Chapter 351 Showing Strength
Seeing Gu Yun make his move, Xiao Xuan finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thankfully, I ran into such a meddlesome fool; I've barely managed to overcome this difficult hurdle."
"Brother, I'll help you!"
He leaped high, his gaze sweeping over the three individuals before finally landing on Ling Xiaoyao.
Compared to Ximen Qingyun and Chu Fengyun, Ling Xiaoyao was only at the Xiantai Realm's second stage, making him the weakest.
Meanwhile, the others, seeing these Rust Sword owners suddenly start a big battle among themselves, exchanged bewildered glances.
"What the hell is going on? Why are they fighting each other?"
Logically, the nine Rust Sword owners should help each other to maximize their interests.
But now, due to Gu Yun's sudden appearance and alignment, the situation had devolved into utter chaos.
"What… what should we do?"
"Are you an idiot? This is a perfect opportunity to watch the tigers fight; what else is there to do?"
One cultivator sneered.
"Oh, right! When two tigers fight, one is bound to get hurt, and when they both suffer, it will only benefit us!"
After realizing this, most cultivators gathered together.
They waited for the battle to yield a result favorable to them.
…
"Shi Qingwu?!"
"Are you insane?!"
Chu Fengyun's expression changed drastically, hastily blocking with his long sword.
He had been relatively calm before because he didn't recognize the suddenly appearing individuals; the deceiving heaven mask concealed their auras, making them feel both familiar and strange.
Therefore, he hadn't paid much attention, dismissing them as mere nobodies, not worth mentioning.
But Shi Qingwu was different; this goddess of Xuanfeng Immortal Palace was renowned even among the Nine Great Immortal Palaces.
He had never expected that, in this situation, she would suddenly attack him!
"Clang—!"
Shi Qingwu remained silent, simply continuing to strike with her sword.
Amidst the clang of metal, Chu Fengyun retreated seven steps, his tiger's mouth splitting open.
What shocked him even more was that the azure Sword Qi entwined around Shi Qingwu's sword tip actually suppressed his own Ice Sword Qi!
Could this goddess, who had always been suppressed by Feng Wuhen, possess such terrifying strength?!
Wasn't she only at the Xiantai Realm's second stage?!
Looking up, Chu Fengyun's expression grew even uglier.
He saw that this goddess hadn't even truly looked at him; her gaze was fixed on the young man beside her.
It never wavered.
"This guy…"
"Why is he holding back so much?"
Shi Qingwu was puzzled; with his ability to instantly kill Feng Wuhen, a mere Ximen Qingyun should not have been able to withstand a single one of his sword strikes.
Yet, now, the two were locked in an incredibly fierce battle, fighting back and forth, turning the world upside down.
Although Shi Qingwu was bewildered, her current opponent seemed to have lost his patience.
"How dare you ignore me?!"
"Shi Qingwu!!!"
Chu Fengyun roared in fury, the surrounding temperature seemingly dropping to freezing point in that instant.
"Shut up, you're annoying me!!!"
Interrupting her watching Gu Yun?
This Chu Fengyun had found his path to death!!
A sharp, cold glare swept across her eyes, and with a single sword stroke, a fierce gust of wind roared out.
Chu Fengyun's expression changed drastically, his body twisting into an extremely bizarre arc, yet he was still struck in the abdomen by that Sword Qi.
"Pfft—!"
Blood gushed from his mouth as if it were free, and a large pool of blood also spread from his waist and abdomen.
The terrifying impact caused his entire body to bend like a shrimp, then he flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the ground.
His fate unknown, the entire scene fell silent in an instant.
Everyone's eyes widened, watching this scene in disbelief.
"Chu Fengyun… was actually sent flying by a single sword strike?"
"Who exactly is this woman? How can she be so strong?"
"You don't even know her? That's the Xuanfeng Goddess Shi Qingwu, elegant and graceful, unparalleled in beauty."
"Legend says her posture is like an immortal, her swordplay like the wind; with a single sword strike, she can make heaven and earth lose their color!"
"Walking the world, she is peerless in grace, dressed in azure, without makeup, yet she can make countless Heavenly Talents fall for her!"
"And that Xuanfeng Divine Son Feng Wuhen are simply a match made in heaven, a perfect pair."
"Ah…"
He didn't understand what was being mumbled before, but when it came to this last point, the young man's spirits lifted.
"Could that white-robed cultivator be the Xuanfeng Divine Son Feng Wuhen? He doesn't really feel like him."
"Uh… well… don't mind those details."
The cultivator explaining also twitched his mouth; 'Nima, is this something you can talk about?'
"Boom—!"
On the other side, Xiao Xuan's battle with Ling Xiaoyao also entered a heated phase.
Amidst the clash of swords, black energy and lightning collided fiercely, erupting in deafening roars.
"Hahaha! The Heavenly Talent of the Purple Heaven Sword Sect is nothing more than this!"
Xiao Xuan laughed wildly, his Rust Sword suddenly slashing down, a pitch-black sword light tearing through the void, directly heading for Ling Xiaoyao's face.
"How is this possible? How could you cultivate this Netherworld Sword Qi to such a degree in such a short time?!"
Ling Xiaoyao's face trembled wildly, his entire body shaking: "Indeed, you cultivate the Heaven Devouring Demonic Art; only the Heaven Devouring Demonic Art can achieve this."
"Nonsense!"
Xiao Xuan sneered: "How can a narrow-minded waste like you imagine my strength?"
"Heaven Devouring Demonic Art? If I truly cultivated such a demonic skill, would a waste like you even be worthy of barking in front of me now?!"
"Die for me!!!"
With a swing of his sword, the black sword light shook heaven and earth.
"Hmph!"
"Do you think I only have this much strength?!"
Ling Xiaoyao snorted coldly, his purple longsword blocking, and the power of lightning instantly erupted, shattering the black sword light.
But Xiao Xuan's offensive was continuous, each sword strike carrying a terrifying aura of devouring all things, forcing him to respond with all his might.
"Damn it, this method is truly troublesome."
Ling Xiaoyao gritted his teeth inwardly; this Heaven Devouring Demonic Art truly lived up to its reputation.
Gradually falling into a disadvantage, he could only parry.
"Ximen Qingyun, Chu Fengyun, what are you doing? Hurry up and help me!!!"
He roared sharply.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, a figure flew backward, landing right in front of him, crashing heavily onto the ground, raising a cloud of dust.
Upon closer inspection, it was actually Ximen Qingyun!
"How is this possible?!"
Ling Xiaoyao's pupils constricted; Ximen Qingyun's strength was even greater than his, and he… he was defeated just like that?
As the dust settled, Gu Yun stood with his hands behind his back, his white robes spotless, as if the battle just now had nothing to do with him.
Beside him, Wu Ling and Luoluo seemed somewhat unsatisfied.
Actually, they were the main attackers just now; Gu Yun had released a vast sea of stars, it was practically an obstacle course.
But this Ximen Qingyun was still a waste, unable to last for long at all.
"Trash."
Wu Ling walked forward, directly snatched the Rust Sword from Ximen Qingyun's hand, and skipped back to Gu Yun's side, as if presenting a precious treasure.
"Here, for you…"
"You're quick."
Gu Yun had originally intended to time it, defeating the opponent along with Xiao Xuan, but he didn't know what madness had seized Shi Qingwu; her attack was suddenly so ruthless that he was also distracted.
This resulted in the final effect being slightly flawed, but it didn't matter.
Shi Qingwu had also dealt with her opponent, kicking the dog-like Chu Fengyun aside, and walked over, holding a Rust Sword.
She stood shoulder to shoulder with Gu Yun.
Instantly, being stared at by five pairs of eyes, Ling Xiaoyao felt his whole body tremble, a sense of dread creeping over him.
//352//
Chapter 352 Born as the Son of Destiny
"You…"
Ling Xiaoyao's Adam's apple bobbed, and cold sweat seeped from his forehead.
The hand gripping the sword trembled slightly, and the Purple Heavens Sword Qi showed signs of dissipating under the gaze of the five individuals.
He had never imagined that he, who had just been full of vigor and held the initiative, would now fall into such a desperate situation.
His Adam's apple bobbed, and his gaze swept over the six rusty swords in the hands of Gu Yun and the other four—plus the two in Xiao Xuan's hand, eight of the nine rusty swords had already gathered, and the situation was completely out of balance.
Ling Xiaoyao knew he only had one choice now.
"I surrender!!"
He suddenly shouted, throwing the rusty sword in his hand heavily to the ground: "The sword is yours! Let me go!"
"Zheng—"
The rusty sword plunged into the ground, emitting a crisp hum.
"Hmph, that's not something you can decide!"
Xiao Xuan's lips curved into a smile; the battle with Ling Xiaoyao had ended before it even truly began, and he hadn't had his fill.
"Hmph! Kid, you're nothing but my defeated opponent."
"If not for this benevolent brother here, how would it be your turn to spout such nonsense?"
Ling Xiaoyao sneered, his words sharp, still trying to sow discord between Gu Yun and Xiao Xuan.
"You're courting death!"
Xiao Xuan thrust his sword, but it was blocked by Gu Yun's horizontal sword.
"What do you want to do?"
Xiao Xuan's eyes narrowed slightly. Indeed, this guy also had ill intentions, probably wanting to use his strength to eliminate the three. Now that the plan was achieved, he immediately revealed his fangs.
"He has already surrendered, and his weapon is laid down."
"Why must you be so ruthless, Fellow Daoist?"
Ling Xiaoyao's heart had initially tightened, but seeing Gu Yun's action, he breathed a sigh of relief. As expected, this guy was a hothead, eager to right wrongs.
Whether it was dealing with Xiao Xuan or himself, he treated everyone equally.
Xiao Xuan was also stunned, not expecting Gu Yun's actions to be so righteous.
At this moment, that exceptionally handsome face was reflected in everyone's hearts, moving them.
"He… I… I finally know who he is."
Suddenly, someone exclaimed, "I felt he was very familiar before, and now that I think about it, it's him after all!!"
"Quick, tell us, who is this person? There's such a handsome Young Master in the Three Thousand Dao Domains."
The surrounding cultivators all turned their heads, and some women eagerly inquired.
If Young Master Gu were only accompanied by one female cultivator, they would certainly have no other thoughts, but there were two, which implied that everyone had a chance.
Suddenly, they felt a burst of blooming flowers, and a fragrant scent filled the air.
That cultivator also felt a bit lightheaded, a slight smile curving on his lips. He had never been surrounded by so many female cultivators at once in his life.
"It's that… Gu Family Emperor Child, Gu Yun!!"
This person spoke slowly, building up the anticipation to the maximum.
"What?!"
"Gu Family, Immortal Ancient Gu Family?!!!"
Someone muttered incredulously again, and the entire audience was in an uproar.
In the Three Thousand Dao Domains, this force was known to all.
From the Immortal Ancient era until now, it had always been illustrious, never declining.
"Immortal Ancient Gu Family…"
Xiao Xuan's pupils constricted slightly, and his sword-holding hand also trembled involuntarily.
This was a force even more terrifying than the Nine Great Immortal Palaces.
Ling Xiaoyao was also incredibly surprised: "So it's the Emperor Child. No wonder he could defeat Ximen Qingyun with one sword."
At the same time, he also admired Gu Yun in his heart. The worldly rumors said that the Gu Family Emperor Child was extremely lustful and inherently lazy.
But the young man before him, with white clothes like snow and an upright aura, was clearly very different from the rumors.
"Ling Xiaoyao of the Purple Heavens Sword Sect greets Your Highness, the Emperor Child!"
"I was ignorant just now. I hope Your Highness, the Emperor Child, will forgive me."
Gu Yun waved his hand indifferently: "The struggle for opportunities is inherently a matter of life and death. As long as certain rules are followed, everything is reasonable. Why would I blame you?"
"It's just that your slandering this Fellow Daoist as a so-called evil demon is something I simply cannot tolerate."
"He is a Tian Yan Sword Body. He probably just mastered the other party's Sword Qi during his battle with Mo Xuan."
"To slander him as an evil demon based solely on this is still rather biased."
"Is that so?!"
Ling Xiaoyao already didn't want to continue fighting Xiao Xuan. Now that Gu Yun was mediating, he naturally took the easy way out.
"It was my mistake, Fellow Daoist. Please forgive me."
"Hmph."
Xiao Xuan snorted coldly: "I never took this matter to heart."
He looked up at the sky, arrogant and aloof.
But it made Ling Xiaoyao's toes curl in embarrassment.
"Damn it, how dare you make me lose face like this in front of His Highness, the Emperor Child!"
Anger surged in his heart, but he dared not show it in front of Gu Yun. He was inferior in both status and cultivation, so he naturally dared not show any disrespect to Gu Yun.
And the seemingly aloof Xiao Xuan was actually observing Gu Yun's direction from time to time, and his gaze towards the other party held a few more traces of apprehension.
The other party could actually see through his Tian Yan Sword Body with one glance. What exactly did he want to do?!
When Gu Yun's identity was exposed, he had already suspected Gu Yun's purpose. How could these scions of noble families be so gentle, elegant, friendly, and generous? There must be some conspiracy behind it. Heh, how could such a small trick escape his notice?
Since you want to play along with me, then I'll play along with you!
Xiao Xuan had always had a vague premonition that something good would happen when the nine swords converged, so he and Gu Yun inherently had irreconcilable contradictions.
"Young Master Gu's insight is truly profound; he can see secrets that others cannot."
"As expected of the Immortal Ancient Gu Family's Emperor Child, his demeanor is extraordinary!"
"It's just that this Tian Yan Sword Body is also very intimidating. Being able to secretly learn the methods of various families, with this guy's existence, won't everyone have to hide their techniques when fighting in the future?"
"Exactly… So many years of inherited techniques preserved by various families, and he just learns them effortlessly? Where is the logic in that?!"
The surrounding cultivators praised him, their gazes towards Gu Yun becoming even more reverent.
And their gazes towards Xiao Xuan became even more disgusted.
It was as if they were looking at some mortal enemy.
With such a sudden turn of events, Xiao Xuan's expression also became increasingly ugly. Looking at the man who made people feel like they were bathed in spring breeze, chatting and laughing, his fists clenched secretly.
He knew the other party had ill intentions; he was waiting for him here after all.
[Ding! Xiao Xuan's disgust value towards the Host has increased. Rewarding 3000 Villain Points.]
He truly was an ungrateful beastly Child of Destiny.
Gu Yun's lips curved slightly. He had long anticipated that things would turn out this way.
Time passed.
Xiao Xuan really couldn't stand everyone's compliments to Gu Yun: "Everyone, now that the nine swords are gathered, but the final trial has not begun, what do you think is the reason?!"
//353//
Chapter 353 Opening Conditions
As soon as Xiao Xuan uttered these words, the scene instantly fell silent.
Everyone looked at each other, realizing that although the nine rusty swords had been gathered, the final trial had not yet begun.
After a round of fighting, the result seemed to be no different from the beginning.
"That's right, what's going on?"
"Are there still some conditions missing?"
Someone asked in confusion, their brows tightly furrowed.
Gu Yun's eyes flickered, and the corners of his lips curved slightly as he walked slowly towards Xiao Xuan.
Every step he took was extremely steady, his white robes moved without wind, and the leisurely aura emanating from him made Xiao Xuan's heart tremble.
"You, what do you want to do..."
Xiao Xuan unconsciously took half a step back, gripping the twin swords in his hand, his tone laced with vigilance.
"Brother Dao, what do you think... is the reason?"
Gu Yun was very calm, speaking unhurriedly, as if he were talking about a trivial matter.
Xiao Xuan said coldly, "I've been targeted ever since I entered this place, so how could I possibly know about this?"
As he spoke, he glared at the others with resentment.
That expression perfectly portrayed the image of a vulnerable person who had been ostracized.
The people around immediately accused him, "You're spouting nonsense! It was clearly you who provocatively challenged the Cold Ice Divine Son without knowing your place. How are you the victim now?"
"Exactly, a presumptuous fellow. Your Imperial Highness, do not be deceived by him..."
A group of people began to accuse Xiao Xuan. Since their martial power could not gain an absolute advantage, they could only point fingers at him by occupying the moral high ground.
Gu Yun listened to the accusations of the crowd, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes.
He gently raised his hand, and the surrounding clamor instantly quieted down.
"Everyone..."
He looked at the crowd, his voice not loud but very clear.
"I wonder if everyone just heard a key point from that voice."
"That is... in the end... only the nine most outstanding individuals are qualified to receive the Sword Immortal's inheritance."
"In my opinion... the condition for this trial to begin might be to reduce the number of people to nine."
Gu Yun's voice suddenly turned cold, his gaze sweeping across everyone present like lightning.
As soon as these words came out, the entire place erupted in an uproar!
"What? You want us to kill each other?"
"This... this is too cruel!"
"No, no... I don't want to die yet."
Some cultivators' expressions changed drastically, and they hurriedly ran towards the distance.
However, they were blocked by a transparent barrier in this space and could not leave.
"Why, why..."
"Damn Longhua Sword Immortal!"
Someone roared. The one-eighth promotion rate in the second stage had already made people tremble with fear. Now, in this third stage, could it be that only nine survivors were allowed?
Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Xiao Xuan's eyes.
He gripped his twin swords, looked at Gu Yun, and said coldly, "Crown Prince Gu Yun, since that's the case, let's continue to work together and eliminate all these irrelevant people!"
With that, his aura erupted with a roar.
It poured out towards the onlookers.
A fierce Sword Qi swept out, and several cultivators closest to him were caught off guard and directly sent flying!
"Xiao Xuan... you!"
Some were shocked and enraged, but more cultivators had already begun to retreat in a hurry.
Xiao Xuan's gaze was sharp: "Since you've come here, you must be prepared to die!"
"Bah! How dare you still claim to be a victim, you bloodthirsty and cruel evil demon!"
Someone, consumed by rage, pointed their sword at Xiao Xuan and cursed loudly.
"Your Imperial Highness... we have no intention of seizing this opportunity. This villain's mind is deep and he surely harbors ill intentions. You must not be deceived by his one-sided words!"
Trapped in despair, everyone could only pray for Gu Yun, the greatest benevolent person of the Three Thousand Dao Domains, to step forward and uphold justice.
"Nonsense!"
"Brother Gu, don't hesitate. The situation now is already a matter of life and death..."
Xiao Xuan was truly worried that Gu Yun would be overly compassionate and tried to persuade him.
But Gu Yun simply did not grant him his wish.
A long sword swept out, blocking Xiao Xuan's path.
He stood with his hands behind his back, his white robes fluttering, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Brother Xiao, why the rush? There's more than just killing as an option in this matter."
Allowing Xiao Xuan to kill recklessly would only allow his Tian Yan Sword Body to absorb experience.
Gu Yun would naturally never choose such an obvious act of aiding the enemy.
The white-robed figure appeared, blocking the path of the crowd. The previously panicked cultivators immediately breathed a sigh of relief, casting grateful glances at Gu Yun.
Xiao Xuan's expression darkened: "Then what does the Emperor Child intend to do? Are you going to sit and wait for the trial to fail?"
Damn it, what does this bastard saint want to do?!
[Ding! Xiao Xuan is enraged, rewarding 2000 Villain Points.]
[Ding! Host prevented the Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan's Tian Yan Sword Body from reaching minor completion, Xiao Xuan's Destiny Value decreased by 3000 points.]
"Yes, Gu Yun, there's a barrier here. This Sword Immortal's intention is to have us fight each other until the final nine appear..."
"It's just a barrier."
"It can be shattered with a flick of a finger. Why shed blood?"
Gu Yun smiled faintly.
"Brother Gu, you're being too confident. This is a rule set by a Sword Immortal. Even if the Immortal Ancient Gu Family is powerful, it cannot contend with an immortal."
Xiao Xuan said coldly, looking at Gu Yun, his body trembling.
At the same time, there was endless greed.
Although Gu Yun prevented him from absorbing the Sword Qi of the crowd, he could still absorb Gu Yun's Sword Qi. Even a tiny bit that spilled out was enough to make him drool. This guy was the truly delicious existence.
"Everyone, behold the sword light."
Facing the Child of Destiny's doubts, he naturally had to slap him in the face properly.
Showing off?
He was best at it.
Zhan Tian Divine Sword illuminated the heavens, its divine radiance dazzling, transforming into a brilliant stream of light that shot into the sky!
The oppressive aura it emitted made the cultivators present tremble in their hearts, filled with inexplicable fear.
The sword light sliced through, tearing open cracks in the barrier in an instant.
The barrier trembled violently, emitting a mournful groan of unbearable strain.
"Break!"
Gu Yun lightly uttered a single word.
With a thunderous roar, the barrier shattered in response, turning into a sky full of light rain.
The entire place was dead silent.
"This is impossible...!"
Xiao Xuan's hand holding the sword trembled slightly as he exclaimed in shock. This was a technique from a Sword Immortal, yet Gu Yun had shattered it so easily?
[Ding! The Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan generated jealousy, rewarding 3000 Villain Points.]
"Zhan Tian Divine Sword, this sword strike is truly earth-shattering."
Gu Yun caressed the divine sword's blade, unable to put it down.
Yao Yu's relieved voice also came through: "Phew... you finally used it."
"Next time, don't give me so much Myriad Transformation Power. I really won't be able to handle it!"
Gu Yun chuckled, sheathed his sword, and looked around at everyone: "Those who want to leave can go. I will never harm the innocent."
The cultivators seemed to awaken from a dream, scrambling to rush towards the exit.
"Young Master Gu is righteous."
"Thank you, Your Imperial Highness, for not killing us."
"Your Highness's kindness is endless..."
A crowd of people cheered "Long live Gu Yun" and scrambled out of the place.
Ling Xiaoyao even took away Chu Fengyun and Ximen Qingyun, who were like dead dogs but still had a breath left.
Wu Ling and Luoluo remained motionless.
Gu Yun gently patted their backsides.
"What are you doing, in broad daylight?"
Wu Ling didn't see Gu Yun's other subtle movement and leaned into his embrace, pouting playfully.
"You two go first too."
Gu Yun said, "I'll have Little Queer look after you."
As he spoke, Little Queer appeared on Wu Ling's shoulder once more.
Wu Ling's expression immediately crumpled: "Hmph, who wants this burnt bird to protect me? I don't want it..."
"Hmph, who cares about protecting you? If it weren't for Master's command, I wouldn't even bother to touch you."
"Luoluo is much more fragrant."
Little Queer decisively moved to Luoluo's shoulder, fluffy and fragrant.
Luoluo's lips curved into a helpless smile. She stroked Little Queer's head, her gaze at Gu Yun filled with worry: "Be careful... stay safe."
"Yes, no need to say more."
After the two women left, only Gu Yun, Xiao Xuan, and Shi Qingwu remained in the field.
"You're not leaving?"
///354//
Chapter 354: Shi Qingwu's Efforts
Shi Qingwu bit her red lips, a complex look flashing in her beautiful eyes.
That pitiful demeanor made even Xiao Xuan, a person devoted to the Dao, waver.
However… Shi Qingwu never once looked at him, her gaze always fixed on Gu Yun.
"These two rusty swords are for you."
Her slender jade hand reached out, handing the two rusty swords to Gu Yun.
Shi Qingwu's beautiful eyes were filled with gentleness, and… a hint of expectation.
But Gu Yun was a top sigma male, unmoved: "Miss Shi, what is this about?"
"This opportunity here was left by a Sword Immortal, and it's incredibly precious…"
"For you, it might be of great use."
Hearing these words, Gu Yun seemed somewhat touched. He clasped his hand, inadvertently touching Shi Qingwu's soft hand.
"Don't you want to obtain this opportunity?"
Shi Qingwu smiled faintly; such matters were not important at all. She clearly knew one thing: even if she entered, there was absolutely no possibility of competing with Gu Yun.
This man, who looked gentle and kind, was actually incredibly cold-hearted. If she ever blocked his path, he would definitely show no mercy. Moreover, she had no conflict of interest with Gu Yun; in fact, her own cultivation growth was basically entirely dependent on Gu Yun.
This despicable and useless system had consumed all her binding opportunities to achieve only three percent binding progress.
Now, besides pestering Gu Yun for the rest of her life, she had no other viable path.
Therefore… facing Gu Yun's slightly trembling question, Shi Qingwu knew her chance had come.
Even a one percent increase in progress would be equivalent to ten Feng Wuhens.
"Gu Yun, compared to these things, I'd rather see you smile at me."
She suppressed her dissatisfaction with Gu Yun, gripping their tightly clasped hands even tighter: "Everything else doesn't matter, and I don't care about it."
Her voice was sincere and ardent.
[Ding! Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan has generated jealousy. Reward: 1000 Villain Points]
"Damn it, what's so good about that guy?"
Jealousy distorted his face. Since birth, Xiao Xuan had almost never encountered kindness; everyone he met had mocked him, let alone a girl looking at him with such tender affection.
The more perfect Gu Yun appeared, the more he wanted to go mad, the more he wanted to kill this disgusting hypocrite on the spot.
"Miss Shi, you weren't like this before."
"Have you forgotten Feng Wuhen? He was the Divine Son of your Xuanfeng Immortal Palace."
Gu Yun withdrew his hand, as if to distance himself from Shi Qingwu.
Shi Qingwu's mouth twitched. 'You killed him right in front of me, and now you're acting like a brother's wife is not to be bullied.'
She was almost speechless; why was this Gu Yun so difficult to deal with?
"He and I have no relation, only fellow disciple camaraderie."
"Gu Yun… do you dislike me because of these things?"
She spoke timidly, cautiously, fearing that a wrong word might offend Gu Yun.
Xiao Xuan, seeing this scene from the side, was so envious he could practically turn purple. Why had he never met such a good girl?
Gu Yun truly deserved to die…
[Ding! Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan has generated jealousy. Reward: 1000 Villain Points]
System notifications rang out one after another, and Gu Yun's lips also curved upwards. Recent events had given him a deeper understanding of Shi Qingwu's intentions.
This woman, perhaps… was truly pursuing him.
Although her specific goal was likely still self-serving, her outward behavior was such. This lowered Shi Qingwu's danger level in Gu Yun's mind. For creatures like the Child of Destiny, fattening them up before killing them yielded the highest cost-effectiveness.
It was just that most of the time, Gu Yun himself was unwilling.
But Shi Qingwu… he could try it, see what this woman truly wanted to do.
"Miss Shi, I have never said that I dislike you."
Gu Yun sighed faintly.
"Really?"
"Of course… When have I ever lied?"
Shi Qingwu was ecstatic. She dared not check her progress now, fearing Gu Yun would discover something amiss.
But hearing kind words from this scoundrel was already a huge step forward.
"Thank you, His Highness the Imperial Son. Qingwu will take her leave."
Shi Qingwu did not linger and turned to leave the place directly. She knew that with Gu Yun's pride, he would never let her stay; he would only find her troublesome.
Facing a man like Gu Yun, one must proceed gradually, step by step, slowly.
Now, a very good start had been made.
"System, how was my operation?"
"Has Gu Yun's progress increased?"
Her slightly upturned lips showed her inner excitement.
[Current Progress: 3%]
Shi Qingwu: "..."
"You vixen."
As soon as she walked out of the trial space, she ran into Wu Ling and Luoluo, who were waiting.
Wu Ling's sarcastic remark almost made Shi Qingwu lose her composure.
The target's indifference + the rival's mockery.
Each word was like a sharp knife piercing her heart. Damn it, why should she be ridden over by a little girl?
"Do you believe me when I say I'll make Gu Yun leave you completely later?"
Shi Qingwu stood with her hands on her hips, looking down at Wu Ling.
She was tall, 1.75 meters, and her entire body was very well-proportioned and slender, looking like—
Her posture was as straight as a green bamboo, her 1.75-meter tall figure casting a long silhouette on the ground. Her belted greenish-blue long dress further accentuated her slender waist, which could be encircled with one hand.
Her skin was like congealed fat, and her temperament was ethereal.
Looking at Wu Ling like this, she was like a sheathed jade sword, gentle yet with a hidden sharpness.
"Hmph… You?"
Wu Ling sized up Shi Qingwu. Compared to the other's ignorance, she knew Gu Yun too well.
Although Shi Qingwu was excellent in all aspects, her advantages weren't prominent enough, and this would put her at a great disadvantage with Gu Yun.
"Someone like you, trying to seduce Gu Yun?"
"Next time, you can try taking off your coat. Maybe he'll look at you a bit longer."
"I'll give you a chance to be a mat."
//355//
Chapter 355: Three Women, a Drama, Sword Immortal Inheritance
Shi Qingwu's face instantly flushed crimson upon hearing this; she hadn't expected Wu Ling to speak so bluntly.
"You…"
Her fingertips trembled with anger, but she was momentarily speechless, unable to find a good retort.
After all, lies don't hurt people; truth is a sharp knife.
Wu Ling crossed her arms, a mocking curve playing on her lips: "What? Did I say something wrong?"
"Gu Yun isn't short on beauties. Someone like you…"
She scanned Shi Qingwu up and down, a contemptuous smile on her face: "You're not even qualified to be a vase."
Shi Qingwu took a deep breath, suppressing the anger in her heart.
She looked down at Wu Ling and said coldly, "Aren't you the same? What right do you have to criticize me?"
"Me?"
Wu Ling chuckled: "I'm different. Luoluo and I are both petite and cute. Gu Yun has plenty of curvy types around him, so he'll naturally prefer someone like me."
"But you… a skinny stick…"
Shi Qingwu was furious: "What did you say?"
"A skinny stick, that's what."
"He who gets too close to vermilion gets stained red; he who gets too close to ink gets stained black. He who gets too close to Gu Yun gets a sassy mouth."
After spending a long time with Gu Yun, Wu Ling had also picked up three parts of his peculiar roguishness.
"Look at you, from top to bottom, you're basically a flat elliptical cylinder. If it weren't for your face, I wouldn't be able to tell front from back."
"Compared to you, even I have some advantages."
"Only little Luoluo can compare to you."
"But she's one meter forty, you're not as cute as her either…"
"Wu Ling!!"
Luoluo just didn't understand why she was even brought into this.
"What's wrong with me being one meter forty? Did being one meter forty eat your rice?"
"No, Luoluo, I'm just giving an example, just an example."
Luoluo was rarely shy and angry, so Wu Ling had no choice but to speak kindly to her.
Shi Qingwu was about to explode with rage.
Her flat chest heaved up and down, then she suddenly smiled, her tone gentle: "Little sister, are you jealous?"
"Jealous?" Wu Ling raised an eyebrow, "What am I jealous of you for? Jealous that you're shamelessly clinging to Gu Yun?"
"Isn't this within my reach?"
"Tsk tsk, my daily routine, whose lifetime is it?"
"You…"
Shi Qingwu was exasperated and ashamed.
"Host, please control your emotions. Gu Yun would not want his backyard to catch fire. If the Host still wants to gain progress points, it is best not to conflict with Gu Yun's women."
"What a little cutie."
Shi Qingwu gritted her teeth. For the sake of progress points, this Immortal will endure!
She took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the surging anger in her chest.
"Heh, do I need you to tell me that?"
Shi Qingwu walked away, and just as Wu Ling felt she had won a great victory, she turned around and smiled, gracefully stroking her temple with a slender, jade-like finger, her posture elegant and composed.
"Sister Wu Ling is right~"
"But…"
"Gu Yun also praised my waist for being soft and slender, perfect for a single grasp."
"I wonder if that counts as an advantage?"
With that, she left directly.
Only Wu Ling was left, raging impotently.
"That vixen!!!"
She pinched the soft flesh around her waist, her face falling.
Compared to Shi Qingwu, the difference was indeed quite significant.
"Isn't she just a skinny stick? What's there to be proud of!"
"Luoluo, do you think she looks good like that?"
Wu Ling asked unwillingly.
"She looks good, like the most beautiful crane, noble and elegant."
Luoluo blinked her big eyes, looking innocent.
"You…"
"Why are you taking her side?"
"Who told someone to call me one meter forty? I'm clearly one meter forty-seven!"
"Oh, I didn't mean it."
"My core idea was to say you're cute."
"Hmm, a round waist is also very cute. Gu Yun will like that plump feeling of yours."
"Luo-Luoluo!!"
...
Gu Yun had no idea that the three women were performing a drama of love rivals tearing each other apart and sisters turning against each other beside him. At this moment, he and Xiao Xuan were staring at each other.
However, a small vortex gate had appeared in front of them at some point, leading directly to the final legacy left by this Sword Immortal.
"Brother Gu, you have more swords, please go first."
Xiao Xuan began to defer at this point.
"Brother Xiao Xuan, why bother with who goes first between us? How about… together?"
Gu Yun smiled faintly, his slender fingers gently caressing the hilt of the sword at his waist.
Yao Yu's intermittent gasps echoed in his mind. It must have been too exhausting to absorb the Sword Qi. He would definitely need to replenish her energy later.
Xiao Xuan secretly cursed in his heart. Damn it, this bastard must be trying to trick him.
He harbored a secret: when the third trial began, the ancient voice that had transcended the Thousand Years echoed in the stone chamber.
At the same time, a hidden voice was directly transmitted into his sea of consciousness through divine sense— "Xiao Xuan, the Ninth-Generation Master of Longhua Sword Skill, collect the nine swords, kowtow three times, and you can obtain my true inheritance."
Therefore, before seeing the final treasure, he had to gather all nine swords.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have cooperated with Gu Yun.
But now, only he and Gu Yun remained, and he only had two rusted swords.
Dealing with Gu Yun was imperative.
But this fellow… seemed to have not let down his guard against him at all.
"Does he know something too?"
Xiao Xuan felt uneasy, but he was still swept along by Gu Yun into the vortex gate.
He dared not enter before Gu Yun, nor did he want to fall too far behind.
After a dizzying spin, the two appeared in a secret chamber.
There was no treasure in front of them, only a small stone tablet.
"Sword Immortal's Legacy…"
Xiao Xuan murmured, a greedy glint in his eyes.
"It seems Brother Xiao has long anticipated this?"
Gu Yun's voice suddenly came from behind, startling Xiao Xuan, who trembled all over.
He turned sharply, only to see Gu Yun standing three steps away at some unknown time, his white robes as pure as snow, his lips still curved in that disgusting, almost imperceptible smile.
"Brother Gu, you jest."
"This place is a bit mysterious and hidden. Come quickly and take a look."
Xiao Xuan forced himself to remain calm. Both sides were wary of each other, so whoever made the first move would definitely suffer a loss.
His mysterious power and the manifestation of Heaven Devouring Demonic Art were so similar that even those useless people could recognize it. Gu Yun, as the Gu Family Emperor Child, had an even more esteemed status, so there was no reason for him not to recognize it.
But he had not spoken, very likely because he also feared his moves.
Xiao Xuan was well aware that this was his only chance to turn the tables. Before that, he absolutely could not alert the enemy.
"Oh?"
Gu Yun naturally understood Xiao Xuan's thoughts perfectly.
That so-called Heaven Devouring Demonic Art was merely a wisp of Myriad Transformation Power, yet it was already regarded as the world's number one demonic skill and the hope for a comeback.
One could say that Gu Yun's ability to endure until now without laughing was a testament to his acting talent.
"Is there anything special about this sword tablet? How does it compare to the nine outside?"
"This should be Longhua Sword Immortal's lifelong learning, a true immortal-level sword technique!"
Xiao Xuan said, his finger tracing over the sword tablet. When he reached a groove, he took out his rusted sword and inserted it.
Immediately, a golden light flashed.
Xiao Xuan was overjoyed and hurriedly said, "Brother Gu, quick, let's insert all nine rusted swords."
"Insert them?"
"Yes!"
Xiao Xuan observed Gu Yun's every move, and the other party showed no unusual actions.
"Are you really going to insert them? Not leave any outside?"
"Yes! Brother Gu, come quickly!"
Xiao Xuan was incredibly excited.
"Alright."
"As you wish."
Gu Yun's eyes narrowed, and with the deceiving heaven mask activated, what could Xiao Xuan see of a damn thing?!
He was quick-witted, raised his rusted sword, and plunged it fiercely towards the center of Xiao Xuan's backside.
///356//
Chapter 356 Crazy Ravage
"Ah—!!!"
Xiao Xuan let out a bloodcurdling shriek, jumping up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
He clutched his backside, staring at Gu Yun in disbelief: "You, what are you doing!!"
"Ding! The Child of Destiny, Xiao Xuan, has performed 'Chrysanthemum Remains' with deep emotion for the host. Having suffered immense humiliation, his Heart of Dao has fractured. His Destiny Value has decreased by 5000 points. Reward: 3000 Villain Points."
The system prompt arrived as expected, and the effect was quite good.
Facing Xiao Xuan's inquiry, Gu Yun innocently shook the rusty sword in his hand: "Didn't Brother Xiao say to insert it?"
"You seemed to be in a hurry."
"I, I said insert it into the stone tablet! The stone tablet!"
Xiao Xuan clutched his backside, trembling with rage, his face flushed crimson.
Damn this bastard! If it weren't for the fact that the method he had prepared required time to brew, he would draw his sword right now and chop off Gu Yun's dog head!
Precisely because of Gu Yun's actions, the progress of his sword drawing technique had dropped from 70% back to 40%. Now, he had to keep Gu Yun stable and prevent him from noticing any clues.
All humiliation was a prelude to the final outburst. Xiao Xuan firmly believed that he would be the one to laugh last!
"I see, then it seems I misunderstood."
"My apologies, Brother Xiao."
Gu Yun stepped forward and patted Xiao Xuan's shoulder apologetically.
As his body moved up and down, Xiao Xuan's expression was grim. How could this guy be so precise?
Other places were basically unaffected, only that specific spot.
Was he destined to live a life where he couldn't hold his bowels in from now on?
No, not this!
Xiao Xuan's face was ashen, his legs unnaturally clamped together, fearing a slight mishap…
He glared at Gu Yun through gritted teeth, yet forced himself to remain calm: "It's fine, Brother Gu's actions were unintentional."
"Brother Xiao is truly an honorable person."
Gu Yun was delighted and patted Xiao Xuan's shoulder heavily again.
Xiao Xuan quickly dodged, but ended up tripping over the Sword Tablet, falling flat on his back with a "thud."
"Ow!"
This fall was not trivial. Xiao Xuan felt a tearing pain in a certain area, and his face instantly turned pale, cold sweat streaming down.
"Ding! The Child of Destiny, Xiao Xuan, suffered secondary damage. The crack in his Heart of Dao expanded. His Destiny Value decreased by 2000 points. Reward: 1000 Villain Points."
He was about to make a scene, but then he saw Gu Yun had already walked straight towards the Sword Tablet.
He forcibly swallowed the anger in his heart.
"Heh heh, once you, this profligate, summon the Sword Immortal, I will let you know what true despair is!"
Xiao Xuan's heart was cold, and his expression was incredibly gloomy.
Clutching his backside, he limped forward.
"Ding! Xiao Xuan has generated resentment towards the host. Reward: 1000 Villain Points."
"Brother Gu, is this how you insert it?"
Gu Yun examined the stone tablet, first trying to insert a rusty sword, then immediately turning around.
At this moment, Xiao Xuan knelt directly before the Sword Tablet. What he wanted to do was seize the time difference while Gu Yun was inserting the sword.
He would kowtow three times to the Sword Immortal, thereby getting the Sword Immortal's inheritance one step ahead.
Now, hearing Gu Yun speak, he immediately began kowtowing with lightning speed.
"Xiao Xuan, the ninth-generation master of the Dragon Splendor Sword Art, greets the Dragon Splendor Ancestor!"
While kowtowing, he also chanted silently in his heart.
He dared not speak out, fearing that Gu Yun had some means to instantly kill him.
Soon, the three kowtows were complete. Xiao Xuan raised his head, full of joy, preparing to receive the Sword Immortal's inheritance ritual.
"Oh dear, Brother Xiao, why such a grand gesture?"
But what met his eyes was no Sword Tablet, only Gu Yun holding six rusty swords, currently looking at him with a shocked and somewhat amused expression.
He even extended his hands, as if to help him with his injury.
A terrifying force acted upon his arm, pulling his entire body, causing a tearing pain in the wound behind him.
"No, don't, Brother Gu, don't…"
"Ding! The Child of Destiny, Xiao Xuan, suffered secondary damage. His Heart of Dao was greatly damaged. His Destiny Value decreased by 3000 points. Reward: 1000 Villain Points."
Harvesting the Heart of Dao was indeed a good choice. He hadn't expected to have already harvested ten thousand points, and yet Xiao Xuan's Heart of Dao had still not been completely destroyed.
Puff, puff, puff.
A series of popping sounds like firecrackers echoed in the air, followed by an indescribable stench that permeated the secret chamber.
Gu Yun's expression was strange, and he released Xiao Xuan's arm with a slight look of disdain.
"Brother Xiao is a bit unkempt. As a cultivator, how can you not pay attention to your personal image?"
"You…"
Xiao Xuan raised his eyes, almost spewing flames of anger.
He had thought he was kowtowing to the Sword Tablet, but now it had turned into kowtowing to Gu Yun. What the hell was the point of that?
"Brother Gu, let's open the Sword Immortal inheritance as soon as possible, to avoid any further complications."
"You also have a beautiful lady waiting for you outside."
He gritted his teeth, trying hard to control his emotions.
He couldn't get angry at Gu Yun. He still had six rusty swords in his hand, and if he acted aggressively now, he might not win.
A great man does not bother with trifles.
Endure!
"Brother Xiao, I just wanted to confirm something with you."
"Now it seems it should be accurate…"
Gu Yun smiled faintly, and in an instant, inserted all six rusty swords into the grooves of the stone tablet.
As all nine rusty swords returned to their positions, the stone tablet suddenly burst forth with dazzling golden light, and the entire secret chamber began to vibrate violently.
Xiao Xuan was caught off guard and immediately tried to kneel again.
But… this time, it was as if an unknown force was blocking his knees.
"H-how is this possible?!"
He quickly guessed the culprit and looked up at Gu Yun: "Gu Yun! What did you do?!"
Gu Yun smiled calmly: "Brother Xiao, we sword cultivators, how can we kneel to others?"
"Mere lonely souls and wild ghosts of the old era."
"They are not worth your…"
His smile contained a strange meaning, making Xiao Xuan's heart prickle.
"You, you know?"
Xiao Xuan's voice trembled.
At this moment, the golden light converged, and a phantom figure slowly emerged.
//357//
Chapter 357: Trouble
The figure, with white hair and beard, possessed the demeanor of an immortal, and was none other than the remnant soul of Longhua Sword Immortal.
"Hmph! Hmph! Hmph!"
"Xiao Xuan, boy, I truly didn't misjudge you. You've unlocked my legacy?!"
"In the future, you will surely become the new Longhua Sword Immortal!!"
Longhua Sword Immortal stroked his beard and said very naturally.
However, these words shattered his immortal filter completely.
A strange silence fell upon the scene, and Longhua Sword Immortal waited for a long time without Xiao Xuan offering his gratitude. He felt a slight displeasure, so he opened his eyes and then saw this unbelievable sight.
There were two people who entered the secret room, and Xiao Xuan, his chosen successor, was now kneeling before another young master.
His expression was twisted and ferocious, and he made incoherent sounds, wanting to speak, but only able to emit strange cries.
Xiao Xuan himself was also uncomfortable.
He kept calling out, "Senior! Junior Xiao Xuan, the ninth-generation successor of Longhua Swordsmanship, has come to seek the true inheritance!"
But seeing the bewildered expression on the old sword immortal's face, he knew that Gu Yun had definitely tampered with him!
Xiao Xuan's eyes were about to split, and he struggled desperately to get up, but as soon as he tried to lift his butt, a tearing pain would come from his rear. This feeling was simply unbearable for ordinary people.
Even… a faint warm flow seeped out.
The scene became very awkward for a moment.
"Gu Yun!! You bastard, I'll kill you!!"
Xiao Xuan roared, but his voice could only transform into indistinct whimpers.
An indescribable fragrance permeated the secret room, causing even Longhua Sword Immortal to frown.
"What did you do to him?!"
He looked at Gu Yun, his gaze very unfriendly. With the situation having turned out like this, even a fool would know that Gu Yun was behind it.
"As you can see, I have gathered the nine swords."
Gu Yun looked at Longhua Sword Immortal with a half-smile.
"Shouldn't you hand over that so-called Sword Qi?"
Hearing Gu Yun's disrespectful words, Longhua Sword Immortal stared intently at Gu Yun's half-smiling face, feeling an unnamed fire rush to his head, causing the ancient swords suspended around him to hum shrilly.
"Presumptuous!!"
A furious roar shook the entire space. Longhua Sword Immortal's snow-white long beard moved without wind, and his cloudy eyes now shone terrifyingly, as if two sharp swords were about to pierce out of his eye sockets.
Even for Xiao Xuan, he would only bestow the inheritance after the latter kowtowed three times. Now, this inexplicable boy dared to speak to him in such a manner and even wanted his inheritance?
It was simply a pipe dream!
"Boy, is this your attitude for seeking inheritance?!"
"I, Longhua Sword Immortal, have dominated the Three Thousand Dao Domains for so many years, and you are the first to dare to speak to me like this!!"
Every word he spoke seemed to be squeezed from between his teeth, carrying a bone-chilling coldness.
"Seeking?"
Gu Yun's lips curled into a mocking arc, his eyes as cold as frost: "Old remnants of a bygone era, do you even have the right to talk about seeking from me?"
He took a step forward, and the ground beneath his feet instantly cracked, shattered stones floating into the air, as if even the air trembled under his pressure.
The Origin Divine Spear in his hand hummed and vibrated, its tip flowing with a primal power akin to the dawn of chaos, as if a single thrust could pierce through eternity.
Zhan Tian Divine Sword, Dragon Spring Divine Sword, and Mountain and Sea Divine Sword all floated by his side.
Even when facing a figure from the chaotic ancient era like Longhua Sword Immortal, he showed no fear, like a sharp sword ready to be unsheathed at any moment.
And the moment Zhan Tian Divine Sword appeared, Longhua Sword Immortal, who had originally been arrogant and aloof, suddenly saw his pupils contract, and his withered fingers trembled uncontrollably.
"This… how is this possible?!"
Even though his rank had fallen, he could still sense the terrifying power of Zhan Tian Divine Sword from its lingering might.
Even though his rank had fallen, he could still feel a terrifying power from that sword that far surpassed his peak period!
That Sword Qi… even made him recall the feeling of insignificance when he first entered the Way of the Sword, looking up at the sky and facing the unattainable supreme Sword Dao!
"This sword is by no means ordinary."
A tumultuous wave surged in Longhua Sword Immortal's heart, his eyes quickly transforming from initial shock to fervent greed!
He frantically calculated in his mind; even as a mere remnant soul, it couldn't change his belief in wanting to live another life.
"If I can obtain this sword…"
"Not to mention recovering to my peak, I might even advance further!"
He forcefully suppressed the shock in his heart, a stiff smile appearing on his withered lips, his tone surprisingly "gentle" as never before: "Boy… no, little friend, this old man was quite offensive just now."
Haughty at first, then respectful; thinking about it made one laugh.
Gu Yun raised an eyebrow, looking at him with a half-smile, his eyes full of mockery.
He did not speak, but simply listened to Longhua Sword Immortal's next words.
Longhua Sword Immortal didn't mind at all and continued, "This old man has changed his mind. As long as you are willing to leave this sword, all of my lifelong Sword Qi can be given to you! And… I can even give you additional guidance on the true essence of the Way of the Sword, how about it?"
His tone was almost fawning, but his cloudy old eyes were fixed on Zhan Tian Divine Sword, his greed almost materializing!
He seemed to have already seen himself holding Zhan Tian Divine Sword, returning to his peak, even surpassing his former self, and becoming the true master of the Way of the Sword!
And at this moment, these words fell, completely unchanged, into Xiao Xuan's ears not far away!
"Senior Longhua, what… what are you saying?!"
Xiao Xuan was struck as if by lightning, his pupils suddenly dilated, and his body trembled uncontrollably.
His lips quivered, almost unable to believe his ears!
Longhua Sword Immortal, whom he had believed to be his hope for a comeback, now wanted to embrace Gu Yun's side?!
What kind of logic was this!!
Gu Yun had already removed the concealment of the deceiving heaven mask, and Xiao Xuan's words also fell, completely unchanged, into Longhua Sword Immortal's ears.
"You promised… to pass on the Sword Qi to me!"
He stared intently at Longhua Sword Immortal, his voice almost squeezed from between his teeth, his body also crawling towards Gu Yun and Longhua Sword Immortal, leaving a yellow trail.
A hint of reluctance, but also a hint of disgust, flashed in Longhua Sword Immortal's eyes. Although he had initially chosen Xiao Xuan, this guy was truly too useless. Even if he were to receive his Sword Qi inheritance, he might not necessarily be able to defeat Gu Yun in the future.
In that case, his Way of the Sword would still be buried.
Thinking of this, Longhua Sword Immortal no longer hesitated and said coldly, "Xiao Xuan, you have already lost in the competition."
"You are no longer qualified to inherit my Way of the Sword!"
"You—!"
Xiao Xuan felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, his heart gripped by an invisible hand, so painful that he could barely breathe.
"Why don't you retreat quickly?"
Longhua Sword Immortal glanced at him coldly, without the slightest hint of guilt, but rather with a touch of impatience.
How could a mere successor compare to his own chance to rise again?!
As long as he could obtain Zhan Tian Divine Sword, he believed that he would definitely return to his peak!!
"Haha, hahahaha!!"
Xiao Xuan suddenly began to laugh lowly, his laughter filled with endless sorrow and anger, "So that's it… so that's it!!"
His fingernails dug deep into his palms, blood dripping from between his fingers, yet he was completely unaware.
"What Sword Dao inheritance, what Longhua Sword Immortal… it's all a joke!!"
Xiao Xuan looked up, glaring at the old man: "You're nothing but a petty person greedy for fame and fortune!"
"Someone like you, do you even deserve to call yourself an immortal?!"
"Presumptuous!!"
Longhua Sword Immortal was furious. How dare they all speak so disrespectfully to him, one after another?!
Was it that he, a dignified immortal, couldn't wield a knife anymore?!
[Ding! Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan and important investor Longhua Sword Immortal have turned against each other. Destiny Value has decreased by 10,000 points. Great Luo Dao Pagoda Fifth Floor Unlock Progress (106300 / 100000)]
The system prompt sounded in his mind.
Gu Yun took all of this in, the mockery on his lips growing deeper.
Xiao Xuan's Destiny Value had been weakened too much by him, and the sudden appearance of the Child of Destiny item, Zhan Tian Divine Sword, which should not have appeared, completely disrupted Xiao Xuan's original storyline, causing the master and disciple, who should have been harmonious, to completely turn against each other.
"Old geezer, have you been mistaken about something all along?"
Gu Yun sneered, "I'm not here to make a deal with you."
He flicked his fingertip lightly, and Zhan Tian Divine Sword vibrated slightly. The sword spirit, Yao Yu, materialized from within it, and looked at Longhua Sword Immortal's remnant soul, also revealing a greedy expression.
The heaven and earth furnace roared out, instantly sucking Longhua Sword Immortal's remnant soul into it.
///358//
Chapter 358 Xiao Xuan's End
Longhua Sword Immortal's remnant soul didn't even have time to let out a scream before it was instantly devoured by the heaven and earth furnace.
The blazing flames began to burn, illuminating the dark environment as bright as day.
Then, the entire Sword Qi space was filled with Longhua Sword Immortal's shrill screams.
That Sword Immortal, who once dominated the Three Thousand Dao Domains, was now easily suppressed like an ant!
Xiao Xuan, who had been arguing with him, stared blankly at this scene, his whole body trembling and becoming increasingly incredulous.
"No, impossible!!!"
"Longhua is a Sword Immortal, how could he be suppressed so easily by you?!"
He roared, trembled, and became hysterical.
"Sword Immortal?"
"He was indeed one a hundred million years ago, but now... he's just a decaying remnant soul; even you could easily suppress him!"
The flames burned for a moment before gradually subsiding, leaving nothing of Longhua Sword Immortal.
A mere remnant soul, without a shred of value.
"Master."
Yao Yu flew to Gu Yun's side, looking down at Xiao Xuan from above, and greeted him respectfully.
"How is it, can that sword stele be devoured?"
Gu Yun was very calm and didn't bother with Xiao Xuan, as if he didn't exist at all, his gaze fixed on Yao Yu.
"It will take some time."
Yao Yu said.
"Alright, I'll wait for you."
Gu Yun said indifferently.
Yao Yu went to begin awakening the Sword Qi within the sword stele; as her small hands moved, the long-dormant Sword Qi buzzed and surged out from the inscriptions like a startled swarm of bees.
"H-how is this possible?!"
"Longhua Sword Immortal is dead, why can she..."
Xiao Xuan watched this scene, which was beyond his comprehension, in disbelief, his whole body trembling.
But no one was destined to answer him.
Yao Yu was focused, those golden Sword Qi wrapped around her fingertips like living things, winding up her snow-white arm.
She stuck out her small tongue and slurped it into her mouth with a 'zzzt' sound.
"Mmm..."
Yao Yu shivered all over. What kind of taste was that—at first it was as crisp as a clear spring, then in an instant, it turned into a raging fire burning her taste buds.
She narrowed her eyes, her long eyelashes casting fan-shaped shadows on her cheeks, and a pleasant hum escaped her throat.
Subsequently, more and more Sword Qi flowed out from the sword stele; these Sword Qi were like spicy strips falling into her mouth, and she ate them with great relish.
Xiao Xuan was basically numb; everything that was happening before his eyes had completely surpassed his understanding.
[Ding! Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan doubts life, rewarding 1000 Villain Points]
[Ding! Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan's Dao Heart collapses, Destiny Points decrease by 3000 points]
Gu Yun could understand Xiao Xuan's current feelings; the Sword Qi he had to laboriously comprehend was, for others, easily obtainable.
This kind of thing would be unbearable for anyone.
A hundred years of diligent study and practice couldn't compare to some people's single lick of the tongue.
Some things, you either have them or you don't...
"N-no, it's you!!!"
"The one who devoured everyone's Sword Qi, it's you!!!"
Xiao Xuan came to a sudden realization and looked at Gu Yun in disbelief; all the truth seemed to be revealed at this moment.
He had deceived everyone.
Even he himself, before, had only been somewhat wary, but had never thought that the seemingly righteous Gu Yun would actually be doing such a thing behind their backs.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yun's lips curved slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.
"Only reacting now?"
He slowly walked towards Xiao Xuan, each step seemingly treading on the other's heartbeat, making Xiao Xuan's breathing more rapid.
"Why did you frame me?!!"
Connecting everything, Xiao Xuan's heart surged with anger.
He already had a premonition that today might not end well, so there was even less need to continue feigning civility with Gu Yun; it was a death either way!
"You devoured everyone's Sword Qi, leaving only me?!"
"From the very beginning, you were targeting me, but I didn't know. What virtue and ability do I, Xiao Xuan, possess that would make Gu Family Emperor Child care so much about me?!"
Looking at the frenzied and roaring Xiao Xuan.
Gu Yun's lips curved into a smile.
Seeing this half-smile, Xiao Xuan's pupils suddenly constricted, and an unprecedented sense of humiliation and anger swept through his entire body.
"What are you laughing at?!"
"Since you've found out, then I don't need to pretend anymore."
"You're right, all of this was for you, a scheme set up for you."
"As for the reason... naturally, I don't want my future woman to have any blemishes."
"Blemishes..."
"Liuyun?!"
"Is it because of Liuyun?! Do you know where she is?!"
Xiao Xuan's emotions suddenly became heightened, and his eyes, looking at Gu Yun, were filled with hope.
He had searched all over Guang Han Palace but couldn't find any trace of Water Flowing Clouds, only knowing that she had been taken away by a mysterious force.
"Of course I know, and..."
"I've already met her."
"You've seen her? Where, where is she?!"
Xiao Xuan clutched Gu Yun's pant leg, extremely agitated, his thoughts seemingly returning to that helpless youth he once was, where in the entire city, only Water Flowing Clouds was his salvation.
"I don't know where she is now."
"It's just that time, she... was very moist—"
Gu Yun smiled faintly, licking his lips, as if savoring something.
///359///
Chapter 359 Killing Xiao Xuan
Xiao Xuan's pupils instantly constricted to pinpricks, and the blood throughout his body seemed to congeal in an instant.
"You... what did you say...?"
His voice trembled uncontrollably, his fingers dug deep into his palm, and fresh blood dripped between them.
"Ding! Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan's Dao Heart has shattered, and his Destiny Value has decreased by 1000 points!"
With six thousand remaining, Gu Yun felt it was a pity, just a little short of entering the kill line. It seemed he had indeed squeezed Xiao Xuan dry.
After a series of blows, Xiao Xuan's psychological defenses were terrifyingly low; it could be said that a casual word from anyone could completely break him.
"Impossible!"
Xiao Xuan seemed somewhat hysterical. To him, Gu Yun's words were like a bolt from the blue. In an instant, Water Flowing Clouds's appearance flashed before his eyes—that gentle woman, that girl who once had eyes only for him...
"You're lying to me, you're lying to me!!!"
Broken syllables squeezed out of Xiao Xuan's throat, his eyes bloodshot, as if he was about to tear apart the illusion before him in the next second.
"You don't have to worry, I'll take good care of her."
"That night, she cried a lot, but her cries were also very pleasant to hear."
"I think it should still count as a wonderful experience."
Gu Yun leaned down and whispered in his ear. In his hand, he held a recording stone, coupled with that lewd yet mischievous expression.
The feasibility was directly maximized.
"Boom—"
Xiao Xuan's sea of consciousness seemed to explode, and Water Flowing Clouds's tear-streaked face appeared before his eyes.
"Ding! Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan's Dao Heart has completely shattered, and he has fallen into the Demonic Path. His Destiny Value has decreased by 2000 points!"
"I'll kill you!!!"
Xiao Xuan erupted with an unprecedented Sword Qi, and blood seeped from all seven of his orifices.
The originally silent Sword Stele suddenly vibrated violently, resonating with him, and countless blood-colored sword lights broke through the air.
Yao Yu, who was absorbing Sword Qi, was affected by this and turned her head.
"What's going on?!"
Just as she was about to question, she saw Xiao Xuan's eyes instantly fill with bloodshot veins, his forehead bulging with veins, and his entire body hunched like a wounded beast.
His entire body was completely enveloped by a black aura. The Myriad Transformation Power seed planted deep within his heart had now completely evolved into a Demonic Seed.
"Be careful!"
With the Sword Stele shaking, Yao Yu returned to Gu Yun's side. Although she didn't know exactly what had happened, she had to protect Gu Yun.
But Gu Yun did not move. He stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the frenzied Xiao Xuan, and whispered, "This is a bit more interesting."
"This guy's strength now exceeds the Saint Realm."
"But how is this possible?!"
"He only just condensed a single Immortal Platform, why can he cross so many realms?!"
Even with Yao Yu's insight, she was shocked by Xiao Xuan.
Gu Yun hugged her and pulled her back: "What's so surprising about that?"
"Can't I do it too?"
Yao Yu stamped her foot slightly: "What are you talking about, who can compare to a freak like you!!"
"Next time you're comparing combat power, please remember to exclude yourself, otherwise you'll get a wrong conclusion!"
"Zheng—"
Demonic Qi surged around Xiao Xuan's body, and the broken sword in his hand re-condensed amidst the blood-colored sword light, transforming into a ferocious blood-colored Demonic Sword.
He laughed maniacally, his voice hoarse with madness: "Gu Yun!"
"Are you regretting it now? Regretting not killing me just now? Now that you've completely enraged me, you're not far from death!"
"Saint Realm? No... now, I can even fight a Great Saint!"
Xiao Xuan grinned ferociously and raised his Demonic Sword. Wherever the sword tip pointed, space shattered inch by inch.
"Liuyun cannot betray me. Your clumsy little trick cannot deceive me now!"
"Today, I will use your blood to sacrifice my sword! Let you know—"
"What true Destiny's Child means!"
With that, enveloped in monstrous demonic might, Xiao Xuan raised his Demonic Sword high. Terrifying Sword Qi spanned across this void, and he brought it down with full force!!
This sword contained his lifelong cultivation and monstrous hatred, even space was torn open with black cracks.
"Master, be careful!"
Yao Yu exclaimed.
"Are you so immersed in the beautiful dream I wove for you that you can't extricate yourself?"
But looking at the frenzied and demonized Xiao Xuan, Gu Yun's expression remained unchanged.
Not only did he not dodge, but he slowly stepped forward.
A Child of Destiny who had entered the kill line was already a dead man in his eyes, completely without any use.
"Seeking death!"
Xiao Xuan grinned ferociously, as if he saw Gu Yun being split into two by him.
But—
Gu Yun merely raised two fingers.
"Ding—"
A crisp metallic clang echoed through the sky.
Under everyone's shocked gaze.
That sword, which could be called world-destroying, was lightly clamped by his fingertips.
Xiao Xuan's power was all feigned by Gu Yun using Myriad Transformation Power. No matter how strong it was, it was fake, and it was even less likely to threaten Gu Yun, the true master.
However, this scene, to those unaware of the truth, was truly astonishing.
"This..."
Yao Yu's mouth was wide open, as wide as it was when she was full of Myriad Transformation Power and slumped weakly.
"How is this possible...?"
Xiao Xuan's eyes widened even further. The sword's edge was only three inches from Gu Yun's glabella, yet it could not advance another inch.
Even his strength was gradually weakening.
"Imagined power is, in the end, an illusion. The moment the bubble bursts—"
"Despair will completely spread!"
"Crack!"
Accompanied by a crisp cracking sound, Xiao Xuan's Demonic Sword shattered inch by inch.
The backlash caused him to spit out a large mouthful of blood, and his entire body flew backward like a broken rag.
"You don't even have the qualifications to make me serious."
Gu Yun brushed his sleeve, then turned to Yao Yu: "Continue devouring the Sword Stele, don't waste it."
"Yes~~~"
Yao Yu reined in her shocked gaze, licked her lips. Without Xiao Xuan's control, the golden Sword Qi had no more obstruction, surging into her delicate body like a tide.
Xiao Xuan lay sprawled in a pool of blood, watching helplessly as the Sword Stele's light gradually dimmed.
"Ding! Host has plunged Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan into ultimate despair, rewarding 10000 Villain Points."
He didn't understand.
His Sword Dao, his Heaven Devouring Demonic Art, his Tian Yan Sword Body, why did none of them work at this moment?
In front of Gu Yun, he was truly as small as an ant.
It seemed that ever since he stepped into this trial space, his every move had been meticulously calculated by Gu Yun.
Even... death!
"Liuyun... I'm sorry..."
He trembled as he reached for the half-piece of jade pendant in his embrace. It was the token Water Flowing Clouds had given him back then.
Looking at it, it was as if he could see the Water Flowing Clouds of the past.
Thinking of this, he clutched the jade pendant tightly.
But just then, a spear light flashed, and his hands detached from his body.
However, he couldn't care less about the heart-wrenching pain. His gaze was fixed on the jade pendant that had fallen into Gu Yun's hand, and he roared, "No!!"
"What are you doing? Give it back to me!!!"
"Perhaps it will be of some use."
Gu Yun said indifferently, as if stating a trivial matter.
He turned to look at Xiao Xuan, who was still barking madly.
He raised his hand, and the heaven and earth furnace reappeared. The moment the lid opened, Xiao Xuan was swallowed whole into it.
The world instantly fell silent, leaving only Xiao Xuan's shrill screams.
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for obtaining Tian Yan Sword Body Origin * 1, Great Power Realm Cultivation Pill * 1."
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for completely killing Child of Destiny Xiao Xuan! You have gained 4000 Destiny Points, obtained a Red Treasure Chest * 1, and a Gold Treasure Chest * 1."
With Xiao Xuan's death, the book "Sword Venerable" completely shattered.
And the fate of the heroine within it, Water Flowing Clouds, also changed.
Holding that jade pendant in his hand.
This might be the key to dealing with the Emotion-Forgetfulness Dao Saintess in the future.
Having cultivated the Taishang Forget Love Art, Water Flowing Clouds was fundamentally a completely different person from before. One could say that the previous Water Flowing Clouds had already died and would never return.
Naturally, she had no connection whatsoever with Xiao Xuan.
Withdrawing his hand, Gu Yun saw Yao Yu still enjoying herself with gusto and did not disturb her.
With a thought, the treasure chests opened.
///360///
Chapter 360 The Fifth Floor of the Daluodao Tower
A divine light flashed, and two red treasure chests and one golden treasure chest opened in Gu Yun's sea of consciousness.
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for receiving a Red Treasure Chest reward: Negative Emotion Collector (Intermediate), absorbs the Child of Destiny's negative emotions with no upper limit."
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for receiving a Red Treasure Chest reward: Hongmeng Sword Embryo."
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for receiving a Golden Treasure Chest reward: Thousand Illusions Pipa (Incomplete)."
"Hongmeng Sword Embryo?"
Gu Yun's eyes lit up. A red quality treasure chest could actually yield a Hongmeng quality treasure. He had really hit the jackpot.
He had even encountered the 0.01% probability. As expected, when one does many good deeds, their luck improves.
However, after inspecting the Hongmeng Sword Embryo, Gu Yun felt relieved. This was not a perfect Hongmeng quality supreme treasure, but merely a sword embryo.
It still required various crafting processes to be fully refined. In his hands, it was just a semi-finished product and not of much use at present.
However, he already possessed the Zhan Tian Divine Sword, which was an Immortal King weapon at its peak. In the future, it would not be difficult to fully transform this sword embryo.
Aside from this sword embryo, the Negative Emotion Collector, a treasure that had accompanied him for a long time, finally underwent sublimation.
However, with the Seven Emotions Tribulation Classic now, Gu Yun already had other sources of Villain Points, so the upgrade to remove its looting limit was not a critical need. If one day it could directly absorb the negative emotions of everyone in the world, that would be when Gu Yun truly took off.
By then, he wouldn't mind carrying some weight.
"System, open the panel."
"Host: Gu Yun"
"Age: 20"
"Cultivation: Dao Body Realm (Early Stage)"
"Physique: Myriad Transformations Saint Body (Elementary)"
"Villain Points: 155300"
"Auras: Supreme Charm Aura (Gold), Destiny Villain Aura (Red), Otherworldly Visitor Aura (Rainbow)"
"Skills: Super Ventriloquist Master, Divine Flute Playing Master, Imperial Secret Arts, Imperial Massage Saint Hand"
"Cultivation Methods: Godly Spirit Myriad Transformation Heavenly Scripture, Primordial Dao Scripture, "Seven Emotions Tribulation Classic""
"Divine Abilities: Heaven Extinguishing Palm, Samsara Heavenly Eye, Sky-Treading Steps"
"Great Daos: Dao of Sword (Minor Accomplishment), Dao of Physical Body (Minor Accomplishment)"
"Treasures: Great Luo Dao Pagoda (Fifth Layer activation progress "112300 / 100000"), xuan qing treasure mirror, human emperor banner, heaven and earth furnace, zhouxin bracelet, Marrow Cleansing Pill * 100, Negative Emotion Collector (Intermediate), ancient emperor armor, Myriad Beast Record, Hundred Refinements Great Emperor Tomb Map, Heavenly Secret Token, Qiankun Wuji Bracelet, Divine Armor Puppet (Small Saint Realm) * 8, Seal Breaking Talisman * 1, Void Escape Talisman (3 / 3), Puppet Advancement Card (4 / 20), Five Directions Demon Suppressing Map (Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, Black Tortoise), Five Elements Immortal Locking Map (Taotie, Qiongqi, Hundun, Taotie), Destiny Soul Hunting Disk, deceiving heaven mask, Origin Divine Spear, Seven Immortal Sounds (Dragon Splendor Heavenly Zither [Incomplete], Fuyao Ancient Zither [Incomplete], Phoenix Auspice Flute [Incomplete], Scarlet Sky Dragon Flute, Thunder Prison Heaven Shaking Drum [Incomplete], Thousand Illusions Pipa [Incomplete]), Hongmeng Sword Embryo, Zhan Tian Divine Sword, Dragon Spring Divine Sword, Mountain and Sea Divine Sword..."
"Can the fifth layer of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda be activated?"
Seeing that the progress had met the requirement, Gu Yun's heart stirred. He cast a glance at Yao Yu, who was still absorbing Sword Qi nearby.
"Let Yao Yu use the spiritual energy in this space."
Gu Yun's heart stirred, and his figure suddenly vanished.
He reappeared on the fourth layer of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda. All the beautiful women were currently sitting cross-legged, diligently cultivating.
Time flowed extremely quickly within the Great Luo Dao Pagoda. Gu Yun occasionally entered to inject cultivation resources for them, and afterward, they naturally cultivated vigorously, not letting Gu Yun down.
Looking around.
Moon Dance, Flame Princess, Ji Yaojun, Qi Huoer, and Qi Shuier were all among them.
Sitting cross-legged, scantily clad, the environment was so difficult, yet their cultivation was so diligent. Gu Yun felt gratified; they had not let his backache be in vain.
He did not linger there for too long. He directly proceeded to the fifth layer.
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for successfully activating the fifth layer of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda. Reward: Sixth layer activation progress (12300 / 200000)."
"Two hundred thousand?"
"This little pagoda's appetite is really growing."
Gu Yun grumbled, then he appeared on the fifth layer. Looking around, it was an boundless sea, deep and distant, giving a sense of dread.
"Hiss—Roar—"
As expected, a terrifying roar echoed from the abyss of the sea.
The sea surface suddenly erupted with colossal waves, and a sky-obscuring black shadow burst out of the water!
It was a gigantic whale, completely black, with dense bone spikes growing on its back, each emanating a faint blue cold light.
Most horrifyingly, its head had three blood-red vertical pupils arranged in a triangular pattern. When it opened its massive mouth, layers of spiral-shaped sharp teeth were revealed.
It obscured the sky and was utterly terrifying.
"System, what in the world is this?!"
Gu Yun had originally thought it would be a Qilin or some other creature, but he hadn't expected it to be this terrifying monster.
"Ding! Detecting that the Host is facing the 'Primordial Whale Projection (Demonized)'."
"Primordial Whale?!"
Gu Yun's pupils constricted. The aura emanating from this giant whale was extremely terrifying.
"You want me to deal with it?"
"The Host need not worry. You only need to release your Kingly Aura to subdue it."
"What the heck..."
Before Gu Yun could react, the giant whale, imbued with terrifying might, was already crushing down on him.
"Presumptuous!!"
In a moment of urgency, Gu Yun coldly shouted, and the Myriad Transformation Power poured out.
Unexpectedly, the giant whale was like a mouse encountering a cat. The moment it came into contact with the Myriad Transformation Power, it let out a whimper and then completely vanished.
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for subduing the 'Primordial Whale Projection (Demonized)'."
The system's notification sound rang out.
"That's it? That simple?"
Gu Yun still felt as if he was in a fog. The continuous system notifications interrupted his thoughts.
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for unlocking the fifth layer of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda. Reward: 100000 Villain Points."
"Ding! Host has gained control of the fifth layer of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda. Time flow is five thousand times faster than the outside world."
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for upgrading the quality of the heaven and earth furnace. Current kill line: 10000 Destiny Points."
"Ding! Congratulations to the Host for obtaining a Chaos-grade treasure, the Heart of the Vast Sea."
...
Supreme Emotionless Sect.
The white-robed woman sitting on the ice lotus suddenly opened her eyes, her Dao lines on her brow flickering intensely.
She clutched her suddenly aching heart, and a tear involuntarily slid down.
"Why... am I crying?"
Water Flowing Clouds stared blankly at the ice crystal on her fingertip.
"Liuyun, you still have worldly ties. How can you completely immerse yourself in cultivation?"
A clear, cold voice sounded from the side.