Asking the World with a Sword

The dust settled on the Sword Inquiry Square, and the various sects took their seats.

The Netherworld Sect's seat was located on the west side of the square. Although it was not as prominent as the Azure Cloud Sect or the Vajra Sect, it still attracted the attention of various forces.

Yu Jiuyou wore a long black robe that trailed three feet on the ground.

She slowly sat down, lightly tapping the stone table with her fingertips, her gaze sweeping across the entire room.

The aura of coldness emanating from him kept strangers at bay, preventing anyone within several feet from approaching him.

Lin Xiao stood with his head down beside Yu Jiuyou, but his gaze drifted uncontrollably toward the east side of the square.

There, a figure dressed in pure white stood quietly.

Lin Qishuang stood beside the Sword Pavilion elder, the Qingping Sword slung behind her back, its tassel drooping gently and swaying slightly in the mountain breeze.

She was dressed in a black and white Taoist robe in the style of the Jian Ge sect, and her figure was slender.

Compared to the past, the coolness in his eyes and brows added a touch of detachment from the world he had experienced.

Lin Xiao could recognize the familiar silhouette and the brows and eyes etched into his bones at a glance, even from a distance of dozens of feet.

Lin Xiao's heart was pounding violently in rhythm with the mountain wind.

He could clearly sense that Lin Qishuang was also looking at him.

That brief exchange of glances felt like traversing thousands of miles of mountains and rivers between the Azure Realm and the Azure Star.

Lin Xiao clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her flesh.

He knew he couldn't go forward now.

Yu Jiuyou's gaze was seemingly casually falling on him.

Meanwhile, on the Sword Pavilion, countless gazes were converging on that figure in pure white from all directions.

"The ceremony begins."

A deep and solemn voice suddenly resounded throughout the entire Sword Inquiry Square.

The speaker was a stunningly beautiful woman, dressed in the golden Taoist robe of the Sword Pavilion Sect Master, with eyes as sharp as swords.

She stood on the seat directly above the sword platform and waved her hand.

A dazzling azure light suddenly shone on the sword platform in the center of the square, with sword patterns flowing and spiritual energy pulsating.

The atmosphere in the entire square instantly reached a climax.

"The Sword Challenge to the World is the grandest event in the swordsmanship of our Cangxuan Realm!"

The Sword Pavilion Sect Master's voice, carrying an unquestionable majesty, resounded through every corner via spiritual power.

"Today, disciples from all sects have gathered at the Sword Pavilion, firstly to exchange sword techniques and insights; and secondly, to discuss the recent strange phenomena in the Cangxuan Realm, namely the disappearance of demonic beasts and the disorder of spiritual energy!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the square fell silent for a moment.

Then, hushed whispers arose again.

"The strange phenomena in the Cangxuan Realm... Alas, there are fewer and fewer demonic beasts these days. I wonder what's going on?"

"Never mind all that, let's see how Wen Jian performs! Fairy Lin is the successor of the Sword Pavilion, and everyone knows the strength of Qingping Sword Master. Today, she will definitely sweep the entire arena!"

"That's not necessarily true! There's Chu Qingyun of the Qingyun Sect, Huo Ling'er of the Danxia Sect, and Shi Potian of the Vajra Sect."

None of these people are easy to deal with! Especially Chu Qingyun, who, with his Golden Core cultivation, is said to have already grasped the essence of the Qingyun Sword Intent!

Amid the murmurs, the Sword Pavilion Sect Master slowly raised his hand, silencing the commotion.

"Today's sword duel will have simple rules!"

Disciples from each sect will take turns to the stage to challenge the current successor of my Sword Pavilion.

If any disciple can defeat Lin Qishuang, he will be the victor in the Sword Inquiry Tournament!

If Lin Qishuang can withstand all challenges, she will become the next master of the Sword Pavilion!

"Now, the quest to conquer the world officially begins!"

As soon as the shout fell, thunderous applause and cheers erupted in the square.

Countless eyes turned to the east side of the square.

Lin Qishuang slowly stepped forward.

She rose from beside the stone bench, her black and white figure standing out exceptionally elegantly amidst the colorful sect attire.

She walked with composure, step by step, slowly toward the sword platform in the center of the square.

The mountain breeze ruffled her long hair and the hem of her skirt.

The Qingping Sword trembled slightly behind her, emitting a clear and melodious sword cry, as if it were playing the prelude to her appearance.

Every step she took landed on the nodes of the sword's patterns.

As she approached, the blue light on the sword platform grew stronger, with countless sword shadows faintly floating within it.

The sound of swords clashing in the air grew clearer and clearer.

Lin Xiao's gaze was fixed on her.

He could see that Lin Qishuang's fingertips were gently resting on the hilt of the Qingping Sword.

Clearly, her cultivation level has made significant progress compared to before.

"That's Fairy Lin? She truly lives up to her reputation!"

"The Azure Lotus Sword Immortal! This is a powerful figure among the younger generation of the Cangxuan Realm!"

"Judging from her spiritual energy fluctuations, she's at least at the late Golden Core stage, right? She might even be approaching the Nascent Soul stage!"

Amidst gasps of amazement, Lin Qishuang finally stepped onto the sword platform.

She stood in the center of the sword platform, turning to face the various sects. Her gaze slowly swept across them, neither humble nor arrogant, but cool and resolute.

"Lin Qishuang of Jian Ge awaits your challenge."

Her voice, though not loud, carried a penetrating power, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

Just then, a cheerful voice rang out first.

"Haha, everyone from Sword Pavilion, my Vajra Sect is here first to challenge you!"

Suddenly, a burly figure stood up from his seat in the Vajra Sect.

It was a tall young man, about seventeen or eighteen years old, wearing black armor and holding a huge vajra.

His face was resolute, and his eyes were sharp.

He is Shi Potian, the successor of the Vajra Sect in this generation.

Shi Potian took a step forward, his figure as large as a small mountain, and jumped directly onto the sword platform.

"Fairy Lin! I've long admired your name!" Shi Dali bowed respectfully, his voice booming.

"My Vajra Sect is renowned for its defense. Today, let's test whether the Fairy's Azure Lotus Sword can break through my Vajra Body!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Shi Dali's spiritual power surged, and a faint earthy yellow spiritual light appeared on his black armor.

He slammed the vajra in his hand down with a loud thud, causing the entire sword platform to tremble slightly.

"Shi Potian of the Vajra Sect! Please enlighten me!"

Lin Qishuang looked at him calmly, her fingertips gently turning the hilt of the Qingping Sword.

"please."

One word: cool and concise.

Seeing this, Shi Potian said no more.

"Take this!"

He shouted and kicked off with both feet, charging towards Lin Qishuang like a cannonball.

Although his body appears large, his speed is also extremely fast.

At this moment, a powerful surge of spiritual energy impacted the area, causing the air to explode and vibrate wherever it passed.

The Vajra Sect's techniques focus on defense and strength.

Shi Potian had mastered the Vajra Technique to its highest level.

His body was as solid as a rock, and it was rumored that he had once escaped with his life from a Nascent Soul expert.

Just as Shi Potian was about to rush forward, Lin Qishuang made a move.

Her figure was as light as a breeze; with a slight turn of her body, she avoided Shi Potian's head-on attack.

The Qingping Sword was quietly drawn.

A slender sword light, like the Milky Way in the heavens, swept past Shi Potian with a gentle stroke.

"laugh--"

A soft sound, like a sharp blade slicing through silk.

The next moment, Shi Potian felt a lightness all over his body.

A sharp sword aura pierced through his ribs.

His movements suddenly stopped.

Immediately afterwards, he looked down at his ribs.

There, a thin slit was cut in the armor, revealing bronze skin underneath.

On the skin, a faint bloodstain slowly appeared.

"this……"

An expression of disbelief appeared on Shi Potian's face.

His Vajra Body is said to be indestructible!

Even a full-force sword strike from a Nascent Soul cultivator would be difficult to injure him.

But just now, Lin Qishuang only used a light sword strike to break through his defense.

"How is that possible!"

He roared, turned around, and swung his pestle at Lin Qishuang.

The vajra, carrying immense force, tore through the air, emitting a sharp whistling sound.

Instead of retreating, Lin Qishuang advanced, her figure blurring as she reappeared beside Shi Potian.

The Qingping Sword was drawn once more.

This time, the sword light was no longer as thin as silk.

Instead, it transformed into a long, azure rainbow, cascading like a waterfall, and slashed towards the Vajra.

"clang!"

A crisp clanging sound echoed throughout the square.

Shi Potian felt a numbness in his hand, and the vajra in his hand almost slipped out of his grasp.

He was so shaken by the immense force that he staggered back several steps.

He trampled several deep cracks into the bluestone ground beneath his feet.

He looked up at Lin Qishuang, his eyes filled with shock and awe.

"What...what a powerful sword!"

Lin Qishuang did not make another move.

She held the Qingping Sword, its tip drooping slightly, the tassel swaying gently, and stood there quietly with a cold expression.

It was as if those two sword strikes were merely casual gestures.

"Thank you for your concession."

Two words were uttered softly.

Shi Potian took a deep breath and a bitter smile appeared on his face.

He knew he had already lost.

They lost because of the seemingly gentle but profound swordsmanship of the Qingping Sword.

He clasped his hands and bowed deeply, saying sincerely, "Fairy Lin, your skill is superior. I, Shi Potian, humbly admit defeat!"

After saying that, he turned around, stepped down from the sword platform, and returned to his seat in the Vajra Sect.

The disciples of the Vajra sect rushed forward to examine his wounds with concern.

The square fell into a deathly silence in an instant.

Immediately, thunderous applause and cheers erupted.

"Excellent! What a fine Qingping Sword Immortal!"

"As expected of the Azure Lotus Sword Immortal! She's amazing!"

Exclamations of surprise and praise rose and fell.

Lin Xiao stood on the seat of the Netherworld Sect, his heart churning with emotion.

He saw that Lin Qishuang's two swords, seemingly effortless, actually landed precisely on Shi Potian's defensive weaknesses with each strike.

It is an ultimate understanding of swordsmanship, a perfect control over power and timing.

This is the true Qingping Sword.

He, however, could barely catch up with her from behind.

A strong sense of unwillingness and motivation welled up in Lin Xiao's heart.

As for Yu Jiuyou standing to the side, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "Interesting, it's actually comparable to my Eye of Truth."

Just then, a surprised exclamation suddenly rang out.

"As expected of a successor of the Sword Pavilion, I finally have a worthy opponent!"

A handsome figure slowly stood up from the seats of the Qingyun Sect.

He was a handsome young man, dressed in a light blue outfit, with striking eyebrows and bright eyes, and a tall and straight posture.

He also wore a sword at his waist, the scabbard engraved with intricate blue cloud patterns.

He is Chu Qingyun, the current successor of the Qingyun Sect.

Chu Qingyun took a step forward, his figure light and graceful, like a wisp of blue cloud, and slowly landed on the sword platform.

"Fairy Lin, we are both outstanding figures among the younger generation of the Cangxuan Realm. Today, I have come to meet you!"

Chu Qingyun raised his hand and drew his sword; a long, cyan sword was instantly unsheathed.

The sword was imbued with a powerful, concentrated killing intent.

"Qingyun Sect, Chu Qingyun! Please enlighten me!"

Lin Qishuang looked at him calmly, and gently turned the Qingping Sword in her hand.

"please."

A sharp glint flashed in Chu Qingyun's eyes.

He had long heard that Lin Qishuang's Qingping Sword was unparalleled in the world.

Today, he will challenge the reputation of the Azure Cloud Sword Immortal with the Azure Cloud Sword Intent of the Azure Cloud Sect!

"Take this!"

Chu Qingyun shouted loudly, his figure blurred, and he transformed into a streak of azure light, rushing towards Lin Qishuang.

His speed is extremely fast!

The azure mist surrounding him quickly condensed, transforming into countless azure sword shadows that enveloped Lin Qishuang.

"Azure Cloud Sword Intent - Ten Thousand Swords Return to Their Origin!"

Countless sword shadows, like stars filling the sky, shot wildly towards Lin Qishuang.

A gasp of amazement instantly rose from the square.

"Ten Thousand Swords Return to One! This is the signature technique of the Azure Cloud Sect!"

"Incredible! Chu Qingyun's spiritual power has been refined to such an extent!"

Lin Xiao's heart also jumped.

He knew that Chu Qingyun was one of the favorites to win the Sword Challenge.

His strength far surpasses that of Shi Potian just now.

However, Lin Qishuang remained calm in the face of the countless sword shadows.

She gently raised the Qingping Sword, its tip pointing upwards, the tassel swaying lightly.

Then, she flicked her wrist slightly.

The Qingping Sword instantly transformed into a slender stream of azure light.

This stream of light, though seemingly slow, possessed an indescribable speed.

Slowly thrusting towards the sky full of sword shadows.

"Qingping's extradition!"

A soft shout came from Lin Qishuang's mouth.

The slender cyan sword light seemed to have a life of its own, weaving nimbly through the countless sword shadows.

Each time he moved through the air, a shadow of azure sword was quietly neutralized.

Countless sword shadows surged in like a tide, and then receded like a tide.

On the sword platform, the blue sword light intertwined, forming a beautiful yet dangerous light curtain.

Chu Qingyun's expression gradually became serious.

He discovered that every one of his sword strikes was easily deflected by Lin Qishuang.

Moreover, Lin Qishuang's sword, though seemingly gentle, contains an indescribable power.

Each contact caused his sword shadow to tremble slightly.

"How is this possible!"

Chu Qingyun roared, and his spiritual power surged once again.

"The Supreme Profound Heaven-Splitting Sword Technique!"

He leaped up suddenly, raising his longsword high in the air.

A massive cyan sword shadow materialized above his head.

This sword shadow was over ten feet long, carrying a world-destroying power, and slashed fiercely down at Lin Qishuang.

This sword strike was the strongest attack from the Qingyun Sect!

The square fell silent instantly.

All eyes were fixed on the sword platform.

Lin Xiao's heart leaped into his throat.

He could feel the terrifying power of that sword strike. Even he, if he were to take it head-on, would likely be seriously injured.

However, Lin Qishuang remained calm in the face of this sword strike.

She slowly raised the Qingping Sword, its tip gently pointing at the enormous blue sword shadow.

"A Sword Against the Green Grass!"

With a soft shout, a highly condensed cyan sword light suddenly erupted from the Qingping Sword.

This sword light was as thin as an embroidery needle.

However, its speed was extremely fast.

"laugh--"

A soft sound, like a needle piercing a balloon.

The ten-foot-long cyan sword shadow was instantly pierced by this slender cyan sword light.

Immediately afterwards, the sword shadow collapsed, turning into countless blue light spots that dissipated into the air.

The slender cyan sword light continued its relentless thrust towards Chu Qingyun.

A look of despair instantly appeared on Chu Qingyun's face.

He tried to dodge, but the sword light clung to him like a persistent leech.

He could even sense that the sword light contained an extremely pure sword power.

It was flowing slowly into his body along his longsword.

"puff!"

A soft sound.

The slender cyan sword light gently touched Chu Qingyun's brow.

Chu Qingyun froze instantly.

His body was unable to move, and his spiritual power was instantly sealed.

He looked down at the faint blue mark between his eyebrows.

That was the sword intent imprint of the Qingping Sword.

Lin Qishuang slowly sheathed her Qingping Sword.

"Thank you for your concession."

The two simple words rang out again.

Chu Qingyun's body went limp instantly. He staggered back several steps, a bitter and resentful look on his face.

"I... lost."

He turned around, stepped down from the sword platform, and returned to his seat in the Qingyun Sect.

Master Xuanqing of the Qingyun Sect looked at his disciple, sighed softly, and a hint of relief flashed in his eyes.

"The Qingping Sword truly lives up to its reputation."

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted once again in the square.

"She's too powerful! Fairy Lin is too powerful!"

"Defeating Chu Qingyun, a Golden Core cultivator, in a single move! That's true strength!"

Amidst the gasps of amazement, a storm raged within Lin Xiao's heart.

Has Lin Qishuang's Qingping Sword become this powerful?

Just then, a sweet, charming voice rang out again.

"Hmph, what's the point of two grown men being unable to defeat a woman?"

On the seat of the Danxia Sect, a fiery red figure slowly stood up.

She was a stunningly beautiful woman in red, about eighteen or nineteen years old.

She wore a crimson robe, her figure was slender, and her eyes and brows carried a hint of allure and liveliness.

She also wore a sword at her waist, its blade enveloped in a faint layer of fiery spiritual energy. She was Huo Ling'er, the current successor of the Danxia Sect.

Huo Ling'er took a step forward, her figure light and graceful, like a ball of flame, and slowly landed on the sword platform.

"Lin Qishuang, don't be so smug!" Huo Ling'er said, hands on her hips, her tone charming but with a hint of defiance.

"My Fiery Kirin Sword Technique is not as weak as theirs! Today, I'll see whether your Azure Lotus Sword is more powerful, or my Fiery Kirin Sword Technique is stronger!"

After saying that, Huo Ling'er's spiritual power surged, and a layer of blazing flame spiritual power instantly ignited on her vermilion robe.

The longsword in her hand was instantly enveloped in flames, transforming into a flaming longsword.

"Danxia Sect, Huo Ling'er! Please enlighten me!"

Lin Qishuang looked at her calmly, and gently shook the Qingping Sword in her hand.

"please."

Seeing this, Huo Ling'er said no more.

"Take this!"

She shouted loudly, her figure blurred, and she transformed into a fiery red streak of light, rushing towards Lin Qishuang.

The flaming longsword in her hand, imbued with a blazing fiery spiritual power, slashed fiercely down at Lin Qishuang.

"Blazing flames engulf the heavens!"

A massive flaming sword shadow materialized in her hand.

Flames burned fiercely above the sword shadows, carrying a devastating power.