Chapter Twenty-Four: Sword Emperor Seizes Heaven

  When one's swordsmanship has reached its peak, use the long sword in hand to defeat all people under heaven!

  What magnanimity!

  Cang Ye stood at the summit of the mountain, looking down and imagining that when his master's uncle made such a boastful statement, he was in an endless state of madness.

  The sword intent in his body was flourishing, as if he also wanted to learn from that terrifying Spirit King and challenge all the people under the sky!

  Just as he was fully releasing his sword intent in the dark night, he seemed to feel that on the other side of the mountain range, another vast sword intent rose into the sky, echoing with his own.

  "Master, is that Master Shu's ancestor living over there?" Cang Ye stretched out his hand and pointed to a place in the mountain range.

  Li Tian Luo was slightly stunned after seeing the direction that Cang Ye pointed at.

  "Not bad, that master uncle indeed built a separate courtyard there, if he hadn't gone out, he would have lived there. Disciple, how did you know?"

  As expected, Li Tian Luo's words made Cang Ye feel a sense of validation.

  "Master, I feel a surge of sword intent rising from over there, that's why I asked this question."

  "The majestic sword intent, how did I not sense it." Li Tian Luo made an effort to feel it, but seemingly there was no aura coming from that direction.

  "Perhaps it's because Master doesn't cultivate the Sword Dao, so he can't sense it."

  "It should be." Li Tian Luo didn't ask any more questions and carried Cang Ye on his back, flying towards that other courtyard.

  Relying on the momentum of his aura, Cang Ye felt that it shouldn't be far. But who would have thought that after flying on Li Tian Luo's back for so long, they still hadn't arrived. It was only at this moment that Cang Ye could truly feel how terrifying that shocking sword intent was, and yet despite being separated by such a great distance, he, a warrior with the cultivation of a Earth Spirit Master, could still sense it.

  After flying for a while, they finally arrived in front of the other courtyard.

  Li Tian Luo brought down the dark night and looked at the manor in front of him, sighing with emotion.

  The last time I came, it was still with Master. Unexpectedly, this time, it is as a master to come and visit.

  Walked up and gently patted the door, after a long time, finally heard someone coming to open the door.

  The gate opened and an old face appeared before the two of them.

  "What brings you two here?" The old man stared at the pair in front of him and asked.

  "In the next Li Tian Luo, brought his son and younger brother to pay respects to the Sword King Shifu."

  Upon hearing "Tian Xie Sword King", Cang Ye knew that must be this sword master's title.

  "It turned out to be looking for a family teacher, please come in, please come in," he said, closing the door and letting Li Tianluo and Cang Ye walk in.

  When he heard the old man call him the Sword King, Li Tian Luo carefully sized up the old man. Although time had taken away a lot and made people and things change beyond recognition, there were some things that could not be erased. For example, memories.

  Suddenly thought of something, Li Tian Luo stopped in his tracks and rushed towards the old man saying.

  "May I ask if this is Junior Brother Yu Xuan?"

  At the mention of Li Tian Luo's name, the old man also stopped in his tracks. He looked at Li Tian Luo with a puzzled expression, as if trying to recall something.

  Seeing the old man's behavior at this time, Li Tian Luo knew that his guess was not wrong. This is the Lingzhu Shidi from back then. However, at that time, Li Tian Luo was arrogant and didn't bother to interact with a mere Lingzhu, so he didn't reveal his name. That's also why this Shidi remained unmoved after hearing Li Tian Luo's three words.

  "It's me, your junior brother. I was the one who came with Emperor Qian to visit Master Shu back then. The Wang Clan disciple who challenged Master Shu and got defeated by a single sword strike, that ignorant younger generation."

  It wasn't until then that the old man, Yu Xuan, seemed to recall something. His gaze at Li Tian Luo was filled with a sense of nostalgia and years of refinement.

  "I still remember how spirited and vigorous Master Li was in the past. But now... Isn't it supposed to be that after becoming a Wang stage cultivator, one's appearance would remain youthful forever? What happened to you, Master?"

  It was the first time Cang Ye heard that after becoming a king, one's appearance would remain youthful forever. But why did his master have such an old and aged face?

  "Alas, it's hard to say, it's hard to say..." The inquiring Cang Ye only heard Li Tian Luo's incessant sighs of regret.

  "Unexpectedly, 400 years have passed in the blink of an eye. The last time I came, I was still a disciple, but now, I've become a master." Upon hearing Li Tianye change the subject, Cang Ye knew that he didn't want to talk about it anymore. So, he didn't plan on asking any further questions afterwards.

  Before long, the two of them walked in front of a large hall.

  "The master is inside, I won't accompany you in, I'll come and call you after the meal is ready." Seeing that the old man had sent them to the entrance of the hall and turned to leave, Cang Ye only then took a look around the hall.

  After a while, Cang Ye's mouth gradually opened wider.

  Sword Intention!

  The entire hall was filled with endless sword intent.

  Although there was no treasured sword, nor even a single ornament related to swords, yet, Cang Ye still sensed endless sword intent from it!

  It seems that this master loves swords to the point of madness. In his life, swords are everywhere!

  It's probably only by doing so that one can comprehend the divine path of the sword and declare the day when their swordsmanship is perfected, defeating all the boastful words of people under heaven!

  As he walked into the hall, Cang Ye suddenly found that in front of him, on the main seat, a young man was sitting.

  Obviously, there shouldn't be such a person in his own perception. After carefully sensing it again, he still couldn't perceive anything. Cang Ye couldn't help but feel admiration for this unseen Heaven's Sword King. Even if someone young came out from inside, they could evade his probing, and that was with him using the incredibly mysterious "Breath Holding Technique".

  Just as Cang Ye was about to take a step forward and ask the Sword King where he was, he suddenly found that his master had already bowed down. At this time, without anyone else's reminder, Cang Ye also understood.

  I heard that once you cultivate to the King level, your appearance will remain youthful forever, but this person in front of me is a bit too young, isn't he?

  Closely following Li Tian Luo, the young man also bowed. After standing up, he heard Li Tian Luo say

  "Congratulations, Master Shifu, you have achieved great success in your swordsmanship and reached the highest level."

  He has already become an emperor! The former Sword King who stole the heavens has now become the Sword Emperor who steals the heavens!

  "I thought it was someone who came to visit me, but it turned out to be you, young man. I didn't expect that nowadays you have also changed and improved your swordsmanship, and your attainments are not low either."

  The Sword Emperor of Supreme Fist saw that his old friend's disciple had achieved such accomplishments today, and he was also filled with emotions.

  "Old friend, have you seen? Your disciple has also reached the peak of Spiritual King now."

  "Change the way of sword cultivation? Master uncle, I haven't cultivated the way of the sword, the principle of cultivating one path from beginning to end is something you know, how could I possibly change my own cultivation path?"

  "There's no mistake, was it not someone outside the mountain who resonated with my sword intent just now?" Li Tian Luo didn't change his expression, but the Sword Emperor Duanyu was slightly puzzled. After all, the sword intent that had echoed with him earlier had already approached the realm of the Supreme Sword Dao, and the boundary of the Divine Path. It's likely that it won't be long before he can become a Divine Path Swordsman like himself.

  He snatched the Heavenly Sword Emperor, entered the path with a sword, and lived his life for the sake of the sword. Even if it was his own understanding of the law, it was not a natural law, but rather a law of the sword that was forged through his own willpower. He couldn't feel any mistakes, and the sword intent from just now, although still somewhat immature, was absolutely the embryonic form of the divine path.

  At first, Li Tian Luo didn't think much of it, only hearing his master mention that he had some doubts about his sword path. When his master mentioned it, someone outside the mountain had a similar sword intent with him. He was slightly stunned, after all, he had also rushed over from that side. There were people around him, and with his Ling Wang Dian Feng's cultivation, there was no reason for him not to feel it. Suddenly, he seemed to have thought of something.

  "I seem to recall that just now, Ye Er was talking to me about the intent of swordsmanship." Turning his head towards Cang Ye, he found that this little guy had his eyes closed, as if in a state of meditation like an old monk.

  A hint of a smile floated onto his face as he said to the Sword Emperor

  "Master Uncle, you might have sensed the cultivation realm of that person just now."

  Glared at Li Tian Luo with an unpleasant expression.

  "You think I'm a divine being, able to sense that person's cultivation from such a great distance. That person's understanding of the sword path is certainly extremely profound, otherwise their sword intent wouldn't be so condensed and infinitely close to the realm of the gods. It seems that their cultivation is definitely not below the initial stage of the King Realm!"

  Actually, when he heard that the Sword Emperor couldn't determine the cultivation of that person, Li Tian had already come up with an answer in his heart. He brought his disciple here to borrow the divine sword intent of the Sword Emperor, so that Cang Ye could truly set foot in the realm of the divine sword. Since Master Uncle is now showing some interest in that person, he might as well let him know it's his own disciple and give him a hint. It shouldn't be too difficult, right?

  Thinking of this, Li Tian Luo opened his mouth and said to Du Tian Jian Huang

  "Master, I should know that person."

  "Do you know who that is?" The Sword Emperor was also very interested in this person. In today's world, there are countless strong swordsmen, and the sword path is divided into five main categories. However, among so many swordsmen, few have touched the divine path. Like today, only one step away from achieving the pinnacle of swordsmanship, the number of such swordsmen in the entire world would not exceed a handful! If I could invite him over and give him some guidance, I believe that there will be another divine swordsman in the world.

  Because there are many swordsmen in the world, but those who follow the path of the gods are few and far between. Therefore, for every swordsman with a promising future on the path of the gods, Tian Xuan Sword Emperor is exceptionally concerned about. Unfortunately, just now, that person's sword intent was not like anyone he knew.

  "Who would have thought that in this world, another extraordinary swordsman has emerged."

  "That person, you should have seen him too, Master."

  "I've also seen?" After careful consideration of the hundreds of years, the warriors who came here to ask for swordsmanship instruction, but somehow couldn't recall such a person.

  "Stop playing dumb with me, who is that person?"

  Seeing the appearance of the Heaven-Stealing Sword Emperor, Li Tian Luo knew to stop while he was ahead. It's fine to pique his interest a bit, but if he were to provoke this person... Not to mention that the other party is an emperor, and he himself is just a king. Even if he were a spirit king now, he wouldn't dare say that he could win in a battle of words! Thinking back to those years ago, when the other party was still a monarch, they could already exchange blows with his master!

  The posture is done, the expression is done. Now it's just time to reveal the truth.

  "What I said is someone you've just seen, not those people you saw before!"

  Just met? Heard Li Tian Luo's hint. The Sword Emperor of Heaven Plunder seems to have understood something.

  His gaze turned to Cang Ye's side. His eyes were like swords, scanning once. But his face suddenly changed!

  "I didn't expect it! You've actually taken in a good apprentice!"

  "Master is being too generous, this disciple's talent is dull and his comprehension is average, just average." Little did he know, Li Tian Luo's mouth was about to split all the way to his ears at this time.

  Not going to see Li Tian Luo's triumphant look at this time, but instead said to Cang Ye

  "You're not simple, a mere local genius, yet you already have the air of a grandmaster. Your swordsmanship is about to enter the realm of the divine way that millions of people can't comprehend. I recall when I was your age, I was still holding my treasured sword and imitating the moves from those sword manuals."

  This also made the Heavenly Sword Emperor feel emotional. After entering the Pre-Heaven, the Cangye had undergone the baptism of the Hongmeng Qi and had become even more against the heavens. The soul variation caused by the traversal, just talking about comprehension, counting the entire history of martial arts, I believe there are only a few who can compare with him. With such terrifying qualifications plus comprehension, one day when he rises to power, it will be unstoppable! Suppressing the world is not just empty talk.

  "Master Uncle has praised you." Cang Ye's body bent slightly as he paid his respects to the Sword Emperor.

  Seeing the Tianjian Emperor's attitude towards Cangye, which was neither humble nor arrogant, he was very satisfied.

  Just seeing Cang Ye's appearance made Li Tian Luo feel depressed in his heart.

  This disciple of mine is perfect in every way, but he's just too mature and lacks the youthful energy that a child should have.

  "Master Shu, I brought Yezi here this time, just to learn from you."

  "You've also seen the situation, my disciple has great talent in swordsmanship and has even touched the threshold of divine swordsmanship. As it happens, divine swordsmen are rare these days, and among those who have the qualifications to instruct him and whom I know, there's only you. Therefore, this time when I came down from the mountain, I brought him along to pay a visit to you."

  Cang Ye quietly despised Li Tian Luo with an unnoticeable gaze. If it wasn't for someone mentioning the Liu Tian Empire, he wouldn't have remembered this place either. In a blink of an eye, he became a frequent visitor.

  But masters are masters after all. When it comes to telling lies, their facial expression doesn't change at all, truly worthy of being a king!

  Chapter 25: The Sword Path of God

  Upon hearing Li Tian Luo's purpose for coming here, a hint of joy also appeared on Di Tian Jian's face.

  He had originally hoped to meet the quasi-immortal sword cultivator and, if possible, help him out. However, he didn't know what kind of temperament that person had; if he were to cultivate a bloodthirsty person, wouldn't that be creating great karma? Fortunately, that person was Li Tian Luo's disciple. Although Li Tian Luo was a bit arrogant, at such a young age, he could already break through the sect and become a king, so it was only natural that he had some pride. Moreover, he was also a disciple of Qing Xia Sect; a great sect like this shouldn't produce any chaotic characters.

  After some deliberation, the Sword Emperor decided to offer some guidance to Cang Ye. Firstly, it was for the sake of his friendship with Ji Huang, and secondly, he had no other choice. Although his disciple's conduct was not bad, he still lacked the potential to become a king. As such, when 500 years passed, he would disperse into the world. The Sword Emperor himself had already broken through to the Emperor realm for some time now, and his sword dao cultivation was nearing completion. If one day he were to suddenly pass away, all that he had learned would be lost in this realm.

  "Alright, considering my friendship with your master, I'll let him study with me for a while."

  When he heard Du Tianjian's agreement, Li Tian also showed a joyful expression on his face.

  Let Cang Ye follow Du Tianjian Xuan to learn, Li Tian Luo also has a layer of deep meaning. After all, as his own apprentice, such a talented martial artist, once he appears in the world, will inevitably stir up a storm, and it is difficult for him alone to protect him. And because of things that happened 100 years ago, he doesn't want to ask the sect for protection either. So giving Cang Ye a few more backgrounds is also very necessary.

  Four hundred years ago, when the Heaven-Stealing Sword Emperor was still the Sword King, he could already rely on a single long sword in his hand to engage in a battle of wits with his master. Now that he has become the Spirit Emperor, his abilities must have increased greatly. He should probably be able to match his former master's strength now.

  In other words, the current Sword Emperor has the strength to compete for a spot among the top ten strongest in the world!

  "Thank you, Master." Cang Ye was overjoyed that this extraordinary swordsman would deign to instruct him, and hastily expressed his gratitude.

  "There's no need to rush into the study of this sword realm for now, your master should have finished cooking, after we eat, I'll share my experiences with you."

  "Your disciple obeys"

  Actually, after becoming the Spirit Emperor, so-called food is no longer needed. Even as a Spirit King, just a little water every day is enough. The realm of the Emperor is to live as long as heaven and earth, absorbing the essence of the sun and moon, and eating something ordinary is just to satisfy one's desires.

  Can't help but say that this little Shifu, although not very capable, has been promoted from a Lingzhu to a high-ranking Lingzong in 400 years. However, when it comes to cooking, he is exceptionally skilled.

  This meal is probably the most satisfying one I've had since arriving in this world.

  Just after finishing the meal, Cang Ye quickly cleaned up the dinner table and followed Du Tianjian into the inner chamber. Leaving Li Tian Luo there with a smug face, whispering something to Yu Xuan.

  "The world's sword paths are numerous. Among them, only five can truly illuminate the way and open up the path. This is the origin of the Five Divisions of Swordsmanship."

  "The five paths of the sword, although they can all reach the other shore, also have their differences. For example, when the cunning path sword encounters the overbearing path sword, even if it is cunning and strange, it cannot withstand the overbearing power of the overbearing path. With one sword strike, heaven and earth are subdued. This is the essence of the overbearing path, so encountering the overbearing path sword, the cunning path, no matter how clever its moves, has no way to counter."

  However, when the sword of the cunning way encounters the sword of the imperial way, it is another story. The essence of the imperial way is control, but the cunning way is not under control. Often, the imperial swordsmen find it difficult to defeat the cunning swordsmen.

  "The four major sword styles can be said to be interdependent and mutually restrictive. There is no such thing as an absolute 'king of swords'."

  "Besides the four major sword paths, there is another path, that is my Divine Path. The number of people who can wield the Divine Path Sword is extremely rare, and those who can truly master it are probably less than one in a thousand of the other four paths' swordsmen. However, my Divine Path is worthy of being called the strongest sword!"

  "There is only my Divine Path's sword, which controls all laws and is not subject to any restrictions. If one must say so, then the four major sword paths are human swords, while my Divine Path is a heavenly sword! With heaven as its sword, it cuts off all causes and effects of karma! Therefore, my Divine Path's lineage of sword cultivation is the only existence that can be ranked alongside the Heavenly Path!"

  Listening to the Tian Xie Sword Emperor's account of the world's sword path, it was much more detailed than what Master Li Tian Luo had told him. It should be this way, after all, Li Tian Luo didn't cultivate the sword path, so his understanding was naturally limited.

  "After listening to me for so long, will you show me your sword?"

  Cang Ye knew that what he saw was not his own treasured sword, but rather his own sword path.

  "Please follow me outside, Master Shifu's ancestor."

  The Sword Emperor waved his hand and said

  "No need to go to so much trouble, just use it here."

  Cang Ye didn't decline, his long sword left its scabbard. The sword tip slanted downwards. In an instant, his vital energy and spirit reached their peak.

  No extra preparation was made, suddenly, a cold light shot out!

  One sword is drawn, all laws are broken!

  "Reincarnation Slanting Sword Style" Second Form Essence, Sword Path Clear and Bright!

  This is the strongest sword that Cang Ye currently masters, without exception. Since the Sword Emperor of Heaven's Gate is willing to guide himself, he naturally wants to show his strongest side!

  As he watched this incoming sword, a look of utter incredulity appeared on the face of the Sword Emperor for the first time.

  At this age, how can he possibly achieve such a level! Although I previously felt that Cang Ye was about to enter the realm of the gods, that was only in terms of his understanding of the sword. A genius with great epiphany can also reach this step at a very young age. And now, this style of swordsmanship is almost on par with the ultimate sword arts researched by those ancient relics who have cultivated for hundreds of years!

  Calmly, he subdued his heart and soul, and with a single finger of the Heavenly Sword Emperor, the sword god of Cang Ye was strangely fixed in mid-air.

  Waiting for the momentum to dissipate, sheathing the sword. Found that the Sword Emperor was there in deep thought, wondering what he was thinking about. Cang Ye didn't go disturb him, just standing quietly by his side.

  After a moment of silence, he seemed to have made up his mind and looked at Cang Ye.

  "I didn't expect you to have reached this point, your divine path has already developed its own thoughts. From now on, what you need to do is to continuously accumulate, only then can you enrich your sword path and make your own divine path gradually grow."

  "I originally wanted to wait for you to step into the divine path, and after cultivating for a hundred years, create your own divine path. Only then would I let you go there, but now it seems that I underestimated you."

  "As long as you can hold on in that place for these few days, your swordsmanship will be accomplished within five years!"

  "Don't answer me for now, just think about it yourself. After all, back then, even I only lasted three days before coming out. But those three days allowed me to condense my life's one sword, relying on this one sword, the King's realm, with an enemy in hand! And later, using less than fifty years of time, I took my Heaven-Defying Sword Dao from nothing to perfection. You think about it carefully yourself."

  Having said that, he turned around and left the inner chamber.

  That night, Cang Ye and Li Tian Luo stayed in the guest room arranged by Yu Xuan.

  At night, Li Tian Luo also came to find Cang Ye. After telling him about the events of the day, Li Tian Luo did not express any opinion, only saying that he should consider it for himself.

  "I don't know what kind of place it is, but from the tone of the Sword Emperor's voice, it seems to be a terrifying place. However, I have traversed through different worlds and walked between life and death to arrive in this world. With the precious treasure of the Huaxia nation and the condensed Hongmeng energy, what is there to fear? The path of martial arts is one that either advances or retreats. If I were to retreat today, how could I possibly advance further in the future? My dream of reaching the pinnacle would be nothing but empty talk!"

  "So go!"

  Having made up his mind, he blew out all the lights in the house and went to bed.

  Seeing the lights in Tuer's house go out, Li Tian Luo smiled slightly, knowing that he had made up his mind. He let out a sigh of relief and pushed open the door to return inside and rest.

  The next day, early morning. Inside the main hall.

  Cang Ye gazed steadily at the Sword Emperor in front of him.

  His meaning is self-evident.

  The Sword Emperor of Heaven sighed slightly and said...

  "I don't know either, whether it's right or wrong to send you in so early. However, since you've already made up your mind, I'll respect your decision, come with me."

  After finishing speaking, he turned around and walked towards the backyard.

  The entire backyard wasn't that big, and before long, the two of them arrived in the rear courtyard. Cang Ye didn't expect that the rear courtyard of this mansion would actually be right up against the mountain. And at the connection between the rear courtyard and the mountain, a stone cave suddenly came into view.

  With a complex gaze at the cave, Tianjian Huang slowly said to Cangye:

  "Everyone who knows of my existence thinks I'm a loose cultivator. Including Tian Luo's master, Jing Huang Shixiong, they all think so. I've never mentioned my sect to anyone before. Now, you're the first person in this world to know about my sect."

  "My sect is called Xuanjian Gate, and it has always been a single inheritance. Every generation of our sect's seniors has basically all gone to another world after breaking through the void. Before each breakthrough, there was always someone left behind to inherit the orthodox teachings. Now, in my generation, I don't even know how many generations have passed." Speaking here, the Sword Emperor also had a nostalgic expression.

  "My cultivation has already reached the realm of the Supreme Emperor, and my sword path is almost complete. If I take another step forward, I'm afraid I'll have to break through the void and leave this place behind. Unfortunately, over the years, I've been obsessed with the sword path and haven't found a suitable successor. As for your Shifu, it was because of his precarious situation at birth that I lent him a helping hand, hoping that with my power, I could eliminate the hidden dangers and allow him to become a king. But it seems I overestimated myself."

  "Now I don't have much time to cultivate a disciple. If the Xuanjian Gate is lost, how can I face my ancestors in another world? Fortunately, I've seen you."

  Turning around, the Sword Emperor was exceptionally excited at this moment.

  "Your talent is too terrifying, your swordsmanship epiphany is enough to shock the world. Fortunately, it was me who encountered you, if others saw you, they would definitely eliminate you at all costs!"

  "I've told you so much, in the hope that one day I'll break through to the other side, and you can carry on this lineage of Tao. I don't know if you agree."

  Looking at the sincere expression of the Sword Emperor, Cang Ye was in a dilemma. He had already taken a master and his master and senior brother treated him like family. How could he betray his master, betray Xuan Mu?

  Looking at the young man's embarrassed expression, Duotian Sword Emperor knew he was wrong, but didn't point it out. Because many people would easily abandon their sect for personal gain, and such people were only a disaster waiting to happen! He took this opportunity to test him.

  Before long, Cang Ye's expression eased up. He said to Duotian Sword Emperor:

  "Master Shu, you have taught me the way of the sword and I am grateful for your guidance. However, my master has treated me with kindness and regards me as his own, so I cannot betray him. Therefore, I'm afraid I must decline your request! I bid you farewell, and hope that you can find a suitable disciple."

  It's okay to have something to do and not to do. Cang Ye thought that he couldn't betray his master, so he firmly refused the Tian Xuan Sword Emperor. In the end, Cang Ye's gaze was firm as he looked at him.

  Staring at the dark night's eyes for a long time, there was no hesitation, no reluctance, no regret, nor any disappointment as imagined, but only firm conviction!

  The Sword Emperor just laughed and said to Cang Ye, "Child, I only wanted you to find a suitable person one day to pass on the orthodoxy of my lineage, why talk about betrayal?"

  Cang Ye was taken aback for a moment, feeling that his emotions had betrayed the sect. He was just trying to help the Sword Emperor find a suitable successor, but he had overthought things.

  A slight nod of the head

  "Since it's like this, seniors have given orders, juniors dare not disobey!"

  "Alright! With just this one sentence, it's enough. I hope that someday you'll meet the right person and be able to pass on my lineage. Now follow me," he said, leading the way towards the cave.