This sword alone shakes the Nine Provinces, unrivaled through past and present!

A Primordial Unity Golden Immortal?!

What did that mean?

Even Zhao Gongming, an elite disciple of the Outer Sect personally taught by Tongtian, had only reached roughly this level in the Sword Dao.

And Duobao, the foremost personal disciple of the Interception Sect, was himself at the late stage of the Primordial Unity Golden Immortal realm.

Yet now, Gu Changqing's attainment in the Sword Dao could actually rival theirs?

This was utterly earth-shattering!

None of them could believe it.

Moreover, according to Tongtian, attainment in the Sword Dao at the Primordial Unity Golden Immortal level was merely the minimum requirement for wielding the Purple-Green Nine Heavens Sword.

In other words, Gu Changqing's cultivation might be even higher.

Could an Outer Sect disciple have surpassed even them, the personal disciples?

For a moment, Duobao and the others exchanged glances, their hearts filled with profound shock.

The Three Xiao were the first to accept this fact.

"Hehe, I knew it!"

"Beneath Junior Brother Changqing's seemingly wild and unrestrained exterior lies profound cultivation no one knows about!"

Bixiao exclaimed with a sweet laugh.

After witnessing Gu Changqing's carefree, unfettered demeanor several times, Bixiao was clearly beginning to become something of an admirer.

Even though an Outer Sect disciple like him had outshone her, Bixiao felt neither anger nor resentment.

Seeing this, Tongtian nodded in satisfaction.

"Mm... you must all remember this."

"Though you eight are my personal disciples, you must not grow arrogant on the strength of my favor or lord it over others!"

"The Outer Sect may well harbor people of breathtaking talent!"

The Eight Disciples were startled.

It seemed that Gu Changqing alone had drawn their master's considerable attention to the entire Outer Sect.

Duobao pondered for a moment, then said with a wry smile:

"This disciple would not dare..."

In truth, even without Tongtian's admonition, Duobao and the others would no longer dare adopt a lofty, superior attitude toward Gu Changqing.

After this incident, Gu Changqing seemed shrouded in even greater mystery.

Even Duobao could no longer gauge his cultivation or attainments.

Naturally, they would have to reassess how they treated Gu Changqing from now on.

Golden Spirit Holy Mother, Wudang Holy Mother, and the others shared this thought.

There was, however, one exception.

Zhao Gongming.

At that moment, Zhao Gongming remained silent, thoughts surging through his mind.

Hmph, is that fellow really as formidable as Master says?

Perhaps he only managed to wield the Purple-Green Nine Heavens Sword through some unknown means.

Or perhaps... that sword is his destined spirit treasure, allowing man and sword to unite naturally.

Zhao Gongming speculated inwardly, unwilling to believe Tongtian's words.

The eight of them possessed exceptional innate foundations and outstanding talent.

That was why Tongtian had accepted them as his personal disciples.

Gu Changqing, by contrast, was human, with what could be called the weakest innate foundation in all heaven and earth.

As for his talent, it could only be considered ordinary. Otherwise, he would never have remained in the Outer Sect.

And now they were saying that such a being had reached the same heights as the personal disciples?

Zhao Gongming felt indignant, and that left him full of suspicion.

If the opportunity arises, I will definitely pit myself against Junior Brother Changqing and see who is superior!

Zhao Gongming thought back.

Whether it was Gu Changqing's confrontation with Qiu Shou Xian or the various wondrous feats he had displayed afterward...

Not one had been a true demonstration of Gu Changqing's combat prowess.

And in the Primordial World, strength reigned supreme; combat prowess decided who stood above whom.

If they truly fought, it remained to be seen who would prove stronger.

With these thoughts in mind, he fell silent as well.

The Interception Sect then returned to its age-old peace and tranquility.

The Outer Sect, however, was no longer as desolate and quiet as before.

Figures gathered outside Gu Changqing's Cave Abode.

"Hehe, Senior Brother, have you also come to discuss the scriptures and the Dao with Junior Brother Changqing?"

"Indeed. Junior Brother Changqing is now the pride of all our Outer Sect disciples."

"Heh, with our meager strength, how could we dare call it discussing the scriptures and the Dao with Junior Brother Changqing?"

"Seeking instruction in the Dao would be more appropriate!"

The disciples smiled as they exchanged greetings.

Indeed!

They had all come to seek Gu Changqing's guidance.

Qiu Shou Xian falling to his knees and begging for mercy had already made everyone see Gu Changqing in a new light.

And Tongtian's bestowal of a fortuitous opportunity had since caused a sensation throughout the Interception Sect.

A saint had personally bestowed a treasure upon an Outer Sect disciple.

This was an unprecedented first for the Interception Sect.

It had also made everyone realize that Gu Changqing was certain to rise with unstoppable momentum.

Thus, they had flocked here, hoping to receive a few pointers that might help them make great strides.

Even disciples who had once mocked Gu Changqing abandoned their contemptuous attitudes, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.

The disciples called Gu Changqing's name outside the Cave Abode.

After a while, Gu Changqing's impatient voice came from within.

"Who is making such a racket outside my Cave Abode?"

"Hmph, you won't even let me drink in peace."

As those displeased words rang out...

Gu Changqing came swaying out of the Cave Abode.

He took a deep swig of wine and cast a sharp, sidelong glance at them.

Seeing him finally appear, the disciples were overjoyed.

"Junior Brother Changqing, we have come to seek instruction in the Dao."

"Please be generous with your teachings and offer us some guidance."

"Exactly, exactly! Senior Brother Changqing, you are the only true powerhouse in our Outer Sect. We would gladly listen to you expound on the Dao."

Everyone spoke at once.

Before they could finish, however, Gu Changqing waved his hand.

"Shoo, shoo! What's all this about expounding on the Dao and giving pointers?"

"If you want to seek the Dao, go ask Master Tongtian. What are you coming to me for?"

"I still have wine to drink. Don't interfere with my proper business!"

His words left everyone tongue-tied.

Interfere with your proper business?

Spending all day drinking yourself senseless in your Cave Abode is your proper business?

By that logic, wouldn't discussing the Dao and cultivating amount to neglecting your duties?

They grumbled inwardly.

Gu Changqing ignored their reactions. He leisurely turned around, preparing to return to his Cave Abode and drink to his heart's content.

But just then...

As the last mouthful of fine wine entered his stomach, Gu Changqing abruptly froze.

Then, swaying from side to side, he fell straight to the ground at the entrance of his Cave Abode with a thud.

Even after slamming hard into a huge rock, he showed no reaction.

Everyone was alarmed.

Had this fellow drunk so much that he had killed himself?

A dozen or so disciples hurried forward and helped Gu Changqing up.

Just as they began checking his breathing...

They heard him mutter softly, as though talking in a drunken dream:

"This sword alone shakes the Nine Provinces, unrivaled through past and present!"

Words Become Law!

As his words fell, the thoroughly drunken Gu Changqing's aura changed violently.

Boom!

Streams of fierce, peerless sword intent, tyrannical enough to dominate heaven and earth, erupted from Gu Changqing's body.

A chill pierced to the bone, its sharpness beyond compare!

In an instant, every disciple present blanched.