183: Chapter 183 Can a ferocious beast like the Fire Qilin be tamed and used as a mount?

Su Rui's brows furrowed slightly. With a gentle flick of his finger, the sword light and the swordsman were sent flying back together, stumbling several steps on the ground before barely steadying themselves.

The man's face was filled with shock. He looked up at Su Rui with a complex expression.

Su Rui cast a faint glance over—it was a young man with an upright aura between his brows. The long sword in his hand gleamed with a cold, sharp light, its quality extraordinary.

That sword... appeared to be the Hero Sword?

Then this person must be Sword Morning, the one who once taught martial arts to Conquering Cloud on behalf of his Master.

"This brother..." Sword Morning's hand holding the sword trembled slightly, his voice filled with shock.

He never expected that the strike he took pride in would be so easily neutralized by the opponent with just a single finger.

He believed he had achieved Minor Achievement under Wuming's tutelage, yet he found himself completely helpless against a youth who appeared even younger than him.

This disparity weighed heavily on his heart.

What shocked him even more was that the legendary Vicious Beast before him, known for killing anyone in sight and destroying cities, was currently curled up at the youth's side like a frightened little animal.

If not for its massive size and the air warping around it due to high temperatures, one would almost doubt if they had identified it correctly.

"It is my mount now," Su Rui spoke indifferently, his gaze sweeping over the crowd gradually gathering around them.

These words were both an announcement and a warning.

A mount?

Can a Vicious Beast like the Fire Qilin actually be tamed as a mount?

The crowd had originally harbored some lingering hopes, but seeing the two cold and elegant women beside Su Rui and then looking at the submissively crouching behemoth, a fervent light suddenly ignited in many people's eyes.

In the past, that evil beast ravaging the land was naturally worthless; everyone wanted to eliminate it as quickly as possible.

But if it were an obedient, tamed Fire Qilin... the significance would be entirely different.

If presented to the World Association or sent to the Song or Tang courts, even if one couldn't be appointed as a general, they could at least secure a position as a Hall Master or a second-rank official post.

Though the Jianghu was free, who wouldn't want to climb to higher branches and reach the heavens in a single bound?

"Young hero!" A man acting as a leader stepped out from the crowd, cupping his hands. "This beast has caused chaos along the river for years, massacring villages and destroying towns, leaving behind a trail of blood.

It would be better to hand it over to us for disposal, so we can seek justice for the innocent people who died in vain!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of agreement immediately rose from the surroundings.

However, upon listening closely, everyone's rhetoric differed, yet their goal was strikingly consistent—they all wanted Su Rui to hand the Fire Qilin over to them.

Sword Morning was new to the world, but he was no fool.

These people spoke of righteousness while harboring their own hidden agendas; how could he not see through them?

He simply found these people truly laughable.

"You all didn't go to besiege this Vicious Beast before, yet now that it has been subdued, you come running to demand it?"

Sword Morning sheathed his sword and spoke indifferently.

"Where did this kid come from? Is it your place to speak?"

Su Rui narrowed his eyes, looking at the group, and suddenly let out a light chuckle.

"Fine, since you want it, I'll give it to you."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was stunned, not expecting him to agree so readily.

"This expert is indeed reasonable!"

One person cupped his hands in thanks, his eyes greedily glued to the Fire Qilin.

The Fire Qilin shook its massive head in dissatisfaction, sparks puffing from its nostrils.

Su Rui turned slightly to look at it, his eyes flickering.

"These fellows, I'll leave them to you to deal with."

The intent was conveyed, and the Fire Qilin understood immediately.

Sword Morning was startled, his face changing drastically.

The behemoth that had been quietly lying on the ground just a moment ago suddenly stood up, flames rising several yards high around it. Its entire body transformed into a blazing fireball as it charged straight at the crowd.

When had this group ever seen such a terrifying sight? In an instant, more than half were burned to death.

The survivors were Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, turning to flee desperately.

But against the Fire Qilin's speed, fleeing for their lives was merely a futile struggle.

In just a few moments, the Fire Qilin returned spitting embers, the flames over its body slowly receding.

Sword Morning didn't even have time to draw his sword and act.

But he also knew that even if he did, he was no match for that Divine Beast.

At this time, Misty Wind landed on the shore with Yan Ying. Seeing the sea of fire and charred corpses before them, his heart was deeply shaken.

"Mr. Su!"

He cupped his fists to speak but was stopped by Su Rui raising a hand.

"Tell Tyrant that my Disciple might come for a visit in the future. As for the matter of the Heavenly Gate, do not interfere."

Having finished his instructions, Su Rui looked down at the massive Fire Qilin beside him and said indifferently, "Smaller."

The Qilin shook its head with slight reluctance, but its body rapidly shrank, eventually turning into the size of a small dog.

Su Rui grabbed it by the scruff of its neck and carried it casually. He then leapt up, sweeping up Li Hanyi and the other woman, transforming into a Giant Roc that spread its wings and flew into the distance.

Misty Wind looked up at the figure vanishing into the horizon in an instant, speechless for a long time, only letting out a soft sigh.

While Yan Ying stood to the side, her chest heaving, her heart full of stifled frustration.

"He... didn't even glance at me once."

Resentment surged within her; her eyes reddened slightly, and her breathing became erratic.

Her gaze inadvertently swept over Sword Morning, and a hint of interest suddenly rose in her heart.

With her experience, she could tell at a glance that this youth was new to the Jianghu and still had his childish innocence.

Sword Morning withdrew his gaze from the sky, his eyes still filled with shock and admiration.

"I am Sword Morning. Does brother know that Senior from just now?"

He cupped his hands and asked.

"That person is not a guest of this place." Misty Wind paused, his gaze falling on the long sword in the youth's hand. "But this sword... is it the Hero Sword?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Ying's eyes flickered slightly.

The Heavenly Sword, Wuming!

"It was bestowed by my Master," Sword Morning answered truthfully.

"Is Your Excellency's Master Senior Wuming?"

Misty Wind's tone changed slightly.

Wuming, the Martial Forest Myth, was someone even Tyrant was wary of.

It was just that he hadn't appeared for many years, and few in the Jianghu still mentioned that name.

Now he had actually encountered his successor?

"Indeed," Sword Morning said, appearing slightly awkward.

"As expected of someone from the Heavenly Sword's lineage, your bearing is truly extraordinary."

Yan Ying suddenly interjected, a smile on her lips as she stepped forward gracefully.

Sword Morning's face heated up, and he hurriedly waved his hands. "I don't deserve such praise, I don't deserve it."

"The Heavenly Sword Wuming is famous throughout the world; how could his Disciple be mediocre?"

She looked up at Sword Morning, her voice soft and her gaze seemingly teasing him intentionally or unintentionally.

The youth's ears burned under her gaze, and he was at a loss for what to do.

"Truly a greenhorn."

Yan Ying laughed inwardly but wasn't annoyed.

Though she knew this person had a deep background, he was clearly just out of his Master's gate and lacked any Jianghu experience.

Leaving a good impression first would always be useful in the future.

"Mother, we should head back."

Misty Wind, unable to watch any longer, whispered a reminder.

"Very well," Yan Ying replied, then smiled at Sword Morning. "Little brother Sword Morning, if you have time, you are welcome to visit the World Association as a guest. I believe Feng'er will certainly host you well."

"Certainly, certainly!" Sword Morning nodded repeatedly, his eyes not knowing where to look.

It wasn't until he watched the mother and son depart that he breathed a sigh of relief.

"I must hurry back and report to Master."

He turned and walked toward the small town where Wuming lived in seclusion, but that full-figured silhouette kept surfacing in his mind, lingering persistently.

Wushuang City of the Eastern Sea.

"Old man, you can't stop me, and this Wushuang City won't last much longer either!"

Tyrant slowly dissipated the True Qi gathered in his palm, his gaze falling on the figure standing ahead with a sword.

"Tyrant, what exactly is your intention in coming here today?" the Sword Saint asked in a low voice, his brow heavy with solemnity.

This man was gifted with extraordinary talent and should have focused solely on the martial path, yet while leading the colossal World Association, his cultivation had also progressed by leaps and bounds—it was simply incredible.

In contrast, he had spent his whole life trapped by the Way of the Sword, yet he was being chased so hard by this man.

"Our power is roughly equal, but you should know that this city has reached its limit.

Submit to the World Association, and I will allow the Dugu Family to maintain self-governance for generations. How about it?"

Tyrant's voice wasn't loud, yet it carried an irresistible pressure.

"I have no authority to interfere in this matter," the Sword Saint shook his head coldly. "If you want to talk, go find Dugu Yifang."

"Then don't blame me for showing no mercy!" Tyrant's gaze turned cold as he stared fixedly at the other man.

"Perfect, my Sword Twenty-Three is nearing full comprehension.

If you wish to experience it, feel free to bring it on." The Sword Saint's expression was stern, and the long sword in his hand trembled slightly, as if wind and thunder were surging within.

Tyrant's heart jolted.

He knew that the Sword Saint never spoke falsely.

Since he had said this, he must have full confidence.

He could still contend with Sword Twenty-Two, but that legendary Sword Twenty-Three... just how terrifying was it? He didn't dare to imagine, nor did he want to.

With a cold snort, Tyrant turned and left, his figure quickly disappearing into the night.

Conquering Cloud led the crowd waiting outside. Seeing Tyrant return, he immediately bowed.

"Withdraw!"

Spitting out only a single word, Tyrant's face was grim.

Returning empty-handed this time, the frustration in his heart was hard to appease.

Atop the city walls, the Sword Saint sensed the enemy's retreat, and his tense aura finally relaxed.

Tyrant was in his prime, while he was already in his twilight years.

He could clearly feel the fire of his life slowly flickering out.

For a cultivator at the Peak Grandmaster level like him, it was truly a regret that his Lifespan was so short.

But he did not fear death; his only dissatisfaction was that he had yet to glimpse the end of the Way of the Sword.

Thinking of this, a person surfaced in his mind: Wuming.

That genius who had stunned the Jianghu in his youth and whose Sword Intent reached the profound.

Perhaps only he could help him achieve an Epiphany of that peerless sword style in his final moments.

...

Inside the China Pavilion.

After listening to Sword Morning's account, Wuming's face became heavy.

"Disciple, have you seen the person you spoke of?"

"Yes, Master.

He has already left, but before going, he asked Misty Wind to pass on a message."

"What did he say?"

"He said, tell Tyrant not to interfere in the struggle between the Net of Heaven and the Heavenly Gate, otherwise... his Disciple will not stand idly by."

Sword Morning reported truthfully.

Wuming's brow furrowed even tighter.

"His Disciple? In that case, that person truly intends to intervene in this matter..."

For the first time in his life, he felt the situation was spiraling out of control.

In the past, when the Jianghu was about to fall into chaos, he could always calm the waves when they first arose, relying on his cultivation and half a lifetime of prestige.

But this time, whether it was the mysterious and unfathomable Heavenly Gate, the blood-stained Net of Heaven in the hands of the Great Qin Emperor, or the suddenly rising powerhouse from Northern Li, all of them were beyond his control.

Although there had long been rumors of the Heavenly Gate, it had always remained hidden in the shadows, acting strangely with very little known about it.