World's No. 1 Swordsman-Chapter 534: The Vice Sect Masters Special Reward

On the top floor of the celestial tower ship, the two Heavenly Immortals sat on a bed in a quiet room. One meditated with eyes closed, while the other scolded Li Tianyao with a frown.

"Martial Uncle, how did that Primordial Immortal manage to form a sword heart? I heard my martial brothers say that anyone who walks the Human Dao of the Sword has to at least reach the Heavenly Immortal Realm to even hope to—" 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"That is just empty talk. The North-River Sword Sect does have sword arts aligned with the Human Dao of the Sword, but very few disciples practice them. The hardest part of mastering the sword heart is comprehending it. That young man's insight is exceptional, far above most disciples in the sect."

"You said I lost to that Primordial Immortal. How exactly did I lose?"

"Primordial Immortal this, Primordial Immortal that. Tianyao, do you realize that if you two had been fighting to the death, you would already be lying dead under that Primordial Immortal's sword?"

Li Tianyao, who still felt a little resentful, sat cross-legged on a cushion before the bed. "That Primordial Immortal might have a sword heart, but I still haven't used the sword art that the sect master gifted me.

"Regardless, you still lost and proved to be inferior. That's all there is to it." The Heavenly Immortal sighed. "Do you know why our sect has managed to survive and thrive in the Eastern Sky Region for hundreds of thousands of years? It's not because our Dao of the Sword is unmatched, nor because we are perfectly united.

"Rather, it's because we understand the simple truth that the universe is vast and filled with countless capable people. Throughout all the eras, many have reached the Golden Immortal Realm, obtained the fruit of immortality, and then carefreely secluded themselves. There are now innumerable Golden Immortals with divine abilities out there.

"Meanwhile, that young man is only at the Primordial Immortal Realm, yet he has already formed a sword heart. He even used the Dual-Polarity Sword Intent, which is profound beyond expectation. How can you be so sure that a Golden Immortal with divine abilities isn't supporting him? It's rare for such Daoist heritage to spread in the outside world."

Li Tianyao frowned, then lowered his head in acknowledgment.

The Heavenly Immortal shook his head slightly. "Tianyao, I know you're prideful, but these useless clashes of temper will only bring trouble to you and to the Celestial Wind Sect. You'd better remember what I told you today. After our hundred-year stay here, you will return to the sect with us to cultivate.

"The Celestial Wind Sect will remain in your father's hands, but you can return to lead it once your Dao of the Sword matures and you become capable of carrying responsibilities on your own. When that day comes, I hope you make sure not to disgrace the North-River Sword Sect."

"I'll keep your teachings in mind, Martial Uncle."

The Heavenly Immortal waved him off. "Go."

Li Tianyao rose and cupped his hands. He then took two steps back, turned, and walked out.

The moment he left the quiet room, his previously mild smile turned into a grim expression. He now knew that Wang Sheng had faked his injuries and surrendered on purpose, making him lose face.

Walking down a corridor, he passed through two light curtains and entered a tastefully decorated room with six sword attendants kneeling in a corner, polishing six longswords.

He went straight to the soft couch in the center and reclined sideways. Celestial music drifted in at once, but when he snorted coldly, the maids performing in the adjoining room stopped immediately.

Soon, two elderly True Immortals in sky-blue robes arrived and saluted. "Young Master."

Li Tianyao said, "Have you looked into that Primordial Immortal?"

The two elders answered alternately.

"Young Master, he seems to have come from the ancient battlefield a hundred years ago, roaming alone. He once said that he didn't wish to join the Fengli Sect or the Celestial Wind Sect, fearing that he would not be valued because of his low cultivation. That's also why he joined the Xinghai Sect as a Protector."

"Originally, he wanted to join the Tonglin Immortal Sect, but the Fengli Sect devoured it while he was in seclusion."

"When the Xinghai Sect began recruiting, he went to their recruitment platform with a greatsword."

"Before today, no one had ever seen him fight, and no one knew anything about his sword arts."

"So I became the stepping stone for his rise to fame?" Li Tianyao's dark expression shifted into a faint smile. His eyes glinted. "After crossing blades with him today, I have certainly learned the power of a sword heart. He is talented.

"We have to bring him into the Celestial Wind Sect at all costs. I'm sure he's not truly loyal to the Xinghai Sect. If he's smart enough, he'll realize that all the qi planets in the region will soon be renamed after our sect."

One elder softly remarked, "You looked frightening when you returned, Young Master. We feared you were holding a grudge."

Li Tianyao chuckled and switched to voice transmissions. "If I cannot endure something this small, how would I deserve my father's hard work? The North-River Sword Sect prefers a puppet disciple who will be easy to control later over a young master who's too clever. Do not worry, I know my limits. Now, go rest and inform my father about this whole matter with Pi Kachew."

The expressions of the Celestial Wind Sect's two True Immortals brightened at once. They bowed and withdrew.

When the room was empty again, Li Tianyao's lips twitched slightly. He closed his eyes, steadied his breath, and snorted coldly.

***

Where did Li Tianyao learn that cheap imitation of the Sword-Controlling Art?

To copy the Five Moon-Chasing Stars to that degree meant that he had practiced it a lot more than once. The way he manipulated immortal power was refined enough to make the imitation nearly perfect.

However, the true essence of the Shu Sword Sect's Sword-Controlling Art lay in nurturing and safekeeping one's sword. Sword techniques and formations were merely applications of immortal power and enchanted power.

Reclining on a soft bed, Wang Sheng shut down his immortal perception and forced his body to look severely injured. Multiple great sword intents tangled through him in chaotic knots, a sight that would convince anyone that his wounds were heavy.

Even a Heavenly Immortal would fail to see through his disguise as long as they weren't a Dao of the Sword expert. It was a rather clever trick. Not only did he make his performance seem completely within the capabilities of a Primordial Immortal, but he also avoided being surrounded and interrogated.

Wang Sheng even turned his dislike of Li Tianyao into something nobler. He had stepped out for the sake of the Xinghai Sect's reputation and dignity, fought desperately, and ended up badly wounded. Afterward, he turned the tide against himself and added a small stratagem that drove the Celestial Wind Sect's group away.

He was a textbook sect war hero!

If he had not fainted, he would at this moment be sitting in a dark room, surrounded by Xinghai Sect elders questioning who he was and what intentions he had in joining their sect. By fainting, he had bought the Xinghai Sect's sect master and elders enough time to think carefully about whether to value him highly or continue treating him as a Protector and being wary of him.

He faintly sensed movement. Soon, he heard a woman gently greet, "Welcome, Vice Sect Master."

"Mm. Guard the area, and don't let anyone disturb us. I will use a secret technique to draw him into a Dream Realm."

"Will this help heal him, Vice Sect Master?"

"It's not for healing. I simply want to see who he truly is," Lishang whispered. "If he is indeed only an unaffiliated practitioner and not a spy sent from another celestial gate, then the Xinghai Sect has just gained a powerful new ally."

"Got it. I'll be on the lookout."

Right after, Wang Sheng heard one person walking farther away. He hesitated for a moment, then felt a cool palm press against his forehead.

Is she about to use soul-searching techniques on me? Should I resist?

He had come to the Xinghai Sect gambling on danger and fortune. If he could not pass Lishang's test, all his earlier efforts would be wasted. Gritting his teeth, he remained still and maintained his injured facade.

Clear cool currents of aura flowed into his Heavenly Abode. Wang Sheng nearly let out a gasp of comfort.

He felt himself grow drowsy, and his Primordial Spirit seemingly drifted along a river. A beam of light appeared ahead, followed by a vast green meadow, a soft breeze carrying the scent of grass, and waves rolling across the field.

"Junior Brother!"

Wang Sheng shuddered. The voice behind him struck him like lightning.

He turned, finding a graceful woman standing on the grass. Despite knowing he was only in a Dream Realm, a sour ache rose in his chest. He forced a stiff smile and unknowingly stepped.

Mu Wanxuan remained still, her eyes full of tenderness and worry.

Wang Sheng took two quick steps and embraced her tightly. It was just a dream, yet it still pulled all the feelings he had long buried in his heart.

Centuries... It's been centuries!

It had been so long since he heard her voice, and all he had that reminded him of her was the soul lamp. Even if he was only in a Dream Realm, he still decided to treat it as real.

"Junior Brother..."

"Are you doing okay?" Wang Sheng asked softly. "How is Master? Are Father, Mother, and Xiaomiao alright?"

"Mm..."

Before long, the scene changed. Under a tree, Wang Sheng lay with his head on his senior sister's lap, looking at specks of light between the leaves. He had a quiet, contented smile.

Mu Wanxuan gently ran her fingers through his hair and used enchanted power to write a line of words beside him, How are you out there?

Wang Sheng murmured, "I am managing. I've had some troubles, but I can now cultivate steadily. You and Master do not have to worry. Once I've established myself here, I will bring you and everyone out. Enough talk, Senior Sister. Just stay with me for a while."

She nodded lightly. The two rested in the rare peace beneath the tree. After some time, Wang Sheng truly felt sleepy. He slowly closed his eyes as everything faded away.

However, he suddenly opened them, finding pink canopy curtains hovering above him. He had already broken free of the Dream Realm, and the woman beside him was about to leave.

Wang Sheng instinctively reached out and caught her wrist.

Lishang, who was in her human form, frowned and looked down at his hand gripping her. She then gazed up at him, ready to pull free.

Wang Sheng's throat tightened, but he still whispered, "Vice Sect Master, that Dream Realm... can you bring me back to it?"

Lishang had already gathered power in her arm, yet she paused. Her gaze on him softened slightly as she saw the faint plea in his eyes. Eventually, she nodded a little.

In a hushed tone, she scolded, "Let go."

Afterward, she quickly formed signs at the bedside and pressed her jade-like hand once more on Wang Sheng's forehead.

He closed his eyes, and his lips curved into a satisfied smile again.