A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch

Chapter 423 - 256: Midday Order, Sword Discourse Sea

"So similar."

Looking at the harmonious and tranquil scene of one man and two swords, Chunyu Cultivator felt as if bitter wine was coursing through his heart, but could only force a smile.

After all, he is the true disciple of the Sword Sect, everything must prioritize the bigger picture.

A promising young Daoist like this one, who could catch up with Senior Brother Kou, is more important than anything else.

Since ancient times, the legacy of incense and the continuation of teachings have been the foundation of the Upper Sect’s presence in the world.

Great sects and noble families never fear the decline and decay of one or two generations; as long as the Mountain Gate remains, and disciples endure, there will eventually come a day of revival.

The calamity of Turbid Tide, worse than any natural disaster, lies in its ability to corrupt human hearts and sully divine mechanisms.

It completely severed the roots of the ten orthodox roots, making all other paths and truths vanish into obscurity and extinction.

"Forget it, after all, I haven’t completely refined the Nanming Li Fire, only because of my status as a true disciple of the Sword Sect can I temporarily wield the divine weapon to help the Sect Leader plan a great endeavor."

Chunyu Cultivator comforted himself, no longer worrying about the selection of the divine weapon.

Just getting Bai Qilang into the Meridian Sword Sect, sacrificing a bit of Nanming Li Fire isn’t much of a loss.

Ultimately, the best parts remain in the pot, so it’s not a loss anyway!

"Wait... Nanming Li Fire has transferred to Bai Qilang, and he’s also Ninghai Zen’s disciple—on June 8th, I still have to battle Ninghai Zen! Without a divine weapon, how can I defeat that rascal Ninghai Zen?"

Chunyu Cultivator frowned slightly, suddenly feeling something was amiss, an inexplicable feeling of having fallen for a huge trap.

Disciples snatch divine weapons, while the master becomes the formidable enemy!

Could it be a setup?

Without a divine weapon to rely on, he might take a beating again!

"Martial Uncle, now..."

Long Tingfeng stiffened his neck, trying hard not to look at the intimate interactions between Frost Grass and Bai Qilang, only peeking at the Nanming Li Fire that had originally belonged to Martial Uncle Chunyu, which made him feel much better inside.

Even No-Life Sword Chunyu Cultivator couldn’t preserve his divine weapon, let alone him as an Inner Sect disciple!

Just as his Martial Uncle said.

If he gets wet in the rain, it doesn’t matter, as long as others can’t hold up their umbrellas.

"Let’s go over there, and mess with him a bit!"

Chunyu Cultivator calmed his nerves, took a step forward, maintaining the dignified appearance and demeanor of the true disciple of the Upper Sect.

...

...

"People from the Sword Sect? That Daoist at the government office pointing to Daoist Xuanji, seems to be called Chunyu Cultivator, quite famous."

Bai Qi easily handled the Nanming Li Fire, and still found time to inquire after Frost Grass,

The abundant power of Qi and Blood rolled across his limbs and bones, driving the Sword Nurturing Skill, encompassing two spirit weapons.

The Three Saints Sword and Emperor Li Yuanji Sword refined in the Inner Scenic Land turned into strands of Sword Intent, flowing like a gentle stream across the sword body.

After about seven or eight times, Frost Grass and Nanming Li Fire, the spirit and divine weapon respectively, both buzzed with their sword edges, letting out a pleasing long hum.

"These two, could they be Sword Masters? Here to seek swords?"

After completing the task, Bai Qi raised his eyes, glanced around, and felt a shiver in his heart.

Facing the Fourth-Practice Expert of the Upper Sect who had joined, they could not be treated lightly.

He rose gracefully and courteously:

"Junior Bai Qi, pays respect to Grandmaster Chunyu."

Standing nearby, Xu Zirong, who had just witnessed an exciting scene, hurriedly stepped forward to introduce,

"Brother Bai, this is the Flying Dragon Sword of the Meridian Sword Sect! Long Tingfeng! He submitted an invitation yesterday and is specially visiting today!"

Bai Qi responded politely, cupping his hands with a smile:

"I’m just humble and insignificant, what virtue or ability do I have to warrant the attention of the esteemed disciple of the Upper Sect, Brother Long? Truly ashamed."

Long Tingfeng tugged at the corners of his mouth, forcing a stiff smile:

"Brother Bai is too modest."

He was thinking inwardly, with such an esoteric Sword Nurturing Skill, you truly have won my full admiration.

If only I could learn it myself, upon my return to the Sword Sect Mountain Gate, I could definitely roam unchecked, even more bold than the senior uncles who’ve advanced to true disciples!

With a glare, the sword would vanish, and with some smooth talking, he could snatch others’ painstakingly nurtured weapon away.

A formidable enemy for a Sword Cultivator indeed!

"Daoist Xuanji of Zhi Xin Temple remarked that Bai Qilang’s talent in Yihai Prefecture stands out like a crane among chickens, transcending the common folk.

Witnessing him today, it is indeed true! As the saying goes, each generation has its talents, who reign supreme for hundreds of years, and among those of the same generation in the Celestial Water Prefecture, few surpass you."

Chunyu Cultivator didn’t hesitate to shower Bai Qilang with praises, as if they cost nothing.

"Martial Uncle certainly bears humiliation and burdens!"

Long Tingfeng twitched at the corners of his eyes — even the infamous No-Life Sword knew how to flatter others?

If the group of senior disciples saw this, their eyeballs would surely pop out!

"Grandmaster Chunyu’s words are too kind, there are heroes in the world like carp crossing the river, how could I possibly rank among them?"

Bai Qi squinted his eyes slightly, with an utterly harmless and kind expression.

A true disciple of the Sword Sect, so easy to speak with?

Perhaps plan to attack after diplomacy?

Master Bai Qi made up his mind; if anything goes awry, he’ll shout "Master save me!".

After all, he has the protection of the Wrath of King Ming as a last resort for survival.

At least he can withstand a blow from a Grandmaster!

"Bai Qilang is truly open-minded, not arrogant or impatient; Nephew Long, you must learn this well."

Chunyu Cultivator deliberately scolded with a stern face, reprimanding Long Tingfeng.

"Martial Uncle’s lesson is correct; I must learn much from Brother Bai,"

Long Tingfeng’s chest rose and fell, nodding without expression.

Thinking of him as the senior brother of the inner sect, the talented Sword Sect genius on the verge of ascending to true heritage, he has always been a model.

When has he ever suffered such humiliation!

"Elder Chunyu, please don’t say such things. Brother Long is renowned in the prefecture city, like a dragon soaring in the sky; even in the remote countryside, I’ve heard much about him.

Brother Long, such a pillar of the Sword Sect, will surely rank among those on the Simurgh Platform, competing with other prodigies... Don’t laugh at me, but deep down, I truly admire him."

When it comes to flattery and compliments, even ten times of Chunyu Cultivator together would not be a match for Master Bai Qi.

Damn, why does this kid show no signs of smugness at all!

You, a grandmaster of the fourth practice, admire him and he still shows no reaction?

Chunyu Cultivator grinned, remembering how he had made his name as a youth, brimming with pride. Just a few compliments from fellow students and he dared to wield his sword and climb Thousand Feet Cliff to slay a poisonous dragon, narrowly escaping with his life.

Never expected, compared to the ostentatious Ninghai Zen, his disciple Bai Qilang appeared more composed.

Thus, this Sword Sect true disciple’s gaze shifted, taking the cue he said:

"It’s a pity, Bai Qilang wasn’t born in the prefecture city; otherwise, with your talent, you would have long been recruited by the Upper Sect or the Taoist Sect, entered the inner door, promoted to true heritage, and your name entered the celestial register... Such a splendid future!"

Bai Qi’s face was calm, seemingly indifferent:

"Master often teaches, do not force things, my luck if obtained, my fate if lost. The quality of one’s future depends on oneself, and not much related to others.

As the saying goes, ’Heaven and earth remain still and silent, yet the Qi never ceases; The sun and moon race through the night, yet clarity remains unchanged for eternity... As long as one holds oneself upright and holds the heart calm, one can traverse the torrents of the mundane world.’"

Could such profound and precious words of wisdom be uttered by that Ninghai Zen?

Chunyu Cultivator raised an eyebrow, expressing skepticism.

He did not dwell, seeing his attempts to poach were not going well, he simply got to the point, saying bluntly:

"To tell you the truth, the Sword Sect has always upheld a style of being inclusive and eclectic. Although Bai Qilang has never practiced swordsmanship, judging from your affinity with Nanming Li Fire and Frost Grass, you are undoubtedly a promising candidate.

As a true disciple of the Sword Sect, I know that ’in simplicity, one finds the true taste, in the ordinary, one recognizes the talented.’ This is the ’Midday Order,’ equivalent to a nominal inner sect status; if you have the heart, Bai Qilang, you might as well take it.

When you have the time, through the void guide, come to our Sword Sect Mountain Gate, one of the most famous inner scenic places, the ’Sword Discussion Sea,’ to take a look.

Getting to know peers and sparring in swordsmanship is a delightful thing."

Midday Order? Sword Discussion Sea?

Bai Qi was slightly taken aback, finally tasting the flavor:

"So you have taken a liking to my sword Dao talent! However, I only know the Sword Nurturing Skill, lacking experience in dueling, and may not necessarily match those from the Sword Sect."

He feigned reluctance, as if like receiving a red envelope from elders during festivals:

"Elder Chunyu, how can I accept this? As an outsider, how can I hold the Sword Sect’s inner door’s Midday Order... I’m afraid it would break your sect’s rules."

This lad’s nature is quite pure, not as distasteful as he appears.

Chunyu Cultivator sighed and emphasized:

"Haven’t you heard, if a senior grants you a gift, you mustn’t refuse? Since you call me ’Elder,’ you should accept it well.

I have urgent matters to attend, so I won’t stay, Nephew Long, let’s go."

Leaving behind the quite precious Midday Order, Chunyu Cultivator, with decisive action, hastened back to deliver the message to the mountain gate, to inform Mo Tian Sheng of the Dragon Sword that a second Senior Brother Kou has emerged in Yihai Prefecture.

"Martial Uncle..."

Long Tingfeng’s lips trembled, clearly a tall and handsome man, yet showing an inexplicable pitiful and aggrieved expression.

"My sword!"

He squinted hard, hinting that his beloved sword was still in Bai Qilang’s hands, being toyed and manipulated by that guy!

"What sword, what sword! Bai Qilang nurtures your sword without asking for anything in return; that’s truly benevolent! Remember to bring gifts and thank him next time, so as not to let others laugh at our inner sect of the Sword Sect for not knowing gratitude!"

Chunyu Cultivator swept his sleeves, sword light spread like tides, immediately catching Long Tingfeng within, ascending into the boundless azure sky.

My divine weapon, nurtured day and night, is lost as well, so why still let you carry a sword every day!

Let us share hardships together!

...

...

"Tsk tsk, Chen Xing, was this all within your calculations as well?"

Watching everything unfold, Chen Yin couldn’t help laughing heartily:

"Chunyu Cultivator even gave out the Midday Order, which is a credential to enter the Sword Discussion Sea. With it, your grand disciple will eventually make a name in the Sword Sect, catching Yan Xin’s attention."

Chen Xing’s face twitched slightly, showing no joy:

"It’s all thanks to Ah Qi; his talent in sword Dao is terrifying. Among the three divine soldiers worshiped by the Sword Sect, Nanming Li Fire was easily bewitched by him, willing to serve... It’s too similar to thirty years ago, to Kou Qiuyue, who almost subdued ten thousand swords, known as the ’Sword Demon’; it’s basically the same as Ah Qi now."

Chen Yin’s divine soul fluctuated, speaking with a hint of gravity:

"What do you mean by that?"

Chen Xing’s expression turned serious, looking down he said:

"Old Chen, I’m pondering one thing: was Kou Qiuyue truly dead? There are no two identical leaves in the world, yet there might be two similar flowers.

Kou Daozi being slain at Nu Yun River, and Ah Qi growing up by Black Water River, between these two..."

Chen Yin said with certainty:

"Kou Qiuyue must be dead. Even if he could deceive Yan Xin, deceive Erzhu Long, Zhao Pijiang, he couldn’t deceive the heavens and Dragon Court.

Never forget, the divine technique took his life, the heavens cried a bloody rain, the great drought in Yihai Prefecture is evidence of Kou Daozi’s divine spirit scattering and Dao diminishing.

Moreover, Dragon Court verified this repeatedly, personally reviewed by King Sui who ascended as Emperor.

The grave standing behind the Meridian Sword Sect is merely a cenotaph, as his fragmented body was taken by the Court, preventing any false death escape!"

Chen Xing lowered his brows, sighing softly:

"To this day, people are still unclear about what Kou Daozi truly witnessed within the Turbid Tide that led such a renowned divine power giant to become demonized in a single thought, falling into the Turbid Tide.

Killing fellow disciples, murdering masters and ancestors, betraying the sect, severing the path of life..."

Chen Yin’s sleeves swayed, his inner voice echoed:

"Heaven knows."