"One move," Qing Yu raised a finger, "Kong Xuankong, I don't have time to linger with you. One move is enough to test each other's strength."

The Nirvana Sword was planted into the ground with its sheath, and a wisp of sharp Sword Qi emanated from Qing Yu's body, "Of course, if you wish for a life-and-death duel, I will also oblige."

The Sword Qi rose like a mist, and the Nirvana Sword gently trembled, emitting a resonant sword hum.

"No need, one move is sufficient."

Kong Xuankong shook his head slowly, solemnly drawing the Shattering Universe Saber.

At this moment, Kong Xuankong exuded not the slightest sense of frivolity, only a solemn demeanor and sharp Sword Intent.

"Very well."

The Nirvana Sword slowly rose, bit by bit leaving its sheath, as the Sword Qi around Qing Yu's body grew increasingly sharp, the light mist containing enough Sword Intent to tear anything apart.

"Ting—"

The Nirvana sword was fully drawn, and both Qing Yu and Kong Xuankong's figures suddenly flashed forward. In an instant, a gleam flickered and vanished, and the two stood back to back.

"Chang—"

The belated clear ringing sound gradually echoed, and a drop of crimson blood dripped off the Nirvana Sword, returning to its clear brilliance.

Holding his saber, Kong Xuankong gazed with a complex expression at the sword mark across his chest, blood oozing from his mouth, "Three years ago, I met Xiao Qianxiu; back then, he didn't have such sharp Sword Intent or such decisiveness."

"The sword is an extension of the body, a vessel for the will. If your heart is resilient enough, your will decisive enough, then you are a qualified swordsman," Qing Yu said calmly.

To this day, Qing Yu had already come to terms with the so-called Sword Heart. His will could rival the world's top swordsmen, his heart more ruthless than anyone's. His control over True Qi and understanding of sword forms was also world-class. Such a person, even without any Sword Heart, was stronger than countless swordsmen in the world.

"Continue forward."

Qing Yu's figure flickered, sheathing his sword as he disappeared into the center of the Yu Jian Manor's procession, within the sedan chair.

Four Sword Masters of the True Pill Realm lifted the sedan chair, and with a few leaps, they had already vanished ahead.

The remaining disciples of Yu Jian Manor followed under Xiao Qiye's lead, performing Qinggong to keep up.

Only Kong Xuankong's figure remained in place. With a complex look, he sheathed the Shattering Universe Saber silently.

Lost, utterly and completely defeated, it could be said to be a total rout. If Xiao Qianxiu had intended to kill, then there would be another Divinity Realm corpse buried here today.

"How did you feel about crossing swords with Xiao Qianxiu?" Elder Shiming quietly appeared behind Kong Xuankong, asking.

"He is a powerful swordsman, but I am certain he is not Xiao Qianxiu himself," Kong Xuankong replied without hesitation, "With Xiao Qianxiu's character, fixated on the Xiao family's honor, he wouldn't wield such a decisive sword. That man's sword shows no regret, no constraints, as if devoid of emotion, extremely resolute. Such a sword is not wielded by those whose hearts still cling to obsessions."

"Is that so? Did you sense the Heavenly Talent Sword aura on him?" Elder Shiming continued to ask.

"Not at all." Still replying without hesitation, Kong Xuankong's face was full of seriousness, "This is also one of the reasons I judge he is not Xiao Qianxiu.

The Heavenly Talent Fragment should be on him, yet I couldn't detect that sharp Sword Qi at all. Even at the moment of exchange, I couldn't sense it. His sword momentum completely concealed the aura of heavenly talent. If Xiao Qianxiu were this strong, he wouldn't have been toyed with and helpless by me three years ago."

"He should be heading for Sword God Lake, this person must be watched. If he truly gains the inheritance within Sword God Lake, he might become the next Sword God." Elder Shiming said solemnly.

Now, having an extra strongest warrior introduces an extra variable, especially when this strongest warrior's origins are a mystery. Elder Shiming had attempted to divine this "Xiao Qianxiu," but due to someone maliciously interfering, Elder Shiming's usual skills were no longer as effective.

Especially after the battle between the Sword God and the Supreme Taoist, the heavenly mechanism had grown increasingly obscure, as if veiled in a sheer mist. Before eliminating that rebellious disciple, Elder Shiming thought it wise not to rely on the Heavenly Mechanism Divination Skill.

Just as he thought this, Elder Shiming sensed something and retrieved a glowing Jade Pendant from his bosom.

"A summons? It's the Sword God!" Elder Shiming immediately judged who was calling the Nine Heavens.

"You go back and inform the Shengde Emperor of the situation, I will leave first," Elder Shiming said, his figure instantly disappearing without giving Kong Xuankong a chance to respond.

"Eh, eh..." Kong Xuankong reached forward as if trying to catch Elder Shiming's disappearing figure, "I need to heal too."

The sword wound on his chest still present, with the Sword Qi not yet dispelled, and now he had to run errands. Kong Xuankong felt life was growing increasingly tough.

························

Amidst the Heavenly Vault, the Nine Heavens once again fully assembled.

As Qing Yu manifested his form, he habitually scanned the crowd, combining the Heavenly Son's Qi Observation Skill with Ten Directions Destruction, always able to see some interesting things.

For example, Cangtian, whom Qing Yu had been paying attention to, his injuries were still not healed. It seemed the damage he took last time wasn't light, likely life-threatening, otherwise he wouldn't still be unhealed.

Then, he saw the greatly changed You Tian and Jun Heaven.

You Tian, or rather Shengde Empress Chengtian, no longer hid in shadows as in the past but openly revealed his True Body. Wearing the Nine Dragon Robe, he exuded the aura of an Emperor, gazing around loftily.

Ji Chengtian's identity was a tacitly shared secret, and having now become a Supreme warrior, his confidence was bursting, he naturally wouldn't continue to hide.

As for Jun Heaven...

One had to say, Qing Yu visibly showed surprise when seeing Jun Heaven.

Jun Heaven, the Sword God, was injured, severely. Although his outward aura still surpassed Divinity, this couldn't hide the severity of his condition.

His right arm severed at the elbow, his body marred with unusual Qi mechanisms. Qing Yu was very familiar with that Qi mechanism, belonging to the "Supreme Heaven Opening Scripture."

'The one who fought with the Supreme Taoist was the Sword God.' This was Qing Yu's first thought.

"Jun Heaven, who injured you so heavily?" Ji Chengtian was the first to ask.

Nangong Duanjian did little to hide, everyone could see his severe injuries. Especially the right hand, who had the capability to sever the Sword God's right hand?

The Supreme Taoist.

Everyone unanimously thought of this person. Among the world's strongest, able to achieve such a feat, likely only the one who ranks first on the Heavenly List.

That individual wasn't someone like Qing Yu, who was "first below the Heavenly List," but truly The World's Number One, the undisputed strongest in the Central Plains.

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