Stirred by Defeat

Stirred by Defeat

The arrival of this individual was none other than Li Hanyou's esteemed master, the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness, who held a prominent position as one of the nine Sword Sovereigns within the Battle Sword Sect.

The moment she materialized, the gaze of countless onlookers fixated upon her. The Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness appeared as youthful and captivating as ever, giving the impression of someone in her early thirties. Yet, her demeanor radiated solemnity, and her proud eyes seemed to have witnessed the ebb and flow of countless years. This hinted at the fact that her actual age far exceeded her youthful appearance, but her cultivation had reached such heights that she could maintain her ageless look.

Many suddenly recalled the rumors circulating about the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness. Her temperament was characterized as capricious, and she was a lone wolf who followed her heart's desires, heedless of others' opinions. From her earliest days, she had possessed an innate coldness, pride, and an extraordinary presence. When she set her mind to something, not even the leader of the Battle Sword Sect could sway her. The members of the Battle Sword Sect, indeed, shared this strong-willed character, doing as they pleased. The Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness epitomized this disposition.

Despite her reputation, she displayed an extraordinary degree of care and love for her disciples, which surpassed all others. However, her expectations and demands were equally high.

This marked Qin Wentian's first encounter with the true appearance of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness. As expected, she embodied her reputation, exuding an air of indomitable pride, much like a plum tree standing tall amidst the winter's snow.

"Master!" Li Hanyou exclaimed, gaining a subtle nod of acknowledgment from the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness.

"Old witch, are you also here to claim the treasure within my body?" the Human Emperor inquired with a carefree chuckle. The Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness wrinkled her brow upon hearing Ye Qingyun's address, but she didn't take offense. Ye Qingyun belonged to her generation, and they had known each other since their youth, engaging in numerous disputes and even clashing on multiple occasions. Over time, as their cultivation soared, although the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness still maintained a youthful appearance, she didn't mind Ye Qingyun's playful name-calling.

Ye Lingshuang, however, harbored deep concerns. While the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness was considered a member of the Battle Sword Sect, her status was lofty and esteemed. She wouldn't have come just for the sake of an ordinary disciple like herself. Given the Sword Sovereigness's character, if she genuinely sought the treasure, she wouldn't rest until she had it.

"That treasure indeed holds some significance for me," the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness affirmed.

The Human Emperor snorted disdainfully. "So, you're one of those people. Do you truly believe that a single treasure will enable its possessor to dominate the Immortal Celestial Realm? Here, you're the only representative from the Battle Sword Sect, old witch. If you desire it, I'll gladly relinquish it."

"Royal father!" Ye Lingshuang exclaimed, her countenance tense.

Members of the Battle Sword Sect stepped forward, and Duan Han gazed skyward, exclaiming, "Martial Aunt, why force someone's hand? Do you honestly believe Junior Sister Lou can ascend to the pinnacle of the Immortal Martial Realm Rankings through that treasure alone?"

"Duan Han, do not involve yourself in my affairs. Since you are among those entering the Immortal Martial Realm this time, ensure you do not tarnish the reputation of my Battle Sword Sect with your performance," the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness declared in a tone devoid of emotion. Duan Han was a personal disciple under Sword Sovereigness Ling Tian, and she was well aware of his identity. However, to the other present members, she remained a stranger.

In the blink of an eye, the situation had shifted from the Human Emperor's confrontation to the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness reprimanding Duan Han, leaving the other Battle Sword Sect members utterly speechless. They understood they lacked the power to sway the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness's decisions.

Turning her gaze toward the Li Clan members below, the Sword Sovereigness continued, "Hanyou is one of my disciples. I wonder if the members of the Li Clan are willing to show respect to me and refrain from interfering in this matter?"

Li Hanyou's beautiful eyes froze as she glanced at her second grandparent by her side. Her second grandparent's eyes flickered with uncertainty. The Human Emperor possessed incredibly formidable combat prowess, and while he was currently injured, he also recognized the Sword Sovereigness as a peer in terms of strength. If the situation escalated into violence, they stood to gain nothing. After contemplating this, he let out a nonchalant laugh and replied, "Since the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness herself has spoken, I can promise that the Li Clan will not meddle in this affair."

He was a pragmatist who could accept both success and failure. Originally, he already harbored doubts about the success of their plan, and with the odds diminishing further, he didn't mind abandoning it entirely. His actions would likely earn the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness's favor, which would ultimately benefit Li Hanyou in the future. Therefore, from his perspective, this outcome was quite satisfactory.

"Thank you," the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness acknowledged with a nod. She then turned her gaze to the members of the Violet Thunder Sect and spoke coldly, "Are you planning to stay and further disgrace yourselves, or is it time for you to leave and save some face?"

"You..." The Head-Supremacy of the Violet Thunder Sect held a status equivalent to that of the Nine Sword Sovereigns of the Battle Sword Sect. Yet, she dared to address him in such a manner? However, he observed that the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness's demeanor was as sharp as a blade's edge, radiating an icy aura that filled the entire space. Simultaneously, several figures appeared behind her, as if the mere utterance of a single word of dissent from the Head-Supremacy would trigger an instant battle.

He realized that this woman did as she pleased and was fully capable of ending him on the spot without concern for the consequences.

"Farewell," the Head-Supremacy snorted coldly before his figure flickered, and he swiftly departed. Today's internal strife within the Ye Country had indeed weakened its power. However, the true loser in this situation was the Violet Thunder Sect, which had not only lost face but also suffered a grievous defeat. If news of this incident spread, it would tarnish the Violet Thunder Sect's reputation.

"You all better remember this," a booming voice echoed from a distance, like thunder rolling through the heavens, brimming with boundless rage.

But the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness paid no heed to the threats. Her gaze returned to those below, where only three major powers remained. She coldly inquired, "Do you all still wish to contend with me?"

The Great Martial King of the War Country furrowed his brow, fully aware of the formidable power wielded by the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness. Her mere words had already persuaded the influential Li Clan to withdraw and had driven away the experts from the Violet Thunder Sect. There was no doubt that she was now the one in control of the situation.

The experts from the Spirit Luan Country and the Barbarian Clan fixed their gaze on her, and the female general of the Spirit Luan Country spoke, "I have always held the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness in high regard as a remarkable woman. If I witness the Human Emperor willingly handing over the treasure to her, I will step back and no longer interfere in this matter."

This female general displayed intelligence and pragmatism. If the Human Emperor voluntarily surrendered the treasure, it would be virtually impossible for the remaining individuals to seize it forcibly.

"I shall follow the general's lead," an expert from the Barbarian Clan concurred, nodding in agreement.

The Great Martial King's eyes gleamed with determination as he stated, "Since we all share the same opinion, I too agree to go along with this."

Only then did the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness appear satisfied. She turned her attention back to the Human Emperor and spoke slowly, "I have heard that this exceedingly rare treasure has long ago fused with you. As compensation, if your daughter, Ye Lingshuang, is willing to accept me as her master, I am prepared to take her as my personal disciple."

The Human Emperor's expression remained unchanged as he turned to look at Ye Lingshuang and asked, "Lingshuang, what is your stance on this matter?"

Ye Lingshuang's countenance grew cold as she fixed her gaze on the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness and responded, "Today, with so many powers pressuring my royal father, the Human Emperor stood alone and fought against them all. He slew over ten Celestial Phenomenon Ascendants. How awe-inspiring is that? Yet, there was a despicable schemer lurking in the shadows, hoping to take advantage of his vulnerable situation. Although I, Ye Lingshuang, may be considered insignificant, I would disdain being a disciple of someone like her."

"Hmph," the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness snorted coldly, her eyes flashing with sharpness. Ye Lingshuang did not flinch and maintained direct eye contact. "Although I should respect you as my senior, your actions today have truly disappointed me. In the future, even if we cross paths within the Battle Sword Sect, I will not show you any respect. You were well aware today that many experts were ganging up on my royal father, yet you chose to remain hidden until the very end before attempting to steal the treasure."

"I will not hold today's insolence against you, but if you dare to disrespect me again in the future, do not blame me for disciplining you on behalf of the Human Emperor," the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness declared with an icy demeanor. Ye Lingshuang met her with unwavering resolve, locking eyes with the Sword Sovereigness.

"Very well," the Human Emperor boisterously laughed. "As expected of my daughter, Ye Qingyun's child. I had anticipated this outcome; I merely wished to show all of you, to broaden your horizons. To let you experience the strength of great sects and understand the meaning of 'might makes right.' This is an eternal truth that will never change. A single treasure? I, Ye Qingyun, do not care for it."

Having spoken, the Human Emperor suddenly drove his palm into his own chest. Fresh blood sprayed forth as his face contorted slightly.

"HUMAN EMPEROR!"

"ROYAL FATHER!"

A wave of alarm rippled through the gathering. The members of the Royal Clan were taken aback, and Ye Lingshuang's complexion turned as pale as snow. Even those from the Battle Sword Sect and Medicine Sovereign Valley felt a profound sense of solemnity that gripped their hearts.

The Human Emperor's presence was nothing short of imposing. He had faced a full-scale rebellion fearlessly, single-handedly taking on several Ascendants within the borders of Ye. However, in the end, he had to bow under the weight of the situation and endure this humiliation.

Duan Han and the other members of the Battle Sword Sect wore expressions of deep respect. The Human Emperor was undeniably a hero of his generation, earning the admiration and reverence of many. The actions of the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness had left them deeply displeased.

"No need to worry," the Human Emperor reassured those who were concerned about his condition as they rushed to his side. He opened his palm, revealing a small, gleaming hatchet exuding a terrifying aura.

"This is just a mere item. Do you really think this item was the sole reason for my rise to power? It's utterly laughable. Just take it and go," the Human Emperor said, tossing the hatchet toward the Sword Sovereigness. Blood continued to flow from the wound he had created when he dug into his chest, revealing even his bones. This treasure had long melded with his flesh and bones, becoming one with him. Hence, this was the only method he could use to remove it.

The Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness waved her hand and caught the flying object. The Human Emperor spoke in a detached manner, "I am genuinely curious to see what rank your disciple, Lou Bingyu, will achieve in the Immortal Martial Realm this time."

"You need not worry about that," the Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness replied as she accepted the treasure. Her personal visit today clearly indicated her high expectations for her disciple, Lou Bingyu. This treasure had once belonged to the Human Emperor, obtained in the Immortal Martial Realm. If it could fuse with Lou Bingyu, it would undoubtedly enhance her strength. Moreover, the Immortal Martial Realm rejected external divine weapons, so possessing this treasure would give Lou Bingyu a better chance of ranking at the top. The Plum Mountain Sword Sovereigness hoped her disciple would not disappoint her.

At that moment, the sound of rushing wind reached their ears from afar. Everyone's expressions turned sluggish as they looked in a particular direction. Three figures were slowly descending from the sky. They exuded an extraordinary aura and wore immaculate white attire that appeared untouched by dust, giving them an ethereal appearance.

Upon seeing these three figures, the faces of everyone present changed. Why were the envoys of the Immortal Martial Realm here today?

The three envoys descended gradually, their expressions completely neutral. They turned their gaze downward, and one of them waved their hand, sending an ancient medallion flying in the direction of Ye Lingshuang and the others.

Qin Wentian's eyes narrowed as he realized that the ancient medallion was headed for him. Moments later, it appeared right in front of him, causing astonishment to ripple across the faces of those gathered. All eyes were now fixed on Qin Wentian, and their gazes sparkled with intensity.

The envoys of the Immortal Martial Realm had personally come to deliver the Immortal Martial Realm Medallion!