Born with immortal seed

Chapter 498 Inviting the Great True Lord to Test His Sword
"True Monarch Bai Zichen of the Azure Maple Sect has arrived! He pays homage to a White Bone Relic!"

Mi Yi lightly bit her red lips, and a crisp sound echoed in front of the mountain gate, increasing in intensity as it traveled towards the mountaintop.

At the same time, he turned sideways to guide them onto the yellow earth road and up the jade steps.

Bai Zichen chuckled softly and followed Mi Yi up the steps. On both sides of the brocade forest, several white cranes strolled leisurely and proudly, while colorful birds preened their feathers.

A glossy deer galloped through the forest.

They are all second-tier spirit beasts, which seems somewhat inferior to the Five Phoenix Sword Sect.

However, since it is a major sect of sword cultivators, not a sect of beast taming, the strength of spirit beasts is far from being the primary consideration.

It symbolizes good fortune, longevity, and prosperity, and has an outstanding appearance.

These features alone make it far superior to other spirit beasts. Does the Five Phoenix Sword Sect really lack a few more third-tier spirit beasts for combat power?

"Qingfeng Sect, I've never heard of this True Monarch's name or sect before... Could he be from the Eastern Region?"

Mu Leyao's mouth opened slightly as the group took their seats and looked up at the True Lords conversing on the high platform, only to hear the new announcements of names from below the mountain.

"Bai Zichen, that name sounds familiar. I think I heard someone mention it somewhere a few years ago..."

The old cultivator from the Mu family, who had reached the Core Formation stage, fell into deep thought. At his age, he might not have seen all the Nascent Soul True Monarchs in the Central Region, but he had at least heard of their names.

I have a good understanding of all the Nascent Soul sects in the Central Region, so that I can have something to talk about with any sect cultivator I encounter.

He was certain that there was no Nascent Soul level sect called Qingfeng Sect in the Central Region.

"Looks so young, another senior who has reached the Nascent Soul stage in his prime... Like a sword hidden in its sheath, its sharpness is contained and not revealed. Judging from its temperament, it should also be a sword cultivator."

Upon hearing Mu Leyao's words, a flash of inspiration struck the old cultivator of the Mu family who had just reached the Core Formation stage, reminding him of a familiar source.

"It's that sword cultivator from the Northern Region who reversed the Nascent Soul stage at the Core Formation stage! He was touted by the barbarians of the Northern Region as the number one sword talent in nearly ten thousand years, which once caused a great uproar among the major sword sects in the Central Region, who wanted to teach him a lesson!"

"I never expected that he would have successfully transcended the tribulation and achieved the Nascent Soul stage in just a few years!"

Cultivators in the Central Region have always been arrogant and have a natural psychological advantage over the other four regions. Only the Eastern Region, which has produced a Nascent Soul cultivator since ancient times, can look up to them.

Especially in the northern and western regions, which are remote and impoverished areas, news from these places is often misrepresented.

For thousands of years, countless people have boasted of their divine transformation abilities, yet not a single Great True Lord has emerged.

If it weren't for the fact that his feat of reversing the Nascent Soul stage to defeat the Core Formation stage was so obvious and remarkable, it would be a rare achievement that cannot be ignored in the long river of time.

The rumors about Bai Zichen are likely to be dismissed with a laugh by cultivators in the Central Region; no one takes them to heart.

The old cultivator of the Mu family who had reached the Core Formation stage clearly remembered that at the time, a group of Core Formation cultivators criticized the barbarians of the Northern Region for being shameless and for fabricating a story, claiming that the Nascent Soul True Monarch who had died unexpectedly had been given a battle record and pinned it on Bai Zichen, thus creating the image of such an unparalleled sword cultivator.

Even among the major sword sects in the Central Region, none of their current holy sons have been able to achieve the feat of reversing the formation of the Core Formation and severing the Nascent Soul.

No one could believe that such a once-in-a-millennium prodigy would appear in the Northern Region.

"Now that they have reached the Nascent Soul stage, it proves that their talent is not just a flash in the pan... In recent years, the Five Phoenix Sword Sect has shown the potential to rival the Azure Lotus Sword Sect. How could they allow a sword cultivator from the Northern Region to steal their limelight? There may even be a True Monarch competing in swordsmanship at today's celebration!"

The old cultivator from the Mu family, who had reached the Core Formation stage, was old and prudent, but he still looked excited when he thought about the possible battle.

"Number one swordsmanship talent in ten thousand years!"

Mu Leyao's eyes flashed with different colors as she kept her gaze fixed on the elegant young man in the water-colored robe.

"Bai Zichen of the Qingfeng Sect?"

"Who could it be... perhaps a sect from another region that is on good terms with the Five Phoenix Sword Sect, coming from afar to offer their congratulations?"

"It's that swordsman from the Northern Region!"

The True Lords on the high platform had different expressions. Some were slightly moved, while others had not heard of it and even asked their fellow Daoists.

Zhuo Xiong of Tianxing Sect shook the wine cup in his hand, spilling some spiritual wine. He lowered his eyes to conceal the change in his expression.

"Senior Brother Zhuo, do you know this person?"

This, of course, did not escape the notice of Zhang Zishou, a fellow disciple sitting at the table next to him, who asked in a telepathic voice.

"Nothing, I just thought of an old matter that is related to this person."

Zhuo Xiong raised his head, revealing a kind smile, and drank the spirit wine in his cup.

"Ok."

Zhang Zishou didn't press the matter further, but he felt a growing unease about Bai Zichen, who had arrived late.

In ancient times, the Tianxing Sect was just an obscure minor sect, only known for its unique escape techniques.

For thousands of years afterward, the sect fluctuated between the status of a clan and a sub-sect, unable to even maintain a stable presence with a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

Until more than three thousand years ago, the sect broke with tradition and established two holy sons among the disciples of the same generation.

The reason is that both of them are exceptionally talented and their brilliance cannot be concealed; abandoning either of them would be a waste of their potential.

The then-leader of the Tianxing Sect even sold his own magical treasures to raise resources to support the cultivation of his two holy sons.

As the saying goes, "Heaven rewards those who persevere." The two of them almost simultaneously transformed into Nascent Souls, and hundreds of years later, they both achieved the Great Dao of Transformation, becoming known as the Twin Saints of the Nebula.

With the two saints shining brightly, the Heavenly Star Sect has become a super sect in the Central Region, leaving a group of Nascent Soul sects at the same level far behind.

Even the super sects were overwhelmed by the Tianxing Sect, which had produced two Nascent Soul True Monarchs.

In particular, the Tianxing Sect, which was originally of average foundation, became domineering and aggressive after being backed by two Nascent Soul Ancestors. They frantically seized land and resources, offending countless sects.

Later, a Nascent Soul True Monarch and several Core Formation True Persons of the Tianxing Sect died one after another without cause outside the mountain gate. There were no signs of violence, and no injuries on their bodies. It was as if the Five Signs of Decay of Heaven and Man had come to pass in their sleep, and they died inexplicably.

Even with the intervention of the Nebula Twin Saints, they were unable to trace the true culprit back to the source. They could only vent their anger by annihilating several groups of Tribulation Cultivators, and the matter was left unresolved.

Since then, the Heavenly Star Sect has slowed down its actions and learned to share the benefits with everyone, instead of leaving nothing behind.

No more cultivators from the sect have died without cause since.

Today, after more than three thousand years of development, the Tianxing Sect is strong enough to be considered a super sect in all aspects.

There is only one weakness that makes them unable to hold their heads high.

Of the eight Nascent Soul cultivators in the sect, not a single one was a Great True Monarch.

The two sages of the Nebula Sect seemed to have exhausted all the favor bestowed upon them by the Heavenly Star Sect, and the late-stage Nascent Soul realm had become an insurmountable barrier for others.

Generation after generation of cultivators have been trapped in this situation, which has almost become a mental demon for the Tianxing Sect cultivators.

Several Nascent Soul True Monarchs were all striving to break through their realms, but Zhuo Xiong believed that his success in transforming into a Nascent Soul was purely by chance, and there was almost no possibility of advancing any further.

He took the initiative to take on the sect's general affairs so that his fellow disciples could have more time for secluded cultivation.

All the sect's affairs, receiving visitors, and awarding and punishing officials—all the general affairs of the Tianxing Sect fell on his shoulders.

Zhuo Xiong was fat but kind-hearted and friendly. He never argued with his fellow disciples and was known as a good-natured person.

When disputes arose among fellow disciples, they would ask him to mediate.

"Senior Brother Meng is right, Bai Zichen really did come!"

On the high platform, tables and chairs were arranged in a flowing pattern. In the center was a person with red lips and white teeth, wearing a double bun hairstyle, a fiery red robe, a colorful phoenix in front of him, and a large phoenix behind him.

With a cinnabar mole between his brows, he sat casually on a futon, exuding the air of a carefree and unrestrained young man.

Today's protagonist is Han Chaoxuan, the youngest Nascent Soul True Monarch of the Five Phoenix Sword Sect. He and Gu Chongxuan of the Azure Lotus Sword Sect are known as the "Twin Xuans" and are the two most promising sword cultivators of the new generation.

"Talented people emerge in every region, not just in the Central Region. The Taibai Sword Sect also originated in the Western Region..."

Beside Han Chaoxuan, the True Lord wore a golden fish-tail crown, with silk ribbons tied in two knots, and had a silver beard and white hair, exuding an air of otherworldly grace.

"Since he is a guest invited by Junior Brother Meng to offer his congratulations, Junior Brother Han, you must not be impolite."

"Yes, I understand."

Han Chaoxuan, who was eager to try, had no choice but to sit up straight; he had to listen to his senior brother.

Ma You, the Great True Lord, was almost five hundred years older than him. From the time he formed the Golden Core until he transformed into an Infant, he was the one who guided and taught him.

Although they did not have the formal title of master and disciple, they were in fact master and disciple.

Despite his impulsive nature, Han Chaoxuan still listened to Ma You when it came to serious matters.

In an instant, Bai Zichen stepped onto the high platform and felt beams of curious gazes falling on him, as if they were real.

Unexpectedly, a mere inauguration ceremony could attract so many cultivators, including more than a dozen Nascent Soul True Monarchs.

Such a scene could only be easily assembled in the Central Region.

If placed in the Northern Region, it would be close to gathering most of the True Lords of the Four Kingdoms.

Unless something as momentous as destroying Zengguang Immortal City happens, it would be difficult to assemble such a formidable lineup.

Moreover, there were two Great True Lords here, whose gazes exerted an invisible pressure on him.

"I, Bai Zichen of Qingfeng Sect, have come to visit you without permission. Please forgive me... I heard that Han Zhenjun's Daoist temple has been completed, so I have come to offer my congratulations and ask for a cup of spiritual wine."

Bai Zichen remained calm, bowed, and then stepped aside to greet him.

"This junior greets the Great True Lord."

This old cultivator, with his ethereal and otherworldly demeanor, looked kind and gentle, like a bladeless flying sword, revealing no sharp edges.

But Bai Zichen believed that once he made his move, it would be earth-shattering and unstoppable.

Based on my spiritual perception alone, this Great True Lord Ma You is far superior to the Holy Maiden of the Joyful Sect; they are even on completely different levels.

Against the Holy Maiden, as long as he can hold out until the projection of her Purple Mansion Treasure disappears, Bai Zichen is fully confident that he can at least maintain an undefeated situation.

Even if you grit your teeth and play all your cards, there's still a chance of victory.

But when facing Ma You, I didn't have that feeling. I only felt that this person was unfathomable, as deep as an abyss or the sea.

'As expected, I underestimated the late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators; even among Great True Monarchs, there are differences in strength...'

"Guests are always welcome. Young friend Bai is a master of swordsmanship, and your presence is an honor to our sect... Please take a seat and enjoy this divine feast with us."

Ma You pointed, and another table and a futon flew over to Meng Dongye's side.

After Bai Zichen took his seat, he silently observed the Nascent Soul cultivators in the room, trying to deduce their identities and origins from their clothing and appearance.

A line of maids carried various dishes of spiritual food and placed them on the table.

After a round of clinking glasses and everyone enjoying themselves, Xiang Banshan, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up, saying, "True Lord Bai comes from the Qingfeng Sect, so he must be from the same sect as Ge Cang?"

Only two Great True Lords spoke during the gathering, and everyone else consciously fell silent.

If Ma You is described as having the air of an immortal and the demeanor of a virtuous cultivator, then Xiang Banshan, who is also at the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm, is far inferior in appearance and temperament.

With his dark skin and hemp clothing, he looked more like a hardworking old farmer.

"That is indeed my senior brother."

Bai Zichen's heart stirred, and he put down the wine cup in his hand.

He had already learned the identity of the other Great True Lord from Meng Dongye, so he wasn't surprised that Meng Dongye had come to him.

Xiang Wanyi, whom Ge Cang defeated earlier, was Xiang Banshan's biological son.

The fact that both father and son reached the Nascent Soul stage is a legendary tale in the cultivation world.

Because of this, the Nine Difficulties Sect has almost become a one-man show for the Xiang family, which has seized the vast majority of power.

Xiang Wanyi was originally seen as the one who would inherit his father's mantle and take charge of the sect, but he was almost completely defeated by an unknown Nascent Soul cultivator from the Northern Region, which dealt a great blow to his reputation.

"My son fought Ge Cang, but he was no match for him and was defeated. He had nothing to say... But Ge Cang was relentless. After winning, he still attacked Wan Yi, causing his body to be shattered by divine lightning and his meridians to be charred."

He spoke calmly to Banshan, as if he were stating the facts fairly from the perspective of an observer.

"This scoundrel is almost at the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage, about to break through. After this battle, whether it's changing his physical body, repairing his meridians, or refining the rampant Thunder Dao True Meaning within his body, it will take at least two or three hundred years. True Lord Bai, tell me, how can we wash away this enmity that has blocked our path?"

"Once you step onto the stage, life or death is irrelevant."

Bai Zichen seemed oblivious to the chill in the Great True Lord's words, remaining calm and composed as if conversing with an ordinary Nascent Soul True Lord.

"Brother Ge is upright and honest, but I'm afraid there's more to the story. Have you investigated thoroughly, Great True Lord? Don't let yourself be misled."

Only then did Bai Zichen realize that Ge Cang had not only defeated Xiang Wanyi by a great margin, but had also destroyed her physical body with his supreme thunder magic.

Based on his understanding of Ge Cang, he knew that his senior brother was not a nice guy.

His refined appearance is only for his own family. If you really provoke him, he will take ruthless measures, such as chasing an enemy cultivator for hundreds of thousands of miles to wipe out his entire family.

It's highly likely that Xiang Wanyi was at a disadvantage but refused to surrender and even tried to turn the tide by using secret techniques or activating spiritual treasures.

This prompted Ge Cang to transform into a sea of ​​lightning, recklessly pushing his lightning techniques to their limits.

Since he already possessed the true form of Red, he was not afraid of the backlash from the lightning magic; he would harm himself before harming others.

Once the Xuanming One Qi Formless Divine Thunder is unleashed at full power, even Ge Cang cannot control its intensity, so Xiang Wanyi is simply unlucky.

Bai Zichen sensed that Xiang Banshan's strength was between that of Ma You and the Holy Maiden of the Joyful Sect.

If it really comes down to a life-or-death struggle, the outcome is still uncertain.

Of course, it's more likely that a war will never break out.

After all, it's the Five Phoenix Sword Sect's territory, and it wouldn't sound good if the guests fought and killed each other, no matter who won.

“Fellow Daoist Xiang, today is the opening ceremony of Junior Brother Han’s Daoist temple, let’s not talk about other things… The entanglement between your son and Ge Cang is none of your business, young friend Bai. You can go and reason with Ge Cang yourself from now on.”

Ma You indeed stepped in as a mediator, saying that as long as no conflict broke out on White Python Mountain, it would be fine.

"Alright, I'll give Fellow Daoist Ma this face and not make things difficult for a junior like you. When you see Ge Cang later, remember to tell him that within ten years he must bind his hands and kowtow to our sect to admit his mistake, or I will rush to the Northern Region and eradicate his roots!"

He disdainfully looked away from the mountainside and returned his gaze to his own rough palms, examining them carefully as if he had bestowed a great favor upon them.

"Okay, it's really good!"

Bai Zichen was furious, his eyes filled with cold killing intent. He raised a round, large-bellied bronze jar in front of him and drank the fiery spirit wine inside clean.

Because the filter that Meng Dongye and others had formed about the Central Region was shattered, the cultivation world is ultimately still a world where the strong prey on the weak.

The Central Region is merely an additional layer of civilization compared to the Northern Region, but its essence remains unchanged.

"No need for ten years later, Bai Zichen of Qingfeng Sect, please come down and test your sword against the Great True Monarch!"

(End of this chapter)