The First Venerable of All Paths

"The Way of the Ruthless Sword?"

Yan Daoming exclaimed, "She became a sword cultivator, and that sword... it's her natal flying sword?!"

"Ruthless swordsmanship, natal flying sword, this little girl is amazing."

Qi Xuanlin exclaimed in amazement, "To become a sword cultivator with a single thought, to conceive a flying sword with a single thought—what a tremendous opportunity this Daoist Sect has!"

Sword cultivation is a natural talent.

If you have the aptitude, you will most likely be able to successfully awaken it.

Awakening one's sword cultivation talent is only the first step.

To become a true sword cultivator, one must successfully cultivate one's natal flying sword.

A natal flying sword is formed innately, not forged later; it depends more on chance and destiny.

Throughout history, only one person, like Fang Xuan, has forged his own natal flying sword using the methods of weapon crafting.

This is also related to Fang Xuan's physique, talent, and cultivation techniques.

Not to mention, Fang Xuan had already refined the innate sword energy in his body to its extreme, and then used the ancient sword cultivator's natal sword embryo to forge it using the "Hundred Refinements Burning Heaven Technique".

If any one element is missing, success is impossible.

Therefore, there is only one way for all sword cultivators to cultivate their own natal flying sword.

That is to continuously increase the strength of the innate sword energy, so that a natal flying sword will naturally grow within the body.

Yan Daoming has awakened his sword cultivation talent for many years, but he has yet to develop his own natal flying sword.

Therefore, when he saw Su Qingyao become a sword cultivator with a single thought and simultaneously nurture her natal flying sword, he was shocked and deeply jealous.

"Why should I?!"

Yan Daoming roared inwardly.

"It's one thing that Fang Xuan broke through in battle, awakening both lightning and fire attributes and becoming unparalleled in combat power, but how did Su Qingyao become a sword cultivator and even cultivate her own natal flying sword? It's truly... a disgrace!"

Yan Daoming looked somber, his hands clenched tightly, and his face contorted with rage.

He was originally the pride of the Qingyun Sect.

He awakened his talent for sword cultivation after only a few years of training.

However, over the years, he has been unable to cultivate his own natal flying sword, which has made Yan Daoming feel extremely anxious.

At this moment, Yan Daoming felt not only eagerness, but also resentment and a sense of imbalance.

"The Path of Ruthlessness was already extremely powerful. Now, after refining the origin of the innate Dao Body, it has evolved into the Path of Ruthless Sword. His talent is truly rare in the world, and he should be considered an unparalleled genius."

Gu Ya's expression turned solemn, and he said in a deep voice, "This woman's future achievements are limitless."

"So, doesn't that mean Fang Xuan is in danger?"

Tuoba Xiao frowned and said, "Sword cultivators are known as the best in killing, invincible among those of the same realm. How should Fang Xuan deal with such an opponent?"

"It's all about timing and fate."

Gu Ya sighed, "Meeting this woman, I can only say that the little guy was just unlucky."

"I have to say, the Dao Seeking Sect is really lucky."

Gu Ya sneered, "We lost a holy son, but gained a promising sword cultivator. Comparison is the thief of joy!"

He despised the Way of Inquiry Sect's actions, but also envied their good fortune.

Beast Taming Mountain was already inferior to the Dao Seeking Sect.

Now that they have acquired a prodigy like Su Qingyao, the Beast Taming Mountain is likely doomed to never recover.

"That's not necessarily true."

Qi Xuanlin suddenly said, "Such a promising young talent cannot be kept by the Dao Seeking Sect."

"Fellow Daoist Qi, what do you mean...?"

Gu Ya's mind stirred, and he suddenly looked at Qi Xuanlin.

But Qi Xuanlin said nothing, only gazing at the sky above, a stern look in his eyes.

Qin Luoli ignored all of that; her gaze fell on Fang Xuan, tinged with worry.

"Qingyao, you've become a sword cultivator?"

In the arena, Zhao Qingcang, who only had one eye left, looked at Su Qingyao in disbelief.

Then, Zhao Qingcang burst into wild laughter again.

Zhao Qingcang said, "In that case, wouldn't killing Fang Xuan be as easy as turning your hand?"

"Um."

Su Qingyao nodded gently and looked at Fang Xuan.

"Fang Xuan, thank you for helping me achieve the ruthless sword path."

Su Qingyao's body was filled with sword intent, utterly ruthless and devoid of emotion.

"To thank you, I'll give you a quick death."

As soon as she finished speaking, Su Qingyao raised her hand and unleashed a sword strike.

This seemingly ordinary sword strike was comparable to Su Qingyao's previous peak attack.

Such power was enough to make even a top expert like Zhao Kou feel his heart pound with fear.

What alarmed them was not Su Qingyao's strength.

After all, no matter how powerful Su Qingyao's sword strike was, it was not enough to pose a threat to them.

What shocked them was the sword intent contained in that sword strike.

"This kind of sword intent is definitely not something a newly accomplished sword cultivator can possess."

Gu Ya looked at Qi Xuanlin and said in a deep voice, "I'm afraid he's not inferior to the most outstanding sword cultivators in your sect, is he?"

Qi Xuanlin did not deny it, but nodded in admiration, saying, "The sword intent is natural, indeed quite good."

Even Qi Xuanlin was somewhat tempted and wanted to take Su Qingyao under his wing.

Her gaze shifted slightly and landed on Fang Xuan.

She was curious whether this little guy could still bring her surprises.

"What a fast sword!"

Fang Xuan was also surprised by Su Qingyao's deadly sword strike.

"Unfortunately, killing me isn't enough."

Fang Xuan clenched his five fingers, and the God of Slaughter Spear came whistling as it suddenly thrust forward.

"Spear cleaves the eight wastelands!"

The moment the spear was thrust out, a colossal figure from ancient times appeared behind Fang Xuan.

Its figure and face were indistinct, its body was covered with golden patterns, and thunder and heavenly fire swirled around it, releasing a powerful pressure.

"Is this the true spirit of martial arts?"

Tuoba arrogantly glared and said, "Why do I feel that he looks somewhat similar to Fang Xuan?"

"Absolutely impossible!"

Yan Daoming immediately rejected the idea, saying, "Only by cultivating a martial art to the level of true martial arts essence can one summon the creator of that martial art."

"Don't tell me that such a terrifying shot was fired by Fang Xuan!"

He would rather believe that Fang Xuan had inherited the skills of a master of spear techniques than believe that Fang Xuan had created this spear technique himself.

At such a young age, to be able to create one's own martial arts would only make one look even more useless.

Just because you can't do it doesn't mean others can't.

Qin Luoli suddenly snorted coldly, "Does Senior Brother Yan still not understand the principle that there are always people more capable than you, and heavens beyond heavens?"

"Junior sister, are you going to speak up for that Fang Xuan too?"

Yan Daoming was inexplicably angry and said, "What right does this country bumpkin from some small place have?"

Seeing Yan Daoming's stubbornness, Qin Luoli shook her head slightly.

Her senior brother Yan is really becoming more and more uncouth.

They are unwilling to accept their own mediocrity, and even less willing to acknowledge the excellence of others.

No wonder it has been so long since it was able to give birth to its true name, the flying sword.

"Boom!"

The spear's light burst forth, with lightning and heavenly fire flowing in succession, forming an indescribable and terrifying pressure that collided fiercely with the merciless sword energy that slashed towards them.

"Snap!"

The moment the two collided, the Thunderfire Spear's momentum instantly disintegrated.

At the same time, the massive figure behind Fang Xuan was also cleaved in two by a sword at the waist.

"snort!"

Fang Xuan was also forced back, crashing into a stone pillar in the square. He groaned and spat out blood.

He looked down and saw a shallow mark on his waist. It hadn't damaged his skin, but the terrifying power contained in the sword energy made Fang Xuan's blood and qi churn.

"What a terrifying physical body! It can actually withstand a sword strike from Fairy Qingyao."

Upon seeing the marks on Fang Xuan's body, countless people gasped in shock.

"Fang Xuan not only cultivated to the pinnacle of martial arts, but also dared to temper his body with lightning tribulation. His physical body was already so powerful that it was not surprising that he could withstand that sword strike."

"Hmph, I doubt it. Didn't you see he's already injured? Fairy Qingyao only needs to strike again to surely kill him!"

Some people held a different opinion, feeling that Fang Xuan was easily defeated.

"Yes, Fairy Qingyao has now awakened the Ruthless Sword Dao and wields her natal flying sword. How could Fang Xuan possibly be her match?"

"I think Fang Xuan is just putting on a brave face; he's already at his limit."

Most of those who said these things were disciples of the Dao Seeking Sect.

Of course, they would stand on Su Qingyao's side.

"Fang Xuan, surrender now."

Su Qingyao said indifferently, "You are no match for me now. If you continue fighting, you will only suffer."

"Hahaha."

Fang Xuan suddenly burst into wild laughter.

"Su Qingyao, do you really think you've got this in the bag?"

Fang Xuan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, slowly straightened up, and an aura of dominance soared into the sky.

"The Way of the Ruthless Sword?"

Fang Xuan scoffed, "Today I'll see what's so special about your ruthless swordsmanship!"

"Stubborn and obstinate."

Su Qingyao's aura grew increasingly cold, and a layer of white frost condensed on the ground centered on her.

It's very different from before.

These frosts are all formed from condensed sword energy, containing the ultimate ruthless sword intent.

"Ruthless Sword Flower, go!"

With a gentle slash of her white longsword, Su Qingyao unleashed a torrent of frost that swept towards Fang Xuan.

Each frosty blade is formed from the ruthless sword intent, enough to easily kill any expert at the second level of the Divine Intent Realm.

The frost covered the sky, numbering in the thousands.

Even experts at the fifth or even sixth level of the Divine Intent Realm can be easily killed.

A barrage of sword energy swept in, leaving Fang Xuan with no way to retreat.

Fang Xuan stood tall and straight, his black hair dancing wildly.

In his eyes, a dazzling sword light subtly shifted.

Just as the merciless sword energy was about to touch his body, Fang Xuan raised his arm and slashed horizontally with his fingers.

Sword technique: One sword strike shatters the peak!

"Buzz!"

A sharp and menacing sword aura emanated from Fang Xuan's fingertips, carrying a scorching heat that obliterated all the merciless sword energy.

One finger can shatter a sword!

A clean cut appeared in the space between the two.

The merciless sword energy dissipated, but Fang Xuan was unharmed, only his aura grew increasingly cold.

"What?!"

Zhao Qingcang exclaimed, "Sword energy? How can you activate sword energy? Could it be that you are also... a sword cultivator?!"

"A sword cultivator?"

"Is Fang Xuan a sword cultivator?"

"That's absolutely impossible. If he's a sword cultivator, why hasn't he used it yet?"

At this moment, everyone was stunned.

"It turns out, his biggest trump card is actually his sword cultivation."

Tuoba Xiaozhang said with a bitter expression, "What a prodigy! He not only cultivates the way of the spear, but also the way of the sword. Who taught this guy?"

"wrong!"

Yan Daoming suddenly said, "He probably only has mastered some kind of sword technique, not a true sword cultivator."

Everyone looked at Yan Daoming.

Yan Daoming took a deep breath and said, "I didn't detect any fluctuations from his natal flying sword, or even any innate sword energy."

"Could it really be some kind of secret sword technique?"

Yan Daoming is a disciple of the Qingyun Sect and has already awakened his talent for sword cultivation.

Since he said he didn't sense anything, he definitely wasn't making things up.

"Shut up!"

Qi Xuanlin suddenly shouted coldly, "Aren't you ashamed enough already?"

"Uncle-Master, did I say something wrong?"

Yan Daoming said with his neck stiff, "There is indeed no trace of sword intent on Fang Xuan's body, and he has absolutely no connection with sword cultivators."

That's enough.

With a wave of his hand, Qi Xuanlin instantly bound Yan Daoming with power, rendering him speechless.

"After returning, go to the Cliff of Repentance to cultivate in seclusion. When you have nurtured your natal flying sword, then you can emerge."

Yan Daoming trembled, and his face turned deathly pale.

It was called a seclusion, but in reality it was imprisonment.

Suddenly, Yan Daoming looked at Fang Xuan, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes.

Fang Xuan, it's all your fault!

If it weren't for you, why would my junior sister criticize me, and why would my senior uncle punish me?

What makes you so strong!

Qi Xuanlin ignored Yan Daoming's thoughts, simply looking at Fang Xuan with a calm and collected expression, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Little fellow, so you've finally decided to use your real trump card? I'm getting more and more excited."