Grand Ceremony

Half a month has passed in the blink of an eye.

The task of clearing out the monsters on Azure Star remains arduous. Every day, Lin Xiao slays monsters with the disciples of the Exorcism Society while secretly cultivating his cultivation.

At the same time, he would take advantage of the nighttime dream to familiarize himself with combat skills in the Cangxuan Realm, silently preparing for the challenge of conquering the world.

He never revealed anything about the Cangxuan Realm to Qin Yanan and Long Yan, only lying that he needed to go into seclusion to recuperate and temporarily avoid some of the extermination missions.

Fortunately, both of them were perceptive and did not ask any further questions, only reminding him to be careful.

On the agreed-upon day of departure, Lin Xiao appeared in the dream as scheduled, right on time outside the Netherworld Palace.

Yu Jiuyou stood outside the hall, his long black robe trailing on the ground, exuding a cold aura.

Standing beside her were four disciples of the Netherworld Sect, all of whom were at the Golden Core stage.

With a similarly solemn expression and calm demeanor, they were clearly his companions on this trip.

"Let's go." Upon seeing Lin Xiao appear, Yu Jiuyou spoke calmly.

With a slight movement, he transformed into a streak of dark light and sped towards the Sword Pavilion.

Lin Xiao and four disciples of the Netherworld Sect quickly followed, their figures traversing the mountains and rivers of the Cangxuan Realm, the wind whistling in their ears.

After three days of rapid travel, the group finally arrived at the territory of Jiange.

Sword Pavilion is located atop the Sword Ridge Mountains in the Shu region of the Cangxuan Realm.

The entire mountain gate is built against the mountain, and it is magnificent.

The entire sect is built of bluestone, with upturned eaves and corners, exuding an antique charm, and surrounded by clouds and mist in the mountains.

Countless sword-shaped buildings are faintly visible, their shadows crisscrossing.

The spiritual energy here is so abundant that it almost condenses into mist, and the air is filled with the faint sound of swords ringing out, fully demonstrating the profound heritage and majesty of a top sect.

At this moment, sects from all over the Cangxuan Realm had already gathered at the foot of the mountain.

The place was bustling with noise, yet orderly.

Lin Xiao followed behind Yu Jiuyou, his gaze slowly sweeping over her, his heart also secretly shocked.

This "Sword Challenge" has indeed gathered the top forces of the Cangxuan Realm.

The sect closest to the Sword Pavilion gate is the Azure Cloud Sect, one of the four major sects of the Cangxuan Realm.

The disciples of the Qingyun Sect were all dressed in light blue outfits, with swords at their waists and upright postures.

The leader was an elderly man with white hair, a ruddy complexion, and sharp eyes.

He exuded a powerful and profound aura; he was none other than Xuanqing Zhenren, the sect master of Qingyun Sect.

Standing beside him was a handsome young man with striking features, sharp eyebrows, and bright eyes. His spiritual energy was refined, indicating that he had already reached the Golden Core stage.

Rumor has it that he is the most outstanding disciple of the Qingyun Sect in this generation, named Chu Qingyun.

In this "Swordsmanship Challenge," Chu Qingyun is also one of the favorites to win the championship.

The disciples of the Qingyun Sect stood in neat rows, their imposing presence awe-inspiring, surrounded by a faint azure mist, displaying the grandeur of a prestigious sect.

On one side of the Qingyun Sect is the Danxia Sect, which is also one of the four major sects.

The disciples of the Danxia Sect all wore crimson robes, mostly women, each with a slender figure and lively expression.

The man was dashing and spirited, with the swords at his waist mostly red, their blades wreathed in a faint flame-like spiritual energy.

The leader was a woman in red, with an exquisite face, a bewitching temperament, and a fiery aura emanating from her.

It was none other than the sect leader of Danxia Sect, Fairy Chilian, who acted freely and possessed formidable strength.

The disciples of the Danxia Sect either sat or stood, talking to each other in hushed tones.

The fiery spiritual energy around him intertwined, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the cold and aloof atmosphere of the Qingyun Sect.

On the other side is the Vajra Sect, renowned for its defense in the Cangxuan Realm.

The disciples of the Vajra Sect are all tall and strong, wearing black armor and holding vajras, resembling moving Vajras.

The leader was a tall, bald man with a resolute face, thick eyebrows, and large eyes. His spiritual energy was as powerful as a mountain. He was none other than Shi Jian, the sect leader of the Vajra Sect.

It is said that he has mastered the Vajra Technique to an unparalleled degree, making him invulnerable to swords and spears.

The Vajra Sect disciples were taciturn, standing in neat square formations, their imposing aura making people hesitant to approach them.

Rumor has it that in this Sword Challenge, the disciples of the Vajra Sect will use their formidable defense to challenge the Sword Pavilion's swordsmanship.

Besides these three top sects, the other small and medium-sized sects also have their own characteristics and are scattered at the foot of the mountain.

There is the Wind Shadow Sect, known for its speed. Its disciples are all dressed in black, light and agile, with long, slender swords at their waists, and they are skilled in fast sword techniques.

There is a sect called Dan Ding Sect, famous for its elixirs. Its disciples mostly wear white robes, carry medicine pouches at their waists, and are surrounded by a faint medicinal fragrance.

There is also the Xuantian Sect, renowned for its array formations. Its disciples wear blue Taoist robes, hold array plates in their hands, and look focused.

……

Between the various sects, there were polite greetings and subtle rivalries, creating a tense atmosphere.

Some people whispered about the favorites to win the Sword Challenge, while others inquired about the strength of other sects.

Others spoke with great concern about the unusual disappearance of the demonic beasts in the Cangxuan Realm, their words filled with solemnity.

Lin Xiao's gaze slowly swept across the area, secretly keeping track of the movements of the various sects, especially the direction of the Sword Pavilion.

Above the mountain gate, the two characters "Jian Ge" are vigorous and powerful, with the brushstrokes like dragons and snakes dancing, and a faint sword aura lingering around them.

On either side of the mountain gate stood a disciple in white robes, tall and straight, with a sword at his side and a solemn expression.

He exuded the spiritual energy fluctuations of the Golden Core stage, clearly indicating that he was a disciple on duty at the Sword Pavilion.

"It seems that all the major sects have arrived."

Yu Jiuyou's voice rang out softly, his gaze sweeping over the various sects below, a subtle scrutiny flashing in his eyes.

"This Sword Challenge may seem like a friendly exchange, but it is actually a contest between various sects and forces, and it is also a discussion of the anomalies in the Cangxuan Realm."

Remember, this time you must not get involved in the conflicts between the various sects, and you must not act rashly, lest you cause trouble.

"I will keep your instructions in mind, sir." Lin Xiao bowed and replied, but his gaze still couldn't help but look into the depths of the Sword Pavilion, his heart filled with anticipation and trepidation.

I wonder if Lin Qishuang is here or not?

Just as Lin Xiao was secretly speculating, the gates of Jian Ge Mountain slowly opened.

A clear, cold voice came from inside the mountain gate, echoing throughout the foot of the mountain: "Sect leaders and disciples, the Grand Ceremony of Asking the Swords of the World is about to begin. Please follow me inside."

Upon hearing the sound, everyone composed themselves and straightened their robes and weapons.

Then, according to the sect's ranking, they walked towards the Sword Pavilion's mountain gate in turn.

The three major sects, Qingyun Sect, Danxia Sect, and Jingang Sect, are at the forefront.

Xuanqing Zhenren, Chilian Xianzi, and Shi Jian walked side by side, chatting and laughing with each other.

The other smaller sects followed closely behind, proceeding in an orderly fashion.

Yu Jiuyou, accompanied by Lin Xiao and four disciples of the Netherworld Sect, walked in the middle.

The Netherworld Sect acts mysteriously and possesses formidable strength, drawing the attention of all other sects.

There was curiosity and apprehension, but no one took the initiative to strike up a conversation.

Lin Xiao followed behind Yu Jiuyou, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily.

While keeping an eye on the movements of various sects, he secretly sensed the spiritual energy fluctuations within the Sword Pavilion, hoping to find Lin Qishuang's aura.

Stepping through the gates of Jiange Mountain, the scene before one's eyes becomes even more magnificent.

A wide bluestone road leads straight to the top of the mountain, and as you go deeper, the sound of swords ringing out becomes clearer.

Along both sides of the avenue, every few dozen steps, stood a white-robed Sword Pavilion disciple, sword at his side, with a solemn expression.

At the end of the avenue is a huge square called the Sword Inquiry Square.

In the center of the square stands a towering sword platform, built of bluestone and engraved with intricate sword-fighting patterns. It is faintly surrounded by spiritual energy and is the place where the "Sword Challenge" competition will take place.

Around the square, dozens of stone tables and benches were set up, serving as seats for the sect leaders and elders of each sect.

Many elders had already arrived and were talking in hushed tones.

Lin Xiao's gaze swept quickly across the square, his anticipation growing stronger.

Just then, his gaze inadvertently fell on a stone bench on the east side of the square, and a figure in pure white came into view.

With long hair reaching her waist, wearing a white dress, carrying a long sword on her back, she stood there quietly with a slender figure.

His profile was cool and aloof, and the contours of his eyes and brows were exactly the Lin Qishuang he had been searching for!

Lin Xiao's heart skipped a beat, his body paused slightly, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, and he subconsciously reached out to step forward.

However, at that moment, Yu Jiuyou's gaze gently fell on him.

His tone was calm, yet carried a hint of warning: "Don't move."

Lin Xiao froze, quickly composed himself, and forcibly suppressed the elation and impulse in his heart.

He slowly lowered his head, but his heart was already churning with emotions.

He found her! He finally found Lin Qishuang!

However, at this moment, Lin Qishuang was standing next to the Sword Pavilion elder, her expression indifferent.

Clearly, her current identity is not that of an ordinary disciple.

Lin Qishuang, at the moment Lin Xiao's gaze fell on her, slightly turned her head and met his eyes.

Her eyes flickered slightly, a hint of shock and joy flashing in them.

He quickly regained his indifference, slowly shifting his gaze as if it were just a casual glance, without a trace of extra emotion.

Their eyes met briefly, yet it felt as if they had overcome countless difficulties.

A thousand words are hidden in the tacit understanding and restraint in their eyes.

Both of them knew in their hearts that this was not the time to acknowledge each other.

Lin Xiao was standing right next to Yu Jiuyou.

The Sword Pavilion is full of experts. If one were to rashly acknowledge someone, it would not only bring trouble upon oneself but could also implicate Lin Qishuang.

After all, Yu Jiuyou came here today to cause trouble.

Yu Jiuyou's gaze swept across the Sword Inquiry Square, and he said calmly, "Let's go to the Netherworld Sect's seats and wait. The ceremony will begin soon. Remember, no matter what you see, do not act on your own."

"Disciple understands." Lin Xiao bowed and replied, his gaze unconsciously turning towards Lin Qishuang's direction once again.

Soon, the various sects arrived at the Sword Inquiry Square and took their places.