Chapter 167 - 152: Ceremony

"Thank you for your teachings, Master, I understand," Bai Su said earnestly to White Ape, her heart also secretly delighted that she had chosen such a good mentor.

White Ape nodded gently and said, "Very good, the fact that you could step out from such a despairing state of mind will greatly benefit your Sword Dao cultivation level in the future."

As the two conversed, Lin Fang’s figure suddenly appeared in front of them, holding that bizarrely eerie sword in his hand.

The instant she saw the sword, a flicker of trepidation flashed through Bai Su’s eyes. It was this sword that had brought her endless glory yet had also plunged her into an abyss of despair.

"Sir, this treasured sword is very sinister, constantly seducing people’s hearts. If one is not careful, it may influence one’s mind," Bai Su hurriedly warned Lin Fang.

Upon hearing this, Lin Fang laughed and juggled the treasured sword in his hand, saying, "It’s all right, this fellow is quite well-behaved."

Bai Su looked at the scene before her with disbelief. If she had treated the Demon Sword in the same way, it probably would have rebelled by now. She hadn’t expected it to be so quiet at this moment, and she could even feel a sycophantic sensation from the blade.

A sword capable of exhibiting sycophantic expressions, if not for seeing it with her own eyes, Bai Su would never have believed it.

Meanwhile, the treasured sword, maltreated by Lin Fang, was crying without tears, for who knew what it had undergone today. This smiling man in front of him seemed even more terrifying than before.

In just a short period, this man had scorched him countless times with the Samadhi True Fire, the pain stemming from the soul was unbearable.

For the first time, he felt that Bai Su was so lovely, indeed the most wonderful spirit in the world. Given a choice, he would definitely choose to return to Bai Su’s side.

Lin Fang sensed the Sword Spirit’s thoughts, and a surge of scorching Samadhi True Fire appeared on the blade, causing the Sword Spirit excruciating agony.

"It seems that your words about wanting to follow me were deceitful, I am truly heartbroken," Lin Fang said, feigning sorrow.

"Spare me, my lord, spare me!" the Sword Spirit wailed within the depths of Lin Fang’s heart, like a hurt little wife.

"Take it easy, your Samadhi True Fire is extraordinarily powerful, don’t damage this treasured sword," White Ape said with a frown. He saw this Demon Sword as the most suitable weapon for his disciple, and thus he spoke out to dissuade Lin Fang, hoping to prevent him from wrecking the sword.

"Don’t worry, you know my skills, anything that passes through my hands only becomes stronger," Lin Fang asserted grandly.

This claim was indeed not false, as Lin Fang had stealthily learned the Art of Artifact Refining from the Grand Supreme Elderly Lord and practiced it frequently, comprehending the Way of Runes that mingled with Heaven and Earth. Thus, he had made great strides on the Path of Artifact Refining, and his true strength was renowned across the Three Realms.

Having said this, Lin Fang walked towards the Refining Room behind the hall with the treasured sword, but White Ape stopped him, saying, "Don’t forget, tonight is my ceremony of accepting a disciple."

He was quite afraid that Lin Fang, this fellow, consumed by his work, might forget this event.

"Don’t worry, I won’t forget."

"And don’t forget the gift, I don’t want anything too shoddy," White Ape reminded him.

Beside them, Bai Su felt somewhat embarrassed, as it was rare to see a master so forthrightly demand a gift.

Seeing the expression of his disciple, White Ape guessed her thoughts and said with a smile, "As he said himself, his skills in Artifact Refining are quite formidable. If we don’t take advantage of this opportunity to get some benefits, you’ll regret it in the future."

In the blink of an eye, night fell, and the entire estate lit up with lanterns and decorations, all the monsters frolicking in the courtyard, emitting joyous laughter.

Numerous delicacies and fine beverages were gracefully presented on sturdy wooden tables by fluttering Butterfly Demons, while numerous powerful monsters sat at the tables, drinking wine and chatting with each other.

In this world, those days were the most leisurely days of their lives, yet the news from the Xiniu Continent made each of them furrow their brows in distress.

"The king has been captured and taken back to Mount Ling!" Old Wolf downed a cup of wine and whispered.

"He should have never stayed there," a monster murmured with a sigh.

"Perhaps, he had his own matters to attend to," Hu Er gently sipped a cup of fruit wine and sighed softly.

"According to the Buddhist Sect, the king has converted and become a protector for the Buddhist Sect."

"You believe the Buddhist Sect’s words, yet you know their methods. Once on Mount Ling, they forcefully enlighten you, and all the hatred in your heart vanishes."

"Alas! Why speak of this? Let’s drink, let’s drink. If opportunity arises, we’ll storm Mount Ling and avenge the king. If not, we can only cling to our lives."

As everyone was drinking, they saw the White Ape slowly walk in through the main entrance, dragging his disciple with him.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and watched as the White Ape brought his disciple to the main seat.

"Gentlemen, today I, the White Ape, take Bai Su as my inner-chamber disciple. I hope you will witness this," the White Ape said, bowing.

The monsters congratulated the White Ape, one after another, on gaining an excellent disciple, instantly warming up the atmosphere.

The White Ape looked around, his brows furrowing, as Lin Fang was still not there.

"Ah, I almost missed it." Just then, Lin Fang’s voice came from outside. They saw him slowly walking in, holding a treasured sword.

Seeing him, everyone bowed their heads in respect; after all, this world belonged to Lin Fang, and they all lived under his protection.

Lin Fang stepped forward and tossed the treasured sword he was holding. The White Ape caught it in his hand and gently drew it.

When the treasured sword was unsheathed, a strange red light filled the whole hall, carrying a seductive power. However, what truly made everyone feel fearful was the dark aura entwined around the treasured sword.

That was pure killing intent, like a deep abyss, dark and profound, with a terrifying power.

"What a great sword!" the White Ape exclaimed, and although he had always disliked external forces, his sensitivity to swords allowed him to recognize the extraordinariness of this treasured sword immediately—it was purely a Sword of Slaughter.

"How is it, is this gift sufficient for your disciple-accepting ceremony?" Lin Fang asked with a smile.

"It’s enough, more than enough," the White Ape replied, his usually stern face breaking into a satisfied smile, indicating how pleased he was with the treasured sword.

He then turned and handed the treasured sword to Bai Su.

Bai Su was startled, memories of the sword’s seduction and the crazy years it brought flashed through her mind, sending chills down her spine.

Just as she was about to refuse, she heard the White Ape say, "This treasured sword destroyed you once. I want you to prove that you can subdue it this time and cleanse the disgrace of the past."

His words filled Bai Su with a soaring fighting spirit. She looked at the treasured sword being handed to her, bit her lip, and grasped it in her hand.

But this time, the sword seemed much more docile.