Demon-Suppressing Pass, the Nine Provinces' first line of defense against the Demon Race.
Cultivators gathered like clouds within Demon-Suppressing Pass, and extraordinary people with unusual talents were everywhere.
Every successive city lord had been a mighty figure from one of the three teachings: Confucianism, Buddhism, or Daoism.
The post rotated every five hundred years. The one currently guarding Demon-Suppressing Pass was Qing Xuan, a disciple of the Dao Patriarch.
He had cultivated the Dao for thousands of years and possessed three immortal swords. His swordsmanship was unfathomable.
Presiding over Demon-Suppressing Pass, with the timing, terrain, and people all in his favor, his fighting prowess was unparalleled, sweeping aside all opposition.
A young man in white robes hurried toward the raised platform and bowed to everyone upon it.
City Lord Qing Xuan was in seclusion.
Handling affairs in the city lord's stead was a man in thin robes with a blue mole between his brows.
A faint smile rested on his face, his scholarly refinement touched with quiet composure.
He was Kong Yang, a disciple of Confucianism.
Beside Kong Yang stood another man with the bearing of an immortal and the bones of a Daoist sage.
A longsword was strapped to his back. He carried himself with imposing dignity, but a trace of worry lingered between his brows.
He was Yang Jianbai, a Daoist cultivator.
"How long has it been since anyone dared issue a sword challenge at Demon-Suppressing Pass?"
"One thousand three hundred and twelve years," Kong Yang said calmly.
"Just kill him and make an example of him!"
An old man with white hair and beard held a Wine Gourd.
Clad in blue robes, he cut an elegant figure.
His bearing was extraordinary, faintly exuding an intimidating majesty.
He seemed to have been drinking when he was summoned