The Demon-Slaying Grandmaster

Chapter 520 Sometimes, being too concerned about saving face makes you vulnerable to being manipulated.
Li Jingxiao was unaware that in the eyes of Yuanshi Tianzun, he had become a super genius, one in ten thousand years.

Unfortunately, although the old man admired Li Jingxiao, he had no intention of taking him as a disciple.

Firstly, with the Investiture of the Gods imminent, Yuanshi Tianzun did not want to provoke Tongtian Jiaozhu at this time.

Secondly, Li Jingxiao's profound cultivation in the Taiqing realm led both Yuanshi Tianzun and Tongtian Jiaozhu to believe that Li Jingxiao must be a disciple secretly taught by their elder brother, Taishang Laojun.

If he were to open his mouth and say that he wanted to take Li Jingxiao as his disciple, he might anger Laozi.

If it affects the Investiture of the Gods, then it would be a loss that outweighs the gain.

Li Jingxiao meditated and cultivated in the thatched hut for a full fifteen days before someone came to inform him.

As he stood up, Li Jingxiao muttered to himself, "It seems that the weapon-refining skills of the second-generation disciples of the Chan Sect are far more mediocre than I imagined."

Li Jingxiao actually spent less than a day forging the replicas of the twin swords.

But he didn't even consider that the people of the Chan Sect had genuinely forged the replicas of the Heavenly Thunder Twin Swords through their own skill.

Li Jingxiao, however, relied on external cheat codes.

But Li Jingxiao didn't care about any of that; having a cheat code was his own good fortune and luck.

Opportunities and luck, to a large extent, are the greatest and most reliable manifestation of a cultivator's strength.

Upon going outside, Li Jingxiao saw Jinzha and Muzha and greeted them with a smile.

However, he felt a slight contempt for the members of the Chan Sect.

The reason for summoning Jinzha and Muzha at this time was simply to try and get some information from the two brothers.

Even if he didn't fall for it and didn't say anything useful, it wouldn't have caused any loss to Yun Zhongzi and his fellow disciples.

In case the Chan Sect loses, Jinzha and Muzha, having received guidance from Li Jingxiao, know how powerful he is.

Therefore, they would not feel disappointed with their sect and masters like the other three generations of disciples of the Chan Sect.

Moreover, because Li Jingxiao's family lived in Chentang Pass, they had a very close relationship with the Li family represented by Li Jing, the father of Jinzha and Muzha.

Therefore, in Yun Zhongzi's view, Li Jingxiao would not be too wary of Jinzha and Muzha.

Unfortunately, Li Jingxiao was not only suspicious, but also very selfish.

How could someone like him easily trust outsiders?
Even when Jinzha and Muzha appeared, Li Jingxiao's first thought was that the Chan Sect had evil intentions.

It's clear that people with many thoughts have dirty hearts.

Li Jingxiao didn't care. Anyway, he was cheating, so having too many thoughts wouldn't affect his cultivation.

But with the members of the Chan Sect being so adept at scheming, it's no wonder that their cultivation levels are all rather low.

On the contrary, most of the members of the Jie Sect are simple-minded.

A simple mind makes it easy to calm down.

Only during cultivation can one focus on a particular thing.

It will be easier to cultivate.

However, if you lack talent, nothing you say will help.

After Li Jingxiao finished looking down on the members of the Chan Sect, he smiled and flashed into the arena of the duel.

Seeing that Yun Zhongzi was holding two immortal swords shrouded in spiritual energy.

They immediately realized that these were the Heavenly Thunder Twin Swords that the Chan Sect had copied.

With just one glance, Li Jingxiao knew why the game had directly declared him the winner of the match more than ten days ago.

As the owner of the Heavenly Thunder Twin Swords, Li Jingxiao was extremely familiar with these two immortal swords.

The power of a single immortal sword, let alone in the world of Investiture of the Gods, would not even qualify it as a top-tier immortal sword in Journey to the West.

But if the two swords are combined, that's a different story.

Li Jingxiao casually tossed the twin swords from his inventory back to Guang Chengzi.

He then beckoned to the Heavenly Thunder Twin Swords in Guang Chengzi's hand, and the two immortal swords suddenly disappeared.

When it reappeared, it was already in Li Jingxiao's hands.

He took out the two immortal swords and examined them carefully for a moment, confirming that they were undamaged.

Only then did Li Jingxiao feel relieved.

The members of the Chan Sect were secretly startled.

They all secretly realized why they could always sense a strong spiritual imprint when analyzing the two immortal swords, constantly protecting them from being probed by outsiders.

This approach was indeed somewhat despicable, but Guang Chengzi's twin swords also bore his spiritual imprint.

If they can't solve it, then it can only be said that the people of the Chan Sect are incompetent.

Now, as soon as Li Jingxiao has a thought, the Heavenly Thunder Twin Swords will automatically return to his hands.

It seems this kid has truly refined those two immortal swords completely.

As for Li Jingxiao, as long as the opponent's strength is insufficient to see through the game's cheat, it is impossible for them to see through the secrets of the Heavenly Thunder Twin Swords.

In this respect, Li Jingxiao was initially worried about the strength and status of the Three Pure Ones as the founders of Taoism in Journey to the West.

It's possible to discover a secret about yourself.

After spending many years together, neither Laozi, Yuanshi Tianzun, nor Lingbao Daozun showed any interest in the secrets of his body.

So either they didn't discover it, or even if they did, they weren't interested.

Thinking about it, that makes sense. He is the Taoist ancestor who created the world in Journey to the West, which is equivalent to the true ruler of that world. Why would he care about the little secret on Li Jingxiao's body?

Moreover, since Li Jingxiao had become a disciple of Laozi, as a direct disciple, there was even less need to worry about Li Jingxiao's secrets.

It could even be said that the more capable and talented Li Jingxiao is, the better it is for the Three Pure Ones.

Only then did Li Jingxiao dare to appear before the Tongtian Sect Leader and the Primordial Heavenly Lord in the Investiture of the Gods.

As for the fourteen fellow disciples of the Chan Sect, it wasn't that Li Jingxiao looked down on them, but rather that these guys were indeed not very strong.

Let alone seeing through Li Jingxiao's secrets, these guys can't even see through Li Jingxiao's true strength.

Now that everyone had returned their immortal swords, after exchanging pleasantries, Guang Chengzi, being rather impatient, stopped arguing.

He took the initiative to let Li Jingxiao show off his replica of the male and female swords.

Li Jingxiao smiled, and a pair of male and female swords, enhanced to +7, appeared directly in front of everyone.

With just one glance, the faces of the members of the Chan Sect changed drastically.

Although upgrading by one level is roughly equivalent to increasing the attributes by about 5%.

But upgrading it to +7 is equivalent to becoming 35% more powerful.

That's a considerable proportion.

If you enhance it to +9, it's 45%; if you enhance it to a Celestial Artifact, it's doubled.

Furthermore, new attributes or skills will appear at +5 and +9.

Guang Chengzi stared intently at the two replica swords, male and female, that Li Jingxiao had levitated in the air with his mind, as if they were monsters.

As the owner of the original pair of swords, Guang Chengzi knew his treasures all too well.

Not to mention, the twin swords were innate spiritual treasures bestowed upon him by the Primordial Celestial Venerable.

These are also the two most powerful immortal swords in Guang Chengzi's possession, and he had long since figured out how to use them thoroughly.

Upon seeing the +7 replica, I immediately realized that this replica was in no way inferior to the genuine twin swords.

It was even slightly more formidable than the original pair of swords.

If Guang Chengzi hadn't remembered that he was the chief disciple of the Chan Sect, he might have already started cursing.

Yun Zhongzi and the others also looked grim.

The replicas we forged ourselves only have 8% of the power of the real Heavenly Thunder Twin Swords.

In terms of a single sword, its power is actually not as good as the real Heavenly Strike Sword or Thunderflame Sword.

The only difference is that the time was too short to achieve the same perfect combination as the genuine product. I thought that creating such a high-quality replica in just ten days was already extremely remarkable.

But unexpectedly, the counterfeit product simply surpassed the genuine product.

Li Jingxiao was able to completely analyze the male and female swords using the weapon-refining workshop in the game.

This means that in his eyes, this treasure holds no secrets whatsoever.

However, the twin swords are innate spiritual treasures, and in terms of materials, they are indeed much more advanced than those acquired later in life.

But Li Jingxiao is just too overpowered.

The imitation acquired spiritual treasures are inferior to the innate ones, but they can strengthen two imitations.

If it weren't for the reluctance to reveal its secrets too much, and if it were enhanced to +9 level, it could indeed completely surpass the original pair of swords.

And to be honest, in Li Jingxiao's eyes, the twin swords were not particularly powerful magical weapons.

Many innate spiritual treasures, despite being born from nature, are actually not that powerful.

In fact, the more mature and stable the Xianxia world is, the more sophisticated the art of weapon crafting becomes.

This means that predecessors had already deciphered many secrets of innate spiritual treasures and then passed on their insights and methods of improvement to their disciples.

Through generations of inheritance and improvement, some acquired artifacts are no less powerful than innate spiritual treasures.

Of course, this also depends on what kind of innate spiritual treasure it is.

It's not a treasure like the Tai Chi diagram, the Pangu banner, or the Chaos Bell.

Like the Wind and Fire Futon in Laozi's hand, and the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi, Jade Void Glass Lamp, Auspicious Cloud Golden Lamp, and Wuji Apricot Yellow Flag in the hands of Yuanshi Tianzun.

The innate spiritual treasures in the hands of the Tongtian Sect Leader, such as the Fishing Drum and the Heart-Piercing Lock.

Although it's not among the treasures, its power is actually ridiculously strong.

Not all sects can be passed down forever, but in the world of Journey to the West, the most powerful sect and its founder is Laozi.

In Li Jingxiao's eyes, the Vajra Bracelet was no less valuable than the Falling Treasure Golden Coin, the Primordial Golden Cauldron, or the Seven Treasures Tree of the Daoist Zhunti.

Moreover, the Falling Treasure Coin cannot collect weapons, and the Hunyuan Golden Bucket needs to be used in conjunction with an array to unleash its maximum power.

The Seven Treasures Tree was a companion item of the sage Zhunti Daoren, and only in Zhunti Daoren's hands could it unleash such great power.

It is not even inferior to the three innate spiritual treasures that the sages were reluctant to pass on to their disciples and kept for themselves: the Wind and Fire Futon, the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi, and the Heart-Piercing Lock.

After Li Jingxiao examined the two replicas of the Heavenly Thunder Twin Swords in Yun Zhongzi's hands, a smile crept onto his lips.

However, this was probably because the game had already declared Li Jingxiao the winner when the replica of the twin swords was forged more than ten days ago.

So although Li Jingxiao was happy inside, he didn't show it.

He even went so far as to pretend to step forward and say, "How about we consider this round a draw?"

The members of the Chan Sect had already resigned themselves to the fact that they had lost this round.

But upon hearing Li Jingxiao say this, while everyone was surprised, their goodwill towards Li Jingxiao exploded.

However, with so many fellow disciples, not everyone shares the same opinion.

While some are happy, others are naturally disappointed or resentful.

But regardless of what they thought in their hearts, their feelings of affection for Li Jingxiao were indeed the same.

Even if someone gives you face, no matter how shameless you are, you can't say that Li Jingxiao is trying to please them.

Especially given Li Jingxiao's exceptional strength, even if someone wanted to curry favor, it was only to leave a good impression on the Emperor.

Or rather, they were unwilling to offend the saint.

Li Jingxiao then took the opportunity to produce the +9 celestial artifact, the Ruyi Jingu Bang.

He said with a smile, "Since it's a tie, let's have another match."

After saying that, Li Jingxiao continued speaking before the members of the Chan Sect could speak.

"This is my usual weapon, weighing 23,500 catties."

It can be sized as desired, is indestructible, and is extremely adept at piercing armor; it is truly a first-rate weapon of attack.

The members of the Chan Sect looked curious after hearing this.

Just the fact that it weighs 23,500 jin (approximately 16,250 kg) tells you that this weapon must be extraordinary.

Li Jingxiao also said that this treasure was his own commonly used weapon, which meant that such a heavy magic weapon was like nothing in his hands.

Otherwise, how could it be used as a weapon?
Even Yun Zhongzi and the Antarctic Immortal felt that if they were to use such a heavy weapon, they might not be able to do it at will.

My first thought was that if I wanted to control Li Jingxiao, this powerful rogue cultivator, I really needed to learn more about the weapons and magical artifacts he possessed.

So another match is not out of the question.

Secondly, if they could win a match, it would be considered that the Chan Sect had won the first round.

In secret, it was a one-to-one draw against Li Jingxiao.

In the future, when facing Li Jingxiao, I will not feel any restraint, nor will I always feel inferior.

Since Yun Zhongzi and the Antarctic Immortal both had this idea, many of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect also shared it.

Guang Chengzi, who was particularly concerned about his reputation, had the strongest opinion on this matter.

After gathering his fellow disciples to discuss the matter, most of them felt that they had to win at least one game.

Otherwise, if they ever meet Li Jingxiao again, they will be completely dominated by him.

But once suppressed by someone, one can't lift their head.

Either admit defeat completely, or kill him.

But Li Jingxiao had already given the Chan Sect face; if they were to become enraged and plot against him...

Regardless of what your fellow disciples think, what if the sect leader thinks you have ulterior motives?

That would be a big loss.

Therefore, none of the members of the Chan Sect thought of killing Li Jingxiao at this time.

The only thought is to have another match.

However, the Heavenly Thunder Twin Swords that Li Jingxiao brought out were so difficult to analyze and replicate.

Now, the second weapon is said to be his frequently used weapon.

Anyone would think that the Ruyi Jingu Bang (Monkey King's Staff) is definitely more powerful than the Heavenly Thunder Twin Swords.

Indeed, the Golden Cudgel is more powerful.

But as for the difficulty of counterfeiting, that's not necessarily true.

In Journey to the West, the Golden Cudgel is merely a measuring tool crafted by Laozi to measure the depth of rivers, lakes, and seas.

After successfully controlling the floods, King Yu went to the Fire Cloud Cave to enjoy the pleasures of the human world and endless immortal energy, leaving it abandoned in the Dragon Palace of the East Sea for who knows how many years.

No one paid attention to this magical artifact during that time, not even the old Dragon King himself.

But in Sun Wukong's hands, it became a top-notch treasure.

As for Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea in Journey to the West, going back on his word was simply because he hadn't discovered the power of the magic weapon.

But they couldn't do anything about Sun Wukong, so they went to the Heavenly Court to complain.

He hoped that the Jade Emperor could help him retrieve this treasure.

This led to the later events of the havoc in the Heavenly Palace.

But if we really want to talk about how powerful the Ruyi Jingu Bang is, it's not necessarily more powerful than the magical weapons in the hands of many powerful figures.

To put it bluntly, this weapon only gained such fame because it was in Sun Wukong's hands.

The real power lies with Sun Wukong, not his weapons.

(End of this chapter)