Volume One: Youthful Encounters in Humble Times Chapter 126: The Grand Play Ends, the Crowd Disperses

The Dao-Seeking Realm is no ordinary stage of cultivation. For a sword cultivator, this realm is known as the Sword Immortal; while not yet ascended to true immortality, they have earned the glorious title. Once a sword cultivator attains this state, their strength undergoes a cataclysmic transformation. To cleave the sea, split a mountain, fell a star, or shake the heavens with a single strike becomes an effortless feat.

The Dao of a sword cultivator is the sword in their hand. As long as they hold their blade and keep it in their heart, any supernatural power or mystical technique can be shattered with one swing.

The Li family of Tianshan is different. Born with the ability to practice the Great Dao of Spirit Control, they need not seek out suitable techniques. Furthermore, the Way of Spirit Control allows them to command all things in the world. Thus, once they enter the Dao, they gain a profound insight into the true spirits of heaven and earth, enabling them to command these forces as easily as moving their own limbs.

In truth, the three ancestors of the Li family were no ordinary figures. Any one of them could have wiped out an average sect with a wave of a hand. Alas, they encountered the Daoist, a being far more monstrous than themselves. The Daoist’s own cultivation had already reached that of a Saint; he had comprehended the Primordial Dao and ultimately attained the Source of the Dao. The gap between them was vast. The five stages of entering the Dao represent five distinct chasms, and this is no mere exaggeration. Moreover, the Daoist had transcended the limits of the mortal world, reaching the legendary realm of an Immortal—the Source of the Dao. Dealing with the Li ancestors was child’s play for him.

At this moment, before Li Xiyan, the spirit of Tianmen Town was extraordinarily clear. He could even receive the intentions it transmitted. The entire town was undergoing a rebirth, and the true spirits of all its living beings were renewed, exuding an aura of pure freedom. He knew this was the Daoist’s handiwork and understood the immense benefits bestowed upon the people of Tianmen Town.

Perhaps because the Daoist had not yet fully departed from the mortal world to merge with the Dao, Li Xiyan, having just entered the Dao, sensed a lingering thought from him. The voice was distant, as if echoing across vast ages, ethereal and clear like a chime in an empty valley: "Observe the world well, and see what kind of cultivators the world truly needs."

These words resonated in the lake of Li Xiyan’s heart, indelible and enduring. In the years to come, they would become one of the guiding principles of his life.

He descended from the sky, his gaze fixed in one direction, lost in thought, yet revealing nothing. The elders of the Li family rushed forward, fussing over him with concern, asking if he felt any discomfort or had any confusion, treating him like a precious pearl. Li Xiyan answered them in detail. Li Zhonghong stroked his beard and laughed, "Excellent! To break through two realms at once—from the Awakening stage directly to the Dao-Seeking stage—is something that has never happened in our Li family. You are remarkable, far superior to those who came before you. Xiyan, your future achievements will be limitless!" The other two elders chimed in with sycophantic praise, their faces beaming with such sycophancy that it chilled the onlookers to the bone.

Indeed, in this journey to Tianmen Town, everyone else had suffered heavy losses, with almost no one gaining anything. As of now, the only two parties with gains were the Great Sword Green Mountain, which had gained a Sword Immortal in Lu Ming, and the Li family, which had gained a Spirit Controller.

No, it would be more accurate to say that the Great Sword Green Mountain was the only true beneficiary. They had lost no top-tier combat power and had gained a Sword Immortal out of thin air. Realizing this, the other sects’ attitudes toward the Great Sword Green Mountain and the Li family grew even more sour.

Elder Huang of the Yinshan Sect already had a foul temper. With their ancestor dragged off to merge with the Dao for no reason, the benefits she had been promised vanished. Furthermore, her own cultivation had been slashed in half, leaving her with the strength of a mere elder disciple. A woman of such haughty pride could not accept this. She offered a congratulatory remark, though it was laced with jealousy: "My, what a joy for your two sects. One gains a Sword Immortal, the other a Spirit Controller. When you hold your celebration ceremonies, do not forget us, if only to remember the sacrifices we made today!"

By this time, the Sword Immortal Lu Ming had emerged from the shadows. He retorted, unwilling to yield, "We certainly shall not forget. But even if we invited you, once you return to your sects with your current cultivation levels, would your sects even allow you to attend our ceremony?"

Lu Ming had witnessed the entire ordeal. He knew the cause, the development, and the result—all of it was their own doing, their own self-inflicted suffering. And in the end, the people of Tianmen Town had lost their lives for no reason. All of this made it impossible for Lu Ming to remain silent. He could not bear the shamelessness of those who now painted themselves as victims.

"Furthermore," Lu Ming continued, his voice sharp, "your current state is the result of your own greed. Who told you to open the Heavenly Gate? Who told you to provoke the Daoist? Who told you to treat the people of Tianmen Town like livestock? Your current state is retribution—the bitter fruit of your own insatiable greed."

Lu Ming had never spoken with such biting severity. Had he not been so disgusted, he would have remained a silent observer. But seeing Li Yu—red-eyed, his gaze fierce and cold—he could not help but sympathize with the young man he considered a brother. He remembered how weak and helpless Li Yu had been seven years ago. Finally, he had seen Li Yu living a vibrant, comfortable life, only to have it destroyed in an instant. This ignited a fury in him; he longed to strike them down with his own blade and make them pay for their actions.

Yet he could not. Bound by the Great Sword Green Mountain, and by the worldly ties and interests of cultivators, he had to suppress his rage. But if he could not draw his sword, his words could still be sharp.

Elder Huang was a veteran, possessing high status not only in the Yinshan Sect but throughout the cultivation world. She had always been a guest of honor everywhere she went. Never had she been subjected to such mockery. Her face darkened, unable to hide her humiliation.

Before she could lash out, Elder Xie Tong of the Great Sword Green Mountain unleashed his aura. The pressure was so immense that those present could not bear it, and some actually vomited blood.

Elder Xie Tong said calmly, "I fear you have forgotten that your current cultivation is that of ordinary disciples. Regardless of your resentment, I suggest you do not provoke the Great Sword Green Mountain at this moment. After all, sword cultivators are known for their poor tempers. If one of us loses control, a flicker of sword energy could easily cost you your lives."

Cowed by this display, Elder Huang suppressed her venomous expression. The man was right; with their current strength, they were no match for the Great Sword Green Mountain. She had been blinded by the reality of her lost cultivation, leading her to taunt the others, but now, finally struck by the reality of the Daoist’s power, she realized that for a long time to come, she could no longer afford such arrogance. All temper requires strength to back it up. Without the corresponding power, an abrasive personality only invites violence.

Lu Ming was no longer the small sword cultivator he once was. Since coming to Tianmen Town, he had become a Sword Immortal. Even before Elder Huang had lost her cultivation, Lu Ming’s status was already enough to converse with her as an equal; now, the gap between them was an unbridgeable chasm.

Li Xiyan also stepped forward. "Those who wish to act or speak, please feel free. But I will say this first: I do not have the patience of the Great Sword Green Mountain. If I am provoked into acting, and something unfortunate happens to you, do not blame me when you reach the Nine Springs." His words were flat, but they dripped with menace. The Li family had nothing to fear; they acted as they pleased, unbothered by even the Imperial Palace, let alone minor sects.

The group was filled with grievances they could not vent. Finally, Cao Xihe suppressed a smile and stepped forward to offer them an out. "Everyone, shouldn't we consider our return? We must have a plan for the aftermath. How will we explain this to those waiting outside? They are all awaiting our report!"

Reminded by Cao Xihe, they finally realized the gravity of their situation. Their losses were a fact, but those outside did not know yet. What to say, and how to say it, became a matter of delicate strategy. Too much detail might invite punishment; too little might invite suspicion, worsening their already dire circumstances.

Guided by Cao Xihe, the group slowly made their way toward the residence of the Tianmen Town Magistrate. When they had arrived, they were filled with lofty ambitions, expecting to ascend to the heavens at any moment. Now, the reversal was absolute. The greater their pride upon arrival, the deeper their despair in departure.

No one noticed that in the dark waters of the Nether Sea, a pair of shadowy eyes flickered with irony and triumph. "Hmph, what does it matter if the Heavenly Gate is destroyed? Only fools like you would think to ascend through it. Being disciplined by that damned Daoist is exactly what you deserve. To be so stupid as to oppose such a being... you truly are gifted at courting death."