World's No. 1 Swordsman-Chapter 580: Laughing at My Momentary Recklessness

Wang Sheng, Huai Jing, Shi Qianzhang, and Liu Yunzhi gathered around a single table under a tree in the trio's small courtyard. The table was laden with fine wine and food as Wang Sheng spoke freely about what he had seen and experienced in Lishang's ancestral land.

He also revealed how Nuwa's kin had defied heaven and how heavenly might had ultimately punished them with countless bolts of Supreme Divine Lightning, wiping out hundreds of experts above the Golden Immortal Realm. In response, the trio could not help but sigh in shared astonishment.

For cultivators like Shi Qianzhang and Liu Yunzhi, who had yet to undergo tribulation, the Golden Immortal Realm was far too distant to truly grasp.

For Huai Jing, however, the matter struck much closer to home. "Amitabha. With heavenly might looming above us, what can we truly do?"

Huai Jing sighed, ate a piece of pork trotter, and took a sip of celestial wine. He looked completely at ease.

Wang Sheng couldn't help but smile at the sight. "This journey brought me more than just the benefits Lishang shared with me. At the very least, I now know that the six tablets back home are very likely the heaven-defying cultivation technique of Nuwa's kin."

Liu Yunzhi gravely warned, "You should avoid touching them. After all, the calamity that befell the Heavenly Court back then also began with those six celestial tablets."

Shi Qianzhang let his imagination run a little. "Aish. Brother Sheng, do you think the Immortal Emperor might have been set up?"

"Set up? What do you mean?"

The three turned to Shi Qianzhang, putting him under some pressure. Serious discussions like this were not exactly the usual style of the Longhu Mountains' disciple.

"What if someone was scheming against the Heavenly Court and the Immortal Emperor? They could have deliberately brought those tablets into the Heavenly Court."

"That heaven-defying cultivation technique surely has many profound and unfathomable principles, especially since it was a complete set of Daoist scripture. If the Immortal Emperor practiced it without knowing anything about the Holy Mother, then..."

Shi Qianzhang made a slicing motion across his own neck.

Thinking it over, the three found that the idea seemed to have some weight.

Liu Yunzhi said, "We certainly can't rule out that possibility."

"Stop guessing blindly." Huai Jing sighed. "Even if we knew everything that had happened back then, it wouldn't change anything! The Heavenly Court has already fallen, and little shrimps like us who are tied to it can only struggle on and survive as best we can."

He paused for a moment.

Soon after, he continued, "We should talk about what comes next instead. Now that we have a descendant of Goddess Nuwa backing us up, we can develop steadily in the early stages of our plan and aim for a burst of growth in the middle stage."

Wang Sheng fell silent for a moment. He then countered, "No, there's something else we should focus on right now."

"What is it?"

"How far do we intend to develop?" Wang Sheng set down his chopsticks and rested his hands on his knees. "We need a clear goal. I thought about it throughout our entire return trip. Currently, everything we do is for the sake of bringing Earth's cultivators out into the wider world. However, once they're out, then what?

"We possess incomparable potential thanks to the Daoist heritage of the Heavenly Court, but its enemies are all over the endless space. With danger lurking all around us, we can't expose ourselves lightly. Our plan ensures long-term stability back home, but what about the cultivators who actually come here with us? What direction are they supposed to strive toward?"

Waving his hand, Shi Qianzhang shouted, "Dominating the universe, of course! We have to restore the former glory of the Heavenly Court. Don't worry, Brother Sheng. We'll assist you in expanding your territory and rising from a mere swordsman to a Sword Emperor who commands a whole do—!"

Pa!

A talisman landed squarely over Shi Qianzhang's mouth, cutting off his wild remarks.

Huai Jing laughed. "It'll be difficult to unite the Three Realms. One wrong step, and you can be shattered beyond recovery. Developing steadily is the sensible path."

Liu Yunzhi said, "For now, why don't we strive toward establishing a firm foothold in the thirteen qi planets? We can leave our objectives after that undecided for now. Just as you've once said, Fei Yu, the value of the Heavenly Court's Daoist heritage becomes clearer the longer one remains in the thirteen qi planets.

"Once we've grown stronger, we can occupy two or three celestial bodies, guard the entrance to Earth, and then establish a celestial gate. That should allow us to rise in the Eastern Sky Region."

Wang Sheng said with concern, "Matters related to the connection between Earth and the Heavenly Court will inevitably be exposed as more and more of its cultivators come out here."

Huai Jing seriously replied, "No need to worry about that. Our Buddhist sect possesses a secret curse that makes those afflicted with it utterly unable to speak of a certain matter, no matter the situation. It can likely be used here."

"Let's proceed one step at a time," Wang Sheng said as he set down his wine cup. His fingers trembled slightly as he took out a broken sword.

The three looked at it in confusion. Wang Sheng sighed softly, then whispered, "Yunzhi, Qianzhang. Once Senior Sister arrives, I need you two to make a trip back home."

"What for?"

"You have to take this sword back to the Shu Sword Sect and place it in the Sword Mound." Wang Sheng pressed his fingers against the broken tip of the blade. He then took out his honorary elder token and added, "This was the personal sword of a senior from the Shu Mountains.

"Please do not ask me who the senior was or anything about his past; I do not wish to speak of it. All I can say right now is that this sword must be placed in the Sword Mound."

The trio exchanged looks. It was rare to see Wang Sheng wear such an expression.

Liu Yunzhi took both the broken sword and the token. He then softly replied, "Qianzhang and I are about to undergo tribulation. Once we pass the heavenly tribulation, we will set out and make the trip. Anyway, is there anything else we should know about this sword?"

"The senior didn't want later generations to know his Daoist name. Long ago, he followed the Heavenly Court out of Earth, earning a lifetime of renown. However, vile men wounded his Dao Body, turned him into a puppet, and tortured him for a hundred thousand years instead of granting him an honorable death!"

Wang Sheng waved his hand, picked up the wine cup in front of him, and drank it all in one go.

In a much calmer tone, he added, "For as long as the Celestial Wind Sect is around, my heart will never be at peace."

Though startled, the trio nodded and silently committed the matter to memory.

Huai Jing asked, "If you resent them so much, how about you and I charge into Tianfeng and kill a few Heavenly Immortals to vent that anger?"

Wang Sheng shook his head and smiled lightly. "Buddhist Master, that's quite the murderous intent you've got there. There is no need to rush. Even if the Celestial Wind Sect's sect master flees to the ends of the world, I will eventually cut him down with my sword. Let's just take our time growing stronger for now.

"If my guess is right, the Celestial Wind Sect will soon send people to probe Lishang's true strength anyway. Should they send anyone other than the North-River Sword Sect's people, I will ensure whoever comes does not return!"

Piang!

Wang Sheng crushed the jade cup in his hand to pieces.

Huai Jing frowned slightly, while Liu Yunzhi seemingly fell deep into thought. Liu Yunzhi glanced at the broken sword, as though something had occurred to him.

After Wang Sheng left, the trio gathered. Liu Yunzhi took out the sword and examined it carefully with them.

"Shu Mountains... Whose senior's death could make Brother Sheng that furious?"

"Look here." Liu Yunzhi pointed at two engraved characters at the end of the sword hilt. They were so worn down that they had become smooth and difficult to distinguish.

Even so, a closer inspection was enough for the trio to read them.

Qinglin.

"Big Sister Xi Lian! This...!"

Huai Jing intoned Buddha's name. "Amitabha."

With his expression becoming even more solemn, he raised his head and looked toward Tianfeng's direction.

"Yunzhi, when you return, bring some cultivators with you. Bring Xiaomiao out as well, if possible." He clicked his tongue. "Of all the people to provoke, it just had to be that pair of siblings. One excels in combat, the other in strategy. When those two work together, there's basically nothing left for the rest of us to do."

Liu Yunzhi and Shi Qianzhang exchanged a glance. When they thought of the young girl, who was now developing along a virtuous and gentle path, they both felt a sudden sense of clarity.

***

The Xinghai Sect held a grand banquet that lasted three days. Meanwhile, Wang Sheng met with Yao Xingzi and Linyuan.

Yao Xingzi had already crippled the traitor who had sold out Wang Sheng and Lishang, taking away half of the traitor's cultivation progress. Yao Xingzi had also imprisoned him in the sect's forbidden ground. Out of regard for their shared sect ties, he had not taken the traitor's life.

Now that Lishang had safely returned, Elder Wen was also brought out and made to confess his wrongdoing before all the immortals of the Xinghai Sect. This served both as a warning to those who harbored wavering loyalties and a spark that ignited the sect's collective anger, firmly establishing its hatred toward the Celestial Wind Sect.

Previously, the Celestial Wind Sect had been overwhelmingly powerful, making the Xinghai Sect wary and constrained. Now, however, the Xinghai Sect had two Heavenly Immortals, one of whom was Lishang. As Nuwa's descendant, she was born with divine abilities and terrifying combat strength.

If the Celestial Wind Sect wished to attack the Xinghai Sect, it would have to seriously consider whether it had the capacity to win.

***

Half a month later, the situation that Wang Sheng had anticipated finally came.

A celestial tower ship of the Celestial Wind Sect arrived at Fengmo. Aboard it were the two elders of the North-River Sword Sect and two elders of the Celestial Wind Sect, claiming they were there to congratulate Lishang.

The Xinghai Sect, which still had a cheerful atmosphere, instantly turned solemn and tense.

Receiving a voice transmission from Yao Xingzi, Wang Sheng exited his place of seclusion. Before he could fly toward the great palace, Lishang had already flown over from the side.

"Elder Pi!"

"Mm?" Wang Sheng turned and smiled. "What is it?"

Lishang looked at Wang Sheng with some concern. "Let me handle this. The Celestial Wind Sect has probably come prepared to probe my strength."

Wang Sheng smiled and nodded. "Don't worry. When have I ever acted without restraint?"

"I'm only worried about you... Forget it. If you choose to take matters into your own hands, that is fine as well. I won't allow them to harm you in the slightest. Anyway, let's go to the palace together. The sect master is already waiting for us."

Wang Sheng leaped onto the white cloud beside Lishang, and the two headed toward the palace together.

In the eyes of the Xinghai Sect's immortals, Wang Sheng and Lishang's relationship still seemed somewhat ambiguous. However, now that the Xinghai Sect was beginning to rise, there was no longer any need for them to keep up appearances as Daoist partners.

After gathering at the front palace, Yao Xingzi and Lishang sat upright upon the high platform. Wang Sheng followed Linyuan and the various elders toward the mountain gate to receive the guests.

The Celestial Wind Sect had sent quite a large delegation.

The two elders of the North-River Sword Sect, whom the Xinghai Sect was already very familiar with, were the source of the Celestial Wind Sect's confidence. With the two present, the Xinghai Sect wouldn't dare make things difficult for the delegation.

Long Aotian led the delegation, and Elder Qi assisted at his side.

More than thirty True Immortals and several hundred celestial soldiers disembarked from the celestial tower ship, bringing with them several chests of gifts and over a dozen beautiful immortal maidens. They had clearly thoroughly prepared their congratulatory display.

The Xinghai Sect's elders also straightened up and determined who could enter the grand array. Using the excuse that many of the sect's disciples were cultivating and should not be disturbed excessively, they barred half of the Celestial Wind Sect's True Immortals and celestial soldiers from coming in.

When the group arrived before the palace, Yao Xingzi stepped forward to exchange a few polite words with Long Aotian. He then led his guests into the palace, where everyone took their respective seats.

The two elders of the North-River Sword Sect were as aloof as ever. This was already their third visit, yet they still smiled faintly at Wang Sheng, who had concealed his true cultivation realm and weakened his aura to the early-stage True Immortal Realm. Since they didn't closely examine him, the two North-River Sword Sect elders failed to see through his disguise.

After a few exchanges, Long Aotian went straight to the point.

"I have long heard that descendants of Empress Nuwa possess innate divine abilities. Throughout all my years of cultivation, I've always wished to witness this for myself. However, out of concern for appearances, I could not bring myself to bully the young. I am an elder, after all."

Long Aotian set down his teacup. With somewhat narrowed eyes, he looked at Lishang, who had yet to speak from atop the platform.

"I recently heard that you have reached the Heavenly Immortal Realm, Vice Sect Master Lishang, which made me feel overjoyed. Unable to restrain myself any longer, I came here in hopes of exchanging pointers with you. Would you be willing to grant me this courtesy?"

This trial was ultimately unavoidable. Lishang slowly rose, her tail gently swaying.

At that moment, a cold, half-suppressed laugh came from a corner. "There is actually no need for an exchange. You're no match for our vice sect master, Elder Long."

Long Aotian's brow furrowed. Everyone within the palace turned, only to see Wang Sheng seated behind a low table in a corner.

Long Aotian smiled. "And you are...?"

"Vice Sect Master Lishang and I killed Elder Tan Lang before she had even broken through to the Heavenly Immortal Realm. Half of his wolf corpse is still floating in space outside Gonglin."

Wang Sheng rose slowly to his feet. His gaze had an oppressive sword intent, and his sword radiance threatened to burst forth at any moment.

"If you wish to find someone to exchange pointers with, perhaps I can grant you your wish, Elder Long. However, blades have no eyes. I would hate to accidentally cut you... in half."

Long Aotian's eyes narrowed and nearly spewed fire.