Chapter 1306: Let Me Borrow Your Three-Foot Sword to Watch Me Cut Down All the World's Sorrows

Shui Gui knew about the Wuji Laozu of the inner island.

Or rather, he had met Wuji Laozu's host body—Liu Changqing.

Xuankong Island wandered perpetually in the space-time rifts, rarely appearing in the world. Before its descent to the Shengshen Continent, a certain incident had circulated:

Someone had stumbled upon Xuankong Island by chance, breaking off a Yin branch from the blood tree in the Xuejie, only to be haunted by ghost beasts while seeking self-salvation.

That person was Liu Changqing.

His first method of self-rescue happened to involve attending the Ling Que Trade Fair, where he essentially revealed his identity by trading the Yin branch of the blood tree in exchange for intelligence on the ghost beasts.

What was even more coincidental was that his appearance not only shattered the Shengshen Hall's information blockade on the Sky City but also, through word of mouth among the highest echelons of the major cities in Dongtian Wangcheng, indirectly confirmed that the existence of the Sky City was no mere utopia.

Even more remarkably, the behind-the-scenes force of the Ling Que Trade Fair was Ye Mao, and Ye Mao's leader was Sheng Nu Shui Gui.

Flawless!

That was how Liu Changqing felt—his method of self-rescue had ultimately saved his life.

Perfect!

Wuji Laozu felt the same; he had completed his first meeting after emerging.

This happened in the few days after the trade fair ended and Liu Changqing disappeared.

Well, Xu Xiaoshou was just an unexpected factor, but Shui Gui had already set his pieces on the inner island!

And it was during that time...

Shui Gui learned everything about the plans for Xuankong Island's actions.

Facing the puzzled gazes of Xu Xiaoshou and Mei Si Ren, Shui Gui felt urgent and spoke quickly:

“There is the Gate of the Next Face, a deep-sea forbidden law barrier; there is the Void Gate, relying on sacrificial methods... But these are still not enough to connect to Xuankong Island.”

“The incantation is the key!”

“It’s a segment of Tianji Shu incantation, borrowing the two forces I mentioned, and it requires setting up a Shengji Tianji Array on Xuankong Island and outside the Void Gate to complete the incantation.”

“Wuji Laozu had just emerged and didn’t have the strength, energy, or time to set up the arrays while maintaining both sides...”

“Just in time, we had a temporary substitute, so we chose an equally compatible Ouyi Array diagram in the end.”

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly understood.

Is this why you used your son?

Shui Gui didn’t dwell on the minor details or wait for questions; he continued:

“Separated by two realms, connection through technique; water crosses water, Dao law endures forever.”

“The Dao law returns, void unites, overturning seas and skies, with Ouyi as the foundation.”

Pausing, Shui Gui pulled out an array disc with a slightly bewildered look:

“This is the incantation, and the Tianji Array disc that Wuji Laozu gave me.”

“The incantation activates the array disc, linking everything in the deep sea and opening the passage to Xuankong Island.”

“But I don’t know what role this incantation could play for you here...”

After speaking, he turned to Xu Xiaoshou’s communication talisman, “Ba Zun An, it’s your turn to explain.”

Xu Xiaoshou murmured the incantation silently, deep in thought.

So, the Tianji Array disc used the power of the Ouyi Array diagram to open the passage.

Is this why Wuji Laozu was valued on the inner island and released early for this operation?

But after reciting it once, he still didn’t understand how the incantation could help him, so he lowered his head.

The communication talisman glowed faintly, and Ba Zun An’s voice emerged:

“Xu Xiaoshou, do you know Tianji Shu?”

“Yes.”

“Then perfect, you can ignore my array disc and do it yourself!”

What do you mean?

Xu Xiaoshou furrowed his brows, and Ba Zun An’s voice came again:

“The incantation that Xuan Wuji gave you should have two parts. What about the latter one?”

The latter...

Shui Gui quickly glanced behind him.

The oppressive sense of the impending Shengdi made him unable to think like a strategist about Ba Zun An’s words.

He had completely become a pawn, only managing to recall the second half of the incantation from his memory, which he didn’t understand and had almost forgotten:

“Separated by dimensions, linked through the mirror; fire crosses fire, break the seal without delay.”

“Break the seal into decision, sacred pearl aligns with the point, flame sword connects, and Jin Zhao serves as the pact.”

After reciting the two lines, Shui Gui’s lips parted slightly, unable to close.

Back when the Ling Que Trade Fair ended, he hadn’t understood the meaning of this second half.

Now, reciting it again, he found many familiar points.

“Fire, flame sword, Jin Zhao...”

Isn’t this referring to Xu Xiaoshou?

The person involved, Xu Xiaoshou, widened his eyes after hearing the second half.

He looked at Shui Gui in utter shock: “When was this incantation from?”

Shui Gui was equally surprised: “The Ling Que Trade Fair...”

Before he could finish, the communication talisman lit up again, and Ba Zun An’s voice appeared:

“White Cave.”

You want to arrange me on Xuankong Island in White Cave?

No wonder in the ancient and modern Wangyou Tower, you thought I hadn’t caused enough trouble!

Xu Xiaoshou was greatly alarmed, itching to shred the communication talisman and strike Ba Zun An with a sword from afar.

This second half...

Even if he were dense, combining it with how Shui Gui summoned Xuankong Island, he could grasp some of it.

Earlier, it was the deep-sea Void Gate and the outer island’s two water-based Ouyi as the array for Tianji Shu to build the passage.

Now, it was the Jue Jin Fire Domain on the inner island lacking fire-based Ouyi, so using the flame sword Yanmang, Jin Zhao’s heart, and the Jin Zhao lineage inheritance?

“Sacred pearl...”

“Isn’t this damn thing the white pearl?”

As soon as he approached Jue Jin Fire Domain, not only did Yanmang stir, but Jin Zhao’s heart did too, and the white pearl inside him began to stir restlessly.

Now, Xu Xiaoshou finally understood these strange movements.

Including why, upon arriving on Xuankong Island, Yanmang had guided him toward Jue Jin Fire Domain, he gained a whole new perspective.

“Damn old Ba, forcing power into the body hurts like hell...”

After muttering curses under his breath, he tucked the communication talisman back into his pocket. Even though he didn’t want to proceed, under the Shengdi’s pressure, Xu Xiaoshou had no choice but to try.

As he channeled the power of the white pearl, Yanmang, and Jin Zhao’s heart, the distant void trembled, and that shadowy figure appeared!

Wang Ze Shengdi still had no definite form, his silhouette vague.

Yet, upon his entrance, the pressure he exerted made even the chaotic Jue Jin Fire Domain and the overflowing lava tremble, as if in fear.

“Surrender, or die.”

This flat statement was similar in content to Xu Xiaoshou’s rebuke of Bai Lian, but carried even more indifference.

For the Shengdi, there were few people or things in the world that interested him anymore.

Whether Mei Si Ren, Shui Gui, or even Xu Xiaoshou, who faintly posed a threat to Wang Ze Shengdi.

The Shengdi’s actions were simply offering a choice.

All beings make mistakes; regardless of black or white, light or dark, as long as they can correct them and serve him, it is the greatest virtue.

What a pity.

Before Wang Ze stood three stubborn mules who disrespected the Shengdi!

“How much time do you need?”

Mei Si Ren’s face showed no ripples as he stepped forward, positioning himself in front of his student.

Without extra words, his sword image condensed, his sword intent soaring skyward, ready to defy the heavens.

We sword cultivators charge forward without hesitation!

No laws, no heavens, no saints, no emperors!

“I’m going to get injured again...”

Shui Gui sighed, stepping forward while subconsciously raising his left hand to his face.

But his movement froze, and he shook his head with a smile, “Hidden for too long, seeing the light is always uncomfortable.”

Time...

“I don’t know how much time I need!”

Xu Xiaoshou stared intently at the shadowy figure in the distance, his face fierce as an array path spiraled out beneath his feet.

He offered up the three Jin Zhao items, aided by Wuji Laozu’s incantation.

As a Tianji Shu master, Xu Xiaoshou no longer needed an array disc; he viewed Xuankong Island and the ruined Jue Jin Fire Domain through the lens of Tianji Shu.

He instantly sensed that it only needed a catalyst to activate some “special” mechanism.

And that catalyst was himself!

“Wang Ze, then I ask you... surrender, or die?”

As his momentum surged to its peak, igniting the last trace of Shengdi power within him.

Not only did Xu Xiaoshou’s emotions reach their height, roaring wildly.

It seemed the entire world responded to him.

“An...”

The white pearl trembled again.

Scorching, intense power surged in once more.

“Boom!”

Jin Zhao’s heart awakened, pure white flames erupting from Xu Xiaoshou’s body.

The Jue Jin Fire Domain’s sea of fire leaped, Jin Zhao’s aura dominating all directions.

“Buzz!”

Yanmang, as if learning from somewhere, twisted and straightened with a sudden tremor, fully stretching in excitement.

Silver sword intent shot from the sword’s edge, gripping Xu Xiaoshou’s hand and pointing it toward the sky, as if guiding something.

“Hurry!”

“Look over there!”

The survivors from Sin One Hall, fresh from their ordeal, hadn’t had time to celebrate when they sensed the smoke of battle rising elsewhere.

The burly man, drenched in sweat, was carried on shoulders as he activated the spirit mirror again, nearly collapsing from exhaustion.

The scene displayed Wang Ze Shengdi standing in the air.

Opposite him, with Mei Si Ren and Shui Gui as protectors, Xu Xiaoshou bathed in white flames, pointing his sword to the sky in defiance.

What should I say...

Xu Xiaoshou felt countless gazes upon him.

Once, this was the scene he dreamed of—shouting amid the crowd to boost his passive value.

So, he gripped his sword, his momentum high, and declared boldly:

“I want this sky to no longer block my eyes! I want this earth... Ahhh!”

Before he could finish, the white pearl, Jin Zhao’s heart, and Yanmang connected, unleashing a surge of Shengdi power even greater than before.

This power was no longer the “gentle” kind he could borrow.

It was crude, domineering, and reckless!

Xu Xiaoshou choked on his saliva, bending over without dignity, clutching his abdomen.

As he doubled over, flames spewed from his seven orifices, his body cracked open with white flames shooting out, yet his aura skyrocketed.

“Under attack, passive value +1.”

“Under attack, passive value +1.”

Notifications kept popping up.

The bestial desire from the Kuang Bao Ju Ren nearly overwhelmed his mind, but Xu Xiaoshou knew this time he couldn’t indulge in a fight.

Borrowed Shengdi power might work against a Half-Saint, allowing him to punch Rao Keai or kick Dao Pusa.

But against a Shengdi, it was like an egg striking a rock.

“The array...”

Recalling the incantation, his spiritually enhanced mind, nearing Shengdi level, expanded to encompass Xuankong Island.

He instantly saw the clear Siwu Array.

“The key to breaking the situation is here!”

But as his spiritual sense linked to the 374 array nodes, the invisible great array transmitted a wave of resistance, no longer as compliant as before.

Dao Qiong Cang!

Outside the battlefield, Dao Qiong Cang gripped the Tianji Compass, its star ladle spinning rapidly.

He had already withdrawn from the fight, never expecting to be drawn back in this way.

Yet, with Xu Xiaoshou trying to seize control of the Siwu Array, how could he ignore it?

Just as he was about to act...

“An—”

A resonant sword hum echoed from the Duoyuan Site.

It was faint but penetrating, reaching straight to the nine heavens.

“What sound is that?”

The Sin One Hall observers looked around.

Someone slapped the dazed burly man awake. “Quick, find it!”

“This sound...”

Rao Yao Yao tilted her head, surprise in her eyes.

Others might not recognize it, but for her, this sword hum was unmistakably iconic.

No one else could imitate it—it was Ba Zun An’s sword!

Before she could think further, both Rao Yao Yao and Dao Qiong Cang spotted the source of the sword hum.

—A forgotten, cooled black iron sword!

“What is this thing?”

Dao Qiong Cang’s pupils dilated; he desperately wanted to summon his deceased Xiao Qi to demand why this wasn’t in the battlefield intel.

He sharply realized that Shengdi power was shielding it?

Indeed, he couldn’t interfere anymore!

“Ming Yi...”

But he had no choice; he couldn’t stand by!

How could he let Xu Xiaoshou take control of the Siwu Array?

As the thought flashed, after the warning sword hum, the cooled black iron sword trembled and released a silver sword energy.

In that instant, the world seemed to slow down.

Everyone involuntarily turned toward the sword and its energy, ignoring distance and space, able to see it clearly!

The sword energy was faint, like a fragile thread, trembling as if about to dissipate.

After brushing past the sword, it grew strong and vigorous, like the sun at its zenith.

As it traveled through the world, it gathered the “gazing” power of countless beings and the essence of “fame”... slashing through time and space, severing myriad laws!

In a flash, the sword energy transformed into sword intent, stopping at the tip of Dao Qiong Cang’s nose.

“Ba Zun An’s sword!”

Finally, someone in Sin One Hall shouted excitedly.

“This can’t be looked at...”

At the same time, both Rao Yao Yao and Dao Qiong Cang realized they had been hit.

Ba Zun An’s self-created “Guan Jian Shu” was too powerful!

He had derived this from how famous swords gather the world’s fame to grow stronger, using a sword cultivator’s eyes to gaze upon the sword, creating something from nothing and birthing wonders.

Now, his power had evolved further.

Initially, he gazed upon the sword energy, which was fragile as a thread, almost like not striking at all.

The subsequent evolution process was left to the world to complete.

The more who gazed, the stronger the sword energy became!

The more who recognized its origin, the greater its fame!

And “gazing” and “fame” were the fundamental foundations of the young Ba Zun An’s sword path that once shattered the five domains!

Dao Qiong Cang tensed, his mind focusing.

The ever-vigilant Rao Yao Yao felt her mission arrive.

No wonder...

No wonder he told me to protect him.

It was all a ploy to lure the tiger away and strike at Dao Qiong Cang.

“Block!”

The sword energy came fiercely, seemingly unstoppable, but without a controller.

Rao Yao Yao, having reached the Jian Sheng realm and on guard, summoned the Xuan Cang Divine Sword, sending it flying toward Dao Qiong Cang.

Ba Zun An’s sword energy mastered the way of space-time leaps.

Though Rao Yao Yao wasn’t skilled in illusion sword techniques, she hadn’t neglected the first realm she should master.

As the sword energy approached,

Xuan Cang tilted sideways.

“Clang!”

The terrifying sword intent that could have split Dao Qiong Cang in two was deflected by the “Dao Dialing” power of the three thousand sword paths, grazing past his right ear.

A strand of hair fell.

Dao Qiong Cang leaned back.

Time’s flow seemed to return to normal.

Sin One Hall’s site erupted in uproar, voices shaking the heavens.

The Dao Hall Master was almost slain?

And the attacker was his old rival, Ba Zun An?

This was huge news!

The crowd traced the sword intent’s path, watching as it flew straight without returning to strike, heading diagonally toward somewhere...

It soared through the sky.

It crossed the earth.

It headed toward the direction of Miracle Forest.

Its power seemed to be for a single use.

Mid-flight, it lost its space-time leaps and other anomalies, and upon collision, it lost the might of sword intent, degrading to mere sword energy.

So, even the spirit realm could follow it clearly, with the direction evident:

The sword energy ultimately flew into the body of a bowing man outside Miracle Forest.

“He’s not dead!”

Such a weak novice—his realm was hidden, surely more than Houtian, but he looked on the verge of collapse.

Yet, he absorbed the sword energy’s power without being cleaved in two!

After a pause, everyone realized there might be more to it.

“Him!”

“Him—his hand...”

Someone pointed at the figure in the spirit mirror, stammering for ages without finishing.

The crowd understood what he meant and crowded closer to look.

“Zoom in!”

“Zoom it in for me!”

No need to zoom; the figure outside Miracle Forest had lifted his head, revealing a face that existed only in memories, wanted posters, and legendary tales.

His gaze lacked its former sharpness, now murky, but his features were so distinct, his eyebrows still like swords.

A scar on his neck, only eight fingers on his hand...

Nothing more needed saying; if nothing unexpected, this was another of Xu Xiaoshou’s vanished clones?

But this time, everyone sensed something off.

Unlike Xu Xiaoshou or Xiao Kongdong’s imitations, this person’s aura was too ordinary, too... returning to simplicity?

The fleeting sword intent had a slightly different essence.

Amid the chaos of battle, his leisurely stroll was at odds with the tension on Xuankong Island.

All eyes turned to Rao Yao Yao and Dao Qiong Cang.

If anyone could confirm this person’s identity, it was their peers, his rivals!

Rao Yao Yao and Dao Qiong Cang reacted in unison.

—They stared intently, eyes fixed, unblinkingly at the figure in Miracle Forest.

The answer was on the tip of their tongues.

“What is he saying...”

The figure in the spirit mirror acted as if no one was watching, slowly advancing step by step with composure, stepping on the ground littered with dead branches and leaves, making crisp sounds as he headed toward Jue Jin Fire Domain.

But he clearly sensed the gazes; his lips moved, murmuring something.

The spirit mirror was slow, missing the sound, and the burly man nearly got beaten to death.

Dao Qiong Cang stared intently, and after listening, he laughed involuntarily, shaking his head as he recited:

“Idle clouds and wild cranes drift leisurely, sealing saints and claiming emperors forget their shame; I borrow three feet of sword from all you gentlemen to witness me slaying all the world’s sorrows...”

“Good one, Ba Zun An!”