Early in the morning, in front of the Azure Cloud Sect mountain gate, a massive flying boat hovered in mid-air. Its hull was engraved with Qingyun patterns, surrounded by swirling Spiritual Qi, and exuded a magnificent Aura.

Thirty Disciples participating in the Five Sect Martial Competition gathered here, each appearing spirited and sharp. Sect Master Sect Master came to see them off personally.

"This journey to the Heavenly Sword Sect concerns the honor and disgrace of our Sect." Sect Master Sect Master swept his gaze over the Disciples, "I hope you will all work together in unity to spread the prestige of our Azure Cloud Sect!"

"We will strictly follow the Sect Master’s orders!" The Disciples replied in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.

Bao Zhijian, as the team leader, stepped forward and said proudly, "Rest assured, Sect Master! I will definitely lead the team to victory!"

Sect Master Sect Master nodded slightly, "Bao Zhijian, as the Senior Brother, you must take good care of your Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters."

Bao Zhijian agreed respectfully, but the look he cast toward Fang Hao held coldness.

When boarding the boat, Bao Zhijian made arrangements deliberately, "The Core Team will be in the front cabin, the Main Force Team in the middle cabin, and the Support Team in the rear cabin."

It was clearly intended to separate Fang Hao from Liang Ling and Lin Wan.

Lin Wan pouted, "How annoying! I want to be with Junior Brother Ning!"

Liang Ling said softly, "It’s fine. The flying boat isn’t large; we can meet anytime."

Fang Hao remained indifferent and followed the Core Team into the front cabin. The front cabin was spacious and comfortable, with dense Spiritual Qi, making it indeed the best location.

Bao Zhijian, however, found fault, "Junior Brother Ning is a newly promoted core member with insufficient experience, so sit by the door." That position faced the draft directly and was the most uncomfortable.

Zhou Yao frowned, "Team Leader, this..."

Fang Hao said calmly, "That is fine." He sat down directly.

The flying boat started and tore through the air, moving at an extremely high speed yet remaining incredibly stable.

Fang Hao sat quietly to regulate his breathing, consolidating his Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Realm. After his Seven Spiritual Roots Breakthrough, his spiritual power had surged, and he needed time to adapt.

Bao Zhijian, however, kept finding fault, "Junior Brother Ning, go check the Formation." "Junior Brother Ning, go patrol outside the boat."

It was clearly treating Fang Hao like a servant.

Zhou Yao could not watch anymore, "Team Leader, let the attendant Disciples do these things."

Bao Zhijian snorted coldly, "Core team members should naturally take on more responsibilities."

Fang Hao did not argue and did everything as told, which instead made Bao Zhijian appear petty.

Half a day later, the flying boat crossed the Qingyun Mountain Range and entered the hinterland of the West Province.

The scenery outside the window changed; mountains, rivers, cities, and Sects were all in view. The Disciples gathered to watch, exclaiming in amazement.

Lin Wan snuck into the front cabin and said excitedly, "Junior Brother Ning! Look! That is the territory of the Heavenly Sword Sect!"

In the distance, mountains towered with Sword Qi shooting into the sky, and one could vaguely see countless sword Peaks piercing the clouds.

"Heavenly Sword Sect... a Holy Land for Sword Cultivators," Fang Hao exclaimed in admiration.

Bao Zhijian sneered, "Bumpkin! No experience!"

Lin Wan glared at him, "Since Senior Brother Bao has experience, why not tell us what famous sites the Heavenly Sword Sect has?"

Bao Zhijian was speechless; he was actually here for the first time as well.

Liang Ling arrived quietly and said softly, "The Heavenly Sword Sect has seventy-two sword Peaks, with the Heavenly Sword Peak as the leader. Its ’Sword Tomb’ and’Sword Enlightenment Stone’ are all world-famous Secret Realms."

Fang Hao was surprised, "Have you been here before, Senior Sister?"

Liang Ling shook her head, "I have only read about them in the classics."

Seeing Liang Ling being gentle with Fang Hao, Bao Zhijian felt jealous and said coldly, "Junior Sister Liang, the Main Force Team should return to the middle cabin!"

Liang Ling said indifferently, "No need to trouble yourself, Senior Brother." However, she did not stay long and signaled for Lin Wan to leave with her.

After traveling for another half day, the flying boat arrived at the mountain gate of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

A giant Peak pierced the clouds, with the words "Heavenly Sword" engraved on it. The Sword Qi was awe-inspiring and made one’s heart tremble. Sword light flowed around the Peak, and the Sect-protecting Formation possessed infinite power.

"Such strong Sword Qi!" The Disciples exclaimed.

Bao Zhijian also put away his arrogance, his expression turning solemn.

The flying boat landed on the Welcoming Guest Peak. Disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect were already waiting.

"Fellow Daoists of the Azure Cloud Sect, you have traveled far." The leading Disciple had sharp Sword Intent and was actually at the Golden Core Realm! "I am Soaring Wind, a True Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, responsible for receiving your esteemed Sect."

Bao Zhijian stepped forward and cupped his hands, "Thank you for your trouble, Senior Brother Ling."

Soaring Wind swept his gaze over the group from the Azure Cloud Sect, his eyes lingering on Fang Hao for a moment with a flash of surprise, before returning to normal.

"Please follow me, everyone." Soaring Wind led the way, "Your accommodations have been arranged."

The Heavenly Sword Sect arranged independent courtyards for each Sect. The Azure Cloud Sect moved into the "Qingyun Courtyard," which had a quiet environment and abundant Spiritual Qi.

Bao Zhijian assigned the rooms and again placed Fang Hao in the worst corner room.

Zhou Yao couldn’t help but say, "Team Leader, this is a bit too..."

Bao Zhijian said coldly, "I am the team leader; I have my own arrangements!"

Fang Hao remained indifferent, "It is fine."

After they were settled, Soaring Wind said, "The various Sects will arrive one after another tomorrow, and the Five Sect Martial Competition will officially begin the day after. For these two days, you may move about freely to familiarize yourselves with the environment."

Bao Zhijian immediately said, "The Core Team will patrol with me; the Main Force Team and Support Team are not allowed to leave without permission!"

It was clearly to keep an eye on Fang Hao.

Lin Wan said angrily, "Why! We want to look around too!"

Liang Ling held her back, "Calm down."

Fang Hao secretly transmitted his voice, "Rest assured, Senior Sister, I have a way."

Liang Ling nodded imperceptibly.

Bao Zhijian took the Core Team out, deliberately walking quickly to embarrass Fang Hao. But Fang Hao used Shrinking the Ground to an Inch and followed easily, which instead made the others look disheveled.

Inside the Heavenly Sword Sect, Sword Qi crisscrossed everywhere, and the Disciples all carried long swords, their Auras sharp. Upon seeing the Azure Cloud Sect group, most glanced over proudly, not caring much.

"Hmph! Sword Cultivators are so great, huh!" A core team member was dissatisfied. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Bao Zhijian said coldly, "Quiet! Do not cause trouble!"

Passing by a sword training ground, hundreds of Disciples were practicing sword techniques. Sword light shot into the sky, the Sword Qi formed a Formation, and the power was astonishing!

"Heavenly Sword Sect... truly lives up to its reputation," Zhou Yao exclaimed.

Bao Zhijian also looked solemn. These Sword Cultivators all possessed formidable combat power!

Suddenly, a person came flying on a sword, with Sword Qi shooting into the sky—it was actually a Golden Core Sword Cultivator! His gaze swept over the Azure Cloud Sect group, pausing slightly when he saw Fang Hao.

"Eh? Seven Spiritual Roots? Interesting." The man chuckled and flew away on his sword.

Bao Zhijian glared at Fang Hao with jealousy.

After the patrol was finished, they returned to the courtyard. Bao Zhijian ordered, "No one is allowed to go out; prepare with a calm mind!"

It was clearly to put Fang Hao under house arrest.

Fang Hao, however, was not in a hurry. In the dead of night, he quietly cast Shrinking the Ground to an Inch and left the courtyard without a sound.

The night view of the Heavenly Sword Sect was unique. The sword Peaks shimmered with cold light under the moonlight, and the Sword Qi intertwined with the moonlight, dreamlike and illusory.

Fang Hao strolled through the Sword Sect, feeling the sharp Sword Intent, and his understanding of the Dao of the Sword deepened.

Suddenly, he felt something and looked toward a sword Peak. The Sword Qi there was particularly dense, and it seemed there was an Opportunity.

Fang Hao approached quietly and discovered a sword wall covered in sword marks, seemingly a place for Sword Enlightenment.

As he was observing the sword marks, he suddenly heard someone say, "Little Friend, are you interested in the Dao of the Sword?"

Fang Hao was startled and turned around to see it was the Golden Core Sword Cultivator from earlier that day.

Fang Hao cupped his hands, "Greetings, Senior. This Junior knows a little about sword techniques."

The Sword Cultivator smiled, "My name is Ling Yun. It is rare for a Little Friend with Seven Spiritual Roots to practice the sword."

Fang Hao said respectfully, "This Junior does not primarily practice the Dao of the Sword."

Ling Yun nodded, "Observing your Aura, it seems you are skilled in the method of space? A mutation of the Ethereal Root?"

Fang Hao was shocked; this person had sharp eyes! "Senior is wise."

Ling Yun said with interest, "Space and the Dao of the Sword are a perfect match. Would you like to observe our Heavenly Sword Sect’s ’Void Sword Art’?"

Fang Hao was overjoyed, "I would be honored!"

Ling Yun pointed to the sword wall, "This wall was left by the Void Sword Ancestor and contains Space Sword Intent. How much you can comprehend depends on your own Opportunity."

Fang Hao thanked him solemnly and observed with all his heart. He circulated the Ethereal Art, resonating with the Sword Intent, and gained a great deal!

Ling Yun gave pointers from the side, and Fang Hao’s Realm of the Dao of the Sword improved rapidly! His Dividing Light Sword Shadow gained even more profound spatial mysteries!

An hour later, Fang Hao took his leave, "Thank you, Senior, for your guidance!"

Ling Yun smiled, "If you are interested after the competition, you can come to the Heavenly Sword Sect to cultivate."

Fang Hao was tempted but politely declined, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior, but this Junior is a Disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect."

Ling Yun nodded approvingly, "You value loyalty, good! Go on."

Fang Hao returned to the courtyard quietly, and no one noticed.

Over the next two days, the various Sects arrived one after another. The Xuan Ming Cult, Chiyang Sect, and Beast Taming Sect all arrived with aggressive Auras, and geniuses appeared among them.

Fang Hao observed secretly and discovered many strong enemies. The Saint of the Xuan Ming Cult, Nether Child, had a cold and unfathomable Aura. The Saint of the Chiyang Sect, Yan strong, was surrounded by flames and had astonishing combat power. Fairy Ling Yu of the Beast Taming Sect was accompanied by a Tier 3 Spirit Beast, possessing a terrifying pressure.

Bao Zhijian also became nervous, stopping the internal fighting and preparing with all his might.

Lin Wan snuck over to find Fang Hao, "Junior Brother Ning! I heard that other Sects all have Saints and Saintesses; they are so powerful!"

Liang Ling also said, "This Martial Competition is likely the strongest in history."

Fang Hao nodded, "With experts as numerous as clouds, it is the perfect Opportunity for tempering."

On the last night, Fang Hao sat quietly to regulate his breathing. His state was adjusted to the Peak, his Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivation was completely consolidated, and his strength was even greater than before.

"Five Sect Martial Competition... starts tomorrow!" Battle Intent burned in Fang Hao’s eyes.

This battle will surely shake the heavens and move the earth.