After the Great Dao Died

Shen Xiu’an stood upon the clouds, sword qi overflowing around him.

His sharp aura pierced the mist, forming a sword domain that shrouded the surrounding hundred zhang.

He looked down at Chen Lingxi as a stream of sword light swept over, landing directly in front of the younger man.

Looking thoughtful, Chen Lingxi stood and stepped onto the sword light. In the next instant, it soared like a red streak from the horizon, shooting a thousand zhang straight into the air to hover in the void just behind Shen Xiu’an.

The brilliance of the divine deer continued to shine upon Chen Lingxi.

The brocade robes Yuan Lingyu had given him shimmered with dazzling light. Coupled with his naturally handsome features, he exuded a truly extraordinary air.

Cheng Shuangtian, with a pagoda suspended behind him, and Lian Sheng both looked toward Chen Lingxi, a touch of surprise in their eyes.

”And who might this be?” Cheng Shuangtian raised an eyebrow. ”I’ve never heard of such a figure on Slumbering Deer Peak. Is he Brother Shen’s newly accepted disciple?”

Lian Sheng’s gaze flickered as he studied Chen Lingxi, the arrogance in his eyes growing even stronger.

The Dao Origin circulating around Chen Lingxi showed he was only at the Early Dao Foundation realm.

Though also at the Early Dao Foundation realm, Lian Sheng had ascended the Dragon Transformation Immortal Roll and ranked near the very top of the First Profound Ranking. Within the entire Dragon-Revering Sect, the number of Early Dao Foundation cultivators capable of defeating him could be counted on one hand.

He was familiar with all of those figures, and this young man on Slumbering Deer Peak was clearly not among them.

Shen Xiu’an looked up. ”This is my Junior Brother Zhiling, not my disciple.”

Cheng Shuangtian raised an eyebrow, having never heard that True Person Xiangshu had taken a new disciple.

Realizing the young man before him had a Golden Palace True Person as a master, Lian Sheng’s expression turned solemn.

Not daring to be impolite, he completely retracted the arrogance in his eyes and bowed respectfully.

”Greetings, Martial Uncle Zhiling.”

Chen Lingxi’s expression remained unchanged. He gave Lian Sheng a slight nod, then turned and bowed in greeting to Cheng Shuangtian.

Cheng Shuangtian thought for a moment before cupping his fists in return. He then looked back at Shen Xiu’an and said, ”No wonder Brother Shen has some interest in the Suspended Qi Fruit Projection fortune.

So it turns out Brother Shen has such an Early Dao Foundation junior brother.”

He paused and suddenly shook his head.

”It’s just that... in our Dragon-Revering Sect, strength always comes first.

For True Person Xiangshu to take Junior Brother Zhiling as a disciple, his aptitude must be extraordinary.

But from what I can see, Junior Brother Zhiling’s Dao Origin is not overly profound. I suppose it is because he is simply too young.”

”On the path of cultivation, age is an advantage.

Lian Sheng is already twenty-four years old. His foundation is deep, and his Dao Origin is highly condensed. He has already ascended the First Profound Celestial Ranking and is even about to master his second Great Divine Ability, thereby planting his second Profound Root and stepping into the Dao Foundation Middle Stage!

Brother Shen... this Suspended Qi Fruit Projection is absolutely vital to my disciple. I hope you can make an exception.”

Having said this, Cheng Shuangtian raised his hand in a bow to Shen Xiu’an, then flicked his sleeve.

Immediately, a heavy Dao Origin aura flowed out into the void, revealing an array disk.

”This array disk is called the [Star Pool Array Disk]! It is modeled after the star pool of the ancient Immortal Capital.

Holding this array disk during cultivation will provide tremendous benefits to both divine abilities and Dao Origin.

I am willing to offer this array disk in exchange. I ask that Brother Shen stay away from the location of the Suspended Qi Fruit Projection.”

Cheng Shuangtian was incredibly polite, his tone wholly sincere.

Chen Lingxi remained silent.

Shen Xiu’an, however, merely glanced at the Star Pool Array Disk and shook his head.

”I have heard of this Star Pool Array Disk before, but it is merely a Fourth Grade item. How can it be mentioned in the same breath as the Suspended Qi Fruit Projection?”

Hearing this, Cheng Shuangtian frowned slightly. His eyes flickered, and the array disk vanished without a trace.

”Brother Shen! Even in our Dragon-Revering Sect, a Fourth Grade treasure is already incredibly precious to an Early Dao Foundation cultivator.

Besides, just as I said earlier, the Dragon-Revering Sect respects strength above all.

Seeing Junior Brother Zhiling today, I can tell that my disciple’s Dao Origin cultivation exceeds his by far more than a single level.

Since that is the case, shouldn’t this Suspended Qi Fruit Projection rightfully belong to Lian Sheng?”

”Oh?” Shen Xiu’an likewise frowned, his originally calm gaze instantly turning sharp.

He stared at Cheng Shuangtian. The sword qi around him stirred faintly, forming waves that tore through the surrounding clouds.

”Brother Cheng, since you mentioned that our Dragon-Revering Sect respects strength above all...

Then there’s no need for so much talk... Ultimately, this contest over the Suspended Qi Fruit Projection is between you and me...”

Shen Xiu’an paused, the corners of his mouth suddenly curling into a faint smile.

”Since that is the case, why bother coming to my Slumbering Deer Peak?

We can simply go to the location of the fortune, fight it out, and take the Suspended Qi Fruit Projection by force!”

Cheng Shuangtian’s breath instantly hitched.

Behind him, Lian Sheng’s expression also changed.

In the Dragon-Revering Sect, no one was unaware of Shen Xiu’an’s name.

On the Dragon Transformation Four Profound Celestial Ranking, Shen Xiu’an sat firmly in second place. He was even stronger than many of the main sect’s experts. Even True Person Yujun, who was hailed as ”Suppressing the Dao Profounds of the Nine Quarters,” was a notch weaker than him and relegated to third place.

The only person capable of defeating Shen Xiu’an was the Young Master of the Dragon-Revering Sect.

Cheng Shuangtian possessed peerless combat power and tyrannical divine abilities, commanding an illustrious reputation across the Land of Nine Palaces, but compared to Shen Xiu’an, he was far inferior.

Though both were at the Fourth Profound Realm, perhaps even two Cheng Shuangtians would be unable to contend with Shen Xiu’an’s single spiritual sword!

Now that Shen Xiu’an had explicitly stated his refusal to yield the Suspended Qi Fruit Projection, Clumsy Crane Peak’s chances of seizing the fortune were drastically reduced.

As Shen Xiu’an spoke these words, waves of sword qi poured from his body. They carried the hidden fluctuations of various Great Divine Abilities, naturally exuding a terrifying might.

Facing such majestic sword qi, the Dao Origin circulating around an Early Dao Foundation cultivator like Lian Sheng weakened drastically.

Chen Lingxi watched all of this from the sidelines, feeling a bit surprised.

’This nominal Eldest Senior Brother of mine... seems quite concerned about me.’

’He even wants to seize the Suspended Qi Fruit Projection for me,’ he pondered.

Hearing Shen Xiu’an’s blunt words, Cheng Shuangtian couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger.

He lightly flicked his sleeve and scoffed.

”Since Brother Shen refuses to make an exception, I won’t press the matter.

However, Brother Shen... there are two things you still need to know.”

”First, I have already invited Brother Chu Zhuo of Illuminating Sword Profound Peak to aid me.

Brother Chu Zhuo is ranked fourth on the Fourth Profound Ranking. Even if he contends with you, he will not necessarily be at a disadvantage.”

”Second, Slumbering Deer Peak has recently suffered several upheavals, and its prestige has waned.

It is now the weakest of the seven inner peaks.

Since Brother Shen refuses to accommodate us, my Clumsy Crane Peak will not hold back in any future disputes over fortunes!”

”Our Dragon-Revering Sect has always encouraged the inner peaks to compete and temper each other.

When that time comes... I hope Brother Shen won’t blame me for disregarding our sect ties!”

Swish!

In an instant!

A streak of sword qi erupted from Shen Xiu’an.

Dressed in white, Shen Xiu’an stood atop the clouds. A chill crept onto his originally calm face.

Behind him, at some unknown point, a black-and-white millstone had appeared.

The millstone hovered in the air, spanning a hundred zhang across, and spun continuously!

Looking closely, one could see that this black-and-white millstone was entirely formed from countless precious swords.

These swords hung in the void, their tips meeting to form the black-and-white millstone. The sword light swirling within transformed it into a terrifying sword array.

”There must be over ten thousand swords.”

Witnessing the terrifying might of Shen Xiu’an’s sword dao, Chen Lingxi took a deep breath.

”I wonder what divine ability this is? To possess such might.

With such profoundness, perhaps only a Dao Foundation Perfection cultivator wielding the Jade Tiger Rebellious Sea Sword Light could compare.”

Chen Lingxi had already comprehended the Jade Tiger Rebellious Sea Sword Light, and its profundity was truly indescribable.

But in terms of raw might, how could he compare to a Dao Foundation Perfection cultivator like Shen Xiu’an?

Chen Lingxi was merely a bystander.

Cheng Shuangtian and Lian Sheng, however, were directly facing this profoundly terrifying sword dao divine ability.

In an instant, the Dao Origin around Lian Sheng became like a candle in the wind, flickering constantly and on the verge of being extinguished.

The Treasure Pagoda behind Cheng Shuangtian shone brilliantly, yet it was still unable to contend with Shen Xiu’an’s sword might. Its light was completely suppressed, forced back to within a ten-zhang radius.

”Brother Cheng... you are a Fourth Profound cultivator, and who knows how many grand spectacles you have experienced.

Has no one ever taught you that if your cultivation falls short, you shouldn’t utter empty threats in front of a stronger opponent?”

Shen Xiu’an whispered softly.

”If I were to sever one of your Profound Roots right here, I wonder if you would still be able to head to that fortune’s location and vie with me for the Suspended Qi Fruit Projection?”

Cheng Shuangtian’s expression instantly changed.

Right at this moment.

Within the brilliance of the divine deer, another speck of starlight shone dazzlingly.

At the same time, hearty laughter echoed from within that speck of light.

”Shen Xiu’an, the people of the Nine Quarters all say you are the most unreasonable and overbearing sword cultivator. They are absolutely right.”

The voice was young and resonant, exuding an incredibly fierce confidence.

Simultaneously.

The void suddenly darkened as the brilliance was eclipsed.

Chen Lingxi raised his eyes and witnessed an astonishing scene.

At some unknown point, a massive inverted sword had appeared in the sky!

The reason Chen Lingxi was so surprised was because this sword was truly colossal.

Looking up from his vantage point, Chen Lingxi could see that the sword was likely a thousand zhang long. From afar, it resembled a mountain peak.

Yet this massive sword was neither a phantom image nor a mere manifestation.

Chen Lingxi could sense the sharp aura of steel and perceive the sword light continuously flashing across its blade.

”This is truly a thousand-zhang-long sword.”

Chen Lingxi took a deep breath, marveling inwardly, and then looked toward the sword’s hilt.

He saw a person standing atop the hilt with their hands clasped behind their back, gazing down at Slumbering Deer Peak!

He likewise exuded a fierce might, soaring sword qi, and dense killing intent.

’Is this that Chu Zhuo from Illuminating Sword Profound Peak?’ Chen Lingxi guessed.

As expected.

The moment this person appeared, a smile surfaced on Cheng Shuangtian’s face. He raised his hand in salute.

”Brother Chu.”

Chu Zhuo gave a slight nod, but his gaze remained fixed on Shen Xiu’an.

Shen Xiu’an glanced at Chu Zhuo’s thousand-zhang giant sword and shook his head slightly.

”To think that Chu Zhuo, who has always been indifferent to worldly ties and possesses not a single ounce of manners, would actually seek out a fortune on behalf of someone else.”

”That is not the case.” Chu Zhuo shook his head. ”The reason I agreed to help Cheng Shuangtian seize the Suspended Qi Fruit Projection is not to earn his favor, nor is it to aid another.”

As he spoke, a sudden brilliance shone upon his young face.

”Brother Shen... you and I are both renowned for our sword dao, yet on the Dragon Transformation Four Profound Ranking, you sit one spot above me.

Because of this, I want to use this opportunity to see exactly how much your sword dao surpasses mine!”

As Chu Zhuo’s voice fell, the thousand-zhang sword burst with brilliant light, resembling a radiant mountain. Its sword light pierced straight into the void, sweeping away the clouds. The billowing sword qi vied for splendor against the brilliance of the three suns!

Hearing Chu Zhuo’s words, Shen Xiu’an looked up slightly.

He didn’t continue to circulate his sword qi or unleash his divine ability, but instead gently flicked his finger.

The tens of thousands of black-and-white sword lights behind him vanished without a trace.

He simply stood in place, bathed in the brilliance of the divine deer and the sharp edge of the thousand-zhang sword, his face reflecting absolute confidence.

”My sword light, within this Land of Nine Palaces, is number one beneath the Golden Palace.

Whether it is you, Chu Zhuo, or Jiao Shenyue of the Southern Heaven Region, or even the Ehai prodigy Qiu Ji, none of you can contend with me.

Brother Chu, since you wish to test the edge of my sword light divine ability, I will wait for you at the location of the fortune.”

Shen Xiu’an spoke these words with a calm expression and an even tone, but the confidence in his eyes was as incomparably sharp as his sword light.

Chu Zhuo gave a slight nod.

”Since that is the case, I look forward to seeking your guidance soon.”

With that, the thousand-zhang sword behind him abruptly transformed into a stream of light. Trailing a fierce storm and tearing through the clouds, it flew into the distance like a massive, thousand-zhang sky-ship.

Cheng Shuangtian narrowed his eyes slightly, bowed in the direction of the departing Chu Zhuo, and prepared to leave.

Right at this moment, Lian Sheng, who had remained silent all this time, suddenly took a deep breath. He first bowed to Shen Xiu’an, then looked at Chen Lingxi hovering in the clouds behind him.

”Martial Uncle Zhiling, you and I are both in the First Profound Realm... Our Dragon-Revering Sect has always encouraged those of the same realm to exchange pointers and verify their divine abilities!

I wonder... if Martial Uncle might be willing to offer me a pointer or two.”

Shen Xiu’an instantly frowned.

This was because Lian Sheng hadn’t used a divine sense transmission to speak these words. Instead, he had infused his voice with Dao Origin, making his words resound across all of Slumbering Deer Peak.

In an instant, many disciples of Slumbering Deer Peak looked up into the clouds.

Even from within the Six Halls of Slumbering Deer Peak, numerous gazes were cast toward the high heavens.

Six elder hall masters, who were also at the Fourth Profound Realm like Shen Xiu’an, directed their inquiring gazes over.

Cheng Shuangtian, who had originally intended to leave, halted his steps and looked at Chen Lingxi.

Chen Lingxi’s gaze also fell upon Lian Sheng. Seeing the arrogance hidden in the other’s eyes...

’The Dragon-Revering Sect is considered a colossal entity within the Land of Nine Palaces. Who knows how many cultivators with peerless talent cultivate here.’

’For him to rank among the top in such a place, it makes sense that Lian Sheng is a bit arrogant.’

Chen Lingxi lowered his head in thought. He could also sense the numerous gazes directed at him.

And from what he saw in the Fate-Concealing Purple Haze... in those past memories, he had never once fought since arriving at Slumbering Deer Peak.

’Although I don’t know what that Golden Palace True Person’s true motive is... in such a colossal profound sect, the greater one’s talent, the more cultivation resources they receive, and the more precious their fortunes.’

’Furthermore... ever since arriving in the Great Xuanzhuo Realm, the many cultivators I have encountered have all been like clay chickens and earthen dogs, unworthy of mention.’

’So then... exactly how strong is this Lian Sheng, who ranks on the Dragon Transformation Immortal Roll?’

As his thoughts reached this point, a fierce battle intent surged in his heart!

”Senior Brother, don’t let this Lian Sheng of Clumsy Crane Peak provoke you...” Yuan Lingyu’s divine sense transmission flowed into his mind.

Shen Xiu’an looked at Lian Sheng, shook his head slightly, and was just about to speak.

Right at this moment, Chen Lingxi suddenly nodded.

”Very well.”