The Rotting Stench from the Depths of the Soul

Before he knew it,

Jiang Ding had spent several years wandering through the territory of the Great Sun Sword Sect and had finally approached the heart of its rule.

The Great Sun Sword Sect was a relatively traditional sect.

Its sect grounds lay deep within remote mountains devoid of human traces. It did not coexist with the secular world and did not permit outsiders to trespass within. Violators would be killed without mercy.

Likewise, as a major power ruling a region, complete seclusion was impossible.

The Great Sun Sword Sect possessed a core immortal city for frequent exchanges of information and materials with the outside world. It stood atop a Fourth-grade High-grade Spirit Vein and gathered rogue cultivators from every direction, envoys and spies from various factions, merchants, Artifact Refiners, Spirit Planters, alchemists, and more.

This core immortal city was called Great Sun Sword City.

According to the intelligence, Great Sun Sword City had no walls and no Defense Array. Anyone, from any faction, could enter and leave freely, provided they obeyed Great Sun Sword City's laws—laws so strict, even harsh, that they had been specially designed to make accidental violations easy.

Those who violated them had two choices.

First, pay a massive fine—the kind that could instantly bankrupt a cultivator of their realm.

Second, step onto the Duelling Stage. If they survived, any crime not involving a Core Disciple of the Great Sun Sword Sect would be wiped clean.

The Great Sun Sword Sect

treated its Core Disciples who had comprehended sword intent with exceptional favor.

It carried something of the air that punishment did not extend to scholar-officials.

All manner of Natural Treasures and medicinal pills were supplied as fully as possible. Their families were cared for, cultivators within the sect showed one another great concern and affection,