Chapter 97

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the iron cart imprisoning Chen Yi He; Chen Yi He was like a caged clown, and they muttered and pointed.

Translation: Everyone's gaze was fixed on the iron cart imprisoning Chen Yi He; Chen Yi He was like a caged clown, they muttered and pointed.

Everyone's gaze was fixed on the iron cart imprisoning Chen Yi He; Chen Yi He was like a caged clown, and they muttered and pointed.

Many people never imagined Chen Yi He was still alive.

Translation: Many people didn't expect Chen Yi He to still be alive.

Having survived a disaster at the Thousand Gates and escaped death under Elder Zhang's great strike, this Chen Yi He seems like an indestructible cockroach, but today he must die.

Translation: Having survived a great disaster at the Thousand Gates and escaped death under Lord Zhang's great palm, this Chen Yi He seems like an indestructible cockroach, but today he must die.

At Thousand Gates, Lord Zhang's great palm strike will kill the cockroach.

Chen Yi He was trapped by the six sword energies and had endured a night of torture; he now has no strength left to resist.

Translation: Chen Yi He was trapped by the Six Paths Sword Qi and suffered a night of torture; he now has no strength left to resist.

The heat from the sword-forging furnace grew increasingly intense, soaking everyone's clothes with sweat.

Translation: The scorching heat of the sword forging furnace grew ever more intense, the high temperature drenching everyone's clothes in sweat.

"They won't throw me into the furnace to smelt, will they?" Chen Yi He's heart broke; even if he were made of steel and iron, entering the forging furnace would melt him away in an instant.

Translation: "They won't throw me into the furnace to smelt, will they?" Chen Yi He's heart broke; if he entered the sword forging furnace, even if he were steel and iron bone, he would be melted away in less than a second.

Chen Yi He was escorted by two masters of the Divine Sword Mountain Villa onto the iron cart, step by step toward the Sword Pool, and into its center.

Translation: Chen Yi He was escorted down the iron cart by two experts of God Sword Mountain Villa, step by step toward the Sword Pool, entering its center.

We need to use "God Sword Mountain Villa". Good.

"Last night, didn't you all hear some movement inside the Divine Sword Mountain Villa? I issued a kill order on this brat last night, yet he shows no fear, daring to sneak attack my son and daughter-in-law at midnight! For this crime, today I must offer a blood sacrifice to the Heaven's Secret Sword to wipe away the shame of my Divine Sword Mountain Villa!" Huang Zongyi said indignantly, then glanced at the sand clock behind him to confirm the moment had arrived.

Huang Zongyi used the sand clock to offer a blood sacrifice to the Heaven's Secret Sword, in order to wipe away the shame of my God Sword Mountain Villa.

Thus: "Last night, everyone more or less heard the commotion inside God Sword Mountain Villa, right? I last night issued a kill order on this brat, never expecting him to be unafraid; in the middle of the night he dared to ambush my son and daughter-in-law! Such a crime, today we must definitely blood‑sacrifice the Heaven's Secret Sword to avenge the humiliation of my God Sword Mountain Villa!" Huang Zongyi said, his indignation filling his chest, then he glanced at the sand clock behind him, confirming the moment had arrived.

We need to keep quotes and punctuation.

Huang Zong spoke solemnly.

Huang Zong spoke solemnly.

"The auspicious time has come; the blood sacrifice summons the living—come forth, Heaven's Secret!" Huang Zong shouted, arms spread wide, facing the heavens.

Translation: "The auspicious time has arrived, blood sacrifice to a living person, please emerge, Heaven's Secret!" Huang Zong spread his arms and shouted toward the sky.

Come forth, Heaven's Secret!

Huang Zong was extremely excited! After a thousand years of relentless effort by the Divine Sword Mountain Villa, today will finally bear fruit.

Translation: Huang Zong was extremely excited! After a millennium of unceasing effort by God Sword Mountain Villa, today a result will finally come!

How could anyone present not be excited? They were about to witness the birth of a miracle—a miracle in the history of martial weapons.

Translation: How could those present not be excited? They wanted to witness the birth of a miracle—a miracle in the history of martial world weapons.

As Huang Zong's words fell, Huang GaoYu opened the main mechanism controlling the Sword Pool, activating the sword-forging furnace.

As Huang Zong's words fell, Huang GaoYu opened the main mechanism controlling the Sword Pool, the mechanism activating the sword forging furnace.

The huge furnace began to wobble and then collapsed instantly; molten lava-like flames poured out, flowing into the Sword Pool and gradually covering its empty expanse, consuming countless swords within.

Translation: The huge furnace began to sway, on the verge of collapse, then instantly collapsed! Molten‑lava‑like flames spewed from it, flowing into the Sword Pool and slowly covering the empty pool. The countless swords in the Sword Pool were devoured by the flames.

The crowd retreated in fear, lest they too be consumed by the flames like the swords in the pool.

Translation: Everyone retreated in fear, lest they too be swallowed by the flames like the swords in the Sword Pool.

Only a single long sword stood upright in the center of the Sword Pool.

Translation: Only a single long sword stood upright in the center of the Sword Pool.

No matter how strong the wind, it does not sway; no matter how fierce the fire, it does not retreat.

Translation: No matter how strong the wind, it does not sway; no matter how fierce the fire, it does not retreat!

While others stepped back, Chen Yi He was forced to advance step by step toward the Sword Pool.

Translation: While others stepped back, Chen Yi He was forced to step forward toward the Sword Pool.

The ground scorched from the flames, burning Chen Yi He's feet with each step; however, after last night's torment, he had become less sensitive to pain.

Translation: The ground scorched by the flames burned his feet with each step, but after last night's torment he had become less sensitive to pain.

Chen Yi He did not want to go; he would rather be run through by a sword than become someone else's pawn, but he was held by two men with no way to retreat.

Translation: Chen Yi He did not want to walk; he would rather be run through by a sword than be made a pawn for others, yet he was held by two men with no way to retreat.

Huang Zong, accustomed to high temperatures, showed no fear. Standing at the edge of the Sword Pool, he watched the rolling bubbles of flame rise and the lone sword standing in the center, as if admiring a work of art he had painstakingly polished for years.

Translation: Huang Zong, accustomed to high temperatures, felt no fear. He stood at the edge of the Sword Pool, watching the rolling fire bubbles rise from the flames and the long sword standing upright in the pool's center, as if admiring a work of art he had painstakingly polished for years.

How could Huang Zong not be excited? The culmination of his ancestors' thousand-year labor was about to be completed in his hands—he would become the first person of the Divine Sword Mountain Villa.

Translation: How could Huang Zong not be excited? The work his ancestors had labored over a thousand years to complete was about to finish in his hands! He would become the first person of God Sword Mountain Villa!

If he couldn't wield the Heaven's Secret Sword, how could he willingly hand over such a fine blade to a so‑called destined person?

Translation: If he claimed he could not wield the Heaven's Secret Sword, how could he bear to hand over this fine sword to a so‑called fated one?

He knew that soon the Heaven's Secret Sword would become the ultimate treasure everyone in the martial world would fight over; then he wouldn't care about anything else—only the status of the Divine Sword Mountain Villa mattered to him.

Translation: He knew that in the near future the Heaven's Secret Sword would become a treasure everyone in the martial world would fight over! By then he wouldn't be able to control it; he only cared about the status of God Sword Mountain Villa.

Huang Zong slowly drew his Zhengzun sword from his waist.

Translation: Huang Zong slowly drew the Upright Honor Sword from his waist.

Even the Zhengzun sword trembled, shaking in response to the sword at the center of the Sword Pool.

Translation: Even the Upright Honor Sword trembled, trembling for the sword standing in the center of the Sword Pool.

That sword was hazy and indistinct, its true form hidden from view, wrapped in a mysterious veil.

Translation: That sword was hazy, no one could see its clearly; a mysterious veil enveloped it.

One sword arises, ten thousand swords perish.

Translation: One sword arises, ten thousand swords perish!

No one wanted to miss this grand spectacle; they widened their eyes, held their breath, fearing to miss any thrilling moment.

Translation: No one wanted to miss such a glorious age; they widened their eyes, focused their minds tightly, fearing to miss any wonderful moment.

The raging smoke made Chen Yi He unable to open his eyes; all he heard was Huang Zong saying, "Your blood will serve as an offering to the Heaven's Secret Sword—such an honor, you should be proud."

Translation: The raging flames smoked Chen Yi He so he could not open his eyes; he only heard Huang Zong say to him, "Your blood will serve as an offering to the Heaven's Secret Sword—such treatment, you should be proud enough."

Afterwards, Chen Yi He's body was pressed to the edge of the Sword Pool, where the flames could at any moment scorch his hair and clothes.

Translation: Afterwards, Chen Yi He's body was pressed onto the edge of the Sword Pool, the great fire ready at any moment to burn his hair and clothes.

Chen Yi He wanted to resist, but he had no strength at all; his entire being was immobilized by the six sword energies.

Translation: Chen Yi He wanted to resist, but had not the slightest strength; his entire body was locked down by the Six Paths Sword Qi.

"Even after eighteen years, I'm still a true man!" Chen Yi He shouted.

Translation: "Even eighteen years from now, I'll still be a true man!" Chen Yi He shouted.

Even in death, I will die with backbone!

Translation: Even in death, I will die with backbone!

Under everyone's gaze, Huang Zong thrust his sword into Chen Yi He's back.

Translation: Under everyone's gaze, Huang Zong thrust his sword from behind into Chen Yi He!

"Pfft!" Chen Yi He spat out a mouthful of blood.

Translation: "Pfft!" Chen Yi He spat out fresh blood!

Huang Zong drew his Zhengzun sword, letting Chen Yi He's blood flow into the Sword Pool. He did not kill Chen Yi He outright, but intended to let him bleed to death.

Translation: Huang Zong drew the Upright Honor Sword, letting Chen Yi He's fresh blood flow into the Sword Pool. He did not kill Chen Yi He outright, but wanted his blood to drain completely before he died.

When Chen Yi He's blood met the molten lava‑like flames, they swiftly merged into a vivid, demonic red, and were quickly sucked up by the sword at the center of the Sword Pool.

Translation: When the fresh blood combined with the molten‑lava‑like flames, they swiftly merged, turning a vivid, bewitching red! They were quickly absorbed by the sword standing in the center of the Sword Pool.

Chen Yi He collapsed at the edge of the Sword Pool; though the intense heat made his eyelids heavy, he would soon close his eyes and fall into the pool, becoming part of the flames.

Translation: Chen Yi He collapsed at the edge of the Sword Pool, but the intense heat of the blaze made his eyelids heavy; soon they would close, and he would topple into the pool, becoming part of the flames.

The six sword energies within Chen Yi He were awakened by that blow and then provoked by the sword in the pool, bursting forth uncontrollably to assault his organs, meridians, and extraordinary vessels.

Translation: The Six Paths Sword Qi within Chen Yi He, awakened by that recent stab and stimulated by the sword in the Sword Pool, suddenly went berserk, uncontrollably assaulting his five viscera and six bowels, his extraordinary meridians.

Huang Zong watched his creation gradually reveal its true form, trembling with excitement, his fists clenched as he awaited the historic moment's birth.

Translation: Huang Zong watched his artwork gradually reveal its true form, unable to contain his excitement, his fists clenched, anticipating the birth of a historic moment!

"Heaven's Secret Sword! Father!" Huang GaoYu shouted.

Translation: "Heaven's Secret Sword! Father!" Huang GaoYu shouted.

Who hasn't yet seen the Heaven's Secret Sword?

Translation: Who hasn't yet seen the Heaven's Secret Sword?

The Heaven's Secret Sword shed its fiery cloak with a "whoosh," shooting up into the sky!

Translation: The Heaven's Secret Sword shed its fiery wrapping, with a "whoosh" it shot up from the ground and flew into midair!

The flames followed it upward, continually pouring into its blade!

Translation: The flames followed it upward, continuously pouring into its blade!

Chen Yi He's blood, accompanied by the flames, likewise streamed into the sword's body!

Translation: Chen Yi He's fresh blood accompanied the flames, likewise streaming into its blade!

They frenziedly offered themselves to the Heaven's Secret Sword, longing to become part of it!

Translation: They frenziedly offered themselves to the Heaven's Secret Sword, longing to become part of it!

Boundless power summoned a howling wind and thick clouds; the dense trees on Divine Sword Mountain were all snapped, leaves and branches reduced to dust.

Translation: Endless power summoned a howling gale and thick clouds; the dense trees on God Sword Mountain were all shaken to splinters, leaves and trunks turning to powder!

Within the clouds, lightning flashed and thunder roared; rolling dark clouds blotted out the midday sun, presenting an apocalyptic scene.

Translation: Within the clouds, lightning flashed and thunder roared! Rolling dark clouds obscured the midday sun! It bore the semblance of an apocalypse descending!

Even the strongest warriors could not withstand such a force of nature.

Translation: All the strong ones present could not withstand this degree of natural force.

The Heaven's Secret Sword hovered in midair, its blade swaying, sword qi surging, emitting a merciless roar—awaiting a worthy master to claim it.

Translation: The Heaven's Secret Sword hovered in midair, its blade swaying, sword qi rising and falling, emitting a merciless roar! It awaited a fated master capable of taking it down.

"A fine sword, a fine sword!" the sword master's black robes were tossed by the sword qi, yet this did not stop him from praising the Heaven's Secret Sword.

Translation: "Fine sword, fine sword!" the sword master's black robes were ruffled by the sword qi, yet this did not hinder his praise of the Heaven's Secret Sword.

"Since it's a good sword, you're all afraid to die—hahaha! Then I'll make the first move!" the Western Desert Sword Demon leapt straight up, defying natural resistance, aiming to seize the Heaven's Secret Sword.

Translation: "Since it's a fine sword, you all fear death, hahaha! Then I'll make the first move!" the Western Desert Sword Demon was straightforward, leaping into midair against the natural resistance, aiming to seize the Heaven's Secret Sword.

"Heh, you're overthinking it!" the Western Desert Sword Demon was still a distance from the Heaven's Secret Sword when Luo Qing Kui stepped in to block him.

Translation: "Heh, you're overthinking it!" the Western Desert Sword Demon was still a distance from the Heaven's Secret Sword when Luo Qingkui stepped forward to block him!

Before anyone could even figure out what was happening with the Heaven's Secret Sword, they had already begun fighting!

Translation: Before anyone could even figure out what was happening with the Heaven's Secret Sword, they had already begun fighting!

Many rushed toward the Heaven's Secret Sword, only to be killed either by surprise attacks from others or instantly slain by its mighty sword qi.

Translation: Many rushed toward the Heaven's Secret Sword, either dying from surprise attacks by others or being instantly slain by the sword's mighty sword qi!

Never mind fate—those lacking strength are all eliminated!

Translation: First, ignoring fate, those lacking strength were all eliminated!

In an instant, the summit of God Sword Mountain descended into chaos! A group of experts, fighting over the Heavenly Secrets Sword, lost the order befitting experts!