Sword Twenty-Three, Xiao Yu had already witnessed it. It was the Sword Saint's domain, a hell of sword heart, where the Sword Saint was akin to a god.
As for saying Sword Twenty-Three was a Primordial Spirit sword that could freeze space and time, that was an exaggeration. Otherwise, it would have easily dealt with Xiong Ba, which clearly wasn't the case.
The Sword Saint had already fallen, and Xiao Yu no longer entangled with Bu Jingyun.
Bu Jingyun hurried into the hall to check on Xiong Ba's life or death.
Inside the grand hall, corpses were strewn everywhere, a ghastly sight, all collateral damage from the Sword Saint's sword prison.
At this moment, Xiong Ba was sitting on the throne, panting heavily, cold sweat pouring down, with a look of having narrowly escaped death.
"Xiong Ba, your life is mine!"
A furious shout echoed through the hall as Bu Jingyun charged straight at Xiong Ba.
"Bu Jingyun, your arm!"
Xiong Ba was shocked to see Bu Jingyun's severed arm had regenerated.
"Xiong Ba, you took my arm, but heaven blessed me with a Kylin Arm, and I'm here to take your life."
Bu Jingyun raised his arm and spoke coldly to Xiong Ba.
"Kylin Arm."
Xiong Ba muttered, not fully understanding.
"Brother Bu."
At this moment, the woman Chuchu rushed in.
Xiong Ba had already been secretly gathering his true energy, preparing to ambush the unsuspecting Bu Jingyun.
"Three-Part Union Qi."
Seeing Bu Jingyun distracted by the woman, Xiong Ba seized the opportunity to strike, severely injuring Bu Jingyun.
"Xiong Ba, you despicable coward, attacking by surprise."
Bu Jingyun, heavily injured, struggled to stand, glaring fiercely at Xiong Ba.
"My disciple, today your master will teach you another lesson: those who achieve great things do not bother with trifles."
Xiong Ba, after severely injuring Bu Jingyun, wore a sinister and triumphant expression.
"Men, whoever kills Bu Jingyun will be granted the position of hall master."
Xiong Ba issued the order, using the promise of reward as an incentive.
Hearing Xiong Ba's promise, members of the World Society and various martial arts sects rushed to attack Bu Jingyun.
Bu Jingyun, heavily injured, had no choice but to fight back, soon finding himself surrounded.
Some cunning members attempted to capture Chuchu to threaten Bu Jingyun.
"Brother Bu."
Chuchu hurriedly dodged and fled, calling out in panic.
Seeing Chuchu in danger, Bu Jingyun fought furiously, but it was futile; he couldn't break through the encirclement to rescue her.
At this moment, a young hero in white appeared, rescuing Chuchu.
He also helped Bu Jingyun fend off attacks, allowing Bu Jingyun to retreat to Chuchu's side.
"Chuchu, are you alright?"
"Brother Bu, I'm fine."
Bu Jingyun and Chuchu exchanged heartfelt words.
"May I know the young hero's intention?"
Xiong Ba, seeing the newcomer's impressive skills, inquired about his purpose.
"I am Jian Chen, paying respects to Leader Xiong."
"I hope Leader Xiong, for the sake of my master, will allow Bu Jingyun and his companion to leave safely."
Jian Chen gracefully performed a sword salute to Xiong Ba.
"Oh, your master is..." Xiong Ba was full of suspicion.
"My master is Nameless."
Jian Chen announced his master's renowned name with confidence.
"Nameless, the legendary Nameless of the martial world, then that sword must be the Hero Sword."
Xiong Ba was astonished, looking at the sword in Jian Chen's hand.
"Indeed, this is the Hero Sword."
Jian Chen raised the divine sword in his hand.
"I see, but Mr. Nameless wouldn't interfere in the internal affairs of my society, would he?"
Xiong Ba was still unwilling to miss the chance to deal with Bu Jingyun.
"Leader Xiong, my master asked me to convey a message: do not push things to the extreme, for when things reach their limit, fate will end early."
After saying this, Jian Chen left with Bu Jingyun and Chuchu.
Xiong Ba's expression flickered, but in the end, he did not stop them and let them leave.
Jian Chen and his group descended the mountain and encountered Xiao Yu, who was carrying the Sword Saint's body down the mountain.
...
At that time, Xiao Yu sensed the Sword Saint's Primordial Spirit dissipate, while Xiong Ba's aura remained. He lost interest in the subsequent events.
Moreover, Xiao Yu speculated who had disrupted the Sword Saint's ultimate move. It should be Di Shitian, who had also poisoned Xiong Ba. Only he would have the leisure to lurk within the World Society.
Therefore, Xiao Yu took the Sword Saint's body and left this unsafe place.
...
"Greetings, brother. I am Jian Chen. May I know your relationship with the Sword Saint?"
Jian Chen greeted and inquired.
"No relation, just couldn't bear to see the Sword Saint fall into enemy hands and worry about his body being desecrated."
Xiao Yu replied casually.
"Thank you for your concern, brother. The Sword Saint can be considered my martial uncle. May I handle his affairs?"
Jian Chen explained his reason and decided to take care of the Sword Saint's final matters.
Xiao Yu thought for a moment, realizing it made sense. The Sword Saint and Nameless were both rivals and friends.
"Since you are the Sword Saint's junior, it's only fitting."
"Do you have any urgent matters, brother? If not, Jian Chen invites you to join us in paying respects to the Sword Saint."
Jian Chen extended an invitation to Xiao Yu.
"Sure, that sounds good."
Xiao Yu hadn't decided where to go yet, so he agreed directly.
"Chuchu, let's go."
Bu Jingyun took Chuchu and left.
Jian Chen wanted to say something but ultimately didn't, watching them walk away.
"Brother Jian Chen, what are you thinking?"
Seeing this, Xiao Yu teased meaningfully.
This was love at first sight. Jian Chen had already etched Chuchu into his heart upon their first meeting.
"Oh, nothing."
"By the way, I still don't know your name, brother."
Jian Chen snapped back to reality.
"I am Xiao Yun."
Xiao Yu immediately made up a pseudonym. When traveling, it's best to use a pseudonym, especially for someone like him who traverses worlds, to avoid exposing his real name and leaving causal connections.
"So it's Brother Xiao Yun. Brother Xiao Yun, shall we go?"
Jian Chen glanced again at the distant figures of Chuchu and Bu Jingyun, but they were already far away.
Jian Chen's actions were all observed by Xiao Yu. At this time, Jian Chen was a true gentleman, just inexperienced and lacking in worldly wisdom, unaware of the dangers of the martial world.
In the unfolding storyline, Jian Chen was framed by Duan Lang and coerced by Po Jun to poison his master, leading to a loss of faith and drifting aimlessly, not knowing what he was doing.
In the end, Jian Chen sacrificed himself to buy time for Nie Feng and Bu Jingyun to escape, choosing to perish with Di Shitian, dying at Di Shitian's hands.
Xiao Yu thought he might have a chance to give him some advice. Jian Chen, just starting out, was a true gentleman, but too inexperienced and lacking in resolve, unaware of the martial world's treachery.
...
In a secluded place, Jian Chen took care of the Sword Saint's final matters. Here, he was accompanied by Nameless's false grave and the tomb of Nameless's lover, Xiao Yu. It seemed Nameless and Jian Chen held the Sword Saint in high regard and had deep feelings for him.
After paying respects, Jian Chen bid farewell to Xiao Yu and returned to report to his master.
Xiao Yu decided to visit the Sword-Worshipping Manor, which would soon become a gathering place for the winds and clouds.
The Sword-Worshipping Manor was a sacred place for sword forging in the martial world, known for producing half of the treasured swords seen in the world.
Rumor had it that the Sword-Worshipping Manor had been forging a peerless divine weapon for decades, even centuries, finally completing it.
During this time, the Sword-Worshipping Manor sent out invitations, inviting martial heroes to attend the sword viewing ceremony.
Heroes from all over the martial world gathered at the Sword-Worshipping Manor.
At the Sword-Worshipping Manor, during the sword worship ceremony,
In the central sword furnace stood a domineering black sword. As the invited guests arrived one after another, Xiao Yu mingled among them.
The young master of the Sword-Worshipping Manor, Ao Tian, and his master, the Sword Demon, came out to greet them.
Ao Tian spoke, boasting about the history and achievements of the Sword-Worshipping Manor, then introduced the peerless sword in the central sword furnace.
Listening to Ao Tian's boasting, Bu Jingyun grew impatient, stood up, and snatched the peerless sword from the furnace, examining it before throwing it toward the manor's plaque.
"Whoosh."
"Clang."
The Sword Demon released a pulse of sword energy, breaking the peerless sword in two.
"This is not the real peerless sword."
Bu Jingyun asserted confidently.
"Indeed, the real peerless sword is still in the sword pool and will truly emerge tomorrow."
Ao Tian admitted proudly.
"So everyone just needs to be patient, and tomorrow you can witness the splendor of the peerless sword."
Ao Tian concluded the false sword worship ceremony.
The martial heroes dispersed, each harboring their own thoughts.
At the Sword-Worshipping Manor, in the back mountain sword pool, swords resembling the peerless sword were densely planted in the ground, with a giant peerless sword bound by chains standing in the center.
Late at night, people continuously infiltrated the sword pool. Sword Greed was the first to make a move to seize the sword, only to be stopped by the sword guardians.
Bu Jingyun arrived with Chuchu, followed by Jian Chen and Duan Lang.
Bu Jingyun suddenly made a move, leaping to the center of the sword pool. Duan Lang drew his sword to block Bu Jingyun, the two having a long-standing grudge, with Duan Lang's attacks being vicious and ruthless.
The Sword Demon also arrived at the sword pool, seizing the opportunity to ambush Duan Lang when Bu Jingyun was injured by Duan Lang's trick, piercing Duan Lang's shoulder with sword energy.
Afterward, the Sword Demon attacked Sword Greed, severely injuring him.
"Hahaha, now that the blood of greed, anger, and delusion is gathered, the sword heart can be forged, and the peerless sword will truly emerge." The Sword Demon laughed heartily, revealing the true purpose of the Sword-Worshipping Manor.
The blood from the wounds of Bu Jingyun, Duan Lang, and Sword Greed was absorbed into the giant sword in the center of the sword pool, turning the sword a fiery red.
At this moment, Madam Ao and Ao Tian entered.
"Tian'er, the sword is now forged. Quickly put on the Fire-Avoidance Robe and retrieve the peerless sword." Madam Ao urged Ao Tian.
"Mother, rest assured, I will definitely acquire the peerless sword."
Ao Tian, full of confidence, donned the Fire-Avoidance Robe and leaped onto the giant sword in the sword pool, only to be burned by the intense heat, causing the robe to catch fire and forcing him to retreat.
"The sword body is too hot to retrieve."
At this point, Ao Tian no longer had his previous confidence.
"Tian'er, you cannot give up. Try again."
Madam Ao urged, frustrated by his lack of resolve.
"No matter, even without the peerless sword, I can still revitalize the Sword-Worshipping Manor."
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Ao Tian, unwilling to try again, made excuses.
"You..."
Madam Ao was nearly infuriated to death.
At this moment, Bu Jingyun moved, leaping into the sword pool and striking the giant sword with his fist, inadvertently knocking the sword essence out, dispersing it into the densely packed peerless swords.
"Now that the sword essence has been released and merged into the peerless swords in the sword pool, you can try to see who can gain the divine weapon's recognition and become its master."
Hearing this, everyone rushed into the sword pool to search for the peerless sword.
Ao Tian pulled out a peerless sword, praising its restrained divine light as a true divine weapon.
Duan Lang, holding the Fire Kirin Sword, always wanted to prove his family's divine weapon, and with one strike, he cut it in two.
Ao Tian, angered, threw down the broken sword and continued searching for the real peerless sword.
At this moment, Bu Jingyun gained the peerless sword's recognition as its master.
Seeing this, others rushed forward to seize it, and Duan Lang took Chuchu hostage, demanding Bu Jingyun hand over the peerless sword.
Bu Jingyun, furious yet helpless, ultimately chose to drive the sword into the ground.
Chuchu was also rescued by Jian Chen, who then engaged Duan Lang in combat.
Xiao Yu watched from the side, and when he saw Jian Chen's Hero Sword about to be cut by the Fire Kirin Sword, he shot out an embroidery needle in time, deflecting the Fire Kirin Sword.
"Who are you?"
Duan Lang, having been repelled, realized it was Xiao Yu who intervened.
"Brother Xiao, thank you for your assistance."
Jian Chen stepped forward to express his gratitude.
"The Hero Sword does not suit you, nor are you suited for the Hero Sword. Remember, what is suitable is best."
Xiao Yu advised Jian Chen earnestly.
"Who exactly are you?"
Duan Lang, feeling ignored, had his pride severely wounded and angrily charged with his sword.
"Apologies, I was just chatting with a friend. I am Xiao Yun."
Xiao Yu dodged the attack and responded casually.
"Hmph, let me see what you're capable of, daring to meddle in my affairs."
Duan Lang's Sun-Eclipsing Sword Technique, enhanced by the Fire Kirin Sword, unleashed scorching sword energy.
Xiao Yu countered with his needle technique, the embroidery needle possessing immense penetrating power and threat.
After a brief exchange of attacks, Duan Lang gained no advantage and withdrew from the fight, quelling his competitive spirit.
Duan Lang shifted his focus, attacking Bu Jingyun, but unexpectedly, the peerless sword suddenly emerged from the ground, blocking Duan Lang's incoming strike.
Meanwhile, Sword Greed was defeated by the Sword Demon and fled.
Madam Ao instructed the Sword Demon to reclaim the peerless sword, and the Sword Demon engaged Bu Jingyun in a fierce battle.
Unexpectedly, Madam Ao was severely injured by the energy from their fight.
For the sake of Ao Tian and to prevent the Sword Demon from taking over the Sword-Worshipping Manor, Madam Ao devised a plan to perish together with the Sword Demon.
Nie Feng arrived at this time, whisking Bu Jingyun away from the sword pool without wasting a word, forgetting about the girl Chuchu.
"Brother Xiao, shall we leave together?"
Jian Chen, bringing along the forgotten Chuchu, approached.
Seeing this, Duan Lang quickly used his lightness skill to leave.
"No need to rush."
Xiao Yu thought of another divine weapon at the Sword-Worshipping Manor.
"What do you mean by this?"
Chuchu asked fearfully.
"Brother Xiao means..."
Jian Chen couldn't fathom Brother Xiao's intentions.
"Let's go, I've already sensed it."
Xiao Yu left the sword pool first, Jian Chen and Chuchu exchanged a glance and followed.
The two followed Xiao Yu, the path growing increasingly desolate, until they reached a place where swords stood like a forest.
"What is this place, and why did you bring us here?"
Chuchu asked, puzzled.
"These are all used swords."
Jian Chen observed the swords scattered everywhere.
"To be precise, the owners of these swords are all souls lost to the sword."
Xiao Yu explained.
"So, these countless swords are nurturing a peerless divine weapon."
Jian Chen speculated on the possibilities.
"Indeed, a peerless divine weapon, the Sword of Despair, is being nurtured here."
Xiao Yu revealed the name of the divine weapon.
"The Sword of Despair, I've never heard of it."
Thinking for a moment, Jian Chen had no recollection of this divine weapon.
"Brother Jian Chen, I mentioned before that you and the Hero Sword are not compatible. When the Hero Sword was forged, several Great Scholars infused it with righteous energy.
Thus, it is a righteous divine weapon, requiring someone with the heart to protect the world, the integrity to uphold justice and dispel evil, and possessing righteous energy to unleash the Hero Sword's true power."
"Back then, when the Hero Sword was still embedded in Sword Mountain, many sword masters attempted to claim it, but none were recognized, unable to draw the Hero Sword.
The Sword Saint also tried to claim it, but was not recognized. Enraged, he tried to forcibly take the sword, but the Hero Sword fiercely resisted, its blade ringing, willing to self-destruct rather than accept a master, prompting the Sword Saint to give up."
"Brother Jian Chen, can you bear this burden now, or is it too heavy for you to carry?"
Xiao Yu recounted the story of the Hero Sword, then looked at Jian Chen.
"I... I... don't know. I only truly understood the Hero Sword today."
Jian Chen carefully examined the Hero Sword in his hand.
"Moreover, when you clashed with Duan Lang, I sensed the Hero Sword and the Fire Kirin Sword colliding, with the risk of breaking, which is why I intervened to stop Duan Lang."
Xiao Yu paused his steps at this point.
"Now, you can witness the Sword-Worshipping Manor's other divine weapon, the Sword of Despair."
At this moment, the three stood before a tomb, erected for the sword, with two large characters engraved on the tombstone.
Sword Tomb.