After his nighttime conversation with Ning Qi, Daoist Longshan no longer harbored his previous worries. He understood Ning Qi's temperament well - if Ning Qi said he had things under control, then he certainly had a solution prepared.
Daoist Longshan gradually regained his composure.
He even began looking forward to how his youngest disciple would respond if the Thunderblade Master truly came.
This naturally affected the other Zhenwu Sect disciples.
Seeing Daoist Longshan so composed, the others secretly grew excited, assuming he must have received Heavenly Sword True Immortal's approval.
However, under Luo Wentian's supervision, the Zhenwu disciples didn't boast or spread the news arrogantly.
Luo Wentian understood clearly.
At such a critical moment, it was better to remain low-key and humble to avoid becoming a target of jealousy.
He had originally planned to select some outstanding disciples to send to the Zhenxuan Sect recently, but with this situation developing, he had to postpone those plans.
Time passed slowly.
The atmosphere in the martial world grew increasingly tense day by day.
Countless eyes watched eagerly, with many already arriving in Qingzhou and even Zhenwu City from nearby areas.
A significant portion believed it was only a matter of time before the Thunderblade Master, swept up by the prevailing momentum, would come to issue his challenge. They wanted to secure good viewing spots early.
In this atmosphere, the Zhenwu disciples also grew somewhat nervous.
But contrary to expectations, the first to ascend Zhenwu Mountain wasn't the Thunderblade Master.
Instead, it was an unexpected guest.
"Greetings to the Northern Suppression King." Daoist Longshan led the disciples in formal greetings.
He observed the imposing middle-aged man and the young boy beside him, his mind filled with speculation. He couldn't understand why the Northern Suppression King would suddenly bring his young son here. With the recent update of the Heaven-Man List, the Northern Suppression King was also a focus of attention, having risen from ninth to seventh place.
His concrete achievements had amazed everyone, beating the Northern Barbarians into submission.
Logically, the Northern Suppression King and Zhenwu Mountain had almost no connection, their only previous encounter being during the Demonic Sect's Heaven-Man's attack on Zhenwu Mountain.
The Northern Suppression King smiled:
"No need for such formality, True Master."
His attitude was quite amiable.
Beside him, Li Ling bowed respectfully to Daoist Longshan:
"Li Ling pays respects to the True Master. I've come specially to visit and must apologize for the disturbance."
Seeing this, the Northern Suppression King shook his head inwardly with amusement.
His youngest son was always polite and respectful to others, but with him, the boy was quite mischievous.
Daoist Longshan welcomed them both inside with a smile.
Before he could speak,
The Northern Suppression King stated his purpose first:
"We've come simply to let Ling'er witness the Heavenly Sword True Immortal's magnificence. Nothing more."
He spoke frankly. Despite his imposing majesty, he seemed quite approachable, without any air of superiority.
Daoist Longshan suddenly understood.
He had suspected as much.
Now it was confirmed.
He knew what the Northern Suppression King referred to. The matter between the Thunderblade Master and Heavenly Sword True Immortal had become widely discussed. Clearly, the Northern Suppression King was certain the Thunderblade Master would come, hence bringing his son.
But it was obvious this was likely at Li Ling's insistence. Otherwise, with the Northern Suppression King's strength, he wouldn't have such strong interest in a battle between two lower-ranked Heaven-Man List members to travel all the way to Qingzhou.
If it were a decisive battle between the Blade Demon and Daychaser Sword King, that would be different.
Daoist Longshan naturally wouldn't refuse such a small request. When the Northern Suppression King had intervened before, though primarily to save his own son, he had indirectly saved Zhenwu Mountain. Clear about gratitude and grudges, Daoist Longshan felt thankful toward the Northern Suppression King.
"Your Highness is too polite. You're welcome to stay at Zhenwu Mountain. However, this matter remains uncertain - I don't even know if Senior Heavenly Sword is on the mountain."
Daoist Longshan could only smile wryly.
Though grateful for the Northern Suppression King's previous help, he couldn't casually reveal all his cards.
The Northern Suppression King waved his hand lightly:
"No matter. If the Thunderblade Master doesn't come, we'll treat it as a relaxing trip. Ling'er quite likes your Zhenwu Mountain."
His eyes held certainty.
Having witnessed Heavenly Sword True Immortal's prowess last time, just from observing his sword intent, he suspected this Heavenly Sword True Immortal wasn't the wandering type - he was almost certainly still secluded on Zhenwu Mountain. What surprised him was that despite careful sensing, he couldn't detect any trace of Heavenly Sword True Immortal's presence.
Seeing Li Ling's visible delight, the Northern Suppression King felt helpless.
After bringing Li Ling back to the residence last time,
He had invited another swordsman ranked twenty-first on the Heaven-Man List, Luofu Sword Master, intending him to be Li Ling's teacher.
Logically, this Luofu Sword Master was stronger than Heavenly Sword True Immortal, but his swordsmanship failed to impress Li Ling. The boy even privately told him it "wasn't cool enough." After witnessing that heavenly sword soaring through the sky, Li Ling seemed enchanted, interested only in Heavenly Sword True Immortal's swordsmanship.
Reluctantly, the Northern Suppression King had to send Luofu Sword Master away.
This time, when the Heaven-Man List was updated and he advanced two positions, Li Ling remained unmoved. But seeing Heavenly Sword True Immortal make the list excited him immensely. Learning about the intensifying sword-blade rivalry, he begged the Northern Suppression King to take him to Zhenwu Mountain to watch.
With the Northern Barbarians quiet recently, the Northern Suppression King agreed, leading to this visit to Zhenwu Mountain.
Now,
Li Ling's face showed absolute certainty:
"I believe Heavenly Sword True Immortal will definitely defeat that so-called Thunderblade Master!"
The Zhenwu disciples all smiled, their favorable impression of Li Ling increasing. They recognized the boy as a devoted admirer of Heavenly Sword True Immortal.
At the same time, they marveled inwardly at how much the Northern Suppression King doted on his youngest son.
The Northern Suppression King shook his head with a smile and chatted casually with Daoist Longshan.
Li Ling sat beside Ning Qi. Of everyone on Zhenwu Mountain, he was most familiar with Ning Qi, having enjoyed talking with him during his last visit. Now, however, Ning Qi had Zhuang Chen with him.
"This is my tenth junior brother, Zhuang Chen," Ning Qi introduced.
Li Ling initially smiled politely.
But soon,
He and Zhuang Chen were chatting animatedly in low voices. Both shared the same passion for swordsmanship. After just a few words, they recognized kindred spirits, feeling like they should have met sooner, leaving Ning Qi somewhat ignored.
Ning Qi simply shook his head with a smile.
He didn't mind. Since the Northern Suppression King and Li Ling's arrival, he'd been observing the Northern Suppression King closely.
His current strength had improved dramatically since first meeting the Northern Suppression King.
Back then, he needed False Core power to suppress Elder Wang.
Now, he could do so effortlessly.
From his perception, the Northern Suppression King's aura was restrained yet profound, undoubtedly the strongest he'd encountered so far.
"However... not as invincible as I previously imagined. After taking a few more Blood Jade Pills, when my Jade Liquid Sea advances further, I should be able to match him," Ning Qi speculated inwardly.
He withdrew his gaze and listened to the conversations.
The Northern Suppression King wasn't arrogant, even voluntarily sharing some Northern Barbarian secrets that broadened everyone's horizons.
Daoist Longshan didn't mind the Northern Suppression King's visit.
In a way, this was good karma. Establishing ties with the Northern Suppression King could further stabilize the Zhenwu Sect.
The Northern Suppression King and Li Ling settled on Zhenwu Mountain.
After the first day's arrival, the Northern Suppression King rarely appeared, while Li Ling ran around Zhenwu Mountain with Zhuang Chen. Li Ling also befriended Yuan Tiansheng, and the two boys plus the white ape caused quite a ruckus on the mountain. Li Ling grew increasingly fond of Zhenwu Mountain, finding it much more enjoyable than his princely residence.
At the Northern Suppression King's residence, though highly respected, he lacked playmates his age. The Northern Suppression King spent most time guarding against Northern Barbarians, with little time for him.
But on Zhenwu Mountain, the mischievous chubby Zhuang Chen treated him without regard for his noble status, joining the white ape in occasional pranks that left him disheveled.
Ning Qi observed this.
Initially concerned the Northern Suppression King might secretly search for Heavenly Sword True Immortal, he relaxed upon finding the king stayed quietly in guest quarters. His opinion of the Northern Suppression King improved.
Ning Qi continued cultivating calmly. The Thunderblade Master matter didn't trouble him or disrupt his mindset.
...
Time passed slowly.
The sword-blade rivalry in the martial world reached a critical point.
Many sensed the situation verging on loss of control, with increasing calls for the Thunderblade Master to act. Finally, one day, someone saw a senior blade master visit Thunderblade Villa.
The next day,
A challenge was issued.
In half a month,
Heavenly Sword True Immortal was invited to battle at Zhenwu Mountain.
Respectfully from the Thunderblade Master.
Instantly,
The martial world's excitement reached unprecedented heights.
Blademasters and swordsmen alike were electrified. Though long anticipated, when the Thunderblade Master's challenge truly reached Zhenwu Mountain, excitement became irresistible.
Countless people waited eagerly, with many already placing bets.
Zhenwu City again became a storm center.
Battles between Heaven-Man List experts were rare, especially one symbolizing the sword-blade rivalry. The winner's side would dominate for years, while the loser would have to stay low.
Then rumors spread:
"Blademasters are being unsportsmanlike - someone gave Thunderblade Master a peerless blade. This isn't fair."
Swordsmen were indignant.
Blademasters retorted:
"If dissatisfied, find Heavenly Sword True Immortal a divine sword too. We won't complain. For martial artists, weapons are part of strength."
The swordsmen were silenced.
They could only hope some senior swordsman would be equally generous.
Indeed,
Someone did ascend Zhenwu Mountain - Li Ling's acquaintance, Luofu Sword Master.
Seeing the somewhat arrogant-looking Luofu Sword Master in the distance, Li Ling quietly complained to Ning Qi:
"I don't like him. He talks like he's already the world's greatest swordsman."
The Northern Suppression King had invited Luofu Sword Master to tutor Li Ling, but the boy wasn't interested.
Ning Qi smiled faintly.
From the Heaven-Man List descriptions, Luofu Sword Master was relatively young - under 250 years old, still in his prime compared to the Heaven-Man Realm's 800-year lifespan. His swordsmanship was advanced with great potential.
Luofu Sword Master stood with hands behind his back, addressing Daoist Longshan:
"True Master Longshan, please summon Heavenly Sword True Immortal."
His tone carried an air of entitlement.
Daoist Longshan responded evenly:
"My apologies, but Senior Heavenly Sword prefers seclusion. If he chooses not to appear, I cannot compel him."
Luofu Sword Master frowned:
"Does he plan to avoid showing up when Thunderblade Master comes to challenge him too?"
Daoist Longshan smiled:
"Senior Heavenly Sword has his own considerations."
Luofu Sword Master studied Daoist Longshan deeply, remained silent for several breaths, then said calmly:
"You must know someone gave Thunderblade Master a powerful blade. Wielding it, he might defeat Heavenly Sword True Immortal. I've come to lend my sword."
He pointed, and a sword flew from his back, hovering midair with clear ringing, its edge gleaming coldly - clearly an excellent blade.
"This is Luofu, comparable to that Thunderblade. If Heavenly Sword True Immortal agrees to one condition, I'll lend it temporarily."
Daoist Longshan hesitated.
Luofu Sword Master meant well, but his manner was somewhat off-putting, carrying a condescending air. Perhaps due to his twenty-first ranking, he assumed he could easily defeat Heavenly Sword True Immortal. His loan might stem from not wanting a fellow swordsman to lose to a blademaster.
As Daoist Longshan wavered,
Ning Qi's voice transmission reached him. Regaining composure, he clasped hands:
"Thank you for your kindness, but I truly cannot make Senior Heavenly Sword appear."
Luofu Sword Master's gaze sharpened:
"If Heavenly Sword True Immortal loses because of this, he'll bear responsibility before all swordsmen."
Daoist Longshan frowned:
"That's too severe. Victory or defeat concerns only the participants."
Before Luofu Sword Master could respond, Li Ling stepped forward angrily:
"Why insist, Senior Luofu? If Senior Heavenly Sword doesn't need your sword, why force it?"
Seeing Li Ling, Luofu Sword Master started:
"Young Prince?"
His expression darkened, recalling unpleasant memories. The Northern Suppression King had promised him a swordsmanship treasure to tutor Li Ling. Confident initially, he was shocked when Li Ling showed no interest.
A figure approached:
"Luofu, let it be. Just a challenge - no need for such concern over victory or defeat."
The Northern Suppression King had arrived unnoticed.
Luofu Sword Master was further surprised, unable to fathom Zhenwu Mountain and Heavenly Sword True Immortal's connections.
After a silent pause, he bowed to the Northern Suppression King and departed.
Only his parting words carried on the breeze:
"I only hope Heavenly Sword True Immortal is truly confident. Otherwise, this attitude will invite ridicule."
The Zhenwu disciples looked angry.
Ning Qi remained calm.
With or without a sword made little difference to him.
...
The appointed time approached.
The day of Thunderblade Master's challenge drew nearer.
A rumor spread in the martial world: Heaven-Man List's twenty-first ranked Luofu Sword Master visited Zhenwu Mountain to lend his sword to Heavenly Sword True Immortal, but was refused.
This left people uncertain how to judge Heavenly Sword True Immortal.
Was he excessively reclusive or overly confident?
One thing was clear:
If he lost for this reason, his reputation would suffer greatly.
In Zhenwu City, Luofu Sword Master hugged his sword with a cold smile.
Powerful figures gathered in Zhenwu City. The Zhenwu Sect's elite disciples worked hard to maintain order with regular disciples. Unlike Daoist Longshan's Heaven-Man Ceremony which attracted mostly sub-Heaven-Man experts,
This time, numerous Heaven-Man experts came.
The pressure was immense.
Fortunately,
This period didn't last long.
Half a month passed in a flash.
All eyes converged.
At an inn,
The Southern Alliance Saintess wore black veils, her aura ethereal. Beside her, Granny Snake's two unusual serpents were hidden, making her appear an ordinary old woman.
"Grandmother, do you think Heavenly Sword True Immortal will appear?" The Saintess sipped tea, gaze distant.
Granny Snake chuckled:
"If not, Zhenwu Sect's outcome today won't be good. Neither swordsmen nor blademasters will let them off."
"It's about time. Let's watch the show."
The Saintess stepped lightly. Nearby martial artists instinctively felt awe, an inexplicable reverence making them keep their distance. The pair headed toward the city outskirts.
Around Zhenwu Mountain, countless eager eyes gathered.
The atmosphere was feverish.
Especially among swordsmen and blademasters - many experts had come, including several from the Heaven-Man List and even more not listed, most hoping to observe and learn.
Most spectators were sub-Heaven-Man martial artists.
Time passed slowly.
The crowd grew restless.
Then,
Purple light tore through the sky, carrying a faint violent aura.
Someone exclaimed excitedly:
"Thunderblade Master is here!"
Countless fiery gazes followed as the purple light halted before Zhenwu Mountain, revealing its source.
A purple-robed elder stood tall and powerful, his eyes sharp. The treasured blade on his back pulsed with strange power - even sheathed, it made some shiver involuntarily.
"Thunderblade Master, formerly thirty-sixth on the Heaven-Man List, once fought evenly with Flood Dragon Lord at Hundred Rivers Lake, defeated several near-Heaven-Man List experts. His blademastery shakes heaven and earth, combined with thunder techniques making him peerlessly fierce."
"Rumor says he recently received Thunderblade from a senior, perfectly matching his path. He might truly reclaim his Heaven-Man List position!"
Whispers spread Thunderblade Master's background.
Sensing his surroundings, Thunderblade Master detected several auras matching or surpassing his own.
He sighed inwardly.
Originally reluctant, the Thunderblade's temptation proved too great.
Still,
He remained confident.
Being displaced from the Heaven-Man List simply resulted from Heavenly Sword True Immortal's two notable victories. Having rarely fought recently, his strength had grown further. Now with Thunderblade's aid, defeating Heavenly Sword True Immortal seemed achievable.
The only cost would be offending a Heaven-Man List expert, but post-victory, his prestige would soar, earning goodwill from many blademasters.
Overall, benefits outweighed drawbacks.
With this thought,
Thunderblade Master stepped forward.
Hovering before Zhenwu Mountain, his voice boomed like thunder, scattering clouds:
"Heavenly Sword True Immortal, come forth and fight!"
On Zhenwu Mountain,
Except for disciples maintaining order in Zhenwu City, all others gathered at the mountain gate, including Ning Qi. He didn't stand with Li Ling - though confident in his Formless Qi Body, it was better not to attract the Northern Suppression King's attention.
Now,
All eyes were on Thunderblade Master in the sky, his formidable aura undeniable. Though not directly pressuring Zhenwu disciples, everyone felt suppressed.
Daoist Longshan watched calmly.
As Thunderblade Master spoke, tension gripped all hearts.
Eyes instinctively turned toward the back mountain.
Li Ling craned his neck, whispering to the Northern Suppression King:
"Father, do you think Senior Heavenly Sword won't come?"
The Northern Suppression King's eyes showed strange light:
"He will act."
His surprise grew. These past days, though not deliberately searching, as a seventh-ranked Heaven-Man List expert, he'd sensed nothing unusual. Yet now, faint energy emerged from the back mountain.
He realized this Heavenly Sword True Immortal was truly extraordinary.
"Ling'er, your judgment is good."
Li Ling blinked confusedly, then suddenly widened his eyes in joy.
Peerless sharpness abruptly rose from the back mountain, instantly transforming into a heavenly sword that shot skyward, drawing gasps. All experts focused solemnly on the overwhelming sword intent radiating from it.
"Grandmother, what do you think?" The Saintess's eyes flickered slightly.
Granny Snake shook her head:
"Only pure sword intent for now - none of that previous poisonous energy. We'll see when Heavenly Sword True Immortal appears."
Then her expression turned odd:
"Is Heavenly Sword True Immortal planning to imitate before - defeating Thunderblade Master with one heavenly sword strike? Isn't that underestimating this blademaster?"
Many shared similar thoughts, finding Heavenly Sword True Immortal overconfident.
Thunderblade Master's hair fluttered as he watched the approaching heavenly sword. Enraged, he laughed coldly:
"Underestimating me? Fine! Let me see if your reputation holds up!"
His blade trembled slightly, still sheathed, yet violent blade intent spread.
Purple lightning seemed to flash around Thunderblade Master as he pointed, instantly condensing a hundred-zhang thunder blade energy. Its ferocious momentum shook watching blademasters. The thunder blade's domineering aura slashed toward the heavenly sword.
Under countless watchful eyes, thunder blade and heavenly sword collided with earth-shaking force.
BOOM!
Shockwaves rippled outward as sword and blade energies formed a roaring storm between heaven and earth. The clash between two supreme Heaven-Man experts was spectacular.
Luofu Sword Master, holding his sword, narrowed his eyes:
"Thunderblade Master is stronger than expected. But Heavenly Sword True Immortal isn't simple either."
Their first exchange impressed him.
Though still below his level, both displayed solid Heaven-Man List strength. He realized Thunderblade Master had progressed over the years without showing it.
Qingniu Blade Master also looked uncertain, sensing their strength matched his own.
He'd considered going to Zhenwu Mountain but refrained due to being a blademaster, choosing to watch from below instead. Daoist Longshan was his friend across generations, but he also had blademaster comrades.
Countless martial artists held their breath.
Just this first brief clash showed this would be an epic battle between equals, promising a visual feast.
Thunderblade Master's gaze was blade-sharp and cold.
If Heavenly Sword True Immortal didn't appear soon, he might resort to forcing him out. Fighting empty air felt insulting.
On Zhenwu Mountain,
Ning Qi inwardly shook his head.
Originally hoping to repel Thunderblade Master without revealing Formless Qi Body, he now saw Thunderblade Master exceeded expectations.
To win, he needed decisive victory to prevent future troubles.
His decision was made.
Instantly,
Under countless gazes, a figure soared from Zhenwu Mountain's back peak.
Heavenly Sword True Immortal appeared before the world for the first time.