"Myriad Swords Return to One" is the ultimate technique of the Sword Sect, a martial art even Po Jun was desperate to obtain. However, mastering this skill is no easy task. To put it bluntly, Nameless himself would never have practiced it if not for the betrayal of his disciple, Jian Chen, which led to his powers being crippled. Nameless was reluctant to give up his martial arts, not out of selfishness, but because he lacked a strong desire to pursue greater power.
The Sword Sect, Nameless's lineage, was undoubtedly one of the most powerful sects in the martial arts world. Though its disciples were few in number, they were all formidable masters. Among them, Po Jun was particularly noteworthy, wielding two of the seven Dragon-Slaying Weapons.
Second Dream's master, the Sword Emperor, was also a disciple of the Sword Sect and seemed to be of the same generation as Nameless's master. This made Second Dream and Nameless martial siblings, in a way. With a father like the Second Blade Emperor and a master like the Sword Emperor, Second Dream was a master of both sword and blade. In the early stages of Wind and Cloud, even Wind and Cloud together could not defeat her. Otherwise, they wouldn't have needed to rescue her so many times.
"It's time to step out again."
After completing the Gate of Secret Arts, Daniel Davis ended his period of seclusion. While he had spent time training, his primary goal had been to perfect this unique technique.
"Jian Chen, heir to the Hero Sword, appears at Tian Xia Hui."
In a small-town tavern, Daniel overheard several discussions about Jian Chen. As the disciple of Nameless, the "Martial Arts Legend," Jian Chen's appearance in the martial arts world naturally drew significant attention. Even Xiongba of Tian Xia Hui showed him respect, as no one dared to provoke Nameless.
Many in the martial arts world speculated that Nameless might not be dead after all, given Jian Chen's re-emergence.
Daniel, however, suspected there was another reason behind Duanlang's decision to poison Jian Chen later in the story. Apart from creating a rift between Jian Chen and Bu Jingyun, it might have stemmed from sheer envy.
Duanlang, after all, was the son of the Southern Sword Master, a figure of some renown. Though not as prestigious as the "Martial Arts Legend," his lineage was still respected. Yet in the martial arts world, few paid Duanlang much attention.
In the martial world, what mattered most? Without a doubt, it was face—prestige and respect.
Unfortunately, Jian Chen was a disappointment. After defeating the Sword Saint early on under Nameless's tutelage, he couldn't even match Duanlang in combat later.
In a world without internet, video games, or other modern entertainment, martial arts gossip was a primary source of discussion. During his meal in the tavern, Daniel overheard several tidbits of martial arts news. For instance, he learned that Xiongba had recently fought his third disciple, Qin Shuang, who had been captured and brought back to Tian Xia Hui.
He also heard about the upcoming Sword Festival at the Sword Worship Manor. The event promised the unveiling of a legendary sword forged over the past century, drawing countless martial artists eager to claim it. Even those who didn't expect to obtain the sword hoped to purchase other weapons from the renowned Sword Worship Manor.
Sword Worship Manor was famous for crafting exceptional swords. Many of the most renowned swords in the martial arts world were forged there. Alongside the Iron Gate and the Black Iron Gate, the manor was one of the premier weapon-making factions, often collaborating with other martial arts sects.
In the martial world, one indispensable resource was money. Without it, there would be no large meals, no lavish celebrations, and no way to maintain one's martial sect. Major powers like Tian Xia Hui required vast sums to sustain their operations. Xiongba's dominance over territories wasn't just about power—it was also about expanding the range from which he could collect protection fees.
This practice wasn't unique to Tian Xia Hui. Even in The Legend of Qin, Wei Zhuang, a disciple of the Ghost Valley, funded his operations through protection fees after emerging into the martial world. When the empire unified and protection fees became less viable, Wei Zhuang shifted to assassination contracts.
Most martial sects operated similarly, differing only in the amount they charged. Sects with limited territories often supplemented their income through other means. For Sword Worship Manor, selling swords was their primary source of wealth. Their weapons, particularly the rare and exceptional ones, were highly sought after and worth a fortune.
While Tian Xia Hui was wealthier overall, Sword Worship Manor's smaller size allowed it to maintain a level of opulence. Tian Xia Hui, with its claim of 100,000 members, required the resources of multiple cities to sustain itself.
In this martial arts world, factions were plentiful. From the "Three Clans and Seven Societies" to alliances of monasteries, stockades, and escort agencies, the competition was fierce. Even at its peak, Tian Xia Hui controlled only a few cities. The title of "Supreme Martial Arts Sect" belonged nominally to the ruler of the Central Plains, though this authority was largely symbolic.
Even Xiongba had no ambition to claim the title of Supreme Martial Arts Leader. Though symbolic, it had the support of figures like Nameless. Any attempt to seize it would have brought Nameless down upon him immediately.
Absolute Godless, for example, would never have required Wind and Cloud's intervention if not for Jian Chen's poisoning. Nameless alone could have dealt with him. Nameless would never tolerate anyone attempting to unify the martial world under tyranny. One immortal being's grand plan, for instance, was thwarted by Nameless before it could even begin.
"Qin Shuang has been captured. He won't die anytime soon, so I should head to Sword Worship Manor first."
After some thought, Daniel decided to witness the creation of the Peerless Sword and deal with Duanlang once the sword was complete. Once the Peerless Sword was forged, Duanlang's role as a tool would be over.
On his way to Sword Worship Manor, Daniel noticed a steady stream of martial artists heading in the same direction. Along the way, he encountered several skirmishes. The local civilians, accustomed to such conflicts, would immediately flee upon hearing the clash of weapons. Few dared to stick around and watch.
When Daniel arrived at Sword Worship Manor, he saw a crowd of martial artists gathered outside, unable to enter. While the Sword Festival was not entirely closed to outsiders, participants needed to prove their strength to gain entry.
This requirement immediately filtered out the majority of the gathered martial artists. Only a handful of skilled swordsmen were granted access. This was the reality of the Wind and Cloud world. The unveiling of a legendary sword forged over a century naturally attracted a vast number of swordsmen. It wasn't like the television adaptation, where only Duanlang, Jian Tan, and Bu Jingyun participated.
Every swordsman was interested in acquiring a good blade. Even Zoro from One Piece would have been intrigued by a Supreme Grade Sword. Using his Observation Haki, Daniel sensed that around twenty individuals had gained entry to the manor.
The Wind and Cloud world boasted many renowned swordsmen, bearing titles such as Sword God, Sword Saint, Sword Emperor, Sword King, Sword Demon, and Sword Greed, among others.
While many martial artists left after being denied entry, others chose to stay in the nearby town, hoping for an opportunity to infiltrate the manor. As a renowned sword-forging family, Sword Worship Manor housed numerous valuable weapons. Even if one couldn't obtain the Peerless Sword, stealing one of their other treasures would still be a lucrative endeavor.
Unfortunately for these would-be thieves, none of them survived. One man, the Sword Demon, dealt with them swiftly and mercilessly.
The Sword Demon, often mocked in Daniel's past life as the greatest "simp" in Wind and Cloud, was skilled but mentally unbalanced. Unlike some who gain everything they desire through devotion, the Sword Demon lost everything. Despite his flaws, his martial prowess was exceptional. His Vein-Severing Sword Qi was powerful enough to challenge even Xiongba.
"His mind is truly twisted," Daniel mused.
The Sword Demon's behavior was among the most absurd Daniel had ever encountered. Killing someone's husband to "win their heart"? That was outright delusional. Even Duanlang's flawed reasoning paled in comparison.
"That said, the Vein-Severing Sword Qi is a remarkable technique."
Though classified as "sword qi," the technique was essentially a form of finger-based martial arts, similar to the Six Veins Divine Sword. Daniel was intrigued. While Wind and Cloud was filled with countless legendary techniques, he remembered only the most prominent ones. Lesser-known skills, though not as famous, could still be incredibly powerful.
"Ah, I almost forgot. There's another 'simp' here too. These two should really compare notes."
When the Sword Demon began his rampage, Jian Chen, heir to the Hero Sword, tried to stop him. Unfortunately, the Sword Demon showed no regard for Jian Chen's status. Had Bu Jingyun not intervened later, Jian Chen might have been seriously injured by the Vein-Severing Sword Qi.
Though the Sword Demon wouldn't dare kill Jian Chen—he had to consider Nameless—injuring him was another matter entirely. When Bu Jingyun stepped in, the Sword Demon finally relented. As one of the key figures in the Sword Festival, Bu Jingyun was off-limits until the event
concluded.
Meanwhile, Duanlang took the opportunity to mock Jian Chen's failure. Jian Chen, for his part, remained silent, unwilling to engage.
"Jian Chen and Chu Chu are quite a match," Daniel observed. Though the timing wasn't ideal, there might still be a chance to pair them together.
If Daniel had arrived before Chu Chu met Bu Jingyun, it would have been an easy matter. Now, things were more complicated. Without Duanlang's schemes, Bu Jingyun might not end up with Chu Chu after all.
In the original story, Jian Chen's downfall and Duanlang's interference played significant roles in Bu Jingyun and Chu Chu's relationship. With Duanlang removed from the equation, Jian Chen might have a chance to grow closer to Chu Chu.
"Not a single one of them plays by the rules."
The Sword Festival was scheduled for the next day at noon. Yet, under the cover of night, numerous individuals crept toward the sword pool, hoping to claim the Peerless Sword in advance. Inevitably, they clashed. Jian Chen once again tried to intervene, but this time, no one gave him any respect.
Normally, Jian Chen's status as the Hero Sword's heir would have earned him some deference. But with the Peerless Sword at stake, no one cared about his lineage. Duanlang, in particular, was the first to attack Jian Chen.
In the ensuing battle, Jian Chen's Hero Sword was shattered by Duanlang's Fire Kirin Sword. This outcome left Duanlang ecstatic. After being humiliated and gravely injured by Daniel in Lingyun Cave, he had been seething with rage.
Duanlang had always considered himself one of the most talented martial artists of his generation, superior to both Nie Feng and Bu Jingyun. He believed that if Xiongba hadn't intervened during the contest for hall master, he wouldn't have lost to Bu Jingyun.
This delusion was shared by some in Daniel's past life. However, in reality, Duanlang couldn't have defeated Bu Jingyun even without Xiongba's interference.
While Duanlang insisted he was more talented than Wind and Cloud, the truth was the opposite. His talent, though exceptional, fell short of theirs. The Southern Sword Master's family techniques were formidable, but they didn't surpass Xiongba's martial arts. Moreover, Bu Jingyun's relentless dedication to vengeance ensured his strength continuously grew. Among Xiongba's three disciples, Bu Jingyun's martial arts were the strongest.
Duanlang, on the other hand, spent much of his time as a servant, leaving him with less training and combat experience. At that time, defeating Bu Jingyun was impossible unless he had already acquired the Fire Kirin Sword.
Xiongba's decision to have Duanlang lose to Bu Jingyun was merely a precaution. The same would have happened had Duanlang faced Nie Feng. After all, the prophecy "A golden carp is no ordinary fish; when it meets Wind and Cloud, it transforms into a dragon" was something Xiongba was determined to fulfill. He wouldn't allow anyone to challenge Wind and Cloud's destined status.
Of course, Duanlang refused to see it this way. He clung to the belief that his defeat was Xiongba's fault, not his own shortcomings.
Now, having shattered the Hero Sword and defeated the disciple of Nameless, Duanlang felt a surge of confidence. He believed his victory proved he was destined for greatness, conveniently ignoring the fact that Jian Chen's inability to unleash the Hero Sword's true power was the real issue.
Jian Chen, devastated by the destruction of the Hero Sword, stood in stunned silence. Meanwhile, Duanlang, emboldened by his perceived success, turned his attention to Bu Jingyun.
As he pressed his advantage, Duanlang reveled in his ability to force Bu Jingyun into retreat. His arrogance grew, and he even claimed that his loss during the hall master contest had been entirely Xiongba's fault.
"Arrogance in triumph... Duanlang, you really should reflect on your name. Duan Lang—'cut off the waves.' It's a warning to stop your reckless behavior."
Using the power of the Fire Kirin Sword to bully Bu Jingyun, whose Kirin Arm had not yet fully matured, was hardly something to brag about.
As one of the Seven Dragon-Slaying Weapons, the Fire Kirin Sword was undeniably powerful. Duanlang's temperament also allowed him to wield it to its full potential. In fact, he could harness its power even better than his father, Duanshuai.
------------------
Enjoying the story? Support the author and get early access to chapters by joining my Patre@n!
Find me at: patre@n*com/Mutter
You can read each novel for $5 or get them all for just $15.
Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]