Immortal Sword Master

Chapter 376: Chapter 372: The Grand Event Begins, Four Palaces

After the tea party ended, Ning Jiang returned to the Nine Profound Sect. A casual scan with his Divine Sense revealed that Lü Qinghe and Lü Xingfan had a huge argument.

It was all about how Lü Qinghe disliked Ning Jiang and refused to be his fiancée.

The argument, of course, ended on a sour note.

Ning Jiang couldn’t be bothered with such matters. To him, both Lü Qinghe and the Nine Profound Sect were merely fleeting passersby in the grand scheme of his life.

He was a great, rushing river; why would he care about a single splash from its currents?

For the next few days, Ning Jiang remained in the Nine Profound Sect, secluding himself and focusing on his cultivation.

During this time, he focused primarily on practicing the Myriad Swords Technique. His execution of its three moves—Long River Sunset, One Sword Soars Immortal, and Myriad Swords Return to One—grew increasingly masterful.

As for the fourth sword move, it was still too strenuous for him to use with his current Divine Travel Realm cultivation.

Meanwhile, his control over his Sword Intent grew ever more masterful.

When he channeled its ferocity, his gaze alone could unleash invisible Sword Qi capable of piercing metal.

When he was calm, it became serene and unassuming, to the point that not even a Heaven-Reaching Realm expert could sense he was someone who had comprehended Sword Intent.

During this period, Lü Qinghe came to see Ning Jiang several more times, each time to tell him that she would never be with him and that he should give up all hope.

And so, the days passed.

The atmosphere in Liang Province grew increasingly lively.

The Extreme Heaven Sect’s grand gala was approaching!

This was an annual gala, and only those who received an invitation were qualified to enter the Extreme Heaven Sect.

Everyone, without exception, considered an invitation to be a great honor.

There was only one reason for this: the Extreme Heaven Sect was simply too powerful. Below the Seven Great Super Sects, it was the strongest Sect of all, and its Sect Leader was known as the man closest to becoming a Celestial Martial Realm King.

No one knew if the Sect Leader of the Extreme Heaven Sect would one day successfully break through to the Celestial Martial Realm.

If that day ever came, the Six Eastern Provinces would have another Super Sect.

Finally, the seventh day arrived.

Within the Nine Profound Sect, several figures were ready to depart.

”On this trip to the Extreme Heaven Sect, all of you must be cautious. Do not start any conflicts or offend anyone.”

Sect Leader Lü Xingfan spoke. A Middle Grade Sect only received five invitations. He had taken one, and the other four had gone to Ning Jiang, Lü Qinghe, Fang Heng, and the Nine Profound Sect’s Grand Elder.

As for Yue Wenfu, he had stayed at the Nine Profound Sect for two days before returning to Qing Province, just as Ning Jiang had instructed.

As Lü Xingfan’s gaze swept over Ning Jiang, a flicker of reverence, unseen by the others, passed through his eyes. Seeing Ning Jiang nod at him, he finally said, ”Let’s set out.”

With that, he took to the skies.

Lü Qinghe, however, paused and shot Ning Jiang a look. ”I hope you’ll keep your promise,” she said coldly. ”After today, we forget each other. We’ll have nothing more to do with one another.”

”Don’t worry. I’ll forget everything, down to the last detail.”

Ning Jiang’s voice was placid as he stepped into the air.

”Hmph.” Lü Qinghe huffed in annoyance and followed suit.

...

The Extreme Heaven Sect was located in the center of Liang Province, occupying a massive territory five hundred miles in radius.

What did a five-hundred-mile radius even mean?

It was more than enough space to house tens of millions of people.

The entirety of Liang Province was only about five thousand miles across, which meant the Extreme Heaven Sect alone occupied a full tenth of the province’s territory.

”Sect Leader Lü, fancy meeting you here.”

”Sect Leader Qian, I trust you’ve been well.”

Lü Xingfan replied with a smile.

As they flew through the air, they periodically saw people from other sects, also heading toward the Extreme Heaven Sect.

In all of Liang Province, there were more than a dozen Upper Grade Sects, over fifty Middle Grade Sects, and more than a hundred Low Grade Sects.

Most of these sects had received invitations. In addition, some famous masters who did not belong to a sect were also invited to the gala.

It was certain that the number of attendees would be in the thousands, and these people represented the very elite of Liang Province.

After flying for about an hour, a vast complex of palaces came into view.

On the ground below, one Spirit Mountain after another rose, each as straight as a sword. Some peaks were covered in blossoms, with numerous palaces built upon them.

Countless thousand-foot-high waterfalls cascaded from the peaks, resembling a host of jade dragons.

The sky was a crystalline blue, without a wisp of a cloud. The bright sun hung high, its gentle, brilliant light shining down upon a spotless world.

On the thousands of mountain peaks, gnarled pines with sprawling, twisted branches gave off an ancient, boundless aura.

What was even more shocking was that four palaces were actually floating high in the sky.

The positioning of these four palaces was also quite specific; three were arranged in a triangle, surrounding a larger palace at the center like stars revolving around the moon.

The central palace was more imposing, more magnificent, and floated at a greater height than the other three.

The four palaces floated high in the air, shrouded in ethereal mist. Like Celestial Palaces, they were filled with an imposing dignity.

”Those four palaces are where the Extreme Heaven Sect’s four Heaven-Reaching Realm experts reside.”

”And the one in the center belongs to the Sect Leader of the Extreme Heaven Sect!”

Lü Xingfan explained to Ning Jiang. Every time he saw these four palaces, a profound sense of awe would well up from deep within him.

Compared to cultivators of such a realm, he was as weak as an ant.

Although Lü Qinghe and the others had all seen it before, their faces still revealed their shock.

Only Ning Jiang’s expression remained calm.

’Making a palace float is just a trick of gravity control, a simple means for a Heaven-Reaching Realm expert. An Earth Martial Realm cultivator can master a small amount of Domain Power, but a Heaven-Reaching Realm expert can control the gravity of heaven and earth.’

’The Profound Celestial Ancient Hall in the Profound Celestial Ancient Land also floated in the air like this.’

’Still, compared to the grand spectacles I witnessed in my past life, this is nothing more than child’s play.’

”There are so many people,”

Fang Heng said in astonishment, watching as figure after figure converged on the Extreme Heaven Sect.

The weakest among them were at the Primordial Spirit Fourth Tribulation Realm. Beyond them, he could sense even more oppressive auras—those of Earth Martial Realm experts.

”Remember, do not act presumptuously once inside, lest you offend someone.”

Lü Xingfan gravely warned the juniors like Lü Qinghe, but his admonition did not extend to Ning Jiang.

”Yes.”

Lü Qinghe and the others all wore solemn expressions. How could they dare to be presumptuous at such a grand event?

”Let’s go in.”

The group approached the Extreme Heaven Sect and landed at the main gate.

Guards were stationed at the gate, checking every person’s invitation.

Even Earth Martial Realm experts followed the rules, obediently presenting their invitations and waiting for the guards to grant them entry. This spoke volumes of the Extreme Heaven Sect’s authority.

”There are no issues. You may enter.”

After the guards inspected the Nine Profound Sect’s invitation, the group was smoothly allowed inside.

The moment he stepped inside, Ning Jiang saw a familiar face.