Chapter 1875: 重玄观

# The Mortal Realm

The White Tiger Star Malice stretched its body to its fullest, its two giant front claws almost touching the Yin-Yang Diagram. Before the collision occurred, astonishing phenomena were already triggered on the battlefield.

Boom!

As if a heavy punch had struck a lake, the water level on the battlefield instantly dropped significantly. The lake surface concave in mid-air, while terrifying power spread outwards from the center. The water around the depression surged high, and colossal waves, thousands of feet high, erupted with a roar.

Within the battlefield, the starry sky vanished, revealing a White Tiger Sacred Beast, its entire body as ethereal as starlight, and a Yin-Yang Diagram that spun faster and faster, rapidly expanding.

Roar!

The tiger's roar shook heaven and earth. Its two front claws had already pierced the Yin-Yang Diagram. Whether by coincidence or not, they were precisely on the Yin-Yang divide, one in the Yin, one in the Yang.

Had anyone else been present, even if their eyes could perceive the form of a White Tiger, their senses would have clearly registered it as a sword—a malevolent, ominous sword! The Yin-Yang Diagram lay across the void, appearing so flimsy, seemingly pierceable with a single touch. How could it withstand this attack?

Even at this moment, seeing the White Tiger about to tear through the Yin-Yang Diagram, True Monarch Zhijian's tone remained calm as he clearly articulated his assessment of the Seven Constellations Sword Formation. He showed no intention of dodging. He raised his right hand, joined his fingers, and drew a circle in front of him. True Essence infused his fingers as they traced a perfect circle in the void. He then calmly uttered, "Yin-Yang Dharma Sword!"

Whoosh!

The black and white energies within the Yin-Yang Diagram suddenly rippled. Before the White Tiger could tear it apart, they voluntarily receded. As the Yin-Yang Diagram dissolved on its own, the White Tiger Malice met no resistance. At that moment, two streams of energy, one black and one white, separated from the Yin-Yang Diagram and furiously rushed into the circle at True Monarch Zhijian's fingertips. In an instant, a Dharma Sword was born from it.

The sword's blade was half black and half white, pure and distinctly divided, appearing as if pieced together. Furthermore, the shape of this sword was identical to that of the Heart-Enquiring Sword, which had vanished to an unknown location.

Buzz!

Stirred by the White Tiger Malice, the Yin-Yang Dharma Sword suddenly erupted with a sharp sword intent. Qin Sang gazed at the Yin-Yang Dharma Sword, astonishment in his heart. The sword was still that sword, no more than three feet long, yet at this moment, he felt as though he was facing a Heaven-Cleaving Divine Sword, thousands or tens of thousands of feet tall! If the White Tiger Malice drew upon the might of the starry heavens, this sword summoned the very power of the heavens!

Swish!

The Yin-Yang Dharma Sword vanished, and a black-and-white sword light abruptly slashed out. In that instant, the black-and-white sword light and the White Tiger Malice were almost touching. Only they remained between heaven and earth, and time froze at that moment.

Boom!

The two supreme sword intents collided without any pretense, and the battlefield was immediately enveloped in dazzling sword light. Within the sword light, starlight and black-and-white energies could faintly be seen, but the White Tiger Sacred Beast and the Yin-Yang Dharma Sword were indistinct, and neither the Cloud Roaming Sword nor the Heart-Enquiring Sword could be found. Incredibly sharp sword qi erupted, each strand possessing terrifying destructive power.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Splashing!

The colossal waves, thousands of feet high, surrounding them had not yet fallen when they were shattered by the chaotic sword qi. Water droplets scattered everywhere. It was midday. The sunlight, previously obscured by the starry sky, now shone down. Scattered by the water droplets, it unexpectedly formed a rainbow bridge, spanning across the battlefield. The sparkling water droplets brought an unusual beauty to the solemn battlefield.

Standing beneath the rainbow bridge, Qin Sang's gaze sharpened slightly. His thoughts shifted again, and his sword art instantly changed.

Clang!

From within the sword light came a crisp clang of metal, the sound of spirit swords clashing. Then, a figure flew backward—it was True Monarch Zhijian. When the Yin-Yang Dharma Sword and the White Tiger Malice collided, True Monarch Zhijian showed no intention of retreating, yet now he was continuously falling back.

Clang!

Another clang of spirit swords. Right in front of True Monarch Zhijian, two sword shadows crossed paths. The Yin-Yang Dharma Sword and the White Tiger Malice annihilated each other. The Heart-Enquiring Sword reappeared, hovering before True Monarch Zhijian, blocking the suddenly appearing Cloud Roaming Sword.

Qin Sang's figure emerged right after the Cloud Roaming Sword. However, this Qin Sang appeared unreal, his form ethereal, for it was not his true body, but a Sword Soul. The Sword Soul's attack was ineffective. Its figure popped like a bubble and dissipated into nothingness, and the Cloud Roaming Sword also vanished with it.

But True Monarch Zhijian's expression remained grave. He continued to retreat, and the Heart-Enquiring Sword flickered slightly, reappearing to his left. Then another Sword Soul, controlling a sword, attacked. There was no warning; it seemed to be born from thin air, or perhaps shot out from the void, making it impossible to guard against.

Clang!

The strangely unpredictable sword still failed to breach the Heart-Enquiring Sword.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The sounds of sword strikes almost merged into one, clanging seven times in rapid succession. "Gale and torrential rain" was insufficient to describe Qin Sang's sword momentum. The "Sword Origin Heart Sea" he comprehended from the Umbra Sword legacy was almost Dao itself. Qin Sang had been working to integrate it, for instance, by incorporating sword arts into the Seven Souls Sword Formation to evolve more variations, and he had achieved results. These seven swords were truly elusive.

For any other cultivator at the mid-stage of the Soul Transformation realm, resisting these seven swords would have been difficult, let alone immediately after enduring the impact of the White Tiger Malice. Yet, True Monarch Zhijian, despite retreating repeatedly and appearing somewhat hasty in his defense, solidly blocked all seven swords as the Heart-Enquiring Sword continuously flickered.

However, seven consecutive slashes were not Qin Sang's limit!

"Fellow Daoist, be careful!" Qin Sang shouted.

The next moment, seven Sword Souls simultaneously appeared above True Monarch Zhijian's head, collectively wielding a divine sword. A single slash descended, radiating overwhelming killing intent! True Monarch Zhijian's performance filled Qin Sang with absolute confidence in him, so he held nothing back in his attack. Only then could he better use True Monarch Zhijian to verify his own sword Dao.

"What heavy killing intent!" True Monarch Zhijian's gaze was solemn. He sensed the danger before the sword momentum fully formed, and his retreat speed surged, almost reaching the edge of the battlefield. As he swiftly retreated, True Monarch Zhijian's fingers moved like a wheel, continuously changing hand seals, and finally, he let out a low cry.

"Excellent!" He suddenly swung his palm, striking the hilt of the Heart-Enquiring Sword. The Heart-Enquiring Sword trembled violently, radiating a brilliant light. Its blade became transparent like crystal, or rather, the sword transformed into pure sword light. Suddenly, a stream of brilliance soared against the heavens. This light was not as sharp or aggressive as typical sword light; it even appeared somewhat gentle, yet it was incredibly stunning. In comparison, the Cloud Roaming Sword, though more imposing, gave a feeling of lacking depth.

Qin Sang's eyes widened, his gaze deeply drawn to that sword light, unblinking. At this moment, he seemed entranced, even forgetting his own sword, staring intently at that sword light. At this very moment, victory or defeat no longer mattered.

"Sword formations... It seems Fellow Daoist has made a choice." True Monarch Zhijian's voice sounded beside him.

Unbeknownst to Qin Sang, True Monarch Zhijian was now standing beside him. On the battlefield, sword qi whistled, lingering for a long time and stirring up wind and clouds, but the two had already withdrawn their sword momentum, and the chaos was gradually subsiding.

Qin Sang nodded. He knew he couldn't hide it from True Monarch Zhijian. The path he had chosen was indeed that of sword formations. Although he had also incorporated the Way of Killing Swords comprehended from the Umbra Sword legacy, it wasn't as pure as a sword cultivator who truly practiced Killing Swords. Choosing this path was the result of Qin Sang's careful consideration.

He cultivated a killing Dao cultivation method, so logically, practicing Killing Swords would be easier. However, as his cultivation improved, Qin Sang could confirm that the Killing Dao of the "Primordial Spirit Nurturing Sword Chapter" was entirely different from the Sword Dao inherited from the Umbra Sword, and also not the Killing Sword Dao commonly understood by others. Qin Sang was unsure if continuing to cultivate Killing Swords would conflict with his current cultivation method, but he was certain it would require a vast amount of mental effort and energy to comprehend the Killing Sword. Moreover, he could not possibly obtain a second Umbra Sword.

Sword formations, however, were readily available. With his previous accumulation, as his cultivation improved, his understanding of the Seven Souls Killing Formation would gradually deepen, complementing his cultivation method. Even if he continued to delve deeper into the Way of Sword Formations in the future, learning other sword formations, there would be a clear path to follow, much simpler than self-comprehension. He was inspired by True Monarch Zhijian and sought to achieve something in the Way of the Sword, but he also clearly knew what he wanted, thus choosing what was most suitable for himself.

"I remember Fellow Daoist saying that sword formations are also a part of the Way of the Sword..." Qin Sang said. As he spoke, he kept his gaze on the battlefield, watching the water mist dissipate and the waves recede. In Qin Sang's pupils, the scene of the two swords clashing seemed to linger. Qin Sang was not concerned about the outcome; even his own sword was gradually fading, leaving only True Monarch Zhijian's sword light.

Qin Sang slowly closed his eyes. That sword light was deeply imprinted in his heart, lingering for a long time, almost forming a brand.

"Indeed! Fellow Daoist, to clearly see your path is the nascent form of a Sword Heart. As this humble Daoist said before, all who possess a Sword Heart, whatever they practice, is the Way of the Sword!" True Monarch Zhijian noticed Qin Sang's unusual state. He stood aside with his hands behind his back and remained silent after saying this.

After an unknown period, Qin Sang opened his eyes, let out a long breath, and bowed deeply to True Monarch Zhijian.

True Monarch Zhijian observed Qin Sang's expression and said, "Fellow Daoist's last sword was truly exceptional, yet it still held unreleased potential. When Fellow Daoist reaches the pinnacle, let us compete again!"

Qin Sang nodded. "This formation is vast and profound. Sometimes this humble Daoist believes he has thoroughly comprehended it, but with every step in cultivation, new insights arise."

The Seven Souls Killing Formation did indeed have flaws, not due to the formation itself, but because Qin Sang's cultivation was not yet complete. Qin Sang tried his best to conceal the flaws, and during combat, the rapid changes made them almost negligible. Yet, True Monarch Zhijian could discern them with just a few sword strikes. However, Qin Sang was no longer surprised. This sparring match had given him a profound understanding of True Monarch Zhijian's power in the Way of the Sword. True Monarch Zhijian's two reminders and his final sword strike all carried the implication of guidance.

Qin Sang felt no disappointment. The Way of the Sword was not his entire path, and his sword technique being inferior to True Monarch Zhijian's was already expected. Of course, Qin Sang genuinely hadn't expected such a significant gap, even doubting whether he could defeat True Monarch Zhijian with his full power.

"My task is done; it's time to return," True Monarch Zhijian said, putting away his Heart-Enquiring Sword and rising on the wind. Qin Sang also conjured his escape light and followed. On the way back, Qin Sang was quiet, the image of that sword strike replaying repeatedly in his mind.

Upon returning to Sword Heart Island, Qin Sang was about to enter seclusion to digest the insights from this battle when a Sword Servant delivered a talisman message. The talisman message was from Master Gu, stating that True Monarch Xun was at the Baishi Altar and asked Qin Sang to return quickly. This matter was equally important, and there was no time to delay. Qin Sang had no choice but to bid farewell to True Monarch Zhijian and leave Sword Heart Island.

Traveling west, Qin Sang also gathered some information along the way. Overall, the situation was much the same as five years ago. The Daoist Court and the Ghost Fang Kingdom had massed troops in the Yellow Springs Path. Skirmishes were constant, with casualties on both sides, but there were no signs of a full-scale war yet. Clearly, both sides were preparing. However, the atmosphere grew tenser day by day, and all signs indicated that this great war was inevitable, only a matter of time.

When Master Gu met Qin Sang, he wasted no time, immediately leading him to the Altar to visit True Monarch Xun. Along the way, he reminded Qin Sang of some important points.

"Junior Gu Han and Qingfeng pay respects to True Monarch Xun."

Inside a golden hall, Qin Sang and Master Gu both bowed to a Daoist. True Monarch Xun wore a simple blue Daoist robe and cloud-stepping boots. His demeanor was gentle and benevolent, clearly a highly respected elder at first glance. Facing True Monarch Xun directly, Qin Sang felt as if he were before a mere mortal. His aura was utterly elusive, making it impossible to discern his cultivation realm. However, True Monarch Xun held the official rank of Third Grade Orthodox, which spoke volumes. Although his official rank was high, True Monarch Xun preferred to be addressed as "True Monarch," which is why Qin Sang and Master Gu referred to him as such.

"No need for such formality!" True Monarch Xun subtly raised his hands, without any condescending air, and smiled as he looked at Qin Sang. "I heard Master Gu say that True Monarch Qingfeng possesses a supreme treasure that can assist our Daoist sect in slaying demons and eradicating evil?"

Qin Sang nodded, immediately took out the war drum, and presented it with both hands. "True Monarch Xun, please take a look."

True Monarch Xun took it. Instead of examining it immediately, he sent out a talisman command towards outside the hall, then held the drum before him and examined it closely.

"It is indeed a supreme treasure, but unfortunately..." True Monarch Xun showed a look of regret.

All three understood his regret. Master Gu spoke at the opportune moment, "Fellow Daoist Qingfeng already has a plan for its restoration. With the help of a Daoist Grandmaster in the future, it might very well be possible to revive this treasure."

As they were speaking, a streak of green light landed outside the hall, revealing a white-haired old Daoist. The old Daoist seemed to hold a very high status. Upon entering the hall, he merely casually cupped his hands to True Monarch Xun. True Monarch Xun didn't mind and handed the war drum over to him. The old Daoist held it and examined it for a long time, a glint flashing in his eyes. He suddenly looked at Qin Sang, scrutinizing him, and asked, "You wish to personally repair this treasure?"

"This junior knows his cultivation is insufficient. I hope True Monarch will not hesitate to offer guidance," Qin Sang said respectfully, bowing deeply.

The old Daoist and True Monarch Xun exchanged glances, a look of contemplation on their faces. After a moment, he asked, "What kind of artifact refining techniques do you wish to learn? Our Daoist sect has orthodox refining arts, as well as methods that use refining to cultivate Dharma, and also some more unconventional ones, such as refining limbs and organs from treasures to replace a fragile physical body with sturdy external objects, or even completely fusing a spirit into an artifact to create something akin to an artifact spirit or a puppet..."

The old Daoist spoke voluminously, making Qin Sang sometimes astonished, sometimes frowning. Master Qi once asked if there was a Grand Dao in the Way of Artifact Refining. The old Daoist was now speaking of more than just one.

"However," the old Daoist said after a long discourse, abruptly changing his tone, "most of these legacies are incomplete. Some only have one or two remaining texts, and some might not even be true Daoist legacies, their origins unknown. This humble Daoist can offer little guidance on these; you will need to explore them on your own."

Qin Sang glanced at Master Gu, and without much hesitation, said, "This junior will learn the orthodox artifact refining techniques."

"Good, follow me!" The old Daoist tossed the war drum to Qin Sang, then walked out of the main hall on his own. Qin Sang bowed to True Monarch Xun and Master Gu, then hurried to follow.

A streak of green light enveloped the old Daoist and Qin Sang, landing in front of a golden hall. Even before the hall doors opened, Qin Sang could sense pure fire energy.

Inside the hall, after testing Qin Sang's artifact refining attainments, the old Daoist took out several jade slips. "This is a legacy from the ancient Chongxuan Temple. It should be the most suitable for you."