Chapter 4
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Chapter 4: The Heavenly Lord’s Tao, the Nirvana Fire!
Zhao Shuo once believed that the "sword forging" method of the Sword Washing Pavilion was the most exquisite cultivation technique of all time.
By diligently refining both his body and soul, Zhao Shuo was able to fully absorb the entire cultivation base of the "sword scabbard" and instantly breakthrough to the Soul Changing Stage when the opportune moment arrived.
However, what he didn’t expect was that everything he had been so confident in was completely shattered in Hening City!
Amidst the torrential downpour.
To the astonishment of countless witnesses, he exerted all his strength yet still proved no match for Xiao Jinse.
The tremendous gap completely overturned his understanding.
"This Zhao Shuo is nothing but mediocre."
"Without the sword scabbard, he is nothing at all."
"This is a disgrace to the Sword Washing Pavilion!"
More lines that fit the mocking tone of bystanders in web novels flooded Zhao Shuo’s mind.
He lay on the ground, frightened as he stared at the mocking eyes around him, his inner darkness endlessly expanding.
He cannot accept it!
A mere Xiao Jinse, a waste who can’t even beat a servant girl who can only wash and cook because of her inability to cultivate, defeated him.
Oh, that’s right.
He still had his Sword Scabbard.
If Ju Buyi intervened, he could definitely stab Xiao Jinse to death with one sword.
From the moment of his birth, everything about the scabbard was destined to be his.
Killing Xiao Jinse with his Scabbard would be no different than killing him with his hands.
However…
How ridiculous!
His Scabbard, after losing to Bai Lian, said that he wanted to find his true self–
["I’m no longer a Scabbard!"]
Because of this, Ju Buyi even pierced his own dantian with a sword.
Zhao Shuo was full of incredulity.
Ju Buyi, do you think this can repay your debt of gratitude?
Laughable!
Your life was saved by Sword Washing Pavilion, and your cultivation base was infused by Sword Washing Pavilion’s Holy Spirit Sword Washing Pool. Without this power, you would have died countless times.
Everything that was experienced and seen that day was like a giant stone weighing on Zhao Shuo’s heart.
Finally, after countless collisions, his defense was breached.
He let out a silent cry of agony.
Amidst the onlookers, his Tao Heart shattered.
Once the Tao Heart is destroyed, one becomes a useless person.
Even with attentive care, one could live for only several decades under normal circumstances.
Fortunately, his journey wasn’t meant to end here.
A month ago.
The Demon of the Outer Realm suddenly descended upon Yingzhou.
He was fortunate enough to become a bargaining chip in that unknown transaction.
With the grace of the Demon Emperor, his Tao Heart reformed.
Moreover, he gained powers that were vastly different from the cultivation he had previously pursued, so powerful that he could instantly compete with the Soul Changing Stage cultivator.
Scabbard?
"This thing is much more useful than a Sword Scabbard!"
Zhao Shuo knew that even if he successfully inherited Ju Buyi’s cultivation base, he could not be as powerful as he is now.
He crossed this chasm from the underworld to the paradise in just one month!
"This is an achievement that even Bai Lian, the former Immortal Emperor, could not reach!"
Zhao Shuo laughed wildly, with black air swirling behind him.
He is fearless now!
Bai Lian is strong, but the methods exhibited by the Demon Emperor far surpass Bai Lian’s.
Today he has no reason to lose to Xiao Jinse again.
"Even if the waste kicked out by the Sword Washing Pavilion struggles, they’re still just waste!"
The black qi emanating from Zhao Shuo rushed towards Xiao Jinse.
The fire dragons from all directions were dancing on the board of fiery red, and the terrifying pressure emanating from them scared the disciples of the Sword Washing Pavilion who were watching from afar.
Perhaps just a little spark could completely incinerate them.
But…
"Block it!"
Someone widened their eyes.
The black qi stopped the dancing fire dragons!
The fire dragons roared, but it was useless.
In the long night, Zhao Shuo had become the focus.
"Let the rain descend!"
He uttered a slight drink.
Thus, the sky poured heavy rain, just like the situation in Hening City that day.
But this rain is no ordinary rain.
It carries spirit Qi, and is also wrapped in a daunting demonish aura.
Upon contact, the dancing fire dragon began to corrode like it had been exposed to strong acid.
After a few breaths, the fire dragon completely extinguished with a whimper.
"It’s just like that."
Zhao Shuo walked out of the circle he had designated for himself. From the moment the heavy rain fell from the sky, he intended to make Xiao Jinse fully experience the despair he had once gone through!
As for Bai Lian…
That’s not for him to be concerned about.
Even ten Bai Lians wouldn’t be enough to deal with the Demon of the Outer Realm if it meant business!
"Indeed, just as tricky as it looks."
Xiao Jinse dodged the sudden rain of light that shot out of the darkness.
One failed attack didn’t leave her feeling discouraged.
She was already prepared upon feeling the aura emanating from Zhao Shuo’s body.
She couldn’t retreat.
That’s because her ultimate goal was to ascend to the Sword Washing Pavilion!
If she gave up at the slightest obstacle, she wouldn’t be able to release the breath that was building up inside her.
"Although I haven’t experienced any major upheavals during my years at the Qiongming Peak, it wasn’t all for naught."
With those abnormal Martial Sisters around, she didn’t dare to rest or let her guard down for even a moment.
Therefore, although she didn’t experience as much killing in the game, the other martial sisters gave her a powerful strength beyond the game’s contemporaries.
With Zhao Shuo coming closer and closer, Xiao Jinse raised her large sword in front of her.
Her left hand, with index and middle fingers together, swept upwards from the bottom of the heavy sword, emitting a greenish light.
Just like casting a magical enchantment.
In an instant, the initially reddish Blowing Snow Sword swelled even thicker.
No.
Rather than swelling, upon closer inspection, it was actually a huge halo of blazing energy.
When the Focus of the halo accumulated to a certain limit, with a silent roar, the fiery-red beam was like a long lance piercing through the boundless night.
"Eighth-Realm Flame Dragon!"
With Xiao Jinse’s feet together as the center, the fiery-red light and wind rapidly expanded, engulfing a dozen miles around them.
Except for Bai Lian who remained composed, the people of Sword Washing Pavilion were all overturned and unlucky ones even got lightly injured.
"Field? Impossible, she hasn’t broken through to the Transcendency Stage yet, this couldn’t be Field."
"Even if it’s not Field, it’s not far off, this oppressive force has already exceeded ordinary spiritual pressure!"
The faces of those who understood the situation turned pale.
A cultivator who can display techniques comparable to Field at the Soul Changing Stage is one in a billion genius.
At first, they were very optimistic about the demon-like Zhao Shuo, but now the situation is making it hard for them not to have other thoughts.
Even Zhao Shuo’s face changed.
"It seems like Bai Lian has tampered with you, which suits me well!"
Xiao Jinse didn’t answer.
She actually wished that Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian would tamper with her.
The issue is that Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian at most gives her a pat on the head or a hug.
Although this degree of warmth is hard to come by, she still thirsts for more.
Like a moth to a flame.
"Tian Yan Sword."
One, two, three…
Forty-nine red rectangular prisms appeared in the darkness.
Before Zhao Shuo could even react, the prisms simultaneously shot out millions of scorching sword energy.
The sword energy crisscrossed and covered every inch of the Eight Desolate Flame Dragon Domain, also shrouding Xiao Jinse and Zhao Shuo.
The battle was so intense that it was impossible to see with the naked eye, but the changes in the surrounding environment indicated the ferocity of the fight.
In just over ten breaths, the leaked aura had turned the entrance of the Sword Washing Pavilion into a deep and bottomless cavity.
The observant Bai Lian was in a state of constant tension during this scene.
Although the danger of 14 points of Hard Skill was not enough to bring her to the brink, she would never forgive herself if her carelessness caused the death of the Second Martial Sister.
The game is just a game.
There’s no need to relive reality again.
Fortunately, for the moment, the Second Martial Sister still held the upper hand.
After all, the power of Zhao Shuo didn’t belong to himself.
This was also thanks to Qing Luan’s gift. Without merging with the Flame of Qing Luan, the Fire Sword Qi of the Second Martial Sister would be suppressed by Zhao Shuo.
"Zhao Shuo will be defeated sooner or later."
Bai Lian looked up at the mountain.
The night was very dark.
Even though she activated the Qianhuan Real Eyes, its depth still could not be penetrated.
She only knew that the Holy Spirit Sword Washing Pool was shrouded in a savage aura.
"Could it be that the Demon of the Outer Realm’s target is the Sword Washing Pool?"
Bai Lian furrowed her brow.
What were they searching for in the Taixuan Taoist Sect?
Just as she was contemplating this question, changes finally occurred in the Flame Dragon Region.
First, a black giant claw descended from the sky. After tearing apart several Flame Dragons, it forcibly created an opening in the Flame Dragon Region.
Just when everyone thought Zhao Shuo was going to take advantage of the situation and escape, the situation was reversed.
The forty-nine prismatic pillars released by the Tian Yan Sword suddenly condensed into one. A heavy mountain-like sword fell from the sky and stabbed the black claw, the shadow, and Zhao Shuo into the abyss.
Xiao Jinse, who reappeared, had a heavy heart pounding in his chest.
She took several deep breaths before calming down, but her expression still remained serious.
It is impossible for Zhao Shuo to die so easily.
In fact, that is exactly the case.
Another black claw appeared out of nowhere, lifting Zhao Shuo, who was covered in blood, out of the abyss.
"How could this be?" Zhao Shuo held onto his right arm, his expression no longer as arrogant as before, "Why can’t demon qi extinguish the flames? This is the path of the Heavenly Lord. It cannot be defeated by a mortal ant! Yes, it must be because of the lack of sufficient control of blood essence. The path of the Heavenly Lord is invincible!"
In the midst of his frenzied and exalted muttering, Zhao Shuo suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with a strange bloodlust, and his expression as crazy as his gaze.
Below.
A disciple of the Sword Washing Pavilion ran anxiously up the mountain.
"I will inform the sect leader that Martial Brother Zhao is about to lose."
He had only run a few steps when suddenly a dark figure fell straight down.
That was clearly just a black paw.
Boom!
The man didn’t even have time to scream before he was crushed into a mess of flesh.
The broken soul struggled to escape, but was assimilated by the black paw after struggling for just a moment.
This scene was too sudden, even Bai Lian didn’t react.
"He killed his own fellow disciple?"
"Did Martial Brother Wang die?"
The night wind was cold, and the person standing on the mountain path felt like they had fallen into an ice cave.
Finally, someone with courage stepped forward and said, "Martial Brother Zhao, why did you kill Martial Brother Wang?"
Bright red mist floated in Zhao Shuo’s palm as he casually said, "Since he wants to stand out, I’ll help him."
"Martial Brother Zhao, you have violated the rules of the sect! If the sect leader finds out about this…"
Zhao Shuo sneered, "It seems like none of you have figured out the situation yet. I’m not afraid to tell you that sooner or later, all you ants will die! If you die in my hands, you can still contribute a little to the Sword Washing Pavilion. If you are thrown into the Void Domain, then your death would be in vain."
The disciple’s eyes widened, and he took a step back instinctively, "Martial Brother Zhao, what are you talking about?"
Zhao Shuo said, "The Demon of the Outer Realm is willing to condescend to cooperate with all the sects of Mount Yun. Naturally, there will be demands, and you…are the price paid by all the sects of Mount Yun!"
His voice was like a thorn that pierced straight into the heart.
The people on the mountain road looked at each other in confusion.
"Have we become the price paid by the Sword Washing Pavilion?"
"Aren’t we disciples of the Sword Washing Pavilion?"
Even though winter had already passed, the mountain road was still so cold that it made people shiver.
This was no longer the sect they were proud of, but a man-eating beast!
After a few seconds, someone flew towards the mountain like a lunatic.
"I refuse to believe you, Zhao Shuo, you wretched person! You’re insane. I will inform the master promptly."
"How foolish!"
Zhao Shuo’s eyes were icy cold, as if he was seeing something inhuman.
Just as he was about to make a move, Xiao Jinse charged at him with her sword.
But he had already recovered to his normal state after having absorbed the life essence.
"Don’t rush, I’ll come back to kill you after dealing with these scrap heaps."
A black curtain wall rose, and Zhao Shuo let out a loud laughter, controlling several black claws. Suddenly, he transformed into the ultimate hunter and began chasing his former disciples.
Blood mist rose on the mountain path and the curses stringed together with each scolding sentence.
But this was still unable to stop Zhao Shuo’s actions.
Fellow disciples?
"They are a group of useless people who can be recruited again at any time. Only the Sword Bearer is the future of the Sword Washing Pavilion."
Every time Zhao Shuo killed someone, the blood mist in his palm became thicker.
When Xiao Jinse finally broke through the curtain wall, only one person was left alive.
"That’s about it, you can consider yourself lucky."
Zhao Shuo watched the man leave.
He condensed a new giant claw, but this time the claw was surrounded by a nauseating blood qi.
The rain that fell under his guidance became even more viscous.
"Xiao Jinse, this is my true strength!"
With a fierce grin, he waved his huge claws and grabbed towards Xiao Jinse, who was wrapped in thousands of sword auras.
As he had anticipated, the giant claw erupted with an extraordinary force.
Oppressed, even the space began to tremble, and Xiao Jinse’s spell was instantly defeated.
Immediately, even the burning flames were extinguished one after another, and only the great sword was struggling to support itself.
Zhao Shuo laughed loudly, "What match does the Immortal Emperor’s method have against my invincible Heavenly Lord’s path? Xiao Jinse, I will make you suffer and die with shame. Don’t worry, soon Bai Lian will accompany you!"
His mood was unprecedently joyful.
All the gloom was swept away in this moment.
He suffered great humiliation in Hening City, and now he was going to return it all.
Then he will record the miserable situation of Xiao Jinse and Bai Lian, to let the whole East Divine Land people savor!
"The Second Martial Sister!"
Bai Lian took a step forward.
The sound of the Second Martial Sister’s weakened voice immediately sounded in her mind.
"Elder Martial Sister, don’t worry, I can still hang on."
This is just the beginning, she cannot lose, and she will not lose!
Bai Lian hesitated for a moment before nodding.
Her current mood was probably just like a mother sending her child on a long journey, no matter how much she said, she was still worried in her heart.
Just then, the "escaped fish" finally ran into Sword Washing Pavilion.
"Elder Li!"
He rushed over to a person, as if he had caught a life-saving straw, and cried out:
"Martial Brother Zhao has gone crazy. He is killing his own fellow disciples on the mountain. He has committed a great sin. Elder Li, you must punish him, or else…"
Elder Li interrupted him, "Or else what?"
The disciple’s lips quivered, "Otherwise, everyone will feel cold-hearted."
"You are right," Elder Li nodded solemnly, "I have decided to prevent you from feeling cold-hearted."
The disciple’s eyes lit up.
But in that instant, Elder Li’s hand pierced through his chest.
"I can only send you on your way alone for now."
Elder Li calmly withdrew his hand.
"Someone, pull him into the Holy Spirit Sword Washing Pool."
"Elder Li, you…"
"Nonsense."
Elder Li wiped his hands and was too lazy to look at that disciple again.
He murmured to himself.
"Presumably, Zhao Shuo has already solved the problem over there, and next, we only need to let those Demons of the Outer Realm eliminate Bai Lian…"
His voice suddenly stopped.
Just with a casual glance, he was horrified to find that Xiao Jinse, who had already been "burnt out," had reignited the flame again.
This blue flame was a hundred times stronger than the previous one.
Even from several miles away, he still felt a wave of fear.
Move away, he must move away immediately.
"Zhao Shuo, quickly…"
His reminder was still a step too late.
In fact, Zhao Shuo himself had also noticed the abnormality, but Xiao Jinse’s sword was too fast.
This broadsword is unexpectedly much faster than many slender swords.
With a flash of fire, Zhao Shuo’s right arm and the huge claw covering his body shattered simultaneously.
"How is this possible?"
Zhao Shuo’s pupils contracted.
This is not right, hasn’t Xiao Jinse’s power already been exhausted?
Is he not using the invincible Heavenly Lord’s path?
Why was he killed in return?
Xiao Jinse’s gaze was as cold as ice and she slashed another sword towards Zhao Shuo.
"Qing Luan’s Flame contains the power to be reborn from the ashes!"
Zhao Shuo didn’t use his full strength just now, and she didn’t either, because this move was extremely energy-consuming and had a time limit.
However, she no longer had the time to consider this.
Now she had only one path to take –
Dash to the Sword Washing Pavilion before the flames burned out!
She could easily let Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian carry her up, showcasing their sisterly affection and also stirring up some romantic feelings.
But that wasn’t what she wanted.
The grievances she had suffered should be taken back by herself!
The paths she had to take should be walked on by herself!
In that year, the disciples of Sword Washing Pavilion arrogantly announced the revocation of her Sword Bearer status, and even ridiculed her talent.
In that year, because of attempting to flatter Sword Washing Pavilion, her relatives openly or secretly targeted her. To protect her, her father was so distressed that he couldn’t sleep at night, and even when he got seriously ill, he didn’t have time to treat himself.
In that year, she was deprived of even the chance to caress her father’s coffin at his funeral.
Compared to the insults she received later, all of this was the root that she couldn’t forgive Sword Washing Pavilion for.
She wanted to prove herself, and she wanted to vent her hatred.
Her father didn’t have to die.
It was both her and those people who conspired to kill her father.
"Apart from Elder Martial Sister Bai Lian, the thing I am most grateful for is the shooting star that passed through the sky on my twelfth birthday."
Without that shooting star, she would not be able to stand here.
Even a candle’s flame can grow into the sun’s light one day.
"No one can stop me, neither can you, nor the Sword Washing Pavilion’s master!"
Xiao Jinse once again cut off Zhao Shuo’s other hand with a sword strike.
With a tragic scream, she stabbed Zhao Shuo’s chest with her sword.
"Don’t kill me, I don’t want to die, don’t want to die…" Zhao Shuo screamed frantically. He was seriously injured and unable to dodge. "Master Li, save me!"
At the critical moment, a figure flashed out of the Sword Washing Pavilion, pushing Zhao Shuo aside and blocking Xiao Jinse’s sword.
The person who came was Elder Li.
"You evil bastard, how dare you harm Zhao Shuo. Today, I will make your soul pay…"
"Nuisance."
The response to Elder Li’s words was almost devoid of emotion.
However, the subsequent sword carried a terrifying power that could tear through space.
Despite using all of his skills, Elder Li’s right arm was still cut off by a single sword.
"The Soul Changing Stage peak, is not enough."
Xiao Jinse turned around and trapped both Elder Li and Zhao Shuo with a single sword move.
Upon witnessing this scene from the mountain top, the Master of Sword Washing Pavilion’s countenance greatly changed, and in that moment, he immediately called upon the Demon of the Outer Realm.
If Xiao Jinse is this formidable, is it not likely that Bai Lian will reach even greater heights?
The Demon of the Outer Realm waved his hand indifferently and said, "Why be so nervous? The Demon Emperor has an unerring strategy and long ago laid down a contingency outside Yingzhou. Let me summon it forth."
Those of Sword Washing Pavilion let out a collective sigh of relief.
That is quite satisfactory.
However, after a while, the Demon of the Outer Realm still had not acted, and instead grew even darker in complexion.
The Master of Sword Washing Pavilion inquired softly, "Immortal, has there been some unexpected occurrence?"
The Demon of the Outer Realm remained silent for a moment before saying, "This area is too small and not conducive to the required maneuvering. I shall go to the Holy Spirit Sword Washing Pool. Stay here and don’t wander about."
The Master of Sword Washing Pavilion nodded hastily and replied, "Immortal, please go forth. We shall remain here waiting."
The Demon of the Outer Realm revealed a genial smile.
Don’t rush!
However, in the blink of an eye, it vanished without a trace.
"I can’t get in touch with them, what the hell!"
