Chapter 452: Imperial Sword Mountain Struggle
Li Hao was slightly surprised. Judging from the tone of Li Tiemu's voice, something significant was happening.
Without delay, he grabbed his outer robe, then, like a breeze, soared toward Sword Immortal Pavilion and landed outside the hall.
At the plaza, a large number of disciples had already gathered.
As he descended, Li Hao scanned the crowd and noticed that aside from a few Heavenly Academy disciples, there were also a large number of Earth Academy disciples, their numbers reaching over a thousand.
These disciples noticed his Heavenly Academy robes and subtly observed him, but none seemed to recognize him.
In the crowd, Li Hao spotted Li Tiemu, standing alongside Zhou Qingyun and an elderly woman leaning on a cane.
The three stood side by side, indicating their equal status.
Xu Jianming had already arrived and stood beneath the steps in front of Li Tiemu.
Without hesitation, Li Hao flew over to join him.
"You're here."
Xu Jianming sensed Li Hao's presence but did not turn around, simply transmitting his voice:
"I heard this is about an opportunity to comprehend the Imperial Sword Technique."
"Imperial Sword Technique?"
Li Hao was surprised.
Sword Abyss contained two ancient sword techniques, rumored to be remnants of a Celestial Emperor from ten thousand years ago, imbued with the essence of Imperial Dao.
It was Sword Abyss' most powerful legacy.
If one could comprehend even a portion of these techniques, they would be almost unrivaled within their cultivation realm.
It was the pursuit and dream of every Sword Abyss disciple.
The Imperial Sword Cliff was where the previous chief disciple left his mark after comprehending one of the techniques.
As they exchanged thoughts, Wei Hongye and Yue Xi arrived, descending beside them.
Following seniority, Wei Hongye stood at the front.
"The Senior Brother hasn't arrived yet?"
Wei Hongye turned to ask Xu Jianming.
Xu Jianming replied in a low voice, "I heard he returned from the border, but he might still be receiving his military commendation. He should arrive later."
Wei Hongye nodded.
As Yue Xi stepped past Li Hao, she glanced at him, her voice soft:
"It's been almost two years. Why haven't you left your name on Imperial Sword Cliff?"
Li Hao smiled and replied casually:
"Too lazy to go."
"..."
Yue Xi's gaze darkened slightly.
Her fingers clenched ever so faintly.
But she said nothing more and simply stood in front of Li Hao, her long, elegant hair swaying slightly in the wind.
Her tall, noble, and mesmerizing presence attracted countless gazes.
Her previous feat at Imperial Sword Cliff had already etched her name in many disciples' memories.
Except for those in secluded cultivation, nearly everyone recognized her.
Before long, Lu Wuchen arrived.
He was clad in a simple blue robe, his expression cold and indifferent.
He gave a slight nod to Li Hao and the others before stepping forward to stand ahead of Wei Hongye.
Then—
A new figure descended, causing a small commotion in the crowd.
Li Hao turned to look—
It was the new junior disciple, Gu Yan.
Gu Yan was dressed in black robes, with dark red flame patterns along the sleeves—subtle yet exuding a fierce aura.
Compared to before, his expression was no longer as numb, though his eyes held a calm coldness.
As he landed, he scanned the group briefly before silently stepping behind Li Hao.
Yue Xi's gaze sharpened as she observed him.
When he finally settled behind Li Hao, she withdrew her gaze.
However—
Her fingers clenched even tighter inside her sleeves, her delicate lips pursed firmly, and even her usually rosy fingertips turned slightly pale.
At that moment—
Xu Jianming suddenly spoke:
"Fifth Junior Sister is here."
Li Hao and Yue Xi turned to see a young girl in a flowing green robe gracefully approaching.
She appeared to be sixteen or seventeen years old, with delicate features, a natural radiance, and a youthful softness.
Despite her innocent appearance, her hands were tucked behind her back, giving her an air of nonchalant confidence.
"You three are the new disciples?"
She didn't land immediately, instead hovering slightly above the ground, leaning forward as she inspected Li Hao, Yue Xi, and Gu Yan.
A playful smile danced on her lips.
"Yeah," Li Hao nodded.
Yue Xi gazed at the young girl who seemed even younger than herself and simply nodded slightly.
Gu Yan's expression remained neutral, bordering on detached.
He said nothing.
The girl's gaze flickered across the lineup, eventually settling on Gu Yan, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Smiling, she said:
"I heard from Master that you're Innate Sword Immortal Physique? Already at True Immortal Fourth Realm?"
"How about we have a spar sometime? I'll suppress my cultivation, so it won't be unfair."
Gu Yan responded calmly:
"No need."
The moment he spoke, the atmosphere quieted slightly.
As if realizing his tone was a bit abrupt, he slowly added:
"I want to test myself."
Only then did the young girl smile, her lively eyes narrowing slightly.
"Alright, it's a deal then."
With that, she cheerfully stepped past Yue Xi, standing directly in front of her.
Hearing this exchange, Yue Xi's heart stirred.
When she first arrived, she had just reached True Immortal Third Realm.
Now, after over a year of training, she had only recently broken through to True Immortal Fourth Realm.
Gu Yan—
Had already caught up?
Her emotions grew even more complex.
Yue Xi glanced at Gu Yan, who was of equal cultivation level to herself.
If they were to engage in an all-out duel, she wanted to see whether she would lose, and if so, where exactly she would fall short.
As this thought surfaced in her mind, more and more Heavenly Academy disciples arrived.
After a while, when no more disciples appeared, another long stretch of time passed before a figure swept through the sky, arriving at Sword Immortal Pavilion.
He remained suspended in mid-air, slightly cupping his hands toward the three elders before him and bowing slightly.
"Ji Qingxuan apologizes for arriving late. I seek your forgiveness."
The moment he arrived, the entire plaza fell into an even deeper silence.
Li Hao raised his eyes slightly, narrowing them—
This is our Senior Brother?
"No matter," Zhou Qingyun smiled, saying,
"I heard you slew seven Ancient Demon Commanders at the Yanchu border, earning great immortal military merits. What rank did the Immortal Dynasty award you?"
At these words, murmurs of shock erupted from the gathered disciples.
Ancient Demon Commanders—
These were Celestial Lord-level existences!
To slay seven of them on a vast battlefield was already an incredible feat.
And to return unscathed was even more astonishing!
"If we're talking about merits and ranks, shouldn't that be a Second-Class Demon Subjugation Guard?"
The elderly woman with the cane had a look of approval and admiration in her eyes.
Beside her, Li Tiemu maintained a calm smile, but he could hardly contain the pride gleaming in his eyes.
After all, Ji Qingxuan was his most prized disciple.
"Such a small military achievement is not worth mentioning. The elders flatter me."
Ji Qingxuan clearly did not wish to discuss it further.
His tone was modest and subdued as he landed in front of Lu Wuchen, taking his place.
Yue Xi focused her gaze on this handsome yet mature Senior Brother.
From him, she felt an immense pressure—
This was not the pressure of the True Immortal Realm.
Rather—
It was the pressure of a Celestial Lord!
Behind Li Hao, Gu Yan also did something unusual.
He leaned slightly forward, peering over Li Hao's shoulder, his gaze lingering on Ji Qingxuan's back.
But after a brief moment, he withdrew his gaze, his thoughts unreadable.
"Seven Ancient Demon Commanders…"
Unlike the others, Li Hao was not in awe.
Instead, he felt…
Hungry.
His stomach even growled slightly.
If all seven Ancient Demon Commanders were roasted and cooked, how much Primordial Spirit Bone could he refine?
While his thoughts drifted into culinary fantasies, Li Tiemu's voice snapped him back to reality.
Li Hao looked up to see that Li Tiemu's expression had turned solemn.
There was none of his usual carefree attitude.
Even his usual ragged attire was absent—
Instead, he was clad in a dark Elder's robe, exuding a deep and imposing aura.
"Today, we have gathered you all because the Abyss Lord has decided to prioritize your training and will be opening the Imperial Sword Quota.
Whoever proves themselves worthy shall have the opportunity to comprehend the Imperial Sword Technique!"
The moment these words fell, the entire plaza erupted into murmurs—
Shock.
Excitement.
Anticipation.
The Abyss Lord.
The Master of Sword Abyss, an elusive figure of unfathomable strength.
A Celestial King.
An existence so powerful that he was considered one of the dominators of the True Realm.
The Imperial Sword Quota was usually handpicked by the elders.
But now, it was open for competition?
Many disciples felt their hearts race, their eyes burning with ambition.
"You are all aware that the Southern Domain Battle is approaching."
"This will reshape the balance of power in the Southern Domain."
"And for our Great Dream Nine Abyss Sect, it is the best chance to reclaim the former glory of the Heavenly One Sect!"
Li Tiemu's voice rang powerfully across the crowd.
His gaze was sharp as he declared:
"Our sect will select the most monstrous prodigies to seize this opportunity!"
"As such, our sect will open every cultivation resource. If you have the talent and determination, this will be your chance to ascend to the peak in a single leap!"
His words shook the hearts of every disciple.
Some even trembled with excitement.
"This time, the Imperial Sword Quota is completely open, and those who qualify will be granted early access to the Imperial Sword Domain to comprehend the Imperial Sword Technique!"
Li Tiemu's eyes swept over the disciples as he continued:
"This is an opportunity granted by the heavens.
But whether you can pass the trials and claim it—
That depends on you."
"Indeed."
Zhou Qingyun took over, smiling slightly.
"The trials are not complicated."
"The Abyss Lord has established seven trials on Imperial Sword Mountain."
"If you overcome all seven and reach the summit—"
"You will secure the quota and earn the chance to comprehend the Imperial Sword Technique."
"And—"
"There are no limits on the number of winners."
"As long as you pass all seven trials—"
"You will earn the right to comprehend the Imperial Sword Technique."
The moment these words fell, the plaza descended into chaos—
The crowd exploded into cheers.
"The sect is really going all out this time!"
Xu Jianming sighed in admiration.
"I'll see you at the summit, then."
Fifth Senior Sister Murong Qingwu chuckled.
"It won't be that easy."
Xu Jianming shook his head, but his expression showed no concern.
Instead, his gaze shifted toward the back—
Toward Li Hao.
"Junior Brothers, Junior Sister—"
"This is an opportunity you must seize."
Yue Xi's expression was solemn.
She knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
But—
She had only been here for less than two years.
Xu Jianming's reasoning was sound—
The trials were bound to be brutal.
Could she really pass?
Although she believed her talent was strong, she had joined too recently.
Could she truly stand among the top prodigies?
"This challenge is primarily for the Earth Academy and Heavenly Academy disciples."
"Profound Academy disciples stand no chance and need not participate."
The elderly woman with the cane gently tapped the void—
A wave of spatial power rippled from her staff.
Immediately, a curved rift tore through the sky above.
Beyond it—
A towering mountain loomed.
Though called a mountain, it was divided into seven layers—
Each layer had been severed by an unknown force, floating separately in the air.
Li Hao cast a glance at the elderly woman, sensing the spatial fluctuations emanating from her.
However, those fluctuations were not particularly deep—only at the first level of Spatial Dao comprehension.
"This Imperial Sword Mountain consists of seven layers.
The first layer is guarded by one hundred True Immortal Realm Fifth-Level Spirit Clan warriors!"
The elderly woman's gaze was fixed on the mountain beyond the spatial rift.
But as soon as these words left her mouth—
The entire plaza fell into silence.
The previously excited cheers were instantly stifled.
The first layer alone had a hundred True Immortal Realm Fifth-Level enemies?
This was just the beginning?
"The second layer is guarded by fifty True Immortal Realm Sixth-Level Demon Clan warriors!"
"The third layer has twenty True Immortal Realm Seventh-Level Demon Clan warriors!"
"The fourth layer has ten True Immortal Realm Eighth-Level Demon Clan warriors!"
"The fifth layer contains three True Immortal Realm Sixth-Level Ancient Demons!"
"The sixth layer has a single True Immortal Realm Eighth-Level Ancient Demon!"
"And the seventh and final layer—"
"Houses a True Immortal Realm Ninth-Level Ancestral Dragon!"
As her voice faded, the entire plaza fell into dead silence.
Even the sound of a pin dropping could be heard.
An open quota?
Everyone had a chance?
What kind of sick joke was this?!
If they didn't want to give the opportunity, they could've just said so!
Some of the Earth Academy disciples looked like they were about to cry.
Internally, they were cursing profusely.
Seven trials—
Each more insane than the last!
And the seventh layer—
A True Immortal Ninth-Level Ancestral Dragon?!
The Ancestral Dragon Clan was a monstrous existence.
At the same cultivation level, they could contend with Ancient Demons.
Though their Primordial Spirit was slightly weaker than Ancient Demons, they were overwhelming in sheer physical strength.
This meant that to pass the final layer, one would need the full power of a perfected True Immortal!
Yet among everyone present, there were only a handful of disciples who had even reached the peak of the True Immortal Realm.
"…This is insane."
Even Xu Jianming couldn't help but click his tongue.
Wei Hongye's expression grew serious.
Murong Qingwu, who had previously been lighthearted and carefree, now had her gaze fixed on Imperial Sword Mountain, her smile completely gone.
Yue Xi's face had turned pale.
This was an opportunity, but it was also clear—
She had no chance.
Sensing the heavy atmosphere in the plaza, Li Tiemu let out a light chuckle.
His tone became noticeably more relaxed, as he said:
"Yes, the trials are difficult—"
"But you shouldn't lose heart just yet."
"After all, those who have been accepted into Sword Abyss are already among the top talents of their realm."
"Slaying enemies one or two realms above your own is not impossible—"
"And this challenge is meant to find the best among the best!"
"Though difficult—"
"It is not entirely impossible."
"I heard that not long ago, in Celestial Palace, a disciple at True Immortal Realm Third-Level managed to slay a True Immortal Realm Ninth-Level opponent."
"If you want to make a name for yourself in the Southern Domain, you'll need this level of power."
"What do you all think?"
Many disciples exchanged uncertain glances.
The logic made sense.
But actually achieving it was about as realistic as ascending to the heavens.
"And besides—"
"This selection process will last for two full years!"
The moment these words fell, Yue Xi's pale expression changed—
A spark reignited in her eyes.
Two years.
A monumental challenge.
But it wasn't impossible.
This meant she still had a chance!
It would be difficult—
But if she wanted to defy fate, to carve a path for the Cataclysmic Race, she had no choice but to fight against all odds!
"This trial has only one rule—"
"You are forbidden from using external weapons or taking immortal pills."
"You can only rely on the weapons provided by the sect."
Zhou Qingyun added.
This was to prevent certain disciples from using external aids to cheat.
Some disciples came from powerful backgrounds, and if they brought immortal-grade weapons or high-level elixirs, the trial would be a joke.
The moment these words were spoken, certain disciples' expressions turned sour.
Clearly, some of them had been planning to exploit their external advantages.
"You may now proceed."
"In every trial, elders will be stationed to monitor the situation."
"If you are in danger, you may call for help."
"But—"
"If there isn't enough time to call for help—"
"Then you will simply have to accept your fate."
"After all—"
"Opportunity is always accompanied by danger."
"This is a lesson you should have already learned."
At these words, all the disciples grew solemn.
Even with the devastating difficulty ahead, their initial despair and hesitation slowly began to transform into determination.
This was a chance to comprehend the Imperial Sword Technique—
If they gave up now, they would never have another opportunity to stand at the peak.
All cultivators seek to ascend to the peak.
And now, the gate was open.
All that remained—
Was to see who could survive the climb.
"I'll be heading up first."
"I'll see you all at the summit."
At the forefront, Ji Qingxuan turned around, his gaze sweeping past Lu Wuchen before settling on the others.
For someone who had already slain seven Ancient Demon Commanders, these trials were insignificant.
"I heard that some of you only recently became disciples."
"You're still new to sect training."
"Don't force yourselves."
"These trials are extremely dangerous."
His tone was calm and composed, as though he didn't expect them to pass.
However, when he looked at Yue Xi, Li Hao, and Gu Yan, none of them reacted.
Clearly, a single warning wouldn't change their determination.
Seeing this, Ji Qingxuan did not insist further.
He simply turned around and strode into the rift.
As soon as he stepped through, the senior disciples of Zhou Qingyun and the elderly woman with the cane bid farewell to their junior disciples—
Then, they too followed Ji Qingxuan into Imperial Sword Mountain.
"Let's go."
Lu Wuchen, as usual, kept his words brief. With just a simple remark, he followed the others into the passage.
Wei Hongye glanced at Yue Xi and said, "Don't push yourself too hard."
Though she hadn't spent much time with this younger junior sister, she had already grasped her personality. That was why she specifically warned her.
Yue Xi gave a slight nod but kept her eyes locked on Imperial Sword Mountain.
Wei Hongye sighed lightly, knowing full well that her words had likely fallen on deaf ears.
Personality shapes fate, and if fate cannot be changed, then neither can personality.
She said nothing further and stepped forward, heading toward the mountain.
"Let's go. You too, don't push yourself."
Xu Jianming waved at Li Hao as he stepped toward the passage.
Li Hao chuckled and followed him.
At the same time, the Earth Academy disciples waited until all the Heaven Academy disciples had entered before they finally mustered up their courage and flew into the passage one after another.
"This trial is incredibly difficult... I wonder how many will actually pass."
The elderly woman, watching the numerous disciples disappear into the spatial tunnel, let out a soft sigh.
Li Tiemu, for once, did not have his usual carefree smirk.
His expression was grave and serious, and his tone was deep and firm.
"If the trial were easy, how would we select the greatest prodigies?"
"If we can't even conquer the battlefield of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, how can we ever hope to make a name for ourselves in the Southern Domain?"
"If we wish to elevate our sect's ranking and reclaim the glory of the past, then we must be willing to fight and shed blood."
"The world is always changing, the sun and moon forever shifting—"
"Just as we once replaced another sect, burying them in the annals of history..."
Zhou Qingyun knew his old friend's personality.
With a sigh, he patted Li Tiemu's shoulder.
"Don't be so stubborn."
Li Tiemu's expression changed slightly, and he flicked his hand aside, shaking off Zhou Qingyun's touch.
His gaze sharpened as he stared directly at him.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Are you suggesting that we should stop striving for greatness?"
"Should we just sit back and watch as other sects trample over us?"
"Do you have any idea why our disciples are always sent to the battlefield?"
"Why we have no right to refuse when Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty calls upon us?"
"Because we are not yet the true Tianyi Sect!"
"If we had the power of the old Tianyi Sect, we wouldn't even need to obey their commands!"
Zhou Qingyun fell silent for a moment.
Then he muttered, "I'm not saying we shouldn't fight—"
He paused mid-sentence, as if he couldn't quite put his thoughts into words.
In the end, he just shook his head and sighed.
Seeing that the conversation was turning tense, the elderly woman quickly changed the topic.
"Old Li, you've truly struck gold this time—"
"You managed to recruit a descendant of the Ancient Immortal Lineage—"
"Not just any, but a Natural Sword Immortal Physique."
"But it's a shame... he's too new to the sect. He might not be ready for this trial."
"Not necessarily."
Li Tiemu shook his head, his gaze fixed on Imperial Sword Mountain, where countless disciples were already charging toward the first trial.
"Two years…"
"For him, that's more than enough time."
"You all have no idea how terrifying a Natural Sword Immortal Physique truly is."
"I'm almost certain—"
"His Sword Dao comprehension has already reached the Fourth Stage of Sword Origin!"
"Fourth stage?!"
Both Zhou Qingyun and the elderly woman were visibly shocked.
Their eyes filled with disbelief.
"That's right."
"Even when he studied Sword Abyss Tower's most advanced sword techniques—"
"He only needed a few practice sessions before mastering them to perfection."
Li Tiemu's eyes gleamed with an intense radiance.
Only he knew how monstrous the prodigy he had recruited truly was.
"How... is that even possible?"
For the first time in a long while, Zhou Qingyun and the elderly woman were speechless.
After a while, Zhou Qingyun muttered,
"...Where the hell did you find this freak?"
Li Tiemu rolled his eyes.
"You think I spend every day running around aimlessly?"
"There's still time before the Southern Domain Grand Tournament—"
"Give that kid some time."
"Between him and Qingxuan, our Sword Abyss Sect will finally have a chance to stand above the other sects!"
Zhou Qingyun and the elderly woman exchanged glances.
Both of them sighed, a hint of envy in their eyes.
"Seriously... I have no idea what kind of insane luck you have."
"Having Ji Qingxuan alone was already unfair—"
"And now you've found a Natural Sword Immortal Physique?"
"Not to mention, you've also taken in two prodigies with Eternal Dao Hearts..."
"Your sect alone has recruited some of the rarest geniuses."
Zhou Qingyun shook his head helplessly.
Hearing this, Li Tiemu couldn't help but smile.
Even he had to admit—
His luck had been ridiculously good lately.
"Those two prodigies with Eternal Dao Hearts are a bit unfortunate, though."
"If they had just five more years, they'd definitely be contenders."
Zhou Qingyun's mouth twitched.
He snapped back,
"Are you not satisfied yet?"
"You already have Ji Qingxuan and a Natural Sword Immortal Physique."
"You think you're going to sweep all four spots?"
"Oh—wait—"
"We haven't even mentioned Lu Wuchen yet."
"That silent guy may not talk much, but he's also a force to be reckoned with!"
"Don't forget Wei Hongye either."
"If she pushes herself, she might secure a place as well."
The more Zhou Qingyun talked, the more frustrated he became.
He almost wanted to choke Li Tiemu until he spit out at least one disciple.
Li Tiemu, however, couldn't stop grinning.
He quickly put on a modest act, waving his hand as if to downplay his success.
"Ah, don't say that—"
"You also have some talented disciples!"
"Zhou Minyu, for example, and that Gongsun brat—"
The elderly woman rolled her eyes, clearly uninterested in hearing him brag further.
Instead, she turned her gaze toward Imperial Sword Mountain and said:
"Look—"
"They're about to start."
"The Sword Abyss Sect Master is already waiting at the summit."
"If any of them manage to impress him, they might just receive direct personal guidance."
At this, all three elders fell into silence, their gazes fixed on the towering, seven-layered mountain.
At that moment—
The battle for the Imperial Sword began.