Embers of Sword

Chapter 595 The Great Suppression
The sky trembled, and bells and drums resounded.

Within a radius of ten miles of the Great Eagle Sword Palace, howling winds raged and flashes of lightning appeared.

Dark clouds press down on the mountains, threatening to crush them.

If you stand on the clouds and look down, you will find that, with the Great Sui Sword Palace as the center, countless streams of sword energy are converging and approaching it within a radius of dozens of miles!
Disciples from the four sword peaks—Jin'ao Peak, Zhenyin Peak, Yuping Peak, and Xiaochun Mountain—all gathered together.

Upon receiving the sword energy message, the Sword Palace disciples who were traveling abroad immediately returned to their sect and mountain!
In fact.

No sword energy command required—

News of the great battle in the southern borderlands has spread throughout the entire Central Plains!
The Three Sects and Seven Saints were wiped out by one person!
The young sword immortal with the highest talent in the Great Sui Dynasty for a thousand years is not dead! Xie Xuanyi is still alive!

Upon learning this news, the disciples of the Sword Palace almost all guessed what would happen next... They tacitly turned back and returned to the mountain gate to prepare to face the pressure from the imperial city!
"Hurry up!"

"Set up the formation!"

"Faster, faster!"

A white crane circled overhead, and Si Qi sat atop it, directing the disciples of Zhenyin Peak to place the array flags. The Great Eagle Sword Palace was a super sect on par with the Daoist sect. Its original master had left a powerful array beneath each of the five sword peaks. Once activated, such a powerful array signified a moment of life or death for the sect.

For thousands of years, Zhenyin Peak has never used its mountain-suppressing formation!

But today...

That's different.

All disciples gathered and set up formations on the other four main peaks, excluding Lotus Peak!

Si Qi is in charge of the True Hidden Peak array flags and is the array eye of True Hidden Peak.

He looked to his side.

Not far away, Zhou Zhiren, dressed in a purple robe, stood on Xiaochun Mountain with his hands behind his back, his expression shrouded in mist. The disciples of Xiaochun Mountain had already placed the array flags in place. Zhou Zhiren held the Xiaochun Mountain array talisman, took a step forward, and arrived at the position of the white crane at the top of the sky.

"Big brother."

Si Qi quickly bowed.

"The Master of Laws entered the Lotus Forbidden Land... and there has been no movement since."

Zhou Zhiren looked down at Lotus Peak, frowned, and asked, "Could it be that the Sect Master has encountered some kind of accident?"

All four sword peaks were setting up array flags, but Lotus Peak remained silent.

"Senior Brother, there's no need to worry."

A figure in a golden robe appeared in a flash.

Qi Lie appeared beside Zhou Zhiren.

"My master just used his sword energy to send a telepathic message, telling me that everything in the Lotus Forbidden Land is safe and sound."

Qi Lie calmly said, "Master is always meticulous in his actions, so Senior Brother doesn't need to worry... Just follow his instructions and activate the mountain-suppressing formation."

"That's good."

Zhou Zhiren nodded and asked, "Is Junior Sister Jiang still in seclusion at the Thirty-Three Grotto-Heavens?"

He noticed that Qi Lie was simultaneously holding the array flags and talismans of the two great arrays, "Golden Turtle Peak" and "Jade Screen Peak"!
Qi Lie is the next head of law enforcement at Jin'ao Peak.

It was reasonable for Zhao Tongtian to entrust the array talisman to her out of trust... but the array talisman of Jade Screen Peak should, in principle, be in the hands of Jiang Miaoyin.

The four sword peaks each have different responsibilities, and their cultivation methods also differ.

For example, Jin Aofeng is in charge of "enforcing the law". The sword technique taught by Zhao Tongtian is called "Golden Thunder Sword Technique". The sword moves are fierce and unstoppable.

However, Jade Screen Peak is quite the opposite. The founder of this sword peak has a close relationship with the Taoist Master Yuqing, and his swordsmanship is known for its profound and ever-changing techniques...

Only Jiang Miaoyin can truly maximize the effectiveness of the Jade Screen Peak array talisman.

Qi Lie, who cultivates the "Golden Thunder Sword Technique," can activate this array even though it is flawed.

"Senior Sister Jiang is currently in a crucial period of seclusion."

Qi Lie sighed softly: "I just went to the Thirty-Three Grotto-Heavens... If I were to rashly awaken it, it might cause the 'Life Fire' to flow backward."

"what?"

Si Qi raised an eyebrow, and asked in surprise, "Reversed life fire? Is Senior Sister Miaoyin undergoing the Yang God Tribulation?"

"So..."

Qi Lie pondered for a moment, then said with a sigh, "After asking the question, comes asking the heart. Senior Sister Miaoyin seems to be immersed in the 'Great Tribulation of Asking the Heart,' completely forgetting herself, her soul leaving her body. I wonder what kind of great dream she is experiencing."

The tribulations of questioning one's own heart are ever-changing and unpredictable.

Some people simply close their eyes and sleep, and they get through this ordeal.

Some people suffer the torment of the "Tribulation of the Heart" day and night, unable to sleep, and are eventually forced to give up the tribulation.

This ordeal demands a clear conscience.

Nightmares and inner demons can appear in the dreams and illusions of a cultivator's mind.

To achieve the Yang God status, one's soul must be perfectly integrated and reach the state of perfection. This "Tribulation of the Heart" is the last tribulation before reaching perfection!
"Over the years, Junior Sister Jiang has locked herself in the Jade Screen, trapped in the 'Tribulation of Questioning the Heart' for a long time. It must be because of the terrible news ten years ago, which was too heartbreaking."

Zhou Zhiren sighed softly, then smiled: "If she hears that Junior Brother Xie is still alive... perhaps she will be able to get through this great calamity safely."

"I hope so……"

Qi Lie remained silent for a moment, then looked at Si Qi and asked, "Is there any news from the Southern Frontier?"

"call."

Si Qi let out a heavy sigh.

The Sword Palace summoned its disciples back by imperial decree, but this did not mean that True Hidden Peak had lost its sight and hearing. After the mountain was unsealed, Si Qi, following Xie Zhen's instructions, distributed sword qi tokens everywhere and established the Law Enforcement Hall, intending to expand "True Hidden Peak" into a secret intelligence organization like the Book Tower. This move was quite effective. When the disciples of True Hidden Peak returned to the main sect, the white crane spirit pets that had been released in the past became their "eyes and ears".

"Yuwen Bo led the Qiantian Palace to the southern border."

Si Qi said in a deep voice, "Senior Brother Xie fought a fierce battle with Yuwen Bo... injured and repelled him... and then fled."

This is a message from the White Crane of True Hidden Peak.

"Injured Yuwen Bo?"

Zhou Zhiren paused for a moment: "Is this news...reliable?"

It's not that he doesn't want to believe it.

Rather, this is utterly absurd!
This Palace Master of Qiantian Palace is a veteran Yang God powerhouse with a wealth of experience! Even among the top ten heroes in the world, he is among the best!
"The white crane witnessed it with its own eyes."

Si Qi smiled wryly, "It's just that the battle was concealed by the Chaos Dao Domain of the Yazi Great Demon, so no one could see what happened."

"I see……"

Zhou Zhiren murmured softly, seemingly lost in thought.

"As expected of Senior Brother Xuan Yi."

Qi Lie smiled, but there was a hint of regret in his expression: "I just don't know... if we'll ever have the chance to see Senior Brother Xuanyi again..."

For him, the fact that his senior brother in black robes was able to escape from the Southern Frontier was incredibly good news.

But he also knew.

The best option to escape southern Xinjiang is to head north to the North Sea.

Just like back then...

Leave Da Chu, leave the human race.

With your talent, senior brother, one day you will surely become the number one sword immortal in the world, invincible in all.

We will return to Dachu then.

All hatred and resentment have vanished like smoke.

"Let's set up the formation first."

Zhou Zhiren remained calm throughout. He said in a low voice, "The four array flags have all been set up. Now all that's left is for the Lotus Peak main array to be activated."

After saying that, he lowered his gaze.

The summit of Lotus Peak.

Two figures, a man and a woman, dressed in black robes, were conserving their energy and waiting patiently.

Huang Su, who was temporarily appointed as the Lotus Peak Master, calmed his mind and spread out the Flowing Cloud Sword Formation, letting the flying swords surround him, connecting end to end, and transforming into a large circle.

Huang Su was several dozen feet away.

Duan Zhao obediently held a heavy greatsword, closed his eyes to rest, and stood on tiptoe on the edge of the stone pillar of the Lotus Peak training ground, quietly awaiting the command of Lord Huang Su. The four sword peaks of the Great Sui Sword Palace were built around Lotus Peak, and the mountain-suppressing formation was naturally interconnected, rising around Lotus Peak as well.

The true main peak is named Lotus, and the essence of this mountain-suppressing formation is naturally also the lotus—

boom!
Suddenly, a thunderclap rang out.

The howling wind in the distance was torn apart by the immense force.

The void was pierced by golden light, transforming into rows of square gates!

One after another, large ships burst into the sky!

These massive ships sailed above the sea of ​​clouds, enveloped in golden holy light, like suns in full bloom. Beneath this radiance, the figures of the Imperial City Guard enforcers could be faintly seen, as numerous as mountains and as vast as the sea, inspiring awe. The masts of the ships billowed in the wind, shooting out beams of dazzling light that shattered the dark clouds that shrouded the Great Jade Sword Palace! After emerging from the void portal, these ships did not advance rashly, but rather slowly surrounded the vast Great Jade Sword Palace from a distance of several miles—

This is an unprecedented large-scale operation.

On the lead ship stood a woman's figure.

The Holy Empress seemed to have transformed into the true sun, standing tall amidst endless, dazzling light.

She simply stood there, and people dared not look up; the fierce aura she exuded was like a sharp sword piercing straight into the heart.

Zhou Zhiren, Qi Lie, and Si Qi were originally suspended high above the Sword Palace.

But the Holy Queen was superior to them.

"Boom, boom, boom!"

A fierce gale swept out, and an invisible pressure surged in like a tidal wave.

Si Qi's face immediately turned pale.

Even Qi Lie couldn't help but let out a muffled groan!
The Empress's oppressive aura was far too powerful; it was simply beyond the capacity of any Yin spirit to withstand.

Zhou Zhiren stepped forward, blocking his two junior brothers. He unleashed his Dao Domain, its energy perfectly harmonious, almost flawless. An invisible life flame ignited, and along with it, a stable Dao Domain rose up... The oppressive aura emanating from the Holy Empress was dissipated by the resistance of this Dao Domain, scattering like fine raindrops in all directions.

"Life fire?"

Si Qi was taken aback.

This was the first time he had ever actually seen this thing. It was said that only cultivators who had one foot in the Yangshen realm could ignite the major acupoints in their bodies and activate this so-called "Yuan Fire," which was also called "Life Fire."

The eldest brother lived a secluded life on Xiaochun Mountain, spending his days with books and rarely interacting with others.

No one knows what level of cultivation the eldest brother has reached.

But everyone knows that the eldest disciple was the first cultivator to join Lotus Peak.

Under the protection of this perfect Dao Domain, Qi Lie and Si Qi were not injured, but due to the powerful pressure of the Holy Empress's Great Dao, the two still controlled their figures and slowly descended to the ground.

Only the figure of a scholar in purple robes remained on the rooftop.

More and more royal treasure ships of the Great Chu clan are sailing out from all directions and descending through the void portal!
"Start the formation!"

Zhou Zhiren held the battle flag, veins bulging on his forehead, and spoke each word heavily.

Huang Su took a deep breath.

"start!"

As soon as the word was spoken, Duan Zhao immediately understood and ran with the heavy sword in his arms. The tip of the heavy sword hit the ground like a brush dipped in ink, rubbing against the ground and sparking a series of sparks. After a few breaths, an extremely simple lotus pattern was ignited on the platform of the dojo by the sword energy and fire!

These are the array patterns of the Lotus Peak Mountain-Suppressing Array!

Avenue to Jane.

Huang Su himself was the array flag. The Flowing Cloud Sword Array spread out, and flying swords flew in all directions, eventually reaching the boundary of the mountain gate stone pillar of the Great Sui Sword Palace!

A slender flying sword unleashed billowing sword energy, like smoke and clouds.

Five mountain-suppressing formations are activated simultaneously!
The Great Sword Palace was completely enveloped in a barrier!

at the same time.

A dense cacophony of whooshing sounds echoed from the sky.

On the imperial ship that encloses the Great Jade Palace.

Countless archers drew their bows, filling the circle.

Countless arrows shot out from the high sky and descended.

"..."

The Empress simply stood quietly on the large ship, without saying a word.

With the blessing of her Dao Domain, these ordinary arrows transformed into blazing blades of light, each possessing a temperature of tens of thousands of degrees Celsius—

A heart-stirring, stirring phoenix cry resounded throughout the heavens and earth!
Kang!
The moment the arrow fell.

Huang Su, Zhou Zhiren, Qi Lie, and Si Qi all activated their battle flags.

Hundreds of Sword Palace disciples silently recited sword incantations, channeling their vital energy towards their respective main peaks—

Boom boom boom!
The dense barrage of arrows failed to fall completely, exploding all at a distance of a hundred feet above the Great Eagle Sword Palace, igniting a magnificent sea of ​​fire out of thin air!
These arrows, carrying blazing flames, could not break through the ancient sword patterns carved a thousand years ago!
This is the foundation of the strongest sword-wielding holy land in a thousand years!

The great formation supported by just a few Yin God Venerables was enough to withstand the arrow attacks enhanced by the Yang God Tenth Heaven Dao Domain.

Looking across the entire Da Chu region, that last volley of fire...

I'm afraid that apart from the Great Eagle Sword Palace, only the Daoist sect can resist it.

“Zhu Yan”.

The Empress watched this scene quietly, her expression unchanged.

She spoke indifferently.

As the voice faded, the void around the main ship shattered, and a blazing light slowly tore through, revealing a gaunt figure draped in black robes stepping out from the portal. The figure was two heads taller than an ordinary person, with white hair and bare feet, a face like a white ape, and a copper band around its head—clearly a powerful demon who had attained enlightenment through cultivation!

During the Battle of Drinking Poison, the royal family of Da Chu imprisoned and subdued many powerful demons, and Zhu Yan was one of them.

Zhu Yan, with a submissive expression, respectfully approached the Empress Dowager, bowing and lowering his head like an old servant.

In terms of cultivation, it is already a "Great Venerable" above all demons—

Zhu Yan cultivated to the second level of Yang Shen many years ago!

It can command the wind and rain no matter where it is.

Unfortunately, it was beside the Holy Empress.

Zhu Yan knew very well that in front of the Holy Empress, he, a Great Venerable of the Second Heaven of Yang God, was nothing more than a slightly larger ant.

This copper band is inlaid with countless forbidden spells that pierce the heart.

What Zhu Yan feared most was the most vicious "Nine Deaths Forbidden Technique" in the world.

If the Empress were to harbor even the slightest murderous intent, he would instantly be annihilated.

It feared the torment of the copper band more than the annihilation of its soul, a torment worse than death.

"Miss."

Zhu Yan gazed at the five towering, continuous sword mountains beneath him and asked blankly, "What...do you require?"

If I'm not mistaken...

Beneath me should be the Great Jade Palace!

Is the Holy Empress attacking the Great Jade Palace?

Zhu Yan was momentarily unable to comprehend the current situation.

Many years ago, the Great Chu Kingdom fought a fierce battle with the Demon Kingdom.

Isn't the Great Sword Palace the most powerful force among them?

Normally, he was locked in a prison-like cave that the Da Chu royal family had deliberately prepared for the demon race... He knew nothing about what was happening in the outside world.

In fact, given the Empress's style of doing things, she should have released Zhu Yan after the battle at the Moon Hidden Cave.

However, Yueyin's opponent in that battle was only a "Qin Ancestor" at the tenth level of the Heavenly Realm.

Given Zhu Yan's cultivation level, releasing him to participate in the battle would only result in his pointless death. Even top-tier fighters like Chong Kan and Lu Yuzhen could only contribute meager strength in a battle of that level. Cultivators below the fifth level of the Yang God realm would have absolutely no reason to participate.

"go."

The Empress did not explain, but simply flicked her sleeves and calmly said, "Break this formation."

(End of this chapter)