"The power of the Sword Dao Rules had no visible edge, yet it was everywhere, flowing through the wind, between light and shadow, in every lift of the hand and fall of the sword.
It was not merely the Sword Dao, but Rule itself.
It did not mete out thunderous punishment, yet it influenced all things through its Dao resonance.
Those who upheld the Dao and wielded swords would resonate with this Rule. Their swords moved with their hearts, their intent aligned with the Dao, and every move seemed blessed by the sword principles of heaven and earth—effortless yet unending.
If someone tried to forcibly seize control of the Sword Dao Rules, they would likely lose themselves. The Sword Dao Rules would then turn into a cold, silent mist that shrouded them.
No matter how swift the sword, it could not cut through the mist; no matter how great the strength, it could not reach the sword's edge.
This was not suppression, but isolation—those who strayed from the Great Dao could no longer borrow even the slightest bit of the Sword Dao's power.
Now, I myself am Rule.
With a single thought, the wind within a thousand miles follows my sword, and all things obey its sword principles.
With another thought, the edge falls silent, and Rule returns to heaven and earth, disturbing the world not in the slightest."
"Senior, please enlighten me with this sword."
That enormous sword carried the power of heaven and earth, as well as everything Chen Xin possessed, as it slashed toward the strongest person in the world.
Even knowing he was outmatched, even knowing the sword would shatter, he would never conceal its edge.
A sword was a sword. It should always face others with its blade.
"Good. You are indeed quite remarkable. If you further master the Rules of the Sword Dao, it may not be impossible for you to break through your shackles and reach the summit."
"Since you have revealed your domain, I shall let you see what my domain is truly like."
"You should know that even when I fought Tang Zhen back then, I never used my domain."
"This is both my appreciation and my respect for you."
Lin Mian's domain manifested, displayed before everyone without reservation.
The scene before them was clearly identical to what they had seen before, yet everyone distinctly sensed the difference, as though another kind of power was flowing between heaven and earth.
It could not be seen or touched, yet it truly existed.
"My domain is called Order. Within it, I am the master of all things and can accomplish anything."
"Including creating a sword exactly like yours at this very moment."
"Let this identical sword face yours head-on, so you may understand where your sword falls short."
"Rise, sword!"
Lin Mian gave a soft shout. Before him, sword qi likewise ran rampant, and a sword identical to the one Chen Xin had transformed into appeared in the sky.
Whether in size, power, or sensation, the two swords were astonishingly alike.
"Good. Then let me experience for myself just how far this sword can go."
A sword cry rang out as the two swords crashed together.
At the instant of collision, they shattered first, both swords breaking apart at once.
Then sword qi burst forth in all directions, confronting and cancelling each other again.
Brilliant light flashed all around, and the endless sword qi vanished into nothing amid the clash.
Sword light entwined and devoured itself, streams of radiance bursting layer upon layer as the entire space shook violently.
The shockwaves whipped Lin Mian's robes into a wild flutter, snapping and destroying every blade of grass and tree. Ripples spread outward in rings, even the drifting clouds forcibly blasted apart.
At last, everything returned to silence. The two swords completely dissipated; sword qi, domains, and even Rule itself all vanished without a trace.
The central area became a complete vacuum. Even the air could not move.
Chen Xin returned to his true form when the sword was destroyed, drifting down to the ground.
He no longer possessed even a trace of Soul Power, and even his soul had fallen into silence.
Even a Limit Douluo would have to face that strike with caution. As for what would happen if a legendary god faced it, Lin Mian did not know.
Because he had never seen a god.
"You old sword bastard!"
"Grandpa Sword!"
Gu Rong and Ning Rongrong rushed forward together, their eyes filled with anxiety.
Lin Mian paid them no mind.
With a single utterance of "Reassembly," everything around them returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.
The sight left everyone present stunned once more. Was this truly power a human could possess?
He had actually restored everything to its original state in an instant.
"Don't worry. He is fine; he merely exhausted himself and will recover soon."
"Besides, this is not a bad thing. Once he wakes up, he will likely make even greater progress."
Lin Mian spoke indifferently, as though he had always been exceptionally cold.
Zhu Zhuqing could not help but shiver.
Was this her master's true face?
This version of her master looked like a true powerhouse, yet he seemed to lack a bit of human warmth, making her feel unfamiliar and afraid.
"Master?" Zhu Zhuqing called softly.
"What is it? Was your master handsome today? Could I compare to the Judgment Douluo?"
Lin Mian switched back to his usual frivolous self, suddenly appearing before Zhu Zhuqing with an expression that practically begged her to praise him.
Zhu Zhuqing smiled, her face bright with delight as she nodded.
"Handsome. Master was the most handsome today. Even the Judgment Douluo was absolutely not as handsome as Master."
"Not bad. Compared to the Judgment Douluo, I think we are about evenly matched. He and I are the most handsome men on the Douluo Continent."
Seeing her master act so shamelessly, Zhu Zhuqing burst out laughing.
This was the master she knew.
"Master, are you His Excellency the Arbiter?"
"Didn't I tell you that long ago?"
Lin Mian answered with extreme perfunctoriness, making no attempt to hide it.
The old Zhu Zhuqing would have expressed doubt, but now she believed it completely.
After inspecting him thoroughly, Gu Rong confirmed that there was truly nothing wrong with Chen Xin.
He then came before Lin Mian and respectfully bowed.
"We were disrespectful this time, Senior. Please forgive us. If Judgment Hall ever requires anything, you may come to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will not shirk its duty and will certainly give its utmost.
Rongrong will remain here. I believe that under Senior's guidance, she will certainly live up to expectations."
"As for Chen Xin, I must take him back to the sect as soon as possible and use the sect's medicinal herbs to treat his injuries."
"In any case, I thank Senior on Chen Xin's behalf for what happened today. If not for Senior, he would never have made such progress."
"We will never forget this kindness."
Gu Rong no longer mentioned seeking justice for Ning Rongrong and instead directly left her here.
"It is nothing. I am not so petty as to hold a grudge against you. As for Judgment Hall, if there is truly a need, someone will naturally contact you."
"Very well. Farewell, Senior."
Gu Rong turned to leave, then suddenly thought of something and went to Ning Rongrong.
"Rongrong, stay by this senior's side and learn properly. Do not disobey. No matter what Senior asks you to do, follow Senior's instructions."
"Otherwise, neither I, nor your Grandpa Sword, nor your father will ever let you off."
For the first time, Gu Rong was so stern with Ning Rongrong.
"Grandpa Bone..." Ning Rongrong whimpered.
Gu Rong ultimately softened, speaking in a low voice.
"This is your opportunity. Do not be willful. Grandpa Bone will wait for your good news."
Gu Rong resolutely carried Chen Xin away, leaving only Ning Rongrong behind.
Ning Rongrong watched them, wishing desperately that she could leave with them.
Just as she was lost in thought, that nightmare-like voice rang out again.
"Weren't you going to have them teach me a lesson? Why did they leave?"
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