

"Isn't that Doctor Xue?"

"It really is him. Wasn't he rumored to have disappeared? Why is he here?"

"Who is that person walking in front of him? Doctor Xue seems to respect him a lot."

"Hey, you guys don't know, do you? That person is none other than Su Xinghe, the wise and eloquent master of the Deaf-Mute Sect."

"So it was him. But what is his relationship with Doctor Xue? Why was Doctor Xue following behind him and forcing his way into Zhongnan Mountain?"

"I don't know. Doctor Xue's background is mysterious. Although we've dealt with him, we've never heard of his teacher. Perhaps... he's related to that clever and eloquent man from the Deaf-Mute Sect."

Just as everyone was discussing this, they saw that the group had already rushed to the foot of the mountain and stopped in an open space where they could see the opposite mountaintop.

At the forefront, the eloquent Su Xinghe looked up at the cloud-riding figure above the majestic mountain, cupped his hands, and proclaimed loudly, "Su Xinghe, disciple of the Free and Unfettered Sect, pays respects to Master Xu."

"I have come here today to take advantage of your ascension ceremony to do something, and I hope you will agree."

The martial arts practitioners on the surrounding hilltops were all surprised to hear these words.

"The Carefree Sect? Wasn't Mr. Congbian the leader of the Deaf-Mute Sect? How did he become a disciple of the Carefree Sect?"

"What kind of sect is the Free and Unfettered Sect? Why have I never heard of this sect before?"

"I've never heard of such a sect in the world."

"Free and Unfettered? Free and Unfettered! I roam the martial world as I please. This sect dares to call itself 'Free and Unfettered,' its origins must be extraordinary."

"It's perfectly normal for you ignorant fools not to know about the Free and Unfettered Sect."

"Oh, brother, you actually know this? I hope you can tell us about it."

"The Free and Unfettered Sect is a reclusive sect with very few disciples. The exact number of its members is unknown, as are their names, ages, and appearances. However, anyone who has seen a disciple of the Free and Unfettered Sect is filled with awe, claiming that each disciple is a deity among immortals."

"Immortals? Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration? Does that mean that all the disciples of the Free and Unfettered Sect are Heavenly Realm experts who can fly by controlling their qi?"

"Exactly, you're exaggerating. Look at that Mr. Congbian, he's a disciple of the Xiaoyao Sect, and his name is quite famous in the martial arts world, but he's not a top-tier master of the Heavenly Realm."

Just as everyone was discussing and debating the origins of the Free and Unfettered Sect, the blue-clad figure in the sky above the majestic central mountain turned around, looked down the mountain, and, following the script, made his voice echo among the mountains: "Oh? You are actually disciples of the Free and Unfettered Sect?"

"Your Xiaoyao Sect has very few disciples, and each one of you lives in seclusion, hiding your identities and far from the world; it's impossible for anyone to even catch a glimpse of you."

"Today, you have actually appeared before the entire world; the matter you are handling must be extremely important."

"Very well, considering my past acquaintance with your Xiaoyao Sect's ancestors, you may speak freely about what you have to say."

Su Xinghe clasped his hands in a fist and said loudly, "Thank you for your kindness, sir."

"Today, with you as our esteemed master, our Free and Unfettered Sect wishes to accomplish a great task: to punish a traitor within our sect."

Xu Xingchen's voice, echoing through the mountains, revealed a hint of doubt: "Your Xiaoyao Sect actually has a traitor? Who is he?"

Su Xinghe turned around and looked back at the group of martial arts figures on the outer mountain peaks. His gaze quickly fell on one of the mountain peaks.

That hilltop was occupied by hundreds of people.

The hundreds of people clearly belonged to the same sect. All the disciples, like blooming lotus flowers, formed circles around a magnificent carriage with white gauze draped on all sides, surrounding it in the center.

The mountaintop occupied by this sect was completely deserted.

No one dared to be in the same place as them, seemingly extremely wary of that sect.

At the foot of the mountain, Su Xinghe looked at the mountain peak and shouted angrily, "Ding Chunqiu, you traitor who betrayed your master and ancestors, today my Xiaoyao Sect will cleanse our sect and kill you here."

These words immediately caused a great sensation on the surrounding hills.

Surprised, horrified, and astonished gazes turned toward the solitary hilltop, and almost everyone wore an expression of disbelief.

"That old monster Ding Chunqiu from the Starry Constellation Sect is actually a disciple of the Free and Unfettered Sect?"

"He actually came from the same school as that eloquent gentleman?"

"How could a traitor from the Free and Unfettered Sect like him establish the Starry Constellation Sect, which is renowned throughout the world, and possess a skill called the Dissolving Power Technique that strikes fear into the hearts of all martial artists? Heavens, how mysterious and terrifying must his sect, the Free and Unfettered Sect, be?"

"If just a random disciple or a traitor can shock us so much, then what kind of earth-shattering figure must the master of the Free and Unfettered Sect be?"

"Someone said before that the disciples of the Free and Unfettered Sect are all like immortals. Could it be that he wasn't lying?" Amid the buzzing discussion, the white gauze hanging in front of the carriage on the hill where the Starry Constellation Sect was stationed fluttered up, revealing an old man in white robes, with white hair and a white beard, and a peaceful and ruddy face.

This person was none other than Ding Chunqiu, the Old Monster of the Star Constellation.

He gently waved a five-colored feather fan in his right hand, looked down at the foot of the mountain several miles away, and his voice echoed calmly among the mountains.

"Senior Brother Su, you not only recalled eight of your disciples, but you also broke your vow to never speak again."

"It seems you really want to die."

Although Ding Chunqiu's tone was calm, his words constantly revealed an attitude of domineering and contempt.

"However, I am a little curious, junior brother. Your martial arts are far inferior to mine. How do you have the audacity to break your oath and even want to cleanse the Xiaoyao Sect of its filth?"

"Do you really think that kid can help you?"

Clearly, he didn't take his senior brother Su Xinghe seriously, nor did he take that kid who was soaring through the air on the mountain ahead, pretending to be a ghost, seriously either.

Ding Chunqiu had unparalleled confidence in his martial arts and poison skills.

As soon as he finished speaking...

The Starry Sky Sect disciples guarding the area immediately perked up and shouted loudly.

"The Starry Sky Immortal possesses boundless magical power, is invincible in attack and unbeatable in battle."

"The Starry Sky Immortal, a divine being who reigns over the Central Plains, possesses great supernatural powers and boundless magical strength."

"The Starry Sky Immortal possesses boundless magical power, enjoys eternal immortal blessings, and lives as long as the heavens."

The frenzied shouts echoed through the mountains, their powerful force like thunder.

In the hearts of all the disciples of the Xingxiu Sect, their master, the Xingxiu Immortal, was not only the best in martial arts, but also the best in poison.

They shouted these slogans, which sounded extremely exaggerated and shameless to others, partly out of fear of their master and partly out of a heartfelt acknowledgment of the truth.

As the disciples of the Xingxiu Sect shouted loudly, their morale soared, and their gazes toward the heroes on the surrounding mountains and Su Xinghe and others at the foot of the mountain were filled with arrogance and disdain.

Su Xinghe sneered twice and said loudly, "Ding Chunqiu, don't brag. My Xiaoyao Sect doesn't need to rely on outsiders to deal with a traitor like you."

"Come down, let me see if your martial arts have improved over the years?"

"At the same time, you should also know that being a traitor to the Free and Unfettered Sect is not an easy job."

On the mountaintop, within the carriage.

A glint of light, like a candle flame, shone in Ding Chunqiu's eyes, his voice remaining calm: "Judging from your tone, Senior Brother, your martial arts must have made great progress, for you dare to speak to me like this, and for you dare to break your vow from back then."

"My purpose in coming to the Central Plains this time was to eliminate you and your disciples completely, to prevent future troubles."

"But when we looked for you, you all hid."

"Since I cannot find any trace of you, I cannot do anything to you."

"But you deliberately chose to step forward; you're practically courting death."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ding Chunqiu shot out from the carriage, his sleeves fluttering and his white hair flying, as if he were walking on air like an immortal.

At the same time, a rich five-colored aura rapidly surged from all the acupoints on his body.

As they surged and swirled, they gathered beneath Ding Chunqiu's feet, transforming into a colorful cloud that lifted his body and carried him down the mountain.

This extraordinary figure, riding on "five-colored auspicious clouds" and even more like a deity than the one riding on white clouds above the towering mountain in front of him, immediately astonished the surrounding martial arts practitioners, whose expressions then changed drastically.

"This Ding Chunqiu can actually fly through the clouds and control the air?!"

"He...he's actually a top expert in the Heavenly Realm???"

"That's impossible. Any traitor who comes out of the Free and Unfettered Sect is a top-tier master who has comprehended the unity of heaven and man; just what kind of sacred place is this Free and Unfettered Sect?"

"No wonder this Old Monster of the Star Constellation was so confident in front of Mr. Congbian; it turns out he's actually a top expert from the Heavenly Realm."

"Does the fact that Mr. Congbian dared to speak to Old Monster Xingxiu about purging his own sect mean that he is also a top expert in the Heavenly Realm?"

"That's very possible. After all, only a top expert in the Heavenly Realm can deal with another top expert in the Heavenly Realm."

"Two disciples from the Free and Unfettered Sect can be top-tier experts at the Heavenly Realm at random; heavens! heavens! Am I really from the same world as them? Why is the gap between us so vast???"

"Unbelievable. Unbelievable. Today, we're all in for a treat!"

“What this brother says is absolutely right; how often do we have the opportunity to see top experts from the Heavenly Realm, let alone fight between them? Today, this Ascension Ceremony has only just begun, and three top experts from the Heavenly Realm have already appeared. This is a rare opportunity.”

"To witness the battle of experts from the Heavenly Realm today is something we can brag about for the rest of our lives when we get back."

"Speaking of which, the clouds under the Star Constellation Old Monster's feet are actually auspicious five-colored clouds, making him look even more like a deity than Mr. Xu who is riding on white clouds. I wonder who is more powerful between the two of them."

"What five-colored auspicious clouds? That Star Constellation Old Monster's poison skills are unparalleled in the world. The five-colored cloud beneath his feet is probably formed from countless poisonous gases and his poisonous skills, making it extremely poisonous."

"That Mr. Xu, who rides on white clouds, would probably be no match for that Starry Night Old Monster if he didn't have a way to defend against poison."

"That's not necessarily true. That Mr. Xu dared to hold this Ascension Ceremony, so his martial arts skills are definitely beyond our imagination. He might not be afraid of that Starry Night Old Monster."

"We'll only know who's stronger after they fight."

"Do you think that Old Monster Xingxiu is also one of the experts who came to participate in the Ascension Conference?"

"It's hard to say for sure. After all, he's a top expert in the Heavenly Realm and qualified to participate in this Ascension Ceremony."

Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, Ding Chunqiu, already standing on surging, rising five-colored clouds, arrived at the foot of the mountain and stopped a few feet away from Su Xinghe and his group in mid-air.

Su Xinghe was clearly taken aback by what he was seeing, and his expression was one of astonishment: "You...you actually cultivated to the Heavenly Realm."

Above the five-colored clouds, Ding Chunqiu's white robes fluttered, his white hair danced, and he gently waved a five-colored feather fan in his right hand, his peaceful face revealing a hint of indifference and transcendence.

"Judging from Senior Brother's tone, he hasn't cultivated to the Heavenly Realm yet?"

"Senior brother, you really are a piece of trash, a disgrace to our Free and Unfettered Sect."

"A piece of trash like you actually dares to think about cleaning up the sect? I, as your junior brother, truly despise you."

Su Xinghe's face darkened, and he said coldly, "Ding Chunqiu, don't get too cocky. Even if you cultivate to the Heavenly Realm, you are still a traitor to the Free and Unfettered Sect and will be expelled from the sect."

A mocking smile appeared on Ding Chunqiu's ruddy face: "Senior brother is so confident, it seems you have something to rely on."

"However, I have already cultivated to the highest realm of martial arts. Even if you invite my senior uncles and grand-uncles, I will not be afraid of them."

(End of this chapter)