Mortal: Fifteenth Realm Sword Cultivator

In recent years, the internal and external worlds have been in turmoil.

First, the Three Yang Old Demons of the Qingyang Sect launched a massive operation, issuing wanted notices throughout the Inner Sea to hunt down a female cultivator named Yuan Yao.

Meanwhile, White Wall Mountain, which was originally independent of the righteous and demonic paths, seems to have been destroyed by the Six Paths Supreme Saint.

News of the deaths of Jin Xia, the Supreme Elder of the Hongguang Sect, and Miao He, the Sect Master of the Biyun Sect, also surfaced.

With the inner and outer sea barriers destroyed and monsters running rampant, everyone, whether they were independent cultivators, sect cultivators, or immortal cultivation families, felt that a storm was brewing.

The inner and outer seas were simultaneously plunged into turmoil, and for a time, it was somewhat like the chaotic situation caused by the killing of a former Star Palace Master by the Heavenly Mirror Hermit three thousand years ago.

Just a few days ago, a large number of demonic beasts suddenly appeared in the sea area near Tianxing City.

On the sea, groups of fifth and sixth-order monsters caused devastating damage to passing trade ships.

Among them were crested serpents of the seventh rank, and blackwater basalt whales...

This scene caused a great stir throughout the Star Palace.

At that time, the Sixth Elder, who was in charge of the Star Palace, directly activated the Heavenly Star Array, which swept away the surging beast tide.

While this solved the immediate problem, it also greatly depleted his cultivation.

Originally, he wanted to clean up the mess in the Star Palace, but after this battle, coupled with the previous battle with Lei Peng, he was already severely weakened.

With the threat of the beast tide barely suppressed, the Sixth Elder had no choice but to hastily announce his seclusion.

Star Palace Temple.

A dozen or so Nascent Soul stage cultivators sat around a huge round table.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn and heavy, with various ripples of energy permeating the air, causing even the light to stagnate.

However, beneath this somber atmosphere lies an uncontrollable conflict.

It was precisely after the Sixth Elder suddenly announced his seclusion that the question arose: what should be done with the remaining nearly thirty years of his tenure over the Star Palace?

Some people believe that...

Rules are rules.

The six elders take turns serving for a hundred years; this is an ironclad rule established by the two saints.

The Sixth Elder's current seclusion is due to the suddenness of the event.

For the remaining thirty years, the responsibilities shall be jointly decided by all present, and the duties shall be shared to maintain the operation of the Star Palace until the centennial period is completed, after which the position shall be rotated to the Grand Elder in turn.

Others find this claim absurd.

The stability of the Star Palace is related to the safety of billions of living beings in the chaotic star sea. How can it be treated as a trivial matter and left to the discussion of the masses?

Inefficiency, unclear responsibilities, and the resulting internal strife!

The rotation of power is intended to centralize authority and unify commands.

Since the Sixth Elder is unable to perform his duties, the next in line, the First Elder Jin Kui, should take charge of the overall situation.

This is the most legitimate and safest approach.

Both sides stuck to their own versions of events, arguing fiercely and refusing to back down.

The dispute appears to be about the interpretation of the rotation rules, but the deeper reason lies in the two elders.

Grand Elder Jin Kui is in charge of the Star Palace, and his most distinctive characteristic is his iron-fisted approach.

Having been in power for a century, the Inner Sea must obediently follow the rules of the Star Palace. Anyone who dares to disobey will be swiftly and decisively eliminated, striving for strict discipline and order.

Under its rule, the Star Palace wielded immense power, yet it was also awe-inspiring.

The Sixth Elder's governance style was completely different; he preferred to go with the flow.

During his reign, although the inner and outer star systems seemed complex and unpredictable, lacking some constraints and appearing somewhat "chaotic," it was not entirely without its benefits.

The biggest benefit was that it greatly promoted trade and commerce, making exchanges between various islands and forces in the inland sea more active and economically prosperous.

However, aside from this significant advantage, its governance methods, which maintain the solemn order of the constellations, are indeed often criticized.

As for the four elders in the middle, they seem to adhere to neutrality and maintain a moderate balance.

Ultimately, it all boils down to the word "profit".

The existing power structure belonging to the Six Elders, and its original chain of interests, can continue to operate for another thirty years.

Once it's Elder Jin Kui's turn to be in charge, there's little room for leniency.

Moreover, the other party had already reached the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm two hundred years ago, just one step away from becoming a late-stage Grand Cultivator.

"What's wrong with making a joint decision? Aren't all of you here sufficient to decide matters concerning the Star Palace?"

"Hmph, too many people, too many opinions, and everyone has their own agenda. How are we going to deal with figures like the Six Paths Saint and Wan Sangu? The inner and outer sea barriers haven't been repaired yet; we need people everywhere. This beast tide has even reached Tianxing City; one can only imagine what it's like in other places!"

"This won't work, that won't work! If we can't come up with a solution after all this discussion, are we just going to sit here and waste our time doing nothing?!"

An elder surnamed Ximen Jia, who had a compound surname, finally couldn't hold back any longer and slammed his fist on the table.

Eight illusory golden longswords, seemingly solid, appeared behind him with a buzzing sound, their immense power like a raging torrent, instantly cleaving the stagnant air within the hall.

The chaos within the entire council hall was instantly pushed to its peak by this violent sword intent.

The auras of the Nascent Soul cultivators surged and collided, forming visible ripples that spread outwards in layers.

The Core Formation stage guards standing outside the hall were the first to be hit by the terrifying aftershocks of the pressure. They were all struck as if by a heavy hammer, and with muffled groans, they staggered and almost lost their footing. They took several steps back before barely managing to steady themselves, and their faces were filled with horror.

Shi Songpo sat upright, his expression unwavering as he watched the argument unfold. His face remained expressionless, showing neither joy nor sorrow, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

These old guys, no matter how much they talk, all know what they're really after.

As for Elder Ximen, Shi Songpo glanced at him and thought he was truly genuine, worthy of being a swordsman.

A figure wearing a black gold hooded cloak appeared out of nowhere behind Elder Ximen, who was furious and whose sword intent was soaring.

"Oh?"

This sudden appearance caught even Shi Songpo, who had been calmly observing the dispute inside the hall, and the dozen or so Nascent Soul cultivators in the hall off guard; none of them had noticed it beforehand.

Upon recognizing the person, Shi Songpo immediately stood up and respectfully said, "Greetings, Elder Jin Kui."

The others were also startled and reacted instantly. They all stood up, restrained their outward aura and argumentative demeanor, and bowed in unison.

Elder Jin Kui casually waved his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down. Only a pair of golden eyes were visible beneath his hood, and his voice carried a faint smile.

"It is truly gratifying to see everyone working so hard and debating so passionately about the affairs of the Star Palace. This is probably the only good news I have heard so far."

Before anyone could sit down, Shi Songpo quickly composed himself, bowed his head, and said respectfully, "The destruction of the inner and outer sea barriers has led to widespread suffering and the collapse of order, all of which are the fault of our dereliction of duty."

Elder Ximen was startled at this moment, hurriedly turned around, respectfully clasped his hands, and bowed deeply.

Jin Kui patted his shoulder, gesturing for him to sit down, and then everyone else sat down as well.

"Lei Peng fled, the great formation broke, and the beast tide attacked. Behind this, it's probably those old monsters plotting something again. This isn't a 'GG' (game over), but a recommendation for the treasure book 'Mortal: Fifteen Realms of Sword Cultivation'."

Did they anticipate that we would be thrown into chaos?

Hearing these words, the law enforcement elders secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

This statement clearly gave everyone a way out, indicating that the Grand Elder had no intention of delving deeper.

After all, if we really want to investigate the responsibility, who knows how long it will be before the Sixth Elder comes out of seclusion.

It's already a stroke of luck that they're not being held accountable immediately.

This is also a tactic and style that Kim Kyu usually uses.

Where there is appeasement, there will also be swift action.

Elder Jin Kui's sharp golden eyes, hidden in the shadow of his hood, swept across the entire hall. His next words instantly tightened the atmosphere in the hall, which had just eased, like a fully drawn bowstring.

"Within three months, twelve inner star islands and twenty-four outer star islands, including Tianxing City itself, I want every single island within a thousand miles of the sea to be devoid of any demonic beasts of the sixth rank or higher, not even one."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping across the faces of every elder present with an almost tangible intensity.

"If this task is not completed, all the elders present, regardless of their past conduct, will receive a demerit, and the commanders of the island guards will be brought to me with their heads."

For a moment, all was silent.

This order means that all the law enforcement elders present must use their core forces to clear out the beast tide.

With such a wide area involved, it was no easy task, and casualties were inevitable.

Leaving aside the twenty-four islands in the outer sea, let's just look at the twelve inner islands.

Each Nascent Soul cultivator needs to be responsible for overseeing one of them.

At the same time, the twenty-four outer islands also require them to allocate energy and manpower to coordinate the junior cultivators who have reached the Core Formation stage to wipe them out.

Jin Kui's move was to force them to give back the resources and foundation they had accumulated over the years!

At this moment, three or four elders, led by Shi Songpo and clearly belonging to Elder Jin Kui's direct lineage, suddenly stood up and responded in unison, "We will obey the law!"

Circumstances dictate that those in power are forced to submit under Jin Kui's accumulated authority.

Despite their reluctance, they had no choice but to turn around and reluctantly reply, "Yes."

Jin Kui nodded in satisfaction, his tone smiling, "Since everyone has no objections, let's proceed as planned. I haven't prepared a luncheon."

The elders nodded slightly, said no more, and rose to their feet, transforming into more than ten streaks of rainbow light of different colors as they left the temple.

The tense and solemn atmosphere that had just filled the hall dissipated almost entirely as the Nascent Soul cultivators left.

Only Shi Songpo did not leave immediately after getting up.

Jin Kui asked, "Old Shi, would you like to come with me to Extreme Yin Island?"

Upon hearing this, Shi Songpo immediately stepped forward. "Is the Grand Elder going in person? Why don't I go ahead and investigate that madman's true strength?"

Jin Kui chuckled lightly, "That madman dared to do such a thing, he must have someone backing him. Whether he's relying on someone surnamed Wan or someone surnamed Wen, with your cultivation at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, you might not be able to suppress him. Oh well, it makes no difference whether one more person goes or I go alone."

Shi Songpo said seriously, "I dare not speak falsely in front of the Grand Elder. If we really fight, I believe I can easily defeat that old devil."

The lineage of Jiyin Island, or rather, the former Xuanyin Island, has indeed produced several ruthless individuals.

But they've always been playing the game of paternal love and filial piety while stabbing each other in the back.

Upon arriving at the extreme Yin realm, not only is the former formidable and ferocious power nowhere to be found, but even some of their most treasured techniques are gone.

Jin Kui neither commented nor denied this, but simply walked slowly out of the hall with his hands behind his back.

The standing guard immediately knelt on one knee and bowed his head to show respect.

He stood on the high platform in front of the hall, gazing into the distance, his eyes filled with emotion, and slowly began to speak:

"Does the Way have a sequence? Does the Law have a greater or lesser scope? Does an empty boat have a higher or lower level?"

These seemingly casual words seemed to contain some profound truth of the universe, and as if the law had come from the words, the temple beneath their feet seemed to resonate with them, the temple body trembled slightly, and the golden bells hanging from the eaves emitted a clear and melodious sound.

Shi Songpo was startled and instantly understood, bowing respectfully to receive the instruction.

Jin Kui withdrew his gaze, then suddenly remembered something and turned to ask, "I heard that Brother Wang Heng and his wife from the Miaoyin Sect also died there during the Kuixing Island incident?"

Shi Songpo quickly replied, "That's right. Now, the entire Miaoyin Sect is only supported by her, a young girl in the Qi Refining stage... Before the Sixth Elder went into seclusion, he seemed to feel that she was too young to take charge of the overall situation, so he specially sent a Core Formation stage cultivator to assist her."

Simply stating the facts makes it seem like you've said everything.

Jin Kui sighed softly, "That sixth brother..."

He shook his head slightly, clearly having reservations about how he handled the Miaoyinmen matter.

Supporting a young master is common sense, but sending a Core Formation cultivator who clearly has the intention of usurping the throne to "assist" him is rather unseemly and seems to be adding fuel to the fire in the already chaotic situation of the Miaoyin Sect.

Seeing that Jin Kui had already reached a conclusion on the matter of Miaoyin Gate, Shi Songpo took the opportunity to steer the conversation toward another more noteworthy target.

He stepped forward, lowering his voice even further, with utmost seriousness: "Elder, in your wisdom, there is another matter to report. Several decades ago, a rogue cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage came to Tianxing City and is now entrenched in the fiftieth level of the cave."

Jin Kui nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

Shi Songpo continued, "This person's surname is Lu. I have had two encounters with him. Observing his speech, behavior and manner of doing things, he is far from being an ordinary rogue cultivator. He has a deep and unfathomable foundation."

Despite extensive inquiries into his background, this person seemed to have appeared out of thin air, leaving no trace or clue in the past few hundred years of the Chaotic Star Sea.

What's even more perplexing is that his cultivation level is far beyond that of someone who has just entered the Nascent Soul stage. I suspect that he may very well have... reached the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

Shi Songpo glanced at Jin Kui's reaction, and seeing that the other remained silent, he continued:

"Moreover, this person seems to have a connection with the Miaoyin Sect. When Wang Heng and his wife were alive, he often visited their cave. But strangely, after Wang Heng and his wife died on Kuixing Island, he did not show any obvious intention to protect the Miaoyin Sect. He has not taken any clear action so far, as if he is detached from the matter, making it difficult to figure out his true intentions."

Moreover, the deaths of Jinxia from the Red Light Sect and Miaohe from the Azure Cloud Sect, both Nascent Soul cultivators... seem to be inextricably linked to this man surnamed Lu.

Upon hearing this, Jin Kui didn't say anything, only uttering a single, soft remark.

"The Chaotic Star Sea is about to change."

Shi Songpo nodded and said, "Changes in the weather do not necessarily mean changes in the weather itself."

Grand Elder Jin Kui laughed and said, "Indeed."

(P.S.: I've been busy all day and I'm really exhausted. Dear readers, I'll only post 4000 words today and will make up for it when I get back.)