This time, the Sword Emperor did not bring a scabbard, directly carrying the extraordinary blade he had used after obtaining the Forgotten Sword onto Sunset Peak. Thus, as he raised his sword, sharpness and brilliance filled the air.
The sword was three chi, three cun, and three fen long, forged from unique stones. Under the direct afternoon sunlight, it reflected dazzling golden rays.
Thrusting straight forward, the sword appeared ancient and unremarkable, yet its light was like a stone striking a calm lake, splitting into fine ripples that transformed into countless star-like glimmers, depicting a celestial chessboard.
Each glimmer of sword light carried sword qi—not harmless at all—blending with illusions, confusing the eyes with a mixture of truth and falsehood. In a single move, the entire chessboard was formed!
At the realm of unity between man and heaven, one had already reached an initial stage of internal and external convergence, slightly capable of mobilizing the power of heaven and earth to form sword momentum. Thus, the Sword Emperor could demonstrate the sword technique described in the “Divine Sword Puppet” with its fourteen-character description, albeit with fewer variations and layers.
Even so, this sword technique transcended the mortal realm. It enthralled Changsun Jing, the Ruyi Monk, and the swordsman Song Ming, leaving them spellbound as they watched.
Meng Qi opened his eyes just in time to see the star-like glimmers approaching, with the sword hidden within them.
Before he could even form a thought, Liu Huo naturally shot forth, like a crimson aurora streaking across the sky, directly pointing at a spot in the starry expanse—neither competing with the stars nor interfering with the chessboard.
Within the sword, the void emerged, the starlight scattered, and the entire chessboard’s momentum instantly vanished.
The concept of “momentum” was merely a sign of the internal world mobilizing the external world’s power, governed by the laws of techniques and skills.
Thus, a sword that could sever this momentum naturally broke it!
As the starlight and the chessboard disappeared together, the Sword Emperor’s sword suddenly accelerated, like a venomous snake darting from its burrow, speeding out from the vast starry sky. It seemed the previous transformation was merely to lure Meng Qi into breaking the momentum, thus creating an opportunity for a sudden breakthrough through an exposed opening.
But Meng Qi’s Liu Huo traced a graceful arc, perfectly intercepting the Sword Emperor’s blade.
The two seemed to have conspired beforehand; every movement, every attack and defense, was perfectly synchronized, as if they already knew the answers.
As the sword momentum unfolded, the two figures danced up and down, sometimes clashing repeatedly with a series of metallic clangs, sometimes exchanging over a dozen blows without even touching.
The Demoness watched intently. To Great Masters at their level, there was no secret left in the current exchanges. The “Star-Shock Sword” lived up to his reputation, capable of challenging the Sword Emperor. His swordplay was exquisitely indescribable—sometimes fierce like an asura, sometimes ethereal like a fragrant seeker, sometimes accompanied by melodious music, sometimes swift as a startled swan. Whether heavy or light, fast or slow, fierce or solemn, every move was effortless and perfectly timed, as if this was exactly the sword move that should be used at that very moment.
However, the Sword Emperor was slightly superior. His cultivation was complete, and his experience deepened with age. Each seemingly ordinary sword stroke was always perfectly timed, never a bit too much or too little. Each move gained him a slight advantage. With the initiative on his side, his swordplay resembled a net, tightening layer by layer.
In the Demoness’s eyes, if it were anyone else—even with similar sword cultivation—they would have already fallen into the Sword Emperor’s carefully laid traps, forced to fight under the most disadvantageous circumstances. But the “Star-Shock Sword” was different. His cultivation method was mighty, his youth and vigor granting him immense strength and speed. Each time, he prevented the Sword Emperor’s strategies from fully materializing, leaving behind faint traces of residual sword qi and starlight in the air, yet they always failed to connect into a deadly formation. Moreover, that strange flame sword had yet to unleash its full power.
It was as if the Sword Emperor repeatedly tightened the noose around his opponent, only for the Star-Shock Sword to repeatedly force it open. The rapid changes in their techniques dazzled the eyes, with victory or defeat hanging by a thread. Their momentum gradually built to a peak, and their power increasingly resonated with the heavens!
Initially, the sunlight bathing Sunset Peak made it golden and radiant, but gradually it was enveloped in darkness, revealing more and more indistinct shapes!
Except for the Demoness, the National Teacher, and the Right Chancellor—Great Masters capable of clearly witnessing and understanding the fight—Changsun Jing and others could barely keep up. They could not determine who had the advantage. Each sword stroke and countermove seemed to reach the pinnacle of perfection, leaving them entranced and feeling they had gained invaluable insights.
Suddenly, their gazes froze, for what lay before them was an unprecedented spectacle!
A mist arose on Sunset Peak bathed in sunlight—murky and dark. Within the dimness, a hazy sun emerged, followed by the appearance of brilliant stars, one after another. Depths beyond sight unfolded, moving and shifting according to mysterious laws, layer upon layer, as if emanating from an indescribable source.
This was not the usual night sky!
This was an unprecedentedly magnificent sight!
Within the dark mist, a rainbow spanned the sky, faint and ever-changing, illuminating a region, as if attempting to pierce through the fog.
The sun rotated, the flame radiated brilliance, and Meng Qi slashed powerfully toward the Sword Emperor.
Up to this point, except for his own true qi, cultivation realm, and swordplay, he had not used anything beyond this world, integrating and stabilizing his power, taking a solid step toward unity with heaven and earth.
Of course, aside from the deceptive and protective abilities of the “Eight-Nine Transformation,” he couldn’t use anything else. The Sword Emperor had given him no opportunity. If he attempted to use any secret techniques, they would likely be evaded, exposing openings and placing him at a true disadvantage.
In other words, aside from the “Eight-Nine Transformation”—his ultimate trump card—Meng Qi had already exerted his utmost effort, whether wielding sword or saber.
The sword, like the sun, surged forward. The Sword Emperor gently redirected the blade, transforming force into emptiness, deflecting the mighty strike sideways.
Suddenly, the tip of his sword lifted in a peculiar manner, like a bird freed from restraints, harmonizing with some cosmic law, instantly breaking free from Meng Qi’s Liu Huo.
This unexpected shift fell between technique and non-technique, and Meng Qi failed to react in time!
This move truly displayed the Sword Emperor’s brilliance, prompting nods from the Demoness, the National Teacher, and others.
Then, the surrounding celestial energies surged violently, completely converging into the Sword Emperor’s body, merging with his blade into a radiant white arc that pierced the heavens like a rainbow cleaving through the sun.
At the peak of unity with heaven and earth, one could already absorb heavenly energies through every pore, slightly mobilizing the power of the cosmos.
The rainbow arched across the sky, the white rainbow pierced through the sun, faintly visible as it headed straight toward Meng Qi.
The Sword Emperor actively changed his technique, seizing a fleeting opportunity to unleash the deadly move that had once defeated the Living Buddha!
It was like the Sword Emperor himself—seeming to be here, yet also far away, unfathomable—only the brilliant swordlight revealing its sharpness.
Seeing this sword, seeing the spanning rainbow, Changsun Jing and others couldn’t help but feel their hearts tighten.
Meng Qi had lost half a move, but as the Sword Emperor followed up with his strike, a slight sigh rose within Meng Qi. If Wang Siyuan and others were here, this sword technique would not connect so seamlessly.
In this world, he had already fallen into a disadvantage—whether in speed or reaction, there was little chance of directly withstanding this strike. One misstep led to another, ultimately leading to defeat.
But there was still the concept of “Outer Scenery” techniques in this world. Wang Siyuan and others wouldn’t connect their techniques this way precisely because it offered an opportunity for counterattack!
Still, Meng Qi could do no differently. If he truly fell into a disadvantage, he might never find another chance.
“This…” For the first time since the battle began, the Demoness was momentarily speechless.
The National Teacher and the Right Chancellor couldn’t help but step forward.
Changsun Jing and others gaped in astonishment as they saw the hazy mist part, revealing a series of brilliant stars aligning into breathtaking streams of light—no changes, yet surpassing all changes!
Nine stars aligned, and a celestial immortal flew!
Purely relying on intent and speed, it struck first while responding second, radiant and brilliant, attacking head-on!
The eerie resonance with the cosmos, the sword aura that awed the soul—all of it granted the Demoness and her companions a fleeting glimpse into a vast and boundless realm beyond.
“Such an exquisitely beautiful sword technique!”
“Such a sword technique actually exists!”
Seeing this magnificent sword light, a trace of shock flickered in the Sword Emperor’s eyes, soon replaced entirely by uncontrollable joy. To witness such a sword before his physical decline—what was death to fear?
His eyes gently closed, as if sensing the beauty of this sword stroke, and purely by instinct, his sword changed.
The white rainbow suddenly spiraled, with turbulent air currents forming a terrifying vortex, as if all the power of heaven and earth had been poured into it. Within the dark mist, the rainbow coiled into a circle.
Clang!
The Celestial Immortal’s strike was slightly deflected by the vortex, barely grazing the sword’s spine!
At that moment, following the pull of qi and principles, the Sword Emperor unexpectedly unleashed an entirely new sword technique in the midst of battle—one that faintly carried the feel of an “Outer Scenery” move!
His profound foundation and formidable spiritual realm enabled the Sword Emperor to create a miracle!
Seeing this move, although still somewhat rough, it already surpassed their current level. The Demoness’s eyes sparkled with complex emotions.
Upon witnessing the Sword Emperor’s ability to reach such heights, Meng Qi was not alarmed but delighted. His sword sprang upward, and with a mighty downward slash, he unleashed his self-created “Eight Divine Dragons Sword” technique—the “Nine Dragons Descending”!
It fully mobilized Meng Qi’s physical strength, as if a dragon and elephant had merged into his being, unleashing terrifying force upon the Sword Emperor.
The Sword Emperor’s eyes remained half-closed, his sword changing with the flow. Within the dark mist, the rainbow fully emerged, spanning both sides of the peak, connecting earth and sky.
Clang!
The Sword Emperor stood firm in defense!
Meeting an equal opponent, Meng Qi launched another “Outer Scenery” move, while the Sword Emperor responded in kind. Their momentum soared to unprecedented heights. Within the dark mist, the sun and stars swirled violently, the rainbow’s transformations intensifying. Changsun Jing and others watched in awe, involuntarily holding their breath.
As his energy neared depletion, Meng Qi, without even forming a conscious thought, launched a thrust—the most practiced and appropriate move.
Before the sword was fully extended, its intent had already surged forth. The sword light was exquisite, like a startled swan, filling Changsun Jing’s vision.
Suddenly, the Sword Emperor struck—not choosing defense this time!
This sword was like a prayer to heaven: “To hear the Dao in the morning, one can die content in the evening!”
Clang! The two sword lights collided, tip to tip, perfectly aligned!
Meng Qi saw the Sword Emperor’s eyes—filled with joy—and in them, he saw his own reflection, equally delighted.
With no restraint held back, sword qi erupted. At the point of contact, a faint crackling sound emerged, and a dark, abyss-like point appeared out of nowhere, rapidly expanding.
Infinite light burst from the rift, enveloping the two figures like lightning shooting from the earth into the sky.
The Demoness, Changsun Jing, and others only saw a white light erupting from deep within the dark mist, illuminating the peak with an otherworldly glow.
As the light flickered, they saw the “Star-Shock Sword” Xiao Meng and the Sword Emperor.
This was also the last time they would see the two.
The Sword Emperor’s physical form disintegrated, his soul appearing almost tangible, crushing a strange black-skinned creature in his hand.
The “Star-Shock Sword” stood with his sword tilted downward, his hair loose and fluttering in the wind, showing both delight and a trace of his former coldness.
The sword entered the capital, and the celestial immortal flew!
A sudden flash of white light, then it vanished. The peak was empty.
…
Within the rift, the Sword Emperor’s transparent figure gradually transformed, aging reversing into youth, black hair flowing.
Dimly, he felt himself in a stone chamber. Facing him was a man in green robes, cross-legged in meditation. His sword lay across his knees, his entire being empty and void, seemingly here yet also infinitely distant.
“His face resembles my younger self…” The Sword Emperor suddenly felt a shock, strange memories flooding his mind, his eyes gradually becoming clear.
The man in green robes opened his eyes—eyes capable of severing all things. He spoke softly, “Do you understand now?”
“I do.” The Sword Emperor laughed heartily, transforming into a sword qi that flew into the man’s forehead.
The man in green robes closed his eyes once more, empty and distant, as if in another world.
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