Changes Brought by Strength

On Jueshui Platform—

After a prolonged stalemate, the sword radiance and the seal finally exhausted their power, both being sent flying in opposite directions!

"You actually blocked it? How is it possible for you to block that?" Zhuanshui Pingqiu asked in disbelief, as if he had witnessed the most inconceivable sight.

"Again!"

Ju Hua had no intention of answering him. He formed a seal, and the nine immortal swords that had just been knocked away coalesced once more, reforming a sword formation brimming with intense sword intent.

However, before Ju Hua could make another move, Zhuanshui Pingqiu abruptly retracted his seal and fled the Jueshui Platform at high speed.

"Cousin Ju Hua is truly as legendary as they say. I concede this sparring match, and when we set out for the campaign, you shall be the lead commander!" Zhuanshui Pingqiu's voice echoed from afar, and soon, his figure vanished completely into the horizon.

"Why did Immortal Pingqiu fly away?"

"Didn't you hear? Immortal Pingqiu conceded voluntarily; Immortal Ju Hua won!"

"But they only exchanged one move, and it seemed like a draw, didn't it?"

"How would I know? Perhaps that's just how immortals fight."

"Still, Immortal Ju Hua is truly formidable. He's only been cultivating for three hundred years, yet he's already stronger than Immortal Pingqiu, who has cultivated for a hundred thousand years!"

"No matter how strong he is, what's the point if he hasn't passed the Heavenly Tribulation?"

"What? What did you say?"

"Nothing, nothing, a slip of the tongue! I meant to say it's a pity Immortal Ju Hua didn't pass the Heavenly Tribulation; otherwise, our Zhuanshui Clan would have gained another powerful Celestial Immortal."

"That's more like it. Watch your skin next time you spout nonsense!"

"Yes, yes!"

The battle, which began with such intensity only to end so inexplicably, left the Zhuanshui Clan disciples gathered around the Jueshui Platform buzzing with discussion. Those with higher cultivation levels could vaguely perceive the truth, while those with lower levels could only rely on wild speculation.

On the scene, the only ones who fully understood what had transpired were likely the two guest Loose Immortals presiding over the grand formation and the Clan Leader of the Zhuanshui Clan, Zhuanshui Qing.

"That Zhuanshui Pingqiu is truly cunning. Seeing the situation turn against him, he'd rather lose face and concede than continue the fight!" the elderly-looking Loose Immortal remarked with a sigh.

"I would concede too if I were him," the other Loose Immortal said calmly.

"To go head-to-head with someone who has comprehended the Dao of Hill and Mountain and not lose an inch—Zhuanshui Ju Hua's strength is likely that of an absolute powerhouse among top-tier Loose Immortals. If they were fighting elsewhere, three or five Zhuanshui Pingqius would be no match for him! The most terrifying part is that he has only just become a Loose Immortal!"

"This Zhuanshui Ju Hua is highly likely to become a million-year Loose Immortal comparable to a Celestial Immortal, and perhaps he will reach that stage before long!" the elderly Loose Immortal laughed.

"Zhuanshui Pingqiu probably thought that by the time Ju Hua grew to threaten him, he would have either died under the Three Calamities and Nine Tribulations or gone to reincarnate. But now, I fear it won't be long before Ju Hua possesses the strength to crush him entirely!"

"Indeed. Rather than fighting to the death and becoming bitter enemies, it is better to concede voluntarily. After all, they are of the same clan; as long as Ju Hua isn't too petty, this minor grievance counts for nothing," the other Loose Immortal mused.

"Zhuanshui Pingqiu is cunning, but this Ju Hua is a true genius. Look at the intensity of the sword intent in his formation—that is the Domain of the Great Dao of the Sword! The Sword Dao is a path of slaughter. To comprehend it to such a degree... Ju Hua is remarkable!"

"Truly remarkable," the elderly Loose Immortal nodded, then added with a strange expression, "However, I suspect he only realized these insights after failing his Heavenly Tribulation. Otherwise, his chances of passing should have been quite high!"

"He likely always had immense potential, and the tempering of the Heavenly Tribulation spurred his rapid progress," the other Loose Immortal said with a hint of regret.

"It's a pity Ju Hua was too impatient. To attempt the Heavenly Tribulation after only three hundred years of cultivation! If he had waited a few thousand years to properly cultivate his potential, he might truly have become a Celestial Immortal."

"A pity, truly a pity," the elderly Loose Immortal nodded repeatedly. He suddenly said, "I intend to go and make the acquaintance of this Ju Hua. What about you?"

"Let us go together," the other Loose Immortal agreed without hesitation.

Zhuanshui Pingqiu's sudden surrender left Ju Hua stunned for a moment, but he was no fool. He hadn't reacted at first because his mind was elsewhere, but after careful reflection, he naturally understood Pingqiu's intentions.

Cultivating the Dao is not merely for the sake of longevity! To live long and free, one must possess strength, Ju Hua thought to himself. Just then, Zhuanshui Qing flew up to him.

"Cousin, this battle has truly opened my eyes!" Zhuanshui Qing laughed heartily. "The Sword Dao is a path of slaughter, and you have integrated several distinct Daos into it. Your strength is likely already above mine!"

"The Clan Leader is too kind," Ju Hua replied modestly, saying nothing more.

His current strength was still far, far from his goal; there was nothing to be proud of! Moreover, this power had come too easily, and he still felt a sense of unease.

"I, Zhuanshui Qing, always speak my mind. Why be so modest, Cousin?" Zhuanshui Qing laughed. "There is still over half a year until the Xia Emperor's deadline for conscription. What are your plans?"

"I intend to go into seclusion for a period of time. Please notify me when the time comes, Clan Leader," Ju Hua said.

"Rest assured and cultivate," Zhuanshui Qing smiled. "By the way, I am hosting a banquet at Roushui Palace tonight. Do you have the time?"

"A banquet?" Ju Hua was slightly taken aback, but he immediately cupped his hands. "Then I shall trouble the Clan Leader tonight!"

"Haha, good!" Zhuanshui Qing laughed. At that moment, he noticed the two guest Loose Immortals flying toward them.

"These two are Fellow Daoist Donghe and Fellow Daoist Changjing. They are also on the list for this campaign. As the lead commander, you should get to know them better," Zhuanshui Qing smiled. "I shall invite them to tonight's banquet as well. What do you think, Cousin?"

"Then I shall trouble the Clan Leader," Ju Hua cupped his hands in thanks once more.