In a stark contrast to the earth-shattering grand battle and fierce combat that took place in the front mountain, the duel between Ghost Li and Lin Jingyu, two childhood friends, was far smaller in scale. Yet, the intensity of their fight seemed to surpass even the former.
No one could have imagined that two men, once as close as brothers, would come to this. Their figures moved in and out of each other’s reach, like a tempest sweeping over the surrounding area of the Hall of Illusory Moon. All the trees were uprooted or snapped in half, and even the hard, solid earth was transformed by their formidable magical prowess, now filled with pits and shattered stones.
In terms of cultivation and magical power, Ghost Li possessed several true arts and had studied the three volumes of the “Tian Shu,” the sacred scriptures of the Demon Sect. His mastery and power were no longer comparable to ordinary cultivators; he was nearly on par with the top figures of the world. Even a prodigy like Lin Jingyu could not match him.
Yet, for some reason, their fight was evenly matched. The reasons were twofold: first, Lin Jingyu, with his fiery temper, had spent the past decade training under the mysterious elder in the Ancestor Hall, learning techniques that unleashed his latent potential. Combined with his natural temperament and the unstoppable momentum of the Sword of Dragon Slaying, his combat strength and aura surpassed his actual cultivation. Fueled by rage, every strike from his sword was deadly, almost as if he were the legendary Wanjian Yi from a century ago, unstoppable in his fury.
Though Ghost Li’s cultivation was high and his foundation solid, there was a weakness that had always held him back. In the past, he had simultaneously practiced the Qingyun Sect’s “Taiji Xuanqing Dao” and the Tianyin Temple’s “Dafan Bore,” which were at odds with each other, slowing his progress. Later, by mastering the “Tian Shu” compendium, he managed to integrate the two powerful arts, greatly advancing his cultivation. However, his foundational magic had been replaced by the esoteric “Tian Shu” arts, which, though profound and wondrous, were incomplete. Key parts of the scriptures were missing, leaving gaps that made further advancement impossible, much like finding a sheer cliff in the middle of a well-trodden path. These obstacles, coupled with the backlash of the Blood-Drinking Pearl, hindered Ghost Li from fully utilizing his powers.
Despite this, Ghost Li’s multiple true arts were not to be trifled with. Though incomplete, the “Tian Shu” arts were still extraordinary and miraculous beyond the imagination of common mortals.
After a prolonged and intense battle, Ghost Li gradually gained the upper hand. The crimson bloodlight of the Blood-Drinking Pearl, like a venomous serpent, gradually overpowered the green radiance of the Sword of Dragon Slaying.
Lin Jingyu, shocked and enraged, never expected that Ghost Li, who had left the Qingyun Sect and joined the Demon Sect, would eventually confront the righteous path. Despite having seen each other in the Southwest Death Swamp, they had never truly fought. To Lin Jingyu, Ghost Li was still the quiet and unassuming Zhang Xiaofan of old.
From childhood in Grass Temple Village to their days on Mount Qingyun, Lin Jingyu had always been superior to Zhang Xiaofan. Although he had always regarded Zhang Xiaofan as a brother, his prideful nature led him to secretly look down on Zhang Xiaofan in many ways. Over the years, events had played out as he expected—Zhang Xiaofan was less intelligent and less handsome, and while many masters vied to take him as a disciple, no one gave Zhang Xiaofan a second glance. When they parted ways, Lin Jingyu went to Longshou Peak, and Zhang Xiaofan to Dazhu Peak, with Zhang Xiaofan lagging far behind in cultivation.
All these circumstances reinforced Lin Jingyu’s belief that Zhang Xiaofan was inferior to him. But during the Seven Peaks Martial Arts Competition on Mount Qingyun, Zhang Xiaofan, by some twist of fate, advanced to the top four, while Lin Jingyu was defeated by his senior Qi Hao. Although it was a minor setback, Lin Jingyu’s view of Zhang Xiaofan did not change. He continued to see Zhang Xiaofan as a brother, coming to his defense whenever he was bullied, like an older sibling protecting a younger, less capable one.
Now, as they faced each other in a life-or-death struggle, Lin Jingyu was startled to find that the person he had always deemed inferior had somehow surpassed him.
A nameless anger flared within him, and his handsome face twisted into a grimace. His proud nature, which often led him to extremes, made it difficult for him to accept this reality.
The green light surged, like a dragon roaring in defiance, counterattacking fiercely.
In the midst of their furious battle, the purple aura columns, which had already expanded due to the breaking of the Celestial Seal, enveloped both combatants. Though at a disadvantage, Lin Jingyu suddenly launched a counterattack, his sword strikes like a tidal wave. Startled, Ghost Li watched as Lin Jingyu, driven by fury, launched relentless attacks, disregarding his own safety in a desperate bid to win.
Ghost Li furrowed his brow. The battle had been going on for some time, and perhaps due to the sacred ground of Mount Qingyun and the purple aura column triggered by the Sword of Immortalbane, the initial surge of malicious energy in Ghost Li’s heart had not taken control of his mind. Instead, it had slowly dissipated, and his thoughts had become clearer.
Overhead, the Sword of Immortalbane loomed, a sight that had haunted him day and night for ten years. The image of Bi Yao, his beloved, constantly flashed before his eyes, causing him great pain and sorrow. Now, seeing Lin Jingyu, whose rage was partly his fault, and thinking of the old man in the Ancestor Hall, Ghost Li felt a pang of guilt. This weakened his will to fight.
With a deep sigh and a troubled heart, Ghost Li no longer wished to continue the fight. The pain and longing in his heart only grew stronger, making him yearn to return to the Fox岐 Mountain to see Bi Yao and pour out his heart to her.
Just then, Lin Jingyu struck with a fierce sword strike, a sharp whistling sound cutting through the air. The green light pierced the sky. Ghost Li’s face darkened, and he retreated three steps, using the Demon Stick to block the strike on the Sword of Dragon Slaying.
Lin Jingyu’s body trembled, feeling a strange, bloodthirsty energy from the black stick. Simultaneously, a strange suction force pulled at his essence, almost overpowering him.
Startled and pale, Lin Jingyu recognized the dark and evil artifact in Ghost Li’s hands. Yet, with his indomitable spirit, he did not retreat but instead charged forward, the Sword of Dragon Slaying rising like a soaring dragon, ignoring his exposed chest and striking directly at Ghost Li’s face.
Ghost Li’s eyes flickered. Though he could easily kill Lin Jingyu, the thought of harming his friend stayed his hand. As he looked at the familiar face, memories of their childhood play flooded his mind, followed by the image of Bi Yao.
How many people in this world do I still cherish, and how many are still alive?
It was as if he were mocking himself, asking this question with a bitter smile. Withdrawing the Demon Stick, he leaped into the air, dodging the lethal attack. But to Lin Jingyu, the smile seemed like a mocking sneer, only fueling his rage.
At that moment, Ghost Li felt a sudden jolt and turned to see a white figure swiftly approaching. When she recognized the situation, her beautiful face showed a mix of joy, surprise, and confusion, her voice trembling:
“Is it… really you…?”
It was Lu Xueqi.
For the first time in her life, tears silently slid down her pale cheeks, unnoticed by others.
Ghost Li, startled, saw her in the air, her familiar face, a source of deep, unending longing.
When she thought he was dead, what pain and sorrow she had felt. If not for the presence of others, she would have rushed into his arms, weeping uncontrollably.
Who wants to live a lonely life?
Who desires a solitary existence?
If not for the depths of love, how could one’s heart turn cold like frost!
Ghost Li seemed dazed, his mouth open as if to say something, but no words came. Unexpectedly, Lin Jingyu did not stop his attack, the Sword of Dragon Slaying sweeping in with a roar.
Jolted back to reality, Ghost Li turned to meet the attack but was already at a disadvantage. The green light was blinding, and Ghost Li’s aura turned malevolent, the Blood-Drinking Pearl turning a deep red.
At this critical moment, a memory surfaced.
A fair hand reached out, grabbing Ghost Li’s wrist. A shudder ran through his body, and all his strength seemed to vanish. A surge of intense emotion welled up within him, and he turned, ready to call out “Bi Yao.”
But the woman before him was not Bi Yao; it was Lu Xueqi, her white robes billowing.
With a clear, melodious sound, the Divine Sword Tianya appeared, blocking the Sword of Dragon Slaying. Lu Xueqi stepped in front of Ghost Li, her face a mix of tender affection and resolute determination.
“Lu Shimei, have you gone mad?” Lin Jingyu roared.
Lu Xueqi’s body trembled, as if waking from a dream. She turned to Ghost Li, her eyes misty and soft, smiling gently as she released his hand.
“Mad… yes, I must have gone mad long ago!” Lu Xueqi said softly, her eyes fixed on Ghost Li.
Ghost Li fell silent, his malevolent aura dissipating, only sorrow remaining. He lowered his head.
Lin Jingyu, stunned, found himself in an awkward silence.
Suddenly, a deafening roar shook the mountains, and the three of them, despite their high cultivation, were thrown off balance.
Lifting their heads, they saw the final moments of the cataclysmic battle above Mount Qingyun.
********
A brilliant white light, dazzling and blinding, obscured the figures within. The sky was illuminated, even the rising sun lost its color.
In the vast expanse, the Immortalbane Nexus, once a magnificent array of swords, now reduced to a single, overwhelming sword. The white light intensified, the colors of the sword shifting from rainbow hues to pure white, glowing with an almost heavenly brilliance, like a sword about to break the heavens.
High above, Beastsoul stood, gazing at the divine sword that should not exist in the mortal realm, his face showing a hint of bewilderment.
Amidst the expectant gaze of thousands, the giant sword began to move, turning towards Beastsoul. In a moment, the black aura around Beastsoul was pushed back by the radiant white light.
From the depths of the white light, a heavy, rasping breath could be heard, like the growl of a cornered beast.
Beastsoul stared at the sword and the white light, then burst into laughter, his voice a harsh cackle, piercing the ears of all who heard.
The wind grew fiercer, and the power of the Immortalbane Sword increased. Suddenly, a mysterious chant, as if from the heavens and hells, echoed in the air.
The brilliant white light rose, landing on the hilt of the shining Immortalbane Sword. At that moment, the Immortalbane Nexus activated, the sword roaring forth, seemingly slow but leaving no place to hide.
To kill gods, to slay immortals!
Nothing in the world could match its might.
The winds scattered the clouds, and no one knew what Beastsoul, facing the Immortalbane Sword, was thinking.
But he showed no fear, no intention of retreat. He leaped towards the sword, his massive form surging forward.
The world seemed to hold its breath, and the people gazed at the sky in awe, watching as the black and white collided.
No one could describe the scene. The sky split, the earth cracked, and the mountains of Qingyun shook. The peaks and cliffs were riddled with cracks, and boulders tumbled down. The Crystal Water Lake on Tongtian Peak roiled, water spouting up in columns.
On the peak, the righteous and the remaining demonic beasts were silenced, especially the latter, who were terrified, agitated, and raging.
But none of this compared to the apocalyptic scene in the sky, which captured everyone’s attention.
The immense Immortalbane Sword descended, its passage through the air sizzling. Everything in its path was obliterated, leaving no trace. The white light at the edge of the sword turned a dark red, whether from the intense friction or the sword’s own fierce energy.
As the sword plummeted, Beastsoul let out a roar, his arms clasped to his chest, his eyes wide. Just as the Immortalbane Sword pierced down, black aura surged, and with a thunderclap, Beastsoul seized the sword with his hands.
The world was stunned.
But the white light flared, and the Immortalbane Sword, with a booming thunder, slowly, inexorably, forced its way through the black, iron-like hands.
One inch, another inch, and another.
The black hands, one by one, were consumed by the brilliant white light, the sword driving deeper into Beastsoul’s chest. Black blood sprayed out, and the sword continued to pierce, the light flashing like lightning, striking Beastsoul’s skin and flesh.
His skin and flesh faded, his massive body seeming to dissipate, unable to withstand the divine force. The light in his eyes dimmed, and he was no match for the Immortalbane Sword.
As he shrank, the Immortalbane Sword also began to shrink, the light remaining bright and blinding.
This continued until Beastsoul returned to human size, the black aura dispersing. Everyone saw that he had reverted to his youthful form, but he was pale, his hair wild, clearly defeated.
At the same moment, the Immortalbane Sword dissipated, but the light coalesced, forming the ancient, non-stone, non-jade Immortalbane Sword, which now pierced through Beastsoul’s chest.
Dao Xuan’s figure emerged from the light, but his face was no longer serene, his eyes blood-red.
Beastsoul gasped, coughing, his lips trembling. He looked down at his chest.
The Immortalbane Sword was embedded in his heart, and the blood flowing out was not red.
He smiled bitterly, sighed, and said, “Impressive… very impressive!”
Suddenly, he clapped his hands, and the black aura surged into the sword.
A faint, almost inaudible crack sounded from the Immortalbane Sword. Dao Xuan’s face changed, and he saw a clear crack appear on the sword.
Alarmed, he shouted and used all his strength to pull the sword out. At the same moment, Beastsoul, in agony, screamed and was flung backward.
Dao Xuan felt a surge of killing intent in his mind, threatening to burst through his chest. But his deep cultivation allowed him to resist, knowing he could not let the demon go. The Immortalbane Sword, already overburdened by the abundant earth qi, was further damaged by the demon’s final blow.
He gathered his strength, preparing to chase, but a tremendous force from the sword surged into his mind, breaking through his meridians and acupoints. He shuddered, blood pouring from his seven orifices, and with a scream, he dropped the Immortalbane Sword, falling from the sky.
The shocking scene left the onlookers stunned. Suddenly, chaos erupted as some pursued Beastsoul, others rushed to save Dao Xuan, and some young disciples, recovering from their shock, attacked the remaining demonic beasts.
In the midst of the chaos, someone shouted, “Where is the Immortalbane Sword? Where did it fall?”
Panic spread across Tongtian Peak, and the people scrambled in confusion.
********
In the back mountain, the purple aura column in the Hall of Illusory Moon slowly dissipated, leaving a faint, lingering light. The trio, still in shock from the spectacle, finally came to their senses.
Lin Jingyu, taking a deep breath, glared at Lu Xueqi, “Lu Shimei, what do you intend? Are you going to betray the sect as well?”
Lu Xueqi, taken aback, opened her mouth but turned to look at Ghost Li, saying nothing.
Ghost Li looked deeply at her, their eyes meeting, as if seeing into each other’s hearts.
Ghost Li smiled, turned to face Lin Jingyu, and stood in front of Lu Xueqi.
Lu Xueqi, looking at his back, her eyes shimmering with complex emotions.
Lin Jingyu smirked, ready to attack, when a sharp whistle sounded from the sky.
All three stepped back as an object fell, landing with a “puff” and embedding itself into the hard stone like it was tofu.
It was a long sword, strange in material, ancient in design, with a fine crack on the blade, engraved with two words:
Immortalbane!
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