Chapter 1080 - 290: Twin Swords Dance Before the Bone Array, Hearts Linked atop Kunlun

The two stepped into the cave and found countless luminous pearls embedded in the cave walls, lighting up the interior as bright as day. In the center of the cave, an old manuscript sat on a stone platform, with the striking characters "Kunlun Secret Manual" engraved on its cover.

Shi Feiyang was about to step forward to pick up the manuscript when suddenly the protective formation inside the cave was triggered, causing numerous ice spikes to surge from the ground. Xue Li quickly wielded her jade sword to fend off the ice spikes’ attack and warned, "Be careful, this is a protective formation!"

Shi Feiyang activated the Bright Jade Technique, surrounding himself with a jade-colored shield, and dashed toward the stone platform. Just as he was about to touch the manuscript, the formation suddenly radiated brightly, and a phantom of the Kunlun Divine Beast, condensed from energy, appeared and lunged at them with sharp claws.

Xue Li and Shi Feiyang exchanged glances, synchronously performing the "Kunlun Heart Inquiry Technique." Sword lights and saber shadows intertwined, engaging the divine beast’s phantom in a fierce duel. Amidst the intense encounter, the Jade Void Map emitted a dazzling light once more, resonating with the runes within the divine beast’s phantom.

Shi Feiyang noticed that each time the Jade Void Map’s light flickered, the divine beast’s offensive would slow down.

He immediately communicated this observation to Xue Li, and the two adjusted their attack rhythm, leveraging the power of the Jade Void Map, ultimately overcoming the divine beast’s phantom and successfully claiming the "Kunlun Secret Manual."

Upon opening the manuscript, it detailed the origins of the Kunlun Sect, lost martial arts, and an ancient heart-stirring secret — in ancient times, the Kunlun Spiritual Vein not only fostered great strength but also sealed an Ancient Demon God who attempted to destroy the world.

In the past, the elders of the Kunlun Sect allied with numerous Martial Arts factions in the Central Plains Region, sacrificing countless heroes, successfully sealing the Demon God. The Jade Void Map was precisely the key to the seal. Unraveling the secrets of the Jade Void Map brought a fundamental transformation to Shi Feiyang and Xue Li’s destiny. The "Kunlun Heart Inquiry Technique" within the Jade Void Map allowed Shi Feiyang and Xue Li’s martial arts cultivation to achieve a qualitative leap.

Shi Feiyang, already skilled in numerous ultimate techniques, found that the "Kunlun Heart Inquiry Technique" blended seamlessly with his Bright Jade Technique, Hundred Victories Saber Technique, Divine Dragon Claw, and Tathagata Divine Palm, making his saber techniques more varied and deep, and the circulation of True Qi flowed more smoothly and naturally.

In the intense battles with enemies, his explosive strength and stamina far exceeded those of the past.

Xue Li, after mastering the long-lost advanced sword techniques of the Kunlun Sect, swung her jade sword with sword qi crisscrossing; her moves combined the robust strength of the Kunlun Sect and her own agility and charisma. Her swordsmanship reached unprecedented heights, propelling her into the ranks of top masters.

Having grasped the secret of the Ancient Demon God seal contained within the Jade Void Map, Shi Feiyang and Xue Li deeply felt the weighty responsibility on their shoulders.

This was no longer a mere simple Martial Arts conflict; it was a sacred mission concerning the safety and well-being of the entire world’s populace.

Shi Feiyang, already possessing a heart full of justice, now even more resolutely affirmed his belief to guard Jianghu and entirely seal the Demon God. His mindset became increasingly composed, showing more poise and responsibility in the face of adversity.

Xue Li evolved from a Jianghu woman persistent in seeking the Jade Void Map to an aspiring heroine with a heart for the world. She realized the profound connection between personal destiny and Jianghu and the well-being of the populace, becoming stronger and more mature within.

Their feat of successfully repelling the White Bone Sect and gravely injuring the Demon God quickly spread as a stirring tale across Jianghu.

The Heroic Sakura Association’s prestige increased due to Shi Feiyang’s heroic deeds, becoming an entity feared and respected by various major martial arts factions in Jianghu. Shi Feiyang, as the Grand Squad Leader of the Heroic Sakura Association, further expanded his influence across Jianghu.

Xue Li, owing to her excellent martial arts skills and courage, gained recognition and respect from the Kunlun Sect and other martial arts factions, hence transforming her tragic fate as a discarded disciple of the Kunlun Sect. Numerous Jianghu people flocked to her, hoping to form friendships.

Led by Second Senior Brother Bai Mingzi, the Kunlun Sect disciples knelt on the ground, imploring Xue Li to assume the position of Sect Leader.

Faced with such a request, Xue Li fell into an inner conflict and struggle.

Should she accept the Sect Leader position, it would mean she must forgo the secular life and bid farewell to her beloved Shi Feiyang.

The deep emotional bond between husband and wife was hard to sever; how should she choose? If she declined, the hundreds of Kunlun disciples’ kneeling would be endless.

The morning mist atop Kunlun Peak had yet to completely dissipate, with three hundred Kunlun disciples already forming a kneeling line like a dragon, extending to the Sunrise Observation Platform.

Before Bai Mingzi, the bluestone slab had tears staining deep marks on it. Though his voice carried a crying tone, it was nonetheless firm and strong: "Junior Sister! Since Master ascended to immortality, the Kunlun Sect has been headless, and the White Bone Sect covets us. Only you can revive our sect!"

Xue Li’s fingertips deeply embedded into her palm as the chill of the dark iron ring transmitted through her skin.

Shi Feiyang stood not far off, with the cold glint of the Celestial Frost Blade illuminating his furrowed brows.

Last night, they were still nestled by the campfire, and he promised to take her to Jiangnan to admire the misty rain of March. Yet now, they were separated by an entire courtyard of kneeling Jianghu people, as though divided by the boundary of life and death.

"Feiyang..." Xue Li staggered forward half a step, only to see the Elders suddenly bow their heads.

Leading them was Daoist Cangsong, his white hair fluttering in the wind: "The position of Sect Leader has been vacant for three years, the lives of the Kunlun Seventy-Two Peaks disciples and the safety of countless Jianghu people all hinge on your choice!" He knocked his head heavily, leaving a bloodstain on his forehead.

Shi Feiyang suddenly spoke, his voice low, as if arising from deep within his chest, "Xue Li, look at this sea of clouds." He raised his hand, pointing to the rolling clouds on the horizon, and then let his gaze sweep over the kneeling crowd, "Now Kunlun needs you, just as Jianghu needs someone to eliminate the Demon God."