Since they were all mutually supporting, what transpired at the Desolate Beast Gate was naturally known to the other two major sects. The other two sects were Wushuang Gate and Qianshan Gate.

“What! Lu Yuan is going alone to assault the Desolate Beast Gate to rescue Qiu Qingshan and the others from the Sword Gate?” Grand Elder Xiong Baili of Qianshan Gate started in shock. “That’s too insane. Going into Beast Soul Mountain solo, where the Desolate Beast Gate has heavily arrayed its forces, and isn't Lu Yuan’s spiritual power considered rather mediocre?” Xiong Baili was utterly astonished. Beside him, others from Qianshan Gate naturally inquired about their response, whether they should send aid to the Desolate Beast Gate. Xiong Baili merely sneered, “Lu Yuan is charging into Beast Soul Mountain alone, facing dozens one-on-one; defeat is certain. We don't need to go at all. He seeks his own death; we can’t blame anyone else. Moreover, if we actually go to support Beast Soul Mountain, it might just be their strategy to sow chaos. What if the Thousand Water Gate and the Imperial Fire Gate take the opportunity to attack? We shall remain stationary, wait for Lu Yuan to die, and of course, be vigilant against the Thousand Water Gate and the Imperial Fire Gate.”

On the other side, Wushuang Gate.

The Grand Elder, commonly known as Old Ghost Fu, habitually stroked his beard. This time, the shock was so profound that he unintentionally snapped a few strands off: “What did you say? Lu Yuan is going solo into Beast Soul Mountain to rescue Qiu Qingshan and the Sword Gate members! Is he courting death?” Old Ghost Fu had few whiskers, and he usually cherished every single one. Yet now, several were plucked away, and he paid them no mind; his shock was too great. “Yes,” confirmed the messenger delivering the news, nodding. “We must guard against the Thousand Water Gate and the Imperial Fire Gate exploiting the chaos, so we cannot go to Beast Soul Mountain to assist. Naturally, Beast Soul Mountain doesn't need our help either. It would be a strange thing if a few dozen Desolate Beast Gate experts couldn't deal with one Lu Yuan. It’s just a pity that I won't be the one to kill this Lu Yuan.” Wushuang Gate harbored a deep, profound hatred for Lu Yuan. “Forget it. Activate the Water Mirror Technique for me. I shall watch Lu Yuan meet his end.” The surface of the Water Mirror Technique naturally pointed towards Beast Soul Mountain, intending to witness the scene unfolding there.

Meanwhile, within the alliance of the Sword Gate, Thousand Water Gate, and Imperial Fire Gate, enormous commotion erupted.

Over at the Imperial Fire Gate. “Lu Yuan is assaulting Beast Soul Mountain on Dilong Star alone! Isn’t that too reckless?” Grand Elder Zhu Yan of the Imperial Fire Gate shuddered three times upon hearing the news. He truly never expected Lu Yuan to pull off something so audacious. While the act was indeed audacious, the highest probability was that he would perish on Beast Soul Mountain. “Young people nowadays are truly impulsive beyond measure,” Zhu Yan sighed deeply. Beside Zhu Yan, someone from the Imperial Fire Gate asked, “Elder Zhu, what is our next move? Should we assault Dilong Star to rescue Lu Yuan?” “Let me see,” Zhu Yan observed the situation on Dilong Star for a moment. “It’s impossible. There is no chaos on Dilong Star at all. Wushuang Gate and Qianshan Gate are standing ready, like a closed fist. If we charge in now, we’d be plunging straight into their trap—that would be a place of certain doom.” Zhu Yan shook his head. “If circumstances permitted, we would naturally save our ally, but they do not. We cannot risk our own lives to save the Sword Gate contingent. Pass down my order: the entire army remains motionless, but we must maintain a standoff posture with Wushuang Gate to prevent them from reinforcing Beast Soul Mountain.” Though Lu Yuan was practically certain to die on Beast Soul Mountain, they would offer what small assistance they could.

Over at the Thousand Water Gate. “Lu Yuan is charging Beast Soul Mountain on Dilong Star alone.” The visage of Grand Elder Ji Qianyu of the Thousand Water Gate was obscured by mist: “He certainly has courage!” Ji Qianyu pondered. Lu Yuan was a figure whose talent in swordsmanship allowed him to create world-ending techniques. Could such a person truly fall here?

On Dilong Star, Beast Soul Mountain.

“Hahahaha, daring to come here alone to seek death, how ridiculous.” The person laughing boisterously summoned his demonic beast soul. Above his head materialized the illusory shadow of a gigantic Three-Headed Hound, one of the primeval demonic beasts, possessing three heads, each with distinct abilities. After summoning it, the spectral hound let out a fierce howl. “Lu Yuan, I lost to you at World Volcano, but sadly, this time it’s not one-on-one, but many against one.” This was the man Lu Yuan had defeated at World Volcano. Above his head appeared the silhouette of a vermillion great bird—the shadow of the Vermillion Bird—radiating intense heat, as if they had entered a scorching world. “Hahahaha, Lu Yuan, I heard you’ve entered the World Realm. Allow this seasoned World Realm expert to test you, a mere newcomer to this stage!” Above this man’s head, the image of a four-winged serpent appeared—the Serpent of Lightning, known throughout the era for its unparalleled speed. “My little darling is ravenous and craves your flesh, Lu Yuan.” The man speaking was also a World Realm cultivator. Floating above him was the colossal form of a black wolf, distinct from common wolves. Its entire body was encased in black scales, and a plume of dark energy shot straight toward the heavens. The black wolf’s mouth was practically dripping, this being a Man-Eating Black Wolf. One individual remained silent, but what he summoned above his head was no ordinary beast, but insects—countless, glowing green insects swarming above him. These were the Heaven-Devouring Worms of antiquity. These insects consumed everything except the very fabric of heaven and earth. A person who managed to refine the soul of a Heaven-Devouring Worm and perfect their cultivation technique was likely no simple figure to trifle with. “…”

The people of the Desolate Beast Gate exchanged strange, muffled laughs. To them, Lu Yuan was a meal delivered right to their doorstep. Furthermore, Lu Yuan was famed as a peerless genius. Consuming his vital essence, blood, and flesh would enhance their power—this was the doctrine of the Desolate Beast Gate. Of course, given their nature, they preferred to torture their prey thoroughly before consumption. Since Lu Yuan was hailed as a Sword Dao genius, this ritual was even more necessary.

Qiu Qingshan roared out, “Lu Yuan, leave quickly!” He and Lu Yuan had no profound personal connection, but he had long heard of Lu Yuan’s reputation. Seeing Lu Yuan arrive to rescue them filled him with gratitude, but Lu Yuan was the hope of the Sword Gate; he absolutely could not be lost here saving them. He shouted for Lu Yuan to retreat. “Go? Go where? It’s too late,” Xiong Zhan kicked Qiu Qingshan flying.

“Buzz, buzz, buzz!” The Yang Wu Immortal Sword trembled violently. Lu Yuan gently plucked a string on the blade, tapping it with his finger: “Yang Wu, I know you are enraged. Since you are angry, today you shall accompany me to slaughter these Desolate Beast Gate members and show them the vastness of heaven and earth.” The Yang Wu Immortal Sword was a gentle, righteous weapon, rarely angered, much like its master, who was usually mild-mannered and easygoing. But now, the man was furious, and the sword was enraged. With anger flaring to his crown, in this moment of sword-rage, even his usually elegant long hair stood on end. Lu Yuan took a deep gulp of wine and splashed the excess onto the sword. Who knows the anger of a lifetime? Now, with one surge of fury, he draws his sword to challenge.

A dazzling sword light swept towards the multitude gathered on Beast Soul Mountain. Although Lu Yuan was famous and his swordsmanship exquisite, facing dozens single-handedly gave the opponents a sense of security. As they approached, Lu Yuan let out a faint, cold snort: “Sword One: The prosperity of life blooms for a single season!”

In almost an instant, Lu Yuan’s sword light erupted with the most brilliant luminescence, aimed at the thirty individuals charging him. What a magnificent sword light! Within this radiance, one could see flourishing cities, countless lights, exquisite scenery, men and women, the myriad facets of human existence. This single strike seemed to encompass everything! Endless splendor. Almost everyone caught within the sword light became transfixed, staring foolishly. Occasionally, those not entirely entranced tried to resist the strike, but the light was so beautiful, so intoxicating! However, even if prosperity blooms for but one season, it must fully bloom and then fade! At this moment, the splendor reached its peak and then receded from dreamlike wonder back to quiet simplicity. Yet, in that final instant, all thirty men attacking Lu Yuan felt a surge of blood erupt within them, transforming into beautiful blossoms of gore, adding a breathtaking aesthetic to the fleeting season of prosperity. Prosperity ends! One season concludes! Blood flowers fall.

This technique, Sword One: The Prosperity of Life Blooms for a Single Season, was exactly this—a sword move that intoxicated its victims in the light, revealing the complexities of life, only to lead them to death by the blade. It was a profound and subtle principle.

Clang! Lu Yuan returned the sword to its scabbard!

All thirty men collapsed, and the immense illusory beast shadows above their heads vanished as well. The Desolate Beast Gate relied on their demonic soul projections; now that the phantoms were gone, it signified that all thirty men were dead! What had happened? Among those thirty, while most were in the Cavern Realm, several were experts nearing the World Realm, and a few were established World Realm cultivators. Given the inherent advantage the Desolate Beast Gate held over the Sword Gate, it should have been exceedingly difficult for Lu Yuan to defeat the thirty, yet the reality was that he had annihilated them with a single sword stroke.

Qiu Qingshan and the other Sword Gate members were momentarily stunned. This was Lu Yuan’s swordsmanship! This was Lu Yuan’s strength! Qiu Qingshan believed that even at his peak, he could not have achieved such a feat. When Lu Yuan first appeared to rescue them, he held no hope, thinking Lu Yuan would only trap himself further. Now, a sliver of possibility had appeared.

The remaining twenty or so experts of the Desolate Beast Gate were equally aghast! One sword strike—merely one—had slain thirty men. And it was such a beautiful strike, like a fleeting glimpse of life’s grandeur.

Lu Yuan picked up his wine and took another sip, his anger somewhat subsided after unleashing that first strike. The technique he had just used was Sword One from the Ancient Sword Dao, an undeniably beautiful form. What sword number should follow now? Lu Yuan gripped the hilt, sensing the sword's core. Since the Monument of Forgotten Swords, he had maintained constant communion between his human heart and the sword’s core—the state of Clear Sword Heart!