Chapter 776: Xue Wuye's Invitation
The red-robed old woman nodded, stood up, still hunched and stooped, and said hoarsely, "Your talent is extremely high. I hope you can truly achieve something in the future. Now that you have fused the three sword intents, as long as you persevere, you will surely accomplish great things."
Zhang Ruochen's expression shifted. "Grandmother, do you know the origins of the three sword intents I fused?"
"I know a little, but it doesn't matter much. In the future, if the Liangyi Sect encounters a calamity, you only need to lend a hand, and that will repay the kindness of those three."
With that, the red-robed old woman turned and walked away.
Zhang Ruochen stood up, bowed deeply to her, his eyes filled with respect.
Over the past nine days and nine nights, Zhang Ruochen had absorbed a vast amount of knowledge about the Sacred Dao. He closed his eyes, calmed his mind completely, and began to organize and consolidate it.
After spending half a month, Zhang Ruochen's thoughts became clear once more. He no longer dwelled on how long he had been cultivating in the Sword Pavilion; everything felt natural.
"Fusing the three ancestral sword intents has indeed brought boundless benefits. I have cultivated three thousand sword techniques, perfected Sword Two, and even reached the second level of Sword Three."
"If I could perfect Sword Three at the Fish-Dragon Realm, how powerful would it be?"
This thought flashed through Zhang Ruochen's mind but was quickly dismissed.
Sword Three had six levels, and he had only reached the second.
With his sword dao realm of "Man and Sword as One," he might still have a chance to perfect Sword Three, but it would take a tremendous amount of time, which was not worth it.
Eight hundred years ago, the Sword Emperor, with his extraordinary talent, could likely have perfected Sword Three at the Fish-Dragon Realm. But doing so would have been meaningless, wasting time. After all, reaching the Half-Saint realm made cultivating Sword Three much easier.
"Now, my most important task is to comprehend a Sword Dao Rule. If possible, I must also do my utmost to comprehend Space Rules and Time Rules."
Zhang Ruochen knew exactly what he was pursuing, so he did not lose his way.
In the following days, Zhang Ruochen devoted himself entirely to comprehending the Sword Dao Rule.
With his sword dao realm and knowledge, he was confident that he would soon grasp the Sword Dao Rule.
About half a month later, Zangyue Sword Saint came to the seventh floor of the Sword Pavilion again.
Zangyue Sword Saint's keen eyes immediately noticed the tremendous change in Zhang Ruochen. Surprised, he said, "Lin Yue, has your sword dao realm improved again?"
Zhang Ruochen replied, "By studying the Wordless Sword Manual, I have gained some benefits. My sword dao realm has reached the peak of Sword Heart Illumination."
The realm of "Man and Sword as One" was too astonishing, so Zhang Ruochen did not dare reveal it lightly.
"Incredible, truly incredible. At such a young age, you have reached heights that even some saints cannot achieve. You are indeed a sword dao prodigy. Perhaps only the Sword Emperor of the past can compare to you," Zangyue Sword Saint exclaimed in admiration.
Initially, Zangyue Sword Saint had not thought highly of Zhang Ruochen, believing that studying the Wordless Sword Manual was a waste of time.
But upon learning that Zhang Ruochen had reached the peak of Sword Heart Illumination, all doubts and confusion vanished, replaced by appreciation and praise.
How could one judge a sword dao prodigy with the standards of an ordinary person?
Zhang Ruochen and Zangyue Sword Saint walked out of the Sword Pavilion. On the white stone square outside, many sacred disciples were carrying spirit crystals and ferocious beasts, transporting them to the top of the altar.
"The stronger the beast, the higher its position."
"Check every spirit crystal to ensure the altar's formation activates smoothly on the day of the Sword Discussion Conference."
...
The Sword Discussion Conference was a once-in-a-century grand event. The first step was a sacrificial ceremony, slaughtering beasts to offer blood to the gods.
This was a solemn and sacred affair, and no mistakes could be made.
Zangyue Sword Saint said, "Today is the seventh day of the ninth month. In two days, on the ninth day of the ninth month, the Sword Discussion Conference will begin. Come to the Sword Pavilion tomorrow night; I have something very important to tell you in advance."
Zhang Ruochen bowed to Zangyue Sword Saint, then left the Sword Pavilion and descended Ancient God Mountain.
Returning to Shentai City, Zhang Ruochen walked through the streets, hearing discussions everywhere about the Nine Realm Sons and their legendary deeds.
Of course, many were also debating who among the Nine Realm Sons was the strongest.
"Standing Monk wields the Great Butcher Buddha Blade. With just two strikes, he killed Jialuo Gu, who wore the Ten Thousand Treasures Kasaya. His strength is enough to rank first among the Nine Realm Sons."
"I disagree. Standing Monk killed Jialuo Gu only because of the Great Butcher Buddha Blade. In terms of true skill, Xue Wuye is unmatched. After all, he is the greatest sword dao prodigy of the Kunlun Realm in the last five hundred years. It is said he has perfected Sword Two."
"If Xue Wuye could wield the Sword Emperor's sacred sword, 'Flying Immortal Sword,' he might indeed defeat Standing Monk."
"Tch, if that's the case, if Ouyang Heng could wield the Demon Sect's supreme sacred artifact, 'Life and Death Bronze Furnace,' wouldn't he be invincible at the same realm?"
"In my opinion, ranking the Nine Realm Sons should exclude weapons. Otherwise, wouldn't Lin Yue, who relies on the Void Sword for his strength, be comparable to them?"
"Sacred artifacts are also part of one's strength. You're clearly jealous."
"How dare you say Senior Brother Lin Yue relies on the Void Sword for his strength? I challenge you to a life-and-death duel!"
...
Zhang Ruochen remained calm, stepping with subtle footwork through the bustling streets. He smiled faintly at the various comments.
So many people were discussing the Nine Realm Sons and the One Hundred and Eight Young Kings, showing the immense influence of the Realm Son Banquet.
The banquet had ended, and some had already left.
But many stayed, as the Sword Discussion Conference was also a lively event.
Arriving at Xuanji Sword Saint's residence, Zhang Ruochen stopped. Not far from the mansion, a luxurious carriage was parked.
The beast pulling the carriage was a Blood Golden Crow over ten meters long, radiating scorching flames. Without formations, the stone slabs on the ground would have melted.
The Blood Golden Crow was a sixth-rank lower-level ferocious beast, capable of matching a first-rank Half-Saint in combat. In all of Shentai City, only one person could control such a beast.
That person was the Sword Emperor's descendant, Xue Wuye.
Beneath the carriage, on the left and right, stood two young women in white, beautiful and refined, with cultivation at the seventh transformation of the Fish-Dragon Realm.
Zhang Ruochen knew that Xue Wuye was pursuing Huang Yanchen, so it was no surprise to see his carriage here.
Zhang Ruochen walked toward the Blood Golden Crow carriage, stopping three zhang away.
The two sword maidens immediately activated their sacred qi, assuming defensive stances.
In the past, they would have attacked without hesitation. But after the Realm Son Banquet, they recognized the man named "Lin Yue," knowing his strength rivaled that of the Realm Sons and was beyond their comparison.
Zhang Ruochen said, "Is that Xue Wuye of Wanxiang City inside the carriage?"
The carriage was as large as a small palace, made of extravagant materials. A faint fragrance wafted from within.
The sword maiden on the left replied, "It is indeed our young city lord."
Zhang Ruochen nodded. "Then go tell Xue Wuye that from now on, he should stay a bit farther away from Yanchen Commandery Princess. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind comparing whose sword is faster."
After the battle at the Realm Son Banquet, everyone knew Lin Yue was pursuing Huang Yanchen. So Zhang Ruochen had no qualms about speaking plainly.
From the carriage came a magnetic male laugh: "What if I said I wasn't waiting for Yanchen Commandery Princess here, but for you?"
"Xue Wuye waits for a man?" Zhang Ruochen retorted.
"Honestly, I have little interest in men and even less patience. You're the first man I've waited for. How about it? With such sincerity, care to come up for a drink?" Xue Wuye said.
"Fine."
Fearless, Zhang Ruochen walked to the side of the Blood Golden Crow carriage, climbed the steps, and boarded.
"Rustle."
A beautiful woman extended a pale hand, lifted the curtain, and invited Zhang Ruochen inside.
Xue Wuye sat on a white fox fur mat, a fine jade table before him with two colored glaze wine glasses placed front and back.
Even from a distance, Zhang Ruochen could smell the rich aroma of wine.
On either side of Xue Wuye stood eight young women, each stunningly beautiful, with looks that could topple cities. The carriage's interior was lavishly decorated, every small ornament priceless.
This man, the young city lord of Wanxiang City, certainly knew how to enjoy life.
Xue Wuye looked up at Zhang Ruochen, a smirk curling at the corner of his mouth as he poured wine. "So, which is more important—your fiancée or your little lover from the Demon Sect? You must be quite troubled now, aren't you?"
Zhang Ruochen narrowed his eyes, staring at Xue Wuye. "Fiancée?"
"Isn't Yanchen Commandery Princess your fiancée? Or is she mine?" Xue Wuye's face showed a knowing smile. "The Heir of Time and Space is dead, but Lin Yue is still alive, isn't he?"
"You think you've seen through me?"
Zhang Ruochen sat opposite Xue Wuye, picked up the colored glaze wine glass, and took a sip.
Xue Wuye chuckled, raising his glass. "Brother Ruochen, if I may speak frankly, you and I are alike—too sentimental. You'd be better suited as a carefree, romantic figure, roaming the world."