Chapter 3
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Chapter 3: The Promise of Ten Years!
In the silent night, the sound of the bell suddenly rang out, disturbing the peaceful dreams of many people.
And at the moment the bell rang, a blazing fire suddenly rose up in the dark night.
No.
In fact, upon closer inspection, that was not a fire, but a person wrapped in flames.
The two young disciples guarding the mountain gate concentrated their spirit Qi on their eyes, and only then penetrated the dazzling red light to see the divine figure in the flames.
Perhaps it would be more appropriate to call that unfamiliar young woman with such an impressive bearing a divine figure!
She wore dark red high heels, with brilliant cord knots tied around her calves like fiery butterflies.
Her powerful and agile legs, wrapped in black, semi-transparent silk stockings, now emitted a soft red light.
The tight-fitting top displayed a graceful figure, but under the rendering of the flames it turned into a stunning red color.
The black and golden embellishments on her clothes add a touch of humanity, otherwise the gatekeepers would truly think they were seeing a divine being of imperial fire in their dreams.
However, this can truly be called a dreamlike scene.
With each step the strange girl took forward, the flames draped over her body danced like red waves.
If not for the sudden rise in temperature around them, they might have thought they had fallen into a blooming sea of flowers.
This is definitely not a flower sea, but more like surging lava hell about to erupt!
Because…
The girl held a sword in her hand.
A sword that was as broad as a palm, under the rendering of the flames, it resembled a phoenix feather!
"Who goes there?"
The two guard disciples instinctively stepped back.
They hurriedly clashed their swords together, blocking the path of the unfamiliar young girl amidst the resounding clash of gold and iron.
Even though the majestic aura emanating from the girl didn’t fall upon them, their legs still trembled ceaselessly.
Invincible!
However, when they thought of the recent changes that had taken place in their sect, they dared not run away.
It was dangerous both to advance and to retreat, so they chose to stand their ground, at least showing themselves to be loyal and righteous.
Fortunately, they had companions by their side. They each supported their swords and were not in danger of falling to the ground due to weak legs.
Clang.
Finally, the young girl took a step forward and stopped on the bluestone.
The miraculous thing was that although the flames were burning fiercely, they didn’t have any impact on the surrounding environment.
When the bell stopped ringing, the world seemed to fall into silence again.
Xiao Jinse lifted her head slightly, and what appeared before her eyes were three ancient characters carved on the mountain gate–
[Sword Washing Pavilion]
Although it was very close, she felt as if everything was very far away.
Just like a dream or a fantasy.
She was only in her early twenties, and these five years of waiting have taken up almost a quarter of her life.
How many five years does one have in a lifetime?
Although Xiao Jinse now has a long life, she still cares deeply about every day she spends because she has not yet experienced the tempering of time.
Without the encounter with Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian that day, she would either have become a slave who lost herself in the hands of an evil cultivator or have already committed suicide in a deserted mountain trench.
It was Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian who brought light to her life.
It was Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian who laid the bridge for her broken life path to cross the river.
It was Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian who allowed her to choose her own path freely.
It’s time to take back everything lost during those lonely years!
Xiao Jinse looked straight at the guarding disciples and said, "Please tell Zhao Shuo, your honored sect’s inheritor, that Xiao Jinse has come early for the appointment."
In an instant, the Blowing Snow Sword blazed with fire and shot straight up into the sky like a fiery column.
There was no hint of hatred in Xiao Jinse’s voice, and it could even be called quite calm, but the posture still intimidated the two guards.
This is a suppression on the realm.
It was even more overwhelming in momentum!
One of them stuttered, "Zhao… Martial Brother Zhao closed himself after his Tao Heart was shattered when he returned from Heluo Country. This lady, if you’re looking for him now, we really have no way to help."
His body trembled as he spoke, afraid that Xiao Jinse would kill him after hearing this.
The other person’s reaction was not much better despite their silence.
Xiao Jinse remained silent.
She vaguely saw her past self in these two people.
During the time after her father’s death, she completely lost her shelter in the Xiao Family.
In order to find a way out, she lived cautiously around those who could take her life at any moment.
If it weren’t for the meteor falling from the sky that night, she would have never met Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian.
Perhaps this is fate?
Xiao Jinse always felt that a hand had forcibly changed the trajectory of her life.
She treasured everything that came at such a great cost.
"Since we can’t contact Zhao Shuo, let’s directly inform the chief of your pavilion."
The gatekeeper who had answered earlier immediately replied, "I will go right away, please wait…"
He had not even had time to turn around when his companion shouted loudly.
"I remember!"
"Hmm?"
What do you remember?
His companion’s eyes widened like copper bells and his right hand pointed tremulously at Xiao Jinse.
"You are Xiao Jinse from the Duxian sect, Bai Lian’s Second Martial Sister, the one who destroyed Martial Brother Zhao’s Tao Heart in Hening City and made a ten-year agreement!"
"What?"
The speaking disciple was bewildered.
He might not be able to remember the name Xiao Jinse, but he could not forget Bai Lian’s Second Martial Sister.
He didn’t actually know much about the relationship between Xiao Jinse and the Sword Washing Pavilion, as it was considered a disgrace to the sect.
He only knew that Xiao Jinse was selected as the Sword Bearer back then, but later, she had her qualification cancelled due to her poor talent.
Poor talent?
Don’t be ridiculous!
Under Bai Lian’s training, this second Martial Sister had already made a name for herself as the "Blood-hand Butcher".
As for those Sword Bearers in the Sword Washing Pavilion who were of the same age as her, the strongest among them had just broken through the Nascent Soul Stage.
Disaster was about to strike.
"I’ll go report it to the sect leader immediately."
The gatekeeper threw his sword aside and ran up the mountain in a flurry.
However, his trip was ultimately unsuccessful.
The crisp sound of the bell had already caught the attention of the high-level members of the Sword Washing Pavilion.
A bright blue light flashed through the air and in an instant, a square-faced middle-aged man descended from the sky.
"Who dares to make noise here?"
He glared at Xiao Jinse with an unfriendly expression.
The two gatekeepers immediately surrounded her as if they had found their backbone.
"Elder Qi, let me explain…"
After the explanation, Elder Qi’s expression became strange.
He looked up and down at Xiao Jinse, his relaxed manner showing that he didn’t take the matter seriously.
"If I’m not mistaken, you and Zhao Shuo made a ten-year agreement, didn’t you?"
Xiao Jinse said flatly, "There’s no need to wait for ten years. It’s better for both sides to settle the score now."
"Oh?" Elder Qi narrowed his eyes. "You mean, you can easily surpass Sword Washing Pavilion after ten years?"
Xiao Jinse was not overwhelmed by the imposing aura; instead, the flame on her body burned even more ferociously.
"You can interpret it this way."
She was really not arrogant.
After the fusion of the Qing Luan’s Flames, a very special change occurred within her Holy Spiritual Root.
Originally, her Spiritual Root could evolve by devouring fire-based divine objects. Now, even if she doesn’thing, her Spiritual Root can automatically absorb the fire attribute’s spiritual Qi from the heavens and earth to nourish herself.
Although this process is not fast, over time it is enough to directly push her to the Earth Immortal realm and promote her Spiritual Root to become a rare Immortal Spiritual Root in the world.
Sword Washing Pavilion?
The strongest at the Transcendency Stage indeed cannot be called her opponent.
However, she is confident but not arrogant, nor would she consider taking advantage of others.
Otherwise, she would have just directly mentioned the name of the Duxian sect.
She came here today just to tell the world that she will take back everything she has lost in the past with her own hands!
Xiao Jinse’s words made Elder Qi laugh out loud, "You dared to go alone to the Sword Washing Pavilion with a cultivation base of the Soul Changing Stage. Should I say you’re brave or foolish?"
Xiao Jinse held her sword out horizontally and said, "You are welcome to try!"
This momentum has a bit of An Lan’s style.
"The Soul Changing Stage?!"
At this moment, the two guards exclaimed in surprise again.
Their eyes couldn’t hide their astonishment.
From a waste who couldn’t cultivate to the Soul Changing Stage in five years.
This talent is one of the top few geniuses even in the four major sects.
"Good, the younger generation is formidable!"
Elder Qi applauded joyfully.
As he was clapping, many people from the Sword Washing Pavilion flew down from the mountain to watch.
Elder Qi laughed heartily, "The Sword Washing Pavilion is no longer what it used to be."
He paused, his lips curling into a faint smile, standing on the stone steps overlooking Xiao Jinse.
The Duxian sect is formidable, and so is Bai Lian.
However…
Sir, times have changed!
Confidence comes from strength, and now he and the Sword Washing Pavilion are very powerful.
"Even if Bai Lian suddenly appeared in front of me, even if ten Bai Lians suddenly appeared in front of me, I would not have the slightest fear! As for you…"
Just a mere Xiao Jinse, whose strength had barely reached the Soul Changing Stage, dared to cause trouble in the Sword Washing Pavilion?
Ah.
It’s simply a huge joke!
Elder Qi extended his right index finger, laughing heartily and shaking it.
"This is overestimating your abilities! To avoid the world saying that I bully the weak and damage the reputation of my sect, I will let Zhao Shuo, who fought with you in Hening City that day, have another match with you."
After speaking, Elder Qi turned around.
"Cheng Ge, go find the sect leader and let him notify Zhao Shuo to come and clean up this mess."
The cultivator named Cheng Ge didn’t move, as if he hadn’t heard it.
Elder Qi frowned.
How could he be careless at a critical moment?
He angrily reprimanded, "Cheng Ge!"
Cheng Ge remained motionless, only his lips trembling as he replied, "Elder Qi, ten ten ten ten…"
"What exactly do you want to say?"
Elder Qi was quickly infuriated by Cheng Ge’s actions, just like Xiao Jinse.
But he soon realized that something was amiss.
The person standing next to Cheng Ge had a similar reaction, staring in shock at what was behind him.
You damn fools!
I’ll make sure that these short-sighted disciples are severely punished when I return to the elder in charge of enforcing the rules.
Elder Qi grumbled as he turned around.
As soon as he turned, he was dumbfounded.
"!!!"
"What the hell?"
Bai Lian, who had just been ridiculed by him, stood expressionless in front of him.
What Elder Qi found even more unacceptable was that there was not only one Bai Lian here, damn it.
One, two, three…
In total, ten identical looking Bai Lians semi-encircled him.
They were all dressed in ice blue ancient-style long dresses and when they stood there, they were no different from ten ice pillars.
"You…"
Elder Qi’s face stiffened.
No.
It was just ten Bai Lians, he could handle it.
Elder Qi pointed his right hand, and fiercely said, "Bai Lian, you should not be so arrogant!"
"…"
My goodness.
Whether it was Bai Lian, Xiao Jinse, or the people of the Sword Washing Pavilion, they were all intimidated by Elder Qi’s momentum.
Actually, Bai Lian didn’t intend to come out so early. She wanted to give the stage to the Second Martial Sister, but the development of the situation was completely beyond her expectations.
She was not angry because of Elder Qi’s sarcasm towards her.
Really not.
At most, just a little bit!
She was surprised that Zhao Shuo’s Tao Heart was clearly broken, but how could it return to normal?
Under normal circumstances, given the strength of the Sword Washing Pavilion, it was impossible to achieve.
Thinking of the strange changes in Yingzhou, Bai Lian couldn’t sit still anymore. The people at the Sword Washing Pavilion must know something.
Why not just perform a soul search?
With this in mind, a mission option suddenly popped up in front of Bai Lian.
[Task 1: Perform a soul search on Elder Qi and explore the secrets of the changes in Yingzhou (Reward: +20 Focus)]
[Task 2: Give up on the soul search of Elder Qi (Reward: a normal jade hairpin)]
"?"
The rewards this time left Bai Lian dumbfounded.
Soul searching is an immoral act, but she was never a moral person to begin with.
However…
What is the meaning of these 20 Focus points?!
Good grief, the risk is enough to kill her several times over.
Bai Lian couldn’t comprehend.
The reward for Task 2 was even more peculiar.
It was just an ordinary jade hairpin. This was the first time Bai Lian had encountered a task reward that was an ordinary jade hairpin.
She had a hairpin in her hair, an exquisitely beautiful Spirit Tool in the shape of a butterfly.
Despite her confusion, Bai Lian obediently chose Task 2.
Perhaps because Elder Qi hadn’t received a response from Bai Lian for a long time, he continued, "Bai Lian, you were indeed an Immortal Emperor, but that was in the past. Your current power and influence are just a shadow of what they once were, and you are no longer invincible."
Bai Lian hesitated a moment before nodding her head.
The final sentence was still correct; she truly could not be unbeatable.
Elder Qi pointed at Bai Lian and said, "Yesterday’s enemies become today’s foes. As an elder, I cannot intervene in the grievances between juniors. Very well, since these juniors are unwilling to act, I will personally summon Zhao Shuo. Bai Lian, if you have the courage, wait here with your Martial Sister and let me not underestimate you."
"?"
Bai Lian was so confused.
"Do you think I am like…?"
Her words had just begun, but Elder Qi had already flown up to the Sword Washing Pavilion at an extremely fast speed.
Only a group of puzzled Sword Washing Pavilion disciples and Xiao Jinse, who had been calling the door for a long time and still burning, were left behind.
"…"
Bai Lian suspected that even an ordinary Transmigration Stage cultivator could not burst out at the speed of Elder Qi.
However…
Her body stretched out and patted the shoulder of the Second Martial Sister.
"Don’t worry, they will come out sooner or later."
"Hmm."
Xiao Jinse nodded, during this period of time she was adjusting her breath.
Bai Lian closed her eyes, her mind was now full of thoughts about the 14 points of Hard Skill reward from the previous task.
Indeed, not everyone was as tough as her!
Inside Mount Yun.
Elder Qi ran quickly into the main building.
"Bai Lian has arrived!"
With one sentence, everyone sitting in the main building stood up.
There were people from the Sword Washing Pavilion, from other sects, and even some ugly and non-human looking beings.
…
Bai Lian and Xiao Jinse didn’t wait for too long.
Approximately half a quarter had passed.
Suddenly, on the winding upward stone steps, thousands of thin black lines appeared, like spider webs.
The black lines twisted and intertwined, flowing down like a rushing stream.
"They’re here!"
It’s unclear who shouted first, but the Sword Washing Pavilion disciples all trembled and voluntarily stepped aside.
Bai Lian took a step forward and stopped the Second Martial Sister behind her.
The surging power wasn’t strong for her, but it emitted a familiar and repelling aura.
Speaking of familiarity…
Yes, it is.
On that day, when she was mending Si Yunshang’s flaws by the river, the Heavenly Demon Magic Spell emitted a similar aura to it.
Although compared to the Heavenly Demon Magic Spell, the scent she now smelled was much stronger.
"So, all of this is the work of the Demon of the Outer Realm?"
First, they allied with the demon sects, then they raided the Taixuan Taoist Sect. Now, they are plotting in Yingzhou.
What exactly are they seeking?
Long, long ago, in the era when King Daming lived, the Demon of the Outer Realm had already caused chaos in the world.
But due to the ancient times, no relevant research documents can be found now.
Closer.
After a few seconds, the black shadow finally appeared at the gate of the mountain.
"Zhao Shuo."
Bai Lian remained unfazed, still recalling Zhao Shuo’s bleak countenance after being defeated by the second Martial Sister in the heavy rain.
Indeed, times have changed.
The shattered Tao Heart has been reborn in such a manner.
Zhao Shuo stood calmly facing Bai Lian and Xiao Jinse.
Like Xiao Jinse, a black mist with shades of deep purple radiated from Zhao Shuo’s body, akin to a demonic creature born from the abyss.
Then…
He chuckled.
"It has been over four years since our last farewell in Hening City."
"Over four years."
Xiao Jinse walked out from behind Bai Lian.
Zhao Shuo smiled calmly, "At that time, I was too weak, with no cultivation base."
Xiao Jinse nodded, "Same goes for me."
Zhao Shuo took a step forward.
Suddenly, he spread his arms as if embracing the black mist on his body and the abyss-like black sky, his face filled with ecstasy and happiness.
"Now, everything has changed, I have received the blessing of the Demon Emperor, and this power…" He clenched his fists, "…is so strong!"
Boom!
Amidst the deafening sound, a huge shadow of a demon appeared behind Zhao Shuo.
Under the stimulation of this power, Xiao Jinse’s fighting spirit became unparalleled.
She drew her sword enveloped in flames and pointed it at Zhao Shuo.
"I will rely on my own strength to reach the main hall of the Sword Washing Pavilion, and you are just the first stumbling block on this road."
A decade-long pact, honing a sword for a decade.
The pain of yore, now is the time to wipe the sword and wash away the dust.
The shooting star that streaked across the sky that day, today let me show you how fiercely the flame of life you ignited in my heart burns!
Amidst the gaze of the masses, Xiao Jinse charged towards Zhao Shuo without any hesitation.
Bai Lian and her avatars immediately stepped back, completely giving the stage to the Second Martial Sister.
"You are capable."
"Yes, I am capable, Elder Martial Sister."
The broadsword fell.
A blaze erupted like a whirlwind.
After that…
Rain!
Mount Yun was hit by a heavy rain!
