Chapter 456: The Immortal Dynasty's Demon Subjugation Division
After waking up from comprehending the Sword, Ji Qingxuan and the others gathered around Li Tiemu. Some still had contemplative and lingering expressions in their eyes.
As the eldest senior brother, Ji Qingxuan's gaze had already become calm. He asked, "The South Domain war is still far off. Are we already finalizing the spots so soon?"
Li Tiemu responded, "This climb of Emperor Sword Mountain is part of the selection. We have ten spots in Jian Yuan, and those who meet the Soul Age requirements will be selected. Out of these, eight have been chosen in this round. The remaining two were already selected outside while you were comprehending the Emperor Sword."
Upon hearing this, Murong Qingwu and Yuexi looked at Li Tiemu with curiosity.
Even though Murong Qingwu had been in the sect for hundreds of years, this was her first time participating in the South Domain war, and there were many things she wasn't aware of.
"Can't Senior Brother participate?" Yuexi turned to Ji Qingxuan, and then looked at Senior Sister Wei Hongye, who had often taken care of her.
Wei Hongye smiled and shook her head, not saying anything.
Li Tiemu sighed inwardly. He had hoped that his exceptional eldest disciple could join the battle, but Ji Qingxuan's Soul Age had long surpassed three thousand years, and it wasn't the right time for him.
"Qingxuan and the others have more important matters to attend to. This time, it will rely on you all." Li Tiemu's expression became serious as he swept his gaze over Murong Qingwu, Yuexi, and Gu Yan. "There are four spots from my disciples for Jian Yuan. The burden on you is heavy. Our Daming Jiuyuan belongs to the Tian Si Sect. Whether we can ascend to the Tian Yi Sect depends on your performance!"
He knew this would add pressure on them, but he believed that the talented would not fear pressure. In fact, pressure would help them grow faster.
"Four spots…"
Murong Qingwu heard his words and only then noticed that their Seventh Junior Brother was missing.
She looked around but couldn't find him. She asked with confusion, "Master, where is that Seventh Junior Brother? His name is… what was it again?"
She had just returned from the Immortal Dynasty's Sword Lectures and was unfamiliar with the three new junior brothers and sisters, especially since she had been focused on Gu Yan earlier and only had a shallow impression of Li Hao.
However, it was Li Hao who had reached the peak at the very last moment, and that left a lasting memory of the young man in her mind.
Li Tiemu couldn't help but roll his eyes upon hearing her. It's said that fellow disciples should care for each other, but she couldn't even remember his name? How could they care for each other?
"He went down the mountain," Li Tiemu said, somewhat irritable.
"He left in such a hurry?" Murong Qingwu was surprised.
At this point, Yuexi also realized something, stunned for a moment. She recalled the figure she had seen half a year ago after she had fainted. At that time, the Sword Scar Stele had appeared, and she hadn't had the time to think more. Now, her eyes widened, and she couldn't help but ask, "He also climbed up the mountain?"
"Yes."
Wei Hongye responded to her, speaking in a low voice, "After you."
Yuexi stood frozen, realizing that it hadn't been an illusion after all. But… how did he manage to climb the mountain? She clearly remembered that his cultivation base was even lower than hers. When he first became a disciple, he was only at the first level of True Immortal Realm.
She herself had left her name on the Emperor Sword Cliff and barely managed to climb up after awakening the bloodline powers of the Disastrous Tribe. But he…
Her face turned pale.
"When did he leave?" At this moment, Gu Yan suddenly spoke.
Hearing this, both Yuexi and Murong Qingwu looked at him. The usually silent junior brother's voice broke the silence.
However, the young man's gaze didn't wander. He was staring directly at Li Tiemu.
Li Tiemu thought about Li Hao's actions and helplessly shook his head. "He left half a year ago."
"Half a year ago?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Qingxuan and Lu Wuchen were both surprised.
"This… why?" Wei Hongye asked, looking at Li Tiemu in confusion.
Li Tiemu understood their confusion and helplessly said, "How would I know? That kid just said he came to take a look, and then left the mountain. But he didn't go far. He's still at the foot of the mountain."
Earlier, when Li Hao entered the first-level gap of Emperor Sword Mountain again, Li Tiemu had noticed it, but under Yun Wumian's gesture, he didn't interfere.
Hearing this, the group exchanged looks.
They had been contemplating at the peak, while he was meditating at the foot of the mountain?
Gu Yan's eyes flickered. Suddenly, he stood up and said to Li Tiemu, "Master, I'll go down the mountain to take a look."
Before Li Tiemu could respond, he flew off without waiting.
Seeing his figure, Yuexi immediately sensed that this junior brother seemed to care a lot about the young man who had joined the sect with her.
Though they had barely crossed paths in the past two years, she had never seen this kind of concern from Gu Yan before. She could tell that, in his heart, he didn't view her as a competitor.
With a slight grind of her teeth, she also followed and flew off.
Murong Qingwu, seeing them leave, was intrigued and followed after them as well.
Li Tiemu opened his mouth, but upon seeing them all dart off, he, as a master, felt somewhat embarrassed and frowned, "No manners!"
When Wei Hongye saw his angry expression, she couldn't help but smile, knowing that their master, having taken in such monstrous disciples, was probably too pleased to show it. She said:
"Master, the junior disciples are going to the South Domain Battle. Then where are we going?"
Upon hearing this, Li Tiemu turned to look at them, his expression serious and solemn as he spoke:
"What you all need to do is even more dangerous, and also concerns the sect's competition!"
"Hmm?" Wei Hongye's eyes flickered.
Lu Wuchen slightly squinted his eyes, a hint of sharpness showing in his gaze.
Ji Qingxuan already knew about this, and his expression didn't change.
"You all are going to the Yan-Chu border, to join the Demon Subduing Division and cooperate with the border warriors to slay ancient demons and accumulate immortal merit!" Li Tiemu explained.
"Join the Demon Subduing Division?" Wei Hongye and Lu Wuchen couldn't help but look at Ji Qingxuan. Wasn't this the path their Senior Brother had taken before?
"Exactly. The reason Ji Qingxuan went there earlier was also for another purpose," Li Tiemu added.
At this moment, Li Tiemu felt that it was time to tell them some important information. His voice lowered as he said:
"This time, the sect is reorganizing. Apart from the South Domain competition, where disciples from various sects will fight to showcase the sect's potential, there's one more thing—it's about the foundation of the sect! What is the foundation? Every sect has Immortal Kings, but an Immortal King cannot casually enter a battle. If they were to get injured or heavily wounded and the news leaked, it would bring a great calamity!"
"Therefore, the foundation of a sect is shown on the battlefield," he continued.
"The Yan-Chu royal family intends to set up an Immortal Merit Ranking at the border. Disciples from various sects will compete for Immortal Merits. Eventually, the rankings will be determined by the combined results of both the Immortal Merit and the South Domain competition!"
He looked towards Wei Hongye and Lu Wuchen and added, "In other words, while the others are preparing for the South Domain Battle, the most powerful disciples in the sect will be sent to the border battlefield. But to prevent sects from using unscrupulous methods to rack up military merit or recruiting too many disciples to win by numbers, only the top 100 in Immortal Merit will be counted for the sect's results!"
"Thus, your task is crucial—it's not any easier than what Heavens' Tian and the others are facing!"
Hearing Li Tiemu's words, Wei Hongye and Lu Wuchen finally understood, their expressions turning grave.
Fighting on the border would be far more dangerous than the South Domain Battle. After all, the South Domain Battle would be under the watchful eyes of many sects and even the Supreme Heavenly Palace, so casualties wouldn't be very high.
"Earlier, I sent Qingxuan to answer the call to gather some experience in border battles. Later, Qingxuan will tell you what he learned," Li Tiemu said. "Although this mission is dangerous, the sect will provide immortal pills and divine weapons to the top 100 selected, assisting you in your battles."
Wei Hongye and Lu Wuchen exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement.
"For the sect, I would walk through fire and water!" Wei Hongye declared, displaying the courage and heroism of a female warrior.
Lu Wuchen didn't say anything, but his eyes were sharp.
Li Tiemu saw the determination in their gazes and felt a sense of comfort. He glanced around and then transmitted his voice, saying:
"The reason I want you to join the Demon Subduing Division is that there's another reason for this border competition for military merit."
"Hmm?"
Wei Hongye and Lu Wuchen both paused, their expressions quickly returning to normal, but their minds were full of confusion. Why was there a need for such carefulness, speaking this way?
"The former Marshal of the Demon Subduing Division in the Yan-Chu Immortal Dynasty has fallen, causing many factions within the division to be in turmoil. Now is the best time to join the division," Li Tiemu explained in a calm but serious tone.
"At this moment, establishing Immortal Merits and performing excellently will allow you to easily secure a position within the Demon Subduing Division. As you know, the power and influence of the Demon Subduing Division in the Yan-Chu Immortal Dynasty is immense, even the royal family dares not touch it!"
"If you can gain a position there, it will benefit the sect when we rise to the rank of Tianyi Sect. You will have more allies and resources, making it harder for us to be attacked or hindered."
Upon hearing this, Wei Hongye and Lu Wuchen immediately understood the gravity of the situation.
This was a strategic move for the future.
The Yan-Chu Immortal Dynasty was an ancient dynasty, once ruled by the Immortal Emperor. Its vast territories and deep foundation were beyond comparison. Although the Seven Ancient Immortal Dynasties ranked below the Supreme Heavenly Palace, their ability to peacefully coexist with the Heavenly Palace for many years proved their strength.
For them, securing an official post within the Yan-Chu Immortal Dynasty, especially within the Demon Subduing Division, was more significant than being a disciple of the Tianzong Sect.
After all, Da Meng Jiu Yuan was just one of the Tian Si sects within the Yan-Chu Immortal Dynasty, while the Demon Subduing Division, built upon the foundation of the Immortal Dynasty itself, wielded far greater authority than Tianzong.
Meanwhile, at the foot of the mountain...
At the first level of the cliff valley, Li Hao was playing chess with an elder from the Spirit Clan.
His brows were furrowed as he stared at the board, searching for a way to break the game.
The elder of the Spirit Clan smiled as he watched Li Hao, not rushing him. Over the past half-year, Li Hao had shown obvious progress, but fortunately, with his profound chess skills, he was still able to suppress the young man.
"Hmm."
Suddenly, Ah Ling turned her head, looking into the void.
There was a space fluctuation coming towards them, much faster than the transmission of any breath. With her mastery of the second level of the Spatial Dao, she had already sensed the disturbance.
"Someone's coming. Two, no, three people," she said, narrowing her gaze. After calculating the time, she continued, "It should be the disciples from Jianyuan. The Imperial Sword Mountain should be over by now, so why are they coming here?"
"Probably here to find him."
The middle-aged man from the Ling Clan said with a smile at the corner of his mouth.
At that moment, three figures appeared in the air above the cliff valley, with the lead one being Gu Yan.
When he saw the scene before him, he was momentarily stunned.
The two behind him, Yue Xi, also stopped in their tracks. Upon seeing the scene below, she was momentarily confused, her beautiful eyes widening slightly.
In the past six months, he had been here on the first level of the Di Jian Mountain, playing chess with a member of the Ling Clan?
After a brief silence, Yue Xi quickly descended but did not approach too closely. After all, the three in front of her were from the Ling Clan and gave her an unusual feeling, different from other members of their race.
She asked Li Hao, "I heard from your Master that you left the mountain early. You've been here playing chess all this time?"
Li Hao snapped out of his thoughts, looked up, and saw them. He smiled and greeted them, saying, "What brings you here?"
"We came to see you."
Mu Rong Qingwu's figure flashed and appeared next to Li Hao. She glanced at the chessboard, but soon noticed she couldn't understand it and didn't bother to continue looking. She asked, "I heard you've been stuck on the first level of Di Jian Mountain for a long time. Could it be that you've been here the entire time?"
"Yes."
Li Hao responded casually.
Mu Rong Qingwu, seeing his easy-going reply, was left speechless for a moment. She then asked, "Don't tell me, you've been here playing chess all the time, even for the last two years?"
"Yes."
Li Hao answered.
Mu Rong Qingwu was at a loss for words, then immediately asked, "So, in the two years you've been here, you haven't practiced cultivation?"
Li Hao was slightly speechless. He replied, "What brings you all here?"
"The Di Jian comprehension has already ended, we've come to take you back," Yue Xi landed beside them but looked at Li Hao with a complicated gaze.
Li Hao was stunned. Has half a year already passed?
"You have such strength, why didn't you leave your name on the Di Jian Cliff?"
Yue Xi held back for a moment but still couldn't resist asking the question that had been bothering her.
"…"
Li Hao was at a loss for words. This girl was so obsessed with Di Jian Cliff… He remembered that he had answered her a few times already. He smiled bitterly and said, "I told you before, I'm just not interested."
Yue Xi pressed her lips together. If before she thought Li Hao couldn't leave his name there, unwilling to embarrass himself, now, she believed him. He truly had no interest in it.
But… how could that be? That was such great honor!
Gu Yan, hearing Li Hao's words, couldn't help but slightly change his expression, his gaze becoming more profound.
"I'd like to spar with you."
Gu Yan suddenly said.
Li Hao looked at him in surprise and quickly shook his head. "Not interested. If there's nothing else, you can head back now. I'll finish this game and leave."
Suddenly, a sword intent surged out, and Gu Yan, with empty hands, slashed out a sword light that headed straight for Li Hao.
Before Li Hao could react, the Ling Clan elder sitting opposite him flicked his finger, shattering that sword intent in an instant.
The elder's calm eyes slightly turned, glancing at Gu Yan. He could tell this young fellow had great talent, but he had no business with him.
"Young man, where are your manners? Did your Master not teach you?" The elder coldly remarked, "The test is over. You should leave now. Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude."
Yue Xi and the three others immediately stiffened, staring at the elder with wide eyes.
Such powerful Ling Clan experts… They could feel the pressure of the elder's presence, realizing he was in the Fifth Realm of True Immortal. However, the strength he used to shatter that sword intent was not something someone in the Fifth Realm could easily achieve. There was a terrifying Dao source hidden within it!
"Leave."
The middle-aged man from the Ling Clan said indifferently, his arms crossed over his chest. "I let you little ones pass through the first level so easily before. Did you really think the Ling Clan had no one?"
As he spoke, a strange force field spread from his body.
Sitting on the stone, Li Hao immediately felt it. This was the Earth Origin Source, and it was much more powerful than his own Second Realm Earth Origin.
Feeling the overwhelming aura of the Ling Clan middle-aged man, the expressions of the three others changed again. They immediately realized that these three Ling Clan members were far stronger than the ones they had previously defeated.
Moreover, they soon realized that the Ling Clan members they defeated in the first level didn't include these three.
"I've counted before. I defeated a maximum of 97 Ling Clan members…"
Gu Yan's gaze shifted slightly. He had tried to make each level of his challenge as fair as possible, taking on the challenges alone. Even if other disciples were present, he would rush to defeat any Demon Clan opponents who were fighting them.
"If my Master had made a move, aside from the few who arrived early at Di Jian Mountain, none of you would have passed, unless you have strength surpassing the Ancestral Dragon's!"
Beside him, A Ling said coldly.
As soon as the words were spoken, the pupils of the three people, Gu Yan and his group, contracted slightly.
The spirit clan elder sitting in front of the chessboard had strength surpassing the seventh-level Ancestral Dragon?
The three of them felt a sense of uncertainty in their hearts, but there was an almost undeniable feeling that the spirit clan girl wasn't lying.
Mu Rong Qing Wu's eyes flickered, and her gaze fell on Li Hao. She immediately felt that this junior brother of hers was a bit extraordinary. Such a powerful spirit clan person was actually willing to sit and play chess with him.
"Since that's the case, Seventh Junior Brother, we'll be leaving now. You should hurry back too. Master is urging us," Mu Rong Qing Wu said with a bright smile, looking very lively.
After speaking, she turned and flew off, not daring to linger for too long.
Gu Yan's eyes shifted slightly, and seeing that Li Hao's gaze had returned to the chessboard, seemingly uninterested in fighting him, a look of disappointment appeared in his eyes. He too turned and left, but before leaving, he said:
"When the battle of the Southern Region begins, I'll ask Senior Brother for another round of advice."
Li Hao glanced at his departing figure, feeling a bit helpless. "This little junior brother still remembers to call me Senior Brother, huh?"
Yue Xi, with a complicated expression, also glanced at Li Hao before silently turning to leave.
"This little junior brother doesn't understand manners. Let's not disturb the elder's mood. Let's continue," Li Hao said to the spirit clan elder.
The spirit clan elder naturally wasn't angry. A smile returned to his face as he said, "Let's see how you plan to break this game."
"I have my ways..." Li Hao replied confidently.
Half an hour later.
Li Hao sighed in defeat as he conceded the game. He had been playing chess here for two and a half years, but the number of games he had won against the elder could be counted on one hand. His chess skills were still far too lacking.
"I'll take my leave, and I'll see you again," Li Hao said as he stood up to bid farewell.
The three of them smiled and waved as they saw Li Hao off.
After watching Li Hao leave, the spirit clan elder also put away the chessboard and sighed lightly. "The time on Emperor Sword Mountain has ended. I wonder how the Abyss Lord will handle us."
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged spirit clan man and A Ling both showed a hint of worry on their faces.
...
Li Hao left the first level of Emperor Sword Mountain and flew straight toward the peak. Soon, he saw that many disciples had gathered there.
He scanned the surroundings and noticed Gu Yan, Yue Xi, and Mu Rong Qing Wu, who had returned early. The three of them also noticed him.
Li Hao's gaze didn't linger. It quickly swept toward a thatched hut, and he soon saw the figure of the Abyss Lord, Yun Wu Mian.
Li Hao flew over and cupped his hands in respect. "Junior pays his respects to the Abyss Lord."
Yun Wu Mian had spent the past six months observing Li Hao's actions. He was surprised to find that Li Hao had truly been completely immersed in playing chess, with no intention of cultivating at all. He was even more curious and had secretly studied a few games, wanting to see what made the chessboard so captivating.
However, he didn't particularly enjoy this kind of thing. After watching a few games, he found it boring and didn't continue.
"How was it? Did you gain anything from this trip down the mountain?" Yun Wu Mian asked gently, a faint smile on his face.
Li Hao thought about how he had only lost games this half-year, winning only two games by luck. He couldn't help but feel embarrassed and scratched his head. "It was alright."
He was utterly defeated...
Yun Wu Mian chuckled inwardly. "Did you come to see me about the spirit clan's situation?"
Li Hao was surprised and immediately replied, "Abyss Lord, you are quite perceptive."
Upon hearing such a crude compliment, Yun Wu Mian couldn't help but roll his eyes. He responded indifferently, "You don't need to worry about that. Aside from the demon and ancient demon clans, I will not execute any spirit clan members."
Li Hao was relieved when he heard this. He quickly bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Abyss Lord, for your mercy!"
"Go ahead," Yun Wu Mian waved his hand.
Li Hao cupped his hands and left.
Once Li Hao returned to Li Tie Mu's side, Li Tie Mu shared the news about the gathering and then, with some reluctance, asked:
"How did it go during the past six months? Do you regret it?"
Li Hao was momentarily stunned before smiling. "No, not at all."
Li Tie Mu remained silent and snorted lightly. Seeing that the other elders had gathered, he said, "Let's go. I'll take you to meet the disciples of the other Eight Abysses."
Soon, under the lead of Li Tie Mu, Zhou Qing Yun, and the elderly elder, the group of elders, along with their disciples, left Emperor Sword Mountain.
Once outside at Sword Abyss, they briefly paused before heading towards the main peak of the Great Dream Nine Abyss, Great Dream Mountain.
The sect leader of the Great Dream Nine Abyss, known as Dream Lord, had been residing at the main peak for years.
Not long after, Li Tie Mu and the others led the many disciples to the Great Dream Mountain.
The Great Dream Mountain was vast and majestic, towering and grand. There were many disciples, making it far more imposing than Sword Abyss.
As soon as Li Hao and the others landed, they saw a group of figures coming at high speed.
"It's the Gun Abyss disciples," Li Tie Mu said after a glance.
The number of Gun Abyss disciples was greater than that of the Sword Abyss disciples. Once they landed on the plaza, they walked toward Li Tie Mu and the others.
Li Hao's gaze swept over, and among the crowd, he spotted the figure of Lin Yu Feng.
Lin Yu Feng also saw Li Hao. There was no surprise in his eyes. As the elders exchanged pleasantries, he squeezed out from the crowd and walked toward Li Hao, preparing to bow to him in respect.