The valley.

Evening snow fell in flurries.

Dressed in a wide-sleeved gown of plain silk, Xiaoo Meng closed her eyes. A sharp Sword Intent radiated from her body, her long hair flying in the wind.

The cold wind, the evening snow, the weeds, the mountain rocks...

Her powerful perception, now that of a True Man, presented an incredibly real world with perfect clarity in her mind.

SHING!

With a single thought, the Demon-slaying Sword—which had been coiled like a sword pellet within her Forehead Ancestral Acupoint—leaped out, its body materializing in mid-air.

As the Demon-slaying Sword trembled, the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi and everything else within a hundred-zhang radius flooded her senses.

To her, the Flying Sword was like an amplifier, increasing the strength of her perception.

Wielding the Flying Sword, she could not only see her surroundings clearly but also ’see’ the changes in Primordial Energy invisible to the naked eye.

The flow of Yin Yang Qi, the cycle of the Five Elements Qi, their interactions of creation and destruction, all merged to form the myriad beings of the world.

SWOOSH!

As Xiaoo Meng’s eyes opened, the Demon-slaying Sword transformed into a sharp, cold gleam and slashed through the empty space before her.

A single strike that stirred wind and thunder!

The once difficult and profound Sword Control Method was now as easy and natural to execute as breathing.

With a turn of her thoughts, her mastery of the Demon-Slaying Sword Technique naturally rose to a new level, revealing the many mysteries within the sword art.

Now, looking back at her previous Sword Control, numerous flaws and shortcomings were glaringly obvious.

CLAP!

CLAP! CLAP!

Zhu Ju clapped his hands lightly, his voice filled with admiration:

"As expected of a sharp and deadly Sword Sect True Man. With a scene like this, Hall Master Xiaoo, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say you’ve ascended to the heavens in a single step."

His five senses were astonishing and his perception was keen. As an observer, he had an even clearer view of the changes Xiaoo Meng was undergoing.

When one advanced to a True Man, it wasn’t just the quality of their Flying Sword that improved; the Cultivator themself changed from the inside out.

At that moment, the Demon-slaying Sword neared completion.

Xiaoo Meng’s Physical Body, Primordial Spirit, and Magical Power were all nourished and enhanced, and her strength soared.

"Thank you for your help, Sect Leader."

A smile in her eyes, Xiaoo Meng knelt on one knee:

"From this day forward, I am at your command, Sect Leader."

"Rise." Zhu Ju raised a hand, and an invisible force field gently lifted her up. He then said eagerly:

"Let me see your Sword Technique!"

"Yes."

Xiaoo Meng acknowledged, forming a Sword Pointing with her fingers:

"Be careful, Sect Leader!"

Formless Demon-Slaying!

A cyan sword light shot out gracefully, like a raging dragon stirring the Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi as it slashed viciously down at Zhu Ju.

Xiaoo Meng knew her strength was no threat to Zhu Ju, so she held nothing back.

However, when her sword light drew near and he still hadn’t summoned a Flying Sword, her heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously tried to pull back her attack.

SWISH!

TING...

The Cross and Vertical Saber at Zhu Ju’s waist flashed out of its sheath, colliding with the incoming Flying Sword and sending sparks flying.

Hm?

Surprise showed on Xiaoo Meng’s face, and the sword light faltered for a moment.

’Withstanding a True Man’s Flying Sword with just a saber... this... this seems possible only for someone with the physical body of a Demon.’

After her initial surprise, she didn’t dwell on it. After all, the more methods and the greater the strength her Sect Leader possessed, the better.

Nine Nether Soul Breaker!

The sharp sword light suddenly intensified, and the Sword Intent in her heart caused the Flying Sword to tremble and let out a piercing shriek.

A Treasure Artifact True Man’s Divine Soul is connected to their Flying Sword. When their heart feels something, the Flying Sword will also react.

Even the seven passions and six desires could be turned into a weapon of slaughter.

"Good!"

Zhu Ju’s eyes lit up, and his Cross and Vertical Saber blurred into afterimages as he slashed out.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

The Flying Sword spun through the air, and cyan sword lights shot out like rain, instantly submerging the space around Zhu Ju.

As the warm-up ended, the two began to exert themselves. The gleam of the saber and the light of the sword intertwined and clashed, growing faster and faster.

Xiaoo Meng poured her entire being into controlling her Flying Sword, feeling as if her physical body no longer existed, leaving only the ebb and flow of her Sword Intent.

The Flying Sword flickered and danced.

She executed various techniques from the Demon-Slaying Sword Technique one after another. Thousands of sword lights flashed into existence, each wave stronger than the last.

CLANG...

As it clashed with the long saber, Xiaoo Meng’s control of her Flying Sword grew more adept, and she began to shave away the unnecessary parts of her sword formulas.

Her Sword Formulas grew ever purer!

Until, at a certain moment, Xiaoo Meng seemed to realize something. Her heart became as still as water, and all distracting thoughts vanished.

Only that proud, unyielding Sword Intent to purge all Demons remained, growing more focused until it was unleashed in a single strike.

Her heart knew only the sword!

A realization dawned on Xiaoo Meng. ’So this is true Sword Control. Before, I was just playing with a sword.’

Only when Essence, Qi, Spirit, Sword Formulas, and Flying Sword merged as one could one grasp the true meaning of the Sword Dao.

When the heart feels...

The sword moves!

TING...

The tip of the Flying Sword and the edge of the long saber collided in mid-air. A violent blast of Powerful Qi roared out, sweeping up the falling snow into a frenzy.

"Sect Leader."

Xiaoo Meng’s face was filled with ecstasy, her voice trembling:

"Thank you, Sect Leader!"

She knew very well that if Zhu Ju hadn’t intentionally guided her, it would have been impossible for her to comprehend Sword Intent in such a short time.

And now, given time, she was certain she could become a second Plum Blossom Sword Saint.

"You’re too kind, Hall Master Xiaoo."

Zhu Ju slowly sheathed his saber, his voice also tinged with complex emotions:

"I also gained a great deal."

’Her heart knew only the sword!’

The saber, too...

is without a second!

The Fifth Limit of the Ghost God Limit—Unparalleled Mad Saber!

Ever since he started cultivating the Ghost God Limit, his progress had been swift and unimpeded, until he got stuck at the Fifth Limit.

And now, by borrowing the Sword Intent from the Demon-slaying Sword, he had finally mastered the Fifth Limit.

With this single saber technique, he was confident he could fight an Innate cultivator two Acupoints beyond his own level.

"Sect Leader."

Xiaoo Meng’s face was flushed:

"You don’t have to be so formal. You can just call me Xiaoo Meng."

She smiled, her expression bright and passionate, highlighting her slender, curved brows, beautiful eyes, pert nose, and rosy lips.

Her skin was milky-white, smooth and translucent.

Her excitement brought a rosy blush to her fair skin.

Time seemed to have left few marks on her; she had a mature figure but also a pure and youthful beauty.

Especially her fervent gaze, which was bold, unrestrained, and completely undisguised.

*

*

*

Whether it was the Sword Sect finally having a Sect Leader after so many years, or Mountain-Shattering Hall’s Hall Master Xiaoo Meng advancing to Treasure Artifact True Man, both were major events.

It was only natural to announce it far and wide.

Especially after word got out that Emperor Kou, the Vice Hall Master of the Demon Exorcism Hall, had returned in defeat from the Sword Sect.

The Sword Sect’s prestige soared as a result.

After some discussion, the Sect Leader’s inauguration ceremony and the celebration for the new True Man were scheduled for the same day, to be held together at the Mountain-Shattering Hall.

CRACKLE! POP! CRACKLE!

On this day, the Mountain-Shattering Hall was decorated with lanterns and colorful banners.

The disciples from the four halls of the Sword Sect gathered to meet Sect Leader Zhu Ju and congratulate Xiaoo Meng on becoming a True Man.

Zhu Ju, dressed in a Purple Gold Robe and wearing the Crowned Spirit Crown, sat on the main seat in the center of the great hall, his imposing aura on full display.

Mountain-Shattering Hall’s Hall Master Xiaoo Meng was draped in festive red, a charming smile on her face. Sitting by Zhu Ju’s side, she looked like a bride about to be married.

"Disciples of the Sharp Gold Hall pay respects to the Sect Leader!"

"Rise!"

"Thank you, Sect Leader!"

"Disciples of the Talisman Hall pay respects to the Sect Leader!"

"..."

Everything proceeded according to ceremony. Zhu Ju sat on the main throne, occasionally uttering a word or two, but his mind had long since drifted away.

’Although most of the Sword Sect’s Sword Formulas have been lost, the four halls have each retained a top-tier Sword Formula, and each is extraordinary.’

’The Sword Formulas of this world prioritize ingenuity and rely heavily on the power of Magical Artifacts to kill enemies. The sword paths are mostly light and graceful...’

’The Main World is different.’

’The Sword Techniques of the Bright Void Sect’s Celestial Sword Lineage are mostly grand and sweeping, domineering and brutal, subjugating others with pure force.’

’However, the sword arts of both worlds have something in common: they both prioritize the Nurturing of Sword Intent.’

’Moreover, the Cultivators of this world have powerful Divine Soul Power, allowing for more exquisite control over their Flying Swords. And since the Divine Soul merges with the Flying Sword, many intricate Sword Techniques that are difficult to execute in the Main World are considered commonplace by the True Men here.’

’For example...’

’Sword Light Division!’

Zhu Ju glanced at the beaming Xiaoo Meng beside him, lost in thought.

’Xiaoo Meng’s Magical Power is at most comparable to an Innate who has broken Four Acupoints, yet she’s confident she can master Sword Light Division within ten years.’

’In the Main World, let alone an Innate who has broken Four Acupoints, even an Innate who has broken Seven or Eight Acupoints would find it extremely difficult.’

’If I can master the technique of Sword Light Division, with my current Cultivation, it wouldn’t be difficult to slay a Late-Stage Innate with my sword!’

’Unfortunately, although my Divine Soul Power is strong, my Magic Realm is still only at the level of a Great Mage. I’m not yet a True Man.’

"Sect Leader!"

"Sect Leader?"

The voice by his ear brought Zhu Ju back to his senses.

"What is it?"

Jiang Qiu had failed his breakthrough and was still seriously injured, so he couldn’t attend today’s celebration. The role of Guest Receptionist today was filled by Kan Feichen, the Hall Master of the Sharp Gold Hall.

He whispered:

"The Wuk Family’s Demon True Man, Wuk Fu’an, has come to pay his respects with Wuk Xian of the main lineage."

"Oh!"

Zhu Ju nodded:

"Show them in."

Wuk Fu’an was tall and sturdy. His laughter preceded him as he entered the hall with a few young juniors.

"I heard the Sword Sect has a new Sect Leader, and one who saved my nephew’s life at that. I made a special trip to be here."

Cupping his fists, he had someone present a congratulatory gift:

"A small token of my esteem. I hope Sect Leader Zhu will accept it."

The gift list was presented, and it detailed all sorts of rare Refining Materials of considerable value.

No wonder Kan Feichen was so excited.

"Fellow Daoist Wuk, you’re too kind. Please, take a seat."

"Zhu... Sect Leader Zhu." Wuk Xian stepped forward from the crowd, saying excitedly:

"Is it really you?"

"I thought it was just someone with the same name. I never imagined you were a Treasure Artifact True Man! Thanks to you, I was able to escape that day."

"You’re too kind, Brother Wuk." Zhu Ju smiled faintly:

"I came from afar, so I must thank Brother Wuk for explaining the situation in Tianzui City. Otherwise, I would have been completely in the dark."

"It was my pleasure." Wuk Xian waved his hand, his cheeks flushed:

"I can’t believe I actually became friends with a Second Decline True Man! Brother Zhu, you’ve also offended the Demon Exorcism Hall. Why don’t you join forces with our Wuk Family and we can deal with that mess of a Hall Master, the Divine Eagle King, Iron Madman."

"Silence!" Wuk Fu’an’s expression darkened:

"Today is a joyous occasion for the Sword Sect. Don’t bring up such unpleasant matters."

"Sect Leader Zhu."

He cupped his fists:

"The Wuk Family carries some weight among the Demon Catchers. If the Sword Sect needs any Refining Materials, we can discuss it."

"Alright." Zhu Ju said thoughtfully:

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Wuk."

’He’s obviously trying to win over the Sword Sect to deal with the Demon Exorcism Hall. Otherwise, Wuk Xian would never have had the chance to speak.’

’Of course, this matter isn’t urgent for me.’

’By observing the breakthroughs of several Great Mages, I’ve already come up with some ideas to solve the problem with my left hand.’

’The Demon Exorcism Hall...’

’I can set that aside for now.’

...

「Main World.」

Zhu Ju sat cross-legged on a rush mat. He shook the Sword Pouch at his waist, and the Five-Pointed Flying Swords flew out one by one.

SWOOSH!

WHOOSH...

The five Flying Swords were like mischievous children, dancing and playing as they flew, each tracing a different path.

Their movements seemed chaotic and disorderly, but in truth, they held a profound mystery.

If a Cultivator of the Sword Hero variety were to see this, they would surely be stunned.

This was because controlling a set of Magical Artifacts was already extremely difficult, requiring a matching Sword Control Method.

And yet, at this very moment, Zhu Ju seemed to be using the five Flying Swords to execute five different Sword Formulas simultaneously. They moved without interfering with one another, even coordinating with perfect harmony.

Wasn’t this astonishing?

SWISH!

With a beckoning motion of one hand, the five Flying Swords flew back on their own, circling his palm.

’A pity!’

’In the end, I am not a Treasure Artifact True Man, and my Flying Swords have not merged with my Dharma Aspect. It won’t be easy to master Sword Light Division.’

’Perhaps...’

’...if I break two more Acupoints and my Cultivation reaches the Late-Stage Innate realm, I can do it.’

’I have a potential solution for my left hand, my Sword Control Method has improved greatly, and I’ve even comprehended the Fifth Limit of the Ghost God Limit.’

Zhu Ju’s voice was filled with emotion:

"This trip has been very fruitful!"

Just being able to master ’Sword Light Division’ before reaching the Dao Foundation was a Talent that many Sword Heroes dreamed of.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Ju put away his Flying Swords and took an item out of his Qiankun Bag.

The Dust Banner!

At the moment, it was only half-finished, but it wasn’t far from being completely refined.

’"A High Grade Spiritual Artifact with the abilities of flight, earth-burrowing, and concealment. If the records are true, the Dust Banner’s Flying Escape capabilities are comparable to a Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact."’

’"I’m still missing some materials, but I should be able to gather them on this side."’