Jinling roared softly, his body coursing with spiritual light. The Sword Monarch's wild hair flew as he yelled to the sky: "I am known as the Sword Monarch due to my nine-form swordsmanship; today, I challenge the spirit monkey, please critique!"
He slapped the sword box, launching a light stream from within like a bright python, exuding a devouring murderous aura. The first famous sword made its move, cutting toward Jinling with alarming speed and sharp brilliance, leaving everyone breathless from its formidable sword intent. A mere first sword already displayed such prowess, proving he was worthy of challenging Wang Xianzhi!
Song Yuanqiao's expression tightened. Even this first sword might be too much for him unless using the combined strength of a formation with seven others.
However, Jinling was not easy to handle. His eyes gleamed with divine light, tracking the swift sword's slow-motion, seeing every detail. Clenching his right fist, enveloped in spiritual light, he punched the famous sword.
The sword rebounded, emitting a sharp sound, discomforting those with lesser cultivation.
The Sword Monarch was momentarily shocked, then laughed: "Second Sword!"
The famous sword turned again, bearing heavy intent like a mountain pressing down.
Jinling roared, lifting the mountain and hurling it, cracking the sword. The Sword Monarch retreated but felt no heartache, his gaze growing fervent. The long-lost passion was reignited by this spirit monkey.
With eight famous swords left, two flew out.
"Third Sword!" "Fourth Sword!"
Two sword beams roared like dragons, intertwining like scissors to cut Jinling's waist. Their power now severalfold stronger than the first two.
Jinling stomped, shaking the ground, then leaped high like a small mountain! Descending, he stepped on the swords.
Two more famous swords broke. Jinling's eyes revealed a battle spirit, charging toward the Sword Monarch. His twelve-foot body, filled with divine power, punched with blinding light, comparable to mountains.
Hurriedly slapping the sword box, the Sword Monarch launched two more famous swords.
"Fifth Sword!" "Sixth Sword!"
These surpassed the third and fourth, exuding formidable sharpness even in defense, finally making Jinling frown. Despite his unmatched physical strength, the intense sword intent gave him a needle-prick sensation.
Fully focused, he unleashed iron fists against two sword beams until they shattered!
Spectators exclaimed in awe, marveling at the Sword Monarch's profound swordsmanship and Jinling's remarkable combat power, surpassing rumors.
Six famous swords broken without a trace of sorrow in the Sword Monarch's eyes, only unparalleled exhilaration. As if a shackle had been removed.
Collecting famous swords was due to his master Sui Xiagu's love for them, unconsciously gathering nine, creating nine forms but becoming constrained. With six broken, his sword intent felt whole, seizing a new opportunity.
He couldn't help but howl at the sky, launching another famous sword from the box.
The seventh sword was ready!
But he hesitated, as Jinling had returned to his original four-foot form.
A soft voice resounded from the Sutra Pavilion: "Step back."
Everyone's spirit surged—Ning Changge finally spoke!
Jinling respectfully retreated. Having withstood the fifth and sixth swords was his limit; shattering the swords relied on his physical toughness. To forcefully endure the seventh sword would mean serious injury, an unnecessary risk.
No one appeared, yet the Sword Monarch felt an indifferent gaze upon him. Ning Changge's calm voice continued: "Liyang indeed produces talents; you have only three sword strikes."
The Sword Monarch laughed heartily: "Three swords are enough!"
Drawing one sword from the box, his aura fused with it perfectly, becoming sky-piercing sword intent.
The world seemed to freeze; everyone felt the sharp chill. Song Yuanqiao's eyes flickered with unease.
Ning Changge's voice remained calm.
Everyone stared intently, anticipating the duel between titanic forces. The Sword Monarch's sword light crossed heaven and earth, slashing toward the entrance of the Sutra Pavilion.