The First Venerable of All Paths

"snort!"

Xiao Jinyu staggered, and blood spilled from the corner of her mouth.

Its powerful aura also plummeted from its peak to its lowest point.

She was injured, seriously, to the point that her cultivation level dropped.

Why would you do this?

Fang Xuan handed over a pill and said helplessly, "If I want to leave, they can't stop me."

Fang Xuan was telling the truth.

Sword cultivators are number one in killing, but they are also number one in escaping.

Riding on a sword, one can traverse thousands of miles.

This is not just talk.

Even with Pang Long present, Fang Xuan could still escape unscathed and even kill Nangong Xingyu with a single sword strike.

Xiao Jinyu's appearance was something he hadn't expected.

Making yourself look so pathetic is a very unwise decision.

Moreover, Fang Xuan felt that his relationship with Xiao Jinyu was not good enough for Xiao Jinyu to come to his rescue.

"You heartless bastard, I at least saved your life."

Upon hearing Fang Xuan's words, Xiao Jinyu couldn't help but roll her eyes.

After taking the medicine, her injuries were brought under control, and her complexion became rosier.

But he was still very weak, and his condition had deteriorated significantly.

Don't expect to recover in a short time.

It is necessary to regulate the essence, repair the martial meridians, and rebuild the foundation.

This is not a simple matter.

It's even possible that one's cultivation will stagnate there, unable to make any further progress.

"But you are, after all, a member of Tianbaolou. Aren't you afraid of their retaliation for doing this?"

Fang Xuan looked at Xiao Jinyu, his brows furrowing slightly.

In his view, people like Xiao Jinyu prioritize their own interests.

Even if Nangong Xingyu went too far, it was still an internal conflict within Tianbao Tower.

Tonight's move signifies a complete break between the two sides.

In the future, they will inevitably face targeting.

"Do you think they would have let me go even without this incident?"

Xiao Jinyu smiled bitterly and said, "The people behind Nangong Xingyu wish I were dead."

"In the end, you were also implicated because of me."

Xiao Jinyu looked at Fang Xuan and said with a hint of schadenfreude, "That Nangong Xingyu won't let you off easily."

"That's really thanks to you."

Fang Xuan pursed his lips and changed the subject, asking, "What are your plans next?"

"What else can we do? We can't stay in Mingyang County any longer."

Xiao Jinyu looked somewhat dejected.

Given Nangong Xingyu's vindictive nature, he would definitely embellish the story and report it to his master.

From now on, Xiao Jinyu only has two choices.

Either bow down and submit to the person behind Nangong Xingyu, and become a canary kept in a cage.

Either you suffer relentless pursuit until you are forced to submit.

Xiao Jinyu didn't want to choose either of these two options.

"The same to you."

Xiao Jinyu said softly, "You killed the people from Tianbao Tower, and now you're being targeted by Nangong Xingyu. He won't let this go."

"Based on my understanding of him."

Xiao Jinyu said in a heavy tone, "He will splash dirty water on you, and then, as the manager of Tianbaolou, issue a kill order against you."

"That's something he's really capable of doing."

Fang Xuan said calmly, "However, if he wants to kill me, we'll see if his neck is tough enough."

"Fang Xuan, don't take this lightly."

Seeing Fang Xuan's nonchalant attitude, Xiao Jinyu reminded him, "The Tianbao Tower's kill order should not be taken lightly. Its significance even surpasses that of those major sects."

Even if you are a powerful figure, you have no choice but to bow down when faced with the Tianbao Tower's kill order.

Xiao Jinyu said, "Of course, if Nangong Xingyu takes a liking to what you have, he certainly won't make a big fuss about it. He will keep it within a certain scope."

"What's on me?"

Fang Xuan frowned and said, "Heavenly Fire, or my swordsmanship inheritance?"

"What Nangong Xingyu wants is your swordsmanship inheritance."

Xiao Jinyu did not hide anything and said, "But that Pang Long will want the Heavenly Fire inside his body."

Fang Xuan chuckled.

Indeed, it is true that "a common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime."

Ming Yang of the Ming family also coveted his swordsmanship, which led to the extermination of his clan.

"Fang Xuan, I know you have exceptional talent and considerable strength, but Tianbao Tower has a very deep foundation."

Xiao Jinyu said, "This is a behemoth whose influence spans the entire Nine Provinces, and what strikes fear into the hearts of all is the Reward and Punishment Sword of Tianbao Tower."

"This is a special department of Tianbao Tower, which is in charge of rewards, punishments, life and death, and has great power."

Looking at Fang Xuan, Xiao Jinyu said, "And all the members of this department are sword cultivators!"

"All of them are sword cultivators?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuan was suddenly startled.

Such a transcendent force, an entire department, entirely composed of sword cultivators?

This foundation is truly terrifying.

"So, you mean these people are targeting me?"

Fang Xuan's expression turned serious.

"It's not certain yet."

Xiao Jinyu said, "Nangong Xingyu, the reason he coveted your swordsmanship is because he wants to use it to enter the Hall of Rewards and Punishments and become a sword wielder. In that case, his status in the building will soar to the heavens."

Fang Xuan was somewhat puzzled.

"Sword cultivation is a natural talent. Even if he received my swordsmanship inheritance, he couldn't possibly become a swordsman, could he?"

"That's because you don't understand Tianbao Tower, and you understand even less about those who reward and punish the swordsmen."

When this was mentioned, Xiao Jinyu's tone carried a hint of great fear.

"Tianbao Tower's system of rewarding and punishing swordsmen is very special, so special that Tianbao Tower itself exists because of them."

Xiao Jinyu said, "They have an ancient secret technique. As long as you can obtain a natal flying sword, they have a way to make you a sword cultivator."

"Although he cannot compare to a natural-born swordsman, he has pioneered an alternative path in martial arts."

Xiao Jinyu smiled wryly, "Many of the sword bearers in the tower come from this lineage. In Tianbao Tower, no one doesn't want to become a sword bearer, even the direct descendants."

Seize the sword path, snatch flying swords, and become a sword cultivator.

This was the first time Fang Xuan had heard of it either.

It seems that the swordsman of Tianbao Tower is quite skilled.

Fang Xuan suddenly remembered Lan Meier. When Lan Meier first saw the innate primordial embryo, she showed murderous intent towards him more than once.

Because the innate primordial embryo can give birth to the natal flying sword.

Therefore, Lan Meier also wanted to become a sword cultivator and a sword wielder.

"In other words, Nangong Xingyu might reveal this matter to the Swordholder of Tianbao Tower."

Fang Xuan's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he said in a cold tone, "Then, I will face the pursuit of countless sword cultivators?"

"That's how it should be."

Xiao Jinyu said, "However, there are also rules in the building. You must not attack other sword cultivators without cause. Otherwise, Tianbao Tower would not have survived to this day."

"But, as you know, everyone has selfish motives."

Xiao Jinyu sighed helplessly and said, "They will take action as long as they have a reasonable excuse."

"I see."

At this point, Fang Xuancai suddenly realized, "So Nangong Xingyu was actually targeting me when he was targeting you. They were looking for a plausible excuse to steal my swordsmanship."

"That's exactly right."

Xiao Jinyu said, "But you don't need to worry. Although I'm no longer in charge, I still have the right to contact people in the building. I will report this matter truthfully, but it will take time."

"The Tianbao Tower has been passed down to this day not entirely because of scheming and despicable people like Nangong Xingyu."

Xiao Jinyu comforted him, "Especially those sword wielders, they are clear-headed and intolerant of any wrongdoing. Once they know the reason, they will definitely uphold justice for you."

Fang Xuan understood the meaning perfectly.

In other words, during this period, he needs to withstand the pressure from Nangong Xingyu.

After calming down, Fang Xuan realized that this was no big deal.

It wasn't that he was arrogant or overconfident.

Rather, he would not entrust his life and fortune to the conscience of others.

This is the most foolish thing to do.

Fang Xuan's principles were simple: If someone treats me with respect, I will repay them tenfold. If someone tries to kill me, I will kill them!

Although he primarily followed the techniques of the Primordial Empress, he always believed in the Way of the God of Slaughter.

Sword mastery isn't something you cultivate, it's something you forge through killing!

"Sing!"

The moment the thought arose, Fang Xuan was enveloped in the clang of swords, his killing intent palpable.

Kendo, taking it a step further.

Xiao Jinyu was also taken aback.

This guy has terrifying talent.

However, his strength actually improved after a short while.

Suddenly remembering something, Xiao Jinyu asked, "Fang Xuan, can I trust you?"

Tell me about it.

Realizing that what Xiao Jinyu was about to say might be important, Fang Xuan's expression also became serious.

"If Nangong Xingyu targets me like this, they'll really take me for a fool if I don't do something."

Xiao Jinyu's phoenix eyes flashed with intense killing intent, making Fang Xuan feel somewhat frightened.

"Instead of reacting passively, it's better to take the initiative."

Xiao Jinyu tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said indifferently, "I will make Nangong Xingyu and the people behind him regret provoking me!"

Sensing the chilling killing intent in Xiao Jinyu's tone, Fang Xuan sighed inwardly.

This woman really holds a grudge.

However, Fang Xuan would not refuse.

Although he felt that Xiao Jinyu was hiding something from him, the two of them were now allies with a common enemy.

Fang Xuan wouldn't mind cooperating with them once.

"What do you want to do?"

"My foundation is now damaged, and it will take me at least a year and a half to recover on my own."

Xiao Jinyu parted her red lips slightly and chose to transmit her voice, saying, "But I know a place where an opportunity is hidden. If handled properly, it will be of great benefit to both of us."

"What incredible opportunity that you were able to repair your foundation."

Fang Xuan was somewhat surprised and astonished.

"An ancient cave dwelling."

Xiao Jinyu continued to transmit his voice, "Moreover, this ancient cave is also related to you, which is why I took action tonight."

"Oh? An ancient cave dwelling related to me?"

Fang Xuan's heart skipped a beat, and he said, "You mean, that incomplete map?"

"good."

Xiao Jinyu smiled slightly and said, "That fragment of the map was originally released by me in the hope of completing the map, so I'm putting a part of it up for auction."

She looked at Fang Xuan and said, "I originally thought I would cooperate with Ming Che, but he was killed by you, and that fragment of the map is with you."

"You said it yourself, it's just a fragment of a map."

Fang Xuan said, "Without a complete map, we cannot enter the ancient cave."

"I told you, that map is a route map of the ancient cave, not a guide map of the ancient cave."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyu smiled.

"After extensive investigation, I have confirmed the location of this ancient cave."

Xiao Jinyu said, "As long as we join forces, we will surely gain something in the ancient cave."

"How is it?"

Xiao Jinyu said, "How about we cooperate? We each have a fragment of the map, and we can both gain an opportunity in the ancient cave. If we give up such a good opportunity, we'll miss out."

Fang Xuan did not agree immediately, but pondered for a moment.

He knew very well that Xiao Jinyu was definitely hiding something from him.

Xiao Jinyu seemed unaware that the so-called ancient cave was actually a secret realm.

Or perhaps she knew, but deliberately hid it from her.

"I need to know everything about this ancient cave."

After a long silence, Fang Xuan said in a deep voice, "You can't hide anything you know."

"Cooperation is based on trust."

Xiao Jinyu smiled.

"I will tell you everything I know."