The Azure Lotus Sword World.
Lu Fan, who had just broken through to the Spirit Transformation Realm, was in an excellent mood.
However, as his gaze swept over Li Taiqing, who was practicing swordsmanship in the distance, Lu Fan couldn't help but touch his nose again:
"However... the disciple that Junior Brother Han took on is more powerful than me... This is too outrageous."
How embarrassing!
It felt like running into an old friend, only to find that the other kid's abilities had far surpassed mine, which was quite embarrassing.
The demon lord residing in his sea of consciousness also spoke with disbelief:
"That's outrageous! I initially thought of him as just an ordinary disciple with decent looks... But now you still dare to call him 'junior brother'?"
The Demon Lord's tone carried a hint of mockery.
"Hey-hey."
Lu Fan grinned, a hint of smugness in his eyes.
"I actually felt that Junior Brother Han was extraordinary a long time ago, but I just didn't have any evidence back then."
The initial slight resentment had long been replaced by immense pride. After all, how many people in the world could be on friendly terms with such a legendary figure?
"In this great era of struggle, countless geniuses emerge."
The Demon Lord's voice was filled with emotion,
"This Li Taiqing isn't much older than you, yet his cultivation is already above yours. Now, he's even receiving personal instruction in Sword Dao from a living Sword Immortal immortal... In the future, he's likely to soar to great heights, unstoppable."
He had thought that by carefully nurturing Lu Fan, he could make a name for himself in this era, but what he had seen and heard in recent years had almost overturned his understanding.
"Hmph, having rivals is a good thing!"
Lu Fan's eyes blazed with fighting spirit; far from being discouraged, he became even more enthusiastic.
"It's only meaningful to have a goal like that to strive for!"
Just then, a tall figure carrying a long sword came into view.
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes and recognized the other party's identity. This was the Heavenly Sword Sect Sect's prodigy who had been defeated by his "Junior Brother Han" with a single sword strike during the Sword Competition years ago. The two had become somewhat acquainted afterward, but he never expected to meet him here again today.
Nangong Wenjian was clearly looking for Lu Fan, True Disciple of the Divine Profound Sect. He quickly walked over, his expression solemn, and said:
"Quickly notify the Devil-Slaying Sword Immortal!"
"A top expert from Central Province has declared that he will personally come here to fight him!"
"What?"
Lu Fan blurted out:
"Is this guy out of his mind?"
Nangong Wenjian rolled his eyes in annoyance:
"Anyone who dares to challenge the world's Sword Immortal, do you think they're someone to be trifled with?"
That's a renowned old monster from Central Province, known as the ' Absolute Sword Immortal '!
This trip is likely intended to leverage the reputation of the newly Sword Immortal immortal to gain power, and also to covet this treasure land!
"Ah?"
Lu Fan hadn't expected to attract such a powerful expert.
There are no wrong nicknames, only wrong names; those who can be called Sword Immortal are all great masters of Sword Dao with Tongtian cultivation.
" The Absolute Sword Immortal?"
Within his sea of consciousness, the Demon Lord's voice suddenly deepened.
"A thousand years ago, I heard of a peerless swordsman in the Central Province who had reached the Peak Tribulation Transcendence Realm, known as the ' Peerless Sword Venerable '... I never imagined that he would have successfully Immortal Ascension!"
Lu Fan's heart tightened, and without saying another word, he immediately took Nangong Wenjian and headed towards the place where Han Xuanji usually practiced.
The news spread quickly, and on the way, a group of sect elders, including Li Taiqing was still cultivating, learned of the news and rushed over.
The crowd, filled with worry, gathered outside a large hall.
"What?"
"A powerful figure from Central Province is coming to challenge us?"
"This Absolute Sword Immortal is unworthy of being called a senior; he's clearly trying to suppress us in order to seize control of the Azure Lotus Sword World."
Some people are also worried:
"I wonder if the Sword Immortal can win."
"My master will definitely win."
Li Taiqing, on the other hand, was full of confidence.
"Master?"
Nangong Wenjian stared intently, then was startled.
Because Li Taiqing's cultivation was no less than his own, he had assumed that Li Taiqing was an elder of the Divine Profound Sect.
Danqing Hall.
Han Xuanji sat cross-legged on the Dao Comprehension Meditation Cushion, his aura perfectly harmonious and restrained, as if he had merged with the world around him.
"System, check-in."
[Congratulations, host, you have successfully checked in at the Azure Lotus Sword World's Danqing Hall and received one bottle of Immortal Ascension Pill.]
" The Immortal Ascension Pill, this is a pill that can accelerate the conversion of immortal energy into immortal energy for experts in the Immortal Ascension Realm..."
Han Xuanji's expression brightened with joy.
After reaching the Immortal Ascension, his cultivation speed was much slower than before when he was in the Tribulation Transcendence Realm, but the Immortal Ascension Pill saved him a lot of time.
Han Xuanji was in high spirits; he hadn't expected to find such a treasure in this place.
He plans to stay here for a while longer.
Suddenly, Han Xuanji sensed the presence of the people outside and said calmly:
"Come in."
This time.
Nangong Wenjian finally saw Han Xuanji's true face. Looking at that unbelievably young face, he was filled with emotion.
Back in the day, he was someone who could rival Han Xuanji.
Time has passed, and unexpectedly, the person challenging him has now become Sword Immortal, and he is on par with the other's disciple.
Nangong Wenjian and quickly recounted everything he knew.
" The Absolute Sword Immortal?"
Han Xuanji raised an eyebrow.
To be called Sword Immortal, one must have some skill, but for this person to think he's just a pushover who's only recently broken through is a bit too naive.
"That Absolute Sword Immortal has repeatedly used the guise of seeking guidance or challenging others to brazenly seize and steal other people's fortuitous opportunity, even resorting to deadly attacks. He's no pushover."
Nangong Wenjian recalled some rumors he had heard.
This Absolute Sword Immortal once coveted someone else's family's secret techniques and forcibly seized them. To prevent retaliation, he even wiped out the entire family to eliminate any future troubles. His methods were undeniably cruel.
However, such things have been quite common throughout history.
The Immortal Realm of cultivation is ultimately a dog-eat-dog world.
Many so-called righteous cultivators do things no better than Devil Cultivator.
"Exorcising demons and defending the righteous path" style clearing is a common tactic used by many.
Those who are capable of managing the situation don't want to get into this trouble for no reason, while those who aren't can only swallow their anger and watch silently.
"Shameless!"
Li Taiqing, who was standing to the side, deeply abhorred such behavior because he was Rogue Cultivator.
Han Xuanji listened quietly, a very faint smile curving her lips:
"Oh? So he's a repeat offender."
His voice was calm and even, with a hint of amusement.
"So, if I kill him, it would be considered acting on behalf of Heaven and ridding the people of a scourge?"
If the other party is genuinely interested in discussing swordsmanship, Han Xuanji wouldn't mind having a friendly spar to verify his understanding.
But if you come knocking on his door to take over his territory...
He always preferred to eliminate such enemies completely, leaving no future trouble.
Han Xuanji spoke casually, as if he were talking about a trivial matter, but in the eyes of everyone, he seemed unfathomable and looked down on everything.
Li Taiqing couldn't help but ask:
"Master... what realm have you reached?"
In Li Taiqing's eyes, Han Xuanji's strength was unfathomable.
He had previously thought himself to be exceptionally talented, unmatched by anyone, but after learning about Han Xuanji's cultivation speed, he was completely dumbfounded.
In terms of natural talent, he seems to be far behind.
This was also thanks to Lu Fan; they would occasionally chat with him and the conversation would turn to Han Xuanji from back then.
Lu Fan often said that back then, their cultivation levels were about the same.
Han Xuanji calmly replied, "I suppose I'm only at the Immortal Ascension Realm."
Upon hearing this, Li Taiqing, Lu Fan, True Person Tianyu, and the others all widened their eyes.
Immortal Ascension Realm!
Although it was somewhat expected, the fact that he admitted it himself still shocked everyone.
After all, this is the highest realm in the lower realm; an Immortal Ascension is enough to be at the pinnacle of the Spirit Realm.
"Master should teach this kind of person a lesson."
Li Taiqing's eyes sparkled.
He couldn't wait to witness this earth-shattering battle.
The battle of Sword Immortal —just imagining such a scene is enough to get one's blood pumping.
Seeing Han Xuanji's calm demeanor, his composure like a pillar of strength, the tense atmosphere gradually eased.
They dared not disturb Han Xuanji's meditation any longer and respectfully withdrew from the main hall.
Leave the main hall.
Nangong Wenjian's gaze burned brightly as he turned to Li Taiqing beside him, his competitive spirit surging.
"Fellow Daoist Li, I have long admired your name."
Having met you today, I'm itching to spar. How about... we have a friendly match to test our Sword Dao?
A fighting spirit surged in his eyes.
He thought to himself, "If I can't beat you, can't I at least beat your apprentice?"