Green Mountain Need Not Belong to the Mortal World; Successive Martial Champions Aid in Evolving the Five Animals

Outside Lin'an Prefecture.

Sixth Mountain.

At a leisurely pavilion halfway up the mountain, clouds and mist curled through the air.

The spring breeze brushed past, carrying the mountain chill with it.

Two figures sat in the pavilion, their wide sleeves billowing as they played Go. The enormous Pine Wood Sword Box still rested beside the Sixth Mountain Lord, while seated across from him was the Legendary Scholar, Li You'an.

The two traded moves, placing black and white stones upon the board.

Suddenly, both sensed something, and their hands froze midway through placing their pieces.

The Sixth Mountain Lord looked toward the Pine Wood Sword Box at his side. Sword Qi clanged and collided within the box, cheering and leaping with joy as though it were about to burst forth.

Li You'an, meanwhile, raised his hand, and scattered lantern lights condensed into the treasured sword, "Thousand Times."

"Did you sense it? The Sword Qi within that bamboo sword."

The Sixth Mountain Lord said.

"Green Mountain Sword Qi and the Qi and blood of the Martial Chief Stone erupted at the same time. Swords and stones have always shared an unusual affinity." Li You'an flicked a finger, dispersing the fully formed Thousand Times, and smiled. "The youth has his own fortuitous encounter as well."

The Sixth Mountain Lord slapped the sword box, and the sword within immediately quieted down.

He nodded slightly. "Failing to place Green Mountain within my box is the regret of my life."

Li You'an chuckled. "Your box holds three thousand hidden swords and is said to gather all the mortal world within it. Green Mountain need not belong to the mortal world. Why should you regret it?"

The Sixth Mountain Lord gave him a cool glance. "My heart's stirring for Green Mountain is no different from a gourmand's