The sea of clouds unfurled and rolled across the horizon, and all around was a desolate silence.
"If fate allows, we shall meet again."
Han Xuanji turned his gaze to Sword Without Dust, a slight smile on his face.
Sword Without Dust bowed in a daze, his mind still immersed in the incredible scene that had just transpired.
He subconsciously responded:
"Oh… alright, alright…"
He felt that he needed to calm down. Li Changkong was the direct disciple of the Sword Lineage's First Seat, a Genius Sword Cultivator who swept aside his peers, yet such an existence was completely suppressed by Han Xuanji.
So, how much had Han Xuanji held back when he sparred with him before?
Sword Without Dust took a deep breath, trying to calm his surging emotions, his voice filled with reluctance and gratitude:
"Brother Han, take care! This trip to Lingxu Heavenly Palace, to see Brother Han again, and to receive this Divine Sword through your guidance, I am endlessly grateful!"
His fingertip brushed the ancient bronze sword at his waist, its starlight contained within. The sword hummed softly, as if in response.
Han Xuanji smiled faintly, returning the bow:
"Why be so polite, Brother Wuchen? We are old acquaintances; this is only natural. After you return, Cultivate diligently, and I look forward to the day we meet again when your Sword Dao has reached a higher level."
"I will!"
Sword Without Dust nodded heavily, his eyes burning with rekindled fighting spirit.
"Once my Sword Dao advances, I will certainly seek out Brother Han again for a true spar! Farewell!"
With that, he transformed into a clear sword light and vanished into the vast sea of clouds, his retreating figure carrying a hint of desolation and resolve after breaking through a confusion.
"Take care."
Han Xuanji nodded slightly, his voice faint.
Li Changkong immediately stepped forward, his attitude respectful, even carrying a hint of eagerness:
"Brother… Han, rest assured, I will personally escort this Fellow Daoist out of the Sect!"
He corrected himself in time, all trace of arrogance gone from his expression.
After Li Changkong had departed and disappeared into the sky, Han Xuanji finally turned to the Void Realm beside him and said calmly:
"Come out."
As his voice fell, Su Ming's figure emerged from behind a gnarled ancient pine tree, quickly approaching, his face filled with admiration and his usual smile:
"Senior Brother Han is truly profound! I heard that Li Changkong is a rare Genius of the Sword Lineage in a hundred years, with a clear and transparent Exquisite Sword Heart, yet I never imagined that before Senior Brother, he wouldn't even have the strength to retaliate."
He clicked his tongue in wonder, even secretly comparing in his mind, wondering what it would be like if Jiang Hao, who had made an agreement with him, were to face Senior Brother.
He also thought that if he had half of Han Xuanji's Cultivation, he wouldn't be afraid of Jiang Hao anymore.
Han Xuanji shook his head:
"These are but minor tricks, not worth mentioning. Do not spread this matter."
Then his tone changed, and he asked:
"You specifically sought me out here, for what purpose?"
Su Ming chuckled, scratching his head:
"Ahem, Senior Brother Han, you see. It's still about that thirty-year agreement… Your Junior Brother here worries day and night, fearing that by then, my skills will be insufficient, and I will tarnish your reputation, won't I?"
"What does that have to do with me?"
Han Xuanji rolled his eyes, speaking irritably.
For someone like Su Ming, who possessed great Luck, he knew that although his fate held many tribulations, he would always turn misfortune into good fortune and would never easily perish in a peer's challenge. He would have no worries about his life regardless of winning or losing, so why should he worry too much?
After speaking, Han Xuanji turned and slowly walked back into the Myriad Phenomena Garden. The Chaos Spiritual Qi swirled around him, and his figure quickly disappeared.
Su Ming stood rooted to the spot, feeling a slight sense of loss, when suddenly a vast and profound stream of information directly poured into his Sea of Consciousness—this was an extremely profound movement Divine Ability.
He was startled at first, then overjoyed, and bowed solemnly towards the Myriad Phenomena Garden before impatiently transforming into a stream of light and returning to his Immortal Cave, eager to immediately enter seclusion and comprehend this life-saving ultimate technique.
…
What Han Xuanji had bestowed upon Su Ming was precisely the "Universe Shifting Art" he had obtained from a previous sign-in.
This art was incomparably profound, created by a Taiyi Golden Immortal specializing in movement Divine Abilities. He had already Cultivated it to Major Achievement; even if he were in the Upper Realm, he could instantly flee a million miles with a single thought, making it difficult for an ordinary True Immortal to find his trace.
For him, Divine Abilities didn't need to be many, but they had to be practical.
Han Xuanji had already deduced all the Divine Abilities he had previously mastered to the Heavenly Immortal Realm, and with powerful Immortal Artifacts, it was difficult for him to find an opponent in the same Realm. Even when facing a True Immortal, he had no fear whatsoever.
As for facing a Profound Immortal, he would probably only be able to escape by using a powerful Immortal Artifact like the Myriad Phenomena Pagoda and then casting the Universe Shifting Art.
However, Han Xuanji would generally not put himself in such dangerous situations.
He did, however, feel that Su Ming would likely need it in the future, and rather than teaching him a killing Divine Ability, it was better to let him run faster.
Of course, this was just a small pleasure in his long life.
Cultivation was the primary goal.
Han Xuanji no longer thought much and focused on Cultivating.
…
Lingxu Heavenly Palace, Sword Lineage.
In a certain Dao Field.
"You really couldn't even retaliate?"
Li Xuanxiao's usually calm face now showed a hint of undeniable emotion.
Li Changkong stood with his head bowed below, his face still bearing a trace of lingering trepidation, and nodded silently:
"Reporting to Master, it is absolutely true. He didn't even… draw his sword."
Recalling the supreme majesty he had felt at that time, he still felt a lingering fear.
Li Xuanxiao seemed lost in thought, and the Dao Field fell silent.
Li Changkong also remained silent.
Only the two of them were in the hall.
After a long while, Li Xuanxiao finally spoke, his voice filled with inexpressible emotion:
"This Seat… it seems I still underestimated him."
He even felt a bit of regret,
"Such a great talent in the Sword Dao should be blooming with unparalleled brilliance in my Sword Lineage, why Cultivate alchemy…"
Li Changkong then said:
"Master, you taught him the Supreme Heaven Sword Dao, so you are half his Master."
Li Xuanxiao smiled. If he were to truly snatch him away, his younger brother, Li Xuandao, who was Yunmiao Xianjun, would probably break off their fraternal relationship.
"Master, what do you think his displayed talent would rank on the immortal dao prodigy ranking list?"
Li Changkong thought for a moment and asked.
The immortal dao prodigy ranking list was a list that compiled the Prodigies of all races in the Immortal Dao, covering countless Immortal Domains, listing one hundred and eight individuals, and only recording those under a thousand years old.
This ranking was published by the Immortal Dao Alliance, and it held great authority.
As for the Immortal Dao Alliance, it was not a single Sect, but an organization formed by the joint of many Immortal Dao forces, its purpose naturally being to prevent the Demon Race from invading the Immortal Domains.
The Seven Meridian First Seats of Lingxu Heavenly Palace would automatically become Elders of the Immortal Dao Alliance.
"Hmph, still caring about this false reputation?"
Li Xuanxiao snorted coldly, his tone carrying a warning,
"Ascending this list, while it brings fame, also brings both fortune and misfortune.
You must know that the Demon Race also has access to this list. How many Prodigies have brought about their own demise due to their prominence?
The Demon Race's methods are mysterious and unpredictable, far from as simple as you imagine. Moreover,"
His tone changed, and he said meaningfully,
"There are many Prodigies in the world like Han Xuanji, who lie dormant, hidden deep, and do not crave false fame.
Being on the Immortal Ranking is but a reflection in the water; who will stand proudly at the peak of the Grand Dao after a thousand or ten thousand years is still unknown."
As Li Xuanxiao spoke these words, his gaze was distant, as if recalling certain dusty past events.
He suddenly sternly admonished.
"Right, you must not spread this matter."
"Understood!"
Li Changkong nodded quickly.
He still had that much discretion.
No matter what, since Han Xuanji intended to keep a low profile, even if he didn't understand, he wouldn't ruin another's plan.
…
Clouds rolled and unfurled, time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, twenty years quietly passed.
Within the Myriad Phenomena Garden, the Chaos Spiritual Qi remained as vast as a sea, nurturing all things.
Han Xuanji diligently Cultivated, signing in daily, and his Cultivation grew increasingly profound, having already reached Heavenly Immortal Perfection.
He couldn't help but sigh, the Cultivation of the Immortal Dao was indeed not as simple as he had imagined.
Throughout these years, he had never neglected his Cultivation.
As for what was happening in the outside world, it reached his ears through the mouths of Jiang Yuan, Su Ming, and others.
He had learned quite a few things.
Generally speaking, various Opportunities had appeared, and certain Prodigies had gone and obtained some treasures…
In summary, it was a scene of prosperity, as if everything was developing in a good direction.
Su Ming's and Jiang Hao's agreed-upon battle was also put on the agenda.
However, the news that arrived on this day carried a hint of unusual solemnity.