Chapter 453: Contention at Emperor Sword Mountain

Li Hao was somewhat surprised. Judging by Elder Li's tone of voice, something was clearly up.

He didn't delay, immediately throwing on an outer robe and then darted away like a gust of wind, landing outside Sword Immortal Pavilion.

In the plaza in front, many disciples had already gathered.

As Li Hao landed, he glanced around, noticing that in addition to a few Heaven Courtyard disciples, Earth Courtyard disciples were also assembled here, appearing numerous, numbering over a thousand.

These people noticed Li Hao wearing the training uniform of a Heaven Courtyard disciple and gave him a slight glance, but realized they didn't recognize him.

Li Hao saw Elder Li at the front of the crowd, along with Zhou Qingyun, whom he'd met before, and another old woman leaning on a crutch.

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

Besides them, Xu Jianming had already arrived, standing on the steps in front of Elder Li.

Li Hao also swiftly flew over.

"You're here. I heard there's something big," Xu Jianming sensed Li Hao's aura and said via sound transmission without turning his head, "Seems to be about the opportunity to comprehend the Emperor Sword."

"Emperor Sword opportunity?"

Li Hao was taken aback. In Sword Abyss, there were two sword techniques left behind, rumored to be left by an Immortal Emperor from a hundred thousand years ago, containing remnants of the Emperor Dao aura, and also Sword Abyss's strongest foundation! If one could comprehend them, sword cultivators at the same realm could almost be invincible!

This was also the pursuit and goal of all Sword Abyss disciples.

That Emperor Sword Cliff was where a former Chief Disciple comprehended one of these techniques and displayed it, leaving it behind.

While the two were communicating, Wei Hongye and Yue Xi also swiftly flew over and landed beside Li Hao and Xu Jianming. Following seniority, Wei Hongye took the lead and stood at the very front.

"Senior Brother hasn't arrived yet?" Wei Hongye asked Xu Jianming.

Xu Jianming whispered, "I heard he returned from the border, probably still receiving conferment. He'll be a bit late."

Wei Hongye nodded.

Yue Xi stepped past Li Hao, glancing at him and softly whispered, "It's been almost two years. Why haven't you gone to Emperor Sword Cliff to leave your name?"

Li Hao smiled and said, "Too lazy to go."

"..."

Yue Xi's eyes narrowed slightly, her fingers gently clenched, and she said nothing more, quietly standing in front of Li Hao, her hair fluttering in the breeze.

Her tall yet magnificent and stunning figure immediately attracted the attention of many people. Leaving her name on Emperor Sword Cliff previously had made many disciples remember her, except for some in closed-door cultivation.

Before long, Second Senior Brother Lu Wuchen also flew over. He was dressed in azure robes, his expression rather cold. He gave a slight nod to Li Hao and the others, then stood in front of Wei Hongye.

Immediately after, another figure flew over, instantly causing a small gasp of surprise.

Li Hao and the others turned their heads to look and saw it was the newly arrived Junior Brother, Gu Yan.

Gu Yan was wearing a black robe, but the cuffs were decorated with dark crimson fire patterns, restrained yet with a hint of wildness. His expression, compared to his previous numbness, now carried a more reserved coldness.

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

Yue Xi deeply scrutinized him for a moment, and only after he stood behind Li Hao did she retract her gaze. However, the fingers in her sleeves clenched even tighter, knuckles slightly pale, and her stunningly delicate pink lips also pressed together slightly.

At this moment, Xu Jianming suddenly said, "Fifth Junior Sister is here."

Li Hao and Yue Xi looked over and saw a beautiful girl in a water-green dress, about sixteen or seventeen years old, without makeup but with natural freshness, floating over.

Her eyes were bright, and her cheeks were slightly chubby, but she was carrying her hands behind her back, giving off a rather mature and experienced air.

"You three, you're the newcomers?"

She didn't land, bending down to survey Li Hao and the other two, a playful smile on her face.

"Yes," Li Hao nodded.

Yue Xi gazed at this girl who seemed even younger than herself, only giving a slight nod.

Gu Yan's expression was calm, with a hint of numbness, and he remained silent.

The girl glanced at their positions, her gaze lingering on the silent Gu Yan as she smiled and said, "Master said you have a natural Sword Immortal physique? You're already at True Immortal Realm fourth level? Maybe we can spar sometime, I'll suppress my cultivation level so I won't bully you."

Gu Yan calmly said, "No need."

After speaking, as if realizing the air had become slightly quieter and his words were somewhat inappropriate, he slowly added, "I want to challenge myself."

Only then did a smile appear on the girl's face, but her eyes narrowed slightly. "Alright, it's a deal then."

Saying this, she cheerfully stepped past Yue Xi and stood in front of her.

Hearing her words, Yue Xi's heart stirred. When she first arrived, she was at True Immortal Realm third level. After more than a year of cultivation, she had recently stepped into True Immortal Realm fourth level. Her realm was equivalent to this Junior Brother's... If they sparred with full power, she really wanted to see if she would lose, or rather, where she would lose.

As this thought sprouted in her mind, more and more Heaven Courtyard disciples arrived.

After a while, when no more disciples came, and after a long wait, a figure flew over and arrived in front of Sword Immortal Pavilion, cupping his hands respectfully in the air towards the three Elders in front, saying, "Ji Qingxuan is late, please forgive me."

With his arrival, the plaza seemed to become even quieter.

Li Hao slightly raised his head and gazed intently. Was this their Eldest Senior Brother?

"It's alright, Qingxuan. I heard you slew seven Ancient Demon Commanders at the Yan-Chu border, establishing remarkable immortal merits. I wonder what position the Immortal Dynasty has bestowed upon you?" Zhou Qingyun said with a smile.

Hearing his words, exclamations of surprise rippled through the disciples below.

Ancient Demon Commanders were existences at the Immortal Monarch Realm. To slay seven of them on a vast battlefield was extremely difficult, and to escape unscathed was even more challenging!

"Judging by his merits, it should be Second Rank Demon Subduing Guard, right?" The old woman next to him revealed appreciation and a smile in her eyes.

Elder Li Tiemu, on the side, also wore a smile, but the delight in his eyes was almost impossible to conceal, after all, Ji Qingxuan was his prized disciple.

"Minor immortal merits, not worth mentioning, Elders are too kind," Ji Qingxuan clearly didn't intend to delve into it. He was very low-key, responding calmly, and then descended, standing in front of Lu Wuchen.

Yue Xi gazed intently at this handsome, mature-looking Eldest Senior Brother, feeling an extremely strong pressure emanating from him, a pressure definitely not from the True Immortal Realm, but from... the Immortal Monarch Realm!

Gu Yan, standing behind Li Hao, also rarely craned his neck slightly, peering past Li Hao's shoulder, gazing at the other's back, but soon retracted his gaze, his eyes unfathomable.

"Seven Ancient Demon Commanders..." Li Hao, however, was somewhat distracted, feeling a salivating sensation and a slight hunger in his stomach.

If he could cook and eat seven Ancient Demon Commanders, how many Yuan Shen Bones could he condense?

Just as his thoughts drifted afar, Elder Li Tiemu's voice pulled him back. Elder Li Tiemu's expression was now solemn, completely devoid of his usual mischievous grin. Even his clothing was uncharacteristically not his ragged beggar look, but a deep black Elder's robe, appearing profound and majestic.

"Gathering you all here today is because the Abyss Master intends to heavily nurture you all, opening up the Emperor Sword Quotas. Those who are capable will receive the opportunity to comprehend the Emperor Sword!"

Hearing Elder Li Tiemu's words, the people in the plaza exchanged glances, all filled with shock and excitement.

Abyss Master - the master of Sword Abyss, deeply hidden and unfathomable, an existence at the Immortal King Realm, incredibly terrifying, a regional overlord in the vast True World! And the Emperor Sword Quotas were actually open to the public, not selected by the higher-ups as before, which made many disciples' eyes shine.

"As you all know, the Southern Region War is approaching!"

"This Southern Region War will reshuffle the powers of the Southern Region, and this is also our Dream Nine Abyss Sect's best opportunity to return to the former Heavenly Unity Sect!"

Elder Li Tiemu's eyes were imperious and serious, his voice resounding, "Our Nine Abyss will select the most monstrous geniuses to contend for this opportunity. Therefore, this time, the sect will open up all cultivation resources. As long as your talent is sufficient and you can grasp it, you will soar to the top in one step, leaping to the peak!"

His words reverberated in the ears of the disciples, and many people's bodies were trembling with excitement.

"This time the Emperor Sword Quotas are open, and you will enter the Emperor Sword Domain in advance to comprehend the Emperor Sword!"

Elder Li Tiemu glanced around at everyone and said, "Such a heaven-sent opportunity depends on whether you can pass the trials."

"That's right," Zhou Qingyun took over his words and said with a smile, "This trial isn't difficult either. The Abyss Master has set up seven trials on Emperor Sword Mountain. Those who pass all of them and reach the summit will receive the quota and opportunity!"

"Moreover, this time there's no limit on quotas! As long as you pass the seven trials, you can all comprehend the Emperor Sword!"

Hearing his words, the order in the plaza seemed to collapse as everyone couldn't help but cheer.

"It seems the sect is really going all out this time!" Xu Jianming couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"Then we'll meet at the summit," Fifth Junior Sister Murong Qingwu said with a smile.

"It's not that simple. Since they're opening up the quotas, the trials must be extremely difficult," Xu Jianming shook his head, but there wasn't much worry on his face. Instead, his gaze swept towards Li Hao behind him, "Junior Brothers and Sisters, you must also seize this opportunity."

Yue Xi's expression was solemn. She naturally understood the importance of such an opportunity, a once-in-a-millennium chance.

However, she had only been apprenticed for less than two years, and Xu Jianming's analysis was reasonable. The trials must be extraordinary. Could she really pass them? Although she believed her talent wasn't inferior to others, she had been here for too short a time after all.

"This challenge is mainly for Earth and Heaven Courtyard disciples. Profound Courtyard disciples have no chance, so there's no need for them to participate," The old woman tapped her crutch lightly in the air. Li Hao felt a spatial Dao wave emanate from the tip of her crutch.

Immediately after, the wave followed a curved crack, tearing open the void above their heads, revealing a towering mountain within.

It was called a mountain, but it was actually seven levels, each level seemingly severed by something, suspended in space.

Spatial Dao... Li Hao glanced at the old woman. The spatial Dao wave she emitted wasn't deep, only at the first level of spatial Dao origin.

"This Emperor Sword Mountain has seven levels. The first level is one hundred Spirit Race at True Immortal Realm fifth level!" The old woman's eyes gazed towards Emperor Sword Mountain on the other side of the passage. Just this first sentence alone extinguished the cheers and enthusiasm of the crowd in an instant.

The first level was already one hundred Spirit Race at True Immortal Realm fifth level?!

"The second level is fifty Demon Race at True Immortal Realm sixth level!"

"The third level is twenty Demon Race at True Immortal Realm seventh level!"

"The fourth level is ten Demon Race at True Immortal Realm eighth level!"

"The fifth level is three Ancient Demons at True Immortal Realm sixth level!"

"The sixth level is one Ancient Demon at True Immortal Realm eighth level!"

"The seventh level is one Ancestral Dragon at True Immortal Realm ninth level!"

As the old woman's voice fell, the entire plaza fell into silence, so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.

Opening up quotas? Everyone has a chance? These seven trials... What a joke, if they didn't want to give it, they should have just said so directly!

Many Earth Courtyard disciples were on the verge of tears, cursing inwardly.

Seven trials, each more outrageous than the last. The seventh level was even more absurd, an Ancestral Dragon at True Immortal Realm ninth level. The Ancestral Dragon race, at the same realm, could barely contend with Ancient Demons, their only weakness being a weaker Yuan Shen compared to Ancient Demons. This meant they would need at least True Immortal Realm Completion strength to pass!

But present here... disciples with True Immortal Realm Completion strength were few and far between.

"This is really..." Even Xu Jianming was speechless.

Wei Hongye's expression was solemn.

Murong Qingwu's previous cheerful smile also disappeared, replaced by a focused gaze at Emperor Sword Mountain.

Yue Xi's face was slightly pale. This opportunity, she feared, would slip through her fingers.

As if sensing the silence and heavy blow to the plaza, Elder Li Tiemu chuckled, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "Although the trials are difficult, you don't have to lose heart. Don't forget, disciples who can become apprentices in our Sword Abyss are all top talents in their respective realms. Defeating enemies who are one or two realms higher is not an unattainable feat for you. And this challenge will further select the best among the best!"

"Although it's difficult, it's not entirely without a chance. I heard that recently in Heavenly Palace, there was a disciple who, at True Immortal Realm third level, slew a True Immortal Realm ninth level enemy. If you want to make a name for yourselves in the entire Southern Region, it's difficult without such strength, don't you all think?"

Everyone exchanged glances. What he said was true, but actually achieving it was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

"Moreover, this selection challenge will last for two years!"

"In other words, you have two years to improve and enhance yourselves!"

As Elder Li Tiemu spoke, his gaze swept towards Li Hao, but Li Hao felt his gaze was actually directed towards the figure behind him.

Hearing these words, Yue Xi's pale face instantly lit up with hope.

Two years! This was a huge challenge, but it wasn't impossible for her! It would be very, very difficult... But to defy fate, to reach the summit, and to vindicate the Calamity race, no matter how difficult, she would go against the current!

"The only rule for this challenge is that during the trials, you are forbidden from using other weapons or consuming immortal pills. You can only rely on the weapons provided by the sect," Zhou Qingyun said.

This was to prevent those who might use weapons to take shortcuts. After all, some disciples might have support from powerful forces behind them, and might even receive immortal artifacts. In that case, the trials would be child's play for them, simply requiring them to unleash immortal artifacts to overcome all obstacles.

Hearing these words, the expressions of some figures in the crowd shifted slightly, revealing reluctance.

"Now, everyone, go ahead. At each level of trial, there are Elders watching over. If danger arises, just call for help in time," The old woman waved her crutch to guide them, saying, "But if help comes too late, then you can only accept your fate. After all, opportunity is accompanied by danger, this is a principle we've taught you long ago."

All the disciples' expressions were solemn as they looked at Emperor Sword Mountain. The previous despair and blow seemed to slowly reignite into motivation. After all, it was the opportunity to comprehend the Emperor Sword. Truly giving up would mean completely losing the chance to climb to the peak!

Cultivators all possessed the heart to reach the summit.

"I'll go first, waiting for you at the summit," Up front, Ji Qingxuan turned around, his gaze sweeping from Lu Wuchen backwards, one by one. He could slay Ancient Demon Commanders, so these trials were naturally as good as non-existent to him.

"I heard you just recently became disciples and your cultivation within the sect is still shallow. Don't push yourselves too hard. After all, these trials are still very dangerous." After seeing Yue Xi and Li Hao, Ji Qingxuan offered a gentle word of concern.

Seeing that the three had no reaction, Ji Qingxuan also knew that a simple sentence couldn't dispel their thoughts, so he turned around and strode away.

As he stepped into the passage, Zhou Qingyun and the old woman's eldest disciples also bid farewell to their own junior brothers and sisters, then followed Ji Qingxuan's figure, entering Emperor Sword Mountain.

"Let's go," Lu Wuchen, not one for many words, simply said this and followed.

Wei Hongye glanced at Yue Xi and said, "Don't push yourself too hard." Although her interaction with this Junior Sister was short, she understood her personality and especially said this out of concern.

Yue Xi nodded slightly, but her gaze remained fixed on Emperor Sword Mountain.

Wei Hongye shook her head slightly, knowing that the other didn't take her words to heart. Character determined fate, and fate was unchangeable, just like character was unchangeable. She didn't say more, and also moved forward.

"Let's go, don't push yourself too hard," Xu Jianming called out to Li Hao.

Li Hao smiled and flew away with him.

The many Earth Courtyard disciples in the plaza waited for all the Heaven Courtyard disciples to enter before gradually flying in.

"This trial is a bit difficult, I wonder how many people can pass," The old woman watched the numerous disciples fly into the passage and sighed softly.

Elder Li Tiemu's expression was rarely solemn and profound. "If it's not difficult, how can we select the most monstrous geniuses, how can we contend with other sects? If we can't even stand out in Yan-Chu Immortal Dynasty, how can we talk about making a name for ourselves in the entire Southern Region, raising the sect's ranking, and restoring past glory!"

"Mountains and rivers change, sun and moon alternate. There will always be someone to replace others, just like we once replaced another Heavenly Unity Sect, letting them be buried in the flow of time," Zhou Qingyun understood his old friend's personality, sighed, and patted his shoulder, "Don't be too stubborn."

Elder Li Tiemu's expression changed slightly, shaking off his hand and turning to stare at him, "What do you mean? Are you not ambitious? Do you want to watch other sects ride roughshod over us? This time for the conscription, although Qingxuan returned triumphant, the disciples sent by Array Abyss and Sound Abyss all perished at the border. Why does such a thing fall on our heads? Isn't it because we are not the Heavenly Unity Sect, and we don't even have the right to say no!"

Zhou Qingyun was silent for a moment, then said, "I'm not saying not to strive, but..."

He paused, as if not knowing how to express himself, and finally shook his head and sighed.

The old woman saw them diverging in opinion again because of this matter and interjected, "Old Li, you've made a meritorious contribution this time, taking in an ancient immortal bloodline, and a natural Sword Immortal physique. It's just a pity, he just entered the sect so recently, I'm afraid he'll miss out this time."

"Not necessarily," Elder Li Tiemu shook his head, his gaze fixed on Emperor Sword Mountain, where the figures of many disciples were already rushing towards the first level.

"Two years... For him, it's not necessarily without a chance. You haven't witnessed the terror of a Sword Immortal physique, I suspect his Sword Dao Origin comprehension has already reached the fourth level!"

"Fourth level?!" Hearing Elder Li Tiemu's words, Zhou Qingyun and the old woman's expressions changed, looking at him in shock.

"That's right, even the top-tier sword techniques in Sword Abyss Tower, he only needs to practice a few times to easily grasp the basics, and now he has already cultivated them to perfection..." Elder Li Tiemu said, his eyes continuously radiating light. Only he knew how monstrous and terrifying the little guy he had taken in was!

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

"How did you pick up such a monster?" After a while, Zhou Qingyun couldn't help but ask.

Elder Li Tiemu rolled his eyes at him, "Do you think I just run around randomly every day? There's still time before the Southern Region War. Give that little guy some time, relying on him and Qingxuan, our Sword Abyss will definitely give other sects a bit of light to see!"

Zhou Qingyun and the old woman exchanged glances upon hearing this, both smiling wryly, their eyes full of envy.

"I really don't know what kind of luck you have. Having Ji Qingxuan already is one thing, and now another natural Sword Immortal physique, I heard you also took in two geniuses with Eternal Dao Hearts before, also rare talents." Zhou Qingyun said with a bitter smile.

Elder Li Tiemu smiled involuntarily when he heard his words, thinking of Yue Xi and Li Hao. He himself felt that his recent luck was bursting.

"Those two are a bit of a pity, too short on time. If they had another five years, they might be able to contend."

"Having Ji Qingxuan and that Sword Immortal physique and you're still not satisfied? You want to take all four quotas in one go? Oh, haven't even counted that kid Lu Wuchen. That taciturn gourd may not talk much, but he's no pushover either!"

"Don't forget Wei Hongye, if she works hard this time, she might also be able to make it." Zhou Qingyun said, becoming more and more jealous, wishing he could pinch Elder Li's neck and make him spit out two disciples.

Elder Li Tiemu couldn't help but grin wider hearing their words, quickly putting on a fake show of humility. "Don't just talk about them, your little guys aren't bad either, that Zhou Minyu, and that Gongsun..."

The old woman couldn't help but roll her eyes slightly, too lazy to listen to his bragging, saying, "Look, they're about to start. The Abyss Master is already sitting at the summit. If any little guy can catch the Abyss Master's eye, they might receive the Abyss Master's personal guidance."

(End of Chapter)