As the leader of the righteous path, the Sky Sword Sect stood towering above Tai Lake, its entire mountain gate existing in the world on the scale of a colossal Floating Sky Mountain.
It occupied the most central territory in the entire Spirit Domain.
Sealed within the Floating Sky Mountain was the Life Ancient Demon. Farther below, at the bottom of Tai Lake, was the forbidden ground of the Sword Tomb. Any direct disciple of the sword masters of the Seventy-Two Peaks could enter and choose a Life Spirit Sword.
After a Sword Sect cultivator died, their Life Spirit Sword would also be buried within the Sword Tomb, to be chosen and used by later generations.
The Sword Sect Mountain Gate was lofty and magnificent. Spirit Qi, like mist, set off the place until clouds and smoke coiled around it, ethereal and mysterious, giving one the feeling of Immortal Qi brimming everywhere.
All around it were great numbers of massive stones, scattered and shattered like stars, likewise suspended in midair. Upon them stood either pavilions and waterside terraces, or jade towers and immortal mansions.
There were also special buildings like palace halls, secluded rooms, and martial platforms, linked to one another by chains, plank roads, and corridor bridges. From time to time, Spirit Cranes swept past in flight; from time to time, Spirit Apes climbed along them.
It was truly a scene of nature brimming with vitality.
At that time.
The forbidden ground of the mountain gate—Sky Sword Cliff!
A true cultivator with crane-white hair and a childlike face, looking just like a Dao-attaining boy, was seated properly on one side of a chessboard. Two fingers of his right hand held a white piece, suspended above the board.
His left hand stroked his smooth, bare chin, and his voice was