The Strongest Sect in the Land of Immortal Legacy

The Boundless Sword Sect was annihilated.

Subsequent rebellions were also quelled by the disciples of the Dao Sword Sect, failing to make much of a splash.

Having absorbed the Boundless Sword Sect's resources—including but not limited to its influence, cultivation techniques, swords, and unique sword-path opportunities—the Dao Sword Sect's strength grew significantly. It had now rightfully become the number one sect in the Hengduan Mountains.

With this top status, three major developments followed:

First, many who had previously hesitated between joining Zhican Valley or the Boundless Sword Sect—or even hesitated about cultivation altogether—now chose the Dao Sword Sect, bringing in a wave of talented disciples.

Second, alchemists from Zhican Valley, left with no other options, ultimately joined the Dao Sword Sect, along with rogue cultivators seeking a reputable sect—making it their best choice.

Third, all visible and hidden resources within the Hengduan Mountains now fell under the Dao Sword Sect's control.

As a result, the sect's power was poised for rapid growth in the coming years, continuing until it became the strongest faction the Land of Immortal Legacy could nurture.

By then, the Dao Sword Sect would stand as the Land of Immortal Legacy's foremost sect—perhaps even the most powerful in its history.

Yes, only then would it truly be number one. For now, despite having wiped out two major sects—Zhican Valley and the Boundless Sword Sect—the Dao Sword Sect was not yet the Land of Immortal Legacy's top sect.

At present, it could only be said that the Dao Sword Sect had immense potential, likely to become the strongest.

But for now, it was merely the "youthful version" of that future powerhouse.

Terms like "potential" and "youthful version" also implied the possibility of failure.

It needed to consolidate both visible and hidden resources across the Hengduan Mountains and the Land of Immortal Legacy, then develop further, before claiming the title of the strongest.

This process was the darkness before dawn—the final step in a hundred-mile journey, the last push before success.

If mishandled, even after ninety-nine steps forward, a single misstep could lead to ruin. The Boundless Sword Sect served as a stark warning—a cautionary tale, like the Chongzhen Emperor hanging from a crooked tree.

Of course, total annihilation was the worst-case scenario.

A more plausible, middling outcome was internal strife—poor governance, simmering conflicts, diplomatic blunders allowing smaller sects to sabotage progress, or interference from external forces stunting growth.

In such a case, the Dao Sword Sect might stumble, missing its golden window for expansion, achieving little or even regressing.

Resources meant for them could be snatched by rivals, fueling the rise of other powers.

Then, the Hengduan Mountains might see the emergence of one super-sect alongside several major ones—or even multiple factions rivaling the Dao Sword Sect in strength.

Instead of the Dao Sword Sect dominating the region and reigning supreme, the mountains would return to a stalemate of competing sects.

All their efforts in destroying two major sects would amount to nothing.

People might still say, "The Dao Sword Sect is formidable, a venerable powerhouse standing tall for millennia."

But this—a fractured landscape—was the most probable future for the Hengduan Mountains.

After all, wasn’t it often said: seizing power is hard, but holding onto it is harder?

Governance has always been explosively difficult; those who master it are the figures remembered through the ages.

This was why Qin Ran’s three-step plan reserved the hardest task for last: assisting Xuanqin in stabilizing internal affairs and unifying resources to forge an immortal dynasty.

Facing these challenges, the Dan Peak’s chief proposed two strategic solutions: expanding resources and tightening control.

Take disciple recruitment as an example.

Expanding resources meant improving the sect’s image and broadening its influence, attracting more ordinary people to join.

Tightening control meant raising entry standards, ensuring only the most talented—and loyal—could enter, while weeding out those with ulterior motives.

To prevent a repeat of the Boundless Sword Sect’s fate—internal division and conflict—the chief offered two more measures: optimizing the sect’s political structure and establishing a dedicated enforcement force for rapid response.

The political reforms included overhauling the disciple promotion system.

Previously, disciples were stratified by talent into categories like servant disciples, outer disciples, inner disciples, and personal disciples. Now, all new entrants started as outer disciples, regardless of talent, background, or age.

Every three years, they would face evaluations testing cultivation, combat skills, knowledge, and interviews. Pass, and they advanced; fail, and they were demoted. The first three criteria ensured well-rounded competence; the last screened for hidden agendas.

The new enforcement force differed from the old patrols, which were voluntary tasks for disciples. This would be a professional combat unit, requiring proven strength, intellect, and—most crucially—impeccable backgrounds.

Such a force could act swiftly, nipping rebellion in the bud.

It was essentially an army… Chief Qin Ran was clearly running the sect like a state.

While the details of tightening control (current recruitment policies) need not be elaborated, expanding resources deserved further attention.

Chief Qin Ran noted that after two sect-destroying campaigns, the Dao Sword Sect’s martial reputation in the Land of Immortal Legacy was already formidable. But now, instead of further conquests, the focus was consolidation. The sect’s violent image needed softening, replaced by a gentler facade. Both martial and cultural influence were essential.

With martial prowess secured, cultural efforts took priority.

A dedicated department would propagate the Dao Sword Sect as righteous, benevolent, and progressive—nothing to fear.

The chief also suggested an "idol strategy."

Selecting charismatic, powerful disciples to roam the land as demon-slaying, justice-upholding envoys would serve as the sect’s ambassadors. A propaganda wing would amplify their deeds, ensuring the Land of Immortal Legacy saw the Dao Sword Sect as a force for good.

Tian Wenjin, a woman who ranked on both the sect’s prodigy and beauty lists, naturally became one of its flagship envoys.

Her alias in the Jianghu?

The Emotionless Sword Immortal.

But how could someone who slays demons and upholds justice be the Emotionless Sword Immortal?

In the Land of Immortal Legacy, everyone knows that the Emotionless Sword Immortal wields a sword of emotion.

A single Thunderblade—capable of beheading peerless demons with overwhelming cultivation above, and cutting down vile scoundrels who oppress the weak below.

It is precisely because she has severed all worldly attachments that she embodies absolute justice and fairness. After all, the heavens themselves are devoid of emotions.

Without desires or attachments, the Emotionless Sword Immortal is also called the Daughter of Heaven. And because she wields thunder-infused sword techniques, she is hailed as the Incarnation of the Thunder God.

Comparing her to Heaven and the Thunder God gives a clear sense of her conduct… and her reputation.

Xuanqin Territory, outside Anlu City.

Dark clouds pressed heavily upon the city, dimming the sky.

Within the oppressive layers of clouds, lightning flashed and thunder roared, accompanied by the wails of demons. It seemed as though a great evil, a monstrous demon, was being punished by divine retribution above.

Beneath these ominous clouds, before the towering city walls, stood the people of Anlu. Nearly every citizen had gathered—elders with silver hair, children with golden locks scattered among them. All gazed upward, their faces solemn, watching intently.

A closer look would reveal a glimmer in their eyes—hope. The hope that evil would be vanquished and justice served.

At last…

"Ah—!"

A grotesque shriek echoed as a massive corpse plummeted from the clouds.

The entire city stirred. Upon closer inspection, the corpse was that of a colossal centipede, stretching over a hundred zhang in length.

"It's dead… that monster is finally dead!" someone exclaimed in relief.

Another explained, "So the city lord was a centipede demon in disguise. No wonder children kept disappearing, and no wonder chickens were forbidden in the city."

"Or perhaps the real city lord was killed, and the centipede took his place."

The city erupted in cheers—proof of how long the people had suffered under the centipede demon's tyranny.

"Boom!"

The centipede demon crashed to the ground. The dark clouds parted, and a radiant beam of light pierced through the sky.

Within that light, the citizens of Anlu saw a woman as beautiful as a celestial maiden, a sword strapped to her back, descending gracefully. Hovering midair, she cast a cold, indifferent glance at the crowd below.

Before she could speak, the people recognized her:

"Is that the Emotionless Sword Immortal of the Dao Sword Sect? Truly a divine being!"

"They say the Emotionless Sword Immortal holds the world's justice in her heart. No evil dares approach where her sword strikes!"

"To aid the world when in power—the Dao Sword Sect is truly a righteous sect!"

"…"

The clamor continued for a while before finally coalescing into a unified cry: "We pay homage to the Emotionless Sword Immortal!"

And with that, they knelt.

The entire city bowed before the peerless Sword Immortal in the sky.

The Sword Immortal regarded them coolly, her voice clear yet resonating across the land: "The demon is slain, and the world is cleansed. There is no need for reverence. I take my leave."

With those words, the sword on her back flew forth. She stepped onto it and soared away—a sight befitting an immortal.

The people of Anlu, awestruck, bowed once more: "We bid farewell to the Sword Immortal!"

Anlu City was not far from the Hengduan Mountains, a land teeming with cultivators and demons alike. It was no surprise that a centipede had infiltrated the city's leadership.

Tian Wenjin had originally been elsewhere, fulfilling her duties. But she had rushed here upon receiving urgent news. She was on her way back to the Dao Sword Sect and had merely taken a detour to slay the hundred-zhang centipede.

Mission accomplished, reputation bolstered, she continued her flight toward the Dao Sword Sect.

"Hah… I don’t understand why you bother with such things," her sword suddenly spoke—Huang Feiyu's voice. "What do you gain besides empty praise? No cultivation resources, no advancement in power. Just wasted effort and time. How foolish."

"This was Junior Uncle's idea," Tian Wenjin replied.

"I admit Junior Uncle has some wit, but he’s trapped in the Land of Immortal Legacy. His vision is narrow, his actions petty," Huang Feiyu retorted.

"Then what would you suggest?" Tian Wenjin asked.

"The Land of Immortal Legacy is barren. Even if the Dao Sword Sect unified it, it would amount to nothing," Huang Feiyu said. "With your talent, Wenjin, your stage lies beyond this place. You should go to the Lingnan Immortal Sect. There, you’ll find the resources to ascend to immortality. I’ve accumulated treasures—if you go, I’ll reveal their locations."

"Hmm…" Tian Wenjin mused. "What kind of resources?"

"Techniques, for one. The Dao Sword Sect’s methods are crude. The first thing you should do in the Lingnan Immortal Sect is replace them…"

The entire journey, Huang Feiyu prattled on, urging her to abandon the Dao Sword Sect and seek greater heights in the Lingnan Immortal Sect, where he had prepared ample resources. What he didn’t realize was that his soul was severely damaged. Tian Wenjin had spared him out of past camaraderie, but his fractured spirit left him prone to lapses in memory…

This wasn’t the first time he’d repeated these words.

As Tian Wenjin flew over the Dao Sword Sect, she noted from above that the marketplace near the mountain gate had been relocated.

To become the foremost sect, image mattered. The once-bustling market had been moved ten li away, and the small town at the entrance had been repurposed into a reception area for visitors and allied factions.

At that moment, within the town, Dong Zhongyuan sat at a square table, conversing with the leader of a minor sect.

"…The overseer of each generation’s Heavenly Pride Rankings is, in essence, a candidate for the position of sect master."

Compared to his predecessors, Dong Zhongyuan now enjoyed far better treatment, serving as the sect’s diplomatic envoy.

Spotting Tian Wenjin overhead, he waved and called out, "Hey, Wenjin!"

"Mn." She paused midair and acknowledged him with a nod.

"You’re back because of that matter, right?" Dong Zhongyuan remained seated, disregarding the minor sect leader before him as he struck up a loud, casual conversation.

"Mn." Another nod.

"Don’t worry, they’ll return," Dong Zhongyuan said. "Junior Uncle summoned me too. Wait for me?"

Tian Wenjin shook her head without hesitation.

"Why the rush?" Dong Zhongyuan frowned.

She offered no explanation, turning instead to pass through the sect’s barrier.

"Is that the Emotionless Sword Immortal?" the minor sect leader asked, eyes gleaming. "She’s breathtaking."

Dong Zhongyuan’s smile returned as he regarded the man. "Wenjin is at the late Golden Core stage, yet she can contend with Nascent Soul cultivators. During the annihilation of Zhican Valley, she slew Fu Ming—a core disciple of the Boundless Sword Sect and a Nascent Soul expert—in direct combat."

The sect leader’s grin faltered, replaced by reverence.

"She is emotionless. Her sword is colder." Dong Zhongyuan continued, "Moreover, she ranks fifth on the Dao Sword Sect’s Heavenly Pride Rankings. You would do well to show respect."

The sect leader bowed his head. "Understood."

"Now, let us continue discussing how the Dao Sword Sect can support your sect…"

Once inside the protective formation, Tian Wenjin bypassed Sword Peak and headed straight for Dan Peak.

She hurried through the restricted area of Dan Peak, arriving before a small wooden hut beneath an ancient locust tree.

Thin wisps of smoke curled upward from the eaves of the small wooden house, while white locust blossoms drifted down from the ancient spirit locust tree. She stood amidst the shower of petals, gazing toward the kitchen of the cottage.

The air carried the fragrant aroma wafting from within.

Stepping lightly on the fallen petals, she moved forward, entering through the living room door, crossing it, and arriving at the kitchen entrance.

Pausing at the threshold, she looked inside to see two figures bustling about in perfect harmony.

They worked seamlessly—one chopping ingredients while the other stir-fried, one tending to the simmering soup while the other controlled the flames. Their coordination was effortless. One exuded grace and elegance, the other gentle warmth—a well-matched pair.

At a glance, it was clear they were a kind-hearted couple.

Qin Ran noticed Tian Wenjin’s arrival and greeted her with a smile and a nod. Then, he untied his apron and fastened it around Li Shiyin before stepping out, leaving the kitchen to the two women.

Li Shiyin stood by the stove, her smile tender; Tian Wenjin lingered by the door, her expression unreadable.

They simply looked at each other.

After a long moment, Tian Wenjin realized her blank expression was inappropriate. She tried to smile, but she had forgotten how. The result was a beautiful face contorted into something awkward and strained.

Li Shiyin’s heart ached at the sight.

"Shiyin…" Tian Wenjin parted her lips, wanting to speak, to voice the feelings buried in her heart, to confess before Li Shiyin departed. But as she gazed at her, no words came out.

"I know," Li Shiyin replied softly, stepping forward with a gentle smile. She opened her arms and embraced Tian Wenjin.

That warmth in Li Shiyin’s smile reminded Tian Wenjin of Qin Ran—something she instinctively disliked. Yet, she didn’t resist the embrace.

"You deserve better," Li Shiyin murmured. "Or perhaps… no one is worthy of the Emotionless Sword Immortal."

In that moment, Tian Wenjin seemed to lose all her cultivation, all her battle prowess, all her hardened experience. She reverted to the naive girl she once was—innocent, proud, and fragile.

Her arms tightened around Li Shiyin’s waist, her face buried in the crook of her neck. There, she found solace, tears welling in her eyes, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

After a long silence, she whispered into the embrace, "Are you leaving?"

"Yes."

"Where to?"

"Beyond the Land of Immortal Legacy."

"Why?"

"To wander."

"Can’t you stay?"

Li Shiyin stroked Tian Wenjin’s hair gently, just as her master once did for her. She looked down and asked, "What if you came with me?"

For a heartbeat, an overwhelming urge surged in Tian Wenjin’s chest. She wanted to say yes. She wanted to agree.

But when she lifted her head and met Li Shiyin’s tender gaze, she saw affection—yet not love.

So the word "yes" died on her lips.

She lowered her eyes. "The Dao Sword Sect is just beginning. I must stay. I’m its face, its ambassador. I have influence, resources, status. There’s no reason for me to leave. One day, the Dao Sword Sect will become the greatest sect in the Land of Immortal Legacy…"

She rambled on, listing reason after reason.

Li Shiyin’s other hand gently rubbed her back, murmuring a quiet "Mm."

They held each other in silence, bidding farewell.

Smiling on the outside, weeping within.