Embers of Sword

Chapter 672 Opening the Preaching

The world is at peace, and the four borders are tranquil.

After the collapse of Renshou Palace, the Da Chu Dynasty enjoyed an extremely rare period of peace and tranquility.

Chen Jingxuan, stationed in the capital, quelled the chaos. The garrison commanders of the northern border were reinstated one after another, the evil cultivators of the southern frontier were wiped out, and the border bandits were eradicated... Throughout the thousand-year history of the Great Chu Dynasty, this was an extremely rare era of peace and prosperity. All the sacred mountains submitted to the emperor. Although the Daoist sects and the Great Sui Sword Palace quietly went into seclusion, the entire Great Chu Dynasty was rapidly recovering from the shattered fortune of the past few years.

New people are emerging one after another from the holy sites.

Fangyuanfang has posted a new "List of Prodigies," which breaks with the original rules and no longer limits the upper limit to the Cave Heaven Realm.

After the fall of Beihailing.

A great fortune is emerging, and geniuses are constantly breaking through to new heights.

Xie Zhen's name was naturally erased...

The current leader of the Prodigy Ranking is Wu Yue, the young master of the Martial Sect. After the great battle in the Southern Frontier, Wu Yue successfully condensed a divine embryo and advanced to the Yin God level.

Nalan Qiutong, the inheritor of the Xuanwei Technique from the Li Kingdom, also successfully broke through to the next level, but still ranked second. For her, Xie Zhen's departure was great news... but the martial fortune of the Great Chu Kingdom seemed to be even stronger than that of the Li Kingdom. She had just broken through to the next level when she was trampled on again.

Unfortunately, due to his special status as the successor of the Grand Preceptor of the Great Li Kingdom, Nalan Qiutong could not find an opportunity to cross the border and fight Wu Yue to prove his strength.

The new generation of prodigies at Fangyuanfang is certainly eye-catching.

But what many people are more interested in is the new "Ten Heroes of the World".

Countless cultivators across the world are vying to cross the river.

However, in any given era, fortune is limited, and only a handful of people can successfully condense the Dao; they are extremely rare, one in ten thousand.

Reaching the summit and becoming one of the Ten Heroes is the dream of countless cultivators.

The current top talents who are far ahead on the list of geniuses may seem to be living a glamorous life, but if they continue to cultivate... they may not necessarily be able to attain the Great Dao.

Ten heroes.

That is the true "ruler" of this cultivation world.

Every so often, the fortunes of the two dynasties would shift dramatically, with several new Yang Gods emerging simultaneously, causing the list of the Ten Heroes to change... Counting the days, it has been nearly sixty years since the list was last updated. After the fortunes of the Great Chu Dynasty stabilized, Fangyuanfang quickly introduced a new list of the Ten Heroes.

After discussions between the two masters, Da Li and Da Chu, several "young Yang Gods" were finally selected for the list.

On Da Chu's side.

Chen Jingxuan, Tang Fengshu, and Zhou are undisputed.

On the other side of the country, there are also two "undisputed" newly promoted Yang Gods who have strongly ascended to the top.

One of them was Chen Chong, the ruler of the three prefectures.

The other one is "Yin Chanzi", the former Buddhist disciple of Fanyin Temple.

Yin Chanzi was actually a prodigy of the same era as Xie Xuanyi.

During the last golden age, Yin Chanzi, a disciple of the Buddha, never made a single move in battle.

The official explanation from Fanyin Temple is that the Buddhist precepts and those of the Sword Palace are different, and the Buddhist disciple is devoted to Buddhist practice and does not wish to participate in worldly struggles... However, Xie Xuanyi had met him once before. When he entered Fanyin Temple, he wanted to see the Zen master, but was politely refused and had no chance to enter, only receiving a note.

On that day, Yin Chanzi personally rejected him in front of the Fanyin Temple.

Chen Chong and Yin Chanzi held similar positions within the territory of Li Kingdom as Chen Jingxuan and Tang Fengshu...

These five people on the list were not unexpected.

The Ten Heroes must be this kind of person.

This roster change includes seven "newcomers".

Apart from these five people.

The remaining two... are quite unexpected.

One of them was Luo Hai, the young master of the One Blade Sect in Li Kingdom.

In terms of power, the One-Sword Sect is far from being comparable to a "giant" like the Brahma Temple.

However, the influence of the One-Sword Sect in the Li Kingdom was extremely profound...

The One-Sword Sect is actually quite similar to the Great Chu Martial Sect, because the Li Kingdom promotes swordsmanship, and many cultivators specialize in practicing swordsmanship.

With the popularization of national laws, the status of the One-Knife Sect has risen accordingly.

The current sect leader, Luo Lie, has even comprehended the "Destruction Dao Realm," making him virtually invincible in battles against opponents of the same realm.

Luo Lie's status in the Li Kingdom is similar to that of Da Chu Wu Zhe Xian.

With the support of this powerful and abundant fortune, the new young master of the One Blade Sect entered the Yang God realm with an extremely strong attitude... Although it exceeded the expectations of many cultivators, it was also reasonable.

This is, after all, a genuine Yang God.

However, the last person to be listed among the "Ten Heroes" was only at the Yin God Realm.

This person was Xie Xuanyi.

The list provided by Fangyuanfang clearly states that Xie Xuanyi's cultivation level is only Yin Spirit.

This is the first time the list of the top ten has been released.

In all these years, he is the only one who has reached the "peak existence" with the Yin God Realm.

Although this list is not in any particular order.

But Xie Xuanyi's name was listed before Chen Jingxuan, Tang Fengshu, and Zhou—

It is clear.

Fangyuanfang hopes that everyone in the world will see this clearly.

Although Xie Xuanyi of Da Chu was only at the Yin God realm, he was an indisputable peak cultivator.

The posting of this list caused an uproar throughout the region and shocked all sides.

Da Chu remained relatively calm.

Hundred Flowers Valley, Martial Sect, Qiantian Palace... all witnessed Xie Xuanyi's strength.

He single-handedly killed seven false saints and saved half of the Great Chu Holy Land.

Ye Zu and Yuwen Bo were both very clear about this.

Xie Xuanyi's strength has far surpassed that of the Yin God Realm.

However, in the Li Kingdom, the matter was embroiled in controversy and uproar, with the Yidao Sect directly questioning the authenticity of the "Ten Heroes List." This was practically a list of the strongest people in the world, with the gap between Yang Gods and Yin Gods being as vast as an insurmountable chasm. Even if Xie Xuanyi's name carried weight, he shouldn't have been included on it.

Chen Jingxuan naturally scoffed at this.

Although he personally drafted this list, Nalan Xuance from the Li Kingdom did not raise any objections.

It is clear.

The Lord of Xuanwei Island had already foreseen the secrets of heaven through the [Iron Curtain]—

If I'm not mistaken, Nalan Xuance knows all the details of that epic battle in the North Sea Reed Marsh. How could someone who could participate in the campaign against the Great Daoist Masters at the Yin God Realm and even kill one of them not be qualified to be among the Ten Heroes?

This uproar and controversy has not ceased; it is merely a small interlude in a peaceful era.

Logically speaking, Xie Xuanyi, who was at the center of the "public opinion storm," should have simply ignored it.

But a few days later, the True Hidden Peak of the Great Eagle Sword Palace sent a message via crane, announcing to the world—

Once the mountain gate is rebuilt, Xie Xuanyi, the master of Lotus Peak, will hold a sermon at the Da Sui Sword Palace.

This opening ceremony is both a blessing and an invitation.

The meaning of True Hidden Peak is very clear...

If anyone disagrees.

Come to the Great Eagle Sword Palace, come and show your face for a challenge!
……

……

"Senior brother, the scheduled date for the 'opening of the altar for preaching' will be in seven days."

"Are you... sure you want to do this?"

The Great Jade Palace, on Lotus Peak.

The area is shrouded in mist and the stream flows gently.

Si Qi stood on the mountaintop, tiptoed, and looked down the mountain.

The peace of the past six months has been hard-won. The mountain gate of Da Sui Sword Palace has been rebuilt. After the battle at Renshou Palace, the broken parts of Zhujian Peak have been repaired and have become stronger over time. At the foot of Lotus Peak, a new Taoist temple has been built. This temple seems to be for the purpose of opening an altar for preaching.

In fact, this is a formation eye specifically used to conceal the entrance to the forbidden area and suppress the "Sword Qi Dragon Vein".

"What... is there anything wrong with giving a sermon?" Xie Xuanyi smiled.

"There's nothing wrong with it."

Si Qi scratched his head and said, "It's just that Senior Brother's sermon is probably more than just a sermon."

The list of the Ten Greatest Heroes in the World has sparked much controversy.

It's mainly the Dali area.

Many cultivators expressed their dissatisfaction.

If Xie Xuanyi were to actually open a sermon, the Li Kingdom would naturally want to "get involved."

"That's better."

Xie Xuanyi stood with his hands behind his back and said casually, "It's been a long time since I've fought. I hope the Li Kingdom won't disappoint me."

In the past six months.

Xie Xuanyi had been cultivating in seclusion at the Da Sui Sword Palace. He originally intended to go to Forget-Worry Island to find the art of entering dreams and help Jiang Miaoyin resolve her tribulation. However, the island lord's wife seemed to have the supernatural power of foresight. Before Xie Xuanyi set off, she sent someone to deliver a message, but dismissed his idea on the grounds that "the time was not right."

Beyond the Ice Soul Cave, the Snow Demon guards it day and night.

Jiang Miaoyin is still struggling with her inner turmoil.

Xie Xuanyi would go to see it every now and then.

Strangely enough, Jiang Miaoyin's "heart-wrenching" state seemed to have improved over the past six months... She no longer just cried all the time, and would occasionally show a joyful smile. However, during this period, neither tears nor smiles appeared. Jiang Miaoyin's face was expressionless, and her soul became increasingly immersed in it.

This state no longer resembles that of someone undergoing a mental ordeal.

Xie Xuanyi had never heard of anyone being able to immerse themselves in the "Heart Tribulation Illusion" for as long as a year.

"It seems like the last time my senior brother gave a public sermon was ten years ago."

Si Qi looked on with a sigh.

"It can't take that long."

Xie Xuanyi raised an eyebrow: "Two years ago at the Xuan Shui Grand Competition, when the sword energy struck the bell... I gave a lecture on that topic. It's obvious you weren't paying attention."

Si Qi was slightly embarrassed.

He has never been very interested in spiritual practice.

Two years ago, Xie Xuanyi was just Xie Zhen... Si Qi was at least a prospective mountain master of Zhenyin Peak, and even at his worst, he was still better than a "newcomer". He had no interest in listening to the sword qi ringing the bell.

In the past six months.

Although the small bamboo house was quiet, no one cleaned it. Duan Zhao and Xu Nianning were in seclusion in the Thirty-Three Grotto-Heavens for cultivation.

Xie Xuanyi then captured Si Qi and made him do dirty and tiring work...

more than ten years ago.

These are the tasks that Si Qi is doing.

In truth, there's no such thing as "dirty work or strenuous labor." Once one reaches the Cave Heaven Realm, a mere flick of the sleeve or the application of talismans is enough to easily remove the dust. Xie Xuanyi's primary purpose in capturing Si Qi was to have him "cultivate" under his tutelage. This kid has been stuck at the tenth level of the Cave Heaven Realm for a long time; how could a mountain lord possess such limited cultivation? In a while, once Duan Zhao and Xu Nianning leave Jade Screen Peak, they will likely be at a higher level than Si Qi.

Regardless, Xie Xuanyi was determined to help Si Qi condense the Dao Realm and achieve the Yin God status.

"Your Dao Realm is just a little short of being fully formed."

Xie Xuanyi said gently, "No one is allowed to be absent from this sermon."

For those who are devoted to spiritual practice.

Everyone was overjoyed to receive Xie Xuanyi's teachings.

Si Qi, however, looked worried and troubled.

To open a sermon?
He's tired of hearing it.

These days, he has to come to the small bamboo building to clean every day, and then he is forced to accept Xie Xuanyi's "gifts" and listen to a lecture... Because of the long separation, the first few times were still novel, but later Si Qi began to feel scared. He was very clear about his own position. He was nothing more than a lump of mud that could not be plastered on the wall. He could only cultivate to the Yin God level in ten or eight years.

But my senior brother was determined to carve himself from a piece of rotten wood into a pillar.

"After this sermon, if you can cultivate to the Yin Spirit Realm..."

Xie Xuanyi suddenly said, "I will approve of your relationship with Junior Sister on behalf of Master."

"Yes……"

Si Qi was listless and responded subconsciously, then suddenly realized something was wrong.

"WTF?"

Si Qi suddenly looked up, staring at his senior brother in disbelief.

"Do you remember that drinking session at the little bamboo house six months ago?"

Xie Xuanyi said calmly, "After that match, I asked my junior sister, and she thought you were pretty good, but your alcohol tolerance was too low and your cultivation level was too low. It would be embarrassing to talk about it."

"???"

Si Qi's expression suddenly turned strange.

He naturally remembered that night six months ago... It was supposed to be a joyous reunion for his fellow disciples, a day of surviving a calamity.

In the first half, everything was fine.

In the second half, after I snatched the wine jar, the situation changed.

He and Huang Su drank a lot of wine, a lot of wine.

When I woke up again, I was in a bed in a small bamboo house...

The sky is bright.

The junior sister was right there, but the two senior brothers were nowhere to be seen.

With their cultivation level, they could easily dispel the effects of alcohol with just a little mental effort. However, life is short, and Si Qi did not use his cultivation to sober up. He did not expect Huang Su to be so "genuine" as well. After drinking heavily, he became completely drunk and did not put on any airs of a mountain lord.

Si Qi hurriedly left the small bamboo house, his face flushed and he fled in panic. For several days afterward, he did not dare to meet Huang Su.

after that.

After they met, they both tacitly kept quiet about drinking too much and acted as if nothing had happened.

And then, much later...

Huang Su then used the excuse of traveling to leave the Da Sui Jian Palace and has not returned to this day.

Xie Xuanyi had a headache over this. He had originally wanted to persuade his junior sister to stay and oversee Jade Screen Peak... Since his junior sister had left the mountain to travel, he had to take over for the past six months.

"Etc., etc……"

Si Qi rubbed his head and quickly asked, "Senior brother, what exactly happened that night? I drank too much, and Huang Su drank too much too?"

He was aware of his own alcohol tolerance.

For so many years.

When drinking alone with Huang Su, it was always Huang Su who drank too much and passed out, while Huang Su calmly left the table unharmed.

"You... of course, will be the first to fall."

Xie Xuanyi glanced at Si Qi and said calmly, "As for Junior Sister... she probably drank too much on her own. She helped you back to the bamboo house and then drank with you for half the night."

"What happened next?"

Si Qi looked rather grim. He swallowed hard and then asked cautiously.

"What happened next..."

Xie Xuanyi was silent for a moment, then frowned and asked, "How dare you ask me? I didn't go to the bamboo house..."

That night, he and Qi Lie tacitly changed locations and continued drinking until dawn.

The two left Lotus Peak to their junior brothers and sisters.

Si Qi sighed inwardly, realizing he was in trouble.

He originally thought that Huang Su's trip down the mountain was a genuine travel experience.

Now let’s see…

It doesn't seem that simple.

"In short, let's break through to the next level first."

Xie Xuanyi reached out and patted Si Qi's shoulder, saying gently, "After cultivating to the Yin God level, it's always good to be called 'Venerable One' when you're out in the world."

(End of this chapter)