Chapter 559: Fierce Sword Recognition

Silence. The world seemed to fall silent. Everyone was awestruck by the aura of loneliness emanating from Lei Shuangxing. Standing there, dual swords in hand, he appeared utterly isolated from the world.

However, such an aura could clearly not last long on the Sword Separation Grassland. Gu Qingsan focused on Lei Shuangxing's position, where the figure seemed to have vanished. What he saw instead were three swords: "You Sixian," the "Divine Soul Staff," and a third, human-shaped sword.

"This realm..." As his eyelids flickered and his vision blurred, Gu Qingsan realized he could wait no longer. With this "human-sword integration" realm of sword intent alone, the blind man was highly likely to gain "You Sixian's" recognition. Any further delay, and the opportunity would be lost.

However, before he could move, a mighty surge of sword intent suddenly exploded from Lei Shuangxing's position. A rumbling sound filled the air as dirt was thrown up and dust swirled like dragons.

Under everyone's horrified gaze, the demonic patterns of "You Sixian" instantly spread across Lei Shuangxing's entire body, as if a second He Yuxing had appeared. However, Lei Shuangxing's current state was even more frenzied. Even while standing still, he exuded a disturbing madness, like the oppressive calm before a violent storm.

Everyone could sense powerful malevolent thoughts gathering, forming, and threatening to erupt from Lei Shuangxing. Then, "Charge!"

Suddenly, a black beam of light burst from Lei Shuangxing, soaring straight into the sky. This sudden transformation left everyone dumbfounded.

"What's happening?" "Where's the demonic backlash? Why hasn't he exploded?" "Something's wrong, very wrong!" "Could that soaring beam of light mean he's gained 'You Sixian's' recognition?" Everyone grew increasingly suspicious and uncertain.

Even the Redcoats were stunned. "Recognition?"

Xin immediately turned and asked. "Don't ask me; who am I supposed to ask?"

Lan Ling was speechless. She wasn't a sword cultivator; how could she possibly understand these things? If anything, she wanted to ask Xin, who had vast experience with enemies, what was happening. After all, while there were sword cultivators among the Redcoats, there wasn't a single ancient sword cultivator present.

"It can't be recognition," Xin utterly disbelieved. "This guy hasn't even comprehended the Eighth Sword Immortal's sword intent, nor has he sacrificed a carved fragment. How could 'You Sixian' recognize him so easily? Even if he's an ancient sword cultivator, it wouldn't happen this fast. There's something strange going on here!" All the Redcoats tensed their bodies.

Regardless of "You Sixian's" transformation, each of them could clearly feel intense hostility — hatred — emanating from the man holding the dual swords.

Lan Ling's eyes narrowed. "Information! Get me that person's information!" The Redcoat behind her hesitated, then stepped forward. "There's no information..." "No information?"

This time, even Xin turned back in shock. It was unthinkable that there would be no information. With the Redcoats' capabilities, even with just a face, once word spread, how could they not find any data?

"There's really no information at all," the Redcoat insisted. "He just looks like an ordinary adventurer..." "How could he be ordinary?"

Lan Ling's heart tightened. Her intuition told her that the blind man in the distance was far from simple.

But should they make a move? After a moment of hesitation, she spoke: "All Redcoats!"

"Present!" At once, the entire area grew solemn, and all Redcoats stood ready. Lan Ling hesitated, slowly extending her hand. If that hand were to swing down, it would signal the end of the person in the distance.

Meanwhile, inside the underground pit...

Because of his proximity, Xu Xiaoshou was the one who could best sense Lei Shuangxing's emotions, yet he completely failed to understand them. This guy's behavior was completely different from when he was in the Spirit Palace. Such intense, unconcealed hatred... why?

Xu Xiaoshou saw the earlier beam of light shooting into the sky. Even if that didn't count as "You Sixian's" recognition, he knew that Lei Shuangxing was now undoubtedly perfectly aligned with the fierce sword's demonic nature, and observing his body, which seemed entirely dyed black by demonic patterns...

"He's not right!" Xu Xiaoshou exclaimed, pressing down on Mu Zixi's head, as if reminding someone. Mu Zixi's body, however, suddenly began to tremble violently.

"What's wrong?" Xu Xiaoshou was startled and quickly turned the girl's face away.

"Ma... Master..." Mu Zixi's face was pale, and she was covered in cold sweat. These symptoms were strikingly similar to the high fever she had experienced back in the Spirit Palace. Xu Xiaoshou reached out and touched her forehead. It was burning hot! Large beads of sweat dripped from her forehead, and her tightly closed eyes trembled as Mu Zixi seemed to struggle to open them. But as her eyelids lifted only a slit, Xu Xiaoshou keenly noticed the black and white light within her eyes.

"No!" At that moment, he was absolutely certain that Mu Zixi's "God-Devil Eyes" and Lei Shuangxing were definitely connected in some way. The last time this blind man appeared, she had displayed the same symptoms. Now, as soon as he gripped the fierce sword, she was in this state again.

What was critical was that the Storyteller knew about this place. What if her eyes opened and someone saw them, leading to unnecessary trouble?

"Close them," Xu Xiaoshou whispered, pulling his junior sister into his embrace. "Rest, don't think about anything. I'm here." "Mm..."

A response as low as a mosquito's buzz. "Don't worry, it's fine," Xu Xiaoshou said, patting his junior sister's back. He also didn't dare to recklessly use his "Freezing Calamity" power to lower her temperature, fearing that mixing different powers might cause more trouble.

"Lei Shuangxing, there's a problem," Xu Xiaoshou whispered again. This whisper was meant for the Storyteller.

In his spiritual perception, it was clear that the Storyteller's attention had also been completely drawn to Lei Shuangxing. Through continuous observation, he finally realized Lei Shuangxing was about to lose control. "Brat, hold yourself back," he urged. "Now is not the time for your revenge. Don't let 'You Sixian's' demonic energy disturb your state of mind!"

Lei Shuangxing's body trembled upon hearing this. The next second, the absolute silence in the air was finally broken. As Lan Ling held her right hand high, Lei Shuangxing clipped the famous sword "Divine Soul Staff" to his waist and slowly pulled a crystalline stone from his robe. "An Exquisite Stone!"

The entire audience was stunned, then immediately reacted. Possessing an Exquisite Stone meant that Lei Shuangxing was not a stowaway; he had entered the White Cave through legitimate means and was qualified to compete for treasures.

"I have obtained 'You Sixian's' recognition," Lei Shuangxing stated emotionlessly. "According to the promise, send me out of the White Cave."

Xin turned to look at Lan Ling. This... Lan Ling's hand froze in mid-air, and she calmly asked, "Recognition? How do you prove it?"

Lei Shuangxing remained silent. He raised his head high. In mid-air, Gu Qingsan's hair instantly stood on end. The blind man had no eyes, but Gu Qingsan clearly felt that he was looking at him. Without another word, Lei Shuangxing flicked his hand, and a black sword aura shot out from the blade of "You Sixian." As it traveled, the sword aura split into two, then four, then eight, then sixteen... By the time it reached its target, it had transformed into a torrent of thousands of sword auras. Everyone was astonished by this simple yet decisive sword strike.

Just one sweep... and such a powerful surge?

"Illusionary Sword Art!" Gu Qingsan's lips curled into a smirk. Others might fear this, but he did not. Facts had long proven that even "You Sixian's" sword aura couldn't harm him! He formed a hand seal in the void, and his figure transformed into nothingness.

However, at that very moment, Gu Qingsan suddenly felt a trace of malevolent thought surge within him. It was the desire that had continuously accumulated since the dawn of human existence, a person's inner demon! "What the hell?" he thought. "How did this thing emerge?"

Gu Qingsan panicked. Everyone has desires. A state of complete desirelessness is something no one in this world can truly achieve. And once a person has desires, an inner demon will inevitably be born. The existence of this inner demon might not interfere with oneself during normal times. It is too tiny. As long as desires aren't too strong, ordinary people can suppress their inner demons.

This is even more true for Spirit Refiners. Every step of comprehending the Heavenly Dao and purifying the mind is simply bringing oneself closer to the desireless rules of heaven and earth. To "sever the Dao" means precisely this. But he, Gu Qingsan, couldn't achieve the realm of "severing the Dao"! He had desires, very strong desires. He wanted to learn swordsmanship, surpass his second and first senior brothers, defeat Xu Xiaoshou, and even surpass his master to earn the legendary title of Sword Immortal.

His desires were immense! But in this world, not every desire develops into an inner demon. More often, it provides people with the motivation to move forward. But Gu Qingsan never imagined that, at this moment, as he unleashed this sword strike, regardless of his desires, they all instantly transformed into inner demons. The fierce demonic energy had already invaded, not from the outside, but born from his own heart, and unleashed!

"Heart Sword Art?" Gu Qingsan instantly understood. The sword aura He Yuxing unleashed with "You Sixian" was fundamentally different from what Lei Shuangxing had just unleashed. That blind man had truly touched upon a portion of "You Sixian's" power!

"It's over!" Amidst sizzling sounds, forget his figure turning into nothingness to avoid these endless sword auras. The moment that trace of malevolent thought appeared in his heart, Gu Qingsan's body became enveloped in demonic patterns, forcing him instantly back from his ethereal state to his original form. "Junior Brother!"

Gu Qing'er suddenly stood up from the ground. At this moment, he could no longer sit still. But... It was too late!

"Famous swords can be avoided, fierce swords can be dodged, but the sword of inner demons is impossible to evade," Lei Shuangxing gently shook his head. He slowly sheathed his sword, securing the item in his hand behind his elbow. Meanwhile, in mid-air, Gu Qingsan, forced back into his original form, couldn't even put up a fraction of a defense against the howling, endless sword auras.

"Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle..." "Ugh, ugh, ugh..." Sword auras slashed through Gu Qingsan's body one after another, sending flesh and blood flying. Gu Qing'er's eyes instantly turned red. He knew that if the blind man hadn't possessed "You Sixian," his junior brother might have been able to defend himself somewhat. But with the fierce sword's blessing, his junior brother had absolutely no power to resist!

But this was not the end. The fierce demonic sword aura that had pierced through Gu Qingsan's body swirled around behind him before suddenly soaring into the sky. Then, from all directions, it converged inward again, striking at Gu Qingsan as its focal point. A boom resonated as the arcs traced by thousands of black sword auras in mid-air resembled moving black lotus petals painting the sky. But as the lotus petals converged at the center, a dark, spectral lotus bloomed in mid-air. "Hiss."

There was no explosion. All the power was manipulated with exquisite precision, instantly injected into Gu Qingsan's body. Demonic energy permeated his form. More terrifying than being torn apart! A bloody, indistinct figure fell from mid-air, raising ten feet of dust upon impact.

Thud. Everyone's heart seemed to skip a beat as they stared in shock at the blind man who stood with his sword sheathed. This was a devil! Gu Qingsan's aura had completely vanished. That body—or rather, corpse—enveloped in black demonic patterns, lay silently on the ground, seemingly answering the Redcoats' question.

"This is the answer," Lei Shuangxing said, slowly turning his head towards the Redcoats. "Do you want to try?"

Even though all the Redcoats were at the Throne level, many collectively took half a step back at this. Killing intent! A chilling killing intent! The Redcoats had no idea what kind of enmity existed between them and this young man. But from this raw, unconcealed killing intent alone, they were certain that if given the chance, he would strike even more fiercely than he had just attacked Gu Qingsan.

"Give me back my junior brother!" Gu Qing'er couldn't hold back any longer. He completely ignored his leader's warning and flew out into the air. In an instant, nine swords flew out from the sword wheel on his back, soaring through the air. Lei Shuangxing turned his body to face the nine rapidly approaching swords, a faint smile seemingly gracing his face.

Disdain, mockery, and boundless confidence. "Nine Swords Art?" He didn't even make a move, not even a twitch. "You Sixian" was secured behind his back, his face completely serene, and his body didn't even tremble.

"A Sword Sect!" "Another peak Sword Sect!" "My God, that's a famous sword, isn't it?" "Seductive Demoness?" The onlookers were startled by Gu Qing'er's display and cried out. Yet, even with the nine swords approaching his face, the blind man truly seemed to see nothing at all, not making a single move.

"He's crazy! He'll die!" "He's not dodging?" The nine-sword formation, led by a blood-red famous sword, carried an unstoppable sword intent, like nine dragons charging, tearing even space completely apart.

Bang! However, just an inch away from Lei Shuangxing, the nine swords seemed to hit a barrier, suddenly pinning themselves in space, unable to advance even an inch. Bald Xin stroked the air with one hand, and a domain barrier directly blocked the attack. He said apologetically to Gu Qing'er, "I'm sorry, this person has gained 'You Sixian's' recognition. The Redcoats will protect him!"

"Give me back my junior brother!" Gu Qing'er's eyes instantly turned red. He no longer cared whether the bald man in front of him was a Throne or anything else. The moment the sky-filling sword intent exploded, the crimson glow on the horizon seemed to be drawn, painting a large ominous red cloud in mid-air.

"Seductive Demoness!" Xin's eyes narrowed, and his expression became solemn. Famous Sword Heavenly Dissolution? What a joke! Are these young people crazy? How did they cultivate? Each and every one of them, how could they all be so terrifying! Whoosh!

The famous sword, Seductive Demoness, seemed to be summoned, circling once in mid-air before shooting back rapidly, about to plunge into Gu Qing'er's body and merge with him.

"Junior Brother, that's enough." Gu Qingyi finally stood up from the ground. With this stance, all the dense sword intent in the world was suppressed. Even the fierce demonic world that enveloped a corner of the sky showed signs of collapse. Seductive Demoness also stopped in front of Gu Qing'er's chest.

"But, Senior Brother, Junior Brother, he..." Gu Qing'er turned his head with difficulty, tears in his eyes.

"Bring him over." "Mm."

Gu Qing'er wiped his tears, walked over trembling with each step, and picked up his junior brother. Suddenly, the tears streaming from his eyes stopped, and wild joy appeared on his face. "He's breathing!" He excitedly yelled, taking a step back towards Gu Qingyi's side, holding the person. "Senior Brother, there's still hope! Quickly save Junior Brother!"

"Mm, stand down," Gu Qingyi watched the slightly trembling ground with a solemn expression.

"Huh?" Gu Qing'er didn't understand. He had nodded, so why wasn't he saving him yet? He'll die! However, following his Senior Brother's gaze, he also lowered his head and immediately noticed something was amiss.

"This is?" On the other side, Xin suddenly sprang up from the ground as if his feet had been scalded by lava. "Gurgle, gurgle..." The trembling ground cracked inch by inch. Subsequently, blood bubbles burst one by one, and the entire Sword Separation Grassland was instantly soaked in blood.

"Blood Sea Summon!"