Chapter 1022 - 532: Sword Master’s Hope

Chapter 1022: Chapter 532: Sword Master’s Hope

In former days, the Profound Celestial Sword Sect stood in splendor atop the pinnacle of Central State; wherever its Sword Aura pointed, none could stand before it. All disciples of the Sect revered the path of the Sword Cultivator, their Swordsmanship peerlessly transcendent, their slaughtering intent incomparably severe. Yet now, this Sword Dao Sacred Land has fallen into an unprecedented predicament.

Qinghong Daoist Monarch, a generation’s grandmaster of the Sword Dao, his Cultivation unfathomably deep, was the mainstay of the Sect. Now it has been confirmed that he has fallen, casting the entire Sect in a shroud of grief and unease. Another pillar of the Sect, the Sect Master, has yet to return, with no word or news; all signs indicate that the Sect Master is likely in dire peril, with little hope of survival.

On top of that, Sword Master Feng, likewise a figure of paramount importance within the Sect, was grievously wounded in the great war with the Netherworld Sect a hundred years ago. Though he has undergone over a century of recuperation, his injuries have still not fully healed; his strength has suffered a heavy blow, and he can no longer hold the line alone as in years past. This is, without doubt, yet another major blow to the strength of the Profound Celestial Sword Sect.

The Profound Celestial Sword Sect, which honors Sword Cultivators and acts with decisive ferocity, has made many enemies. Those powers once defeated beneath its sword now see that the Sect’s two great pillars are either fallen or wounded, its strength greatly diminished, and one after another they begin to stir restlessly, colluding in secret, seeking to exploit the weakness and seize the Profound Celestial Sword Sect’s Cultivation Resources. Moreover, with the Demon Race pressing at the borders, and many forces from the Northern Domain and Outer Realm taking the opportunity to invade, the currents within and without the Sect run dark and treacherous, crises lurking on every side.

On top of this, Spiritual Qi is in decline, and the End of the Dharma Era is about to descend. The younger disciples within the Sect find their Cultivation slowing, the struggle for resources growing ever more intense. Hearts begin to waver; even disciples once steadfastly loyal to the Sect, when faced with the pressure of survival and the lure of temptation, cannot help but grow shaken. Some few have even chosen to leave, seeking a more stable environment for Cultivation.

Confronted with these layers of tribulation, Li Mu’s brows knit tightly, and his heart grew inexplicably heavy.

The Profound Celestial Sword Sect had not treated him poorly. If this great tree were to fall, he would likely become a wanderer, facing all manner of crises and unknown dangers. If it can be avoided, Li Mu is absolutely unwilling to leave the Profound Celestial Sword Sect; he only wishes to find a stable environment and quietly till his own fields.

"Elder Yan, the Sect is now in a season of endless troubles. After my return, I shall naturally exert myself to the utmost to relieve the Sect of its difficulties." Li Mu pondered for a long time, then signaled to Yan Yuchun as he spoke.

At these words, Yan Yuchun’s face blossomed into a smile, a warm current surging up in his heart. Li Mu’s abilities were plain for all to see; if he were willing to act with full strength, the Sect would be filled with hope: "Elder Li, with these words from you, the entire Sect now has a backbone."

"Indeed, Elder Yan’s words are not false!"

Yan Yuchun’s voice had scarcely fallen, and Li Mu was just about to part his lips to continue, when a sudden sonorous voice, as gentle as spring wind and sweet rain yet not lacking in majesty, interrupted their conversation.

Following the sound, they saw Sword Master Feng leading Qiu Yuanhong, Xiao Shuang, Ning Cheng, and other high-ranking members of the Sect, their figures like lightning, arriving before Li Mu in an instant. Joy and anticipation that could not be concealed shone upon their faces.

Li Mu had long anticipated this; he hastily cupped his hands in salute, his voice carrying a few degrees of sincerity and humility: "Greetings, Sword Master and honored Elders. Li Mu has returned, and is grateful for your concern."

"Hahaha, Elder Li, you overstate matters. Your safe return is the greatest blessing our Sect could receive!" Sword Master Feng’s laughter was hearty and warm. He strode forward, placing both hands lightly upon Li Mu’s shoulders. In that strength was both the care of a senior for a junior and his heartfelt appreciation for Li Mu’s return.

In that last battle with the Netherworld Sect Master, Gao Hong, had it not—had it not been for Li Mu stepping forward, Sword Master Feng would hardly have survived, even if he did not die outright. This favor is one he has always held close in his heart.

In that battle, Li Mu alone turned the tide, using Cultivation at the Mid-Stage Void Refining to withstand Gao Hong, who stood a full Great Realm above him, displaying extraordinary attainment in Swordsmanship and revealing an unfathomable depth of strength.

Recalling that soul-stirring clash, Li Mu, with the bearing of one at Mid-Stage Void Refining, forcefully confronted Gao Hong, who surpassed him by a entire Great Realm. The subtlety of his Swordsmanship and the profundity of his strength left all who witnessed it in awe.

Now, the Late-Stage Void Refining aura coursing around Li Mu’s body had grown ever more dense, his foundation as solid as a mountain. The fabled Integration Realm seemed but a single step away. Sword Master Feng, probing his depths at close range, found his eyes filled with gratification and expectation. Inwardly he praised: "As expected, he has hidden much of his Cultivation yet again—already at the Peak of Void Refining? With such a youth in my Profound Celestial Sword Sect, how could we fear to decline!"

Li Mu cultivates an Ancient Technique, cultivating both Five Elements and Yin Yang, and walks the path of the Chaos Dao. Now he is but a step away from Promotion to Integration; even if he can never ascend that final step in the future, his battle power alone will be enough to look down upon all heroes, sweeping his peers, and even battling those of higher Tier will not be a difficult matter.

Moreover, his talents in every respect are exceedingly rare. His Artifact Refining Skill has reached a state of consummate mastery; he can Refine Dao Artifacts imbued with Heaven and Earth Dao Principle, granting them unique Spiritual Energy and abilities, allowing them to display effects in battle beyond imagination. His attainment in Array is even more astonishing—whether for defense, offense, or trapping the enemy, he can deploy them at will, arranging exquisite Arrays that plunge his foes into endless predicaments.

As for the Dao of Sword Array, it is even more so Li Mu’s strongest suit. Previously, when he unleashed the Profound Celestial Sword Array, though it was aided by Dao Artifacts, its might was such that even an Integration Powerhouse could not withstand it.

If Li Mu is allowed to advance by one more Great Realm and achieve Integration, for the Sect in its present tempest-tossed state, he would undoubtedly become a trump-card existence.

Sword Master Feng understands Li Mu’s value all too well. He is not only a Cultivator of profound strength and boundless potential, but also a genius of limitless possibilities.