Chapter 1531: Plum Rain Conceals the Name to Contend with the Times, Sowing Grains in the Eight Gates Alters Life and Death

The world came back into view.

Xu Xiaoshou saw face after face filled with astonishment. They were gazing at him, at the Jian Dao Pan beneath his feet, their expressions and eyes overflowing with disbelief, eagerness, and a faint trace of envy.

Whether it was Mei Siyi, Feng Tingchen, or Liu Fuyu, Gu Yu...

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly slapped his palm.

"Wake up!"

Only then did the crowd snap out of their trance, some blinking wildly, others discreetly slapping their own faces.

The Ao Yi Zhen Tu under Xu Xiaoshou's feet faded away, but reality confirmed to everyone that what had just happened was no illusion.

"Is it over?" Mei Siyi asked, still in a daze.

"It's over." Xu Xiaoshou looked back with a cheerful smile.

"A slight gain?" Gu Yu asked gravely from the side.

"A slight gain."

Xu Xiaoshou turned his head toward this man, who was supposed to be the third challenger and an old-timer among them, his smile turning subtle as he said, "The me of today is not the same as the me of the past."

"I know what you're thinking, Gu Lao, but at this moment..." He paused. "Gu Lao, you should also know what I mean."

Gu Yu's face was etched with deep solemnity, and he fell silent upon hearing this.

How could he not see that Xu Xiaoshou had gained far more than just a slight insight? His Jian Dao realm had likely advanced by more than one level—in fact, it might even surpass his own!

This kind of prodigy was beyond the ordinary; he should be seen as on the same level as the Eight Venerables, capable of transcending eras and ignoring the gaps of time.

But...

Should he back down?

As he pondered this, Gu Yu became lost in thought.

His mind flashed to that secluded cave where he had meditated, wasting away an entire era; to the rustic life he had abandoned by ascending Gui Zhe Sheng Mountain, the dreams he had planted in his youth that would now only bloom in the fields of his old age, forever lacking vibrancy; to the half-sage status in Sheng Huan Hall, which he needed to possess for even the slightest chance of catching up to Mei Siyi's pace; to...

So many memories flashed by.

Finally, the scene settled on the young man before him.

Talented individuals emerge in every generation, and the new waves push the old— if he didn't fight, strive, and seize this moment, how could he ever reach the ultimate realm of ancient sword arts?

If he backed down now, it wouldn't just mean avoiding the sharp edge; it would mean shunning the unyielding path of ancient sword cultivation and evading the rest of his life!

So...

Should he still back down?

Suddenly, Gu Yu let go and smiled with relief.

The answer had been given the moment he actively sought out Gui Zhe Sheng Mountain for an opportunity.

"Xu Xiaoyou, let's give it a try."

As Gu Yu spoke, he slowly raised the sword in his hand.

In that instant, everyone could feel the sword intent around them solidify.

The sword intent was faint and shallow, evoking a sense of detachment from worldly strife, drifting lightly in the wind and snow like rising mist.

Upon closer contemplation, it harbored a deep edge within, but not the restrained buildup of Zang Jian Shu—rather, it seemed like...

A contradiction?

Xu Xiaoshou furrowed his brow.

This was the first time he had encountered such a peculiar sword intent.

Gu Yu gave off an aura of non-competitiveness, yet here he was, wanting to compete. Man and sword were one, and in this moment, his drawn sword felt utterly out of place!

For no reason, Xu Xiaoshou felt a stirring of desolation in the wind and snow. He furrowed his brows tighter, glancing at Mei Siyi as if seeking guidance.

"Ah..."

Mei Siyi let out a long sigh, offering no response. He simply shook his paper fan and swiftly moved away from the battlefield.

This time, he left with decisive speed, so fast that Xu Xiaoshou couldn't even make out the content on his paper fan.

Not intervening?

Well, at this point, each elder had their own choice.

Since Gu Yu had spoken, it meant he had already resolved everything—including achieving glory or accepting defeat.

No matter what outsiders said or advised...

It was futile!

"Here we go again?" From outside the battlefield, Feng Zhongzui grabbed the Chuan Dao Mirror, aiming it at the impending fight, ignoring the cold stare from his family head as he exclaimed excitedly, "The third battle of the Seven Sword Immortals... after Young Master Shou's enlightenment, he'll face the top of the initial rankings, the first Sword Immortal?"

"With Double Elders' smile, Liu Fuyu, and Hua Lai Bei Tian welcoming Young Master Shou, this is the last one against the strongest!"

"It's worth noting that the strongest back then might not be the supreme now, because Young Master Shou's recent enlightenment—we all saw it—his Jian Dao Ao Yi Zhen Tu was almost fully lit up!"

"So, is it real or fake, a mule or a horse? We'll know after this battle!"

Feng Zhongzui was truly skilled at hyping things up.

His words not only stirred the emotions of the viewers across the Five Domains but also made Yang Xi Zhi's expression sour on the side.

It was as if the second Sword Immortal was nothing at all...

"It’s called 'Mei Zi Yu', a second-grade spirit sword."

A voice full of emotion rose from the battlefield, and the Chuan Dao Mirror zoomed in timely, amplifying the sound.

"Long, long ago, it was already a second-grade spirit sword."

"It has traveled with me through countless mountains and rivers, battled against who knows how many foes, including the well-known You Tu and Mei Siyi..."

Gu Yu gently stroked the sword's blade, and Mei Zi Yu trembled lightly, humming with full spirituality.

Compared to swords like Xiong Jian You Si Jian, Di Jian Du Zun, Yan Mang, or Hu, it was quite subdued.

Xu Xiaoshou looked over.

The sword was apricot-colored, three chi long and three fingers wide, with gray spots on its blade like raindrops. A layer of mist shrouded it, creating an air of mystery.

"Good sword."

Xu Xiaoshou couldn't help but praise it.

The quality of a sword wasn't just about its grade; it was also about its spirit.

Though Mei Zi Yu was second-grade, it likely lacked only the nourishment of fame. If Gu Yu hadn't had that period of seclusion in a previous era, it probably would have...

His thoughts paused, and Xu Xiaoshou seemed to understand why this old man, who appeared so uncompetitive, was now fired up.

The Seven Sword Immortals—fighting for fame!

"Shh—"

Xu Xiaoshou drew Zang Ku as well. A third-grade against a second-grade—this was the perfect battle for making a name.

As he channeled Guan Jian Shu and stroked the sword with his finger, Zang Ku let out a strange hiss, its blade writhing like a bloodthirsty worm.

Full of spirit—and wildly so.

It was on a completely different level.

Gazing at the nicks and damages on Zang Ku's blade, Xu Xiaoshou chuckled with a touch of emotion.

"It’s called Zang Ku. Back when I was insignificant, it was just a ninth-grade spirit sword..."

Feng Zhongzui's eyes lit up immediately, realizing Young Master Shou was about to share the story of him and his sword.

This was huge news! No matter how much others dug, it wasn't as authentic as hearing it from the source!

With the recent three battles against Sword Immortals, Young Master Shou was destined to become famous across the land.

The secrets of his earliest sword, Zang Ku, once revealed, would surely cause a massive stir.

Thus, the Chuan Dao Mirror abandoned the first Sword Immortal, Gu Lao, and focused on Young Master Shou and his black sword, zooming in so much that even the pits and dents on the blade were enlarged.

Xu Xiaoshou was stirred by Gu Lao's words and spoke with some sentiment.

"In the Ling Gong, before I awakened, my talent was utterly average. Even the first move of Bai Yun Jian Fa, Bai Yun You You, took me three years to master without success."

"All my assets back then added up, and this ninth-grade spirit sword was the most valuable. It’s called 'Zang Ku', implying that if I could hide away all my past hardships, perhaps I'd welcome a turnaround from extreme adversity."

As he spoke, Xu Xiaoshou's emotions sank, pulling him back to that dull, lightless white sickroom.

He was silent for a few breaths before continuing.

"I also secluded myself."

"I fought desperately for a minor Outer Court Feng Yun Contest."

"I told myself it was my last chance—if I didn't succeed, I'd die trying!"

"In truth, I failed..."

Xu Xiaoshou smiled, lifted his head, gazed at Mei Zi Yu, glanced at Gu Lao, and finally let his eyes rest on Zang Ku.

Zang Ku seemed to empathize with its master's low spirits, not daring to shake as wildly, instead hissing softly in comfort.

Suddenly, it straightened and curled again, releasing a sharp sword energy as if to pierce into its master's heart for a affectionate nudge.

Xu Xiaoshou grabbed the damaged sword and shook his head with a laugh.

"I've died once."

"Or maybe more than once."

"But in this world, who hasn't died a few times?"

He looked at Gu Lao. "Fate has brought us to today, so let's not cling to the past. Letting go is easier, isn't it?"

Feng Zhongzui was stunned.

Mei Siyi was stunned.

The viewers across the Five Domains were all stunned, feeling that Young Master Shou's words held deeper meanings, yet no one could quite grasp them.

Gu Yu pondered, gazing at Zang Ku. He hadn't expected this sword, despite its short lifespan, to have so many stories.

In the end, he only lifted Mei Zi Yu and said firmly, "You're right, Xu Xiaoyou. Letting go is indeed easier."

"But if my life has been a dead end, then at the end, why not charge at it once more? See if I can break free from these chains and restraints?"

"Just as you said..." Gu Yu looked steadily at him, raising his sword as if offering it. "If not success, then death?"

So, were they all living under strict rules, desperate beasts caged and unable to escape?

Xu Xiaoshou looked up at the sky, said no more, and raised his sword to clink against Gu Lao's.

Whoosh...

Invisible sword intent rippled out.

From the battlefield came two fervent voices, detached from self, honoring only the sword's name:

"Mei Zi Yu, I challenge!"

"Zang Ku, I challenge!"

The viewers before the Chuan Dao Mirror erupted in excitement.

Feng Zhongzui clutched the mirror, overcome with agitation.

"The third battle of the Seven Sword Immortals—isn't for their own titles, but a gamble on the names of these two swords?"

Not just him; all the ancient sword cultivators around the battlefield understood Gu Yu and Xu Xiaoshou's intentions:

The outcome didn't matter—what came after this battle, Mei Zi Yu and Zang Ku would both become famous!

After clinking swords, Gu Yu stepped back first, not attacking immediately. Instead, he laughed heartily and declared, "Xu Xiaoyou, I know you've made some gains, so I won't show off too much."

"In my life, I've fought countless battles and lived in seclusion; I've gained insights in battle and feelings in the fields, even creating my own sword style with various realms..."

Gu Yu's smile faded, his expression turning solemn.

"I'll only strike three swords. Please guide me!"

"If you can withstand these three, I'll willingly support you as the top of the Seven Sword Immortals and let you command me freely afterward."

"If not, after the battle, you'll withdraw to Yu Jing City and promise not to approach this place for at least a month. How about that?"

Xu Xiaoshou finished listening, his eyebrows arching high, a hint of playfulness in his voice. "I wouldn't dare call it guidance, but Gu Lao... this bet leaves me at a loss."

"Hahaha!"

Gu Yu threw his head back in laughter, then shook his head. "No, you won't lose. Even with your gains, facing me in battle will bring you plenty of rewards!"

"Very well!"

Xu Xiaoshou responded loudly, no longer bothering with schemes or negotiations.

He wanted to see what this so-called senior had up his sleeve, daring to boast like this even after he'd revealed his true Jian Dao Ao Yi Zhen Tu.

"Come at me!"

The battle was on the verge of exploding.

The Chuan Dao Mirror expanded instantly, covering the entire battlefield.

It even showed reactions from onlookers like Mei Siyi, Feng Tingchen, Liu Fuyu, and other ancient sword cultivators in the lower corner.

At the same time, Feng Zhongzui spoke rapidly, explaining for the ignorant:

"I won't go into Young Master Shou."

"As for Gu Yu, Gu Lao—why is he the top of this Seven Sword Immortals initial ranking, called the 'First Sword Immortal'?"

"Gu Lao started with Jiu Jian Shu in his youth, later mastering other sword arts. He's proficient in Huan, Wan Qing, and all others, with no weak points except for not excelling in Gui Jian Shu."

"Gu Lao's seniority is ancient—he's from many eras ago. He can discuss Huan with You Tu, Xin with Mei Siyi, Wan with Yang Xi Zhi and Feng Tingchen as my family head... and he concludes with Qing Jian Shu, mastering Jian Dao."

"You could say he's the most textbook ancient sword cultivator—balanced, upright, and peaceful, following the purest path of Jian Shen Gu Lou Ying, aside from Liu Fuyu."

"And now!"

Feng Zhongzui watched Gu Lao's opening stance, which hinted at Jiu Jian formation, and roared, "I'll blindly guess his first sword is his specialty, 'Zhong Gu Ba Men Jian'!"

The wind and snow stopped.

The climate in the battlefield actually warmed slightly, giving a false sense of winter fading into spring.

Wait...

Not false!

It really warmed—the climate had changed?

Xu Xiaoshou held his breath, feeling the surrounding world as the wind and snow melted, dead branches sprouted green, and he couldn't help but glance at the old Sword Immortal opposite him.

"Go!"

Gu Yu tossed Mei Zi Yu into the air. The spirit sword shook and split into eight illusions, slowly descending.

Buzz...

Sword intent howled instantly.

Waves of various weather phenomena surged around Gu Yu—spring rain at dawn, scorching summer forests, desolate autumn Wutong trees, and piercing winter glaciers.

As the four seasons shifted, it soon returned to two phases, inverting yin and yang, disrupting day and night.

Finally, it cleared heaven and earth, merging into one, forming a vast chaotic realm.

"Qing Jian Shu, Hong Chen Jian, Tian Hou Xiang!"

As Xu Xiaoshou sensed this, Feng Zhongzui from afar already cried out in surprise, then bombarded with commentary:

"You've all probably heard of Rao Jian Sheng's Zhong Sheng Xiang and Mei Siyi Mister's Shi Sheng Xiang."

"They say the path of Hong Chen is the highest among all, but really, what makes one aspect superior? It's just that Jian Shen Gu Lou Ying cultivated Hong Chen Xiang, which resonates with the heart, so it's held in esteem."

"Yet beyond Hong Chen, the teacher-student path can also gather endless faith and solidify one's core; Gu Lao's Tian Hou Xiang stands on heaven and earth, drawn from chaos."

"In my view, heaven, earth, and man have ranks, but aspects don't—it's all about how ancient sword cultivators use them. What do you all think?"

This fell on the ears of the Five Domains' Lian Ling Shi without much impact.

But to the surrounding ancient sword cultivators, it was a groundbreaking theory!

Feng Tingchen's face tightened, about to rebuke this unrestrained junior, but the words caught in his throat—he suddenly felt Feng Zhongzui's words made some sense.

Mei Siyi looked at the audacious young man in surprise. Before this, even he had believed his Shi Sheng Xiang was slightly inferior to Hong Chen Xiang, deeming it a lesser aspect...

Xu Xiaoshou couldn't help but glance back at Feng Zhongzui.

Gu Yu, upon hearing this, laughed heartily, his spirit soaring as he said, "Well said! Aspects have no superiority, but there are gods and Buddhas in the present, and in ancient times, many enlightened but few clarified for man. Xu Xiaoyou, my first sword is 'Zhong Gu Ba Men Jian'!"

"It draws from 'spring growth, summer flourishing, autumn harvest, winter storage' of time, and 'yin sequence, yang order, turbid well, clear manifestation' of order. It combines time and order into nine, using Qing Jian Shu's 'Tian Hou Xiang,' and if needed, 'Fei Yun Ping' as a lead. Now, see how you break my sword!"

With that, Mei Zi Yu, carrying the eight great weather phenomena around it, leaped through space and time, suppressing a thousand li, engulfing Xu Xiaoshou into that self-contradictory, ever-changing sword array.

Gu Yu's eyes turned cold, sword intent bursting forth. He made a single decisive gesture and shouted, "Zhong Gu Ba Men Bian, Jian Ding Sheng, E Luan Xian!"