The old swordsman looked quite ordinary, just like an old man you might see everywhere in the martial world, with yellow teeth, messy hair, and tattered clothes. If it weren’t for the sword box on his back, others would have thought he was just some old beggar.
But strangely enough, the old swordsman was followed by numerous martial experts. Almost all were swordsmen, holding swords of various shapes and sizes—some with three-foot green peaks, some bearing giant swords on their shoulders, others with short swords in sleeves or half-bladed swords.
The swordsmen kept their distance, eyes filled with respect, not approaching but simply following along the way.
The old swordsman came from Beiliang, traveling straight to Wudang, covering six thousand miles, with followers like clouds. Some left midway, yet even now, hundreds of swordsmen still accompanied him.
This was an event—an event belonging to swordsmen. They all knew the old swordsman’s purpose in coming to Wudang, each filled with respect, following to add to the momentum.
From afar, Wudang disciples guarding the mountain saw this grand spectacle, their hearts filled with alarm. They drew their swords, eyes filled with steely resolve.
But they felt no panic. With a true immortal on Wudang, why panic?
The old swordsman grinned, revealing his missing front tooth and yellow teeth, laughing loudly: “The Sword Monarch has come to seek a duel and wishes to enter the Heaven-Man Tomb!”
His voice seemed feeble, but its follow-through was endless, even growing louder, like nine waves crashing straight up to Tianzhu Peak!
Wudang disciples were shocked, realizing the identity and intention of the old swordsman before them.
The Sword Monarch—this was Beiliang’s unparalleled swordsman, who had once challenged the City Lord of Martial Imperial City, Wang Xianzhi, only to be defeated and disappear afterward. Rumors said he couldn’t accept defeat and committed suicide after leaving Martial Imperial City. Others said he walked the martial world, aiming to create a stronger sword to challenge Wang Xianzhi again, while some claimed he vanished in Beiliang.
Many rumors surrounded him, but none were confirmed. Unexpectedly, the unparalleled swordsman of Beiliang appeared under Tianzhu Peak of Wudang.
Regardless, the Sword Monarch was undoubtedly a peerless expert, unmatched by even the three demonic blades. His purpose was simple and clear—challenging the Young True Immortal of Wudang!
Wudang disciples exchanged a solemn look and respectfully said: “Greetings, Senior Sword Monarch. Please up the mountain!” This content belongs to novᴇlfire.net
They then addressed the swordsmen following him: “The rest of you may also ascend the mountain but do not wander around!”
Even knowing the Sword Monarch came to challenge their junior master, the Wudang disciples didn’t show anger, fully displaying their courtesy.
A hint of admiration flashed in the Sword Monarch’s eyes: “As expected of a famed Daoist sacred land, with disciples , one glimpse tells me the Young True Immortal is indeed worthy of his name!”
He began to look forward to it. Hearing Ning Changge’s name in the Beiliang Prince’s Mansion, his heart surged at the Sword Flight Technique and Sword Qi Transformation Technique, finally unable to resist coming here.
Coming to Wudang this time. He came for a sword duel, disregarding life and death, hoping to transcend the Heaven-Man realm with Ning Changge’s help!
If defeated, he was prepared to enter the Heaven-Man Tomb.
With steady steps, the Sword Monarch climbed Tianzhu Peak.
His first sight was the Heaven-Man Tomb at the rear mountain, its ancient tomb towering forty-nine zhang high, with life force and death intertwining, ancient trees hanging high with three peculiar ones.
One tree’s leaves faintly reflected strange sword light; one showed demonic blade intent; one echoed Buddhist chanting with dragon-elephant roars—utterly mystical.
Surprised, he couldn’t help but sigh: “Seeing is believing; it seems I’ve picked a good tomb for myself.”
Song Yuanqiao and others were already waiting, with Zhang Lingyu and others from Dragon-Tiger Mountain behind. They had been staying for half a month, planning to leave in a few days, but unexpectedly encountered someone challenging the Young True Immortal!
Seeing the Sword Monarch, everyone became extremely solemn. An unremarkable old man, but only they, these strong experts, could see how formidable his restrained sword intent was. A peerless Heaven-Man expert!
Stronger than both Eastern Undefeated and Demonic Blade Ding Peng!
Song Yuanqiao cupped his hands: “Greetings, Senior. Since you’ve come to challenge my junior brother, after a thousand miles of travel, please rest and regain your energy before the duel!”
This was respect for the challenger. Though the Sword Monarch was strong, he wasn’t worried. As long as it wasn’t a land-dwelling immortal, he had full confidence in his junior brother.
Ning Changge had instructed, if someone challenges me, let them reach the Sutra Pavilion. No need to stop them.
Everyone wondered why the Sword Monarch insisted on fighting, knowing Ning Changge’s incredible combat power—was he courting death, or possibly hoping for mercy?
But since Ning Changge had set the Heaven-Man Tomb publicly, he wouldn’t show mercy—else there’d be no peace in the future.
The Sword Monarch sensed their confusion yet didn’t explain, merely smiling at Song Yuanqiao: “Having traveled six thousand miles, I’m at my peak. If I rest now and lose my breath, I might not withstand even a single strike from the Young True Immortal. Carpe diem; please fulfill my wish!”
This was the truth. Moving with his heart, walking six thousand miles, he created his strongest sword. He aimed to take that final step with Ning Changge’s help. Now, his sword intent was condensed to its extreme, poised for an earth-shattering strike.
Song Yuanqiao and others exchanged glances, eventually saying: “Very well, my junior brother is at the Sutra Pavilion, but he may not see you. Please be prepared.”