Selecting Warriors at Shenfeng Cave, Battling the Chixiao Sword Once More

Outside the carriage window, the picturesque scenery of the Qingyuan Mountain Range receded into the distance.

"I can finally call myself a swordsman now."

"From mastery to perfection..."

"Eighty years..."

Little Li's initial excitement at his achievement waned slightly as he began calculating whether the cost had been too high.

All in all, he had spent over a century's worth of martial insights on his swordsmanship.

If not for the fact that the "ice block" had taught him personally, the cost would have been even greater.

It felt a bit like spending two months' salary on a high-end gaming PC in his past life, only to leave it gathering dust with no time to play.

Well, perhaps not that extreme.

A perfected sword technique was undoubtedly far more powerful than just punching his way through.

"My reserves of martial insights should still be sufficient for now."

"With a hundred and ten years left, I won’t be left scrambling if I acquire new martial techniques."

After a brief mental tally, Li Mo dismissed the thought.

"When you enter the Divine Edge Cave, take a look at that Chixiao sword."

Ying Bing took a sip of tea.

"Alright."

Li Mo readily agreed.

Truth be told, he had already planned to try wielding Chixiao.

Not out of some petty grudge—like seeking revenge after being bested by a sword in some "thirty years east of the river, thirty years west" dramatic fashion.

Chixiao's fiery nature complemented his Lotus-Born Flame Heart technique, amplifying its power—making it an ideal match for him.

The boost might not be as noticeable in the Qi-Blood Realm, but once he reached the Inner Breath Realm, the difference would be undeniable.

By now, the rhythmic clanging of metalwork could be heard outside the window.

Stepping out of the carriage, he saw a bustling crowd gathered before the entrance of the Divine Edge Cave.

The moment Ying Bing descended, the murmurs in the area quieted, replaced by awed gazes.

The sheer presence of the "ice block."

She wasn’t just the sect leader’s personal disciple—she was the future of the entire Qingyuan Sect.

Even among her peers, and across the sect’s long history, her brilliance stood unmatched.

"Brother Li!"

"Junior Li!"

Two voices called out simultaneously from the crowd, their owners then exchanging surprised glances.

Murong Xiao and Xiao Qin acknowledged each other with a slight nod.

They had crossed paths during the sect trials, where both had performed admirably.

"Brother Li, you actually took first place—impressive as always."

Murong Xiao praised.

"I was shocked when I heard the news."

Xiao Qin’s aura had grown noticeably stronger.

Having passed the trials, he had reclaimed his place as an inner disciple.

What astonished him was that Junior Li’s aura now surpassed even his own.

And here he was, having rebuilt his cultivation from scratch with a master’s guidance.

Junior Li’s progress was nothing short of astounding.

"What kind of weapon is Junior Li planning to claim today?"

"My swordsmanship has seen some recent breakthroughs."

"Hmm, Junior Li should have no trouble acquiring a famed weapon."

"Brother Xiao clearly underestimates Brother Li..."

After some brief pleasantries, the two shared updates on their recent endeavors.

Murong Xiao had achieved a breakthrough in body refinement, meeting Elder Hanhe’s expectations and earning the right to learn the Divine Peak’s forging techniques.

Meanwhile, Xiao Qin had not only returned to the inner sect but also caught the attention of an elder, who might take him on as a personal disciple.

Everyone’s future looked bright.

Seeing the people he had invested in thriving, Little Li couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride.

Clang—clang—clang—

Suddenly, the sound of a gong echoed from the entrance of the Divine Edge Cave.

The inner sect deacon overseeing the cave stepped forward.

"The time has come!"

Every year, the Divine Edge Cave would briefly calm before erupting with even greater intensity.

Disciples who hadn’t yet reached higher realms typically used this window to enter and select their weapons.

The crowd instinctively parted to make way.

Ying Bing lowered her gaze and walked into the cave.

Yet, she stopped midway through the first level, raising a slender, pale hand.

Just as confusion spread among the onlookers—

Zing!

A chorus of sword cries rang out as over a dozen gleaming white streaks shot through the air, hovering before Ying Bing for her to choose.

Every single one was a famed sword.

"Hmmmm..."

How to put it?

Watching this, Li Mo felt like someone with a natural affinity for cats walking into a cat café.

He wasn’t particularly surprised, but the same couldn’t be said for everyone else.

Gasps and exclamations erupted instantly.

"Famed weapons! All of them famed weapons!"

"What the—not only did they acknowledge her, but they flew out from the third level just to offer themselves?"

"I thought famed weapons had their own pride and barely even glanced at ordinary people. Why are they swarming her today?"

"This is terrifying..."

"Wait—look! What’s that?"

Amid the uproar, two more streaks—one blue, one white—streaked across the cave.

The other famed swords hastily made way.

One radiated scorching heat, the other an icy chill.

To Li Mo, both were old acquaintances.

Chixiao.

Tianshuang.

The crowd felt as if their breath had been stolen.

This was something they wouldn’t even dare dream of.

Even disciples of the Divine Peak couldn’t help but grimace. Many had trained for years yet had only heard rumors of these two Profound Weapons—swords forged by the sect’s founding ancestor. They had never even seen them before.

How did they recognize them?

Among the Profound Weapons housed in the Divine Peak, only two were swords!

"Tianshuang."

Ying Bing reached out and grasped the white sword, its blade like a frost serpent.

The familiar sensation returned.

The Skyfrost Sword trembled lightly, radiating unmistakable joy.

Without sparing another glance at the other weapons, Ying Bing cradled the sword and strode out. Passing by Li Mo, she gave a slight nod—a small gesture of encouragement.

Li Mo: "...That was over way too fast."

When he looked again, the Scarlet Mist Sword had vanished.

Well, it seemed he’d have to take the conventional route and undergo the Scarlet Mist Sword’s trial.

"Brother Li, I believe you’ll also obtain a profound weapon," Murong Xiao said, patting his shoulder.

"Mm," Xiao Qin agreed with a nod.

"Let’s go, then."

Li Mo smiled and stepped forward.

Ah, right.

At the bottom of the Divine Edge Cave, a hammer was still calling to him—the same pull he’d felt earlier still lingered.

Now, if he could only take one weapon… hammer or sword?

Li Mo hesitated for exactly three and a third seconds before choosing the hammer.

No question about it—that thing was the father of all profound weapons.

Of course, even if he wanted it and could lift it, Elder Hanhe might not approve.

That hammer was the lifeblood of the Divine Peak...

"Let’s check it out first," he mused.

As Li Mo pondered, the trio descended to the third level of the Divine Edge Cave.

"My master said judging a weapon’s quality depends on its material, forging technique, and tempering control..." Murong Xiao recited, applying Xuelai’s blacksmithing knowledge as he examined the blades.

Xiao Qin’s gaze swept over the array of famed weapons.

Then, the voice of the Thousand Forms Martial Venerable echoed in his mind:

"That girl Ying Bing truly has great fortune clinging to her, just as I said."

"Master, are you referring to her gaining a profound weapon’s recognition?" Xiao Qin asked casually.

"For a profound weapon to become her blade is its own blessing."

The Thousand Forms Martial Venerable chuckled at his disciple’s limited perspective.

"What I speak of is the inheritance she obtained."

"Inheritance? You mean the radiant phenomenon a few days ago?"

Xiao Qin’s curiosity was piqued.

Days earlier, a spectacle of multicolored light had stretched across the sky, sparking endless speculation within the sect.

One theory was that Ying Bing, the sect leader’s true disciple, had acquired an immensely powerful legacy.

Now, it seemed that was indeed the case.

His master’s words had never been wrong before.

"Mm. I once read of it in an ancient avian text," the aged voice confirmed.

"So the inheritance is incredibly powerful?"

"More than just powerful."

A trace of nostalgia tinged the Thousand Forms Martial Venerable’s tone.

"The Nine-Colored Primordial Phoenix has nine souls, each holding boundless mysteries. Obtaining even one allows one to dominate the heavens and earth."

"If all are gathered, combined with that girl’s Ten Extremities Body, she may even ascend to the legendary realm..."

"Legendary realm?"

Xiao Qin frowned, baffled, then shook his head.

"I still think Junior Brother Li Mo is no less remarkable. His future achievements won’t fall short of Junior Sister Ying Bing’s."

"You stubborn brat... How about a wager?"

The Thousand Forms Martial Venerable laughed dryly.

His disciple was excellent in all ways except one—his obstinacy.

Perseverance was vital in martial arts, but excessive rigidity led to narrow-mindedness.

"Fine, Master. What’s the bet?"

"If your Junior Brother Li can withstand ten moves from that girl in the sect’s grand competition, I lose. I’ll gift you something grand. If I win... we’ll discuss terms later."

Amusement laced the venerable’s voice, his confidence unshaken.

Xiao Qin agreed without hesitation.

Then, under his master’s guidance, he began selecting a weapon.

...

Meanwhile, Little Li remained blissfully unaware.

Had he known, he’d have asked, "Old Xiao, where’d you get such blind faith in me?"

By now, he’d reached the fourth level.

His gaze fixed solemnly on the Scarlet Mist Sword as he bowed respectfully.

Hum—

Just like before, the sword vibrated faintly.

Though far less intensely than when it had flown to Ying Bing’s side.

As if Li Mo simply wasn’t as enticing.

Heh.

"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west!"

Li Mo muttered under his breath, a competitive fire igniting in his eyes.

Today, he’d conquer it without fail.