Chapter 680: Who Are You?

"Sword Intent?!"

The melodious ringing of swords instantly pierced through a ten-mile radius.

If it were elsewhere, perhaps this ringing wouldn't be so jarring.

But where was this?

This was the Heavenly Net Arena!

It was the most densely populated area for Spirit Refiners in the central district of Eastern Heaven Imperial City's spiritual cultivation world!

The number of sword cultivators here was simply overwhelming; almost at the exact moment Xiao Wanfeng cried out with a mournful face, "Don't kill me!", the spirit swords of all the sword cultivators simultaneously erupted.

"Clang—"

Following the soft hum of swords as the Sword Intent first materialized, came the terrifying sonic wave of a sword sound storm, formed by the convergence of countless spirit swords.

Not a single person in the spectator stands could remain seated.

In the midst of such an intense battle, a mortal comprehended Sword Intent?

"Am I dreaming?"

No one dared to believe what they had just witnessed.

The young man on stage, who had just released Sword Intent, was now radiating so much light that it nearly overshadowed Young Master Xu; who could possibly fail to notice him?

But upon truly seeing the person, everyone found it even more incredible.

"A mortal!"

That fellow, with his eyes tightly shut and a terrified expression, truly had not the slightest spiritual energy fluctuation; he was a pure mortal.

Yet at this moment, the aura of Dao rhythm flowing around him was so palpable that even though there were few grandmasters present, a large number of people could perceive it.

This aura was too intense!

It was so intense that even those who had witnessed Peak Innate realm cultivators break through to the Grandmaster realm were unwilling to believe that such an aura could be emitted by a mere mortal.

Because even a Grandmaster might not be able to emit such an intense Dao rhythm aura.

"Am I blind? This guy, he comprehended Sword Intent... Post-natal? Or Innate Sword Intent?" Someone shouted in astonishment, gripping their spirit sword tightly at their waist.

It was as if, if they didn't restrain them, their own spirit swords would tremble and fly uncontrollably into the sky.

In that case, the scene would be even more fantastical.

Myriad Swords Returning to the Origin...

That, however, was incomparable to the current scene.

"Innate Sword Intent, right?"

"Post-natal Sword Intent, a one-mile sword hum; Innate Sword Intent, a ten-mile sword hum—isn't that common knowledge?"

"Look at this commotion again; that young man absolutely couldn't have merely comprehended Post-natal Sword Intent, but..."

"Can Innate Sword Intent really cause such an exaggerated commotion?"

Someone tentatively loosened their grip on their spirit sword.

They saw their spirit sword, its spiritual essence stimulated, trembling precariously, almost unsheathing itself.

Some sheathless swords even began to float, but after hovering merely a foot or so, they fell as if losing power, clattering to the ground and continuing to bump and grind in close contact with it.

"My goodness, what's going on?"

Not a few people were experimenting, and everyone was startled by this phenomenon.

This was tens of thousands of people across the entire arena!

It was already impressive for Innate Sword Intent to stir the spiritual essence of spirit swords of this magnitude; where would there be more Dao rhythm or energy to mobilize sword formations and orchestrate the power of myriad swords?

One must remember, the fellow on stage was still merely a mortal!

Even if he wanted to, and could do it, the mental strength required just to initiate such a movement was not something a mere mortal could withstand.

A single thought could potentially lead to immediate collapse.

But if one didn't explain it with a phenomenon similar to "Myriad Swords Returning to the Origin"...

How could the scene of spirit swords floating then falling be explained?

"Could it be that this guy, upon comprehending it, immediately reached the peak level of Innate Sword Intent?"

Thinking this, everyone was astonished.

On stage.

Comprehending it, and it immediately being the most powerful Innate Sword Intent... Unlike others, Xu Xiaoshou didn't agree with this view.

He was one of the few who knew Xiao Wanfeng inside and out.

Naturally, he also knew that this guy, if he wasn't hiding anything, was currently in a Sword Concealment state.

But could Sword Concealment Technique really unleash this sword energy?

Wouldn't that break the laws of the Great Dao?

However, it was clear that the white sword energy that had frozen Mu Zixi was precisely the "Man is Sword" concept Xu Xiaoshou had comprehended at that time.

And if it were merely this level, coupled with the ten-mile sword hum phenomenon...

Xu Xiaoshou could assert that this was merely Innate Sword Intent.

But Xiao Wanfeng was different!

He was still in Sword Concealment!

Not to mention the theory that "one cannot draw a sword while in Sword Concealment state" was something even Xiao Wanfeng himself acknowledged; just the fact that this guy had inexplicably broken the rules and used this strange move now...

"Comprehend, comprehend..."

Although Xu Xiaoshou did want Xiao Wanfeng to comprehend something, which was why he used some stimulating methods...

He genuinely hadn't expected Xiao Wanfeng to truly have an epiphany about something in such a short time; the key was, what this guy had comprehended was incredibly powerful!

"What did he comprehend?"

The Sword Concealment Technique certainly prevented one from drawing a sword; at least Xiao Wanfeng hadn't reached the points Mr. Si Ren mentioned.

So, this guy was definitely taking a different path.

And since the Sword Concealment Technique prevented one from drawing a sword, it meant that under these circumstances, if the sword-wielder drew a sword against their true will, its power would undoubtedly be drastically reduced.

From this perspective, the Sword Intent Xiao Wanfeng had just awakened was very likely not "a somewhat stronger Innate Sword Intent," but rather "Myriad Swords Returning to the Origin after being suppressed"!

"So, Grandmaster Sword Intent?"

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly felt his lips dry.

He stared blankly at the young man in his grasp; this fellow, usually unremarkable, had astounded everyone, reaching such a level?

Sword Sovereign...

That was a Sword Sovereign!

One must know, the path of ancient sword cultivation was inherently incredibly difficult.

Under the Great Dao's restrictions, which were incompatible with this era of spiritual refinement, cultivating ancient sword techniques was like rowing upstream. Thus, the emergence of every Post-natal or Innate Sword Intent was a major event for an entire city.

Such matters were true in Tiansang City, and the same applied to Eastern Heaven Imperial City!

It wasn't to say that simply moving from Tiansang City to Eastern Heaven Imperial City would make a once-in-a-century sword cultivation genius like Su Qianqian fade into obscurity.

Nor did it mean that because Eastern Heaven Imperial City was one of the central cities of the spiritual cultivation world, those who comprehended Innate Sword Intent became as numerous as cattle hair.

Indeed, the number of Post-natal and Innate cultivators varied significantly across different commanderies.

But these Spirit Refiners were inherently meant to gather in the true spiritual cultivation world, not in ordinary cities where mortals and spiritual cultivators mingled.

Among these people, there were indeed sword cultivators.

But essentially, almost all sword cultivators were spirit sword cultivators, and none of them followed the path of ancient sword cultivation.

For them, spiritual techniques unleashed with a sword were the fundamental essence.

Essentially, the sword became a type of innate elemental power for them, as common as the five elemental attributes.

Mouths could breathe fire, hands could wield swords...

That was all.

But Innate Sword Intent was different.

Even within this Eastern Heaven Imperial City, it was a phenomenon that could only be cultivated by various major family powers and top spiritual palaces.

What's more, Xiao Wanfeng... Xu Xiaoshou wasn't sure of the young man's age, but he was certain this guy was much younger than himself.

At most, even if he was older, he wouldn't be much older than Su Qianqian.

But!

"Sword Sovereign?"

This sudden appearance of Sword Intent truly gave him a headache.

Xu Xiaoshou suddenly felt that accepting the city management's suggestion to cease his stall operations had been an unwise decision.

On the very first day of setting up his stall, he attracted a Seven Sword Immortal and an ancient sword cultivation genius.

If he kept the stall for a few months, wouldn't the continent's top power change hands and be renamed "First Tower in the Heavens"?

"So, I actually shouldn't pursue a personal dominance path, but rather establish a sect and widely recruit disciples through my charisma?" Xu Xiaoshou found himself deeply doubting his approach.

He felt that even though he was standing on the Heavenly Net Arena stage at this very moment, his understanding of how to use the passive system was actually flawed.

"Sword Intent???"

Xu Xiaoshou was deep in thought, and the crowd was still stunned.

But at this moment, the host's high-pitched voice finally rang out after a brief silence.

"Although today's Heavenly Net Battle has brought us too many surprises, with Young Master Xu, and the Sword Intent contestant..."

"But if I were also to participate, I would definitely not forget the primary goal of this competition."

"To claim the championship!"

"To secure a spot in the Imperial City Trials!"

The host's controlling remark quickly pulled everyone's attention back to the arena.

Yes.

This was the Heavenly Net Battle.

Even if there was such an extraordinary mortal who had comprehended Innate Sword Intent.

But those who should be killed would still be killed, those who should die would still die, and the championship that should be won would still be won!

"Kill—"

"Charge!!!"

"Aim for that guy! Innate Sword Intent! Don't let this child grow!"

"Huh? Are you crazy? Comprehending Innate Sword Intent without spiritual refinement aptitude—this is clearly an ancient sword cultivation genius! Even if they aren't from a major power now, they definitely will be later. Are you trying to offend someone?"

"Hey, buddy, are you blind? It's obvious he's Young Master Xu's servant. You're saying he's not from a major power?"

"Uh, you might be right, actually?"

"Haha, you're an idiot... Die, you bastard!"

Someone, while joking, plunged their sword into the chest of the person beside them, sending them plummeting off the stage.

The scene immediately erupted, and the fierce fighting resumed.

However, at this level, while blood was shed, very few people were actually trying to kill.

After all, those who made it to the finals were either ruthless lone wolves or geniuses from major powers.

If so many people were to die, the effort expended would be too contrary to the purpose of this competition.

To win the championship, one should defeat the most opponents with the least cost!

As the situation became chaotic.

Xu Xiaoshou immediately grabbed Xiao Wanfeng and flew into the air.

He wasn't afraid of becoming a target in everyone's eyes, because very few dared to strike such a conspicuous target as himself; those who did, generally couldn't break through his defenses and would even be sent reeling with blood on their faces.

"Disperse."

With Reverse Imperial Concealment and a thought, the sword energy binding Mu Zixi shattered in response.

The young girl ascended into the air, blinking her large eyes twice, still unable to comprehend what had happened.

Indeed, that sword energy had certainly held her in place.

But the damage was virtually nonexistent.

As for the sword-wielder, Mu Zixi understood immediately with a glance.

Her gaze settled on the human shield in front of Xu Xiaoshou...

Unfamiliar!

Although he had been the loudest just now, this guy clearly couldn't be a sword cultivator!

So...

"Young Master Xu!"

"Oh, you, Young Master Xu, how dare you restrict me!"

Mu Zixi pursed her lips and unceremoniously pounced forward, eager to continue chasing this annoying Senior Brother who had stolen her thunder the moment he entered the arena.

"Miss Mu."

Just then, a tall, well-built man, easily two meters tall, appeared and blocked Mu Zixi's path.

This man had long, flowing black hair and wore an open-front white training uniform, his muscular build clearly visible through the fabric...

Let's put it this way!

One of his biceps was essentially as big as Mu Zixi's entire head.

Mu Zixi raised her head high, and only after seeing that familiar chin did a flicker of hatred pass through her eyes.

"It's you!"

That sharply defined chin clearly belonged to the culprit from the previous match, who had inexplicably clashed with her, resulting in a mutual defeat that allowed him to claim the championship.

"...That Luo guy!"

The young girl pondered for a long time before finally recalling the man's name.

The man's voice deepened slightly as he said politely, "Luo Yin, I'm not called 'That Luo guy'."

Mu Zixi immediately flared up: "I don't care if your name is Luo or Yin, I don't have time to fight you now, get out of my way!"

"Does Miss Mu know Young Master Xu?"

Luo Yin turned his head, glanced at Young Master Xu, and advised the girl before him, "If you don't know him, then I, Luo, would kindly remind you... That fellow is not simple, and he might not show mercy as I do. I hope Miss Mu will think twice and not go over there."

"Mind your own business?" Mu Zixi retorted instantly, about to step past him, then thought better of it, "What do you mean 'show mercy'? Are you implying that I need you to let me pass?"

Luo Yin smiled.

He appeared broad-shouldered and brawny, yet his face was rugged with a touch of freshness, and his smile made people feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

"Get lost!"

The more Mu Zixi looked at his smile, the more hatred welled up within her. She clapped her small hands, and a seed materialized in the void.

"Little Tree, rise!"

With a whoosh, the seed sprouted, instantly transforming into a towering ancient tree.

The ancient tree's crown swayed, scattering countless seeds across the sky, followed by an incessant rushing sound as a small, dense forest materialized out of thin air, completely engulfing Luo Yin.

*Clap, clap.*

Mu Zixi clapped her small hands, her cheeks puffed out, "Little Tree, explode!"

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The explosive force generated in an instant even shook the partitioned barriers high in the sky.

Some nearby contestants in the arena, who hadn't even registered the sudden battle above, were blasted away by the explosive waves, spewing blood as they were heavily thrown out of bounds.

"Hmph!"

Mu Zixi wrinkled her delicate nose, then, satisfied, put her hands on her hips and was about to rush through the dispersing smoke towards Xu Xiaoshou.

However, with a whoosh of wind, the smoke cleared.

The brawny man within, surprisingly, remained spotless in his training uniform, without the slightest tear, let alone any injuries.

"You!" Mu Zixi's large eyes widened.

In the previous match, after such an explosion from her, no matter how strong his physical body was, he should have been sent flying!

Now...

"Apologies."

Luo Yin's eyes showed a hint of apology; he seemed completely unconcerned about the explosion, instead focusing on the girl's future: "I cannot let you pass."

The explosion cleared an large area.

For a moment, compared to the densely populated central section, the area where Mu Zixi stood seemed eerily empty.

Just then, a trembling voice rose from the ground.

"H-hello?"

Luo Yin looked in response and saw that the person on the ground was the Sword Intent comprehending individual who had just astonished everyone.

Also, he was Young Master Xu's servant, who had consistently held a tea tray.

He seemed to be mustering his courage.

It was clearly visible that the guy was clenching his jaw, his masseter muscles strained taut from the effort.

After holding it in for a long time, he finally gathered his courage, restrained his trembling legs, and spoke: "H-hello, Young Master X-Xu asked me to come and ask you... who are you?"