Chapter 684: Imperial Jianshan Duel

Li Hao was slightly surprised; the tone in Li Lao's voice clearly indicated something was amiss.

He didn't delay, immediately donning his outer robe before shooting off like a breeze, landing outside the Sword Immortal Pavilion.

Before the square here, many disciples had already gathered.

As Li Hao landed, he glanced around and saw not only a few Heaven Court disciples but also Earth Court disciples assembled here—numerous, over a thousand in total.

These people noticed Li Hao's Heaven Court cultivation robe and gave him brief glances, yet none recognized him.

At the front of the crowd, Li Hao saw Li Lao, along with Zhou Shen Qingyun, whom he'd met before, and another elderly woman leaning on a cane.

The three stood side by side, clearly of equal status.

Xu Li Jianming had already arrived, standing below the steps in front of Li Lao.

Li Hao flew over as well.

"You're here. I heard this is something big."

Xu Li Jianming sensed Li Hao's aura, didn't turn around, only whispered mentally: "It seems related to the chance to earn an Imperial Sword slot."

"Imperial Sword slot?"

Li Hao was startled; in the Sword Abyss, two sword forms remained, said to have been left behind by an Emperor ten thousand years ago, imbued with the aura of the Imperial Dao—the very core strength of the Sword Abyss!

To comprehend even one would make a swordsman nearly invincible within the same realm.

This was the pursuit and goal of every disciple in the Sword Abyss.

The Imperial Sword Cliff was where the former chief disciple had manifested one of these forms after comprehending it.

As the two spoke, Wei Wei Hongye and Master Yue Xi flew over, landing beside Li Hao and Xu Li Jianming; then, according to seniority, Wei Wei Hongye stepped forward.

"Has the senior brother not arrived yet?"

Wei Wei Hongye asked Xu Li Jianming.

Xu Li Jianming whispered: "I heard he's returned from the border, but he's still receiving his commendation—he'll be late."

Wei Wei Hongye nodded.

As Master Yue Xi stepped past Li Hao, she glanced at him and murmured softly:

"It's been nearly two years—why haven't you inscribed your name on the Imperial Sword Cliff?"

Li Hao smiled. "Too lazy."

"..."

Master Yue Xi's eyes narrowed slightly; her fingers clenched lightly, and she fell silent, standing quietly before Li Hao, her hair fluttering in the breeze.

Her tall, noble, and breathtaking figure immediately drew attention; many disciples remembered her from having inscribed her name on the Imperial Sword Cliff—except those in deep seclusion.

Soon after, the second senior brother, Lu Lu Wuchen, flew over. Dressed in a green robe, his expression was cold; he gave a slight nod to Li Hao and the others, then took his place before Wei Wei Hongye.

Then another figure arrived, triggering a soft murmur of surprise.

Li Hao and the others turned to see the new junior brother, Gu Yan.

Gu Yan wore a black robe with dark crimson flame patterns along the sleeves—subtle yet wild; his expression, no longer numb as before, now carried a quiet, icy intensity.

He landed, glanced at Li Hao and the others, then silently lined up behind Li Hao.

Master Yue Xi stared deeply at him; only when he stood behind Li Hao did she look away, though her fingers tightened further in her sleeves, knuckles faintly pale, and her delicate lips pressed together slightly.

At that moment, Xu Li Jianming suddenly said: "The fifth junior sister has arrived."

Li Hao and Master Yue Xi turned to see a graceful young girl in water-green robes, about sixteen or seventeen, unadorned yet naturally fresh, floating gently toward them.

Her eyes sparkled with liveliness; her cheeks held a touch of baby fat, yet her hands clasped behind her back gave her an air of ancient solemnity.

"You three—are the newcomers?"

She didn't land, instead bent slightly to scan the three of them, a playful, radiant smile on her face.

"Mm."

Li Hao nodded.

Master Yue Xi studied the girl, who seemed even younger than herself, and gave a slight nod.

Gu Yan's expression remained calm, slightly numb, and he said nothing.

The girl's gaze swept over their positions, lingering on silent Gu Yan, and she smiled sweetly: "Master said you're a natural Sword Immortal Body? Already at True Immortal Realm Fourth Layer? If you're up for it, let's spar—I'll suppress my realm, won't take advantage."

Gu Yan replied calmly: "No need."

Realizing the air had grown slightly still, he added slowly: "I want to challenge myself."

The girl's face lit up with a smile, though her eyes narrowed slightly. "Alright then, it's settled."

She cheerfully stepped past Master Yue Xi and took her place before her.

Hearing this, Master Yue Xi's heart stirred; when she first arrived, she was at True Immortal Realm Third Layer, and after over a year of cultivation, she'd just entered the Fourth Layer.

Her realm matched this junior brother's... If they fought at full strength, she wanted to see if she'd lose—and if so, where.

As this thought formed in her mind, more Heaven Court disciples arrived.

After a while, no more disciples came; after a longer wait, a figure flew in, arriving before the Sword Immortal Pavilion, bowing slightly in midair toward the three Elders:

"Ji Ji Qingxuan is late. I apologize."

With his arrival, the square grew even quieter.

Li Hao lifted his gaze slightly—this was their senior brother?

"No matter," Zhou Shen Qingyun smiled. "I heard you slew seven Ancient Demon Commanders on the Yan-Chu border—remarkable immortal merit. What rank did the Immortal Court grant you?"

At his words, murmurs of astonishment rippled through the disciples below.

Ancient Demon Commanders were Immortal Lord-level beings; slaying seven in a vast battlefield was extremely difficult, and escaping unscathed was even harder!

"If rewards are based on merit, he should be awarded Second-Class Demon-Slaying Guard, right?"

The elderly woman's eyes showed admiration and delight.

Beside her, Li Tielmu smiled, though his eyes betrayed barely contained pride—Ji Ji Qingxuan was his favorite disciple.

"Minor immortal merit, nothing to mention. Elders are too kind."

Ji Ji Qingxuan clearly had no intention of elaborating; he responded modestly, then landed before Lu Lu Wuchen.

Master Yue Xi stared at the handsome senior brother, whose aura radiated unusual maturity; from him, she felt overwhelming pressure—not from the True Immortal Realm, but from the Immortal Lord Realm!

Behind Li Hao, Gu Yan, rarely so curious, slightly leaned forward over Li Hao's shoulder to glance at the senior brother's back, then quickly looked away, his eyes unreadable.

"Seven Ancient Demon Commanders..."

Li Hao drifted into thought, his mouth watering, his stomach growling.

If he cooked and ate seven Ancient Demon Commanders, how many Primordial Spirit bones could he refine?

As his mind wandered, Li Lao's voice pulled him back; now, Li Lao's expression was solemn, utterly devoid of his usual jesting demeanor, and his robes were no longer tattered beggar's rags but a deep black Elder's robe—profound and imposing.

"I've gathered you all because the Abyss Master intends to cultivate you seriously—he's opening the Imperial Sword slots. Whoever proves worthy may earn the chance to comprehend the Imperial Sword!"

Hearing Li Lao's words, the crowd exchanged stunned, excited glances.

The Abyss Master—the Lord of the Sword Abyss—hidden and unfathomable, an Immortal King, a dominant force across the vast True Realm!

And now, the Imperial Sword slots were being opened—no longer chosen by superiors—causing many disciples' eyes to gleam.

"You all know the Southern Region War is approaching!"

"This Southern Region War will reshape the Southern Region's power structure. It's our best chance to restore the Nine Abyss Sect to its former glory as the Heavenly One Sect!"

Li Lao's gaze was commanding and stern, his voice rising:

"We will select the most prodigious talents among you to compete for this opportunity. The sect will open all cultivation resources—your talent alone determines whether you ascend to the peak!"

His words echoed through the disciples, many trembling with excitement.

"The Imperial Sword slots are open—and you'll enter the Imperial Sword Domain early to comprehend the Imperial Sword!"

Li Lao scanned the crowd. "This heavenly opportunity depends on whether you can pass the trials."

"Exactly."

Zhou Shen Qingyun took over, smiling: "The trials aren't difficult. The Abyss Master has set seven trials atop Imperial Jianshan. Pass them all, reach the summit, and you earn the slot and the chance!"

"And this time—no limit on slots! Anyone who passes all seven trials may comprehend the Imperial Sword!"

At his words, the crowd's order shattered; cheers erupted.

"Looks like the sect is really going all out this time!"

Xu Li Jianming couldn't help but sigh.

"Then let's meet at the summit."

The fifth junior sister, Mu Rong Murong Qingwu, smiled.

"It's not that simple. With slots open, the trials must be brutal."

Xu Li Jianming shook his head, though his expression showed little worry; instead, his gaze swept toward Li Hao behind:

"Junior brothers and sisters, seize this chance."

Master Yue Xi's expression turned grave; she understood this opportunity was once-in-a-millennium.

But she'd only become a disciple less than two years ago—Xu Li Jianming's analysis made sense; the trials would be no easy feat. Could she truly pass?

Though she believed her talent wasn't inferior to others, she'd been here too short a time.

"This challenge primarily targets Earth Court and Heaven Court disciples. Yu Xuan Court disciples have no chance—no need to join."

The elderly woman tapped her cane lightly against empty air; Li Hao felt a ripple of Spatial Dao energy emanate from its tip.

The energy followed a curved crack, splitting the void above and revealing a towering mountain.

It was a mountain, yet divided into seven layers, each severed and suspended midair.

Spatial Dao... Li Hao glanced at the old woman; her Spatial Dao energy was shallow—only first-layer Spatial Dao origin. "The first layer of Imperial Jianshan holds one hundred True Immortal Realm Fifth Layer Spirit Tribes!"

The old woman's gaze fixed on the other side of the passage; with just this first sentence, the crowd's cheers instantly died.

First layer? One hundred True Immortal Realm Fifth Layer Spirit Tribes?!

The second level consists of fifty demonic beings at the sixth stage of True Immortal Realm!

The third level consists of twenty demonic beings at the seventh stage of True Immortal Realm!

The fourth level consists of ten demonic beings at the eighth stage of True Immortal Realm!

The fifth level consists of three ancient demons at the sixth stage of True Immortal Realm!

The sixth level consists of one ancient demon at the eighth stage of True Immortal Realm!

The seventh level consists of one Ancestral Dragon at the ninth stage of True Immortal Realm!

As the old woman's words faded, the entire square fell into absolute silence, so quiet that a falling pin could be heard.

Open slots? Everyone has a chance?

!. read

These seven trials… what kind of joke is this? If you don't want to give it, just say so outright!

Many disciples from the Earth Academy were nearly in tears, silently cursing in their hearts.

Seven trials, each more monstrous than the last—the seventh was outrageous: a True Immortal Realm ninth-stage Ancestral Dragon. The Ancestral Dragon clan, even at the same level, could barely contend with ancient demons of equal rank, their Primordial Spirit only slightly weaker. This meant they'd need at least True Immortal Realm's peak cultivation to pass!

Yet among those present… disciples with True Immortal Realm's peak cultivation were few and far between.

"This is really…"

Xu Li Jianming couldn't help but whistle.

Wei Wei Hongye's expression turned grave.

Murong Murong Qingwu's earlier light and lively smile had vanished; she now stared intently at the Emperor Jianshan within the passage.

Master Yue Xi's face had grown pale—this opportunity, she feared, was slipping from her grasp.

As if sensing the silence and crushing blow across the square, Li Li Tiemu let out a light chuckle, softening his tone:

"Though the trials are difficult, don't lose heart. Don't forget—those who become disciples of our Sword Abyss are all the elite of their realm. Overcoming one or two levels to defeat enemies isn't beyond your reach. This challenge will further separate the top from the top!"

"It's hard, but not impossible. I heard that recently in Tiangong, a disciple at True Immortal Realm third stage slew one at ninth stage. To gain fame across the Southern Region, you need such strength—what do you think?"

The crowd exchanged glances. Words were easy, but actually achieving it was no different from climbing to heaven.

"Moreover, this selection challenge lasts two years!"

"That means you have two years to improve, to ascend!"

Li Li Tiemu spoke, his gaze fixed on Li Hao—but Li Hao felt his eyes were actually fixed on the figure behind him.

Hearing this, Master Yue Xi's pale face suddenly lit up with renewed hope.

Two years!

It was a massive challenge—but she wasn't without a chance!

It was extremely difficult… but if she wanted to defy fate, to reach the summit, to clear the name of the Yanghuo clan, no matter how hard, she would fight upstream!

"The only rule for this challenge: during the trials, you are forbidden from using other weapons or consuming immortal elixirs. You may use only the weapons provided by the sect."

Zhou Shen Qingyun said.

This was to cut off those who relied on weapons to take shortcuts.

After all, some disciples had powerful backings—even receiving aid from immortal weapons.

For them, the trials would become a farce; they'd simply need to summon their immortal weapons to pass.

Hearing this, several figures in the crowd changed expression, revealing resentment.

"Now, go. Each trial has an Elder guarding it—if danger arises, call out in time."

The old woman waved her cane, pointing: "But if you can't even cry for help in time, then accept your fate. After all, opportunity always comes with danger—that's a lesson long taught to you."

All disciples grew solemn, staring at the Emperor Jianshan. The earlier despair and blow seemed to slowly reignite—for this was the chance to comprehend the Emperor Sword. To abandon it now meant losing forever the path to the peak!

Every cultivator has the heart to climb to the summit.

"I'll go first. I'll wait for you at the summit."

Ahead, Ji Ji Qingxuan turned, his gaze sweeping slowly from Lu Lu Wuchen backward—he had slain the Ancient Demon Commander; this trial was nothing to him.

"I hear you've only recently become disciples, your cultivation within the sect still shallow. Don't force yourselves—this trial is still extremely dangerous."

When he saw Master Yue Xi and Li Hao and others, Ji Ji Qingxuan added gently.

Seeing none of them react, Ji Ji Qingxuan knew a simple word couldn't dissuade them—he turned and walked away without another word.

As he stepped into the passage, the senior disciples of Zhou Shen Qingyun and the old woman each bid farewell to their junior brothers and sisters, then hurried after Ji Ji Qingxuan into the Emperor Jianshan.

"Let's go."

Lu Lu Wuchen spoke little; after saying that, he followed after.

Wei Wei Hongye glanced at Master Yue Xi: "Don't force yourself."

Though they'd only spent short time together, she knew the girl's nature—hence the warning.

Master Yue Xi nodded slightly, her eyes fixed on the Emperor Jianshan.

Wei Wei Hongye shook her head slightly, knowing the girl hadn't listened.

Character determines fate; fate cannot alter character, just as character cannot alter fate. She said no more, and set off.

"Come on, don't force yourself."

Xu Li Jianming called out to Li Hao.

Li Hao smiled and flew off with him.

The many disciples of the Earth Academy waited until all the Heaven Academy disciples had entered, then gradually flew in.

"This trial is tough—I wonder how many will pass."

The old woman watched the disciples flying into the passage, sighing softly.

Li Li Tiemu's gaze, unusually grave and deep, said: "If it weren't hard, how would we pick the most monstrous prodigies? How would we compete with other sects? If we can't even break through the Yan-Chu Imperial Court, how can we hope to make our name across the Southern Region, elevate our sect's rank, and restore our former glory?"

"Mountains and rivers change, sun and moon alternate—someone will always replace another. Just as we once replaced other Tianyi Sects, burying them in the sands of time."

Zhou Shen Qingyun, familiar with his old friend's nature, sighed and patted his shoulder: "Don't be so stubborn."

Li Li Tiemu's face darkened, shaking off his hand and turning to glare at him: "What do you mean? Are you not seeking progress? Are you willing to let other sects trample on us? This time, though Ji Qingxuan returned victorious, the disciples sent by Sword Abyss and Sound Abyss all perished at the border. Why must this happen to us? Isn't it because we're not Tianyi Sect—so we don't even have the right to say no!"

Zhou Shen Qingyun fell silent for a moment: "I'm not saying don't fight—"

He paused, as if unsure how to express himself, then finally shook his head and sighed.

The old woman, seeing them again divided over this issue, interrupted: "Li Lao, you've done well this time—recruited a descendant of an ancient immortal, a natural Sword Immortal Body. Too bad he's only just joined the sect—he'll likely miss this chance."

"Not necessarily."

Li Li Tiemu shook his head, his gaze fixed on the Emperor Jianshan, where the disciples' figures were already rushing toward the first trial.

"Two years… for him, it's not impossible. You haven't seen the terrifying power of a Sword Immortal Body—I suspect his mastery of sword origin has already reached the fourth level!"

"Fourth level?!"

Hearing Li Li Tiemu's words, Zhou Shen Qingyun and the old woman both paled, staring at him in shock.

"That's right. Even the top sword arts in the Sword Abyss Tower—he mastered them effortlessly after just a few practice runs, and now he's already perfected them…"

As Li Li Tiemu spoke, a glow burned deep in his eyes—only he knew how monstrous, how terrifying, the little brat he'd taken in truly was.

"This…"

Zhou Shen Qingyun and the old woman were stunned, at a loss for words.

"How in the world did you pick up such a prodigy?"

After a long silence, Zhou Shen Qingyun couldn't help asking.

Li Li Tiemu rolled his eyes at him: "Do you think I wander around every day for no reason? There's still time before the Southern Region War. Give the kid some time—he and Ji Qingxuan will make the Sword Abyss shine before the other sects!"

Hearing this, Zhou Shen Qingyun and the old woman exchanged glances, both smiling wryly, their eyes filled with envy.

"I don't know what luck you've got—first you get Ji Ji Qingxuan, now a natural Sword Immortal Body. I heard you also took in two prodigies with Eternal Dao Hearts—rare geniuses indeed."

Zhou Shen Qingyun sighed.

Hearing this, Li Li Tiemu thought of Master Yue Xi and Li Hao, and couldn't help smiling—he himself felt his luck had exploded lately.

"Those two are a bit unfortunate—too little time. If you'd given them five more years, they might have had a shot."

"You're not satisfied with Ji Ji Qingxuan and the Sword Immortal Body? You want four slots for one sect? Oh, don't forget Lu Lu Wuchen—that quiet fellow may not talk much, but he's no pushover!"

"Don't forget Wei Wei Hongye—she might make it if she pushes hard."

Zhou Shen Qingyun grew more envious by the moment, almost wanting to strangle Li Lao to make him cough up two disciples.

Hearing their words, Li Li Tiemu couldn't help but grin, then feigned modesty:

"Don't talk about them—your own little ones aren't bad either—Zhou Minyu, and Gongsun…"

The old woman, tired of his boasting, rolled her eyes and cut him off:

"Look—they're starting. The Abyss Master is already seated atop the mountain. If any of these kids catches his eye, he might receive his personal guidance."

(End of Chapter)