Aboard the Black Star Ship, Song Changsheng and the others traveled at a vastly increased speed. In just ten days, they crossed the entirety of Xiang Province and entered the territory of Xuu Province.

"We should reach the Celestial Sword Sect in one more day at most. Once we’re on the mountain, remember to watch your words and actions. Don’t cause any unnecessary trouble."

As he spoke, Song Changsheng deliberately glanced at Chi Huo Old Ghost. The man used to be part of the criminal underworld, and he was the one Song Changsheng trusted the least.

Although the old ghost had been behaving himself lately, old habits die hard. If he were to stir up any trouble, Song Changsheng would be the one to suffer the consequences.

Chi Huo Old Ghost chuckled awkwardly. "Sir, I think I’ll stay down here and wait. I won’t go up to the Celestial Sword Sect."

"Hm?" Song Changsheng frowned slightly. "Ever since we entered Xuu Province, I’ve noticed you’ve been restless. What’s going on?" The man was acting strangely.

"Well... this old servant used to be active in this area," Chi Huo Old Ghost said with his head lowered, speaking evasively.

Song Changsheng’s eyes went wide. "Don’t tell me you tried to rob the Celestial Sword Sect?"

The question startled Chi Huo Old Ghost. He glanced around furtively before meeting Song Changsheng’s suspicious gaze and saying, "You jest, Sir. I would never have the guts for that. It’s just... I used to have a bad reputation around here, and I’m afraid I’ll cause trouble for you if I go up the mountain."

"I see. That makes sense. The Taotie Demon Hunting Team’s reputation is certainly foul enough. As the second-in-command, you’re highly recognizable, so it’s true that you’d be easily spotted.

How about this? You wear this mask and change your hairstyle. As long as you don’t make a move, no one should be able to recognize you." Song Changsheng handed him a Human Skin Mask he had only used once before.

’Although taking Chi Huo up the mountain carries some risks,’ Song Changsheng thought, ’if he’s not under my nose, there’s no telling what kind of trouble he’ll get into. It’s better to keep him where I can see him.’

"As you command." Chi Huo Old Ghost accepted the mask, his face a picture of misery.

"Uncle, is the Sword Stele at the Celestial Sword Sect really as miraculous as they say?" Song Qingxi asked, blinking her big, curious eyes as she played with Little Lingyun in her arms.

Song Changsheng nodded. "The legends about that Sword Stele are ancient. Some say it was left behind by a Sword Immortal, while others claim it’s a wondrous artifact that descended from the Upper Realm.

But none of these claims hold up to scrutiny. If it were truly that magical, how could the Celestial Sword Sect—a sect without even a single Golden Core Master—have possessed the Sword Stele for so long?

However, one thing is certain: the stele is an incredibly rare treasure for Sword Dao Cultivators. Some have comprehended Sword Intent from it, while others have grasped new forms of Swordsmanship.

Even those with mediocre talent are guaranteed not to leave empty-handed after studying the Sword Stele.

Countless people have coveted this treasure over the years, but the Celestial Sword Sect had the foresight to put it on public display. Anyone, regardless of their background or status, is permitted to go and observe it.

Over the last millennium, not only has the sect flourished, but it has also forged countless alliances. Now, anyone who thinks of making a move against the Celestial Sword Sect must think twice.

Qingxing’s talent is extraordinary; he was born for the sword. Who knows, he might just give us a surprise on this visit."

Song Qingxing, standing to the side, showed no reaction to these words. His insistence on visiting the Sword Stele had less to do with the stele itself and more to do with this rare opportunity for training.

As for whether he would gain any profound insights from it, he was indifferent. He held no great expectations for it to begin with.

In contrast, Song Qingxi, who had been listening attentively, felt a surge of anticipation...

The rest of the journey passed in silence. The Black Star Ship sped onward for a day and a night, finally reaching the Ten Thousand Swords Mountain Range at dawn the following day.

Strictly speaking, this area was part of the battlefield between the two sects. As the Celestial Vein Sect’s top enforcers, the Celestial Sword Sect served as the main force against the Golden Crow Sect. On the battlefield, those fanatical Sword Cultivators were a massive headache for their enemies.

Surprisingly, however, the Ten Thousand Swords Mountain Range, the main base of the Celestial Sword Sect, was peaceful and serene, completely untouched by the flames of war.

This was good news for Song Changsheng. Back in the City of Independent Cultivators, he had heard that the Celestial Vein Sect had suffered a major defeat on the battlefield, and he’d been worried this region would also become a warzone. Fortunately, the Golden Crow Sect’s target was only the Celestial Vein Sect; they had no intention of expanding the conflict.

"The Celestial Sword Sect allows visitors to go up the mountain and study the Sword Stele on the seventh day of each month. Today is the fourth, so let’s head into Ten Thousand Swords City to rest first. We’ll go up the mountain to view the stele on the seventh."

Song Changsheng had put away the Black Star Ship well in advance. Even though it was only a Quasi-Celestial Ship, there were very few in the entire Daqi Cultivation World. It was far too conspicuous; it was better to maintain a low profile.

The group proceeded on foot to Ten Thousand Swords City.

This was the largest city under the jurisdiction of the Celestial Sword Sect. Although only half the size of Luoxia City, it was still one of the preeminent cities in the southeastern region.

Free from the threat of Beast Tides, the city appeared even more prosperous than Luoxia City and lacked its grim, somber atmosphere.

After Chi Huo Old Ghost stepped forward to pay the entrance fee, the group entered the city smoothly.

The commercial atmosphere in Ten Thousand Swords City was much thicker. Just after entering, Song Changsheng saw shops of all trades and professions. The endless cries of street vendors gave one the mistaken impression of having entered a mortal market.

"Senior, is this your first time in Ten Thousand Swords City?"

They had just entered the city when a thin, middle-aged man in practical clothing approached them. He had a shrewd look on his face and bowed slightly, his tone exceptionally deferential.

Seeing that the man was only at the Late-stage of Qi Refining, Song Changsheng lowered his guard a little and asked bluntly, "Who are you?"