196: Chapter 196 Entering the Heavenly Sword Sect

The group traveled through the air and soon arrived at the mountain gate of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Verdant Peaks rose in layers, exuding the majestic aura of an immortal dwelling.

Carrying the still-unconscious Xiang Liu in his arms, Xiang Tian followed closely behind the Grand Elder as they stepped through the mountain gate.

Lotus followed beside them, her elegant figure and exceptional grace instantly making her the center of attention.

"Elder!"

As they entered the heart of the Sect, the Disciples along the way stood tall, cupping their fists in salute.

However, this respect didn't last for more than a moment, as everyone's gaze was involuntarily drawn to Lotus.

"Hiss—who is this? She's breathtakingly beautiful!"

"I don't know. I've never seen her in the Sect before. Her temperament is incredible!"

"You don't even recognize her? Even if you haven't seen her, you should have heard of her!" a more knowledgeable Disciple whispered.

"Oh? Quick, tell us, who is she exactly?" the others hurriedly pressed.

"She is the president of the Lotus Society, Lotus!"

"Holy crap! It's actually her? Rumor has it she's one of the rare Peerless Grade Caul..."

Before he could finish, he was suddenly yanked by a nearby Disciple.

"Are you tired of living? What nonsense are you spouting! If you want to die, don't drag us down with you!"

The Disciple instantly snapped out of it, his face turning pale as he quickly shut his mouth.

The crowd of Disciples all took a sharp breath.

Their eyes held a bit more wariness as they looked at Lotus.

There wasn't a man in the world who didn't covet Lotus's beauty.

But due to her unfathomable strength, everyone could only suppress the wicked thoughts in their hearts.

They didn't even dare to utter a single disrespectful word.

Lotus didn't care at all about the discussions and stares around her.

She turned to look at Xiang Tian beside her, her delicate eyebrows slightly arched.

"Xiang Tian, did you hear that? These little brats all want to have me."

Xiang Tian glanced at her with a calm expression and asked back indifferently, "Then, do you want me to have you?"

"You men are all the same, after all." Lotus snorted coldly, but a faint, imperceptible smile flickered in her eyes; she wasn't truly angry.

The Grand Elder spoke up at the appropriate time.

He gave orders in a serious tone: "I am taking Xiang Tian to Miaoxian Peak. All of you, perform your duties and do not slack off. Also, do not discuss President Lotus in private."

The crowd of Elders hurriedly cupped their fists and bowed.

They replied in unison, "Yes!" then dispersed one after another, not daring to delay for a moment.

The Grand Elder said no more and led Xiang Tian and Lotus toward Miaoxian Peak.

Upon reaching the foot of the Peak, he cupped his hands in farewell: "President Lotus, I have Sect matters to attend to, so I will leave you here."

Having said that, he turned and left.

Carrying Xiang Liu, Xiang Tian stepped onto Miaoxian Peak with Lotus.

But as they walked along, the Peak was quiet, without a single soul in sight.

"Where is everyone?" Xiang Tian's brow furrowed slightly.

He instinctively looked around and quietly spread his Divine Sense, but he didn't sense the presence of any living person.

Lotus, standing beside him with a calm expression, casually reminded him, "They're in the secret chamber."

Her Divine Sense had already enveloped the entire Miaoxian Peak; every movement on the Peak was laid bare before her eyes.

"Oh? What are they doing in the secret chamber?" Xiang Tian's brow furrowed even tighter.

Could something have happened to the people on Miaoxian Peak?

"Your Senior Sisters seem to be healing your Master," Lotus spoke again.

Her words accurately dispelled half of Xiang Tian's confusion, leaving only deeper worry.

"What? Master still hasn't recovered?" Xiang Tian's expression changed, and his heart tightened.

Forgetting to even put down Xiang Liu in his arms, he said urgently, "Quick, take me there!"

Lotus grabbed Xiang Tian's arm and, turning into a graceful blur, they instantly vanished from the spot.

"Bang!"

With a loud bang, the stone door of the secret chamber was kicked open by Lotus.

"Who's there?" Inside the secret chamber, several women's startled shouts rang out simultaneously.

"It's me!" Xiang Tian hurriedly responded.

At the same time, he gave Lotus a helpless look and complained in a low voice, "Couldn't you be a bit gentler? Breaking the stone door is a small matter, but it would be trouble if you disturbed Master's healing."

Lotus didn't bother with his complaint at all; with a flash of her figure, she quickly stepped into the secret chamber.

"Pre... President Lotus?" The women in the secret chamber were all stunned when they saw who it was.

They immediately composed themselves and bowed.

Xiang Tian shook his head helplessly and followed them inside, carrying Xiang Liu.

On the stone bed in the center of the secret chamber lay a familiar figure.

It was indeed his Master, Master Miaoxian, while his three Senior Sisters—Xiahou Yun, Yuyi, and Ouyang Qing—were gathered around the bed.

With solemn expressions, they were performing Cultivation Techniques, continuously channeling Spiritual Qi into Master Miaoxian's body.

"Xiang Tian!" Xiahou Yun was the first to turn and look.

Noticing Xiang Liu in his arms, her expression instantly turned cold.

Seeing this,

Xiang Tian smiled and arched an eyebrow. "Xiao Yun, we meet again. It's been so long; did you miss me?"

"Humph!" Xiahou Yun snorted coldly, her eyes fixed on Xiang Liu in his arms.

She questioned, "Who is that in your arms?"

Xiang Tian had no choice but to carefully place Xiang Liu on a nearby stone chair.

He explained, "Her name is Xiang Liu, my Sword Servant. She's injured and unconscious, isn't she? I couldn't just leave her outside."

He paused.

Then he added, "Taking care of my Sword Servant is what I should do. Don't get hung up on this."

As he spoke,

his gaze turned to Master Miaoxian on the stone bed, and his brow furrowed again.

"Let's not talk about that for now. What exactly happened to Master? Why is she lying here being healed?"

Yuyi stopped her Cultivation Technique.

She explained softly, "Master has been like this ever since she returned from the Phantom God Forest, remaining unconscious. For the past few months, Xiao Yun, Qing'er, and I have stayed by Master's side without leaving, exhausting our strength to heal her, but she shows no signs of waking up."

"Senior Sister, what did you say? Master has been unconscious for several months?" Xiang Tian's expression changed, and his heart sank.

He never expected Master's condition to be so severe.

To have been unconscious for so long without waking up.

"You all go out first. I'll take a look at your Master for you," Lotus suddenly spoke.

With a wave of her hand, a gentle yet irresistible surge of Spiritual Qi swept out.

It gently tossed the four of them—including Xiahou Yun—outside the secret chamber, after which she raised her hand and closed the stone door.

Because Xiang Liu was still unconscious, she remained on the stone chair and was not sent out.

Outside the secret chamber.

Xiahou Yun rubbed her shoulder, which had been jolted by the Spiritual Qi, and looked at Xiang Tian with an unfriendly gaze.

"Xiang Tian, you must give me an explanation!"

Xiang Tian looked puzzled.

He spread his hands. "Haven't I already explained? Xiang Liu is my Sword Servant; she's just injured."

He really didn't understand.

Xiahou Yun hadn't been this controlling before; why was she being so serious today?

"That's not what I'm asking about!" Xiahou Yun snorted coldly again, her gaze still fixed on Xiang Liu inside the secret chamber.

"Why did she become your Sword Servant? Did you use some kind of trick to coerce her?"

"What are you thinking?" Xiang Tian helplessly slapped his forehead.

He finally realized that Xiahou Yun was jealous.

For the next few moments,

Xiang Tian patiently and meticulously explained everything to Xiahou Yun, not leaving out a single detail.

After much talk, Xiahou Yun's expression finally softened a bit.

"You two stop arguing," Yuyi finally couldn't help but speak up, interrupting their dispute.

She looked at Xiang Tian. "Xiang Tian, you are now Master's Personal Disciple. According to Sect rules, after a Personal Disciple joins, they must accept challenges from Core Disciples. Only by winning can you truly secure your position as a Personal Disciple and receive more resource support from the Sect."

"Oh? I have to accept challenges from Core Disciples?" Hearing this, Xiang Tian's eyes lit up.

The helplessness on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a trace of excitement.

Isn't this challenge a perfect opportunity delivered right to his door?

Maybe he could even take the chance to level up and Breakthrough his current Realm!

Thinking this, Xiang Tian grew more expectant, and even his tone became lighter.

"That's great! When can we start?"

"What's the rush?" Ouyang Qing, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up.

She stepped onto an open area on the Peak and turned to look at Xiang Tian.

"Xiang Tian, spar with me first. Let me see what level your cultivation has reached during this time."

Xiang Tian arched an eyebrow and looked Ouyang Qing up and down, already having a good idea of her level.

Ouyang Qing's cultivation was only at the Martial Emperor Peak.

Whereas he had already reached the Martial Emperor Late Stage and could even kill opponents at the Half-step Saint Realm.

Dealing with someone at the Martial Emperor Peak was as easy as turning over his hand.

"Second Senior Sister, are you sure?" Xiang Tian's tone held a hint of playfulness.

"I'm afraid I won't know my own strength and will make you cry. Don't feel wronged when that happens."

"Hehe, you certainly talk big." Ouyang Qing let out a light laugh.

"However, your cultivation has indeed improved quite fast, kid. You've already reached the Martial Emperor Late Stage. This is too strange."

These words were true, as everyone present was well aware.

Xiang Tian had initially only possessed a Yellow Rank Low Grade Spiritual Root.

For someone with such Aptitude to Cultivate to the Martial Emperor Realm was already a Heaven-Defying miracle.

Not to mention soaring all the way to the Martial Emperor Late Stage in such a short period.

This was simply illogical and far too inconceivable.

"Xiang Tian is indeed incomparable to ordinary people." Yuyi's gaze toward Xiang Tian held more curiosity.

"When I first met you, you hadn't even reached the Supernatural Realm. In just a few short months, you've grown to this extent. This speed is too shocking. Even the geniuses in the Sect's history might not be able to compare to you."

Xiang Tian smiled. "No need to be so surprised. Hasn't my Xiao Yun also reached the Martial Emperor Peak? Her speed is much faster than mine."

He had long since noticed that Xiahou Yun's cultivation had already broken through to the Martial Emperor Peak.

He wasn't particularly surprised.

"Can you compare with her?" Yuyi laughed softly.

"Xiao Yun has the rare Immaculate Sword Body and is naturally suited for the Dao of the sword. Her cultivation speed is already far beyond ordinary people. How can you, with your Yellow Rank Spiritual Root, compare with her?"

"Junior Brother Xiang Tian, stop talking nonsense and come spar with me!" Ouyang Qing urged impatiently.

Faint ripples of Spiritual Qi were already emanating from around her.

"Alright!" Xiang Tian replied, arching an eyebrow.

"Second Senior Sister, you were the one who asked to spar. If it hurts later, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Xiang Tian moved, turning into an afterimage and instantly rushing in front of Ouyang Qing.

His palm, carrying fierce Spiritual Qi, struck out.

"Bang!"

A powerful impact instantly erupted.

Ouyang Qing only felt her arm go numb as a massive force surged from the other's palm.

She was completely unable to resist, and her body flew backward uncontrollably.

Xiang Tian was quick to react; with a flash of his figure,

he instantly caught up with the flying Ouyang Qing and caught her.

"Second Senior Sister, I told you I was afraid of making you cry. There's no need to continue; you're not my match."

His speed and strength had long since far surpassed those of Cultivators in the same Realm.

Even though he was only at the Martial Emperor Late Stage, he was by no means someone the Martial Emperor Peak Ouyang Qing could contend with.

"Let go of me, again!"

Ouyang Qing had a stubborn nature and was unwilling to admit defeat, struggling to break free from Xiang Tian.

"I don't believe I would lose so miserably!"

Helpless, Xiang Tian had no choice but to gently let go.

Both of them pulled back at the same time.

Ouyang Qing circulated her Cultivation Technique again, her Spiritual Qi surging as her expression grew more solemn.

Beside them, Yuyi watched with great interest.

She couldn't help but praise in a low voice, "Xiang Tian's strength has actually reached such a level? He's only at the Martial Emperor Late Stage, two minor Realms lower than Qing'er, yet Qing'er couldn't even withstand a single move from him."

One must know that the gap in talent between the Genius Disciples of large Sects was not originally that large.

Often, a difference of a single minor Realm meant a world of difference.

Trying to win across Realms was as difficult as climbing to heaven.

Yet Xiang Tian had done it, and so easily.

"Senior Sister, don't you think something is a bit off with Xiang Tian?" Xiahou Yun's delicate brows furrowed slightly as her eyes remained fixed on Xiang Tian's figure.

"His Aptitude seems much better than before, and his cultivation has improved too strangely. Even with a fortuitous encounter, it shouldn't be this ridiculous."

"You're right, it is indeed strange." Yuyi nodded, her gaze locked onto Xiang Tian.

"He started with mediocre Aptitude, but now his Aptitude has strengthened, and combined with such a terrifying cultivation speed—if it were just one thing, it might be explained by a fortuitous encounter. But for all these strange things to happen to one person is just too incredible."

Yuyi paused.

She turned to Xiahou Yun and said in a low voice, "Junior Sister, he is your Dao Companion. When no one is around at night, why don't you ask him properly? Maybe you can find some clues."

"Senior Sister!" A blush instantly rose to Xiahou Yun's cheeks as she glared at Yuyi with mock anger.

"I don't want to be alone with him; he's a hooligan!"

As soon as she said this, Xiahou Yun remembered the incident with the Invisibility Talisman.

Her cheeks grew even redder, and her heart couldn't help but speed up.

Although they had later shared a bed, both had behaved themselves and hadn't done anything out of line.

But the thought of being alone with Xiang Tian and having to take the initiative to ask about his secrets made her feel a bit flustered.

She knew Xiang Tian's personality all too well.

If she took the initiative to ask, with his temperament, he would surely take the opportunity to make demands.

If she didn't agree to Dual Cultivation with him, he wouldn't say a single word.

"But there are so many strange things about him; are you really not curious?" Yuyi arched her eyebrows again.

"Besides, he's your Dao Companion. It's only right that you know his secrets. If he's hiding some danger, it's better to be prepared in advance, isn't it?"

Hearing this, Xiahou Yun's expression became even more troubled, and her brow furrowed tightly.

Yuyi was right; she was indeed curious about Xiang Tian's secrets and worried he might be in danger.

But the thought of Xiang Tian's personality made her instinctively shrink back.

For a moment, she didn't know what to do.