681: Chapter 681 Lu Xueqi and Biyao (60)

"Heart-Corroding Sword Sect." He repeated the name in a low voice, his right hand unconsciously tightening around the hilt of the tianya sword.

A warm vibration came from the blade, and Yu Heng's voice echoed in his mind: "Don't worry too much. That person today was only at the Peak of the Star Palace Realm; in the Heart-Corroding Sword Sect, he is likely just an Outer Gate Deacon or someone of that level. A true Core Disciple would at least start at the Star Realm."

"Star Realm..." Su Han gave a bitter smile.

He was currently only at the Middle Stage of the Star Palace Realm. Although he was considered a standout among the younger generation, there was still a long way to go before reaching the level of a truly powerful expert. If he hadn't grasped a sliver of Compassionate Sword Intent at the critical moment today, he would likely have already fallen at the hands of that Black-Robed Person.

"You've already done very well." Yu Heng's voice softened. "To be able to touch the threshold of Compassionate Sword Intent at the Middle Stage of the Star Palace Realm—even I couldn't do that back then. Su Han, your talent surpasses mine."

"Senior Sister overpraises me." Su Han shook his head. "Today was just a stroke of luck."

"Luck is also a part of one's strength." Yu Heng paused, then added, "However, you must remember that Compassionate Sword Intent is not a Sharp Weapon for defeating enemies. Its essence is 'protection' and 'inclusion,' not slaughter. You were able to break the Heart-Corroding Evil Qi today precisely because it restrains all things evil, but if you face Righteous Path sword techniques, its power will be greatly diminished."

Su Han nodded: "I understand."

"Good that you understand." Yu Heng's voice grew faint. "I've exhausted quite a bit in today's battle and need to sleep for a few days. During the Hundred Sects Grand Assembly, be careful in everything. If you encounter people from the Heart-Corroding Sword Sect again... do not hold back."

The last sentence carried a piercing chill, and then Yu Heng's aura fell completely silent.

Su Han gently stroked the blade, feeling that the faint sliver of evil intent within the sword seemed to have become a bit more active again. He knew that Senior Sister's slumber was partly because helping him in battle today had consumed her Divine Soul power, and partly to suppress that evil intent.

"Rest assured, Senior Sister," he whispered to himself. "I will definitely take you to the Central Continent Sword Tomb and completely purify this sword."

As the night deepened, Su Han returned to his room, sat cross-legged, and began to circulate the Azure Cloud Art to regulate his breathing.

Although he had won today's battle, the consumption was enormous. Especially that last strike, which had almost drained all of his Star Power. If he hadn't gained some insight at the critical moment, he would probably be the one who had fallen.

"Compassionate Sword Intent." Su Han closed his eyes and looked inward, feeling the embryonic form of that warm Sword Intent within his body.

It was very weak, like a candle in the wind, liable to go out at any moment. But it was this sliver of weak Sword Intent that had today dispelled the Heart-Corroding Evil Qi that even Star Realm Elders found troublesome.

"Encompassing everything." Su Han fell into deep thought.

What is the Dao of the sword? All along, he had thought the Dao of the sword was the sharp edge that cut through all obstacles. From "Stone-Splitting" to "Heaven-Opening," the Sword Intents he had comprehended were all paths of offense. Even the "Earth-Splitting" Sword Intent focused on defense rather than inclusion.

It wasn't until today, facing those overwhelming resentful souls, that he truly understood the meaning of Senior Sister's words.

A sword can be a tool of slaughter, but it can also be a blade of protection.

Sword Intent can be a sharp edge that cuts through the Void Realm, but it can also be a compassion that nourishes all things.

"Perhaps, this is the complete Dao of the sword..." Su Han had a sudden realization.

The next morning, Su Han woke from his meditation feeling refreshed. The Star Power consumed yesterday had mostly recovered, and he had even made slight progress, moving a step closer to the Late Stage of the Star Palace Realm.

Push open the door, there were already many people in the courtyard. Ye Wuhen was practicing his sword. Although his face was still a bit pale, he was no longer in any serious danger. Mu Qingxue was setting up a small Star-Gathering Array to prepare for today's arena battles.

"Junior Brother Su is awake." Ye Wuhen withdrew his sword and walked over, solemnly cupping his hands. "I cannot repay you enough for saving my life yesterday."

Su Han quickly returned the gesture: "Senior Brother Ye, you overstate it. Fellow Disciples should naturally support one another."

"That's different." Ye Wuhen shook his head. "If not for you yesterday, I would certainly have died. I've truly seen how terrifying the Heart-Corroding Evil Qi is. If the Elder hadn't treated me in time, even if I kept my life, my cultivation would likely have been severely damaged."

Mu Qingxue also walked over and said softly, "Junior Brother Su, that strike yesterday... was it a new Sword Intent?"

Su Han nodded: "I suppose so, though it's only an embryonic form."

"Remarkable." A light flashed in Mu Qingxue's eyes. "To be able to dispel Heart-Corroding Evil Qi, this Sword Intent is no small matter. After the Hundred Sects Grand Assembly, many forces will likely take notice of you."

Ye Wuhen also said, "Indeed. Junior Brother Su, you're showing too much of your edge now; you must be careful. The Eastern Region may seem peaceful, but in reality, undercurrents are surging. That Black-Robed Person yesterday was likely just the beginning."

As the three were talking, footsteps came from outside the courtyard. Elder Li, one of the Elders leading the Qingyun Sect team, walked in with a white beard and hair.

"Are you all ready?" Elder Li's gaze swept over the three, lingering on Su Han for a moment longer. "The rules for today's arena battles have changed."

"Changed?" The three were startled.

Elder Li nodded, his expression solemn. "After the Ascending Heaven Stairs ended yesterday, several Elders presiding over the assembly discussed through the night and decided to change the arena battle rules. It will no longer be one-on-one elimination, but 'Melee Arena Defense'."

"Melee Arena Defense?" Ye Wuhen frowned. "Please explain, Elder."

"It's very simple," Elder Li explained. "The top hundred Disciples will be divided into ten groups of ten. Each group will have one arena. Disciples can freely challenge the defender; the winner becomes the new arena master, and the loser is eliminated. Every half hour is one round. After ten rounds, the ten people still standing on the arenas will be the top ten of this assembly."

Mu Qingxue said thoughtfully, "In that case, one doesn't just need strength, but also needs to know when to choose their battles. If you go up too early, you'll inevitably face a war of attrition with huge consumption. But if you go up too late, you might lose your chance."

"Exactly." Elder Li looked at Su Han. "Su Han, the strength you showed yesterday has already caught many people's attention. In today's arena battles, you will certainly become a target for everyone. You must be mentally prepared."

Su Han calmly replied, "This Disciple understands."

"Good that you understand." Elder Li took three jade talismans from his robe and handed them to the three. "These are Teleportation Talismans. If you encounter a life-threatening danger on the arena, crush the talisman to be teleported out, but it also means admitting defeat. Remember, ranking is important, but life is more important. The Qingyun Sect does not need you to trade your lives for an empty title."

The three solemnly took the jade talismans.

"Additionally," Elder Li hesitated for a moment before saying, "the identity of that Black-Robed Person from yesterday has been cleared up. He was indeed from the Heart-Corroding Sword Sect, but only an Outer Deacon. This matter has been reported to the Sect, and the Sect Leader Immortal Master personally ordered that during the assembly, all Disciples must act collectively and are not allowed to go out alone."

Ye Wuhen's expression changed: "Elder, you mean..."

"The Heart-Corroding Sword Sect likely sent more than one person," Elder Li said in a heavy voice. "Although the Hundred Sects Grand Assembly strictly forbids fighting outside the venue, those from the Evil Path may not follow the rules. Be careful in everything."

Having finished his instructions, Elder Li hurried away, clearly having other matters to attend to. (End of Chapter)