Spirit Ruin, Sword Coffin, Blind Swordsman

Boom!

Li Guanqi rose from his seat. His white robe snapped in the violent winds, hands clasped behind his back, his eyes full of cold pride and disdain.

Heaven and earth shifted at once. Thick clouds churned above Heavenly Sword Peak, twisting into a vast funnel. Lightning jumped through the vortex, thunder rolling without pause. Lightning spirit qi flooded out like a burst dam, birthing storm after storm that circled the great hall.

He walked toward the crowd. With each step, searing flames burst beneath his feet. The heat washed over everyone until it felt like they’d been thrown into lava.

Yu Bo trembled. His knees slammed to the floor.

A moment earlier, he and the others had barely withstood Li Guanqi’s pressure. Now, they were like boats in a storm, thrown and battered at every turn. He Ying’s face tightened. He hurriedly joined the other two in resisting the crushing might.

Even so, the three of them could only struggle under the storm of pressure. The old man’s knees buckled again and again.

Behind Li Guanqi, the sword box slowly opened. The famed Red Lotus Sword blazed with scarlet light. Even sheathed, arcs of sword qi laced with lightning tore through the hall.

At the doorway, Wu Bing smacked his lips and muttered, “Why did you have to provoke him?”

At first, he had been jealous of Li Guanqi’s talent, but as the gap between them widened, that jealousy faded. Since he could never catch up, why bother? In truth, the Daxia Sword Sect needed someone like Li Guanqi.Li Guanqi stopped only three chi away from the trio, tall and straight as a sword. He looked down at them and calmly asked, “Is this your confidence?”

His words struck their hearts like a hammer. He was warning them, forcing them to see themselves properly.

A faint laugh escaped his lips. “At first, inviting you to join our sect was about mutual benefit—living in peace together. Instead, you feared death. You feared the Mo Family, so you cowered in the Keli River, a mere hundred li from our sect. Have you forgotten something?”

His face darkened. “Joining the Daxia Sword Sect is your honor and your fortune. Put away your arrogance. If you want to talk, show some sincerity.”

The words were meant for Yu Bo, and Yu Bo understood.

Li Guanqi went on, “Of course, I know some of your clansmen are still unconvinced. Fine. Anyone who disagrees can step forward. I won’t bully you. Whatever their cultivation, I’ll pick any disciple from our sect to meet you in a life-and-death duel.”

Silence.

No one dared speak in the entire hall. The air was so heavy it pressed down on their chests. When no one moved, Li Guanqi chuckled coldly. “Since you don’t dare, then keep your eyes in check. Don’t glare at me with all that dissatisfaction.”

He turned and walked back to his seat. His crushing aura vanished like smoke.

The three Divine Transformation Realm cultivators collapsed, gasping for breath, drenched as though dragged from a river.

Li Guanqi smiled faintly. Wu Bing understood at once, stepped forward with dry towels, then retreated to the doorway.

Li Guanqi said, “Senior Brother, take the Spiritfish Clan disciples for a tour. Let them see our eight hundred streams and valleys.”

Wu Bing nodded and gestured outward. “Everyone, leave the elders’ matters to the elders. I’ll show you around.”

Pale-faced, Yu Bo waved his worried clansmen away. “Go.”

Lan Xun hesitated at the door, worry clouding her eyes, a flicker of anger aimed at Li Guanqi. She led the others out.

The great doors shut slowly, leaving only four people inside.

The old man shook his head with a bitter smile. “Young Master Li, truly remarkable in your youth. We old men can only concede.”

Inwardly, Li Guanqi sneered. Still trying to take advantage of seniority at a time like this.

Outwardly, his expression didn’t shift. He smiled. “I’ve always respected my elders. Now then, shall we speak properly?”

Even Yu Han stayed silent. He’d felt the gulf between them. It was heaven and earth.

The old man drew a long breath. “Third on the Nascent Soul Leaderboard. Your reputation is well-earned. On behalf of the Spiritfish Clan, I agree to join the Daxia Sword Sect. From this day forward, we share fortune and hardship alike. All we ask is a place in your territory where we can settle and thrive. Our clan is born to water, and every member bears a water spirit root. We can serve your sect well and instruct your disciples. What do you say, young friend?”

Li Guanqi curled his lips. Old fox. Trying to have his cake and eat it too. If it were that easy, why had he gone through all this?

He shook his head and said softly, “When did I ever say the Daxia Sword Sect agreed to let the Spiritfish Clan join?”

He Ying’s brows knitted, his gaze sharp. “What do you mean by that?”

Li Guanqi leaned back in his chair. “I invited you here for one reason: to stand against the Mo Family. All of this began with your Spiritfish Clan. When I killed Mo Congyun, it was for your sake. When the Mo Family struck at our sect, even if I’d left later, I still would’ve made it. And you expect me to believe you had no time to come?”

Their faces turned ugly.

Li Guanqi sneered. “Chasing profit alone won’t work. Besides, do you really think the Daxia Sword Sect needs the three of you?”

His voice boomed, echoing through the hall. “With me here, the Daxia Sword Sect needs no help from you at all.”

The words struck them dumb. It was the truth.

Yu Bo’s eyes flickered, his shoulders sagging as if the weight of his years had finally caught up with him. With a long sigh, he said quietly, “No need for more words, young friend. Name your terms.”