Chapter 484: Chapter 482: Thank You, Your Highness, for Your Mercy

Wu Long’s eyes flashed with confusion, but the next moment he immediately came to his senses and roared angrily, "Are you looking down on me?"

He was a True Lord!

Two True Lords sparring, and yet you say there won’t be much commotion—what does that mean?

Ning Wuyang stood beside him, head lowered, silent, secretly pitying Wu Long.

Of all people, you had to challenge Xu Yang.

Isn’t that just asking for humiliation?

"I never said that!"

Xu Yang shrugged and said, "Shall we duel? If you wish, then let’s do it here."

"If not, then please leave."

Wu Long’s expression shifted repeatedly, his gaze drifting to Ning Wuyang. Recalling Ning Wuyang’s words earlier, though his anger grew fiercer, he became extremely cautious.

This fellow cannot be underestimated!

"Fine. I hope you’re not just an empty silver spear, all talk and no substance!"

Wu Long’s words were cutting.

The instant his words fell, he vanished from the spot like a ghost.

No ripple nor wave, wind calm and clouds serene!

Yet, as a streak of sword light flashed forth, it burst like thunder roaring.

Still as a maiden, swift as a fleeing hare!

The sword light drifted, fierce and ethereal, its chill piercing the whole manor above!

On his sword, a two-foot-long sword-shaped spiritual mark shimmered, surging and turbulent, bringing the might of this attack to its zenith.

From the start, Wu Long gave it his all, holding nothing back!

This sword—no exaggeration—was his strongest strike!

Even Ning Wuyang wouldn’t dare claim he could easily withstand it.

But he wasn’t at all worried about Xu Yang’s strength!

This guy was always monstrously talented, and now, after staying so long at the Battle King’s clan, it was obvious!

Xu Yang’s face didn’t change; he stood utterly still.

When the sword neared within three feet of him, Xu Yang lifted his palm casually and lightly slapped downward.

Within his palm, over three feet of spiritual mark flickered in and out of view.

"Three feet of spiritual mark?"

Wu Long couldn’t help but cry out in shock.

At the True Lord level, if you can’t sense one’s depth directly, you can still roughly gauge their strength by the spiritual mark.

Bam!

Accompanied by a crisp crack.

The sword light shattered, the ancient blade wailed!

Wu Long’s wrist snapped with a harsh ’crack,’ and he let out a muffled groan, staggering back, barely stopping after retreating over a dozen steps.

His lips trembled, forcing down the blood rising in his throat; his sword hand shook as if threshing, his face ghastly pale as he looked at Xu Yang, eyes wide in terror and disbelief!

Far too strong!

Xu Yang, from beginning to end, had only moved his palm.

His stance had not shifted an inch!

Wu Long’s face was stricken.

He knew his opponent had shown mercy!

"I have lost."

Wu Long spat out the words, his face ashen, turning away to leave.

Ning Wuyang sighed helplessly. First suppressed by him, then defeated by Xu Yang in such manner—it was an enormous blow to anyone.

Wu Long wasn’t a bad person.

He truly feared Wu Long might take it to heart and lose his way.

Xu Yang saw Ning Wuyang’s worry at a glance, smiled, and said, "Don’t worry. As a sword cultivator, if he can’t get past this hurdle, he’ll only crash even harder in the future."

Those words made sense!

"Well said!"

A hearty laugh rang out from nowhere.

Xu Yang and Ning Wuyang looked up in unison.

But saw no figure anywhere.

Xu Yang mused, just as expected.

Wu Long’s challenge—it was truly at someone’s direction!

This voice, unmistakably, belonged to Qingxu, Ten Thousand Swords Island’s grand elder.

"Grand Elder." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Ning Wuyang greeted respectfully.

"Mr. Xu, please!"

Qingxu’s voice echoed again. Though he never appeared, a sword light suddenly manifested in mid-air.

Xu Yang’s eyes flickered; then, nodding slightly to Ning Wuyang, he soared up toward the sword light.

Upon touching the sword light, a mysterious humming sounded; the sword light shimmered and whisked Xu Yang away, vanishing without a trace.

Ning Wuyang stared at the spot where Xu Yang disappeared, mumbling to himself, "I hope all goes smoothly."

As for that token, he could do nothing!

Everything depended on Qingxu’s decision.

...

On a mountain platform, the gentle wind stirring; at its edge, a thousand-foot precipice, offering an unobstructed view of the azure ocean beyond the island.

Qingxu sat cross-legged; Xu Yang gazed absentmindedly at the distant sea, where a few spirit ships could still be made out sailing.

To cultivate in such a place, one’s state of mind would certainly improve... Xu Yang silently admired the environment.

"Mr. Xu, you must know about the token I possess," Qingxu finally spoke.

Xu Yang returned to himself, nodded slightly, and said, "Indeed. I learned of it from Mr. Ning."

"Although I’m reluctant to get entangled with Can Sutian, if it can increase my strength, I’m willing to give it a try."

"If Senior wishes to grant it, whatever conditions I can fulfill, I will give everything I have!"

The token left by the first Emperor Qian, though he didn’t know what it was, could never be something simple.

Qingxu turned and sighed, "What the first Emperor Qian left behind isn’t some destiny or fortune—merely a common token!"

"Of course, possibly it’s just because my strength is lacking and I can’t glimpse its mysteries!"

Xu Yang’s heart jolted; he didn’t take the latter words seriously at all. Not strong enough for a top Deified Lord?

Don’t joke.

But for even someone like Qingxu to be unable to perceive any secrets, it was truly incredible.

Yet the methods of transcendent beings are always unfathomable, let alone the first Emperor Qian, the very peak among them.

But it’s possible it really is just an ordinary token!

"If you wish to accept it, you must agree to one condition," Qingxu said solemnly.

Xu Yang’s expression grew serious; without hesitation, he replied, "Senior, please speak plainly!"

"Kill two people!"

"The number one genius of Guanglong Island, and the number one genius of Three Gods Island!"

Xu Yang was thoughtful, then smiled, "Deal!"

"Take it."

Qingxu raised his hand in a gentle gesture.

A token floated over to Xu Yang.

Entirely golden, without any ripple or spiritual energy.

There were even some worn marks upon it, like an ordinary object weathered by years.

For Xu Yang, at first glance, apart from its ancient simplicity there was nothing remarkable!

In that instant, he finally understood why Qingxu had spoken as he did before.

Perhaps it really is just a common token!

But why was it left behind?

The first Emperor Qian would never leave a token without a reason.

"Senior, do you not know what purpose this item serves?" Xu Yang couldn’t help asking.

Qingxu shook his head, "No idea. According to the legacy of Ten Thousand Swords Island’s forebears, all the first Emperor Qian left was this, without a word!"

Xu Yang grasped the token, examined it, but could not discern the slightest secret. On the back of the token was the ancient character ’Qian,’ nothing more.

Looking at the token, he laughed sharply and pocketed it.

Having secured it is enough!

If its use cannot be found now, it doesn’t mean it never will!

"Many thanks, Senior."

"Go. Ming Yun will give you information on those two people."

Qingxu waved him away.

Xu Yang respectfully took his leave.

Descending from the mountain peak, a figure up ahead made Xu Yang pause.

"Mr. Zhao Hon."

Xu Yang’s eyes showed surprise.

The other seemed to be waiting for him?

Zhao Hon looked at Xu Yang and smiled faintly. Then, to Xu Yang’s astonishment, he suddenly cupped his hands and bowed deeply, his voice low and resolute: "Here, Zhao Hon thanks Your Highness for your past mercy in not slaying me!"