“The Hundred Weapons Pavilion is at fault for what happened today.
Please accept our apologies.”
After handling the matter at hand, Sun Wenmiao approached Mu Fan and said,
“You are too kind, Pavilion Master.
This matter had nothing to do with you.
In fact, I should be thanking you for stepping in to help!”
Mu Fan cupped his hands in response, his expression completely devoid of arrogance.
‘He knew the man must have seen the token at his waist and acted accordingly, but he decided not to mention it.’
Sun Wenmiao took in Mu Fan’s entire reaction.
‘This boy is extraordinary,’ he sighed to himself.
An idea suddenly struck him.
“Not at all,” he said.
“An incident like this is ultimately my fault for failing to properly manage my subordinates.
Tell you what, you may choose any one Spiritual Artifact below the Profound Tier as compensation from the Hundred Weapons Pavilion.”
“In that case, thank you for your kindness, Pavilion Master.”
Mu Fan was taken aback for a moment but didn’t refuse.
After all, he truly did need a suitable Spiritual Artifact.
After thanking him again, Mu Fan rose and went straight to the sword tower.
Lingming Sword.
Length: four feet, three inches.
Spirit Tier, Lower Grade.
Mu Fan shook his head.
Although the sword was high-grade, it was far too light and nimble for his style.
He continued looking for a long time but still couldn’t find a suitable sword.
“What’s the matter?
Haven’t found one you like?”
Sun Wenmiao had been keeping an eye on Mu Fan.
Seeing that he was still undecided after so long, he walked over and asked.
At the sight of Sun Wenmiao, Mu Fan’s eyes instantly lit up.
‘Of course!
When it comes to knowing the Hundred Weapons Pavilion, who could be more familiar than the man standing right here?
Why am I struggling to pick one by myself?’
With that thought, he spoke up, “These swords are all a bit too light for my taste.
They don’t really suit me.
Pavilion Master, do you have any heavy swords here?”
“Heavy swords…
Follow me.”
Sun Wenmiao seemed to have a moment of realization, then led Mu Fan to the far-left side of the sword tower.
Cultivators of the Profound Sect value grace and agility above all else, preferring light, sharp swords.
Consequently, the Hundred Weapons Pavilion rarely stocks heavy swords.
“Take a look at these and see if any of them suit you.”
Sun Wenmiao said, gesturing to the few heavy swords laid out before them.
“Let me take a look!”
Mu Fan eagerly stepped forward, reaching out to grab the nearest heavy sword.
“This sword…”
Before he could finish, Sun Wenmiao watched as Mu Fan effortlessly gripped the heavy sword and gave it a couple of test swings, looking completely at ease.
“It seems my old eyes have failed me.”
“Take your time and choose.
Once you’ve decided, just find the disciple on duty to register it.”
“Thank you for your trouble, Elder Sun.”
“Not at all.”
With that, Sun Wenmiao turned and left.
‘It’s heavy enough, but it’s not very sharp.’
The sword techniques of the Nine Celestial Demon Swords didn’t just rely on sheer weight; they also incorporated a sharp, fierce edge.
Therefore, the heavy sword in his hand still wasn’t quite right for him.
Mu Fan was about to try the next heavy sword when he suddenly sensed a trace of Demonic Qi coming from nearby.
‘That sword!’
Mu Fan looked up, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
In the corner lay a heavy sword, pitch-black from pommel to tip, refusing to reflect any light even in the sun.
Several faint inscriptions were carved into the blade, and it was from these markings that the faint traces of Demonic Qi emanated.
SHING!
As Mu Fan reached out and lifted the heavy sword, it let out a soft hum.
He gave it a couple of test swings.
The blade moved without a sound and fell without a trace!
Ashen Ink!
That was the sword’s name.
It was five feet long, several inches longer than an ordinary sword, and weighed over seven hundred pounds!
The blade looked immensely heavy, but its edge was exceptionally sharp.
‘This sword is practically tailor-made for me!’
Mu Fan couldn’t bear to part with the heavy sword, his eyes filled with delight.
Holding Ashen Ink, Mu Fan went to the disciple on duty, ready to register the sword and leave.
However, the disciple on duty looked troubled.
“What is it?”
Mu Fan asked, looking at the disciple.
“Sir, this is a demon sword.
It can easily corrupt its wielder’s mind.
The Pavilion Master instructed us that if anyone desires this sword, we must inform him first.”
The disciple on duty quickly explained the situation.
“Very well.
Then please go and inform him.”
Mu Fan didn’t make things difficult for the disciple, simply gesturing for him to go.
“Thank you, Sir.”
With that, the disciple hurried upstairs to make his report.
“So, you’ve taken a liking to this sword, have you, kid?”
A moment later, Sun Wenmiao appeared, looking at Mu Fan in surprise as he asked.
“Ashen Ink is a perfect match for me.
I hope the Pavilion Master will part with it.”
Mu Fan nodded, stroking the body of the blade.
“Do you realize this is a demon sword?
It is incredibly difficult to master!”
I urge you to reconsider.”
“It’s fine.
This is the one.”
Mu Fan shook his head, his gaze exceptionally firm.
‘It’s only Demonic Qi.
With the Luohou Essence Blood in my veins, I’m more of a Demon Cultivator than actual Demon Cultivators.
Why would I be concerned about a little Demonic Qi?’
“So be it.
Since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t say anything more.”
Seeing this, Sun Wenmiao knew he couldn’t change Mu Fan’s mind and said no more.
A short while later, Mu Fan returned to his residence.
After a brief word with his master’s wife, he eagerly went into seclusion to cultivate.
‘Now, all I have to do is wait for the Seven Peaks Grand Competition to begin!’
Mu Fan took out everything he had acquired that day, then picked up the manual for the Nine Celestial Demon Swords and began to flip through it.
To cultivate the Nine Celestial Demon Swords, one must first use their body as a scabbard, nourishing the sword with their qi daily.
Only when the Sword Qi becomes one with the wielder can they be considered to have truly entered the first layer.
Mu Fan quickly scanned the accompanying incantations and the methods for circulating Spiritual Qi, then closed his eyes to meditate on them.
“Hm?”
However, the moment he closed his eyes, Mu Fan sensed something strange.
The Creation Demon Bone in his chest had, at some point, begun to slowly activate.
After completing a full circulation, the bone-chilling Demonic Qi it released was actually helping him comprehend the cultivation secrets of the Nine Celestial Demon Swords!
HUFF!
Forcefully exhaling a breath of turbid air, a sharp glint flashed in Mu Fan’s eyes.
His comprehension had always been excellent, and now he had the help of the Creation Demon Bone.
Mu Fan was confident he could cultivate the Nine Celestial Demon Swords to the Second Layer, or perhaps even the third, before the grand competition!
‘Perhaps even higher!’
Mu Fan now felt much more confident about the upcoming grand competition.
After calming himself, Mu Fan began to focus his mind on cultivation.
After a short while, a sharp glint flashed in Mu Fan’s eyes.
He raised his hand, lifting Ashen Ink.
Streams of Demonic Qi began to surge from his body and flow toward the sword.
VMMMM!
With the hum, Mu Fan clearly felt a deep, blood-deep connection form between himself and Ashen Ink.
“Blade, out!”
With a fierce shout, Ashen Ink burst forth with a Ghostly Aura.
As the aura flickered, the very air before him trembled, and he could faintly sense the terrifying energy contained within.
BOOM!
Mu Fan swung Ashen Ink, bringing it down hard on the ground at his feet with a deafening crash.
Mu Fan stared at the two-foot-deep crater at his feet, a look of utter shock flashing in his eyes.