Chapter 450: Leaving a Name on Emperor Sword Cliff

Hearing Yuexi's words, both of them were taken aback, staring at Li Hao in astonishment.

To surpass eight rings meant nine rings. Such a Dao Heart was enough to cultivate to the Great Perfection of the Immortal King Realm.

"Junior Brother, is your Dao Heart really that high?"

Xu Jianming couldn't help but ask.

Wei Hongye also slightly narrowed her eyes, not expecting that this junior brother beside them was the one who truly kept his abilities hidden.

Li Hao asked curiously, "Aren't you all like this as well?"

"Who told you such rumors?"

Xu Jianming immediately wore a wry smile, saying, "My Dao Heart is only at seven rings, I haven't even touched the Eternal Heart realm. You two, however, do have quite steadfast Dao Hearts."

Wei Hongye chuckled softly, her eyes revealing understanding. No wonder their master only gave them half a month. These two new junior disciples were indeed quite remarkable.

"Third Senior Sister, have you left your name on the Emperor Sword Cliff yet?"

At this moment, Yuexi, adorned in gorgeous attire, asked softly.

Wei Hongye saw the sparkling, yearning light in her eyes and smiled gently. She recalled her own first days at Sword Abyss, in her red dress, tiptoeing to ask her Eldest Senior Brother: Eldest Senior Brother, have you left your name on the Emperor Sword Cliff yet?

Time turned, sending a breeze to her ear, carrying those words from the past back to her.

She smiled and said, "I have, but not very high."

Xu Jianming immediately exclaimed, "Senior Sister, you're making me feel bad! If yours isn't considered high, what am I then?"

Yuexi's eyes brightened slightly, and she quietly tightened her grip on her fingers, but didn't ask anything further.

Li Hao also inquired, "Senior Brothers and Sister, do you have any hobbies in your spare time, like chess, painting, or fishing?"

Xu Jianming and Wei Hongye looked at him in surprise. Upon first arriving at Sword Abyss, the typical questions were about Sword Abyss itself - about cultivation methods, and where to find the profound Emperor Sword Intent. But Li Hao was asking about their hobbies.

"Those are all minor pursuits, how can they compare to the interest of the sword?" Xu Jianming said.

Wei Hongye smiled without speaking, clearly sharing the same sentiment as Xu Jianming.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Li Hao's eyes. "Do you know if any other senior brothers or sisters have such interests?"

"Eldest Senior Brother does know a little about chess, but compared to chess, he prefers wielding his sword to vanquish demons and eliminate evil," Wei Hongye replied.

Li Hao understood, nodding. "Then in the future, if I make some delicious food, Senior Brothers and Sister, you are welcome to come and taste it. My culinary skills are quite good."

Seeing Li Hao's warm invitation, although they found it a bit odd, they didn't refuse, simply assuming that this junior brother wanted to build rapport with them.

Yuexi glanced at Li Hao, furrowed her brow slightly, and then pulled Wei Hongye away.

"Where are you going?"

Xu Jianming quickly asked.

Wei Hongye smiled playfully, "Girl talk, don't pry."

"Girl... at this age, still girls..." Xu Jianming muttered.

Before he finished speaking, a streak of blood suddenly appeared on his cheek, but it healed instantly.

He shrank his neck, watching Wei Hongye's elegant figure turn and leave, daring not to grumble anymore.

"Junior Brother, come, I'll take you to your living quarters."

Xu Jianming said to Li Hao warmly.

Li Hao nodded.

Following him, they bypassed Sword Immortal Pavilion and went to the cultivation courtyards built against the mountainside behind it.

On the way, Xu Jianming proactively told Li Hao about the layout of the Celestial Academy, such as the Sword Abyss Tower, where sword cultivation methods were stored. Although called a tower, it was actually a solitary, pitch-black peak.

Its surface was covered with countless pitted hollows, each containing an ancient sword. The cultivation methods were recorded on these ancient swords.

A peculiar aspect of Sword Abyss was that choosing cultivation methods was not a matter of disciples selecting them, but rather cultivation methods choosing people.

Upon entering Sword Abyss Tower, one had to release their own sword intent and sword Dao. If any cultivation method resonated, it would fly out on its own accord for the person to choose.

"What if no cultivation method flies out?" Li Hao asked.

"That won't happen. At the very least, there's always the 'Great Dream Nine Abyss Swordplay,' which is also one of the strongest sword arts in Sword Abyss Celestial Academy."

Xu Jianming chuckled.

Li Hao understood.

Besides the Sword Abyss Tower, there was also a sacred cultivation ground located at the back mountain of Sword Abyss. Buried deep within the earth there was a sword edge. Standing on the sacred ground allowed one to feel the vigorous and vast sword intent, rapidly enhancing one's understanding and perception of the sword Dao.

In addition, Xu Jianming listed the names and residences of various elders within Sword Abyss, acting like a walking encyclopedia as he briefed Li Hao.

He led Li Hao to collect his Celestial Academy disciple uniform of Sword Abyss, his assigned sword, identity牌 (identity plaque/card), sword tokens, and other items.

"This sword is a top-grade True Treasure, enough to intimidate experts at the seventh or eighth level of the True Immortal Realm. If you have a personal sword that you are more comfortable with, you can continue using your own."

Xu Jianming handed a purple-gold sword to Li Hao.

Li Hao accepted the True Treasure he received. Although this sword couldn't compare to Taowu, Taowu was too conspicuous. This sword would suffice for ordinary use.

After collecting everything, Xu Jianming brought Li Hao to his residence.

"This is the Celestial Academy. There are ten sword servants here. If you have any questions, just ask them. This is my sword token. If you want to spar, you can send me a message."

Xu Jianming handed an dark-gold sword token to Li Hao. The token emitted golden threads of light, with sword shadows swimming within it.

Li Hao accepted it, saying, "I'll treat you to barbecue later."

Xu Jianming was taken aback, then burst into laughter. "Alright!"

After Xu Jianming said his farewells and left the courtyard, Li Hao entered this extraordinarily spacious residence.

The courtyard was surrounded by a sealed barrier. Only by holding the sword token could he pass through it.

The courtyard was filled with dense immortal energy, about thirty percent richer than outside.

"Greetings, Young Master. I am Qi Meng'an, the steward of this courtyard. You may instruct me in anything you require,"

At this moment, a middle-aged man in silver sword attire stepped forward respectfully. "Young Master, you can name this courtyard now."

"Name it?"

Li Hao glanced around and smiled. "Let's call it 'Leisurely Abode'."

"'Leisurely Abode'?"

The middle-aged man was slightly taken aback, but quickly smiled and said, "Very well, Leisurely Abode it is."

He then proceeded to introduce the courtyard to Li Hao. Li Hao, having nothing better to do, followed him around, familiarizing himself with the place.

After learning some of the rules from him, Li Hao summoned Xiyan from the Heaven and Earth Space.

Earlier, in the Buddhist Holy Land, he found a Bodhi seed, which Xiyan had absorbed. Now, Xiyan had reached the Semi-Saint Realm, condensing her own Dao.

Moreover, Li Hao sensed faint golden Dao markings within Xiyan's body, like traces left by the condensation of some great Dao, possessing extraordinary power.

"The True World is indeed different from the Pseudo-World. Cultivating here is more than ten times faster than outside!"

Xiyan looked around at everything in astonishment, her eyes full of joy.

Li Hao chuckled and tossed his sword token to her, saying, "You can wander around yourself."

Xiyan caught the sword token, her joyous expression turning slightly melancholic. She sighed, "You are cultivating too fast, I can't keep up with you at all. I'll only be left further and further behind. You won't need me anymore."

Li Hao was amused. "Since when is friendship maintained by 'usefulness'? I promised you I would show you the outside world. Everything I see, I will let you see as well."

Xiyan was stunned, a glimmer of tears appearing in her eyes. She stepped forward and nestled close to Li Hao, taking his arm and whispering, almost inaudibly, "The most right thing I ever did was to hold onto you."

These words resonated in Li Hao's heart. His smile paused slightly, then he gently patted her head. "Don't think nonsense."

Xiyan rubbed her head, pouting slightly, a hint of grievance in her eyes, yet also some sadness.

She huffed softly, then skipped away cheerfully, wandering around the courtyard.

Li Hao, having nothing to do, learned about the True World from Steward Qi Meng'an.

During this process, Li Hao also learned that these sword servants of the Celestial Academy were actually from the Sacred Dynasty imperial family of this continent. Relying on the power of the imperial family, they had gone through great pains to be sent to the Great Dream Nine Abyss. Some with outstanding talent became disciples, while those with slightly lesser talent became Celestial Academy sword servants.

Although called servants, their status was still superior to many outside royal families.

Several days later.

Once Li Hao had become familiar with Sword Abyss, he had Steward Qi accompany him out of the Sword Abyss Celestial Academy and down to the foot of the mountain. Here, there were Sacred Dynasties, bustling with activity. Their territorial area was no less than Great Yu, if not greater.

Li Hao asked Qi Meng'an to find some folk experts, skilled in painting, chess, and so on.

Although Steward Qi was puzzled, he still complied.

Using his Qi Dynasty imperial family's influence, he posted notices for Li Hao, recruiting experts in chess, painting, and other arts. This quickly sparked related competitions in nearby Sacred Dynasties. The winners would be brought before Li Hao.

Meanwhile, Li Hao, accompanied by Xiyan and Steward Qi, indulged in eating, drinking, and merrymaking throughout the Sacred Dynasties.

Listening to storytellers, watching operas, strolling through mountains and fields, immersing himself in the bustling marketplace – he was having a wonderful time.

In Great Yu, Li Hao had not had the chance to properly experience the mundane world's vibrancy, but here he had ample time to enjoy it.

Steward Qi initially thought Li Hao was merely relaxing for a day or two before returning, but seeing that Li Hao was still cheerfully playing around even after seven or eight days, he couldn't help but worry. He cautiously reminded and inquired,

"Young Master, I wonder how long Elder Li requested you to master the 'Immortal Guiding the Way'?"

Li Hao patted him on the shoulder and smiled. "No need to worry, just return with me in a few days."

As he spoke, he ordered another plate of braised pork, also asking Steward Qi to call for the chef, wanting to meet this great cook.

The food at this tavern was truly excellent, even Li Hao found it delicious. Now, besides his culinary skills improving, his palate had also become more discerning. It was not easy to satisfy his taste.

Seeing Li Hao was confident, Steward Qi didn't say more, joining Li Hao in feasting. However, he felt quite strange inside. He had seen other academy disciples, but none were like Li Hao, who, upon joining Sword Abyss, didn't cultivate but instead roamed around playing.

Several days later, Li Hao, seeing that enough time had passed, returned to Sword Abyss with Steward Qi.

After dozing off for two days in Sword Abyss and doing some painting in his courtyard, Li Hao awaited Li Timu's test.

He and Yuexi were summoned to the front of Sword Immortal Pavilion. Besides Li Timu, there was another elder present. Li Hao learned from Xu Jianming's secret transmission that this was Zhou Qingyun, one of the three great elders of Sword Abyss.

"They've only just joined for half a month, and they're already being assessed?"

Zhou Qingyun, upon receiving the news and coming over, repeatedly confirmed with Li Timu, muttering to himself that Li Timu had the authority to admit disciples into the Celestial Academy, but for assessments, at least two of the three of them had to be present.

Li Timu transmitted back, "Their talents are quite good, we need to put some pressure on them."

"But isn't this pressure too great? What if they fail?" Zhou Qingyun transmitted back.

"If they fail, then we'll say, considering their diligence and effort, you'll advocate for them to get another half month. You can play the good guy then, and I'll be the bad guy."

Li Timu said.

Zhou Qingyun was speechless, but sighed deeply in his heart. He knew the current situation of Sword Abyss and Great Dream Nine Abyss. Elder Li was working tirelessly for the sect, racking his brains to cultivate and attract these geniuses.

"Alright."

He transmitted his agreement.

Li Timu rolled his eyes at him. Agreeing so readily, this guy.

At this moment, Wei Hongye also arrived, along with two other Celestial Academy disciples who had come to watch. Wei Hongye chatted with them briefly. These two were Zhou Qingyun's disciples.

"Let's begin."

Seeing that the time was about right, Li Timu's expression turned serious. He said to Li Hao and Yuexi, "Are you ready?"

Yuexi's eyes shone brightly, revealing confidence and composure. She glanced at Li Hao beside her and calmly said, "Ready to draw my sword at any time."

"Good, then you go first."

Li Timu's eyes lit up, seeing her confidence.

Yuexi didn't hesitate. Amidst the surprised gazes of the others, she suddenly raised her hand, and the purple-gold longsword of a Celestial Academy disciple flew out. In the void, it drew a stunningly beautiful sword mark, like an immortal in the mortal realm pointing a finger at the sky, creating myriad rays of light.

Then, she sheathed her sword, her expression calm. All of this happened in the blink of an eye.

"Good, good, good!"

Li Timu's eyes gleamed, and he couldn't help but laugh heartily, his eyes filled with excitement. He hadn't expected that in just fifteen days, she could truly grasp and comprehend it. Her talent indeed hadn't let him down.

Zhou Qingyun was slightly stunned, then a smile also appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Wei Hongye and Xu Jianming exchanged a look, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes. This junior sister was indeed a prodigy.

Li Timu turned, looking expectantly at Li Hao. "What about you?"

Seeing this, Li Hao's actions were also very straightforward. He put his fingers together like a sword and gently slashed in the void, revealing a hint of immortal sword intent.

Compared to Yuexi's spectacle, Li Hao's display was much gentler, with far less fanfare.

Yuexi glanced at it, raising her eyebrows slightly.

Li Timu laughed. "Good, I knew I didn't misjudge you two."

Zhou Qingyun's expression was odd. This old Li was truly lucky this time, actually picking up two treasures.

Wei Hongye and Xu Jianming, however, were relatively calm. Having previously known that Li Hao's Dao Heart realm was even higher than Yuexi's, Li Hao's current performance seemed only natural to them.

The two disciples of Zhou Qingyun beside them were shocked, immediately feeling that future competition in the Celestial Academy would become fierce.

"Old Zhou, sorry to trouble you to come all this way for nothing. We'll be taking our leave then."

Li Timu said to Zhou Qingyun with a grin.

Zhou Qingyun was inwardly annoyed. This old codger, so he had come all this way just to watch him gloat?

Li Timu didn't give Zhou Qingyun a chance to speak, quickly leaving with Li Hao and the others.

"Since you've both mastered the first move, now for the second move, 'Immortal Draws Sword'. Watch carefully."

Li Timu brought Li Hao and Yuexi, along with a few other disciples, to his Dao training ground and said to Yuexi and Li Hao.

Then, he drew his sword, teaching Yuexi and Li Hao the second move.

His sword light suddenly shot out, gleaming coldly, like the sun and moon emerging from behind clouds, the light at that instant utterly dazzling.

Yuexi focused intently, her brow slowly furrowing, faint beads of sweat appearing.

This sword move was far more profound than "Immortal Guiding the Way", certainly not something that could be memorized with a single glance. The sharp sword intent seemed to be screeching in her mind.

Meanwhile, a panel notification popped up before Li Hao's eyes.

[You have comprehended the 'Immortal Draws Sword' at a superficial level. Record it?]

Record.

Li Hao recorded it, and immediately saw that the level displayed on the panel was 'Entry-level'.

At the same time, a large amount of light and shadow flashed in his mind, representing the myriad techniques and sword intents of this move.

With his tenth-stage sword Dao comprehension, he could only barely grasp the entry level.

Li Hao felt that if this sword move was cultivated to perfection, it could barely rival one of the Ten Supreme Immortal Techniques, the Azure Heaven Sword Art.

This showed that Great Dream Nine Abyss, as the Heavenly One Sect of a hundred thousand years ago, truly had a profound foundation.

"Have you memorized it?"

After teaching it, Li Timu held the sword, but didn't sheathe it, looking at Li Hao and Yuexi with a grin.

Yuexi frowned and remained silent. After a long while, she said, "I haven't memorized it."

Li Timu laughed. "Good that you didn't memorize it. If you could memorize it after just one demonstration, then you should be the master teaching, not me."

Saying this, he continued, "I'll demonstrate it again. Focus and feel it. If you still can't memorize it, privately ask your senior brothers and sister for guidance."

Wei Hongye and Xu Jianming, listening nearby, felt helpless. This master of theirs just loved being a hands-off mentor. Back then, they were all taught by their Eldest Senior Brother.

And he was nowhere to be found all day long, no one knew what he was busy with.

At this point, Li Timu had already begun demonstrating the second time.

Although Li Hao had already achieved entry level, he still watched carefully.

Watching it again, it was different from before. With an entry-level understanding, he could feel the subtlety and terror of this sword, but he was still unable to fully grasp it.

The beads of sweat on Yuexi's forehead became denser, and a sliver of silver-white gradually appeared in her eyes, her pupils radiating light. After a long time, when Li Timu finished teaching, the light in her eyes gradually subsided and dissipated. She just quietly closed her eyes.

Li Timu didn't ask or disturb her. He glanced at his two disciples, saw Li Hao's thoughtful expression, smiled, sheathed his sword, waved his sleeve, and turned to leave.

"Junior Brother, did you memorize it? If not, I can demonstrate it for you again."

Xu Jianming said to Li Hao.

Li Hao came back to his senses, shaking his head. "Thank you, Senior Brother, I've already memorized it."

"Memorized it?"

Wei Hongye and Xu Jianming were both taken aback. If Yuexi had memorized it, they would still find it plausible, but they had been watching from the side, paying attention to both of their expressions. Li Hao was clearly quite relaxed, not forcing himself to memorize, yet now he actually said he had memorized it.

At this time, Yuexi also opened her eyes, glanced at Li Hao, then calmly said, "I've also memorized it."

Wei Hongye and Xu Jianming exchanged glances, both seeing that this junior sister seemed to be competing with this junior brother in everything. However, as descendants of the Calamity Clan, entering the sect at the same time, having such a competitive mentality was understandable, and she also had the qualifications to compete.

"Then Senior Brothers and Sister, I'll return to my courtyard first."

Li Hao said goodbye and left.

When he returned to the courtyard, Steward Qi immediately came to greet him, his face showing a mix of joy and complexity. "Young Master, how did it go?"

"I passed."

Li Hao chuckled.

Qi Meng'an was stunned, looking at Li Hao in astonishment. Others might not know, but he had been with Li Hao these past few days, knowing that this young master had been constantly traveling around, eating and drinking, never cultivating. He had never even seen Li Hao hold a sword.

"Let's go, let's find something to eat, and maybe some ingredients."

Li Hao said, having played around for so long, it was time for him to cultivate seriously.

Steward Qi was taken aback, then smiled wryly, feeling the uniqueness of this young master. He assented and accompanied Li Hao down the mountain.

On the way, he told Li Hao about the situation of the folk experts he had sought. In a few more days, the competitions would conclude, and experts in various fields would be selected.

Li Hao was delighted to hear this, praising him for his efficiency.

Several days later.

The masters of painting, chess, and various other arts, selected from nearby Sacred Dynasties, were all brought to Li Hao's courtyard in Sword Abyss Celestial Academy.

These people mostly looked elderly, with white hair and beards, appearing highly respected. But upon arriving at this Sword Abyss courtyard, knowing they were to meet a revered Celestial Academy young master, they all appeared trembling with anxiety, their demeanor revealing nervousness and apprehension, but also anticipation and hope.

Upon arriving at the courtyard, they were greeted by Xiyan.

Seeing this girl, who looked sixteen or seventeen years old, with a crisp voice and lively manners, the nervousness in their hearts eased slightly.

Then, they were led to the front of Li Hao's sword room.

Various kinds of swords filled the room, but Li Hao had never touched them since arriving here.

He was painting the trees and pond in front of him in the open space outside the sword room.

A Saint of Painting, seeing Li Hao using his finger to paint in the void, found that the scenery he depicted surpassed the real view. The trees inside seemed to have become spirits, the tranquil pond water seemed to be surging with waves, but in a blink, it was still quiet trees and water.

This illusion shocked him. This painting skill had already surpassed his own.

As they were about to respectfully kneel and pay their respects, Li Hao quickly stood up and helped them up, asking Steward Qi to arrange seats for them.

Seeing Li Hao being so warm and courteous, these people felt flattered. Although they were masters of their fields in the Sacred Dynasties, in front of a Sword Abyss Celestial Academy disciple, this status was negligible.

Even royalty had to bow their heads, let alone them.

Li Hao sensed their nervousness and spoke to them gently, making small talk before slowly turning to the topics they excelled in.

When they talked about their respective passions, these people unknowingly straightened their backs in conversation, their faces radiating light as they spoke.

Li Hao smiled. After a conversation, the atmosphere of tension quickly dissipated.

Li Hao sparred with them one by one, discovering that most of them were at the ninth or tenth level.

In painting, chess, and culinary arts, he hadn't found anyone who could match him, which was a bit regrettable, but in other artistic skills, his own levels were not high, and he did encounter those who surpassed him.

Li Hao immediately asked Steward Qi to arrange rooms for them to stay, to become his sparring partners for the short term.

Qi Meng'an, seeing that Li Hao was getting serious, hesitated to speak, but ultimately still complied.

Unknowingly, three months passed in the blink of an eye.

Li Hao had been in Sword Abyss for three months. For the True World, this amount of time was just a fleeting moment. Even for geniuses like Wei Hongye, a single closed-door cultivation session could easily last for several years, or even decades.

In Li Hao's courtyard, laughter and cheerful voices filled the air every day.

Under the shade of a tree in the courtyard.

In front of a chess game, Li Hao sat opposite a white-haired old man.

"Young Master Hao, you did say that if I could win a game against you, you would grant me a wish."

The old man held a chess piece, seeming to have seen a gap in the chessboard's patterns. A light appeared in his eyes, and he said with a smile.

Li Hao laughed. "You previously told me about your nephew's matter. As long as you can beat me, I can make him the number one military general of the Sacred Dynasty."

The old man, seeing his thoughts were seen through by Li Hao, was so激动 (jīdòng – excited/agitated) that he stood up to kneel down in thanks.

Li Hao quickly raised his hand to stop him, smiling. "But you have to beat me first."

"Good."

The old man suppressed his excitement, his expression turning extremely serious as he began to make his move.

Li Hao saw that the place he moved his piece was a trap he had laid, and couldn't help but smile. Then, he began to fill in the gaps and close the net.

The old man made several moves in succession before realizing it was a trap, his face changing color, turning slightly pale.

Li Hao chuckled. "It's alright, there will be opportunities next time."

The old man barely managed to parry on the chessboard, but was ultimately forced into a dead end, sighing, "Young Master Hao's chess skills are the best I've ever seen in my life."

Li Hao smiled, about to comfort him, when suddenly Steward Qi ran over, his face showing both surprise and complexity.

"Young Master, good news has just come from the Celestial Academy. Miss Yuexi has left her name on the Emperor Sword Cliff!"

Li Hao was about to gather the chess pieces for another game when he paused slightly upon hearing this, then continued his movements, simply saying,

"Then congratulations to her."

Steward Qi, seeing Li Hao still arranging the pieces to continue playing, couldn't help but be stunned. Then he whispered, "Young Master, don't you want to try the Emperor Sword Cliff?"

Li Hao shook his head, having no interest in such things.

With this time, he would rather play two more games, accumulate some experience, perhaps coincidentally gaining some understanding of his state of mind, touching the twelfth stage of chess realm.

Qi Meng'an's expression shifted, wanting to say something but stopping himself, finally saying,

"Young Master, you and Miss Yuexi became disciples at the same time and have received much attention. Many people are paying attention to you."

As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Li Hao, his words somewhat veiled, fearing to displease Li Hao.

Li Hao raised his hand, signaling the old man opposite him to pick up a piece to determine who went first, while asking, "Paying attention to me?"

"Yes, you're in the courtyard all day, playing chess and painting..." Qi Meng'an's face showed difficulty, "There's already been a lot of criticism outside."

Li Hao couldn't help but chuckle. "The path of cultivation is to contend with heaven and earth, why fear trivial criticism? No need to pay attention to it, the noise can't cross these courtyard walls."

Qi Meng'an sighed inwardly. As Li Hao's sword servant, he naturally hoped that Li Hao could rise in prominence and reach the peak.

As a servant, he shared honor and disgrace with his master.

"Alright, I want to continue now, you can go down first."

Li Hao said to Qi Meng'an.

Seeing this, Qi Meng'an had no choice but to stop talking.

Another three months passed. The Celestial Academy stirred slightly again, and the news spread to every academy.

The new Junior Sister under Li Timu's tutelage, went to Sword Abyss Tower and obtained recognition from a famous sword from the Register of Famous Swords.

It was said that the famous sword had once been nominated for the Ten Supreme Immortal Techniques, but ultimately failed to be selected.

As soon as this news came out, the minds of disciples in every academy of the Celestial Academy became somewhat restless. Wei Hongye and Xu Jianming were the first to find Yuexi's courtyard to congratulate her.

Yuexi, seeing that Li Hao hadn't come, craned her neck to look around, eventually a smile appearing at the corner of her mouth.

Although she had lost to Li Hao in Dao Heart, in terms of sword talent, she was confident she would not lose to anyone.

Li Hao not coming, in her view, was nothing more than being ashamed to come and offer congratulations. But doing so only made him seem even less graceful...

She didn't pay it any more attention, simply speaking briefly with her two senior brothers and sister before entering closed-door cultivation again.

One year after joining Sword Abyss Celestial Academy, Yuexi emerged from her closed-door cultivation and once again went to Emperor Sword Cliff to challenge leaving her name for the second time.

This time, learning that Yuexi was going to Emperor Sword Cliff for her second name-leaving challenge, many disciples within Sword Cliff gathered to wait and watch.

In just one short year, Yuexi's name had already spread within Sword Abyss.

Besides the Celestial Academy disciples paying attention to this rapidly rising newcomer, disciples from the Earth Academy, Profound Academy, and Yellow Academy had also heard of Yuexi's exploits.

Previously, some people were unconvinced, feeling that being parachuted into the Celestial Academy must have involved inside dealings, but now these doubts were gradually dwindling.

"Quick, look, Immortal Yuexi is here!"

"Only joining the Celestial Academy for three months, and she could already leave her name on Emperor Sword Cliff, simply terrifying. Now, after just a year, her ranking shouldn't be able to rise, right?"

"Possibly. No wonder she's a Celestial Academy disciple. Although her previous ranking was at the bottom, it's said she obtained top-tier sword techniques from Sword Abyss Tower, she must have made great progress now!"

Outside Emperor Sword Cliff, in the void, many Sword Cliff disciples were craning their necks to watch.

(End of Chapter)