Wei Xu showed no trace of ill-intent, merely studying Zong Shou up and down, a sharp gleam flickering in his eyes. This leveraging of power, it had actually worked!

From just a moment ago until now, only twenty breaths had passed. In a mere twenty breaths, Zong Shou had grasped the essence of his Great Sun Martial Way, elevating it from having no foundation to the level of pure intent!

He hadn't even covered half the distance of a hundred li. This speed was simply terrifying!

Truly, his connection to the Way of the Sword was spiritual, not false in the least! No, it was more than that; this wasn't mere borrowing or imitation, but the integration of his Great Sun Blade Intent into his own martial path!

What kind of monstrous talent had he brought back to the sect this time? While not one who cultivated both spiritual and martial paths simultaneously, perhaps in the future, he might reach the apex of both domains.

The path of cultivation is much like a long-distance race. No matter how fast one runs at the start, if they stumble midway, or lack the endurance for the finish, they will ultimately lose.

Zong Shou let out a cold snort, and only after a long pause did the fierce intent in his eyes gradually recede. "Senior Brother doesn't feel he owes this junior brother an explanation?" He more or less guessed that this was a probe from Wei Xu, a test, or perhaps more accurately, an inspection of goods.

But since he felt dissatisfied, he ought to state it plainly, letting the man know. Otherwise, this fellow might only become more presumptuous.

"An explanation for what? Isn't killing the enemy with one's own hands more cathartic?" Wei Xu wasn't angered; instead, his expression showed appreciation.

Smiling, he stepped closer and glanced at the chunks of corpse matter scattered on the ground outside. As the scattered flesh and blood were about to touch the earth, they suddenly burst into flame.

His look of surprise deepened. "Just now, I merely wanted to show my junior brother the manner of conduct for disciples of the Cang Sheng Dao.

Our Dao values the word 'Solitary' above all, and the word 'Unrestrained.' Solitary means coming and going alone, self-reliance being paramount. Unrestrained means acting upon whim, free and easy, following one's heart's desire.

If you intend to rely on the sect's influence or the strength of your fellow disciples in the future, you are likely to be disappointed. Relying on others is unreliable.

At most, if you are slain, our Cang Sheng Dao will avenge you by slaying your enemy, so you die without regret." Zong Shou froze, recalling the disciples of the Seven Spirit Sect and the Light Sound Gate; their disciples didn't seem to behave as Wei Xu described. When trouble arose, weren't they always calling friends and gathering in throngs to rely on superior numbers?

He knew then that the Sword Sect was infinitely superior to the Cang Sheng Dao. "It's only the Cang Sheng Dao!

It has nothing to do with the Three Sects and Six Gates." As if reading Zong Shou's thoughts, Wei Xu shook his head and explained, "Within our Dao gate, including you, there are only seven people currently. In fact, my intervention just now was an exception; my junior brother, you now owe me a personal favor—" Zong Shou was first fiercely shaken, then realization dawned, and he snapped angrily, "Owing you a favor?

Isn't this trouble you brought upon me? If your Cang Sheng Dao hadn't obstructed me, I, Zong Shou, could have joined the Grand Spirit Sect or even the Five Solitary Mountain Manor.

What could the Demonic Mountain Sect have done to me then?" Wei Xu’s breath hitched; knowing he couldn't bluff any longer, he switched to a hearty laugh, "Then let's say no one owes anyone. However, today, if it weren't for Kui Qi, I truly wouldn't have known my junior brother possessed such ambition—to absorb and utilize the swordways of a hundred schools!" Zong Shou's gaze immediately narrowed, though he wasn't surprised.

His Sword Dao Heart Sutra was rooted in the Primordial One Sword, tracing back to the very origin of martial arts. The Nether Death Sword Intent, the Mountain and River Sword Intent, the Great Sun Sword Intent, and even the Shocking Cloud Divine Annihilation Sword Intent he displayed were merely external manifestations.

Their source was ultimately the Primordial One Sword. The path of the sword, no matter how varied, always returns to its root.

As long as the foundation is held firm, all things can be derived. One can use a single sword to perfectly embody the swordways of a hundred schools, or one can use the swords of a hundred schools to refine the self and build the foundation.

This was how he improved his martial path in his previous life, and it was the same philosophy underpinning his self-created World-Shaking Spirit Art today. Wei Xu was a Saint Realm expert; it wasn't surprising that he could discern the foundation of his sword path.

However, what his Senior Brother saw was only the part he intended to reveal. The anger in his heart had not yet subsided, and he was about to speak, when he heard Wei Xu's tone shift again: "Hearing what this person said earlier, it seems the situation over at Profound Mountain City is also quite dire.

Doesn't my junior brother wish to take a trip to Profound Mountain City? Are you planning to walk eastwards the whole way, or should I transport you over there?" Zong Shou blinked, his fighting spirit instantly vanishing.

Having such a large vulnerability held in the opponent's hand made it impossible to truly explode in fury. Qian Tian Mountain was over two thousand li from Profound Mountain City.

Without Wei Xu's teleportation method, it would take him several days to reach it. "Junior brother is no longer angry?

That's a good child. I shall show some goodwill today and take you over." Wei Xu smiled faintly, then suddenly reached out, and a talisman manifested before him.

Beams of spiritual light spilled from the talisman paper. The space around them suddenly twisted and transformed.

Zong Shou understood in an instant that Wei Xu wasn't using the talisman's power to shift space, but rather suppressing the spatial fluctuations caused by the manipulation. Given Wei Xu's realm, concealing his aura in this world actually required several times more magical power and was far more difficult than tearing open the fabric of time and space.

Suddenly remembering something, Zong Shou asked out of curiosity, "Senior Brother, is our Cang Sheng Dao truly so honorable? Have we never gone back on our word?" He wondered if, in later generations, the Cang Sheng Dao would become a disgrace to its descendants.

Never mind the Three Sects and Six Gates, even the dilapidated Cang Sheng Dao sect itself was largely infamous. He himself would surely become the prime culprit in tarnishing the sect's reputation in the future.

"Naturally, that is our golden signboard!" Wei Xu chuckled upon hearing this, a hint of smugness coloring his tone, "Those who have seen us break our word are mostly long dead. Our Cang Sheng Dao naturally does not deceive people.

Take Kui Qi, for example; I said I wouldn't lay a finger on him. But the numerous disciples and successors of the Seven Spirit Sect are all my subordinates.

Letting them act doesn't count as breaking my oath!" Zong Shou immediately let out an 'Oh,' instantly understanding the nuance. At that precise moment, a strong gust of wind swept around him, and then the scenery in all four directions transformed once more.

※※※※ The place they materialized seemed to be near Profound Mountain City, no more than thirty li away. Zong Shou quietly marveled at the precise control over space possessed by an Immortal Realm expert, while frowning as he gazed at the distant silhouette of the city.

This great city was eerily silent and oppressed. Like Qian Tian Mountain City a few days prior, it exuded an atmosphere of imminent battle.

"It seems the fight has already broken out on that mountaintop!" Zong Shou immediately strained his eyes to look into the distance. Indeed, atop the summit, swirling masses of vital energy and spiritual power fluctuations were expanding outwards.

Before he could examine it closely, Wei Xu grabbed his shoulder again: "With your cultivation, you probably can't scan a thousand li. Let's go, I'll take you up to see." With a single step, they were already on the peak of Profound Mountain.

The summit was a scene of utter devastation. Those massive crossbows were already destroyed.

However, there were no garrisoned soldiers to be seen here, and naturally, no casualties. Only a dozen figures stood near the Iron Guard Hall, all possessing considerable cultivation.

And Xuanyuan Tong stood like a mountain, yet his face was somewhat ashen, positioned in the center of the training ground. Before him, a black-robed old man floated in the void, appearing to be about sixty or seventy years old, radiating confidence, his gaze a mixture of mockery and caution as he looked downward.

When the two arrived, Xuanyuan Tong launched a fierce strike with his mace. A loud resonance of vital energy boomed from the mountaintop, causing the entire Profound Mountain to tremble.

But then came a light clang. Where the mace wind struck, a black sword was forcibly knocked aside by the immense power.

Yet, it only flew back three zhang before hovering in the air again. It was as if the blow, capable of crushing dozens of Profound Martial Masters, was utterly inconsequential.

The old man also remained perfectly composed: "Is this the Eighteen Methods of Profound Mountain of your Xuanyuan family? They do bear some resemblance to our Demonic Mountain Sect.

But that is all; hardly worth a sneer." "In your esteemed eyes, perhaps that is so." Xuanyuan Tong's eyes, usually half-open, showed no sign of wavering now. "But at least here atop Profound Mountain, within this city, you cannot touch me!

You demonic fiends and vile spirits dare to emerge and cause chaos? I see your death approaches!" "Demonic fiends and vile spirits?

Heh, then what does that make your esteemed wife? When it comes to wickedness, I am far behind." The black-robed old man let out a dry laugh, though the sharpness in his eyes did not diminish: "Today I indeed underestimated you, Xuanyuan Tong.

But while I cannot touch you right now, I might still be able to touch your Profound Mountain City. If you truly push me to the extreme, I'm capable of anything.

I advise the City Lord to surrender peacefully and hand over your daughter. I won't take her life; I merely need her for some trivial matters over at Qian Tian Mountain—" Xuanyuan Tong opened his eyes slightly in fury and was about to speak when Xuanyuan Yiren, standing before the Iron Guard Hall, suddenly exclaimed with surprise, "Zong Shou?" The two figures locked in confrontation were slightly startled and turned to look back.

They saw two figures, one tall and one short, both slender, standing near the cliff edge not far away. Both were startled, having absolutely no idea when these two had arrived.

Upon confirming it was indeed Zong Shou, Xuanyuan Tong breathed a sigh of relief. The expression of the black-robed old man, however, darkened slightly.

Zong Shou looked expectantly at Wei Xu, and seeing no intention from the other party to intervene, he sighed slightly, "So, it still falls to me?" Wei Xu offered no reply, but cast an appreciative glance, which subtly conveyed the message: My junior brother is indeed clever; one worth teaching. Zong Shou almost wanted to slap him.

A Heaven Rank Martial Sovereign was one thing, but facing a Martial Venerable expert, even with the borrowed might of a Saint Realm master, he was ten parts defeated with absolutely no chance of victory. However, without much hesitation, Zong Shou drew his sword and stepped forward, "Uncle, may I take this fight?

This calamity was brought upon me by myself, Zong Shou; I should resolve it myself." Xuanyuan Tong instinctively wanted to refuse, but after a moment, he felt Zong Shou's aura suddenly become hot and blazing, powerful but slightly inferior to his own, yet purer and possessing a greater inherent strength. His gaze was also unshakably determined.

After an initial startle, Xuanyuan Tong thoughtfully glanced at the unfathomable Wei Xu in the distance. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded, "Very well, but first, we must share a drink!"

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