As Han Xuanji finished speaking, Immortal Master Yu Chen also nodded slightly, letting out a long sigh.
A relieved smile appeared on his face:
"Excellent! This battle is for a discussion of the Dao, so there's no need to care about victory or defeat!"
A huge weight had been lifted from his heart. What he feared most was Han Xuanji leaving in a huff, thinking that he wanted to suppress him, which would ultimately displease that Prodigy from the Upper Realm, leaving Kunlun Immortal Sect caught in the middle and pleasing no one.
However, the expressions of the other Cultivators in the hall were quite complex, and they began to converse after Han Xuanji departed.
"Daoist Friend Han... actually agreed?"
Wind Leisurely Master frowned slightly, his voice tinged with worry,
"I heard that he is a Disciple of a certain Sword Immortal from the Upper Realm, possessing an 'Innate Sword Bone', with a clear sword heart and exceptional Comprehension Ability, who came to the Lower Realm to slay demons and eradicate evil.
Although Daoist Friend Han is strong, against such a Prodigy from the Upper Realm..."
Immortal Master Yu Chen also sighed softly:
"Indeed, the combat power of such a Prodigy from the Upper Realm cannot be fathomed. Although Daoist Friend Han has repeatedly created miracles, slain demons, eradicated evil, and dominated one region, his Foundation is ultimately... in this realm.
Moreover, the 'Person of Tribulation' carries the Luck of heaven and earth, so it might be difficult to contend with him."
His tone carried regret, clearly not optimistic about Han Xuanji.
The Prodigies of the Upper Realm have a much higher starting point than those of the Lower Realm. Whether it's Cultivation Techniques or Magic Treasures, they are not on the same level.
Perhaps Han Xuanji's talent is even more astonishing, but at this stage, he might not be his opponent.
"I don't think so!"
From a corner, Xie Liuyun walked out at this moment, his voice like a booming bell.
"When has Senior Han ever failed in his endeavors?
What about the Devouring Heaven Demonic Sect? What about the Demon Saints from other realms? They were all annihilated by Senior Han's sword!
No matter how famous that Prodigy from the Upper Realm is, we don't know how much substance he truly has. Senior Han daring to accept the challenge shows that he has confidence!"
Xie Liuyun, however, felt that Han Xuanji would win, and would win cleanly and decisively.
This was his intuition.
"Youngster Xie, you are mistaken."
An old man with white hair and beard, whose aura was profound, shook his head. He was an Old Ancestor from an ancient Dao peak of the Kunlun Immortal Sect,
"The profoundness of a Prodigy from the Upper Realm is beyond what we Cultivators of the Lower Realm can imagine.
The Cultivation Techniques they cultivate, the Magic Treasures they possess, and even their comprehension of the Great Dao rules, all far exceed the limits of this realm. It is true that Daoist Friend Han is a Heaven-Defying Genius, but... the gap is probably difficult to bridge."
He stroked his beard, then added:
"Of course, we don't know Daoist Friend Han's origin either. Since he accepted the challenge, he naturally has something to rely on."
Hearing everyone's discussion, Lingyun Taoist said in a deep voice:
"Both are peerless Prodigies. This discussion of the Dao might benefit both sides."
Although he said this, he secretly broke into a cold sweat in his heart, hoping that when the two of them made their move, they would know their limits and not end up mutually wounded, otherwise, who would save this world then.
Soon, the news spread like wildfire.
The Cultivators of the Nine Provinces Cultivation World exploded with excitement.
"Have you heard? The legendary Person of Tribulation, a Prodigy from the Upper Realm, is going to challenge the Demon-Slaying Sword Immortal of Eastern Azure Province!"
"What?! The Sword Immortal agreed?!"
"Then this is an earth-shattering event! One is a Prodigy from the Upper Realm, bearing the mandate of heaven; the other is a rising legend of this realm, having slain countless demons and eradicated evil, unrivaled in the world!"
"I think it's doubtful! That's a Prodigy from the Upper Realm, able to be sent down to respond to the tribulation... Although the Demon-Slaying Sword Immortal is strong, after all..."
"What do you know! When has the Demon-Slaying Sword Immortal ever not acted with an air of ease? Don't you understand that a mighty Dragon doesn't oppress a local snake!"
There was much discussion, with no consensus.
The vast majority of people, especially those Cultivators from ancient Sects who knew about the Legacy of the Upper Realm, favored the Prodigy from the Upper Realm.
After all, the words "Upper Realm" represented an unattainable height and absolute power in the hearts of these Cultivators.
No matter how strong Han Xuanji was, in their eyes, he was just a "Lower Realm native," how could he contend with a true "Prodigy"?
But there were also many people, especially those Cultivators who had personally witnessed or experienced Han Xuanji's miracles, such as some Cultivators from Eastern Azure Province, who firmly stood by Han Xuanji, believing that he could be Heaven-Defying.
Meanwhile, in a certain place in Central Province, Lu Fan, Li Taiqing, Lin Potian, and others were gathered together.
"Hmph! What Prodigy from the Upper Realm, I think he's just a pretty face!"
Lu Fan pouted, his face full of disdain,
"He even slew the Demon Emperor, so why would he be afraid of some greenhorn?"
"Exactly! Master is invincible!"
Li Taiqing nodded vigorously, having an almost blind adoration for Han Xuanji,
"If that Prodigy from the Upper Realm dares to challenge, it's a good opportunity for Master to teach him a lesson!"
Lin Potian scratched his head and said:
"I think Elder Han might also be a Prodigy from the Upper Realm, otherwise how could he be so strong."
Nangong Wenjian appeared calmer:
"That person being designated as the 'Person of Tribulation' by a strong individual from the Upper Realm means he must have extraordinary qualities. However... I believe in Senior Han."
A resolute light flickered in his eyes.
...
At the same time, in the boundless depths of the East Sea, clouds surged and mist billowed, with myriad rays of light. A solitary, towering peak, seemingly piercing the sky, stood proudly above the vast expanse of blue waves.
Immortal palaces emerged and vanished on the peak, with spiritual birds and Auspicious Beasts circling and flying, purple Qi coming from the east, and various auspicious phenomena appearing. This was the legendary Purple Cloud Immortal Mountain.
At the summit of the Immortal Mountain, a spacious Dao field was bathed in eternal purple clouds.
The ground was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the flowing clouds in the sky.
Dozens of extraordinary Prodigies, each a Dragon and Phoenix among humans, either sat cross-legged in meditation or watched intently.
Their gazes were all focused on the center of the Dao field, on a jade cushion enveloped in ethereal Immortal Qi.
There, a young man in black sat.
He was Sword Without Dust, a Disciple of the Azure Cloud Sword Palace in the Upper Realm, and a direct Disciple of the Heavenly Heart Sword Immortal.
His long hair was as black as ink, tied back with a simple jade hairpin. His face was almost perfect, exuding a cold and aloof aura that kept others at bay. Even just sitting there, an invisible, sharp Sword Qi naturally emanated from his body, cutting through the surrounding air and light, as if he himself were a supreme divine weapon about to be unsheathed, ready to sever all.
Some people knew that once Sword Without Dust fully comprehended the supreme Legacy of Purple Cloud Immortal Mountain, he would go to battle against the Demon-Slaying Sword Immortal.
"Heavenly Heart Sword Dao, I heard it's also an extraordinary Legacy in the Upper Realm. One who can inherit the Heavenly Heart Sword Dao must be a peerless Genius."
"Senior Brother Wuchen is being cautious; it seems he's also afraid of losing to the Demon-Slaying Sword Immortal."
Sword Without Dust didn't care what others thought.
In fact, he had already fully comprehended the "Purple Cloud Divine Art" of Purple Cloud Immortal Mountain. At this moment, he was adjusting his state, preparing to strike with his best possible condition.
Many people didn't know that he had already stepped into the Sword Immortal Realm, so there was no reason for him to lose!
However, even a lion uses its full strength to hunt a rabbit, so he would not underestimate any opponent.