Chapter 1187: A Fierce Series of Actions

The Fifth Star Ring is divided into East, West, South, and North. However, unlike the north of Wanggu Continent, the northern star region here is devoid of snow. On the contrary, most areas are hot. Particularly when major events are rumored, the discussions among northern cultivators seem to make both the atmosphere and the weather feel even hotter.

At this moment, in a small town within the northern star region, close to the Sword Immortal Gate, a tea house was abuzz with discussion.

"This place is probably one of the busiest spots right now."

"Major sects, families, and tribes have all sent their direct descendants here."

"The two luminaries of the Sword Immortal Gate have achieved mastery in the way of the sword; their inaugural sword ceremony is naturally creating a sensation across the entire northern region."

"They are the most brilliant prodigies in our entire northern region, and the two most revered cultivators of this generation!"

"Their inaugural sword ceremony naturally draws attendees from all corners."

"It appears the journey to the Immortal's End profoundly affected these two northern prodigies, and their gains were astounding."

"It is said that in the Immortal's End, they successfully imbued their sword spirits with immortal intent, as if sharpening a blade!"

Inside the tea house, discussions about Qianjun Piying were ceaseless.

Listening to these discussions, Xu Qing sat by the window in the tea house, picked up his teacup, inhaled the aroma, and remained calm. Northern cultivators dislike wine, instead holding a particular fondness for spirit tea. Consequently, tea houses are the most prevalent establishments in every city.

"Those two swords are quite intriguing."

Xu Qing brought the tea to his lips and took a sip, savoring the unique blend of astringency and bitterness within the spirit tea. This bitter taste slowly melted on his tongue, transforming into a pleasant sweetness. This was Xu Qing's third day in the northern star region.

Unfamiliar with the northern region, Xu Qing instinctively concealed the aura of his Quasi-Immortal Capital Decree on his journey, ensuring his stellar radiance would not appear on the northern star map. Upon arrival, he learned about the inaugural sword ceremony for the two swords of Qianjun Piying. The ceremony was scheduled for three days later. It was set to last for a full two months... The conclusion of the ceremony would mark the end of the third stage. "Are they... afraid?"

Xu Qing pondered. Although his actions in the southern region had not yet fully circulated, he believed the two swords had likely been paying attention.

"So, what assurance leads them to believe that this two-month ceremony will provide them with security?"

"It can't be their sect; the rules of the Immortal Capital Trial forbid it. Therefore, it's highly probable that special arrangements have been made within this ceremony."

"Are they waiting for me to arrive?"

Xu Qing thought for a moment, then drained the spirit tea from his teacup.

Three days later, the meteorite housing the Sword Immortal Gate was teeming with cultivators. Forces from across the northern region had already converged there, creating a bustling and vibrant atmosphere in all directions as everyone eagerly awaited the ceremony. The scene was similar within the Sword Immortal Gate itself, on the meteorite. Both the cultivators of the Sword Immortal Gate and external dignitaries now encircled the central plaza, engaging in jovial conversation as they awaited the inaugural sword ceremony.

Then, as the propitious moment arrived, the sky and ground rumbled. Two earth-shattering streaks of light shot skyward from the central plaza, visible from a distance, emanating immense power. As they pierced the celestial aurora, a dazzling crimson glow spread outwards like a tide in all directions. Two colossal whirlpools formed. As they rumbled and rotated, even the meteorite of the Sword Immortal Gate was drawn in, emitting a blue radiance. This blue light ascended, intertwining with the red. Consequently, red and blue glows shimmered within the Sword Immortal Gate, coloring the surroundings.

External cultivators, witnessing this spectacle, watched with surging emotions. Internal cultivators, each smiling with anticipation, also turned their heads to gaze. Yet, under the gaze of the multitude and amidst the torrential sword energy, Qianjun Piying, who had appeared on the plaza, found their emotions remained turbulent. Their telepathic communication continued.

"He didn't come?"

"We expected him before the ceremony, but he hasn't shown up!"

"Does he intend to appear during the ceremony?"

"No matter. We're already prepared. If fear keeps him away, then so be it. But if he truly appears, today..."

"...will be the moment for us brothers to redeem ourselves!" "But... what if we can't defeat him?"

"If we can't beat him, surrender! Anyway, the humiliation isn't ours, it's Master's! He can't even protect two disciples undergoing enlightenment; the name of an Immortal Sovereign will be greatly diminished!"

"Brother, you're right!"

Qianjun Piying exchanged glances, seeing courage reflected in each other's eyes. Then, they simultaneously took a deep breath, and as they each stepped forward, sword energy erupted from their bodies. The moment they merged with the red and blue light, two immortal wills suddenly ascended from them.

The next instant, two indistinct swords materialized above their heads! These two swords brimmed with ancient essence, imbued with the essence of ages. The moment they appeared, they drew countless gazes from all around, and stirred the hearts of many. Had other celestial beings been present, they would have instantly recognized these as the immortal swords born from the sword forge within the fourth-layer world.

Now that they had appeared, the blue light from the Soul-Nourishing realm and the celestial aurora seemed to become shimmering dust for sharpening sword edges, constantly circulating around these two indistinct immortal swords. As if being polished, this process made the sword energy denser and their edges sharper! The sword radiance was likewise enhanced. According to the ceremony's procedure, this refinement was to last for two months. During this process, as the immortal swords were refined, they would become increasingly brilliant, continuously emitting sword intent, allowing those attending the ceremony to gain enlightenment from them.

As for Qianjun Piying, they sat cross-legged, both pairs of eyes closed, fully absorbed. Immediately, exclamations of admiration arose from all directions, and adoring gazes were cast from every corner.

Within the Sword Pavilion of the Sword Immortal Gate, teasing remarks also echoed.

"Brother Lan, your two disciples are indeed impressive."

The speaker, a middle-aged man in a red robe, scanned the plaza below and spoke with a smile. Beside him stood Immortal Sovereign Lan Fu. However, Lan Fu now shook his head with a helpless expression.

"Nonsense, those two must be terrified right now! They might even disparage me, believing that if anything goes wrong, it won't be due to their own foolishness, but my fault as their Master."

The red-robed middle-aged man chuckled at the words, his gaze falling upon a figure in the crowd below, a figure that seemed both present and absent. He seemed non-existent because, despite standing amidst the crowd, the surrounding cultivators appeared to have no awareness of him. Yet, he was clearly present, as his state was strikingly obvious and remarkably unique in the eyes of those who could perceive it.

"It's this young man they fear, isn't it? No wonder the Immortal Lord values him; his presence reminds me of... the Aurora Immortal Sovereign from back then."

The red-robed middle-aged man spoke with a touch of sentiment. "Brother Lan, speaking of which, you were once the disciple taken in by the First True Sovereign of the Aurora Immortal Palace..."

Hearing this, Immortal Sovereign Lan Fu sighed.

"I was merely an unofficial disciple. Moreover, that nominal master of mine appeared only a few times and never took me to the Aurora Immortal Palace; otherwise, I wouldn't have survived."

"But ultimately, there's still a connection," the red-robed middle-aged man said softly.

Lan Fu sighed once more.

"Do you know what I dislike most about you?"

"I do."

"What I dislike most is your habit of always predicting my words!"

"I understand. Oh, and that young man is watching us," the red-robed middle-aged man said with a smile, pointing downwards.

At the Sword Immortal Gate, on one side of the plaza, within the crowd, Xu Qing raised his head. He gazed towards the distant, tallest pavilion within the Sword Immortal Gate. Faintly, he sensed a keen presence there. Although he couldn't see clearly, he had a strong inkling. Xu Qing pondered, then performed a cupped-fist salute towards it. Afterward, he stepped forward. He bypassed the crowd and traversed the void, entering the plaza, moving past the two streams of sword energy, and arrived beside the two immortal swords that were being refined.

He raised his hand and waved gently. With that single wave, the two swords undergoing refinement suddenly trembled. The next instant, to the disbelief of the surrounding crowd, they emitted a sense of joyful anticipation, as if eager, and directly separated themselves from the refinement process. They flew directly towards Xu Qing.

Simultaneously, Qianjun Piying, seated cross-legged below, abruptly opened their eyes. In their hearts, an instinctive surge of excitement arose at that very moment, but they forcibly suppressed it the next moment.

"He's here!" "Those are our swords!" "Let's confront him!"

Qianjun Piying's breathing quickened instantly. Without hesitation and disregarding the gazes of those around them, they each formed hand seals and slammed their palms onto the plaza floor. As their four palms struck, the plaza rumbled. Hundreds of concentric rings of light instantly rose, each erupting with terrifying might as it ascended, layering towards Xu Qing.

Simultaneously, Qianjun Piying stood, each forming hand seals, their expressions solemn, as a low growl escaped their lips.

"Sword Rise, Sword Fall!"

The next instant, the plaza rumbled as a colossal, illusory sword abruptly rose from its depths, glowing with flowing light, grand in its aura, its sword energy shocking the heavens. It surged directly towards Xu Qing above. Concurrently, from above, a great sword formed from the ocean of light, also descending upon Xu Qing!

That wasn't all. After the hundreds of light rings and the two colossal illusory swords, Qianjun Piying staggered, formed more hand seals, and each spat out fresh blood.

"Falling Swords!"

The next instant, the meteorite of the Sword Immortal Gate erupted with blue light. From this radiance, thousands of azure longswords shot forth, flying directly towards Xu Qing, encircling him in a swirling sword formation. Working in conjunction with the overhead and ground swords, and the hundreds of light rings, their murderous intent was overwhelming.

These were precisely the defensive measures Qianjun Piying had prepared for Xu Qing. Now, having activated them simultaneously, the two, with resolute eyes, formed hand seals again. Their bodies swayed, then overlapped and rapidly merged into a single entity. Ignoring the bleeding from their seven orifices and the loss of their origin essence, they formed hand seals with both hands, pointing at the two eager immortal swords nearing Xu Qing. These two immortal swords suddenly trembled; their eagerness suppressed, their sharpness awakened, they surged towards Xu Qing as if to devour their wielder.

While lengthy to recount, all of this transpired in the single instant Xu Qing appeared. Facing all this, Xu Qing's expression remained calm. As he raised his hand, a particle of dust drifted forth from his palm. Then, it gently descended. The sky trembled, the earth rumbled, the void swayed, and space-time vibrated.

That was... the dust of Cosmic Law.