Projection of the Heavens: I prove my immortality through slaughter.

The "Sword Testing Gathering" of Shenjian Manor is held at the "Sword Debate Platform" atop the main peak.

This platform, carved from a single block of evergreen granite, is wide and flat, large enough to accommodate a thousand people. Having withstood countless storms and sword trials, its surface is covered with crisscrossing sword marks of varying depths and ages, like the wrinkles on an old man's forehead, silently recounting the countless thrilling sword duels that have unfolded here. Clouds and mist swirl around the platform, and a biting mountain wind howls past, carrying not only a chilling cold but also the faint echoes of metal clashing from generations of swordsmen, a subtle sword intent permeating the air, making one feel its sharpness even before stepping onto the platform.

At this moment, the area around the dueling platform was bustling with activity, every seat filled. Young talents from various sects, families, and gangs across the land had gathered here, each with eyes as sharp as an eagle and an aura as composed as a mountain. Some stood with their swords clasped, their expressions cold and resolute; others conversed in hushed tones, their eyes gleaming; still others closed their eyes in meditation, exuding an extraordinary presence. An invisible competitive pressure and a burgeoning fighting spirit permeated the air, and all eyes were unanimously fixed on the center of the dueling platform, a symbol of glory and strength.

Lin Xuan and Manager Feng were led by the manor's disciples to seats near the front of the stage. His youth and unfamiliar face stood out starkly among the group of talented individuals, most of whom were either acquaintances or renowned figures. Many probing and scrutinizing gazes fell upon him, but most lingered on his overly calm, even somewhat indifferent, face for a moment before shifting away with a barely perceptible hint of disdain. In such a grand gathering of heroes, someone so young and unknown was likely just a lucky one from some remote place who had received an invitation and come to broaden his horizons; no one considered him a true competitor.

Lin Xuan remained oblivious to the gazes around him. He sat calmly, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping across the entire area, but in reality, his powerful divine sense flowed like invisible mercury, clearly discerning the strength of everyone's aura, their internal energy attributes, their mental fluctuations, and even the subtle changes in their emotions. Indeed, there were a few individuals in the area whose auras stood out, subtly forming the core of the group, possessing extraordinary presence.

A young man dressed in the snow-white satin sword robe exclusive to the core disciples of the Divine Sword Manor had a cold and stern face, a tall and straight figure, and carried an ancient, sheathed longsword on his back. Even before it was drawn, a sharp sword aura emanated from it. His aura had clearly reached the peak of the Meridian Opening Realm, and he seemed to be only one step away from the Innate Realm that countless martial artists dreamed of. He was none other than Situ Feng, the chief disciple of the manor in this generation.

A burly young man from the "Heavenly Blade Sect" had a bushy beard and piercing eyes. He exuded a wild and unrestrained aura and held a broadsword that looked like a door panel without a sheath. The blade was dark and stained with blood patterns. He was surrounded by a domineering and cruel sword intent, as if he wanted to devour people at any moment.

A young monk dressed in a moon-white robe, from the Buddhist holy site "Hanging Temple," had his eyebrows lowered and his face kind. He slowly twirled a string of ebony prayer beads between his fingers, yet his aura was like a deep pool, unfathomable, with faint Buddhist chants swirling around him, cleansing the soul.

In addition, there were several young men with elegant bearing who appeared to be members of the royal family, as well as several strangely dressed, mysterious figures from reclusive families, all of whom were not to be underestimated.

"The time has come! The Divine Sword Manor Sword Trial Gathering shall now begin!" An elderly man in a black elder's robe, with white hair and beard yet vigorous spirit, stepped onto the stage. His voice, booming like a bell, instantly silenced all other noises in the arena. "The rules remain the same: to make friends through martial arts, to exchange skills and prove one's abilities, and to stop when the point is reached. I wonder which outstanding talent would like to step forward first and offer their insights?"

As soon as the old man finished speaking, a figure leaped onto the high platform like a hawk, his movements swift and agile. It was a young man dressed in brocade martial arts attire, wielding a fine steel longsword, from a well-known martial arts family in a certain prefecture.

"I am Li Mo from Lingzhou. I would like to ask for your advice!" The young man clasped his hands and looked around. His voice was clear and melodious, carrying the fearless spirit of a newborn calf.

Soon, some people couldn't hold back and went up on stage to accept the challenge.

In an instant, sword light flashed, palm winds whistled, fist and leg shadows intertwined, and the sounds of colliding internal forces resounded, with energy surging everywhere. One fierce or skillful duel after another unfolded, drawing the audience into a state of breathless concentration, followed by bursts of cheers and exclamations. Those who received invitations from the Divine Sword Manor to come here were certainly no ordinary fighters; at the very least, they possessed the cultivation of the mid-stage of the Meridian Opening Realm. Their understanding and application of their respective martial arts were unique, and many of their exquisite moves and improvisations broadened the eyes of the spectators.

Lin Xuan watched silently, like a detached observer or a composed examiner. Under his increasingly keen divine sense, nurtured by the power of faith, these battles, which appeared spectacular to ordinary people, revealed the trajectory of internal energy, the transitions between moves, and the efficiency of power application with crystal clarity, as if reading lines on his palm. While there were highlights, they remained within the overall framework of his understanding of martial arts in the Tianyuan Realm. He could even roughly predict the outcome and the key moments that would determine victory or defeat after only a few exchanges.

As time went on, highly anticipated top talents such as Situ Feng, the young man from the Heavenly Blade Sect, and the monk from the Hanging Temple made their appearances one after another. They all displayed profound skill and exquisite martial arts far surpassing their peers, often defeating their opponents with overwhelming superiority in just a few moves, or even a single signature move, drawing gasps of amazement from the audience, whose admiring gazes almost materialized. The atmosphere in the arena was repeatedly pushed to a climax.

When yet another formidable challenger was forced to defend himself by Situ Feng's exquisite "Shadow-Splitting Sword," which conjured over ten indistinguishable sword shadows, and ultimately fell off the stage in a disheveled state, a brief silence fell over the arena. Situ Feng stood in the center of the stage, sword in hand, his snow-white sword robe fluttering in the mountain wind. His gaze swept across the entire arena like cold lightning, and the domineering aura of a strongman merged with the proud sword intent of the Divine Sword Manor, forming an invisible pressure that enveloped the entire arena.

"Is there anyone else who would like to come up and offer their guidance?" His voice was clear and melodious, carrying an unquestionable confidence and pride, and his gaze lingered especially on the other top talents.

A moment of silence fell over the audience. Situ Feng's strength was evident to all. His swordsmanship had deeply inherited the true teachings of the Divine Sword Manor, and was sharp and unparalleled, with concentrated power. Among the younger generation present, very few believed they could match him. They were all weighing the pros and cons and were unwilling to reveal their full strength too early.

Just when everyone thought Situ Feng would undoubtedly secure first place in this small gathering, and they were waiting for the other top figures to declare their stance or for no one to accept the challenge, a calm, almost emotionless voice rang out in the somewhat subdued room. The voice was not loud, but it strangely pierced through the sound of the wind and the whispers of people, clearly reaching the ears of everyone present.

"My name is Lin Xuan. I would like to ask Brother Situ for his expertise."

Swish!

Like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, everyone's eyes instantly focused on the source of the sound—the young man in blue who had been sitting quietly in the front corner and almost ignored by everyone!

"It's him? Lin Xuan from Qinglan City?" "He actually dares to challenge Situ Feng? Really... utterly absurd!" "He probably can't even withstand three moves from Senior Brother Situ, is he? He's just asking for humiliation..." "This young man's gone mad with the desire to show off..."

Whispers of doubt, surprise, mockery, and pity surged forth like a tide, quickly spreading. Even the elders of Divine Sword Manor, who had been resting with their eyes closed or conversing in hushed tones on the high platform, cast sharp, scrutinizing glances at them for the first time.

Shopkeeper Feng felt his palms instantly sweat and his heart leap into his throat. Although he knew that his young master possessed a mysterious inheritance and that his strength far exceeded his appearance, Situ Feng was renowned and recognized as a leading figure among the younger generation in the Tianyuan Realm. His strength was formidable and far beyond what those local thugs in Qinglan City could match.

A hint of surprise flashed in Situ Feng's eyes, which quickly turned into a hint of anger at being slighted and a condescending scrutiny: "Young Master Lin? Please come up on stage." He did not regard Lin Xuan as an equal opponent, and his tone carried a sense of seniority instructing a junior and being magnanimous.

Lin Xuan remained expressionless as he slowly rose. He didn't display any flashy or dazzling lightness skills; instead, he walked calmly and steadily up the solid bluestone steps to the dueling platform, stopping ten feet away from Situ Feng. This distance was already a dangerous zone that a master could reach in an instant.

"Please." He gestured casually, as if they were not engaged in a fierce battle concerning honor and strength, but merely a friendly sparring match.

Situ Feng's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. Lin Xuan's near-indifferent calmness allowed a surge of anger to quietly grow within him. "In that case, Young Master Lin, be careful!"

He said no more, intending to finish the battle quickly and salvage his prestige, which might have been damaged by the other party's attitude. With a clear, resonant dragon's roar, the ancient longsword in his hand was suddenly drawn! The sword light, like a cascading silver river, instantly transformed into more than a dozen illusory yet incredibly sharp sword shadows, engulfing Lin Xuan's vital points like a storm! This was his signature technique, the "Splitting Light and Shadow Sword," which had made him famous and defeated many before! Now, wielding it in anger, the sword's momentum was three times faster, three times quicker, and three times more ruthless than before! The sharp sword energy hissed, as if it could cleave the air itself, and a chilling killing intent instantly locked onto Lin Xuan.

The audience below instinctively held their breath, many already picturing Lin Xuan either severely injured or defeated amidst the endless sword shadows.

However, faced with this dazzling and inescapable deadly net of swords, Lin Xuan remained standing still, his body as immovable as an ancient pine or a rock. He didn't even adopt a defensive stance. It wasn't until the countless sword shadows, carrying a chilling aura, reached within three feet of him, and the sharp sword energy caused a few strands of his black hair to flutter wildly in the wind—

He finally made a move.

He simply raised his right hand slowly.

There was no drawing of a sword, no striking with a palm, no dodging. He simply brought his index and middle fingers together and, seemingly casually, made a light, sweeping motion towards the very core of the myriad sword shadows, where the energy was most tightly intertwined.

The movements were slow and gentle, as if nothing had happened.

There was no earth-shattering collision as expected, nor any terrifying sight of immense internal force surging forth.

Only a single, exquisitely refined, pure, and dazzling silver line quietly burst forth from his joined fingertips!

That thin thread, as fine as a spider's thread, seemed not to be formed from ordinary internal energy, but rather to have captured a segment of starlight from the heavens and condensed a wisp of cosmic sharpness! The moment it appeared, all the sword cries, all the sword energy, and all the sword light on the entire dueling platform seemed to have been stripped of their color and sound, becoming dull and colorless! In the world, it seemed that only this stunning silver thread remained!

Time seemed to stretch out infinitely at this moment.

Under the gaze of countless shocked eyes, that thin silver line, like a hot knife cutting into solidified butter, or like a streak of light across the quiet night sky, cut into the very core of Situ Feng's seemingly impenetrable and incomparably fierce storm of sword shadows in a way that was beyond everyone's comprehension, without any hindrance and with perfect precision!

"Clang—Buzz—!"

A clear, crisp sound, like a priceless jade chime being struck and broken, suddenly erupted, sharp and piercing, echoing through the mountains!

Situ Feng felt an indescribable, extremely sharp, and terrifying power mixed with a vast and ancient force that seemed to originate from the primordial starry sky, instantly traveling along the sword. With overwhelming force, it easily tore apart all the sword stance, sword intent, and internal force defenses he had painstakingly built, and precisely struck the most vulnerable point on the spine of his finely crafted sword, which was so sharp it could cut a hair in two!

An irresistible, tremendous force, like a volcanic eruption, surged into his body along the meridians of his arm! His tiger's mouth instantly split open, blood spurting out, and the longsword, which he regarded as a companion for half his life and treasured as his life, let out a mournful cry and broke in two!

The first half of the sword spun into the air, reflecting a cold luster in the sunlight, before finally crashing to the ground with a heartbreakingly crisp sound.

The aftershocks of that terrifying power had not completely dissipated, gently brushing across his chest at the Tanzhong acupoint like a gentle breeze brushing against a willow branch.

"puff--!"

Situ Feng felt as if he had been struck in the chest by a massive hammer. His face instantly turned deathly pale, and a mouthful of bright red blood gushed out uncontrollably, forming a cloud of blood mist in the air. His tall, upright body, like a kite with a broken string, staggered backward uncontrollably, one step, two steps… more than ten steps! Only when his back slammed heavily against the cold, hard stone pillar at the edge of the dueling platform did he barely stop his retreat. Using a broken sword as a crutch, he supported his swaying body and abruptly looked up at Lin Xuan, who still stood motionless in place, his eyes filled with endless shock, bewilderment, humiliation, and disbelief!

quiet!

Deathly silence!

Time seemed to freeze around the entire arena. Everyone was as if they had been collectively frozen in place, their eyes wide and mouths agape, yet no sound could be uttered. Only the mountain wind continued to howl, fluttering their clothes, adding to the eerie stillness.

One move?

No! It wasn't even a complete move!

It was merely a wisp of sword energy! A silver sword energy, condensed like silk and sparkling like stars, casually emitted from a fingertip!

He so casually broke the signature technique of the chief disciple of the Divine Sword Manor, severed the sword he cherished as his life, and injured his internal organs and foundation that he had painstakingly cultivated for many years!

What... what kind of martial arts is this?! What is the origin of this seemingly ordinary young man?! Could he be a legendary old monster with the secret to eternal youth? Or has he inherited the legacy of some ancient sword immortal?!

After a brief, suffocating silence came a commotion and gasps of alarm, like a volcanic eruption that nearly overturned the entire mountaintop!

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" "A sword aura?! He... he could he be a master who has already reached the Innate Realm?!" "So young... a monster! An unprecedented monster!"

Below the stage, the unrestrained young man from the Dao Sect subconsciously gripped the broadsword in his arms, his knuckles turning white from the force, his eyes filled with an unprecedented solemnity and fervor; the young monk from the Hanging Temple abruptly stopped his fingers from twirling his prayer beads, his lowered eyelids snapping open, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, devoid of any kindness, only deep fear; the other top talents who had been calm and composed also changed their expressions drastically, their pupils contracting, their bodies subconsciously leaning forward slightly, as if facing a formidable enemy, their previous composure and arrogance completely gone.

On the high platform, the elders of the Divine Sword Manor all stood up abruptly, their faces filled with undisguised shock and horror! Their cultivation was profound, their eyes sharp, and their understanding far surpassed that of the disciples below! That sword energy, its condensation, its sharpness, and the "Daoist charm" it contained—a charm beyond the realm of martial arts—were simply unheard of and unseen! It was far beyond the reach of ordinary internal energy, even exceeding their understanding of "sword energy" itself!

Lin Xuan slowly withdrew his finger, the chilling starlight at his fingertip disappearing as if it had never existed. He glanced at Situ Feng, who was standing weakly against a stone pillar, looking utterly dejected, and at the complex gazes below the stage filled with shock, awe, doubt, and even deep fear. He felt little joy in victory, nor any pity, only a calm as still as a deep well.

Using the supreme essence of stellar internal force to simulate the form of sword energy, breaking through the defenses constructed by mortal iron and internal force in this world is truly a dimensional reduction attack, which is perfectly reasonable.

His gaze calmly swept over the young talents below the stage, who had been eager to try but were now completely silent. His voice remained as calm as ever, yet it carried an invisible pressure:

"Is there anyone else willing to offer their guidance?"

No one answered.

You could hear a pin drop.

Even Situ Feng, the flag bearer of the younger generation of Divine Sword Manor, suffered such a miserable and predictable defeat. Who would dare to step forward and invite such humiliation? That silver sword aura had become an inescapable nightmare in their hearts.

The deathly silence lasted for several breaths, yet felt as long as an eternity.

Suddenly, the white-haired elder who had initially announced the start took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in his heart and the complex emotions of his sect's pride being thwarted. He took a few steps forward with slightly heavy steps, and solemnly cupped his hands in a deep bow to Lin Xuan, who stood tall on the platform. His voice, trembling slightly and filled with unprecedented respect, resounded throughout the entire hall:

"His sword energy is divine, his skill bordering on the Dao! It transcends the comprehension of ordinary swordsmanship... I, Situ Ming, on behalf of all the members of Divine Sword Manor, hereby honor Young Master Lin as—'Sword God'!"

"Sword God!"

"Sword God!"

After a brief silence, like a dam breaking, someone shouted out with immense excitement and awe. Immediately, a roar like a mountain and a tsunami, like rolling thunder, rose higher and higher, resounding throughout the entire Sword Debate Platform, shaking every inch of the Sword Echoing Mountains, and soaring straight to the heavens!