Chapter 638: With Sword in Heart, All Things Can Become Swords

Tang Luo and Yue Wushuang each left the main hall after setting their respective small goals.

In the following days, Yue Wushuang did not return to secluded cultivation but instead handled various matters, preparing for the gathering five days later.

The entire Qingtian Sword Sect instantly became vibrant and energetic.

It was as if a frail, sickly person had not only recovered overnight but also gained an exceptionally robust physique and boundless energy to expend.

This was a sight that Tool-Person Tang Luo could never have witnessed when he served as sect leader.

No wonder Yue Wushuang was brimming with confidence, hinting to Tang Luo that if he had the ability, he could take over—because Tang Luo simply could not replace him at all.

A hundred years… no, Yue Wushuang's required seclusion time certainly wouldn't be as long as he claimed.

It might even be that he could break through in just over a decade.

Who is Yue Wushuang? He has wandered the Qingtian Sword Sect for several thousand years, the strongest Supreme Elder, without equal, and his lineage dominates the sect.

His favored disciple is the sect leader of immense prestige within the Qingtian Sword Sect.

If Lei Zhengyang is the Son of Heaven, then Yue Wushuang is the Heaven of the Qingtian Sword Sect, and Tang Luo, this tool-person, is merely his appointed choice.

Who could dare to rebel against him?

How could Yue Wushuang possibly worry that Tang Xuanzang has the ability to overshadow him?

Tang Luo indeed had no intention of overshadowing Yue Wushuang, letting him emerge only as a mascot or puppet.

If he wanted to, he could accomplish it.

By spiritually transforming a few people each day, within a year or two, the Qingtian Sword Sect could become the Qingtian Buddhist Sect.

After Yue Wushuang emerges from seclusion, he might witness the scene of "The Ancient Battle Immortal, whose magical power knows no bounds."

But why would Tang Luo bother with this? It's utterly boring.

Yue Wushuang naturally took over the nominal authority that Tang Luo held in his hand.

Tang Luo went from being a tool-person to being an idle tool-person.

After leaving the main hall, he returned to his residence and was observing the key he had obtained from Venerable Lieyang.

As expected, this key is the crucial element for them to complete their mission.

The reason the Land of the Heavenly Sword is called the Land of the Heavenly Sword is naturally due to a cause.

Legend says that special place was originally ordinary, until a heavenly sword descended from the heavens, forming a unique sword domain.

Sword cultivators who enter the sword domain, while facing danger, can also obtain tremendous fortune.

This is the Land of the Heavenly Sword.

Since it is a place of fortune, it certainly cannot be like a public toilet—accessible to anyone.

Only those holding the key can enter the Land of the Heavenly Sword.

The key is not actually shaped like a key, but rather an irregular fragment.

Tang Luo could not determine its material, but after slightly pinching it, it felt as hard as a worn mirror shard.

Even ordinary pinching left no trace of damage.

This proves the key is extraordinary.

Could it be a fragment of the heavenly sword?

That heavenly sword must be formidable—for for Tang Luo's current strength, many supreme treasures in his hands feel like clay.

Nezha's golden bricks—he truly would be willing and able to pinch them into a ball on the spot.

If Tang Luo wished, this fragment would inevitably be crushed into powder, but it is a fragment after all.

The fragment is not the treasure itself, yet the hardness of the fragment alone already rivals Nezha's golden bricks.

Tang Luo began to take interest in the Land of the Heavenly Sword and the heavenly sword itself.

Perhaps the "Divine Sword" they are tasked to find in this mission truly requires them to gather all the fragments?

But if so, wouldn't the difficulty be excessively high?

Wouldn't this be too harsh on Chijing Daoist and the others, encountering the malice of gods and demons?

Or perhaps the heavenly sword they seek is only slightly broken—entering the Land of the Heavenly Sword to find that sword would complete the mission.

This is the most plausible scenario.

Speaking of which, I don't know how many sword cultivators have thought about this, or even acted on it.

But let alone finding the legendary heavenly sword, even the Land of the Heavenly Sword cannot distinguish between southeast and northwest.

Lei Zhengyang once told Tang Luo that the Land of the Heavenly Sword is an extremely special space; upon entry, it feels like being immersed in the deep sea, and even one's sense of direction is lost.

One can drift or float, sensing the faint, elusive sword intent around them, to enrich oneself.

According to the accumulated experience of sword cultivators over many years.

After entering the Land of the Heavenly Sword, one should remain still, not speak, embrace the primordial and uphold the one, using the heart to feel, listen, and comprehend.

This is the safest and most reliable method—even a Divine Transformation sword cultivator would gain something.

But if one acts like a monkey, eager to explore, it becomes comparatively dangerous.

Once, a Void Refining elder of a sect paid some price, borrowing the key to the Land of the Heavenly Sword from the Seven Great Gates.

He was among the extremely few Void Refining cultivators to have entered the Land of the Heavenly Sword.

Thus, he entered full of confidence, ignored the warnings of the Seven Great Gates, and had no idea what he had been tossing about inside.

Later, only the key reappeared.

In short, seeking the Divine Sword is unlikely to be easily accomplished merely by entering the Land of the Heavenly Sword.

From the mission's perspective, this task should have two difficulties: one is obtaining the "key," the other is the "search" after entry.

To Tang Luo, these difficulties are nothing at all.

That is why he can so nonchalantly divert his attention to matters outside the mission.

Upon careful reflection, many tasks, for Tang Luo and his companions, are merely completed in passing—the true essence lies beyond the mission.

The mission, that's just a side quest.

Stowing away the important side-quest item, the leisurely tool-man Tang Luo began to meditate with eyes closed.

Five days passed in a flash.

The Errant Heaven Sword Gate's mountain gate and the surrounding area were extraordinarily lively.

After news of the Seven Gates Conference spread, numerous sword cultivators rushed this way, afraid of missing this super-major event in the cultivation world.

To tell the truth, the time Yue Wushuang gave was rather tight.

Fortunately, during this period, things were already tense with panic; the sword cultivators' subjective initiative was very high.

Gritting their teeth, rushing a bit, getting a little tired was no problem at all.

Not only did the sword cultivators move, non-sword cultivators, the Exterminate Sword Alliance also stirred into action.

Cultivators mixed among them also had to begin their performance on this stage.

Who would ultimately be the winner, no one could say.

Yue Wushuang, the Seven Great Gates would certainly be vigilant, on guard.

If non-sword cultivators rashly barged in, they might just be walking into a trap.

But non-sword cultivators aren't made of paper either; it may look like one foot stepping into a trap, but perhaps that one foot will stomp the trap flat.

Seven Gates Conference, Errant Heaven Sword Gate.

A sea of people, drums and gongs deafening, firecrackers sounding in unison... oh, that last one didn't happen.

Instead there were sword lights crisscrossing, biting cold.

One by one sword cultivators entered the Errant Heaven Sword Gate, on the plaza sitting or standing.

This tool-man acting sect master Tang Luo was responsible for receiving those big shots with name and face, like the Seven Gates' sword cultivator representatives, and also the somewhat weaker second-tier Thirteen Gates' representatives.

The Seven Gates he still had some impression of; the Thirteen Gates, Tang Luo didn't recognize a single one — except those Exterminate Sword Alliance spies.

But it didn't matter; beside Sect Master Tang there was still the sect master's assistant tool-man, to guarantee Sect Master Tang could call out every person's name.

Both sides mutually expressed long admiration, "long admired, long admired," absolutely no awkward situation of staring wide-eyed at each other, not knowing who you are.

Originally this task letting Pig Eight Precepts come would have been more suitable; Yue Wushuang had mentioned it too.

The sect master's Nascent Soul disciple coming and going to welcome them was qualified enough; if truly encountering those of equal status, Tang Luo would go then.

Too bad Tang Luo said Pig Eight Precepts wasn't here, so Yue Wushuang just let Tang Luo go himself, and didn't ask further where Tang Luo's two disciples had gone on such a key occasion.

One hour passed, brilliant sunlight projected down.

On the plaza, numerous sword cultivators gathered, the "guests" basically all arrived.

Yue Wushuang stood on the high platform, gaze sweeping over the crowd.

Among those present, aside from him, there were only two Void Refinement cultivators.

Yue Wushuang nodded slightly to the two, then his steady and resonant voice began to carry out.

After the unavoidably conventional opening remarks, Yue Wushuang began enumerating the current situation.

Laying groundwork for the alliance proposal to follow.

Everyone also had a clear idea in their hearts, waiting quietly.

While Yue Wushuang spoke, not too near nor too far from Errant Heaven Sword Gate, a distance that for Nascent Soul sword cultivators only needed half a cup of tea's time to reach — a "secluded place."

A group of people were also gathering.

Several dozen Nascent Souls, ten-odd Spirit Severing, among them two late-stage Spirit Severing.

This strength was already incomparably close to the Seven Great Gates, even surpassing the now tottering Shu Mountain Sword Sect — setting aside Void Refinement.

These people's appearances, attire all differed.

But there was one common point: on various parts of their clothes, a symbol was embroidered: a destroyed sharp sword.

Looking closely, one could tell these symbols actually should be divided into two types.

One type more numerous, the other type fewer.

Exterminate Sword Alliance, and Shattered Sword Alliance, joined forces!

Could see that Exterminate Sword Alliance cultivators' quality and quantity both exceeded Shattered Sword Alliance.

These people aren't any spies; impossible for every non-sword cultivator to infiltrate various sects as spies and rise to high ranks.

These people are the Exterminate Sword Alliance's and Shattered Sword Alliance's true power!

Right now, everyone was very quiet, as if waiting for something.

Suddenly, several clear breezes blew past, and two more people appeared on the field.

Two black-robed figures, robes embroidered with the Exterminate Sword Alliance symbol, the special markings on them indicating the two's status in the Exterminate Sword Alliance — Left and Right Envoys!

"Greetings, Envoys!"

A group of cultivators bowed in unison, including Shattered Sword Alliance cultivators.

These two cultivators, the unstable auras on their bodies, proclaimed their identities as Void Refinement cultivators.

Auras fluctuating high and low, the lowest point almost no different from Spirit Severing; possibly they just broke through and haven't stabilized, or possibly relied on external force some method to forcibly raise it, leaving endless future troubles.

But at this very moment, they are Void Refinement cultivators.

Shattered Sword Alliance cultivators bowed not to status, nor entirely to cultivation, but to the sacrifice and contribution these two cultivators made.

Before long, these two not-especially-stable Void Refinement cultivators will face at least three, even more Void Refinement sword cultivators.

They have already put life and death aside, prepared to die in battle.

This bow from the cultivators is even, a farewell in advance — including themselves, after this battle most likely won't survive either.

But it doesn't matter, because their names, identities will be recorded on the monument to be erected in the future, to be remembered by descendants for ten thousand generations.

They are the ones who achieve immortality!

"This battle is a death battle..."

An abrupt voice rang out, and another black-clothed man appeared on the scene, his entire body shrouded in a black robe.

He also wore a silver mask, making it impossible to discern his features.

"Greetings, Alliance Leader!"

The Mie Jian Alliance Leader has appeared!

The cultivators' voices did not drown out the Mie Jian Alliance Leader's low and hoarse voice: "We can go, but we may not necessarily return. Are you prepared?"

No one spoke; flames burned in everyone's gaze as they looked toward the Mie Jian Alliance Leader.

"Good."

The Mie Jian Alliance Leader laughed, "Very good, fight to the death without end! A world without swords!"

"Fight to the death without end! A world without swords!"

"Fight to the death without end! A world without swords!"

These cultivators were like soldiers, raising the weapons in their hands.

Grim killing intent and sky-soaring battle intent were released, suppressed by the Mie Jian Alliance Leader, not allowed to spread outward.

On the other side, Yue Wushuang had already finished his speech, paused, then continued: "Therefore, I propose that our Seven Great Sects take the lead in forming an alliance, to capture those damn stinking bugs, rats in the sewers, and wipe them out in one fell swoop!"

"Good!"

As soon as his words fell, many sword cultivators voiced their support loudly.

Among them there were certainly no lack of planted shills, but more were sword cultivators moved by Yue Wushuang's impassioned and stirring speech.

Quite a few were even Nascent Soul sword cultivators, wishing the alliance could be formed right then and there so everyone could go kill non-sword cultivators together.

Of course, many sword cultivators were deep in thought, not joining in the wild shouting.

The clamorous shouting lasted a full minute before quieting down under Yue Wushuang's gesture of pressing his hand down.

"Fellow Sect Masters, what do you think?" Yue Wushuang asked.

The other sects present this time were merely foils; whether the alliance would be formed still depended on the intentions of the six sects.

"Agreed." Shu Mountain Sword Sect Master Wu Yidao was the first to express his stance.

With one opening, the remaining five sect masters (representatives) also spoke up in agreement one after another, smoothly to the point of being a little unbelievable.

Actually it's quite normal; Yue Wushuang has ambition, but are the other sects just salted fish?

It's just that they weren't as proactive as Yue Wushuang.

Now that Yue Wushuang has taken the initiative, would they still shrink back? Everyone enlarges the cake first; as for how to divide it later, it's still each according to their ability.

Whoever chickens out is a grandson, and whoever chickens out will obviously be abandoned by the others.

Yue Wushuang has already made the push; the wave has risen. Whether willing or not, not wanting to become rotten wood and dry bones of the old era, one must plunge headfirst into this surging wave.

The future is either to be buried, or to stand atop the peak.

Everyone harbors anticipation in their hearts.

"Since all fellow Sect Masters agree, then I announce..."

"Wait!" Tang Luo raised his hand, interrupting Yue Wushuang's words, "I have a question."

"..."

An unavoidable buzz of discussion rose: what's going on, one of their own sabotaging the stage?

Yue Wushuang also looked at Tang Luo, a trace of displeasure flashing in his eyes: "Speak."

"What is this alliance of ours called?" Tang Luo asked.

"..."

"..."

That's your question?

Some people nearly roared out loud, but on careful thought it actually seemed quite important; right, what is the alliance formed by the Seven Great Sects called?

It can't just be called "the Alliance," right?

"Why not call it the Seven Star Sword Alliance?" Star Sword Sect Master Kong Ming immediately said.

"Seven" is fine, but "Star" isn't right.

"Seven Swords Listening Rain Pavilion is better." Listening Rain Sword Pavilion Master Tu was even more direct.

"Good my ass, might as well just call it Listening Rain Sword Pavilion." Ten Thousand Swords Valley's Changchun Zi said irritably.

"That works too." Pavilion Master Tu's face skin was very thick.

"Pah! You butcher, you wish!" Shu Mountain Sect Master Wu Yidao sneered.

"You martial brute, you come up with one then! Uncultured, how many characters as big as a dou do you recognize?"

Thus everyone saw the usually lofty Seven Sect Masters arguing until their faces were red and ears crimson over an alliance name.

There was even a tendency to come to blows.

Oh, wait, that instigator Sect Master Tang didn't participate in the quarrel; he was steady as Mount Tai, watching the excitement at the side looking very happy.

"Cough, enough." Yue Wushuang coughed, cutting off the Sect Masters' quarrel that nearly had them shaking out each other's black history, "The alliance shall be called the Wushuang Alliance. Our alliance, unmatched under heaven!"

Unmatched under heaven, Wushuang Alliance!

Sounds truly domineering, but, you Yue Wushuang are named Wushuang!

Is this you tacitly acknowledging you're the daddy?

"Rest assured." Facing a crowd's gazes, Yue Wushuang laughed with slight disdain, "The Alliance Leader position, I don't want it. Among the seven sects, the virtuous shall occupy it."

Hearing this, the six sects immediately relaxed considerably.

On such an occasion, Yue Wushuang would never slap his own face as long as he wanted a shred of face.

The Alliance Leader position definitely has nothing to do with him anymore.

The Alliance Leader's position is, of course, very important; it can occupy the moral high ground, making future actions much more convenient.

Everyone wants to pocket the position of Alliance Leader.

"The virtuous shall hold it" is also very simple — for sword cultivators, whoever can fight is the virtuous one!

"No time like the present; let us choose the Alliance Leader today." Yue Wushuang continued, "Whichever hero has designs on the Alliance Leader position, please step onto the platform."

As he spoke, Yue Wushuang voluntarily withdrew, moving to the edge of the high platform.

Choosing the Alliance Leader on the spot.

This move is extremely wulin and jianghu; essentially, there isn't much difference among everyone.

"Lord Yue! This alliance — my sect also wishes to join!" Before anyone could ascend the platform, one of the thirteen sects' sect masters spoke loudly.

You seven sects shut your doors and form an alliance, then expand and swallow us up?

This won't do!

Yue Wushuang declaring withdrawal from the Alliance Leader contest meant the Void Refining stage would not participate in the competition.

As for the Spirit Transformation stage, we also have a chance.

"This..." Yue Wushuang hesitated for a moment.

"Exterminating non-sword cultivators and yaowu is the inescapable responsibility of all us sword cultivators; how could we let the seven sects bear it alone!"

Righteous and unassailable.

Just like that, among the second echelon's thirteen sects, another seven sects joined.

The Wushuang Alliance had just been established and directly succeeded in expanding, and it was even others taking the initiative.

Yue Wushuang stopped the next sects' restlessness, stating that if they were willing to contribute to the "great cause of exterminating non-sword cultivators," everyone would have a chance.

That could be discussed later; for now, let us first "elect" the Alliance Leader.

Yue Wushuang glanced at Tang Luo.

Tang Luo nodded, stood up, stepped through the void, and arrived on the high platform.

This action instantly extinguished some Spirit Transformation sword cultivators' thoughts.

The legendary ruthless figure who hard-blocked a Void Refining sword cultivator — he directly enters the fray like this?

This is a wheel battle, after all!

Of course, there were even more sword cultivators eager to try; Listening Rain Sword Pavilion's Sect Master Tu Tianfang's sword light flashed, and he arrived on the high platform: "I've long wanted to experience Sect Master Tang's hammer-sword."

Strength is strong, therefore one can call a hammer a sword.

Hammer-sword is the current name for Tang Luo's Profound Transformation Hammer; you see, it looks like a hammer, but it is actually a sword.

It's just comparatively square, comparatively large, comparatively thick; everyone says so.

"Oh."

Tang Luo responded with a sound, and in an instant appeared before Tu Tianfang, right hand raised, fist smashing out.

Tu Tianfang's surging sword essence and sword qi shattered on the spot; he flew off the high platform and fell heavily to the ground, unable to stand up again.

"You won't see it."

Tang Luo waved his own fist, "I have already reached the realm of 'sword in the heart, all things can be swords'; this is my new sword — Fist Sword."

"Pfft!"

After calling a hammer a sword comes calling a fist a sword; Tu Tianfang couldn't take it, vomited blood, and fainted.

"Carry him away; next."