Chapter 854: Morning of the Way, Evening Death Is Acceptable

The second notification sounded.

Not only Nanggong Jin'er froze, but all the trialists who saw this message were collectively stunned.

Such a long name...

Almost immediately, many trialists recalled another unusually long name from earlier: "Xiao Wanfeng, hurry to the east and find this Young Master."

They must be working together!

Therefore, the person previously on the leaderboard was not Xiao Wanfeng.

So, this chosen one who just unearthed the Spatial Origin Stone is Xiao Wanfeng after all?!

What kind of relationship do they have, to be so in sync?

Amidst their confusion, many people changed direction and rushed towards the Spatial Origin Stone's location.

Indeed, the Lightning Origin Stone was already quite rare compared to conventional origin stones.

But Space is the king of attributes!

Since the Spatial Origin Stone had appeared, trialists who didn't specialize in lightning naturally sought something better.

Therefore, many, driven by curiosity, a desire to get involved, or just the slim chance of success, headed straight for the Spatial Origin Stone's location.

However, some shrewd individuals anticipated that the competition for the Spatial Origin Stone would undoubtedly be a much more terrifying bloodbath.

Instead of vying for that slim chance, only to find themselves unable to comprehend it even if they got it.

It would be better to contend for the relatively more common Lightning Origin Stone.

After all, even if they couldn't use a Lightning Origin Stone themselves, selling it or bringing it back to their clan would still fetch a considerable price.

However, just as these thoughtful individuals continued to rush towards the Lightning Origin Stone's coordinates, they discovered...

The Lightning Origin Stone's coordinates were also moving!

And its trajectory was clearly towards the Spatial Origin Stone's location!

At this, everyone was bewildered.

Who was Nanggong Jin'er?

Before this, no one knew.

But judging by the coordinates' movement, could this Lightning Origin Stone holder also be a formidable figure?

Not satisfied with the Lightning Origin Stone, they were now attempting to seize the Spatial Origin Stone as well?

“Hurry! Keep moving!”

Somewhere, Nanggong Jin'er, clutching the Lightning Origin Stone, was desperately pushing towards the Spatial Origin Stone's coordinates.

This was her plan.

Instead of holding onto the Lightning Origin Stone and waiting for death, it was better to head to the Spatial Origin Stone's location together.

That place would surely be crowded.

And with so many people, the map only showed general coordinates, not who "Nanggong Jin'er" was.

If she disguised herself and blended into the crowd fighting for the Spatial Origin Stone, going with the flow, perhaps no one would ever find her in the end.

“I'm so smart!”

Nanggong Jin'er couldn't help but praise herself.

She noticed that on the trial map, the Fire Origin Stone's coordinates had also shifted direction, aiming to find the Spatial Origin Stone as soon as it appeared, which made her even happier.

“Good, go on!”

“If everyone goes there, it'll get even more chaotic later.”

“I wonder if this Xiao Wanfeng, or Young Master Xu, or whoever, will also come over…”

“Judging by their names, Young Master Xu must also be a master. Let them all come; the more chaotic, the better!”

The disguised Nanggong Jin'er moved swiftly.

She was much closer to the spatial coordinates than anyone else.

Soon, she would reach the target location.

“Charge!”

“Even if I can't keep the Lightning Origin Stone this time, I'll take advantage of the chaos to earn more points from others. Otherwise, I'll be too unwilling to accept it!”

Meanwhile.

Ye Xiaotian, disguised as a white-haired young man but still short, also noticed the two new notifications.

He was still barefoot, floating just slightly above the ground, gliding along.

But his direction of travel was not towards the so-called Spatial Origin Stone coordinates.

“Is it a coincidence?”

Ye Xiaotian gazed at the trial map and smiled faintly.

He didn't believe it was a coincidence.

He had only recently displayed his spatial abilities in the Cloudveil Mountains.

And now the third origin stone to appear was of the space attribute.

If that were a coincidence, it would be far too convenient!

Ye Xiaotian was no naive young trialist; he didn't believe the Sacred God Hall would be so generous as to give a Spatial Origin Stone to an outsider who wasn't part of their faction.

If it fell into the hands of an opposing force, wouldn't that backfire spectacularly?

“A test, then…”

Ye Xiaotian immediately understood: Rao Jianxian was suspicious of his identity and was beginning to probe.

After all, spatial attribute powerhouses were too rare across the Five Domains of the continent.

Since the other party hadn't figured out his identity yet and wasn't sure if he was an infiltrator, using an origin stone to lure him into action would be the best approach.

This probe could be considered Rao Jianxian's first move!

“We haven't even met, yet the struggle has already begun…”

Ye Xiaotian paused, a wry smile appearing on his face.

He actually didn't want to go.

He was here only for the last mission left by Elder Sang, not for the Spatial Origin Stone.

Ye Xiaotian understood Rao Jianxian's methods.

If someone's spatial ability was not yet perfected, even if they were a Throne, they would undoubtedly be tempted by the Spatial Origin Stone.

But Ye Xiaotian wouldn't be.

Perhaps if this origin stone had appeared earlier, he would have fought tooth and nail for it.

But now, this item held no attraction for him; it wasn't even as tempting as a plate of roast goose.

However…

“I can't not go!”

As the esteemed Master of the Heavenly Sang Spirit Palace, how could Ye Xiaotian not recognize this as Rao Jianxian's overt scheme?

Tell me, what spatial attribute spirit refiner in the world wouldn't be tempted by a Spatial Origin Stone?

A Dao Severer!

Or perhaps, above Dao Severing!

There was one last possibility: someone who had mastered the spatial profound truth!

If he didn't go, wouldn't that directly expose his cultivation level?

“Letting the trialists force my hand, then observing my cultivation through my actions, and thus inferring my identity…”

Ye Xiaotian sighed softly in his heart.

Had it been half a month ago, he might have been seen through.

But now he dared to enter the Cloudveil Mountains, exposing himself to the scrutiny of the Red and White-Clothed, so without a means to deceive heaven and cross the sea, how could he easily venture into a minefield?

“I'll take a look.”

“If there are no issues, I'll take it and put their minds at ease.”

“Whether the trial officials come or not is irrelevant. I just need to wait for what I want; at other times, no one can disturb me.”

Ye Xiaotian paused.

With a decision made, he immediately changed direction and flew towards the Spatial Origin Stone's location.

Within the inner region, at the Spatial Origin Stone's coordinates.

“Oh, my, my, my…”

Xiao Wanfeng held up the mysterious crystal in his hand.

The moment he picked it up, even the surrounding void began to twist—it was truly extraordinary.

But what was even more extraordinary…

“Why did an origin stone just fly down from the sky and land right on my hand as I was stretching?”

Xiao Wanfeng was going crazy.

Didn't they say origin stones had to be dug out?

How could it be like pie falling from the sky?

“I'm doomed, doomed…”

He was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, turning to ask, “Miss Su, what should I do? So many people are definitely going to come looking for me now, and I can't even find Young Master Xu—it's over! Or, should we find a place and bury this origin stone?”

“Why bury it?” Su Qianqian snapped out of her contemplation of the leaderboard, her expression strange. “With a name like yours…”

Xiao Wanfeng's face flushed with awkwardness as he explained, “I didn't think it would make it onto the leaderboard at the time. I was just thinking that on the off chance, my name could serve as a piece of information for Young Master Xu to see.”

Su Qianqian smiled faintly, “Isn't this that very coincidence now?”

“Oh no!” Xiao Wanfeng immediately cried out. “The coincidence is here, but this is a Spatial Origin Stone! This is a hot potato!”

Su Qianqian positioned her greatsword horizontally. “I'll just help you fend them off.”

“How many people can you fend off?”

“If one comes, I'll kill one; if ten thousand come, I'll slaughter ten thousand!”

Xiao Wanfeng was stunned.

This young girl looked even younger than him; how dared she utter such arrogant words?

Did she think her Sword Master cultivation could sweep across the entire Cloudveil Mountains?

One must know that within these mountains, there were at least three Sword Thrones!

“I…” Xiao Wanfeng hesitated.

“You don't trust me?” Su Qianqian looked at him indifferently.

“A little. What if a Sword Throne shows up? Can you beat them?”

“You can consider it having an extra helper.”

“Uh, well… what if a Half-Saint's disciple comes?”

“Don't you believe Young Master Xu will arrive sooner to save you?”

Xiao Wanfeng was stumped by the question.

The question was pointed.

He thought about it seriously and concluded that Young Master Xu was a good person, but seemed to harbor many secrets.

To him, he was merely a servant who poured tea and water. Would Young Master Xu risk his life to save him?

It would probably be more about saving the origin stone…

Although Young Master Xu didn't seem like that kind of person, Xiao Wanfeng had seen too many instances in real life where self-interest led to families being torn apart, often by their own people.

Fortunately, he didn't intend to keep the Spatial Origin Stone; as soon as Young Master Xu arrived, he would certainly hand it over.

“Perhaps,” Xiao Wanfeng replied casually, feeling uncertain.

“But I believe!” Su Qianqian, however, angled her sword, stepped forward past his shoulder, and gazed into the distance.

Her words rang with conviction, and even Xiao Wanfeng felt the certainty in her tone. He thought to himself, 'You haven't even met Young Master Xu; how do you know what kind of person he is?'

But being clever, Xiao Wanfeng could tell that Su Qianqian was trying to comfort him with those words.

He was somewhat moved.

Never having met before, he hadn't imagined a stranger would go to such lengths for him.

“What are you doing this for?” Xiao Wanfeng couldn't help but ask. “Helping me like this…”

Su Qianqian paused, her sword planted, and gazed into the distance, her pupils reflecting the approaching figures. She said calmly, “Naturally, it's not for you.”

Xiao Wanfeng: “…”

He was speechless for a moment, the faint trace of emotion that had sprouted in his heart vanishing instantly.

He hadn't expected this girl's words to have a touch of Young Master Xu's style—it was unbelievable!

“They're here.”

At this, he looked into the distance.

Because too many people were rushing from all directions.

“They're coming…”

Su Qianqian also murmured, exerting force with her small hand, lifting the snow-white, heavy greatsword. She ran her hand over its blade, a flicker of regret in her eyes: “If you were still here, I would have even more confidence.”

“Woosh”

The greatsword trembled slightly, emitting a choked sound, as if feeling wronged by its master's unfair treatment.

Su Qianqian shook her head and chuckled, lightly tapping the blade. “It's just a pity. I have the same feelings for you, after all, you were left to me by Grandpa.”

“Buzz—”

The greatsword vibrated.

Sword Master's intent spread across the sky.

“Stop!”

“Holy cow, it's a Sword Master!”

“Damn it, how is it a Sword Master who got the Spatial Origin Stone?”

The figures flying from a distance were startled by the aura.

A Sword Master powerhouse was not comparable to an ordinary Master; their combat strength was exceptionally fierce.

“Look quickly, the origin stone isn't in the Sword Master's hand; it's with the young man behind her. That must be Young Master Xu's Xiao Wanfeng.” A sharp-eyed individual shouted.

Su Qianqian tilted her head, looking at Xiao Wanfeng. “Lend me the origin stone.”

“Oh.” Xiao Wanfeng handed over the Spatial Origin Stone without thinking. If the other party had wanted to forcibly take it, he wouldn't have been able to keep it earlier anyway.

“I'll return it later,” Su Qianqian said, her lips curling into a smile as she sensed his trust.

“You'd better get through this ordeal first…” Xiao Wanfeng's heart trembled seeing so many Xiantian and Master realm experts in the distant sky.

Su Qianqian turned back, held up the Spatial Origin Stone, then hid it within her sleeve, stating calmly, “Now, the Spatial Origin Stone is in my hands.”

The eyes of the trialists all turned red with covetousness.

Even a small crystal could produce such powerful spatial distortion effects. If a spatial attribute spirit refiner truly obtained it, wouldn't their cultivation advance by leaps and bounds?

Such a divine item was more valuable than ten Lightning Origin Stones!

Humans die for wealth, birds die for food.

Even knowing that the Sword Master was formidable, the crowd, upon hearing the declaration, charged forward frantically.

“Kill!”

“She's just one person; can she possibly stop all of us?”

Xiao Wanfeng's heart was in his throat as he watched.

Su Qianqian, however, remained as still as an ancient well. With a gentle sweep of her snow-white greatsword through the void, spatial ripples immediately emerged.

Time and space, at that moment, slowed.

The trialists advancing with ferocious expressions and raised swords, the scattered rocks around them, the wild weeds growing in the crevices…

Everything, in the instant Su Qianqian raised her sword, seemed to slow down tenfold.

Gazing at the greatsword in her hand, eighty percent similar to the Tombstone City Snow, Su Qianqian's state of mind became as calm as if she had returned to the Su family residence in Heavenly Sang City, years after the battle of the Eight Palaces.

Things were the same, but people were not.

The once flourishing Su family residence had long since fallen into disrepair, with only a single old locust tree standing tall and straight.

Su Qianqian knew it was the Eighth Sword Immortal's doing.

Just as he had forcefully taken the renowned sword, Tombstone City Snow, from her hands in the Heavenly Sang Spirit Palace.

The moment Su Qianqian stepped back into the Su family home, she swore that in this life, she would surely avenge this great wrong.

However, Third Uncle appeared.

He told her that the only dying wish Grandpa had left was the four words: “No need for this.”

Su Qianqian pressed him, asking why.

Third Uncle explained that the Eighth Sword Immortal had indeed taken action, but he hadn't intended to kill anyone, only leaving the words: “I borrow your sword for ten years; it will be returned later.”

However, the Su family, as a clan of renowned sword-wielders, could absolutely not hand over their sword and be done with it.

In fact, the sword hanging in the Su residence at that time was a fake renowned sword; the Su family had no true sword to hand over.

Third Uncle said that night, after the Eighth Sword Immortal revealed his identity, the members of the Su family not only chose not to retreat, but instead, one by one, they advanced with their swords.

Even if!

They clearly knew that pointing their swords at the legendary Eighth Sword Immortal was a path to suicide.

But that night, not a single person from the Su family retreated half a step.

Instead, they all stood their ground.

Seventh Elder, Fourth Elder, Grand Elder, Father, Grandpa…

The entire upper echelon of the renowned sword-wielding family, from the middle-aged generation upwards, not one person retreated; instead, they were like moths drawn to a flame.

They didn't even engage in a group battle, but one by one chose to duel individually.

Just like a saying Father, and even Grandpa, often repeated when she was little…

“In this world, for a true sword cultivator, the greatest honor is to die by the sword of the Eighth Sword Immortal.”

To this day, Su Qianqian still couldn't understand this saying.

Yet that night, Grandpa watched as his dearest relatives went to their deaths one by one, but couldn't even force the Eighth Sword Immortal to draw his sword.

He, however, said: “Before my destiny draws to a close, my greatest comfort is having witnessed the backbone of the Su family.”

And then.

He calmly drew his sword, and was the last to point it at the Eighth Sword Immortal.

Grandpa cultivated Illusionary Sword Arts.

The Eighth Sword Immortal was also most famous for Illusionary Sword Arts.

In that battle, Grandpa expended his last bit of strength, and at the brink of death, finally comprehended the first realm of Illusionary Sword Arts' profound truths, known as—Spatial-Temporal Leap.

Thus, the Eighth Sword Immortal broke a branch from the Su family's old locust tree, granting his opponent the greatest fulfillment.

Third Uncle said.

Grandpa died.

But he stood smiling until his death, never once falling.

Su Qianqian was in tears.

Third Uncle then added that her grandfather had not truly died; he had seen what he most wanted to see in his life and had pursued what he most wanted to pursue throughout his life: the most magnificent form of Illusionary Sword Arts…

The Second World!

Su Qianqian vaguely remembered the yearning that had almost overflowed from Third Uncle's eyes when he said those words.

She didn't understand.

But she also understood.

If Third Uncle hadn't been away at the time, perhaps when she returned home again, Su Qianqian truly would have had no elder left.

Fortunately, the Eighth Sword Immortal didn't annihilate them completely; he left a path for all future generations of the Su family to live.

Su Qianqian felt this was a form of arrogance!

That person was so arrogant as to believe that no younger enemy in the world could grow strong enough to exact revenge during his lifetime.

Third Uncle merely shook his head slightly: “You don't understand…”

And then.

He took out the last insights from Grandpa, which all the Su family elders had paid for with their blood.

It was a Legacy Orb.

Inside the orb was recorded a profound truth called “Spatial-Temporal Leap.”

Su Qianqian was an ancient sword cultivator, so she naturally knew what that meant: it was the lifelong pursuit of every true ancient sword cultivator!

But what brought her to tears the most was not this technique.

Instead, it was the final memory from Grandpa, presented by the Legacy Orb—his ultimate battle with the Eighth Sword Immortal, a clash between the first and second realms of Illusionary Sword Arts.

Spatial-Temporal Leap!

And, the Second World!

The legacy vision ended.

Grandpa merely left a gentle smile as he turned his head, then slightly raised his hand, as if habitually, across time and space, wanting to once again pat his beloved granddaughter's head, wanting to mess up her beautiful hair…

But this time.

Grandpa didn't mess it up.

He simply said one gentle sentence.

“If one learns the Dao in the morning, one can die content in the evening.”