The hall of the Shore Leave, home to a contemporary True Person, was silenced by Jiang Wang’s rebuke.

Killing intent seethed within Tu Shore Leave’s heart, yet he dared not act against Jiang Wang. True Persons could not easily renege on their words, but what of a Duke or Marquis of the Ba Kingdom? Were they truly so esteemed?

Sword Pavilion was not some shadowy organization like Ping Deng Guo, lurking in the darkness. It was an established institution, its mountain gate standing proudly for thirty thousand years. The world was vast, and he, Tu Shore Leave, the No Heart Sword Master, could go anywhere. But the Sword Pavilion could not follow.

It came back to the same point: when facing the Wu An Marquis of Qi, the Sword Pavilion had to adhere to rules, to the Way and its principles. But speaking of rules, in the fair fight between Jiang Wang and Si Kong Jing Xiao, Si Kong Jing Xiao’s master had suddenly intervened, adopting a condescending posture to “teach” the younger generation. What rule did this adhere to?

Tu Shore Leave was left speechless. On the entire mountain platform, no one else dared to speak. Every individual had the right to represent themselves, to stake their honor and disgrace. Sword Pavilion was vast, and surely there were those willing to sacrifice themselves. But who among them could represent the Sword Pavilion at this very moment, facing the representative of the Great Qi Empire, and declare, “We refuse no challengers”?

The Great Xia Imperial Court, governing a vast territory of ten thousand li, was not far off!

Little Chu Mo looked up at the silhouette of his Master. He felt that this upright figure was somehow taller than Tian Mu Mountain itself!

At this moment, a calm voice, as if returning from the cosmos, resonated. Undisturbed by waves, yet containing a profound divine might:

“My Sword Pavilion has stood proudly in the Southern Domain for thirty thousand years, not by enduring oppression. Though a nation be great, one that loves war will perish. Qi Country, destroying Yang and attacking Xia, wages war frequently. Does it believe the world has no one to resist it? Jiang Wu An, you come to pay respects to the mountain, and Sword Pavilion welcomes you. You come to attack the mountain, and Sword Pavilion also welcomes you. If you can persuade Jiang Shu, then feel free to lead your army south. See if this old sect, sitting trapped on a desolate mountain, abandoned by the world, is entirely without backbone.”

The entire Sentient Beings Sword Tower square erupted in a roar. The Sword Pavilion disciples present straightened their backs and puffed out their chests. Yes, Qi Country might be powerful, but Sword Pavilion had stood in the world for so many years; whom did it fear?

To be able to speak on behalf of Tu Shore Leave in such a situation, with such confidence in his words, it was clear who the voice belonged to. Facing such an existence, would Jiang Wang still dare to be so arrogant and unrestrained?

Bai Yu Xia clenched her teeth, forcing herself to stand more steadily. Though she could not advance, she refused to retreat a single step.

At this moment, Jiang Wang’s gaze had already moved away from Tu Shore Leave. He looked up at the sky, cupped his hand in a salute towards the direction of the voice, and asked:

“May I ask if that is the Sword Pavilion Pavilion Master in person?”

After a moment, a response came from the sky:

“I am Shao Si Yu An. Does the Wu An Marquis have any advice?”

Indeed, it was Si Yu An, the contemporary Pavilion Master of Sword Pavilion! A world-renowned expert of the Derive Dao realm!

“I dare not.” Jiang Wang maintained his respectful posture, his tone humble: “This junior has been overly rude today.”

Sword Pavilion disciple Tang Ji Ming couldn’t help but twitch his mouth. Just now, he had also been suppressed by this troublesome Wu An Marquis. He had thought him a figure of immense dominance and fierceness. But now, when facing the Pavilion Master, he had become so polite and proper? If he had continued his defiance, Tang Ji Ming might have felt a degree of admiration. This sudden shift felt like nothing more than a façade.

But in the next moment, he saw that Jiang Wang suddenly straightened his body, like a brilliant sword radiating ten thousand rays of light! Looking up at the sky, he revealed his sharp edge:

“May I ask the Pavilion Master, if Shu Zun has personally intervened today, is it to discuss martial skill or to discuss reason?”

The entire area fell silent. Only Si Yu An’s voice descended:

“How about discussing martial skill, and how about discussing reason?”

“If you wish to discuss martial skill, then kill me, Jiang Wang, here and now! Jiang Wang is not yet twenty-one years old, his cultivation has not yet reached the Divine Approach. To cause a True Monarch to act against a True Person is a death worthy of heroism.” Jiang Wang stepped forward, facing the Sword Pavilion up and down from the mountain platform. He looked up at the contemporary True Monarch, without a hint of deference. He raised his head and straightened his back, his voice clear: “If the great army of Qi Country cannot flatten Tian Mu Peak within three months, then my death will have been in vain!”

He scanned his surroundings, his gaze as sharp as a sword, almost piercing the souls of everyone who met his eyes:

“In the past, the Great Xia Empire’s territory spanned ten thousand li, with experts like clouds and an army of over a million, yet it could not hold out for more than three months. I wonder if your Sword Pavilion can do better?!”

The mountain platform square was silent, the entire city hushed. Only Jiang Wang stood alone, speaking alone. His hand rested on the sword at his waist. Looking up at the person in the sky, he spoke to the distant, unknown location of the Sword Pavilion Pavilion Master: “If you wish to discuss reason… I have come to pay respects to the mountain according to custom, and challenged according to custom. I have not been rude in any way. Si Kong Jing Xiao, relying on his cultivation, insulted my good friend. I only wished to compare our strengths.”

“I, Jiang Wang, am twenty-one this year, while your esteemed sect’s Si Kong Jing Xiao is thirty-six. He has been in the Divine Approach realm for seven years, while I have only this year reached the Golden Body Jade Marrow stage. If the two of us were to duel, would that not be considered me bullying him? Considering the timing, geographical advantage, and human relations, from any perspective, this battle cannot be said to be unfair to Si Kong Jing Xiao.”

At this point, he pointed at Tu Shore Leave: “But the victory and defeat have not yet been determined, our swords are still in our hands. This master adult just wants to come out and suppress me!”

“Why does he suppress me? Could it be that my Qi Country has no contemporary True Persons? Just in this South Xia, there is the South Xia Governor Su Guan Ying, and the Army Supervisor Master Ming Li. Why doesn’t he go find them? If these two are not enough, Fierce Resident adult is my elder, the masters of Lin Zi’s techniques are my friends, I am a regular guest at the Destroying City Marquis’s mansion, and I often attend the political hall. May I ask the No Heart Sword Master, who is he waiting to challenge!?”

Jiang Wang was not simply boasting and invoking the names of powerful figures. The prominent individuals he mentioned were indeed those who would come to his aid. Heavy Xuan Chu Liang and Li Zheng Yan needed no mention. Yi Xing Chen had long since developed a connection with him, having adopted Fourteen as his daughter, and had made a heavy investment in Jiang Wang, staking his future. Now, if someone wanted to undo his investment, let alone Tu Shore Leave, even Si Yu An would be willing to turn against Yi Xing Chen.

And Jiang Wang today was indeed someone who could participate in the political hall and discuss matters with the top figures of Qi Country. He was the representative of the new Qi people, the pinnacle of the younger generation’s military achievements in Qi Country! Even without those personal relationships, outside of them, which prominent figure in Qi Country would not come out for him?

Upon hearing this speech, Si Yu An also fell silent. His words earlier were spoken to maintain the dignity of the Sword Pavilion. Ostensibly a dialogue with Meiyu Hope, it was in reality a dialogue with the Qi Court. His words were directed at Meiyu Shu. If Jiang Wang had been overly arrogant and rebellious, as a Pavilion Master, he would have taught him a lesson. But after he spoke, Jiang Wang became polite and proper again, unwilling to mention Jiang Shu by name, and instead placed himself in opposition to the Sword Pavilion. This speech was filled with both emotion and reason, and he had also pointed out their mistakes. At this moment, no matter what he said, it would not be appropriate. A single misstep could easily earn him the reputation of bullying the weak.

In the end, this matter was indeed initiated by Si Kong Jing Xiao’s arrogance, followed by Tu Shore Leave’s unreasonableness. How could a contemporary True Person, who casually sought to teach a junior, have expected such a fierce counterattack? At this time, only Tu Shore Leave himself could step forward.

He looked at Jiang Wang, his killing intent already dispersed. His tone was also somewhat eased:

“In the battle just now, the victory and defeat between the two of you have already been decided. Anyone with a discerning eye can see it clearly. Si Kong Jing Xiao is indeed not as skilled as you; this seat also admits it. You are young; why do you insist on pressing your advantage and refuse to be lenient?”

Towards Tu Shore Leave, Jiang Wang did not maintain such a good attitude. Upon hearing his words, he simply said:

“This Marquis has said before, if I don’t beat him to his knees, then I lose! Then today, do I count as having lost?”

Tu Shore Leave was speechless again. He was so vexed he wanted to draw his sword. He could see the reality of the world, yet he could not comprehend how young people could be so arrogant nowadays. Not only did they refuse to accept the step he offered, they kicked his ladder away entirely. He thought back to his own youth; how respectful he had been towards senior cultivators! When had anyone in the Divine Approach realm ever dared to collide with a True Person in such a manner? The world’s morality was truly declining, and human hearts were no longer what they used to be. No wonder He Guan San Ren said that the decay of human hearts began with the official path!

(Records regarding He Guan San Ren are scattered throughout the strange book “Four Seas Strange Records.” The human body has four seas, and cultivators often speak of the inner heaven and earth responding to the outer heaven and earth. Hence, people in the world often refer to the world as “four seas,” and this book uses “four seas” rather than “eight wastes” or “world” as its name precisely because it primarily records the strange people of the world.)

“I lost, I admit it!” Si Kong Jing Xiao spoke at this moment. Having silently recuperated for so long, he had finally somewhat recovered his state. He stepped forward actively, cupped his hands and bowed towards Jiang Wang, a deep bow: “I have wasted years and my age has been without achievement. Only today do I know that ‘there are mountains beyond mountains, and people beyond people.’ Many thanks to the Wu An Marquis for enlightening me today!”

Si Kong Jing Xiao’s attitude at this time appeared very sincere. But Jiang Wang felt no sympathy. Tu Shore Leave’s softening was for the sake of Sword Pavilion Pavilion Master Si Yu An. Si Kong Jing Xiao’s softening was also for the sake of his master, Tu Shore Leave. When challenging, the old emerged after the young were defeated. When apologizing, the old retreated and the young stepped forward. None of them truly believed they had done anything wrong.

Of course, Jiang Wang had grown accustomed to such worldly affairs. As early as Tian Ya Tai, he had understood that his reason lay only within the three chi of his sword’s edge. If he did not have Qi Country behind him, if he were not the Wu An Marquis, even if he spoke of neighborliness today, he would be hanging here in the Sentient Beings Sword Tower for three to five months. If he could not defeat Si Kong Jing Xiao, then no matter his identity, he could only slip away down the mountain in disgrace.

Therefore, at this moment, facing Si Kong Jing Xiao’s bow, Jiang Wang simply rested his hand on the sword at his waist and looked around: “Then, Sword Pavilion, is there any other Divine Approach cultivator?”

On the mountain platform square, a silence fell that caused people’s faces to turn sour. The most talented and powerful of the younger generation had all lost. Sword Pavilion was not without reclusive old Divine Approach cultivators, but who among them truly had the confidence to defeat such a Jiang Wang?

“Very well.” Si Yu An’s voice resounded again: “Among the younger generation of Sword Pavilion, no one is your match, Jiang Wu An. Looking at the current world, among those of the same age who can stand shoulder to shoulder with you, they number no more than a single hand. Therefore, it cannot be said that Si has no way of teaching his students.”

“You have come to pay respects to the mountain and ask for a sword. Since there is no opponent, then please ascend Frost Appearance and bring him to the Years Sword Pavilion.”

This indicated that the sword request had ended, and Jiang Wang’s purpose in coming here was to be discussed. And Jiang Wang’s victory or defeat against the Sword Pavilion was limited to the younger generation. That voice then dispersed, and the invisible pressure that had covered the sky also dissipated with it.

Tu Shore Leave glanced at Si Kong Jing Xiao, said nothing more, and disappeared from sight. Ning Frost Appearance’s expression was complex. She stepped forward and bowed to Jiang Wang: “Please follow me.” Jiang Wang returned the bow seriously: “I am grateful.” But he also pointed out: “My friend and disciple Chu Mo have long since helped Neighbor and Bai Yu Xia up, and they are standing together. But White Bull is still kneeling there, its eyes like copper bells, still not recovered from its fear.”

“Ji Ming.” Ning Frost Appearance turned back and said: “You are responsible for entertaining them. Do not be discourteous.” Tang Ji Ming naturally understood her emphasis. He lowered his head and said: “Understood, Senior Sister Ning.”

Ning Frost Appearance then looked towards Meiyu Hope. Jiang Wang gently shook his sleeve and followed her.

Si Kong Jing Xiao left with a look of despair. Some junior brothers and sisters chased after him to offer comfort, but he stopped them with his hand. The Red Talisman Sword swayed gently. He inexplicably thought of the story of Emperor Liang Han and couldn’t help but smile self-deprecatingly.

Tang Ji Ming received the order to protect Neighbor and the others from disturbance. He then led the way, bringing them to the guest quarters and arranging a small courtyard for them to temporarily stay. The three people and one bull sat down in the courtyard. Tang Ji Ming had nothing to say to them. He served tea and pastries, then stood guard outside the courtyard door.

Inside the courtyard, Chu Mo knelt on the ground, his heart aching as he touched White Bull’s knee bone, blowing on it. Poor White Bull mooed softly. When had it ever experienced the pressure of a contemporary True Person? It was still somewhat unrecovered.

Inside the room, Bai Yu Xia, though weak, sat properly. She couldn’t help but ask curiously: “You haven’t seen Jiang Qing Yang for a long time. How did you know he would definitely win?” Compared to the later “Wu An,” those who participated in the Yellow River Assembly with Jiang Wang in the same session were still more accustomed to calling him Jiang Qing Yang.

Neighbor at this moment was already slumped on a lounge chair, his eyes half-closed, saying lazily: “There are many things I doubt I can do, but every time I ask myself – ‘What if it were Jiang Wang?’ – every time I ask, I feel that there is still a ray of hope. Hehe, what does Si Kong Jing Xiao count for?”

Bai Yu Xia said with some envy: “It seems you have all experienced many things together.” Who could say otherwise? Neighbor thought. They had both exposed their most painful scars and still had a very long road to walk. But this thought only lingered for a moment before sinking away. He had already relaxed and fallen asleep.

Following behind Ning Frost Appearance, they walked along a winding mountain corridor. The layers of clouds and distant mist were all at their feet. The Sentient Beings Sword Tower was no longer visible. Knowing that this was the path leading directly to the Years Sword Pavilion, Jiang Wang asked curiously: “I have long heard the name of the Heaven and Earth Sword Box. I wonder what kind of place it is?”

Ning Frost Appearance thought for a moment and said: “It is a place to store swords and cultivate sword intent. After the death of all the famous sword masters throughout history, the Sword Pavilion would find ways to collect their swords, organize their life stories and cultivation methods, and record them in the Heaven and Earth Sword Box. For thirty thousand years, this has always been the largest expense for the Sword Pavilion.”

“So, what is meant by ‘ancient and modern sword masters all ask for a sword at the Heaven and Earth Sword Box’?” Jiang Wang asked again.

Ning Frost Appearance said: “Our Sword Pavilion has established two heavenly gates and has a tradition of seeking swords. The saying ‘we refuse no challengers’ is not an empty boast. And at the Heaven and Earth Sword Box, the Sword Pavilion’s strongest sword master always sits. If one enters the Heaven and Earth Sword Box to ask for a sword and wins, they can arbitrarily take a portion of the sword scriptures. If they lose, they must leave a portion of their sword scriptures. For thirty thousand years, all the renowned sword masters and powerful individuals have come here to seek a sword. Hence, this legend exists.”

“So that’s how it is,” Jiang Wang nodded, and then asked: “Then, who is sitting at the Heaven and Earth Sword Box? Is it the No Heart Sword Master?”

Ning Frost Appearance looked at him, probably guessing that this person before her intended to challenge him again after the Cave True. He was truly a very vindictive person… She opened her mouth and said: “Currently, among the Sword Pavilion’s five great sword masters, the first ranked is the No Heart Sword Master. But the strongest in terms of combat power is actually the Ten Thousand Aspects Sword Master. He is an old man who has sat at the Heaven and Earth Sword Painting for many years. He is proficient in all the sword techniques within the Heaven and Earth Sword Box and has reached the realm of self-cultivation in ten thousand aspects. It is a pity that his original heart is only for the sword, almost to the point of madness… Or perhaps not madness. That old man is simply not interested in anything outside of sword techniques and is too lazy to manage anything else. Hence, he is also known as the Sword Maniac.”

Jiang Wang inexplicably thought of Yan Chun Hui. However, the First Person Demon cultivated to the point of forgetting everything, which was truly a difficult path. This Ten Thousand Aspects Sword Master, on the other hand, only had the sword in his heart. After thinking for a moment, he still opened his mouth and said: “Dao Friend Ning, regarding today’s matter, I should…” Lu Da Jing waved his hand and said: “It is very difficult for people to escape the influence of identity. We know each other from the sword discussion platform and are familiar with each other from the sword discussion platform. Let’s have a good beginning and a good end, only discussing sword techniques and nothing else.”

Jiang Shu relaxed for a moment and laughed heartily: “That’s very good.”

Tang Ji Ming glanced at him and said nothing more. He continued to walk forward. His green clothes fluttered between the mountain cliffs. His embroidered shoes stepped on the wooden planks of the plank road, swaying, creaking. It seemed to penetrate the time of thirty thousand years.