Taiyuan Acknowledges Its Master, Shaking Xianjing!

In full view of everyone.

A streak of dark blue light, carrying a powerful Sword Intent that made all things bow down and space freeze, swept towards this place from the depths of the Forbidden Grounds like a comet tearing through time and space!

It disregarded distance and space; its target was extremely clear!

It was the figure of that young man whose body was just beginning to glow with golden light, his black robes stained with blood!

Buzz!!

The azure light suddenly hovered in front of Ye Li, its radiance subdued, revealing a simple and unadorned longsword whose blade seemed to be carved from a single piece of azure jade.

The sword is naturally engraved with ancient Dao Patterns depicting mountains, rivers, and the movement of Stars, exuding a vast and desolate aura that makes one's soul tremble.

It is one of the most treasured possessions of the Xuanming Sword Sect, a legendary supreme sword that has slumbered for ten thousand years and will never recognize a master except by the will of Heaven.

Primordial Abyss Divine Sword!!

At this moment, this sacred artifact, symbolizing the highest Inheritance of the Sword Sect and which even the successive Sword Masters had been unable to awaken, actually uttered a clear and melodious sword cry of submission to an outsider who had just crippled the sect's Sword Master at the most humiliating moment of the sect, under the watchful eyes of everyone!

The sword's cry wasn't loud, yet it clearly resonated deep within everyone's Divine Soul, carrying an irresistible sense of closeness and belonging.

It gently circled around Ye Li, as if it had found its long-lost master, the dark blue sword light gently reflecting on his slightly surprised profile.

The entire Xuanming Sword Sect fell into an absolute stillness, even deeper than the previous deathly silence, as if time itself had frozen!

The expressions of countless disciples who had just begun to ease froze completely. They stared at the scene in disbelief, their minds exploding with shock.

This scene is even more absurd and incomprehensible than Zhou Shijie being completely crushed!

Are you kidding me?!

Even Senior Sister Zhou had to undergo a proper [Sword Master Ceremony] to see the Supreme Divine Sword in the Forbidden Grounds, yet this is such a fickle person who worships outsiders?!

"..."

The stiff smile on the Sword Sect Old Ancestor's face crumbled like shattered porcelain.

His mouth gaped open as he stared in disbelief at the scene on the High Platform. The pent-up frustration, anger, and resentment he had been suppressing were ignited at this moment by the "traitorous" sect-protecting holy Holy Sword, which shattered the dam of reason!

"Taiyuan--!!!"

A roar, a mixture of shock, anger, heartache, confusion, and utter madness, erupted from his throat!

Enraged, the Sword Dao Master's hair and beard stood on end, his eyes instantly turned bloodshot, and the Sword Intent that had just been contained surged wildly and uncontrollably once again!

That wasn't just Killing Intent directed at Ye Li, but also an overwhelming rage at the "betrayal" of the sect's sacred artifact!

An almost tangible surge of anger, like an invisible storm, swept fiercely towards the suspended ancient sword!

"You... you actually dare...!" The Sword Sect Old Ancestor's chest heaved violently, his finger pointing at the Taiyuan Ancient Sword trembled, and his voice was hoarse as if he were weeping blood!

The fact that this divine sword recognized him as its master was a far more humiliating and betraying experience for Ye Li than if he had defeated Zhou Qingyan ten thousand times!

The first patriarch who founded the Xuanming Sword Sect achieved the supreme myth of the Immortal Realm.

[Taiyuan], as his sword, is something he has been exposed to since childhood, a spiritual totem, even in the heart of this current Old Ancestor of Sword Dao!

This is a symbol of the Sword Sect's eternal destiny!

Even Zhou Qingyan, with his exceptional talent, only considered him a "monster who could rival the founder in the future," someone who might tame this divine sword that had been without a master for ten thousand years and make the Xuanming Sword Sect, which was currently only a first-rate force in the continent, great again!

However, this divine sword, which holds an unparalleled position in the hearts of countless Sword Sect disciples, now submits to the feet of its enemy, almost transforming into human form to recognize its master!

Amidst countless gazes that seemed to drip blood.

The Taiyuan Ancient Sword ignored the Old Ancestor's overwhelming rage. It stubbornly hovered in front of Ye Li, its tip lightly touching the ground and emitting a gentle hum, as if urging its master to take it away.

Feeling the Myriad Transformation Divine Iron constantly buzzing deep within his brow.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow in surprise, his gaze sweeping over the ancient sword that had offered itself up. To be honest, judging from the aura it exuded, it was no match for the Myriad Transformation Divine Soldier Iron that guarded his Spiritual Platform.

There is a fundamental difference in their social standing!

But after a moment of hesitation, he still reached out his finger and gently touched the cold, dark blue sword.

Buzz--!!

The Taiyuan Ancient Sword suddenly emitted a joyful, clear cry, its dark blue light intensified, and it actively shrank in size, transforming into a stream of light that landed naturally at Ye Li's waist, becoming a gentle dark blue sword pendant. It completely concealed its terrifying pressure, leaving only an ancient and desolate aura.

The whole process was smooth and natural, as if it were meant to be.

Countless Sword Sect disciples, and even the Sword Sect's Old Ancestor himself, were filled with rage, wishing they could switch identities with that man in black on the spot!

[Publicly humiliating the Xuanming Sword Sect's Old Ancestor, a mid-stage third-level cultivator of the Cosmic Birth Realm, Malice Points!]

[Public humiliation...]

Ye Li was immediately struck by a barrage of system notifications that made his heart race.

He reached out and brushed his hand across the sword pendant, feeling the vast Sword Qi contained within it, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips.

This is an unexpected delight. The sharp energy within the sword pendant alone, which can be freely controlled, is probably enough to instantly kill most Dao Evolution Realm Domain Lords.

The fact that it still maintains this level of quality after so many years is certainly worthy of the magnificent phenomenon just now.

Put the Jade Pendant away.

Ye Li didn't even turn around to look at the Sword Sect Old Ancestor, who was practically bursting with rage, and instead turned to Cao Ming in the stands to speak again:

"Prefect Cao, this matter is settled; you may leave now."

Cao Ming was already terrified by this sudden turn of events, his spine tingling and his pupils contracting.

Taiyuan, that was the sword once wielded by the Supreme Being, and it was stained with the blood of countless Venerables!

Even Venerable Ones must temporarily yield to its power. Over the long course of tens of thousands of years, countless Sword Sect have tried to gain its recognition, but none of them could stir up the slightest disturbance in Taiyuan.

Even Zhou Qingyan, the universally acknowledged peerless genius, only caused the Taiyuan Sword to tremble when she first entered the Divine Connection Realm.

Such a person as Ye Li, who directly triggered a riot in the entire Sword Sect's Forbidden Grounds, and even Taiyuan Sword actively come to claim him as its master, is unprecedented in history!

Could Ye Li's Sword Dao talent be even more terrifying than Zhou Qingyan's?!

The thought that Cao Ming couldn't help but have arose in his mind was that even if Ye Li had previously defeated Zhou Qingyan, it didn't mean that the loser was less talented than the winner.

The years of cultivation are the true measure of all this.

Zhou Qingyan has only been cultivating for four thousand years, but what about Ye Li?

How many years did he spend repairing it?

It seems we'll only know the answer once the Life Jade is lit...

Cao Ming's eyes flickered, but he quickly regained his composure.

He first took a deep look at the incredibly docile Xuanqing sword pendant at Ye Li's waist, then glanced at the Sword Sect Old Ancestor was trembling with anger and Sword Intent was almost out of control, and couldn't help but chuckle.

"You're right, it's time to go."

As he spoke, he flicked his sleeves, transforming into an incredibly swift streak of light, and instantly disappeared into the horizon, leaving the Plaza behind.

Only the lingering Xuanqing Sword Intent, seemingly mocking the entire Xuanming Sword Sect, remained from when the Taiyuan Ancient Sword recognized its master.

And the huge, deep pit in the Plaza, and the tragic white figure within it.

Thump!

The Sword Sect Old Ancestor could no longer hold on. He staggered and slumped into the chair behind him, his face turning from crimson to deathly pale. He coughed up another mouthful of blood!

He stared intently in the direction where Ye Li had disappeared, breathing heavily, his rage reaching an uncontrollable level.

The sword's master has been crippled! The divine sword has been stolen!

The Xuanming Sword Sect, which relied on its deep foundation, was almost completely uprooted!

At this moment, everyone in the entire Mountain Gate probably wants to grind the instigator to dust!

But he is, after all, Martial Path Venerable has cultivated for so long.

After a long silence, the Sword Sect Old Ancestor slowly regained his composure.

He glanced sideways at Zhou Qingyan, who was barely breathing, and looked at the messy bluestone Plaza. His eyes were filled with unprecedented resentment and humiliation, as well as a chilling coldness that only someone who had fought to the death could feel.

"Taiyuan... Taiyuan..." he murmured absentmindedly, finally letting out a chilling laugh.

Only then did Zhou Qingyan regain some clarity in the deep pit, letting out a soft groan.

"Quick! Save the Sword Master!"

Seeing this, the elders of the Sword Sect finally snapped out of their daze after the series of earth-shattering events and shouted at the top of their lungs, their voices filled with panic and fear.

The doctors rushed into the pit like headless flies, and countless disciples of the Sword Sect could no longer maintain their composure. Their eyes were filled with endless panic and the bewilderment of their collapsing faith.

On the three- High Platform, all the representatives of the Mountain Gate remained silent, trembling with fear.

Everyone knew that the Xuanming Sword Sect Sword Master Ceremony had ended in a humiliating and shameful manner, due to the youth's absolute violent crushing and the betrayal of the sect's Holy Sword.

The Sword Sect's publicity plan may not have failed, but the target has changed from their proud new Sword Sect Master to that young lieutenant of the Nine Luminaries Division.

After this battle, the name [Ye Li], along with his two astonishing feats here, is destined to sweep across the entire Xianjing Continent with its most ferocious power!!

When the Star Skiff returned to the Nine Luminaries Division of Jade Mountain.

It was getting close to night.

Even so, the place remained brightly lit.

Demons do not stay indoors at night; on the contrary, they become even more ferocious. Therefore, the Nine Luminaries Division does not have any holidays.

"Taiyuan is the supreme sword, and its power when wielded is self-evident, but its consumption of Magic Power is also quite astonishing."

The two walked side by side through the courtyard. Cao Ming patiently instructed him, "You must be extremely careful when using this in the future, lest your Magic Power be depleted and someone takes advantage of you."

"News about the Sword Manual won't spread quickly. Many wandering swordsmen will be envious when they learn that you've obtained this divine weapon."

"Although the vast majority of powerful individuals are under the control of the Nine Luminaries Division, there are also some unattached visitors from Outer Domain who are difficult to control. In the future, there will certainly be no shortage of cultivators who try to kill you to seize your treasures and make a name for themselves by stepping on you."

"You are classified as a lieutenant general of the Nine Luminaries Division. If you die a violent death from severe injuries, the division will naturally do everything in its power to avenge you, but that's a matter for later."

"A generous reward will surely attract brave men; we must remain vigilant in the future."

As he spoke, he took out a finely crafted official seal from his pocket and handed it to Ye Li, saying, "This is a little trinket I made in my spare time, based on the [Immortal Mountain River Seal]."

"Injecting Magic Power to activate it in times of crisis will make even a newly ascended Venerable of the Cosmic Birth Realm give way. It's enough for you to handle emergencies in critical moments."

Actually, this little Mountain River Seal has another function, but Cao Ming was too embarrassed to say it outright.

Those who can possess this seal, apart from the current governor of the Xianjing Continent, are only the subordinate generals under the governor's command who are regarded as his own brothers.

Anyone considering taking action should carefully consider whether they can withstand the full-force pursuit of a Cosmic Birth Venerable.

Its deterrent power goes without saying.

"Thank you very much. If there are any similar [Sword Master Ceremony] events in the future, please remember to call me."

Ye Li put away his official seal and gave his own unique praise for the trip.

It was fun and I loved playing it; I'll definitely play it again next time.

"..."

Cao Ming's lips twitched slightly as he listened, thinking to himself that once this matter got out, anyone in the Xianjing Continent Realm who still wanted their prodigy to show off would probably not invite us anymore.

Even if there were still invitations, they certainly wouldn't dare to ask the young man in front of them to perform martial arts again.

However, this only applies to the forces of the Xianjing Continent witnessed the scene firsthand.

Among the thirty-six continents of the Great Sheng Dynasty, Xianjing Continent is not considered a prominent or outstanding one.

The matters concerning the Sword Master Ceremony will likely attract the attention of those supreme beings, but may not convince those renowned sects and factions. There are also many geniuses who do not believe in such things.

Therefore, from this perspective, there is still a possibility that Ye Li will receive a relevant invitation.

"Well then, I'll take my leave now."

Considering the massive amount of Malice Points he had committed, Ye Li didn't engage in much further conversation with Cao Ming. He only discussed the follow-up matters briefly before heading to his temporary residence.

"..."

Watching the boy's receding figure, Cao Ming couldn't help but sigh softly and mutter to himself:

"If only such a talent were in my Yushan."

Being arrogant without being humble might provoke dissatisfaction among the vast majority of mediocre people, who might perceive him as overly flamboyant and conceited.

However, this kind of personality is definitely beneficial for rising to prominence.

If you don't believe me, just look at the prodigies who emerged from the [Four Extremes Twelve Gates]. How many of them have the temperament of a humble young master?

Even if they appear incredibly easygoing and humble, they are actually very arrogant at heart!

Tianjiao! He has always felt deep down that he is different from everyone else!

Cao Ming only regretted that a talent like Ye Li didn't serve in the Jade Mountain Nine Luminaries Division!

Otherwise, he would have kept him by his side at all times, imparted all his knowledge to him, and even helped recommend him to higher authorities for the position of prefect.

There was no other reason; it was simply that the other party deserved such cultivation.

After a brief sigh, Cao Ming gradually composed himself.

Unfortunately, in most cases, the appointment of a general depends on the individual's own wishes.

Since Ye Li was unwilling, he couldn't force him.

As the saying goes, what is destined to be yours will be yours, and what is not, you cannot force.

As the governor of a province, Cao Ming still possessed his own pride and was incapable of committing the despicable act of plunder and extortion.

Moreover, Lin Huaijin is very likely backed by the Third Princess of the Great Sheng Dynasty.

"Someone come here."

Cao Ming took a silent breath, transforming back into the governor of Xianjing. After summoning a trusted confidant, he walked towards his residence and calmly gave the following instructions:

"Go to the storeroom and select Life Jade to send to General Ye's residence."

"Remember not to disturb him; just leave a note."