123: At the summit of Tianjian Peak, heroes have gathered!

Heavenly Sword Sect, with its continuous mountain ranges and numerous Immortal Peaks, each enveloped in Spiritual Qi and radiating myriad rays of light.

Qian Feng led the way, his sinister old face now plastered with a fake smile.

His back was even more bent than usual.

In his heart, he had already torn Chen Xu to shreds, but the respect on his face dared not diminish in the slightest.

The big picture is important!

The Sect Master and Old Ancestors' admonitions echoed in his mind.

Before the Old Ancestor successfully achieves a Soul Transformation Breakthrough, he must endure!

"Imperial Tutor Chen, Sect Master Murong, please look, that is our Heavenly Sword Sect's Artifact Refining Peak, where the earth fire burns ceaselessly all year round."

"Over there is Danxia Peak, where our Sect's chief Alchemy Great Master resides."

Qian Feng introduced with extreme flattery.

He attempted to use the Heavenly Sword Sect's foundation to display their strength and salvage a shred of dignity.

Murong Zhuyun followed behind Chen Xu.

Her beautiful eyes swept over the mist-shrouded, magnificent Peaks.

She had to admit, the foundation of a top Sect in Central Prefecture was indeed far beyond what South Spirit Prefecture could compare to.

Just the rich Spiritual Qi that assailed them.

It was several times purer than the main Spiritual Vein of the Qingyun Immortal Sect.

However, the Peaks Qian Feng led them past became increasingly remote, and the surrounding Spiritual Qi visibly thinned.

Finally, he stopped before a small, isolated.

And even somewhat desolate mountain Peak.

On this Peak, there were only a few simple stone houses, not even a decent Spiritual Plant could be seen.

Only a few crooked pine trees swayed in the mountain wind.

"Imperial Tutor Chen, this is Serenity Peak."

Qian Feng's smile was a bit stiff as he pointed to the barren mountain and introduced, "This place is quiet and elegant, most suitable for cultivating one's mind and not being disturbed by the outside world. Before the alliance meeting begins, I'll have to trouble the two of you to temporarily reside here."

Serenity Peak?

Upon hearing this name, Murong Zhuyun's pretty face instantly turned cold.

How was this Serenity Peak?

It was clearly a barren Peak with depleted Spiritual Qi!

The Heavenly Sword Sect's true distinguished guests were all arranged in the main Peak area with the densest Spiritual Qi.

Enjoying immortal springs and spiritual fruits.

And they, the meritorious officials who had slain the Demonic Lord and stabilized the battle in South Spirit Prefecture.

Were arranged in such a desolate place!

This was no longer neglect, but blatant humiliation!

One thing to their face, another behind their back!

The Heavenly Sword Sect's true colors were truly ugly to the extreme!

"Elder Qian..."

Murong Zhuyun's voice was cold, her Phoenix eyes filled with murderous intent, "Is this the Heavenly Sword Sect's way of treating guests?"

Qian Feng's eyelids twitched, cursing 'bitch' inwardly, but still maintained a smile, "Sect Master Murong misunderstands, it's just... it's just that too many Seniors from various Sects have arrived, and all the Immortal Caves on the main Peak are full."

"Although this place is a bit remote, it has the advantage of being quiet, and no one will disturb the two of you..."

His words were not yet finished.

Chen Xu, however, waved his hand and spoke indifferently.

"No matter."

He didn't even glance at Qian Feng, his gaze calmly falling on the desolate mountain in front of him.

The corner of his mouth curved slightly.

"This place is quite good."

After speaking, he no longer paid attention to anyone, stepping directly.

He ascended the stone steps of Serenity Peak.

For him, living in an Immortal Palace or a stone house on a desolate mountain made no difference.

Sparse Spiritual Qi?

With his Primordial Chaos Nascent Soul Cultivation speed.

Cultivation fundamentally did not require external Spiritual Qi.

The Heavenly Sword Sect's petty tricks, in his eyes, were utterly laughable.

Seeing Chen Xu's indifference, the anger in Murong Zhuyun's heart gradually subsided.

She just gave Qian Feng a cold glance.

Then followed closely behind Chen Xu.

Watching the two figures disappear on the mountain path, the smile on Qian Feng's face vanished instantly.

"Hmph! Arrogant fellow!"

"Just let you be smug for one more night!"

"When tomorrow's alliance ceremony arrives, I'd like to see how you'll still be so arrogant! The Sect Master and Old Ancestors have already laid out a net for you!"

After cursing a few times in his heart, he transformed into a sword light and departed in a rage... Night fell.

Serenity Peak, inside the stone house.

Chen Xu sat cross-legged, his eyes slightly closed, without a trace of spiritual power fluctuation around him.

He seemed to blend into the surrounding night.

Murong Zhuyun stood by the window, looking at the myriad lights of the Heavenly Sword Sect below the mountain, the dazzling immortal light, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, a hint of unease in her heart.

Just at this moment.

Down the mountain, several streaks of light cut through the night sky, flying directly towards Serenity Peak.

"They're here."

Murong Zhuyun's voice was clear and cold.

Chen Xu, however... was oblivious to it.

"Stop them."

"Yes."

Murong Zhuyun nodded, and with a flash of her figure, she appeared outside the stone house.

Blocking those streaks of light.

The light dispersed, revealing three Nascent Soul Elders dressed in robes of various colors.

The leader was an Elder from the Blazing Sun Sect... This Sect had always deferred to the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Seeing Murong Zhuyun, he cupped his hands with a forced smile, "So it's Sect Master Murong. We heard that Imperial Tutor Chen is staying here, so we specially came to pay our respects."

Murong Zhuyun's expression was cold, "Sir is currently in secluded Cultivation and does not see outsiders."

"Oh?"

The Blazing Sun Sect Elder's eyes darted around, feigning surprise, "Imperial Tutor Chen is putting on quite a show! We also had good intentions, wanting to offer him some pointers."

"After all, South Spirit Prefecture is not like our Central Prefecture; some rules must still be understood."

Another Elder beside him immediately chimed in, speaking sarcastically, "Brother Wang is right. Imperial Tutor Chen's actions at the teleportation square today were a bit too heavy-handed. That child Qin Li is Elder Li Xuanfeng's beloved Disciple."

"Young people, it's better not to be too arrogant. Bow your head and admit your mistake, it's good for all of us."

"Exactly, if you proactively apologize to Elder Qian and Elder Li and offer some compensation, there might still be room for maneuver. Otherwise, at tomorrow's alliance meeting, it might be difficult to conclude!"

They spoke one after another, ostensibly visiting, but in reality, exerting pressure.

Every word and sentence implied that Chen Xu should proactively yield and hand over treasures.

And apologize to the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Murong Zhuyun listened to these barbed remarks.

Frost covered her beautiful face.

"I'll say it again."

She slowly drew the ancient sword from her back, and the sword body let out a Phoenix cry.

"Sir does not see guests."

"Anyone who dares to utter another word, don't blame my sword for being merciless!"

Boom!

The terrifying Aura of a Late Nascent Soul Stage Peak Cultivator erupted.

Sword Intent soared to the heavens!

The three Nascent Soul Elders' expressions instantly changed. With their Early Nascent Soul Stage and Middle Nascent Soul Stage Cultivation, how could they compare to Murong Zhuyun, who had broken through and transformed her Bloodline?

Under that sharp Sword Intent, the three of them simultaneously took a step back.

Their faces were filled with shock.

They never dreamed that this female Sect Master from South Spirit Prefecture would also be so formidable!

"You..."

"Hmph! Unappreciative!"

Knowing they wouldn't gain anything, the three of them could only sullenly leave a perfunctory remark.

And scurried away as streaks of light.

However, this was only the beginning.

As soon as the first wave of people left, several more streaks of light flew from down the mountain.

This time, the attitude of the newcomers was completely different.

Leading them was a graceful and beautiful palace-dressed woman.

She was the Sect Master of the Illusory Sound Immortal Sect, one of the seven great Sects of Central Prefecture.

Her Cultivation was also at the Great Perfection Nascent Soul Stage.

The Illusory Sound Immortal Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect had always been at odds, openly and secretly contending for thousands of years.

"Sister Murong, don't be angry."

The beautiful woman smiled before speaking, her voice enchanting and bone-chilling, making one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

She waved her hand, and the Disciples behind her presented several jade boxes.

"I heard Imperial Tutor Chen has just arrived in Central Prefecture, so I, your Elder sister, have specially prepared some humble gifts as a token of respect."

The jade boxes opened, and treasure light overflowed.

They were all Spirit Medicine of over ten thousand years and rare Artifact Refining divine materials.

"Those hypocrites from the Heavenly Sword Sect are most adept at these insidious tricks, so Sister doesn't need to take it to heart."

The beautiful woman covered her mouth and chuckled, "I am here because I sincerely want to be friends with Imperial Tutor Chen. If the Heavenly Sword Sect dares to make trouble at tomorrow's alliance meeting, my Illusory Sound Immortal Sect is willing to lend Imperial Tutor a helping hand."

One does not strike a smiling person.

Murong Zhuyun's expression softened slightly, but she still maintained her distance, neither humble nor arrogant, saying, "Thank you for Sect Master's kind intentions, Sir appreciates it. We will accept the gifts, but as for tomorrow's matters, Sir has his own decision."

She accepted the gifts but made no promises.

Seeing this, the beautiful woman was not annoyed.

Instead, a hint of admiration flashed in her beautiful eyes.

She knew that a man who could make someone like Murong Zhuyun willingly follow him.

Was no ordinary person.

After a few more polite exchanges, the people from the Illusory Sound Immortal Sect also departed.

Immediately after, Sects like the Badao Sect and Myriad Beast Valley, which had a competitive relationship with the Heavenly Sword Sect, also sent people to offer generous gifts and express goodwill.

For a time, the desolate Serenity Peak became the most lively place in the entire Heavenly Sword Mountain.

Various forces, making their appearances, each with their own intentions.

Murong Zhuyun, alone with her sword, stood before the mountain gate.

Blocking all visitors.

To provocateurs, she responded with a sharp sword.

To those showing goodwill, she was neither humble nor arrogant, accepting gifts but giving no promises.

It can be said that tonight... the eyes of the entire Central Prefecture were focused on this small Serenity Peak.

They were all waiting, waiting for Chen Xu's reaction.

Facing the Heavenly Sword Sect's humiliation and schemes, facing the enticement and probing of various forces.

How would this overlord of South Spirit Prefecture choose?

However, Chen Xu made no further response.

He had Murong Zhuyun convey a message throughout the entire Heavenly Sword Mountain.

"Tomorrow's alliance meeting, all will be revealed."

"Those who wish to see me will see me at the Peak's summit."

Upon these words, the entire mountain was astonished!

What arrogance! What confidence?!

He actually completely disregarded the Heavenly Sword Sect's overt and covert schemes, and the alliances and rivalries of the various Central Prefecture forces!

Those who were waiting to see him make a fool of himself grew even angrier.

They felt he was courting death.

And those who held expectations for him felt him even more profound and trembled in their hearts.

This night, in the Heavenly Sword Sect, countless people were sleepless... The next day.

The first ray of morning sunlight tore through the sea of clouds.

Dong—!

Dong—!

Dong—!

Nine distant chimes of a bell echoed from the summit of the Heavenly Sword Sect's main Peak.

Spreading across thousands of miles of mountains and rivers.

The Central Prefecture Alliance Meeting officially began!

Serenity Peak, inside the stone house.

Chen Xu, who had sat cross-legged in meditation all night.

Suddenly opened his eyes.

And in his eyes, there was not a single ripple.

Only a flash of cold light that pierced through eternity.

It disappeared in a flash.

He slowly rose and pushed open the door.

Murong Zhuyun, who had stayed awake all night, always guarding outside the door, immediately came forward.

"Sir."

Chen Xu looked at her and smiled faintly.

"Let's go."

"Let's go see the banquet they've prepared for me."

As his words fell, he took a step, and his figure already transformed into a startling streak of light.

Soaring into the sky.

Murong Zhuyun followed closely behind.

Two streaks of light, under the gaze of countless eyes...

It pointed straight at Heavenly Sword Peak, where Sword Qi soared to the top of the sea of clouds!

Heavenly Sword Peak.

The number one immortal mountain in Central Spirit Prefecture, and also the symbol of Heavenly Sword Sect's ten-thousand-year foundation.

This Peak soared into the clouds, its summit unseen.

It was like a peerless divine sword suspended upside down between heaven and earth, its tip pointing directly at the firmament.

Today, this immortal mountain, usually majestic and solemn,

was unprecedentedly lively.

On the Peak, there was a vast plaza.

The plaza was shrouded in mist, with flashes of immortal light.

Thousands of figures gathered here.

These people were all prominent figures in the Cultivation world of Central Spirit Prefecture.

The Sect Leader of Badao Sect held a blood-colored saber as wide as a door panel,

exuding an overwhelmingly tyrannical Aura.

The Valley Master of Myriad Beast Valley had a golden lion king by his side, whose Aura was comparable to the Middle Nascent Soul Stage, looking majestic.

Sect Master Murong of Illusory Sound Immortal Sect, that alluringly graceful beautiful woman, with every glance and smile,

captivated countless male Cultivators.

The Seven Great Sects, Twelve Upper Gates, and Thirty-Six Immortal Caves of Central Spirit Prefecture... almost all the Sect Masters, Old Ancestors, and Grand Elders of the top forces gathered here today!

Hundreds and thousands of Righteous Path elites convened here.

The scene was grand to the extreme!

And at the very front of the plaza, on a luxurious throne cast from cold jade,

sat a middle-aged man dressed in a moon-white Sect Master's Dao robe, with a refined face and a gentle demeanor.

This person was none other than the current Sect Leader of Heavenly Sword Sect, Li Wangchen!

He merely sat there quietly, with no Spiritual Qi fluctuations around him.

But in his eyes, which occasionally opened and closed,

a sharp light flashed.

As if he could see through people's hearts and obliterate their Divine Souls with a single glance!

An invisible pressure emanated from him, enveloping the entire plaza.

That pressure had already surpassed the limit of the Great Perfection Nascent Soul Stage.

Carrying a hint of profound and mysterious Dao rhythm.

Half-step Soul Transformation!

Under the suppression of this Aura, even unruly individuals like the Badao Sect Sect Leader

unconsciously restrained their own Aura.

Across the entire plaza, among thousands of powerful individuals, not a single person dared to speak loudly.

Li Wangchen, with his power alone, suppressed the entire gathering!

This was the prestige of the number one person in Central Spirit Prefecture!

Just then, a Heavenly Sword Sect Disciple quickly walked to the edge of the plaza.

He whispered a few words to an Elder.

The Elder nodded, then announced loudly,

"Imperial Tutor Chen of South Spirit Prefecture, Sect Master Murong... arrived!"

Whoosh!

This announcement was like a giant rock thrown into a calm lake.

Instantly, the gazes of everyone in the plaza

simultaneously converged towards the entrance!

Even Li Wangchen, who sat high on the throne with an indifferent expression,

slowly raised his eyelids.

Under the gaze of countless eyes,

two figures slowly walked into the venue.

Leading them was a young man in ordinary green clothes.

He had a handsome face and an indifferent expression.

As if the thousands of top powerhouses from Central Spirit Prefecture before him were merely stray cats and dogs by the roadside.

Beside him was a woman in white, of unparalleled grace.

The woman held an ancient sword, exuding a cold and aloof temperament.

Her Phoenix eyes, as they swept around, carried an innate nobility and majesty.

It was Chen Xu and Murong Zhuyun.

"Is he Chen Xu?"

"The Imperial Tutor of South Spirit Prefecture who slew the Clones of the three Demonic Lords?"

"He looks... unremarkable, I can't even feel a trace of Spiritual Qi fluctuation on him."

"Returning to simplicity? Or is he just a figurehead?"

"Hmph, who knows. What kind of true person can come out of a barren land like South Spirit Prefecture. He probably relied on some ancient secret treasure and got lucky."

Streams of Divine Thought, mixed with curiosity, scrutiny, and apprehension,

intertwined brazenly above the plaza.

"I heard that yesterday at the teleportation plaza, he crippled Qin Li, the Prodigy of Heavenly Sword Sect, with one move, and even forced Technique Imparting Elder Qian Feng to apologize publicly?"

"Hiss... I also heard about this. If it's true, this person is probably not simple."

"Hehe, so what? This is Heavenly Sword Peak! This is Sect Leader Li Wangchen's territory! If he's a Dragon, he has to coil! If he's a Tiger, he has to crouch!"

Facing the prying of countless Divine Thoughts, Murong Zhuyun's delicate brows furrowed slightly.

A hint of displeasure flashed across her pretty face.

She subconsciously tightened her grip on the sword hilt, and the Spiritual Qi within her body began to circulate.

However, a hand gently pressed on the back of her hand.

It was Chen Xu.

He didn't look at her, only gazed calmly ahead.

But that composure and indifference

instantly smoothed all the ripples in Murong Zhuyun's heart.

She looked at the profile of the man beside her.

All the tension and unease in her heart instantly vanished.

Yes.

With Sir present, what is there to fear?

Just as everyone had different thoughts, on the main seat,

Li Wangchen slowly stood up.

His gaze swept across the entire venue, and the terrifying pressure of a Half-step Soul Transformation descended once again.

The entire plaza instantly fell silent.

"Fellow Daoists, the reason you have gathered at my Heavenly Sword Peak today, I believe, is already clear to everyone."

Li Wangchen's voice was gentle yet resonant, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"The Demonic Tribulation has descended, and life is in turmoil!"

"We Righteous Path Cultivators, born and raised here, enjoying the sustenance of this heaven and earth, have the responsibility and obligation to protect this heaven and earth, and to protect these countless common people!"

"Although the three Demonic Lords of the Seven Kill Demonic Lord have been executed, that is only the beginning!"

"Behind them, there are even more terrifying existences eyeing our world!"

"When the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact? Today, I, Li Wangchen, have gathered everyone, hoping that our Central Spirit Prefecture Righteous Path can cast aside past grievances, unite as one, and form a single force to resist the Demonic Tribulation!"

"To establish a heart for heaven and earth, to establish a destiny for the living! Restore our bright and clear universe!"

His words were passionate and grand.

Many young Cultivators listened with boiling blood, wishing they could immediately rush to the battlefield and fight to the death with the Demonic Path.

Even some older Cultivators nodded repeatedly, showing approval on their faces.

Only figures like the Sect Master of Illusory Sound Immortal Sect curled their lips into a sneer.

And Chen Xu, from beginning to end, was like an outsider.

He just quietly watched Li Wangchen's performance.

His indifferent eyes seemed to be watching a monkey jumping up and down.

Li Wangchen's speech pushed the atmosphere to a climax.

He looked at the reactions of the crowd below with satisfaction, then changed the topic.

"The matter of the alliance will be discussed later. Fellow Daoists have traveled a long way and worked hard, please take your seats first."

As his words fell, Heavenly Sword Sect Disciples immediately stepped forward, beginning to guide the Sect Masters and Elders of the various Sects.

They were seated one by one according to their status and position.

The Seven Great Sects, such as Illusory Sound Immortal Sect and Badao Sect,

were arranged in the first row closest to the main seat.

The other Upper Gates and Immortal Caves followed in order behind them.

The entire process was orderly, demonstrating the majesty and demeanor of Heavenly Sword Sect as the host.

Soon, most of the people in the venue had taken their seats.

Only Chen Xu and Murong Zhuyun remained standing.

Li Wangchen's gaze then fell upon Chen Xu.

A cold smile appeared on his refined face.

The next second, he spoke loudly, his voice echoing throughout the plaza.

"South Spirit Prefecture has traveled a long way, slaying Demonic Lords, an undeniable achievement, and the journey has been arduous."

"Come!"

"For Fellow Daoist Chen and Sect Master Murong, arrange seats... at the very back!"

Boom!!!

The moment the words "very back" came out of Li Wangchen's mouth,

the entire plaza first fell into a moment of dead silence!

Then, it completely erupted!

A clamor!

The very back!

What kind of position was that?

That was reserved for those Loose Cultivators who didn't even have a Sect, who had luckily snuck in, wanting to see the world.

Or for some insignificant small Sects and factions!

The seats weren't even made of jade.

They were just a few ordinary wooden stools, placed at the entrance of the plaza, in the most secluded corner.

Now, Li Wangchen actually wanted Chen Xu, who had slain two Demonic Lords, stabilized the battle situation in South Spirit Prefecture, and could be said to have rendered immense service to the entire Righteous Path,

to sit in that position?

This was no longer just a slight!

This was outright humiliation!

It was publicly trampling Chen Xu's face underfoot in front of all the Righteous Path Fellow Daoists in Central Spirit Prefecture!

"Hiss... Did I hear that right? The very back?"

"What is Heavenly Sword Sect trying to do? Are they crazy? Even if they want to suppress him, they don't have to be so absolute, do they?"

"Hehe, you don't understand. This is called killing the chicken to warn the monkeys! Heavenly Sword Sect wants to tell everyone that no matter how great your achievements, in Central Spirit Prefecture, in front of his Heavenly Sword Sect, if you're a Dragon, you have to coil!"

"Now there's a good show to watch! So aggressive yesterday, and now so humiliated today, I wonder how this Imperial Tutor Chen will respond?"

Countless gazes converged on Chen Xu.

Those Heavenly Sword Sect Disciples, especially those who were present yesterday,

now wore expressions of immense delight.

Let you be arrogant! Let you be overbearing!

Now you know the might of my Heavenly Sword Sect, don't you!

In front of the Sect Master, what are you!

"Too much!"

Murong Zhuyun's pretty face instantly turned icy, and a sharp Sword Intent erupted from within her!

The ancient sword in her hand let out an angry Phoenix cry, about to be unsheathed!

However, Chen Xu still stood there calmly.

He raised his hand again, gently pressing down on Murong Zhuyun's sword.

A Divine Thought entered her mind.

"Calm down."

"The performance of the jumping clown isn't over yet."

Murong Zhuyun's delicate body trembled,

She felt that calm yet confident Divine Thought.

The towering rage in her heart... actually subsided again.

She slowly withdrew her Sword Intent, but her Phoenix eyes, looking at Li Wangchen on the main seat, were as cold as ice.

Seeing that Chen Xu actually endured and didn't react... the sneer in Li Wangchen's eyes grew deeper.

In his opinion, this meant he was scared!

And in the face of absolute strength and power, what did personal bravery count for?

The smile at the corner of his mouth became increasingly smug, and he spoke again, his voice full of condescending charity: "Fellow Daoist Chen, why haven't you taken your seat yet? Could it be... that you dislike the seat I arranged, finding it not to your liking?"