Chapter 247: Sword Pavilion

Winter. A cold wind swept across the fields, and everything turned white.

Zhao Xiang'er's departure had been three days ago.

The first snow in the State of Zhao fell heavily after Zhao Xiang'er left, lasting for days and nights.

The strange phenomenon in the imperial city of Zhao was known throughout the world. The throne was vacant, and Prime Minister Song, holding the empress's imperial decree, governed the country as regent. Thanks to prior arrangements, no major changes occurred.

The wedding, the celestial phenomenon, and the empress's disappearance caused a huge sensation in various states.

The message received by the common people sounded like a legend but was very close to the truth: The Empress was a true divine child who had temporarily resided among mortals and now returned to heaven to find her immortal mother.

Ning Changjiu and Lu Jiajia stayed in the State of Zhao for another three days.

On the first day, they walked from the General's Mansion to the Nine Spirits Platform in the imperial city, witnessing the crimson sunset sink below the city.

However, one person was missing from those who watched the sunset together.

On the second day, they came to Linhai City. Ning Changjiu chuckled softly as he recounted the events that had transpired there years ago to Lu Jiajia.

"Madam Bai was truly ambitious back then, wanting to forge nine more Fengdu cities like this, then combine them into the Ten Palaces of Yama, recreating the glorious Underworld of thousands of years ago." Ning Changjiu stood by the Shagui River, pointing to where the mythical divine pillar once stood, reminiscing, "Unfortunately, this divine pillar had a problem."

"What problem?" Lu Jiajia asked naturally.

"Madam Bai was formed from a fragment of an ancient god's corpse. She speculated that the ancient god died during the great cosmic upheaval five hundred years ago." Ning Changjiu extended his hand from his sleeve, gently brushing away the snow from a copper painting, and said, "Although her guess wasn't far from the truth, unfortunately, she encountered your knowledgeable master and husband, who easily saw through her."

Lu Jiajia lowered her head, looking at the copper painting, and smiled: "Yes, my husband and master is truly amazing."

Ning Changjiu pointed to the opposite bank of the river, smiling gently, and slowly began: "Back then, we confronted Madam Bai across the river. Xiang'er, Xiaoling, and I teamed up to put on a show, and after many twists and turns of schemes, we eventually used the principle of balance from the other shore to break through the seal and defeat her. This was something even the Vermillion Bird God had not anticipated."

Lu Jiajia's eyes curved slightly; her figure, draped in a fur cloak, appeared warm and elegant in the snow.

She said, "Yes, if it weren't for you, master and disciples, Madam Bai couldn't even have constructed her divine kingdom. Master truly helped a great deal."

Ning Changjiu clasped his hands in his sleeves, sighing, "It seems I, your husband, am inept at managing household affairs."

Lu Jiajia chuckled softly.

They walked together across the frozen river, looking at the willow branches on both banks whipping in the wind and snow.

Soon after, Han Xiaosu hastily emerged from the riverbed. Upon seeing Ning Changjiu, she quickly bowed and said, "Benefactor... why have you come?"

Ning Changjiu gently replied, "Just taking a stroll."

Han Xiaosu's gaze fell upon the beautiful woman beside him, and she was slightly stunned. She had previously asked Ning Xiaoling about the relationship between Benefactor and Peak Master Lu. At that time, Xiaoling had only said they were master and disciple, and that her senior brother had a fiancée. This... this marriage with Her Majesty the Empress was known to everyone, and now that the Empress had just left, he was immediately with his own master?

This... truly worthy of being the Benefactor! Daring to love and marry, defying public opinion!

"Greetings, Peak Master Lu... no, Sect Master... no, Benefactress?" Han Xiaosu struggled internally, trying several different titles, unsure what to call her.

Lu Jiajia thought for a moment and said, "Just call me Benefactress."

"Yes... Benefactress." Han Xiaosu nodded vigorously, but still felt something was off.

Ning Changjiu smiled and asked about her recent situation.

Han Xiaosu responded to each question.

Ning Changjiu said, "Just continue cultivating like this. There's no need to rush for quick success. Once the ancestral hall is completed and your golden statue is molded, a truly great path will be within reach."

Han Xiaosu nodded obediently, but she seemed less concerned with these things. She simply asked, "Benefactor, when will you bring Sister Xiaoling back?"

Ning Changjiu and Lu Jiajia exchanged glances, smiling gently, "We'll go in a couple of days."

Han Xiaosu was very excited, repeatedly thanking them. She couldn't stand the cold, so after chatting for a while, she slipped back into the warm riverbed.

Lu Jiajia said, "The Vermillion Bird's divine envoy mentioned that the fragments of the Underworld Lord's authority that Madam Bai had gathered are gone. It's likely they're within this young girl."

Ning Changjiu nodded and said, "It could also be the young man named Shubo. His constitution is extraordinary to have survived such a catastrophe."

Lu Jiajia said, "In any case, it's a great opportunity."

They continued their journey through Linhai City.

On the last day, they arrived at Baicheng.

Baicheng had experienced a heavy snowfall and was now a pristine white. The banners of the State of Zhao fluttered on the city walls, like fiery sparrows eternally flapping their wings in place.

They arrived at the deserted Ascension Platform.

"Shall we return to the sect?" Ning Changjiu asked.

Lu Jiajia replied, "Return to the sect... for what?"

Ning Changjiu said, "You are now the Sect Master of Tianzong. It's not good to be away from the peak for too long."

Lu Jiajia chuckled, "How can I face going back now? Everywhere I go, I hear people discussing us. I wish I could find a hole to crawl into."

Ning Changjiu replied without hesitation, "Well, Tiankue Peak has nothing but plenty of caves."

"You..." Lu Jiajia was rather annoyed.

Ning Changjiu rubbed his temples, feeling a bit of a headache.

For the past two days, whenever they disguised themselves and went to taverns or teahouses, the conversations were almost exclusively about these matters.

Zhao Xiang'er and Lu Jiajia were both divine beauties and celestial beings of unparalleled grace throughout the province. Their countless supporters had fiercely debated the matter. As Zhao Xiang'er had only recently departed, support for her currently held the upper hand. Many chivalrous individuals even vowed to 'chop up' Ning Changjiu. There was even a spontaneous grassroots organization formed among the populace called "Down with Changjiu," aiming to punish men who 'straddled two boats.' This organization gained over a hundred members, both men and women, in just one day. Each boasted unique skills and impressive nicknames, quite intimidating.

Ning Changjiu chuckled, "I originally wanted to stay at the sect for two days, but now it seems I should be more considerate of Jiajia's reputation."

"Stay at the sect for two days?" Lu Jiajia retorted, "Do you still want to bully me in front of the disciples?"

Ning Changjiu imagined the scene and said, "If Lerou saw that, the young girl would surely doubt her life."

Lu Jiajia said unhappily, "Have you forgotten what we agreed upon? In front of outsiders, I am always your master."

Ning Changjiu smiled and nodded.

He asked again, "Are you really not going back? I still want to sit below and listen to Master's lectures."

Lu Jiajia shook her head, stating firmly, "I just want to leave Nanzhou now."

Although her heart for cultivation was serene, she didn't want to face the strange looks from familiar people.

Ning Changjiu said, "The Four Peaks cannot be without a master for a day."

Lu Jiajia's delicate brows furrowed slightly: "What do you intend?"

Ning Changjiu suggested, "How about we create a mini-Jiajia to go back and guard the mountain gate?"

Lu Jiajia's cheeks flushed slightly, and she chided, "What nonsense are you thinking all day?"

Ning Changjiu's eyes held a gentle smile: "You're right, such matters should indeed not be rushed."

He emphasized the last few words heavily.

Lu Jiajia ignored him.

She leaned on the railing, gazing at the snow-white city. After a moment, she stretched her arms languidly, bent slightly, and looked back with a smile: "It's really cold."

"You're already in the Purple Court Realm..." Ning Changjiu looked at her upturned cherry lips, his words trailing off. He then smiled, "Jiajia, you're quite the charmer too, aren't you?"

"Don't slander me," Lu Jiajia softly retorted. As she spoke, her fingers grazed the pristine white snow on the railing, picked up a bit, and gently brought it to her lips. Her clear, long eyes slightly closed, and her tongue lightly tasted it.

Serene and alluring.

Ning Changjiu embraced her from behind.

They watched the snow by the railing for a long time, and then, on the Ascension Platform, they achieved a certain kind of ascension.

The next day, as the heavy snow began to clear, they set off north towards Zhongtu.

Southwest Zhongtu, Ancient Spirit Sect.

"Xiaoling, you've been distracted during your cultivation these past few days. Is something on your mind?" Master Shuo Ling walked up to her, gently tapping her desk.

Ning Xiaoling snapped back to attention, looking at Master Shuo Ling, her voice apologetic: "No... no, I'm fine."

Master Shuo Ling said, "Alright, if something is troubling you, you can tell me after class."

Ning Xiaoling nodded gently.

The other disciples, witnessing this, couldn't help but feel jealous.

Master Shuo Ling was actually very strict, but she always showed special patience and gentleness towards Ning Xiaoling. It was no wonder she showed favoritism; who wouldn't like a quiet, trouble-free girl with such high cultivation?

However, for more than a month, Ning Xiaoling had barely cultivated or paid attention in class, which Master Shuo Ling and the other disciples all noticed.

Master Shuo Ling knew this was related to the assassination attempt by the mysterious girl calling herself Xueyuan a month ago.

This must have caused Ning Xiaoling significant psychological trauma.

Though she offered guidance, it was of no use; she could only wait for Xiaoling to overcome it herself.

It was a pity, however, that with so much missed, Ning Xiaoling would likely struggle to achieve a satisfactory rank in this year's Sect Grand Competition.

"You are already in the Longevity Realm. Now, you should focus on reaching the peak of the Longevity Realm. If you can make a breakthrough within three years, you might become one of the most outstanding individuals in the sect's history," Master Shuo Ling said earnestly. "This is your top priority right now."

Ning Xiaoling nodded gently: "Master, I understand. I... I will try my best."

Master Shuo Ling looked at her and finally comforted her, "But you've only been here for half a year. If it doesn't work out this time, it'll be the same in two years. Don't get discouraged."

Ning Xiaoling assented. She sat upright, opened her book, and pretended to read diligently, but after a long time, she was still on the first page.

Master Shuo Ling looked at her, shaking her head gently, thinking that if such a promising talent were truly ruined, it would be a great regret.

After they had read for a while, Master Shuo Ling handed out blank sheets of Xuan paper and then asked them to come up and draw bamboo slips.

Each bamboo slip had several questions about the sect's cultivation methods inscribed on it.

The Ancient Spirit Sect's cultivation methods were complex; a mistake in practice could lead to qi deviation. Therefore, they frequently had assessments on the content of the cultivation methods.

After nervously drawing their slips, they consulted them and eagerly began to answer the questions.

Ning Xiaoling chewed on her pen, absentmindedly completing the test.

Days passed as usual.

Ning Xiaoling had adapted to this life. She had initially thought it would continue indefinitely until that assassination attempt... She constantly worried about Nanzhou, about her Master, Sister Xiang'er, and Senior Brother, and could never concentrate during cultivation.

No wonder they always said that the Dao is the path to heaven for the heartless.

After finishing the test, the cultivators began to discuss it sporadically.

Ning Xiaoling, meanwhile, distractedly looked out the window.

"How did you do on this test?"

"Pretty much nailed it. You?"

"I think I'm solid too... What about you, Brother Jia?"

"I... I didn't memorize it very well. A lot of it was guesswork."

"Hey, Junior Sister Xiaoling, what about you? I saw you finish quite early." Someone tapped Ning Xiaoling's desk and asked.

Ning Xiaoling scratched her head, stammering, "I just filled it in based on my impression."

The person nodded doubtfully. After all, Ning Xiaoling had visibly not been serious for the past month, so they assumed that after this assessment, they would regain Master Shuo Ling's primary favor.

Soon after class, Master Shuo Ling returned and looked at Ning Xiaoling sternly: "Come outside for a moment."

Ning Xiaoling went out.

Everyone else speculated whether Master was finally cracking down and going to 'deal a painful blow.'

Ning Xiaoling was also a bit nervous.

"News has come from Nanzhou," Master Shuo Ling said once they were outside.

"Ah?" Ning Xiaoling was surprised.

Master Shuo Ling thought she hadn't heard clearly and said, "A month ago, I reported the matter of Xueyuan. The sect sent people to pursue her in Nanzhou, but there were no results until today, when news finally arrived."

Ning Xiaoling cautiously asked, "What news?"

Master Shuo Ling said, "Xueyuan fought an empress from the State of Zhao in Nanzhou above the imperial city. The outcome is unknown, but they both disappeared in the end. Others were involved in the battle, one of whom wielded a sword and seemed to be a sect master."

"Master..." Ning Xiaoling exclaimed, startled, "Is Master alright?"

Master Shuo Ling suddenly realized, "Ah, so it was the Sect Master of the Imperial Sword Heavenly Sect... She should be fine, but the news is still unclear. Oh, and that young empress apparently had a fiancé. He..."

"That's my Senior Brother," Ning Xiaoling stated.

Master Shuo Ling looked at her serious little face, thinking it best not to tell her about the bad things being said about her Senior Brother.

She continued, "In any case, both Xueyuan and the one presumed to be the Vermillion Phoenix have disappeared. This incident has tarnished the reputation of our Ancient Spirit Sect, so the higher-ups will certainly not let it go. Don't worry."

Ning Xiaoling nodded, lost in thought.

I hope nothing else happens to Sister Xiang'er...

She thought silently, then asked aloud, "Master, do all souls return to the Underworld Palace after death?"

Master Shuo Ling shook her head: "There is no Underworld Palace in the world anymore. After death, unless souls are immediately gathered, they will only dissipate into the world as wandering spirits."

Ning Xiaoling's heart became even more troubled.

Master Shuo Ling said, "Don't overthink it. The Spirit Valley Grand Competition is what you truly need to worry about now."

The Spirit Valley Grand Competition is an assessment for young disciples of the Ancient Spirit Sect, held within a ruined divine path area of the sect.

That divine path lies in a vast valley, teeming with demons and malevolent spirits. The Ancient Spirit Sect places a main treasure and many rare treasures deep within the divine path valley. Cultivators enter the valley to search; whoever obtains the main treasure becomes the champion and gets to keep the treasure. Others are ranked according to the grade of the other rare treasures they find.

This assesses not only the disciples' cultivation and spiritual power but also... their luck.

However, luck usually only plays a role when strength is comparable. Since its inception, the champion of the Spirit Valley Grand Competition has almost always been one of the most highly anticipated disciples, with few exceptions.

Ning Xiaoling took a deep breath, thinking that Xueyuan, who was not as beautiful as Sister Xiang'er, must also not be as powerful as Sister Xiang'er. Her current cultivation was mediocre, and worrying was useless. It would be better to quickly raise her realm and find a way to retrieve her Senior Brother's soul from the abyss in the future. If too much time passed and her Senior Brother became a wandering spirit, she would truly blame herself for the rest of her life.

"Yes, I will definitely listen carefully in class from now on, memorize the cultivation methods diligently, and stop guessing on tests," Ning Xiaoling earnestly promised.

Master Shuo Ling's expression was slightly peculiar.

"What's wrong?" Ning Xiaoling wondered if Master was angry.

Master Shuo Ling said impassively, "Just maintain the status quo. I just reviewed your test paper, and it was a perfect score."

"Ah, oh..."

Ning Xiaoling thought to herself that she had clearly just filled it in based on intuition.

The Spirit Valley Grand Competition was a month away. Every one of Ning Xiaoling's opponents was an exceptional young person. In the eyes of outsiders, she was merely a 'big fish in a small pond' in a weak group, barely able to compete against the top talents in the stronger groups.

Ning Xiaoling initially had confidence in herself, wanting to emulate her Senior Brother by hiding her abilities only to surprise everyone later, but half a month later, her dream of becoming champion was shattered.

News arrived that among the younger generation, a promising young man from the Ancient Spirit Sect's Netherworld lineage had successfully broken through to the Purple Court Realm at the age of twenty-two.

The Purple Court Realm and Longevity Realm were like a chasm between heaven and earth, and he was the only one among these young disciples to have crossed that barrier.

The Spirit Valley Grand Competition was now virtually without suspense.

Soon after, an even greater event was about to shake all of Nanzhou.

Zhongtu, Command Tower, outside the Heavenly Ranking.

The Command Tower was where major sects posted their announcements. These announcements were tiered by floor, with the highest level being the Heavenly Ranking.

Once an order from the Heavenly Ranking was issued, it would spread throughout Zhongtu, and all sects had to respect its content. And at the end of each year, the ranking spirit of the Heavenly Ranking itself would evolve a diagram, listing the top ten powerhouses in Zhongtu.

Except for the Sword Saint, who always held the first position, the others occasionally fluctuated.

To issue an order on the Heavenly Ranking required not only wealth and treasures but also extraordinary strength. Each issuer on the Heavenly Ranking could maintain their position for a maximum of three months, and whoever defeated them would gain the right to issue orders for the next three months.

All major sects considered it an honor to be able to issue orders on the Heavenly Ranking.

Currently guarding the Heavenly Ranking was a disciple from the Xuan Dan Holy Pavilion, one of Zhongtu's Eight Divine Sects.

This disciple was currently in the seventh level of the Purple Court Realm, truly outstanding among the young generation of Xuan Dan Holy Pavilion.

According to the rules of the Heavenly Ranking, the guardian could not exceed the Purple Court Realm, because while battles between peerless cultivators of the Five Paths were spectacular, the cost and effort required to repair the Command Tower were too great.

A tacit understanding had also been reached among the sects: when one sect was guarding the ranking, others rarely interfered, as even the Eight Divine Sects rarely had matters so significant that they needed to announce them to all of Zhongtu.

But this understanding was broken today.

A young master with a slender sword at his waist and dressed in black slowly ascended the tower, reaching outside the Heavenly Ranking.

The disciple from Xuan Dan Holy Pavilion, holding a divine spear with a surface as smooth as a mirror, looked at the newcomer and raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"One who has come to challenge for the ranking," the newcomer replied.

"Do you know who I am?" the man holding the spear asked.

"I do. Xiao Qiu. Cultivated for thirty-six years, currently at the seventh level of the Purple Court Realm. He once refined the Soul-Devouring Annihilation Pill, and his reputation is well-known," the young master in black said, looking at him seriously.

Xiao Qiu's expression also became serious. He stood up from outside the Heavenly Ranking pavilion, holding his spear, and said, "Are you very confident, sir?"

The black-clad swordsman said, "My realm is similar to yours. I will not underestimate you."

Xiao Qiu narrowed his eyes.

The black-clad swordsman stepped into the wooden hall of the Heavenly Ranking.

This wooden hall was the dueling ground for challengers, surrounded by powerful shield formations.

Above the wooden hall was the Heavenly Ranking, known throughout the world.

The moment the black-clad figure stepped into the wooden hall, the contest officially began.

"I'll take your instruction."

Xiao Qiu stood sideways, drew his long spear, grasped it with one hand, and pointed it forward and to the side.

The black-clad swordsman closed his eyes. He took one step back, then one step forward with a bowed stance, his body taut like a sword forged through a thousand hammerings. Before his sword left its sheath, the clear ringing of its sword intent resounded throughout the entire wooden hall.

Xiao Qiu's expression changed slightly: "Sword Spirit Assimilation?"

The black-clad swordsman did not respond.

His master had once told him that Sword Spirit Assimilation was a divine gift, spirits formed from the fusion of humans with eighty-one immortal sword embryos, forged by the ancient Ten-Eyed Kingdom and scattered across the human world. In the entire human world, there could be at most eighty-one Sword Spirit Assimilators at any given time. In reality, most of the swords remained masterless, and the number of known Sword Spirit Assimilators did not even exceed thirty.

Both he and his seventh senior brother were Sword Spirit Assimilators.

And his master had personally said that his compatibility with his sword spirit was even stronger than his senior brother's.

This made him proud.

Because if he was stronger than his senior brother, then in terms of Sword Spirit Assimilation alone, he would undoubtedly be the strongest in the world.

Within the Heavenly Ranking's wooden hall, Xiao Qiu, spear in hand, had already leapt forward.

His spear shaft was like a mirror.

This mirror-like material possessed a miraculous ability: it could reflect illusory images.

This was a true Phantom Spear.

So, the moment the spear thrust out, the spear shaft quivered into countless continuous illusions. These illusions were like a sudden gale, reflecting each other, continuously splitting at hundreds and thousands of times the speed, instantly filling the entire wooden hall.

The spear was formless, yet all forms.

Chilling glints filled every corner of the wooden hall; a suffocating pressure like a crashing wave slammed hard against the reef-like black figure.

The black-clad swordsman did not move.

He stood still, like an arrow poised to be released but never fired.

As the dense, murderous intent of the spear shadows filled the wooden hall, a clear sword hum rang out, like a peach blossom drifting amidst a chilling blizzard.

He remained still.

But if one looked closely, they would see a snowy-white shadow burst from his body and merge into the vast expanse of spear shadows.

That was his sword spirit!

The moment the spear shadows arose, the sword spirit drew its sword, lunged, cut horizontally and vertically, forming a perfectly square cross of light. These two intersecting sword lights instantly transformed into tens of thousands of intertwining lines. At the center of the sword qi, the black-clad swordsman had moved, unnoticeably.

Clang!!!

Spear shadows and sword shadows shattered together.

The wooden hall was cleared.

The sword tip pressed against the spear tip.

"You are..." Xiao Qiu showed no external injuries, but his voice trembled.

The black-clad swordsman sheathed his sword, walked past him, and with a single touch, stabilized his internal injuries.

A divine sect disciple defeated by a single sword strike, this...

Xiao Qiu knew there was only one answer: "Sword Pavilion? Are you from the Sword Pavilion?"

"Yes," the black-clad swordsman replied, "I am Zhan Si, the eighth disciple of the Sword Pavilion."

"Oh... so it's Master Zhan Si of the Sword Pavilion, my apologies for the disrespect." Xiao Qiu smiled and bowed to him.

Not only did he not feel defeated, but he even felt a sense of honor in his defeat.

But the Sword Pavilion had not contended for the Heavenly Ranking for sixty years, so why now...?

Could something major be about to happen?

Zhan Si said nothing, walking up the stairs to the Heavenly Ranking.

After today, the news that the Sword Pavilion was recruiting its fourteenth disciple would spread throughout the world.