Achieving physical sainthood starting from Hunyuan Gong

Chapter 118 Song Shen Kills the King

Less than three days.

Dragon City began to regain its popularity.

This disaster came with tremendous force, but it also vanished just as quickly.

The speed at which these demons rose to power, and the speed at which they fell, were both beyond human comprehension.

The appointment arrived on the fourth day, and Song Shen was swiftly appointed as the Garrison Commander of Longzhou under the Demon Suppression Division.

That morning, Song Shen woke up to find the woman on the bed still unconscious. A servant rushed in to report this.

"My lord, the peak master of Yao Ri Peak of the Zi Yang Sect requests an audience."

Song Shen paused for a moment, then got up and dressed.

Cao Yu turned over slightly on the couch, mumbled something indistinctly, and then fell into a deep sleep again.

Song Shen didn't wake her. He tied his robe, pushed open the door, and went out.

As soon as I stepped out the door, a strong fighting spirit pressed in.

Gu Canghai stood in the courtyard, his back to the door, his gray hair fluttering slightly in the morning breeze.

His back remained straight, and the outline of his shoulder blades was clearly visible through his old robe.

His left arm was empty, while his right arm was gripping the hilt of the sword.

Hearing the door open, he didn't turn around, but just looked at the old pine tree in the yard that had lost all its leaves. Spring had arrived, and winter was over.

Thousands of trees are reviving.

Only these pine and cypress trees, having endured the harsh winter, shed their needles in the spring.

With a lifespan of nearly two hundred years, he survived the calamity fifty years ago and this great disaster that almost destroyed Longzhou, and he is still alive.

It is no exaggeration to say that they are like pine and cypress in the cold of winter.

Today, all the old friends are gone, all the familiar faces have become memories, the apprentices who devoted decades of their lives to them are dead, and even the remaining remains are about to be obliterated.

Aging, incompleteness, having witnessed life and death, all is silent now.

Only a last breath of sword energy remained in his chest.

want to----

Fight on, until you die.

Song Shenning stood under the eaves, gazing at the old man before her.

"I never imagined that you would still be moving forward even at the very last moment."

The implication was one of reverence.

Gu Canghai finally turned around.

His face was much thinner than when we last met, his eyes were like bright stars in the cold night, and although his sword was old, it could still be drawn.

"This old man has come to keep our six-month appointment."

After speaking, he quietly looked at Song Shen.

"I've been waiting for you," Song Shen said with a smile. "I thought you would wait until the Ziyang Sect was back on track before you came."

Gu Canghai smiled faintly, "Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. I have fought for the sect too many times in my life, devoting my entire life to it without daring to slack off."

"Now, with only this remaining shell and this last breath of sword energy, I refuse to let it perish. This time, I will fight for myself."

Song Shen sighed deeply: "Aren't you afraid that the sect will perish after your death?"

Gu Canghai coldly replied, "In the millennia of martial arts, ancient sects far more powerful than the Ziyang Sect have all turned to dust in the tides of history. What right does the Ziyang Sect have to remain uninvolved? How can I, an old man on my deathbed, defy the heavens!"

This immense disaster allowed the Wind and Thunder Sword Sect member to rediscover the wonders of the world, let go of his obsessions, and break free from the ropes that bound him.

At this moment, he was stronger than ever before.

Song Shen nodded and said, "Alright, where do you choose?"

Gu Canghai smiled nonchalantly: "Thank you!"

After speaking, he suddenly rose from the ground and rode the six qi to roam the boundless realm.

At this moment, all the sluggishness and awkwardness brought about by his injuries were completely stripped away. Gu Canghai raised his sword with one arm, his body like a swimming dragon, soaring straight up in the spring breeze, with no mountains able to block his way.

In the secluded valley behind the Ziyang Sect, a sword light descended from the sky.

The old snow had not yet melted, revealing the scorched grass roots and broken soil underneath.

Gu Canghai stood in the center of the open space, his longsword drawn, pointing diagonally at the ground, its blade gleaming with a dull luster, like a weary river. When Song Shen stood opposite him, Gu Canghai offered no pleasantries.

Song Shen thought to himself that Old Deng's choice of a purpose for him was quite good.

"Draw your sword."

The demonic sword was slowly drawn from its sheath, and an aura of returning to simplicity rose and swirled around it.

Clang!

Gu Canghai's sword was drawn from its sheath.

Without any preparation or testing, he went all out from the start. Thick lightning bolts accompanied by a storm swirled around the sword intent, bursting into a shower of light.

The sword light cleaved through the air with a dry whistling sound. Song Shen parried with his sword, and the echo of metal clashing against stone reverberated through the empty valley.

Like a pebble thrown into water, it creates a ripple before sinking back into silence.

Gu Canghai's swordplay was continuous, each strike carrying a resolute meaning, like a person taking stock of their last savings.

Song Shen's long robe with its gold insignia fluttered and rustled amidst the raging sword energy.

The entire mountain was shaking.

"Who dared to make a move here?!"

The powerful members of the Ziyang Sect mobilized. Although they had suffered a great calamity, the sect still possessed a deep foundation and many experts.

Countless figures rushed to the outside of the valley, where the one-armed old man was seen using the purest swordsmanship of the Ziyang lineage.

In terms of depth, Gu Canghai of the Wind and Thunder Sword Sect is naturally far inferior to the peerless genius Xiang Xuan, but in terms of breadth, apart from the sect's founding master, Master Ziyang, he is undoubtedly the Wind and Thunder Sword Sect member who has lived for nearly two hundred years.

He used every move with ease. The Ziyang Sect had not reappeared in the martial world for countless years, and the offensive techniques that his descendants had no longer studied were all displayed by him.

"Ancestor!!"

Tears streamed down the faces of countless Ziyang Sect disciples.

Many of his techniques will be buried forever after the death of this Wind and Thunder Sword Master.

Two hundred years of glory and legend are about to fade away.

This was truly difficult for the disciples of this ancient sect to accept. The uncertainty and turbulence of tomorrow would not change according to anyone's will, but how to face all of this without the protection of these peerless powerhouses remained a source of confusion and apprehension for them.

The swordsman in the valley, however, lost all sense of reason and went on a rampage.

"So refreshing! So refreshing!!!"

"I began learning swordsmanship at the age of seven, and for the past one hundred and eighty years, my resolve has been as sharp as a calamity. I have fought against demons and powerful figures, never losing my fighting spirit. Today, I face you, the only unparalleled powerhouse in history, in this final battle. From now on, I will burn my last drop of lifeblood. As long as this sword remains unbroken, I will never cease wielding it!"

In an instant, a purple aura shot into the sky.

Martyred by the falling sun, burning the sky by the great sun!

The ultimate in perfection, the ultimate in sublimation!

"kill!!"

The sword energy was like snow and rain, or like fireworks in full bloom. It poured down like a waterfall of heaven and earth, and the entire valley was filled with the shattered sword energy. The rocks and trees on all sides were uprooted and turned into part of the sword intent, which attacked Song Shen.

"Ancestor, is this... sword intent that stirs up heaven and earth?"

The numerous disciples of the Ziyang Sect stared as if at a statue, witnessing the final blow of the Old Sword Sect, which astonished the world.

Song Shen made a move.

Countless sword energies instantly shattered and exploded, their roar echoing across the surrounding area.

As the world lost its color.

As all four seasons descend into chaos, the vegetation in all directions seems shrouded in the bleakness of autumn, and an aura of destruction surges forth.

The solitary, upright sword energy scattered like water droplets.

Suddenly, dark clouds gathered over the once clear sky, and rain began to fall.

"Man follows the earth, the earth follows heaven, heaven follows the Tao, and the Tao follows nature. Heaven and man interact, the four seasons change, and the human heart is disillusioned—this thunderstorm has come at just the right time!"

The rain of swords had not yet subsided, stirring up gusts of wind.

Gu Canghai unleashed a torrent of sword strikes, each one accompanied by countless human faces.

At the age of seven, his father taught him his first Wind and Thunder Swift Sword technique. He then went straight to Ziyang Mountain, where he challenged many geniuses on his own, outshining them all and becoming the sect's number one prodigy.

At the age of thirty, he killed the Crocodile King of Blackwater Pool with a single sword strike, officially stepping from the younger generation into the ranks of unparalleled powerhouses. Countless people thought this was the pinnacle of glory, but it was only the beginning of two hundred years.

At the age of forty, he traveled throughout the nine provinces of Dayong with his sword, playing against renowned sword masters from all over the world, and entered the Golden Core stage. The name of the Sword Sect began from that time.

At the age of fifty, having achieved the Great Perfection of the Golden Core, he returned to the Ziyang Sect. Under the admonition of his master, Master Cang, he abandoned all thoughts of soaring high and officially took charge of Yaori Peak.

At the age of sixty, his golden core shattered, and he went into seclusion for ten years.

At the age of seventy, the Wind and Thunder Sword Sect was officially established. The world came to congratulate them, but they bound their swords at the mountain gate and turned their backs to the heroes.

At the age of one hundred, having reached the pinnacle of Grandmaster, he could no longer advance. Thus, he devoted himself entirely to the way of the sword, slaying countless demons.

At the age of 139, the Golden-Winged Roc King swept across Dragon Province, drawing his sword and burning his blood in a battle that left him alive.

In 194, he fought again, burning himself out, losing his left arm, losing everything, and barely surviving.

All that merged into it turned to dust, not even worth a second glance.

All the joys and sorrows of life turned into colorless and tasteless experiences. At this moment, his heart was completely open. His past teachers, friends, enemies, their voices, appearances, and memories, countless insights and joys and sorrows, all flowed through his mind. He didn't want to miss any details, and they all came to life in his sword.

Past, present, and future are all one, encompassing love and pain, and the ultimate in all people and things, all transformed into the final, solitary, and unyielding sword.

Boundless thunder roared and rolled in, a wild swirling mist rose for some unknown reason, obscuring everything, yet the sword intent still stirred everything.

Leave no regrets, leave no unburnt essence!

Ultimate!

The ultimate in perfection!

The ultimate ultimate goal of everything!

Gu Canghai completely merged with the iron sword in his hand, with a thunderous roar!

The entire valley trembled and a huge crater was torn open. Countless flying stones and cannonballs roared and shot in all directions. The heavenly lightning was almost burned up under the influence of the sword intent. Even the rain stopped dripping and was wiped out in this complete and utter roar.

? ? ? ! ! !

Many members of the Ziyang Sect were horrified and retreated. The weak had no way to withstand such aftershocks!

However, there are also true heroes who go against the tide amidst the raging waves, wanting to see the true nature of this battle.

Simply put, as a martial artist, being able to witness firsthand this desperate battle where the strongest warriors burn with all their might is worth the price of admission, even if it means dying!

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the thick fog slowly dissipated.

Gu Canghai's gray clothes were blown apart, revealing his naked, emaciated body, almost reduced to bones, resembling a mummy buried underground for thousands of years.

"Do you understand?" Song Shen asked softly.

Thank you.

Gu Canghai, the master of the Wind and Thunder Sword Sect, passed away with a smile.

Those present looked at Song Shen as if he were a real being, how could one person possibly stand against the power of heaven and earth?

"Respectfully bidding farewell to the Sword Sect!!"

"Respectfully bidding farewell to the Sword Sect!!"

Amidst cheers, Song Shen took a step forward and disappeared from the spot.

The next day was an ordinary spring day.

Song Shen's senses extended far outwards, perceiving the entire city. Outside the city, the sound of horses' hooves came from afar, growing clearer and denser over the wilderness.

Song Shen turned his head slightly and saw a group of people rushing from the direction of the city gate. Leading them was an envoy dressed in a black official robe, holding up a bright yellow edict, like a flag.

His voice carried far on the wind, exceptionally clear across the open plains: "Imperial decree! Song Shen, Garrison Commander of Longzhou under the Demon Suppression Division, receive the decree immediately!"

The sound of hooves stopped at the edge of the clearing. The messenger dismounted, strode forward, unfurled the edict, and began to read it aloud in a clear and resonant voice.

His voice spread steadily in the morning breeze, undisturbed by the wind, each word as if measured in advance before it fell.

"Chen Zhonghe, the Director of Ceremonial Affairs, and Song Shen, the Garrison Commander of Longzhou, receive the imperial decree!"

In the courtyard, Song Zhen, Cao Yu, and the other servants were about to kneel down, but a terrifying force prevented them from bending their knees.

Song Shenning stood still and said calmly, "No one can make me kneel. Does the Emperor have anything to say?"

Several imperial envoys stared intently at the unmoving Song Shen. "Arrogant! Song Shen, no matter how great your achievements, how can you violate the rules of propriety!"

A eunuch pointed his spear and shouted.

The eunuch's voice was sharp and intense, sounding particularly jarring in the empty courtyard.

Song Shen glanced at him, his gaze as calm as if he were looking at a broken wall. The eunuch took a half step back because of this look, his lips moved twice, but he didn't dare to make a sound.

"Give it to me."

"you----"

The imperial edict seemed to sprout wings, automatically breaking free from its restraints and falling into Song Shen's palm. He opened it and took a look.

—Song Shen, the garrison commander of Longzhou under the Demon Suppression Division, has vanquished demons and monsters, his achievements surpassing all others of his time. He is hereby summoned to the capital to meet the Emperor and receive his reward. This is the imperial decree.

"Cough cough."

The imperial envoys were helpless and could only coldly say, "Although Garrison Commander Song's merits are as great as the heavens, he should still abide by etiquette and regulations. Your behavior not only puts you under the charge of arrogance and insubordination, but also your family—"

Song Shen coldly glanced at the crowd. Several top court experts felt a huge wave surge in their hearts, as if a heavy hammer had struck their temples, and their chests were bearing immense pressure.

"What kind of martial art is this?!"

Everyone was horrified; it was an incredibly powerful skill they had never heard of before.

Only the old eunuch, driven by his unwavering loyalty to the emperor, still spoke out defiantly: "Song Shen, no matter how strong you are, such actions are still disobeying the emperor and committing treason!"

"No matter how strong you are, can you be greater than the heavens? The emperor is above, his majesty is awe-inspiring, how can you be allowed to desecrate him!"

The other imperial envoys echoed, "Indeed, Song Shen, you are utterly arrogant! Even though the nation is in peril, the ancestral lineage of our Great Yong Dynasty remains intact, the imperial star shines brightly, and the Grand Preceptor is still alive. We will absolutely not tolerate such arrogance from you!"

Song Shen tossed the imperial edict back and said indifferently, "You vermin are the ones who should kneel and worship, you bunch of ants. Record my crimes according to your own etiquette."

"You—the Emperor summoned you to the capital, were you obeying the decree or rebelling?!"

Eunuch Chen gave Song Shen a deep look.

Song Shen nodded and said, "Of course I'll go."

The implication seems to be that there's some ulterior motive.

The imperial envoys exchanged glances, all deeply shocked. This Song Shen was clearly plotting rebellion!

"You—" Eunuch Chen was furious, "The Emperor wants you to arrive in seven days—"

Song Shen said without room for doubt: "My merits are as great as the heavens, and my crimes are as heinous as the hell. You should prepare well for my grand welcome! I will naturally arrive whenever you are ready."

Is arrogance really this extreme?

The imperial envoys departed in a whirlwind.

The entire land was thrown into turmoil. Song Shen, the Heavenly Blade, who had established unparalleled achievements and was about to be enfeoffed as a king, actually rebelled openly.