Sword Sect Outer Sect

Chapter 249 Peerless Genius
Beyond the border of the Chu Kingdom, on the edge of the Great Tianshan Mountains.

A biting wind whipped up some frost, sweeping past two figures struggling to trek.

The white bearskin cloaks were very thick, wrapping them up tightly, with only their eyes and half of their faces, red from the cold, peeking out from under the hoods.

Even with such special cold-weather gear, it is still impossible to completely block out the extreme cold that comes from nature.

The cold on the Great Tianshan Mountains is something that ordinary spiritual power cannot withstand.

Ordinary protective spiritual energy is as thin as paper under the frigid winds; only by relying on the fur of these demonic beasts, which contain a faint trace of fire elemental energy, can it barely sustain itself.

"We're almost there, Zhouzhou! Just hang in there a little longer, it'll be warmer once we get down the mountain!"

A voice with a distinct southern Xinjiang accent, yet full of encouragement, rang out.

It was Xiang Zhaoling.

She was now wrapped up like a round "snowball," but her steps were slightly lighter than those of her companion.

The other "snowball" was her best friend, Zhou Mengdie, whom she made at Dongyuan Sect.

The snow was knee-deep, and she trudged through it, each step accompanied by labored breathing, her warm breath freezing instantly at the edge of her hood.

"Stinky...Stinky Ling'er..."

She was having trouble speaking, her voice trembling from the cold, "You said that sentence... halfway up the mountain... three times already..."

"You...you're lying again!"

Hey.

Xiang Zhaoling smiled somewhat embarrassedly.

When it comes to mountain climbing, you have to rely on deception.

When the two of them went to southern Xinjiang before, her father came to pick them up, so it was very easy.

This time, however, they sneaked out again with their brother's help, so they had to rely on themselves.

"I'm not lying to you this time! Oh..."

Xiang Zhaoling stopped and turned around to take Zhou Mengdie's hand, which was stiff from the cold. The icy touch made her feel sorry for her.

She quickly pointed to the distant end of the snow line, where a patch of gray-brown rock could be vaguely seen.

"Look there! Once you turn over, the cold air will be much less! It'll be over soon!"

Zhou Mengdie looked in the direction she was pointing, her eyes showing even more weariness and a deep sense of doubt.

I'm afraid of being scammed again.

But perhaps she simply didn't have the strength to argue, she just let out a muffled groan and took a heavy step with all her might.

After climbing another steep slope, the two finally staggered onto the relatively flat rocky area.

Sure enough, the bone-chilling cold suddenly lessened. Although it was still cold, it was no longer the terrifying, freezing cold that could freeze spiritual energy.

Zhou Mengdie slumped to the ground, pulled down her hood, and gasped for breath.

Her little face was red from the cold. After she recovered a little, she raised her eyes and looked at Xiang Zhaoling, who was adjusting her cloak. Her eyes were full of confusion.

"You stinky Ling'er..."

Her voice was a little hoarse and puzzled: "I really can't understand... Southern Xinjiang is so good... your home... cough cough..."

She took a breath before continuing, "Your family is one of the most powerful in that area, with plenty of treasures."

Why would you leave your home and travel over mountains and rivers to suffer in the State of Chu?

She had been holding this question in her heart for a long time, and now, taking advantage of her exhaustion and confusion, she finally asked it.

Xiang Zhaoling paused for a moment, then took off her hood, revealing a sweet yet stubborn little face.

"Initially... it was to find something."

Her voice lowered: "I saw a record of a very, very ancient Gu worm in an ancient book in my clan."

"It is said that this kind of Gu can see the ripples on the river of time... and foresee a person's future up to death."

Predicting the future?

Zhou Mengdie's fatigue was somewhat relieved by her curiosity, and her watery eyes widened.

"Really? Is there really such a thing in the world?"

She loves to dream and is naturally sensitive to mysterious things involving time and precognition.

Xiang Zhaoling waved her hand: "Legends are always a mix of truth and falsehood."

"That book is so old it's practically falling apart."

"But I believe it. The atmosphere described in the ancient scroll and the clues I'm looking for make me think that it might have really existed."

"At that time, I thought to myself that I must find it and take a look."

"However, at that time, I was traveling north following the legends in the ancient books. When I passed by that small market town on the border of the Chu Kingdom, I had a very strange feeling... I seemed to sense the special aura described in the ancient books."

"In the State of Chu?" Zhou Mengdie sat up straighter in surprise.

Does a small place like Chu really have that many treasures?
"Yes, but it was very faint, only for a brief moment, in the crowd, or somewhere nearby. And then... it disappeared completely."

Xiang Zhaoling sighed, her face full of regret: "Like the wind, it comes and goes without a trace. I stayed in Chu because I wanted to find out the source of that aura."

"Unfortunately, after searching everywhere possible and asking many strange and unusual people, I still have no clue."

"Perhaps it was a fragment that once carried that power that passed by, perhaps someone briefly awakened it, or perhaps... it has been used up and completely dissipated."

She shrugged: "Anyway, it was a wasted trip."

"Ah...what a pity!"

Zhou Mengdie felt sorry for her and patted her shoulder with her small hand.

She had assumed her friend had come to the State of Chu in pursuit of a wider world, never imagining there was such a story behind it all.

Xiang Zhaoling composed herself, revealing her signature mischievous smile again: "It's alright, it's good to broaden your horizons, I'm tired of staying in the Southern Frontier."

"And... I had another fight with my dad and we fell out. I'm currently running away from home."

"Pfft, really..."

After a bit of laughter and joking, Xiang Zhaoling stood up and patted the snow dust off her clothes.

"Alright, Zhouzhoubao, have you rested enough? If you keep dawdling, you'll really miss the grand spectacle at Longtan Mountain."

She made a hand gesture and whispered a few words.

With a loud and long eagle cry, a gray iron-feathered giant eagle was summoned from the spirit beast pouch at his waist.

Within the Great Tianshan Mountains, these low-ranking flying spirit beasts have difficulty withstanding the fierce winds, and can only be ridden upon reaching the outer reaches of the realm.

“This is Gray Feather, my dad… cough, I borrowed it from home, it flies fast.”

Xiang Zhaoling patted the giant eagle's lowered neck, and the eagle affectionately rubbed against her hand before obediently lowering its body.

The two helped each other climb onto the eagle's back, and it was quite stable once they were on.

call--

With a flap of its wings, a powerful gust of air stirred up the snow, and the giant eagle soared into the sky, carrying the two girls and speeding towards the Qiyuan Prefecture of the Chu Kingdom.

……

Wanglingxian Valley, Egret Cliff.

The cave dwelling assigned to Song Yan was called "Worry-Free Abode," a very nice-sounding name.

The stone walls are cool and refreshing, and the spring water gurgles gently.

Before a jade tea table, Song Yan, dressed in a loose black Taoist robe, sat cross-legged in the main seat.

Li Yi sat opposite him with an imposing air, while Xiao He, now in human form, sat between them.

A simple and elegant tea set was placed on the table, with wisps of steam rising from it.

"Master, Uncle Li."

Xiao Ju sat respectfully behind Song Yan, facing the two Foundation Establishment cultivators, but she showed no signs of nervousness.

After all, one of them is his own master. "I have been at Dragon Pool Mountain with the sect's spirit boat for seven or eight days. During this time, in addition to settling in and daily cultivation, I have also been paying attention to the rumors circulating in and outside the valley, in various markets, and among cultivators."

"I have roughly outlined the arrangements for the Dragon Pool Gathering and the participation of cultivators from various lineages."

Song Yan nodded, somewhat surprised.

Xiao Ju wasn't just cultivating in her cave, never leaving her room; she had already organized all this information for her master.

Just then, Li Yi came over for a visit. Neither of them knew anything about the current situation on Longtan Mountain.

Song Yan casually picked up a cyan jade slip from the coffee table, a faint light flashed at his fingertips, and he infused it with spiritual power.

The jade slip shimmered with light, and spiritual energy gradually manifested a clear and detailed three-dimensional map, which was the scene of the Dragon Pool Mountain Range for this grand event.

The valley's contours, the scattered pavilions, and the places where spiritual energy converges are all marked.

"The Dragon Pool Gathering lasted for a month and was divided into three stages."

"The first phase lasts for the first fifteen days, mainly taking place in various parts of the valley."

“Every few days, several locations in the valley will be set up for discussions, where some senior Foundation Establishment cultivators specially invited from Longtan Mountain will give lectures.”

“There are many shops in Diequanfang. From time to time, people organize trade fairs and exchange meetings for cultivators to exchange goods and services. There are also training grounds for the art of cultivating the mind.”

"The Wangxiantai is a place for cultivators to exchange skills and knowledge with each other in advance."

This was truly a grand gathering of the cultivation world in the Chu Kingdom, encompassing everything imaginable.

Song Yan nodded, signaling Xiao Ju to continue.

"In addition, the local independent cultivators of Longtan Mountain will also open up places such as the Spirit Tea Garden and the Sacrificial Hall for cultivators to visit, or hold elegant gatherings such as treasure hunting, tea tasting, and flower appreciation, which have a unique flavor."

"These fifteen days are the most active period for all participants and spectators."

Song Yan and Li Yi knew the details of the subsequent formal competition.

The selection process will take place from the sixteenth to the twentieth day. The specific format is still unclear. It is said that the decision will be made jointly by the leaders of the nine lineages, and the results will be announced to the public at that time.

But one thing is certain: the situation will be very intense.

"Among the nine sects, the six major sects of Dongyuan, Xuanyuan, Xuanjian, Lingfu, Huadu, and Sheyang each occupy fifteen seats."

"The four great families of Southern Chu Qin Clan, Eastern Chu Zhao Clan, Western Chu Wan Clan, and Northern Chu Yan Clan together occupy ten seats."

"Small sects and independent cultivators each occupy thirty seats, for a total of one hundred and sixty seats."

But in the final showdown, only twenty people will be selected.

It is worth mentioning that the minor sects are headed by the Myriad Mysteries Sect.

This is to be expected, since before the emergence of the Dongyuan Sect, it was one of the original six major sects.

This time, the Myriad Wonders Sect is ambitious, occupying fourteen of the spots among the minor sects in the entire Chu Kingdom.

Then Xiao Ju told the two a few names that she had heard a lot about recently.

The other names were scattered and occasionally heard, but one person's name was mentioned repeatedly.

Xuan Yuan Sect, Zhou Liu.

"This senior surnamed Zhou seems to be quite famous. He established his Dao foundation about three years ago."

Three years ago...

Li Yi's expression shifted, while Song Yan understood immediately.

In fact, given Li Yi's talent, he should have been able to achieve Foundation Establishment by taking the Foundation Establishment Pill as a reward around three years ago at the Sword Testing Conference.

It's just that I have some concerns in my heart, which is why I haven't reached the Foundation Establishment stage yet.

It's just unknown how strong this person is.

"This person is the undisputed core of the new generation, nurtured with all the efforts of the Xuan Yuan Sect."

When discussing this competition, it seems that all the cultivators agree that this person is capable of winning the championship in the Nine Meridians Competition.

He was hailed as an unparalleled genius in the cultivation world of the Chu Kingdom.

Wow, such a big mouth.

After becoming a sword cultivator, Song Yan's ambition sharpened considerably, but he still believed that even in the Chu Kingdom's cultivation world, there were hidden talents.

Among their peers, they all felt they could fight anyone, but to say they were exceptionally talented was a bit arrogant.

The two exchanged a glance, and Li Yi's eager fighting spirit was undisguised.

The same applies to Song Yan.

For Li Yi, an opponent of Zhou Liu's caliber was precisely the whetstone he had been longing for.

For Song Yan, sword cultivation is a path of evolution through constant battles.

Only by sparring with truly strong opponents can one hone their skills.

“Junior Brother Song! Miss Ju’s information is already quite comprehensive; just listening to dry numbers is meaningless.”

Li Yi slammed his hand on the coffee table, startling Xiao He, who had already dozed off, awake.

"Since this place is so beautiful, let's find a secluded spot, a perfect place for us to practice our skills and warm up."

I knew this would happen.

Song Yan had this expression on his face.

He was actually eager to fight, but he had just arrived and had some things to take care of.

He slowly picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and the teacup remained undisturbed.

"Okay. But let's do it tomorrow."

"Uh...that's fine."

Li Yi's cave dwelling was not far away; it would only take an ordinary person the time it takes to walk over.

Don't rush.

After seeing off Li Yi, who was in high spirits and had arranged to spar the next day, the cave returned to tranquility.

Song Yan stood beside the jade tea table, his gaze sweeping over the simple furnishings in the cave, finally settling on Xiao Ju, who was standing by.

He paused for a moment, his thoughts becoming clear.

The Taixu Huashu is profound and extensive. Although I received the inheritance in a hasty manner at the Zizhu Courtyard of the Sword Sect ruins, I also consolidated my Dao foundation by revising the Zixiao Daojing.

But after immersing myself in it for the past two days, I have come to realize that the essence of swordsmanship is vast and profound, and that I have only just begun to understand it.

With seven or eight days left until the selection, Song Yan planned to spend the next two days studying and finishing up what he had previously interrupted.

While the Nine Meridians Grand Competition is important, the Transformation of the Great Void into a Book is even more crucial to one's future path.

The most urgent matter at hand is to spend two days in seclusion, contemplating and reflecting, in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding.

He walked slowly toward the cultivation chamber, but stopped in front of the door and turned his gaze toward Xiao Ju.

"By the way, Xiao Ju."

"Disciple is here," Xiao Ju replied respectfully upon hearing the voice.

Although Xiao Ju has handled everything very well these days, with Song Yan gone, she still feels a sense of loneliness and wandering that she used to have.

Only when Song Yan arrived did she feel completely at ease.

Song Yan lightly touched the Qiankun bag at his waist with his fingers, and with a flash of light, two items appeared in front of him.

One of them was the dark blue sword case engraved with flowing water and cloud patterns, which was "useless".

The other item is the ancient-style flying sword "Lianli" (meaning "connected branches"), which has a slightly cold and aloof aura.

Now he has obtained the Endless Treasure Box of Swords from within the Sword Sect, which can hold all flying swords and is itself a legacy of the Sword Sect.

Naturally, the useless sword box is no longer needed.

But the "useless" sword box is not useless; it's just right to give it to my sword-cultivating apprentice.

(End of this chapter)