In the Fifth Continent, a celestial rift tore open, and from it emerged two young Daoists. One wore a lotus crown, the other a celestial robe, a traveler’s coronet upon his head and cloud-woven shoes upon his feet. They appeared to be of similar age, the former ostensibly there to protect the latter, though in truth, he was simply too lazy to venture into the Extra-Celestial Heavens to slay extra-terrestrial demons.

In the Azure Profound Continent, Daoists were required to adhere strictly to prescribed attire, with no deviation allowed. However, the traveler’s coronet and cloud-woven shoes were exceptions. Regardless of lineage, sect, or background, any Daoist who had received a Daoist certificate could wear this coronet and these shoes. Legend had it that the Dao Ancestor had personally issued this decree, encouraging cultivators to travel far and wide, cultivating virtue and upholding purity.

After the celestial rift opened, the young Daoist wearing the lotus crown began to reinforce the doorway with restrictions, drawing symbols in the air with his fingers.

Besides Jade Capital, dozens of great immortal sects, including the Profound Metropolis Temple and the Year-End Palace, possessed a certain number of slots to enter this brand-new continent for training and cultivation. From then on, they would establish branches in this foreign land, taking the creation of a lower sect as their mission.

This time, the Confucian school had independently opened up the Fifth Continent. In principle, the Temple of Literature should have exclusive rights to it. At most, other continents could slowly scheme for a piece. However, the Temple of Literature of the Central Earth allowed the Azure Profound Continent and the Lotus Continent to each establish a portal here. Cultivators below the Fifth Realm, within a hundred years, with the permission of their respective continents, could enter this place in succession, but the total number could not exceed three thousand. Once the number was full, the portal would be closed immediately. After a hundred years, the ban would be reopened, and as for what the situation would be at that time, it would require the Temple of Literature, Jade Capital, and the Buddhist Kingdom to discuss it carefully.

A small Daoist acolyte emerged from the doorway, looking around. He wore a five-colored rattle drum at his waist and carried a huge golden gourd slung across his back.

The young Daoist wearing the traveler’s coronet made a Daoist salute to the small acolyte, but the latter waved his hand, acting old and wise, saying, “We’re not of the same lineage. My master and your master are mortal enemies, currently arguing in the Lotus Grotto-Heaven. It wouldn’t be appropriate for us to be on good terms. If we turn against each other in the future and have to fight to the death, it would be unpleasant.”

The Daoist drawing symbols in the air smiled, “Since we’re not in Jade Capital, we can speak freely. You can ask whatever questions you have.”

The small acolyte asked, “Why did the Temple of Literature take the initiative to allow six thousand cultivators from other places to enter this land, competing with them for fortune? If the Confucian sages keep a close watch, even if your Jade Capital can use some underhanded means to smuggle in favored individuals, the number is ultimately limited, and you wouldn’t dare to expand your territory blatantly. Over time, the cultivators of the Grand Righteous Continent will surely have gained a foothold here, occupying the advantages of celestial timing, terrain, and harmony. How will the other two continents compete with the Grand Righteous Continent for those blessed lands suitable for cultivation?”

The three were none other than Lu Chen, the Third Sect Leader of Jade Capital, his junior brother, whose secular name was Tian Shanqing, but who had another name on the Jade Capital register. When traveling abroad, his Daoist name would omit his surname, becoming Shanqing. This “Shanqing” was the closed-door disciple of the Dao Ancestor. And finally, a fire-starting acolyte from the Sea-Viewing Temple in the Eastern Sea. The Lotus Continent’s “Heaven-Earth Junction” of Lotus Root Blessed Land was divided into four. The old Daoist of the Eastern Sea only took one, giving one to Fallen Mountain, and the other two were given to Lu Tai, specifically to annoy Lu Chen. One was given to that demon-race disguised as the “young Daoist of the Peaceful Mountain,” and finally, he carried the entire blessed land and “ascended” to the Azure Profound Continent, personally asking the Dao Ancestor about the Dao.

Lu Chen asked rhetorically, “The Grand Righteous Continent has the Hundred Schools of Thought. Do other places have them?”

The small acolyte said, “Did the Sage Confucius become senile from reading too much? Or is he trying to be lazy, unable to manage it himself, so he simply lets outsiders help?”

Lu Chen smiled slowly, “Scholars emphasize self-cultivation, family harmony, governance, and peace. They don’t want to be emperors and enjoy themselves. Poor families, when hungry, go fishing, just to fill their bellies. Ordinary families, if they have a large tank that can raise fish, their knowledge lies only in feeding them, taking care of them one by one, observing their birth, aging, sickness, and death, enjoying their leisurely lives and worrying about their deaths. Wealthy families, if they have a few acres of ponds, their real concern is no longer about feeding them. They only need to remind the servants not to forget to buy fish and release them. Their own enjoyment lies only in admiring and fishing. When you have a large lake, what is the enjoyment? It’s nothing more than letting nature take its course, occasionally building a large nest and fishing for huge creatures. The real concern lies in the changing of rivers and the drought and flood seasons. The Temple of Literature in the Grand Righteous Continent is different in that it doesn’t mind outsiders splitting bamboo to make poles and fishing by the water.”

The small acolyte frowned, “Can you put it more simply?”

Lu Chen smiled, “Can the sky be lower? Can the earth be higher? Can people not cultivate and still not die?”

The small acolyte didn’t want to talk nonsense with the Third Sect Leader. He hopped around a few times and complained, “I heard that the Old Scholar is working as a coolie here. Why hasn’t he come to greet me yet?”

Lu Chen smiled, “If the Old Scholar really comes, I’ll have to hide from him.”

The small acolyte said, “The Old Scholar is just harmonizing with Heaven and Earth. His methods of fighting and killing aren’t good enough anymore.”

Shanqing said, “The Small Master-Brother is naturally not afraid, but in the future, when three thousand Daoists come here to cultivate, they will stumble everywhere.”

The small acolyte agreed wholeheartedly, nodding vigorously, “The biggest problem with the Old Scholar is that he holds grudges. A gentleman’s solitude? He never had that! The Old Scholar rose to the sky in one step, never getting the title of a virtuous gentleman!”

Back on the sea between Tongye Continent and Baoping Continent, the fire-starting Daoist acolyte stood obediently, holding out his palms, and was severely punished by the Old Scholar, who used a tree branch as a ruler, on the grounds that if the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked.

Lu Chen stabilized the portal and turned to look. For ten thousand years, this world had moved of its own accord without anyone pushing it, the sun and moon had shone without anyone igniting them, and the stars had arranged themselves without anyone ordering them.

What would happen in the future was hard to say.

Lu Chen suddenly smiled, “What a Bai Ye, unparalleled in poetry, the most contented in the world.”
Even with the suppression of the Grand Dao, Lu Chen’s current Ascension Realm, having “fallen” in cultivation, was still not something ordinary Ascension Realms could compare to. Moreover, from the distant horizon, that scholar wielding a celestial sword was generating an astonishing aura with each strike. Lu Chen could still discern some details from afar. Getting too close would easily stir up trouble. After all, Bai Ye had that old scholar by his side, and Lu Chen had a deadly feud with the old scholar’s prized disciple. The First Senior Brother and Qi Jingchun were locked in a battle over the Grand Dao, but he, the Junior Brother, was the one in the most unenviable position. There was no helping it. Among the Five Cities and Twelve Towers of White Jade Capital, he was usually the most idle, and the Second Senior Brother had a terrible temper. So, at crucial moments, the heavy lifting had to be done by him, this Little Junior Brother. Fortunately, the Little Junior Brother now had his own junior disciple. Lu Chen hoped the young man with the Traveling Crown by his side would mature quickly so he wouldn’t have to be so busy in the future.

The little Daoist glanced at Lu Chen and said, “No wonder you’re being so well-behaved. Are you worried about being suppressed by the Grand Dao here and then getting cut down by that person’s swords?”

Lu Chen chuckled, “That’s why this humble mountain man has a plan.”

An old Daoist walked out from the gate, and the little Daoist quickly hid behind Shan Qing. That old Sun Daoist was truly someone to be feared.

Currently, in the Azure Underworld, Dao the Second was in charge of White Jade Capital. The important task of opening the gate this time was entrusted to Lu Chen and Sun Huaizhong, the Abbot of Xuandu Temple. Lu Chen’s relationship with the old Abbot wasn’t great, but it wasn’t bad either, just passable. Otherwise, if Old Sun Daoist and Lu Chen’s Senior Brother were put together, the safety of this newly formed world would be at risk. Add to that the scholar who couldn’t be dissuaded, flying into a rage and temporarily setting aside his friendship with Xuandu Temple, plus the old scholar fanning the flames, and Bai Ye would probably draw his sword and head straight to the Azure Underworld. However many mountains and rivers Dao the Second and Sun Daoist destroyed in the new world, the Azure Underworld would have to pay back.

As soon as Old Sun Daoist stepped through the gate, he raised an eyebrow and exclaimed in surprise, “How long has it been? The first Jade Purity Realm has already been born? What outstanding talent must one possess to achieve such a feat? Remarkable, truly remarkable. It’s as if the world has just begun, and one is blessed with such good fortune, favored by this world. The path of the Grand Dao, truly one can attain it!”

It wasn’t as if any Nascent Soul Realm cultivator stuck at a bottleneck, or any promising Upper Fifth Realm talent firmly established in their respective homelands, could still ascend to the Upper Fifth Realm in this world. Every cultivator who came to this world would be suppressed by it. Most could only slowly align themselves with the flow of the Grand Dao over time, and then hope to break through.

Sun Daoist turned his head to look at the young Daoist with the Traveling Crown and said with a smile, “How does it feel to be beaten to the punch?”

Shan Qing first respectfully bowed to the old Daoist and then said, “This little one dares not compete with the Grand Dao’s destiny.”

Sun Daoist chuckled, “Opportunity knocks but once. You can say such lighthearted words now, but later you will know what it means to fall behind with every step. It was like this even in ancient times. Do you really think that precedence doesn’t matter now?”

The little Daoist nodded. “Becoming the first Jade Purity Realm as a sword cultivator has benefited all sword cultivators to some extent. The rise of the Sword Qi Great Wall is even more inevitable.”

Sun Daoist glanced askance at the little brat. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

The little Daoist became angry out of embarrassment. “Even the blind and the foolish know that the first Jade Purity Realm cultivator in the world is protected by the Heavenly Dao. Isn’t that obvious? You can talk nonsense, but I can’t?”

Sun Daoist instantly appeared next to the little Daoist, reached out and pressed down on the latter’s head, giving his reason, “This Daoist has a higher realm. The nonsense and bullshit I speak are all divine decrees and true words.”

The little Daoist, unable to dodge the palm, felt as if a mountain was pressing down on him, his head spinning, his soul surging. Fortunately, Sun Daoist flicked his head away, and the little Daoist staggered back several steps. Sun Daoist chuckled, “For the sake of your master daring to argue with the Dao Ancestor, this Daoist won’t hold you accountable for secretly cutting peach branches.”

Lu Chen looked towards the location of that city and said, “Carefully surveying all directions, the sword cultivators in the rear are methodically placing suppressing objects among the towering mountains and vast rivers, imprinting them with mountain and water marks. In this way, isn’t the pace of expansion too fast? Not to mention what will happen in the future, but just in the short span of a hundred years, it will become the largest power in this world. The only limitation is that the city’s population can’t keep up. But when the three great gates of the Vast Expanse are opened, countless Lower Fifth Realm cultivators and mortals will pour in. As long as these young sword cultivators operate properly, tsk tsk, the future of sword cultivators is limitless.”

However, Lu Chen certainly knew that the sword cultivators, aside from having a slightly better impression of the Southern Seas, were bound to have a poor view of the Tongye Continent and the Fuyu Continent. Therefore, that city would definitely not be willing to accept too many people from the three continents of the Vast Expanse.

This was probably the wheel of fortune turning, retribution for past deeds. But if the young sword cultivators were too resentful and only acted on impulse within a hundred years, wantonly suppressing cultivators and commoners from the three continents, the favor of destiny would also shift and quietly depart.

Sun Daoist scoffed, “It’s something the Confucian Temple intentionally planned to give the Sword Qi Great Wall a fair deal. What can you, Lu Chen, do about it? If you’re not convinced, go argue with the old scholar? This Daoist can accompany you and guarantee that Bai Ye won’t draw his sword, how about it?”

Lu Chen chuckled, “No need.”

Extremely far from this Celestial Gate.

The scholar asked, “What are you muttering about?”

The old scholar said, “Be kind to others, damn it.”

Inside the city, the establishment of four academies had begun. This was an unprecedented novelty in the Sword Qi Great Wall, which had existed for ten thousand years.

The teachers were some old sword cultivators with low realms. The dozen or so educators were selected by the Hidden Official lineage, mainly to impart introductory knowledge of Confucianism, Legalism, and the Arts to the young children, in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. As for how the children first learned to read, there were stone tablets in the streets and alleys of the city, which had all been collected by the Summer Retreat Palace. In addition, there were several ironclad rules for the teachers who imparted knowledge, such as not being allowed to discuss the views of good and evil in the Vast Expanse, or personal likes and dislikes, and not being allowed to teach students too much about the grievances between the Sword Qi Great Wall and the Vast Expanse.

Teachers only taught. As for these teachers, outside of the academies, at dinner tables and wine tables, they were free to say whatever they wanted.
The sword cultivators of the Punitive Office voiced strong objections, believing that the selection of instructors for teaching, guiding, and resolving doubts should not be the sole domain of the Hidden Office. Even if the Hidden Office held the primary role, the Punitive Office should at least serve as an auxiliary, rather than being entirely excluded. This disagreement escalated into a dispute, leading to the first-ever convocation of the Ancestral Hall to discuss this seemingly minor matter.

Most of the Hidden Office’s sword cultivators were out surveying the terrain. Upon receiving messages via flying swords, only Guo Zhujiu and Gu Jianlong returned to the city.

In contrast, the Punitive Office had over a dozen participants, all Earth Immortal sword cultivators. However, neither Qi Shou, the top leader of the Punitive Office, nor Nianxin, the second-in-command, made an appearance. Qi Shou was outside the city, personally overseeing the construction of the first mountain stronghold. As for Nianxin, aside from occasionally teaching boxing to the martial arts aspirants of the old Duhuan Palace, she was always wandering about, making it clear that she had no interest in the Punitive Office’s authority. As a result, the Punitive Office, with its largest numbers and highest combat power, was effectively divided into three factions. Qi Shou’s faction gathered nearly half of the Great Wall of Swords’ fighting strength. Another group, led by two old Nascent Soul sword cultivators, consisted mostly of elderly individuals who were not on good terms with Qi Shou. Finally, there was Nianxin, who seemed to be a comical “king of children” with twelve seemingly insignificant youngsters.

However, in this city, cultivation would be divided into three paths: sword cultivators first, then other Qi refiners, and finally, pure martial artists.

In fact, every breakthrough by a sword cultivator or pure martial artist was now a tacitly understood major event. The former was somewhat easier, as sword cultivators existed at every level, and the “first” breakthrough to a certain realm in this world held limited fortune. But the path of the martial artist offered significant opportunities! Because Jiang Yun, the highest-level martial arts student from Duhuan Palace, was only at the Third Realm, every subsequent breakthrough would be the first of its kind in this world, equivalent to elevating the martial path of the Fifth World by one realm with each advancement. Although this world might not offer the same martial blessings as other worlds, one would feel like one was favored by the heaven, with one’s fist imbued with intent and protected by the gods. As for the blessings of martial breakthroughs here, it would depend on which of the twelve children first broke through and reached a higher level, especially the seventh realm, a major milestone in martial arts. The sight of the first to reach the Golden Body Realm, accompanied by celestial phenomena, was especially worth anticipating.

Inside and outside the city, everyone, whether sword cultivator or not, was full of vigor. Even the old cultivators with decaying bodies and stagnant realms felt rejuvenated, eager to live longer and contribute more to the younger generation.

Today, at the Ancestral Hall meeting, Gu Jianlong, who had just returned to the city covered in dust, spoke many fair words.

Guo Zhujiu rested his Walking Mountain Staff across his knees, feeling tired, and dozed off, nodding like a chick pecking at rice.

Gao Yehou, in fact, was just an outsider in the quarrel between the Punitive and Hidden Offices, a dispute with a significant difference in numbers, yet the situation was fairly even. Now this young Nascent Soul Realm cultivator held great power, responsible for the treasury. The sword forge, clothing forge, and alchemy forge had been merged into one and placed under Gao Yehou’s control. His subordinates were mostly bookkeepers with ordinary cultivation talent, and even sword cultivators who were selected were seen as inferior and unwilling to take on the arduous task. However, Gao Yehou, holding the purse strings, never refused the Punitive Office’s requests for funds for territorial expansion.

In short, Gao Yehou managed all the celestial coins and assets but was easily looked down upon by the sword cultivators.

Gu Jianlong only spoke fairly, verbally battling the crowd without losing ground.

Guo Zhujiu groggily opened his eyes, rubbed his face, and saw Gu Jianlong still speaking with a smile. He supported himself with his Walking Mountain Staff and softly asked, “Are they still arguing?”

Gu Jianlong turned his head and said, “Yeah, they’re still at it. Xuan Can was right, the outcome of disputes in his hometown’s ancestral halls depends only on who has more saliva and a louder voice.”

Guo Zhujiu crossed his arms, frowned, and said, “The matter of the school and instructors is the Hidden Office’s idea. Anyone with half a brain knows whose idea it was originally. What, are you trying to rebel while my master and mistress are away?”

Gu Jianlong had said a lot of fair things earlier, but he dared not speak this sentence.

For a moment, the atmosphere inside the Ancestral Hall became incredibly strange.

A young Golden Core sword cultivator from the Punitive Office couldn’t help but say, “Guo Zhujiu, don’t make it sound so serious. It’s just a small matter.”

Gu Jianlong reminded him through a voice transmission, “Lüdun, don’t talk about your master too much. Have you forgotten what the Hidden Official said? The more you mention him after leaving the Duhuan Palace, the more annoying the Hidden Office sword cultivators will become.”

Speaking of this, Gu Jianlong sighed inwardly. At the time, he didn’t know what “leaving the Duhuan Palace” meant, but now he understood that it meant being in two different worlds.

Guo Zhujiu nodded and looked at the Punitive Office sword cultivators opposite him. “Since there are more of you, you can decide.”

As a result, the sword cultivators of the Punitive Office looked at each other, feeling uncomfortable.

Guo Zhujiu said, “But you can’t stop the children from reading that book…”

Gao Yehou finally spoke his first sentence, “It’s already been banned. If I remember correctly, one of the Punitive Office’s reasons was that the customs and practices of the Great Harmony World would ‘dirty their eyes’. Anyone who dares to sell this book will be exiled from the city.”

That book was a compilation of mountain and water stories, strung together through small narratives, linking travelogues and accounts of what they had seen and experienced. Hidden beneath these stories were the customs and practices of the Great Harmony World: mountain spirits and demons, water gods, Wenwu Temples, Chenghuang Pavilions, Wenchang Pavilions, the burning of firecrackers and pasting of Spring Festival couplets to welcome the New Year, the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, the Kitchen God, officialdom knowledge, Jianghu rules, marriage ceremonies, literati writings, poetry recitations, land and water ceremonies, and grand Zhou Tian rituals… In short, the book contained everything from the vast and strange world.

This was a collection of writings, dictated by all the foreign sword cultivators of the Hidden Office, including Lin Junbi and Deng Liang, and personally recorded and compiled by the young Hidden Official during his “idle” time at the Duhuan Palace. Therefore, the book of over 400,000 words was attributed to the Duhuan Palace.

Guo Zhujiu repeated his main point, “Since there are more of you in the Punitive Office, you can decide.”

Gu Jianlong was vaguely angry and prepared to stop speaking fairly.

But Guo Zhujiu had already stood up, holding his Walking Mountain Staff, and said to Gu Jianlong, “Let’s go.”

Gu Jianlong stood up and gave a thumbs-up to the row of chairs opposite them.
Because the lineage of the Hidden Official was small, and even fewer accountants under Marquis Gao’s command were qualified to attend the Ancestral Hall, the two sides stood side by side, seemingly confronting and vying for supremacy with the sword cultivators of the Judicial Official lineage.

Outside the Ancestral Hall’s plaza, a dazzling sword light arrived in an instant. Ning Yao, who had traveled tens of thousands of miles on her sword, sheathed her blade and landed.

In her hand, she carried a strange head stained with dried blood, resembling neither human nor demon. Its blood was a pale golden hue, and even as just a head, it exuded a dense aura of the ancient wilderness.

Ning Yao casually tossed it to the ground.

Inside the Ancestral Hall, everyone rose to their feet.

Guo Zhujiu frowned heavily, looking somewhat aggrieved.

Ning Yao was taken aback. She walked to the young girl’s side, patted Guo Zhujiu’s head, and then looked at Gu Jianlong, asking, “What’s wrong?”

Gu Jianlong subconsciously took a step back, but before he could think, he felt extremely stifled and said in a deep voice, “The Judicial Official lineage has disagreements regarding the schoolhouse and the books.”

Ning Yao nodded, standing outside the threshold, just one step away from entering the Ancestral Hall, and said, “Those who have disagreements, sit back down, and I will reason with you. Those who have no disagreements, get out of the Ancestral Hall.”

In the end, the Ancestral Hall was empty.

Most of the sword cultivators of the Judicial Official lineage lowered their heads and sidled past.

Ning Yao stepped into the Ancestral Hall, sat in the Hidden Official’s seat, and began to meditate, “Send a flying sword message to Qi Hunting.”

A moment later, Qi Hunting arrived on his sword.

He was struck down to the ground by Ning Yao’s sword.

Qi Hunting gave a wry smile. He didn’t even go to the Ancestral Hall, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, and flew away from the city on his sword, continuing to oversee the construction of that mountain peak.

His injuries were not severe, but they were not light either.

Guo Zhujiu and Gu Jianlong sat on the steps outside the Ancestral Hall. For some reason, Guo Zhujiu didn’t feel particularly happy.

Gu Jianlong was also preoccupied. The Hidden Official had said that the world was complicated, people’s hearts were fickle, and in chaotic times, people could only think about survival. In peaceful times, however, two situations were more likely to arise: indulgence in pleasure or the understanding of etiquette when the granaries are full. Perhaps Qi Hunting had deliberately taken this sword today. Since his swordsmanship was destined to be inferior to Ning Yao’s, he might as well play the pitiful card to win people’s hearts. He could slowly improve his realm, and Qi Hunting could compensate for the gap between his and Ning Yao’s swordsmanship by expanding the power of the Judicial Official lineage.

As for why Ning Yao didn’t directly become the leader of the Judicial Official, the sword cultivators of the Hidden Official lineage, including Gu Jianlong, couldn’t understand it. Perhaps the Old Grandmaster Swordsman and the Hidden Official had a profound plan, which was the only explanation.

However, the Judicial Official lineage would not have it easy either, because after losing the “Sword Qi Great Wall,” fewer and fewer children born in the city would become sword cultivators. Instead, more and more would study other techniques and become pure martial artists. And from the first day of the establishment of the new Judicial Official lineage, there was an iron rule that could not be violated: non-sword cultivators could not serve as Judicial Official members. In contrast, the Hidden Official lineage had no such restrictions. The only problem at the moment was that Nianxin’s identity was too shrouded in mist, her stance ambiguous. If she chose to join forces with Qi Hunting, the Hidden Official lineage would have a headache. It was inevitable that one day, the number of Qi Refiners and martial artists in the city would exceed the number of sword cultivators. If Nianxin’s branch of the Judicial Official always cooperated with Qi Hunting, the situation inside and outside the city might gradually develop into the Hidden Official lineage competing for Qi Refiners, while the Judicial Official lineage would possess all the martial artists…

After all, Gu Jianlong had spent many years in the Summer Palace, mingling with rascals like Lin Junbi and Cao Gun, and was able to foresee these hidden dangers early on.

Ning Yao stood on the steps and smiled, “You don’t need to worry, I will create a two-realm gap between myself and all sword cultivators. After that…”

The implication was that before Qi Hunting and Marquis Gao could reach the Jade Pure Realm, she, Ning Yao, would become the first immortal realm sword cultivator in this world!

Guo Zhujiu jumped up and down, cheering excitedly, and interjected, “Master should come and see Mistress too!”

Ning Yao said to Guo Zhujiu, “I have some insights and experiences from this journey. I’ll dictate, and you, Luduan, will write them down. We’ll publish them as a book in the name of the Hidden Official lineage and distribute it.”

Guo Zhujiu supported herself with her mountain-walking staff, “Yes, ma’am!”

Gu Jianlong, on the other hand, acted as a porter, picking up the strange head that Ning Yao had casually thrown on the ground.

Ning Yao took Guo Zhujiu on her sword to the Ning residence.

First came the Sword Qi Great Wall, then him, so Ning Yao would henceforth wield her sword without restraint.

Ning Yao glanced at the sky but said nothing.

Who seeks whom is not certain.

On Lu Hua Island.

Great Demon Qieyun said helplessly, “Little Junior Brother, why did you abandon the Sword Qi Great Wall, a good place for cultivation, and come here, only to take this dilapidated place as your residence? Isn’t it too shabby? Wouldn’t it be better to find a sect ruin in Tongye Continent?”

Qieyun’s Little Junior Brother was none other than Fei Ran, the number one sword immortal of Mount Tuoyue, who styled himself as a swordsman.

In the past battlefield, Nan Shouchen, Bei Yin Guan, and Fei Ran could be considered as fellow travelers.

Fei Ran and Qieyun were currently in the Creation Cave of Lu Hua Island. Unfortunately, the great demon who had occupied it for many years had been killed by Zuo You on his way, with a casual strike of his sword.

Fei Ran said, “I took a sword from Wei Jin on the battlefield earlier, and my injuries are not light. I’ll just rest here in peace.”

After seeing the Creation Cave, they left together and came to the summit of Lu Hua Island. Because Fei Ran had taken possession of this place, all the people of Lu Hua Island were able to escape the disaster. Of course, those who sought death were also dealt with by Qieyun, and Fei Ran did not stop him. However, compared to the Rain Dragon Sect, the situation of the small Lu Hua Island was much better. On the Rain Dragon Sect’s side, those who were killed by Qieyun and Xiao Xun were all incorporated into the command of the Bone Demon Bai Ying. As for those female cultivators whose faces were peeled off by Qieyun, they were vivisected and refined into throne maids by the Great Demon Yang Zhi.

Fei Ran looked to the east and asked with a smile, “Senior Brother, after Qinghua and Jiuye, have you thought of a new name?”

Qieyun nodded, “Luchen is a good name, but it’s not suitable for the time being. We’ll talk about it when we get closer to the Central Earth Continent.”

Naming it Qinghua was to see the Sword Qi Great Wall shatter like a piece of blue-and-white porcelain.

After breaking through the Sword Qi Great Wall, he would change the name to Jiuye, of course, because there were many fine wines and beautiful women in this vast world.

Chen Chun’an was stationed in South Suo Po Continent, and the southwest Fufeng Continent was already in chaos. As for the direction the two were currently looking at from afar, it was the southeast Tongye Continent.

The Jade Regulations Sect and the Tongye Sect echoed each other from north to south, while the Fuchi Sect and Mount Taiping echoed each other from east to west. They were all currently engaged in large-scale construction, hastily building a massive formation.
Feiran inquired, “The Confucian Wenmiao, by granting such extensive authority to the world, has ironically brought about its current predicament. Wouldn’t you say they’ve hoisted themselves by their own petard?”

Qieyun responded, “Why concern ourselves with such matters? In any case, once the Vast Expanse changes hands, save for a scarce few apex existences, life on and off the mountains will never be as carefree as it is now.”

Feiran shifted his gaze, looking towards the South Prosperous Continent, and said, “Poor Chen Chun’an.”

South Prosperous Continent with Chen Chun’an personally at the helm is a world apart from without.

Qieyun nodded and chuckled, “Let’s not attack South Prosperous Continent first, but instead assault Tongye Continent and Fuyao Continent separately. Chen Chun’an will soon be caught in a dilemma – whether to confine himself to a single continent for its safety, or, as a scholar seeking to preserve his reputation, recklessly throw his life away, thereby dooming South Prosperous Continent. Just wait and see the spectacle. Chen Chun’an may disregard the opinions of those Central Earth scholars, but all cultivators related to Tongye and Fuyao Continents, the kind-hearted will be secretly saddened, while those who are human in form but not in spirit will rail against the entire Pure Scholar Chen clan.”

Feiran stated, “Our only major disadvantage, considering only the opportune timing and terrain, and not the people, is that for the Savage World to land, every location is akin to the Sword Qi Great Wall.”

Those Upper Five Realms cultivators occupying the mountain peaks, especially the Sages of the Three Teachings, along with the Strategists, academies, Daoist temples, and Buddhist monasteries, and the sites of ancient battlefields – the places where they reside are all minor worlds unto themselves.

Beyond this, there exists a silent and immense world providing protection.

The accompanying Sacrificing Sages presiding over the celestial canopies of South Prosperous Continent, Fuyao Continent, and Tongye Continent have already descended into the mortal realm.

More direct than the three Sages of the Sword Qi Great Wall, without exception, they have chosen to die, sacrificing themselves to protect the rivers and mountains of their respective continents.

Moreover, several Celestial Canopy Sages from Golden Armor Continent have also rushed to South Prosperous Continent and Fuyao Continent, falling in the mortal world. Only the two Wenmiao Sacrificing Sages from Jade Bottle Continent remain inactive.

Qieyun scoffed, “Little junior brother, don’t insult the Sword Qi Great Wall, alright?”

Feiran smiled, “You’re right.”

Qieyun said, “Bai Ying, Yang Zhi, Fei Fei, Huang Luan – these four were constrained at the Sword Qi Great Wall, but after arriving in the Vast Expanse, they find it easiest to reap military merits. It’s a pity Huang Luan has such poor luck, otherwise, being proficient in breaking formations, he could easily accumulate war contributions.”

Yang Zhi and Fei Fei are both throne-level great demons who have attained mastery of the Water element. The vast ocean is not only suitable for clearing paths but also for impacting the Qi and fortune of a continent’s rivers and mountains. Huang Luan could help “open doors,” and after landing, it would be Bai Ying’s turn to display his supernatural abilities. However, that white ape was just one step away from completely killing Zhong Kui, the gentleman from Great Fu Academy, which is a bit of a nuisance.

Furthermore, the sudden disappearance of Green Water Pit is also an unexpected event.

But it’s not a major problem. That Tongye Continent cannot be defended for long anyway.

Feiran softly spoke, “Sword Qi Great Wall, Chen Ping’an; Tongye Continent, Zuo You; Jade Bottle Continent, Cui Chan.”

Qieyun chuckled, “They all must die eventually.”

At the precipice of the Sword Qi Great Wall, Lizhen arrived beside a figure clad in a gray robe. The nearest group of sword cultivators were none other than Liu Bai, Yu Si, and Tan, fellow Sword Immortal prospects from the Jia Shen camp. Only Zhuqie was not practicing swordsmanship on the city wall, having followed his master to the Vast Expanse. It was said that the bearded man was going to draw his sword against Chen Chun’an in South Prosperous Continent.

Lizhen asked with a smile, “Dragon Lord Senior, why not cross this city wall? There must be many opponents in the Vast Expanse worthy of your sword, such as Chen Chun’an, or Xun Yuan of Tongye Continent.”

The Dragon Lord spoke in a hoarse voice, “I will die.”

The Dragon Lord continued, “So you sword immortal prospects, quickly break through your realms, seize more sword dao Qi and fortune, and the opposite city wall will lose a reliance. When I become impatient, all sword cultivators who have not broken through their realms or grasped a wisp of sword intent will taste my sword. Help me spread the word.”

Lizhen was horrified. Tasting the Dragon Lord’s sword was not something he, Lizhen, could endure. What Lizhen found frightening was whether Chen Qingdu, who had thoroughly died, still had a contingency plan.

Lizhen looked into the distance and frowned. Was it based on that person?

If that were the case, why didn’t the Dragon Lord retaliate when he delivered a sword strike earlier?

Lizhen’s mind raced. He asked curiously, “Why did Senior tell me this?”

The Dragon Lord said, “You consider yourself a ‘Gazing Mirror’, but I treat you as a ‘Gazing Mirror’.”

Lizhen chuckled, “Only Dragon Lord Senior would say such words. I wouldn’t dare be angry.”

Earlier, on Lizhen’s suggestion, the Jia Zi camp had already issued an order that all demon races were prohibited from approaching the other half of the Sword Qi Great Wall, absolutely denying that person any chance to temper his physique. Moreover, that person could only watch the demonic tide of the Savage World beneath his feet. A single extra glance would cause vexation, and if he didn’t look, he would seem isolated in the world. Wasn’t he fond of showing off? Since ancient times, sages and heroes have all been lonely. Let Chen Ping’an enjoy it to the fullest.

Lizhen walked to the edge of the cliff and shouted, “Hidden Official, care for a chat?!”

The Dragon Lord said, “Don’t shout. He has just formed his core, shattered it, and reformed it within the last three days. He’s about to advance to the Nascent Soul realm, so he has no time to bother with you. Once he reaches the Nascent Soul realm, I advise you not to wander around here.”

Lizhen was stunned for a long time. A month ago, Lizhen had come to this place to relax after practicing swordsmanship, and that guy had just stabilized his soul, finally looking a little more normal after resembling neither human nor ghost. He had advanced to the Sea Gazing Realm that day, and now he was heading straight for the Nascent Soul realm? Was he just eating meals, one bowl after another? And what was this thing about forming his core, shattering it, and reforming it?!

On the opposite cliff, a strikingly bright red robe appeared in Lizhen’s view without warning. The other person used a long saber as a crutch and smiled, “Are sons warning their grandsons not to court death? Have you asked your ancestors for their consent?”

Lizhen shook his head and said regretfully, “I won’t be able to visit Hidden Official often in the future.”

Chen Ping’an smiled, “It’s okay. When I accidentally reach the Jade Purity Realm someday, I’ll come to see you.” “Sword, come!”