31: Chapter 31 Dragon-Slaying and Evil-Exterminating Sword

"One-sided words are insufficient as evidence." Hall Master Su Wenjin was expressionless. "Go to the Earth Fire Abyss to stand guard for one month. Once the matter is investigated and clarified, we will make a final decision."

'Earth Fire Abyss!' Yu Xiu did not feel surprised.

After all, having hacked and killed nine Inner Courtyard Disciples, although the Law Enforcement Hall was secretly siding with him, they clearly still had to go through the motions on the surface.

Everyone knew it clearly in their hearts.

Of course, it was mainly because Fang Jiming and the others were not clean themselves; otherwise, the Law Enforcement Hall would not have been able to side with Yu Xiu.

"Due to this Disciple's error, several Senior Brothers lost their lives. This Disciple is willing to accept the punishment." Yu Xiu honestly accepted the order.

'Still putting on an act?' Hall Master Su Wenjin let it go in one ear and out the other, acting as if he hadn't heard Yu Xiu's performance.

After all, everyone was acting; it was just going through the motions.

Seeing Yu Xiu turn to leave, Hall Master Su Wenjin spoke lightly: "Stop."

Yu Xiu paused his steps.

"You have now entered the first pass of the Great Four Passes, the Five Viscera Realm, yet you still need to go to the Earth Fire Abyss to stand guard for a month. Afterward, when the deaths of Fang Jiming and the others are clarified, you will also need to go and tie up loose ends."

"More importantly, to be promoted to the Main Sect, one must have achievements."

Hall Master Su Wenjin rose slowly. "With the trivial matters here, going back and forth, I fear half a year will pass, or perhaps even longer before it can be concluded."

"Your Aptitude and Comprehension Ability are very high. In just over two months, you were able to break through the Qi Sea and Life Spring passes, passing the Inner Courtyard stage, and now..."

He looked at Yu Xiu. "...you have to stop at the Five Viscera Realm of the Great Four Passes for half a year without subsequent Cultivation Techniques. Are you truly willing to accept this?"

Yu Xiu's heart stirred. 'Is this... a backdoor I can take?'

If he could get the cultivation method for the Great Four Passes first, it would naturally be excellent. But there would surely be conditions.

"Please guide me, Hall Master!" Yu Xiu bowed smoothly, extremely slick.

'Hmm?' Hall Master Su Wenjin was surprised. He was quite a flexible and slick one.

From the moment Yu Xiu said that Fang Jiming, Zhao Zheng, and the other nine people died at the hands of the Yin Demon, it was clear that he was very slick in his dealings. Everyone knew the truth, yet he insisted on telling lies with his eyes open.

Yet, it had to be said this way. Otherwise, if he had met a fool who said directly that he killed nine Inner Sect Disciples, it would have been quite troublesome for the Law Enforcement Hall to side with him.

"Since you are sincerely asking, it is not impossible to guide you." Hall Master Su Wenjin sat down slowly in front of the desk, and the atmosphere relaxed; the previous oppressive feeling vanished instantly.

"You are about to enter the Main Sect and should know that the Main Sect is divided into ten peaks and ten lineages. So, which lineage do you favor?"

He looked at Yu Xiu with great interest, waiting for Yu Xiu's answer. Because although the Main Sect had ten peaks, there was only one answer.

'The ten peaks of the Main Sect!' Yu Xiu was somewhat dazed. When first joining the Qingwei Sword Sect, which Disciple wouldn't imagine the scene of becoming a true successor of the Sword Sect after entering the Main Sect?

Yu Xiu naturally knew this too. What he favored before was no different from the vast majority of Disciples; it was 'Tianque Peak', which belonged to the Sect Master's lineage and had the hope of succeeding to the position of Sect Master in the future.

Later, when he discovered the difficulty of cultivation, he realized how naive it was to want to enter Tianque Peak. So at that time, he thought that being able to enter the two main peaks of Jinding Peak or Powang Peak, which focused on the Sword in the Hand, would be excellent.

Later still, he awakened the memories of his past life and his destiny: God-Connecting, which could infinitely stack Comprehension Ability and lifespan. Then, among the ten main peaks of the Main Sect, the one most suitable for him was Wendao Peak. This lineage was the main peak dedicated to researching the Sword in the Hand lineage's Cultivation Techniques and sword arts.

Since his Comprehension Ability could be stacked infinitely, entering this peak would allow him to learn all the Cultivation Techniques and sword arts of the Sword in the Hand lineage, and at the same time, he could create Cultivation Techniques together with those fellow Disciples, becoming self-sufficient. Wendao Peak was too suitable for him!

But right now, this Inner Courtyard Law Enforcement Hall Master, Su Wenjin, had given him a chance to take a backdoor... So, there was actually only one answer.

"This Disciple wishes to enter Zhanlong Peak." Yu Xiu did not hesitate at all and spoke directly.

Zhanlong Peak belonged to the Law Enforcement Hall lineage and held the iron rules of the sect. Whenever a Disciple violated sect rules, harmed fellow Disciples, or colluded with demons, they could all be executed.

But precisely because of this, the Zhanlong Peak lineage's popularity in the Qingwei Sword Sect naturally could not be said to be very good. The vast majority of Disciples kept the Law Enforcement Hall lineage at a distance, fearing being targeted by the Law Enforcement Hall.

'As expected, he is a smart one.' Hall Master Su Wenjin's eyes brightened, but he said in a measured tone: "Zhanlong Peak, huh!"

"Then, with your current Realm and strength, you can be considered half a Disciple of Zhanlong Peak. Come to think of it, I should call you Junior Brother."

Yu Xiu understood and immediately cupped his hands: "Yu Xiu greets Senior Brother Su."

Hall Master Su Wenjin smiled: "Junior Brother, no need for formalities. In urgent matters, we must act expediently. I will now pass on the technique to you on behalf of the master. I hope Junior Brother will cultivate diligently and not become lax."

While speaking, Hall Master Su Wenjin took out a Jade Slip, pressed it against Yu Xiu's brow, and pointed at the Jade Slip. Instantly, Yu Xiu felt information surging into his mind from the Jade Slip.

This was a sword Cultivation Technique, named "Dragon-Slaying and Evil-Purging Sword," but it only contained the first pass of the Great Four Passes, the Five Viscera Realm portion, consisting of twenty chapters.

"Junior Brother may not know that after reaching the Four Passes, Cultivation Techniques are no longer one volume per Realm, but a complete whole, just like this 'Dragon-Slaying and Evil-Purging Sword'." Hall Master Su Wenjin slowly put away the Jade Slip and said to Yu Xiu.

This statement had a hidden meaning. That was, having cultivated the "Dragon-Slaying and Evil-Purging Sword," he could no longer enter the other nine main peaks; only the path of Zhanlong Peak remained. Because the "Dragon-Slaying and Evil-Purging Sword" was only available at Zhanlong Peak.

Yu Xiu naturally did not care about this. As long as his strength was sufficient, in the future, the entire library of the Qingwei Sword Sect would be easily accessible to him; he did not necessarily have to enter Wendao Peak. The most urgent task was to improve his strength and develop in the meantime.

"Since we are our own people, there is no need to beat around the bush regarding some matters." Hall Master Su Wenjin smiled: "Sending Junior Brother to guard the Earth Fire Abyss for a month, while intended as a small punishment, is actually an Opportunity."

"Under the Earth Fire Abyss, there is an underground fire vein. From time to time, earth fire erupts, and perhaps fire demons might emerge, but the appearance of fire demons is too rare and can almost be ignored."

"Except for the harsh environment, relatively speaking, the benefits are even greater."

"Not only can you collect Essence of Earth Fire and sell it to the sect in exchange for Contribution Points, but there is also the 'zhenyuan sword' personally carved by 'Ancestor Linyuan' a thousand years ago. The Sword Intent left upon it has not dissipated for a thousand years, making it perfectly suitable for someone with such high Comprehension Ability as you, Junior Brother, to comprehend Sword Intent."

He patted Yu Xiu on the shoulder: "This Opportunity is not common."

"The one guarding over there is also Senior Brother 'Yuan Tiankuo' from our Zhanlong Peak, and he will look after you."

"During this period, the Essence of Earth Fire you collect does not need to be handed over; it will all belong to you. If you do not want to collect and refine the Essence of Earth Fire, then go and comprehend the Sword Intent on the zhenyuan sword."

"Furthermore, while it is said that you are to guard the Earth Fire Abyss for a month, once the matters in Donghe Prefecture and Guiping County are thoroughly investigated, it is possible that you will directly go to take the qualification for promotion to the Main Sect. It certainly won't take a month, perhaps not even half a month!"

'Tsk, having connections makes things easy to handle!' Yu Xiu exclaimed inwardly. The difference in attitude from this Hall Master Su Wenjin compared to before was not just a little bit!

When Hall Master Su Wenjin finished saying these things, a Law Enforcement Hall Disciple came over and led Yu Xiu to the Earth Fire Abyss.

"There is an underground fire vein over at the Earth Fire Abyss. If your strength is insufficient, you are prone to contracting fire poison. To be safe, Brother Yu, you can prepare some 'Ice Melting Pills' to expel the fire poison." The leading Disciple was quite polite and began to tell Yu Xiu tips for staying in the Earth Fire Abyss.

'Hall Master Su Wenjin never mentioned this to him.' Yu Xiu's heart stirred. "Then what kind of strength is needed to ignore the fire poison?"

The young Disciple replied: "Starting from the first pass of the Great Four Passes, you can basically be immune to fire poison, but if you stay in the Earth Fire Abyss for more than half a month, there is still a risk of contracting fire poison."

"Only upon reaching the second pass of the Great Four Passes can one truly ignore the intrusion of fire poison."

'Half a month!' This time frame matched exactly what Hall Master Su Wenjin had said. But it was not certain that it would not exceed half a month; to be safe, it was better to have Ice Melting Pills on hand.

"These Ice Melting Pills..." Yu Xiu hesitated to speak. But before he finished his words, the Disciple smiled: "Coincidentally, I have some in my hands. It wouldn't hurt to give Brother Yu two."

He took out a wooden bottle and stuffed it into Yu Xiu's hand: "I am 'Wei Ling'. If Brother Yu thinks highly of me, let's consider it making a friend."

Yu Xiu squeezed the wooden bottle in his hand and suddenly realized. This was an attempt to befriend him! It seems that completing the first pass of the Great Four Passes in three years, even within the Qingwei Sword Sect, was extremely rare!

He cupped his hands and called out: "Brother Wei." Wei Ling returned the gesture and smiled: "Brother Yu."

'It was not in vain that I made preparations early.' Wei Ling was secretly delighted. Hall Master Su had told him that Yu Xiu had extremely high Aptitude and might rise rapidly in Zhanlong Peak in the future, becoming a true big shot in the Qingwei Sword Sect, and told him to befriend him well.

Looking at it now, it must be that Hall Master Su deliberately left this Opportunity for him, not telling Yu Xiu about the fire poison. And by him taking out the Ice Melting Pills, it could just make up for Yu Xiu's lack of preparation.

Following the path down the mountain and into the mountain abyss, the temperature suddenly rose, and from time to time, flames could be seen flashing and disappearing in the air.

There were caves in the rock walls leading deeper into the underground, and Yu Xiu saw the figures of Inner Courtyard Disciples appearing and disappearing in the caves. They were likely Disciples who had committed offenses, receiving punishment here and collecting Essence of Earth Fire along the way.

The Earth Fire Abyss had arrived. Besides the caves in the rock walls, the first thing Yu Xiu noticed was a giant sword inserted horizontally into the ground. To be precise, it was a stone sword; it should have been a huge rock before, and later carved into a sword by someone.

'zhenyuan sword!' Without anyone else's introduction, Yu Xiu knew that this giant stone sword, which was like a mountain peak, should be the 'zhenyuan sword' personally carved by that Ancestor Linyuan a thousand years ago.

Because the Sword Intent upon it was vast and majestic, and although it did not actively manifest, to Yu Xiu, who possessed a Sword Heart, it was incomparably conspicuous.

'If I comprehend the Sword Intent before this sword, my Sword Heart should be able to receive a significant improvement.' Yu Xiu could not sit still.

He saw a young figure sitting cross-legged and motionless beside the zhenyuan sword, like a stone statue. But the first feeling it gave Yu Xiu was, 'Is this person a man or a woman?'

To say she was a woman, one could not see female characteristics from her chest. To say he was a man, he happened to have a woman's face, with fair skin, and was very delicate.

Before Yu Xiu could figure it out, Wei Ling on the side had already stepped forward to greet: "Senior Brother Yuan, I have brought Brother Yu here to guard the Earth Fire Abyss."

'So he is Yuan Tiankuo. Then it seems he is a man.' A man born with a woman's face.

Yu Xiu followed and called out: "Senior Brother Yuan."

That Yuan Tiankuo opened his eyes... He looked even more like a woman, and was better looking than many women!

"Senior Brother Su has already given instructions. Since you have entered my Zhanlong Peak, just cultivate well here!" Yuan Tiankuo's gaze lingered on Yu Xiu's face for a moment, and then he quickly closed his eyes.

As for Wei Ling on the side, Yuan Tiankuo did not even glance at him, only nodding his head, which counted as a greeting.

Wei Ling gave Yu Xiu a look without changing his expression, and Yu Xiu understood and followed. Then he heard Wei Ling secretly transmit his voice: "This Senior Brother Yuan has a woman's appearance as a man and is very sensitive about others mentioning this. Brother Yu, you must never commit such a taboo."

"Furthermore, Senior Brother Yuan, even in Zhanlong Peak, belongs to the Genius category and is very strong, but he just doesn't like to talk. If Brother Yu has problems with cultivation, you can ask Senior Brother Yuan for advice..."

After a pause, Wei Ling secretly glanced at Yuan Tiankuo and saw that he was still closing his eyes, then carefully transmitted his voice: "Although Senior Brother Yuan does not like others saying he looks like a woman, he actually looks at the face first when making friends."

"Those Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters in Zhanlong Peak who are not very good-looking cannot make friends with him. Instead, those who are good-looking, regardless of their strength, even if they cannot become friends with him, can still say a few words to him."

While speaking, Wei Ling couldn't help but look at Yu Xiu's face and didn't say anything more. Leaving only a 'farewell', he left the Earth Fire Abyss.

'So he is a face-control freak.' Yu Xiu looked at Yuan Tiankuo, who was sitting in meditation with his eyes closed, and did not approach. He just sat down on the other side of the zhenyuan sword.

As for collecting Essence of Earth Fire, that was something only Disciples who came here for punishment did. He was just here to go through the motions and did not need to do such tiring work. Moreover, this Senior Brother Yuan Tiankuo did not intend to teach him to collect Essence of Earth Fire either.

'Sword Intent!' He gathered his mind and cast his thoughts onto the giant stone sword in front of him. Instantly, his Sword Heart interacted with it, and everything before his eyes seemed to change with it. The world changed!

The Earth Fire Abyss was gone, and in its place was a towering figure, transforming his body into a sword, descending from the blue sky, slashing straight into the depths of the earth. What kind of sword was that?

It was as if formed by the interaction of heaven and earth, its sword light suppressing the light of the great sun; the air tore, and even the Void Realm seemed to be collapsing, slashing into the human world and pouring into the earth. This human world and the earth were both under this sword.

No demons could approach the human world, and no demons could come near beneath the earth. This sword suppressed the underground fire veins and also suppressed the fire demons that might exist in the fire veins; it had been like this for a thousand years!

'What Realm is Ancestor Linyuan at?' Yu Xiu was shocked. This was carved a thousand years ago, so a thousand years later, what an incredible Realm has the current Ancestor Linyuan reached? I fear it is already high beyond imagination!

His thoughts surged, and only after a while did he regain his focus. When he first entered the Inner Courtyard, Hao Yuan had once taken Yu Xiu, Senior Brother Zhao Hong, and others to see a sword cliff. That was a sword strike from the true Disciple 'Qi Wendao' three hundred years ago, and the Sword Intent had not dissipated to this day; many Inner Courtyard Disciples were there comprehending Sword Intent.

But that kind of Sword Intent had no effect on Yu Xiu. However, the zhenyuan sword carved by Ancestor Linyuan was different. Such a vast and majestic Sword Intent could interact with the Sword Heart. If comprehended carefully, not only could it improve his own Sword Intent, but it could also elevate his Sword Heart!

This was the first time Yu Xiu had seen a method that could directly improve the Sword Heart, apart from practicing sword Cultivation Techniques and sword arts! Ancestor Linyuan's Realm was terrifying to this extent!