At this moment, Zhenwu Mountain was already boiling with excitement.
With the Heavenly Sword Daoist's departure, the crowd finally released the cheers they had been holding back.
The disciples of the Zhenwu Sect all wore expressions of fervent passion—this battle had truly left their blood surging.
The Blade Demon's strength had been intimidating enough—his demonic blade was like something out of a nightmare.
Yet the Heavenly Sword Daoist had still come out ahead.
Especially the many young disciples newly joined into the sect—each one secretly swore to become as powerful as the Heavenly Sword Daoist in the future.
Sometimes—
Martial talent wasn't the most critical thing.
Once you had talent, willpower and mental fortitude became more important.
A worthy goal or role model could benefit someone for a lifetime, giving them strength in times of hardship.
And now, the Heavenly Sword Daoist had undoubtedly become such a figure in the hearts of many Zhenwu disciples.
Luo Wentian was full of emotion.
He exchanged a silent glance with his master—both could see the awe in each other's eyes.
Only the two of them knew—the mighty Heavenly Sword Daoist was only eleven years old.
Their trust in Ning Qi grew even deeper.
And beyond the Zhenwu disciples, the martial artists who had traveled from afar to witness the battle were also beyond thrilled—feeling that the journey had been more than worth it.
"It's truly hard to imagine—the Heavenly Sword Daoist is that powerful. We originally thought the Zhenwu Sect would only rise because of the prince's favor. But now… perhaps one day the prince will benefit from the Zhenwu Sect instead," Chen Xing and Chen Yue both sighed.
Time and again, the Heavenly Sword Daoist had shattered their expectations.
They were genuinely happy that their young master had found such an incredible sect.
The Daychaser Sword King quietly told several disciples from the Falling Sun Sword Sect:
"You go back first. I'll stay in Zhenwu City for a while."
After witnessing the Heavenly Sword Daoist's unmatched sword Dao, he couldn't resist staying to meditate upon the Sword Stele.
The Falling Sun Sword Sect disciples looked troubled.
"Ancestor, this…"
The Daychaser Sword King frowned and snapped:
"What, are you saying I no longer have the freedom to act as I please?"
They hurriedly bowed in fear:
"We wouldn't dare, Ancestor. It's just… we also wanted to stay a little longer…"
The Daychaser Sword King was momentarily stunned—then laughed and waved his hand.
Scenes like this played out everywhere.
Many peerless experts, whether incognito or open, planned to remain in Zhenwu City for a time.
Whether it was the Zhenwu Sword Stele or the Myriad Dao Tower, a great wave of activity was on the horizon.
Everyone marveled:
"Who would've thought the Heavenly Sword Daoist would win so decisively? The Blade Demon's strength was no exaggeration—it's just that the Heavenly Sword Daoist was stronger. He's probably already the strongest under the Martial Sage Realm. Even the number one on the Heaven-Man List, Old Man Tingfeng, might not be his match."
"The Blade Demon may have lost, but he lost with honor. Though he failed to reach the Martial Sage Realm, he's shown the path for those to come. There haven't been many like him in a long time."
"After this loss, will we ever see the Blade Demon again?"
Sighs echoed in all directions.
If the Blade Demon truly retired, it would be a tremendous loss for the martial world.
While the crowd buzzed with speculation—
Ning Qi remained calm.
But he, too, felt that it would be a shame if the Blade Demon disappeared as he had twenty years ago.
His eyes flickered—he made a decision.
...
A disheveled old man walked barefoot through the woods.
The Blade Demon had left Zhenwu Mountain, wandering aimlessly.
He looked up at the sky—his dark pupils full of confusion.
He had failed to break through, and his remaining lifespan was about a hundred years.
What should he do now?
He had lost all direction in an instant.
His blade path had already reached the pinnacle.
Moving forward would require a similarly long process of accumulation.
It might not be any easier than becoming a Martial Sage.
With just a hundred years left, he didn't know what to do.
Or rather—anything he did felt meaningless.
Because he was destined to fail.
Even the Blade Demon, with his indomitable heart, now felt despair.
This failed breakthrough had shaken his martial resolve.
"Maybe… it would've been better to die during the breakthrough. What's the point of this ruined body?" the Blade Demon murmured, halting.
A cold voice echoed:
"If that's how you think, can you truly be at peace with yourself?"
The Blade Demon jolted and turned around.
A black-robed Daoist had appeared behind him without notice.
His voice hoarse, the Blade Demon asked:
"Daoist, what guidance do you offer?"
This 'Heavenly Sword Daoist' was not a Formless Qi Body—it was Ning Qi himself, in disguise.
He looked at the dispirited Blade Demon and shook his head in disappointment.
"If this is your mindset, then I shouldn't have saved you earlier."
The Blade Demon's pupils contracted—he remained silent.
Ning Qi stood with hands behind his back, gazing up at the sky.
His voice was calm, but it carried a boldness the Blade Demon could not fathom:
"A hundred years—is that so little?"
He truly believed this.
He had only walked the martial path for eleven years himself.
He couldn't even imagine what he might accomplish in a hundred.
The Blade Demon was stunned.
It was like thunder cracking in his mind.
A hundred years—why couldn't he forge a new path?
Looking back—
He had started with sword training, then dual cultivated sword and blade, surpassing his peers.
Later, he gave up the sword entirely and focused solely on the blade, reaching the pinnacle.
The road had never been easy—but he had never given up.
So why now, after one failure, was he suddenly ready to give up martial cultivation—ready to die?
Cold sweat drenched his back—he abruptly awakened.
He realized the terror he had felt during his breakthrough had given rise to an inner demon.
Had the Heavenly Sword Daoist not appeared to shake him awake, he might have been lost forever.
This was not the path he wanted.
The Blade Demon bowed deeply:
"Thank you, Daoist, for waking me up. I owe you yet another favor."
First he had saved his life.
Then he had broken his inner demon.
This was no small debt.
He said nothing like 'willing to die in your service.'
He simply etched the favor deep into his heart.
Ning Qi, back still to him, said:
"How about a deal?"
The Blade Demon blinked, then said solemnly:
"I'm listening, Daoist."
Ning Qi said flatly:
"Help me guard Zhenwu Mountain for ten years. Within that time, I'll give you a method for becoming a Martial Sage."
This was Ning Qi's plan all along.
The Zhenwu Sect was not entirely safe.
There were secret threats from the Demonic Sect and the Southern Alliance.
He didn't dare stray too far.
But if someone like the Blade Demon stood guard, he could rest easy leaving the mountain now and then.
Moreover—
If the Blade Demon stayed, they could exchange ideas about the Martial Sage path.
It might even provide Ning Qi with inspiration.
The Blade Demon's pupils contracted—he looked at the black-robed figure in disbelief.
"You have that much confidence, Daoist?"
He had no real objection to the deal itself.
Having received two great favors, even without repayment he would guard Zhenwu Mountain for ten or twenty years—it wouldn't delay his own path.
But what shocked him was Ning Qi's promise.
To provide a method for reaching the Martial Sage Realm within ten years.
Having just failed himself, he knew how hard that was.
Ning Qi smiled faintly.
He said nothing—just raised one finger.
Instantly, a surge of demonic blade intent burst from him.
Its terrifying force twisted the void.
Just as the blade intent was about to strike the Blade Demon—it vanished.
But the Blade Demon stood frozen, like a statue.
How could he not recognize that blade intent?
"You… you… how do you…"
He was speechless.
Even when he had lost to Ning Qi, he hadn't been this shocked.
This was unbelievable.
His own blade intent had been learned by someone else—at the same level of mastery.
What he saw now nearly overturned his worldview.
Ning Qi turned around and simply smiled, saying nothing.
The Blade Demon gradually regained his senses, but the shock in his eyes only deepened.
He now realized—
During their fight, the Heavenly Sword Daoist had learned his blade intent.
But wasn't that… too monstrous?
How could such a freak of nature exist?
At that moment, the black-robed Daoist in front of him seemed more mysterious than ever.
And when he recalled Ning Qi's earlier promise—his heart began to race.
A surge of hope rose within him.
Maybe… he really could obtain the Martial Sage method?
If not in ten years, then twenty, thirty—even a hundred.
There would always be hope.
The Blade Demon took a deep breath and voiced the doubt in his heart:
"Compared to you, Daoist, I'm far inferior. Why do you need me to guard Zhenwu Mountain?"
Ning Qi said:
"I'll be honest. The Zhenwu Sect has offended the Demonic Sect and the Southern Alliance. Within two or three years, one of them may produce a Martial Sage.
"Though they may rely on external power to do so, they'll likely come to Zhenwu as a show of force.
"Would you be willing to stand against them?"
To his surprise—
The Blade Demon showed no hesitation.
His dark eyes lit up as he laughed:
"To have the chance to fight a Martial Sage—how could I say no?
"If you're willing to trust me, I won't betray that trust.
"And if one day you reach the Martial Sage Realm—please do not hesitate to spar with me."
Ning Qi smiled.
"Of course."
His heart relaxed—he had made the right choice.
"During normal times, stay in the restricted area at the back of Zhenwu Mountain.
"Most of the time, you won't need to act.
"But if I'm not around, and the sect faces a crisis they can't handle—I'll count on you."
"Understood."
With that—
Ning Qi departed at ease.
There were no restraints between them.
After crossing swords, they knew—
They were the same type of person.
Firm in their pursuit of the Dao.
They wouldn't break such a promise lightly—it would tarnish their own will.
The Blade Demon watched the black-robed figure leave, still awestruck.
That demonic blade intent lingered vividly in his mind.
"Such a terrifying person… truly peerless throughout the ages."
Suddenly, he paused.
He thought of the Heavenly Sword Daoist's actions—erecting the Zhenwu Sword Stele and founding the Myriad Dao Tower.
His shock deepened.
"Maybe… he really can walk the path of a Martial Sage…"
The Blade Demon's figure vanished—his confusion was gone.
He had found his purpose again.
...
No one knew about Ning Qi and the Blade Demon's ten-year pact.
But the world had already been shaken.
Details of the battle between the Heavenly Sword Daoist and the Blade Demon spread like wildfire across the thirteen provinces—and even beyond the borders of Great Yan.
One top-tier martial sect after another was shocked.
Even hidden clans and sects had heard of it.
The commotion caused by the Blade Demon was simply too great.
A storm that had lasted for over half a year finally came to a close in this fashion.
All the prestige that the Blade Demon had accumulated was ultimately handed over to the Heavenly Sword Daoist on a silver platter.
After this battle, the Heavenly Sword Daoist's reputation had already reached the pinnacle of Great Yan.
Countless swordsmen were ecstatic.
Ever since the Blade Demon appeared and ranked third on the Heaven-Man List, firmly above the fifth-ranked Daychaser Sword King, he had now finally been defeated by another peerless sword cultivator.
In terms of peak combat power and numbers on the Heaven-Man List, swordsmen now comprehensively outclassed blade masters.
Not to mention, the Heavenly Sword Daoist had even reached the legendary pinnacle of the Sword Dao—
While the Blade Demon had only reached the pinnacle of the Blade Path with the Daoist's help.
And so—
The age-old debate between sword and blade had ended in victory for the sword.
From now on, those who practiced sword arts would surge like clouds, gradually forming a dominant trend.
Countless swordsmen now idolized the Heavenly Sword Daoist, feeling honored by association.
Discussions rang out across the martial world.
Martial artists continually made their way to Zhenwu Mountain, seeking to comprehend the Zhenwu Sword Stele and Myriad Dao Tower.
Unseen and unspoken—
The prestige of the Zhenwu Sect grew with each passing day.
As long as the Heavenly Sword Daoist remained—
Almost no one dared provoke Zhenwu Sect.
Each day, the sect transformed at astonishing speed.
Luo Wentian was exhausted but elated, so busy he could barely find time to cultivate—
Yet when he looked at how much the sect was changing, his joy was sincere.
Now that the Zhenwu Sect's fame was spreading far and wide—
Many Heaven-Man List experts had come to comprehend the Sword Stele and the Myriad Dao Tower.
Having benefited from Zhenwu Sect, they would also serve as a strong deterrent against the Demonic Sect.
Luo Wentian could clearly feel it.
The prying gaze of the Demonic Sect had sharply decreased, giving him a sense of security.
Meanwhile—
At the Demonic Sect and Southern Alliance, the mood was noticeably grim.
They had hoped the Heavenly Sword Daoist would be defeated or even severely wounded by the Blade Demon.
But unexpectedly, it was the Blade Demon who lost—
Elevating the Heavenly Sword Daoist's prestige to new heights.
"Pinnacle of the Sword Dao… this Heavenly Sword Daoist truly is extraordinary."
Even as adversaries, members of the Demonic Sect couldn't help but sigh.
They knew—
Even within the Demonic Sect, those who had reached such a level could be counted on one hand.
Perhaps only one.
The high-ranking members of the Demonic Sect were gathered.
Lin Xueshuang had already gone to the Ten Thousand Mountains, but the other two Vice Sect Masters were not in the central seat.
Instead, sitting in the center was a silver-haired elder—the Grand Elder of the Demonic Sect.
"Grand Elder, should we inform the Sect Master about this?" Xiang Tianxing suggested.
The silver-haired elder pondered briefly, then shook his head:
"No need. The Sect Master has been in seclusion for sixty years. Since we're not planning to move against the Zhenwu Sect for now, there's no reason to disturb him. Let him continue studying the Martial Sage method."
Ghostmask sighed.
"We don't even know how the Sect Master is doing.
"He's been at the pinnacle for over a century, and he has the insights of our Sacred Sect's many predecessors.
"If he succeeds, and we use a Sacred Pill to assist, we could have two Martial Sages.
"What need would we have to fear the Great Yan Martial Sage—or ally with the Southern Alliance?"
Everyone was silent.
They had once held confidence in this.
But the Blade Demon's failed breakthrough had made them uneasy.
This path was simply too difficult.
Without external help, even with eight hundred years of life, one might still not succeed.
They would need generations to explore the path.
But the Great Yan Dynasty likely wouldn't give them that much time.
Their prolonged conflict with Great Yan had not come without cost.
The Grand Elder looked around solemnly and said:
"No matter whether the Sect Master succeeds or not, the refinement of the Sacred Pill must not be delayed.
"That old sword cultivator has terrifying strength—he is not to be underestimated.
"For now, stop all operations against Zhenwu Sect.
"Every effort must go toward refining the Sacred Pill."
"I'll say this one more time:
"The Sacred Pill is the greatest secret of our Sacred Sect.
"Anyone who dares to pry into it—"
"Dies!"
As his words fell, a powerful pressure blanketed the room.
Even the two Vice Sect Masters shuddered with reverence in their eyes.
"Yes, Grand Elder!"
...
At the same time—
Things weren't much different in the Southern Alliance.
Senior members of many tribes were also discussing the matter.
The Southern Alliance was a coalition of many tribes.
Naturally, it lacked the centralized power of the Demonic Sect.
Its highest decision-making body was the Council of Elders—composed of nine elders from the nine most powerful tribes.
When major issues arose, the council would vote to decide.
In recent years, the alliance had grown more unified.
Subtle assimilation was taking place quietly.
Many tribes now prioritized the alliance's interests over their own.
Especially among the younger generation.
Lan Yiyi was currently reporting on the battle between the Heavenly Sword Daoist and the Blade Demon:
"Elders, that's the situation.
"The Heavenly Sword Daoist's strength is now immeasurable.
"Looking at our entire alliance, perhaps only Lord Gu God could match him."
At the mention of Gu God, her eyes flickered faintly.
The elders were all startled.
"So the Heavenly Sword Daoist was hiding such depth… terrifyingly shrewd.
"Since enmity has already formed, we must kill him without mercy!" said one elder with ruddy cheeks.
But another elder, tall and robust, countered:
"Pinnacle of the Sword Dao—such strength…
"Are you saying we should send Lord Gu God personally?
"You'd risk our entire alliance's grand plans for this?"
"Then what—let the Zhenwu Sect run wild?
"They destroyed our base in Qingzhou.
"If we don't avenge this, we'll be a laughingstock!"
"If we can't endure small grievances, we'll ruin the greater cause.
"The big picture must come first!"
The elders argued back and forth—some aggressive, some cautious.
Lan Yiyi felt an inexplicable irritation.
But she could not interrupt them, so she quietly lowered her head.
Finally—
A stern shout rang out.
Elder Lanhe spoke:
"If we can't agree, let's stick to tradition—vote.
"I believe the priority now is to cultivate the Blood Emperor Gu.
"If a Martial Sage is born, a mere Heavenly Sword Daoist is nothing.
"There's no need to disturb Lord Gu God at such a crucial moment."
Everyone fell silent.
Then the vote began.
In the end, it passed 5 to 4—
All actions against the Zhenwu Sect would be suspended.
The elder with the ruddy cheeks looked sour.
He glanced at Lanhe, then at Lan Yiyi, and suddenly smiled:
"Saintess, how is your secret technique progressing?
"Don't delay important matters."
The Southern Alliance Saintess, silent until now, trembled slightly.
She replied coldly:
"No need for Redflame Elder to worry.
"Yiyi has been training diligently."
With that, she bowed to the elders and withdrew.
As Lan Yiyi left the pavilion, the muffled sounds of argument still echoed behind her—
But she remained expressionless, exuding a chilling aura that kept others at bay.
Someone cautiously approached and whispered:
"Saintess, someone from the Demonic Sect seeks your audience."
"Who?" Lan Yiyi's eyes were full of frost.
"He called himself Qin Yun."