Chapter 1141: Chapter 724: Child of the Celestial Mandate

The aqua-colored Sword Light shimmers brightly, its movements agile and fluid, appearing and disappearing without leaving a trace yet lingering endlessly.

A streak of cyan Sword Light strikes straight and slashing horizontally, its variations simple and direct, firmly guarding a space of three feet.

No matter how nimble the aqua-colored Sword Light is, it cannot break through the defense of the cyan Sword Light.

Thus tangled for hundreds of moves, Ripples, frustrated by her inability to prevail, became somewhat impatient.

At this point, Ripples also realized that her Swordsmanship was far inferior to Aoba’s. This brought her a strong sense of defeat.

Since coming into the world and battling alongside the grand master in four directions, she believed her Swordsmanship to be superb. It was only due to her Dao Practice lacking a level that she repeatedly faced setbacks.

As for this Aoba before her, regardless of Dao Practice level, just in Swordsmanship, she was superior. Ripples truly felt indignant.

Ripples had a strong competitive spirit, and she couldn’t help but want to unleash Hongyi Sword’s inherent Divine Techniques.

This Divine Sword is the grand master’s strongest Divine Artifact, its power infinite. Even if she could only invoke a small portion of its power, in this world, it would be enough to confront any powerhouse face-to-face.

Ripples could hardly believe she couldn’t defeat a Demon Sect witch.

Just as Ripples was about to fully unleash Hongyi Sword, a voice from Gao Xuan reached her ears: "That’s enough."

Ripples, though unwilling, dared not disobey the grand master’s order and could only withdraw her sword and retreat.

The Eight-sided Water Mirror that divided space dispersed silently, and Ripples and Aoba returned to the main hall.

Feeling a bit wronged, Ripples bowed to Gao Xuan: "Grand Master, your disciple has failed."

Gao Xuan waved his hand: "This Aoba Daoist’s Swordsmanship is exceptional, rare in the world, and not inferior even to mine. It’s normal for you to lose to her."

Ripples was stunned; Gao Xuan’s evaluation was too high.

Aoba hurriedly adjusted her robes and bowed: "Celestial Master, you overpraise. Your disciple’s sword skills are rough; fortune that this Daoist spared me from defeat."

"No need to be so modest. In my journey till now, judging by Swordsmanship alone, you deserve to be called number one."

Gao Xuan was not praising Aoba, just stating his judgment. That was all. He had no interest in exchanging courtesies over such a minor matter.

He further said, "Go back and inform your Sect Leader, I have accepted the gift."

Ripples understood Gao Xuan’s meaning and extended a hand to Aoba, "Please."

Aoba could only helplessly bow to Gao Xuan and follow Ripples out of Cyan Cloud Residence.

Upon exiting the main door, Ripples didn’t speak further, directly closing the door.

Standing at the doorway, Aoba hesitated for a moment; she initially wanted to further converse with Gao Xuan, gather information, and understand this person’s character and style.

The Future Star Constellation Pearl is the Demon Sect’s supreme treasure, considered top-tier Divine Artifact in Cyan Celestial Realm.

Gao Xuan accepted it so neatly and simply, without a word, then just escorted her out.

Aoba felt very uncomfortable; it’s akin to being toyed with by a scoundrel, having her wealth taken, and then being kicked aside by the scoundrel. The more she thought about it, the more dissatisfied she felt.

However, she didn’t have the courage to return and confront Gao Xuan.

Ripples’ Swordsmanship was decent, yet clear like a spring, evident at a glance.

Gao Xuan was like the moon in the sky, bright and ethereal yet distant and unpredictable. When facing this Celestial Master, every step Aoba took felt passive, entirely led by Gao Xuan.

Most importantly, Aoba couldn’t see through Gao Xuan, utterly unaware of what he was thinking, nor what his next step would be.

Aoba hesitated briefly, then mounted Cyan Leaf Sword and soared upwards.

The cyan Sword Light flashed across the night sky, soon settling in Peach Blossom Forest.

This is a peach blossom forest occupying dozens of acres, with red and white peach blossoms in full bloom. In the moonlight, they appeared less enchanting but more serene and noble.

Deep within the peach forest, there’s a small pavilion; before it quietly flows a stream. Occasionally, the clear spring waters carry fallen petals.

Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch, Sect Leader of the Demon Sect, sat leisurely in the pavilion playing the long flute.

The flute’s sound was somber and clear, ascending and descending, gradually fading to silence. Yet the remaining notes continually swirled around Aoba’s ears like a breeze.

Aoba patiently waited for the flute to utterly fall silent, then saluted Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch: "Sect Leader, Gao Xuan has accepted the Future Star Constellation Pearl."

Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch opened his narrowed eyes to glance at Aoba: "What did he say?"

"Gao Xuan didn’t say anything."

Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch, slightly surprised, laughed aloud, "This one is indeed interesting."

Aoba couldn’t help but say: "Sect Leader, Gao Xuan took our supreme treasure without a word of thanks, isn’t that too excessive?"

Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch was indifferent, "After all, we harbor ill intentions, with ulterior motives. It’s normal for Gao Xuan not to show gratitude."

"Uh."

Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch spoke so directly, leaving Aoba at a loss for words. After pondering, she asked: "Sect Leader, your disciple doesn’t understand, why gift the Future Star Constellation Pearl, our sect’s supreme treasure, to Gao Xuan?"

Aoba knew there must be calculations involved, but she couldn’t fathom what they were.

Though the Future Star Constellation Pearl is the Demon Sect’s supreme treasure, its foundation lies in the Power of All Heavens and is unrelated to Demon Sect Secret Technique. The Future Star Constellation Pearl bears no hidden danger or risk.

Such a treasure, once refined by someone else, will entirely belong to them.

Aoba was perplexed; even if it was to support Gao Xuan in battles against Dragon Court and Buddhist Sect, offering such a treasure seemed unnecessary. It also didn’t fit Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch’s style.

Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch looked at Aoba, his purple pupils glimmering with traces of electricity. Aoba’s body slightly shivered, instantly establishing a Divine Sense connection with Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch.

In Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch’s vast sea of consciousness, his Divine Soul projection stood with hands behind his back in front of Aoba, saying: "This matter is of great importance, to prevent Gao Xuan from sensing it, I can only discuss it with you here."

Aoba was solemn, and it was unclear what major event the Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch was planning with such seriousness.

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch said, "There are no hidden flaws in the Future Star Constellation Pearl. To refine this treasure, one must definitely invoke star power, and the divine soul must establish a connection with the Ziwei Star Palace."

"Gao Xuan’s divine soul enters the Ziwei Star Palace, and all his divine techniques and divine artifacts are stripped away, leaving only his divine soul origin."

Aoba was somewhat puzzled; what was the point of this?

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch continued, "I have a subtle connection with the Future Star Constellation Pearl. As soon as Gao Xuan enters the Ziwei Star Palace, I can sense it immediately. At that moment, I will send you into the Ziwei Star Palace for you to slay Gao Xuan’s divine soul."

"Sect Leader, I fear I am not a match for Gao Xuan..."

Aoba hesitated. Although confident in her swordsmanship, no sword technique is invincible.

Just seeing Gao Xuan’s demonstration of spatial magic, Aoba knew that his divine techniques were unparalleled. No matter how high her swordsmanship, she feared she wouldn’t get the chance to approach Gao Xuan.

Regarding this plan by the Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch, Aoba truly lacked confidence.

If she failed to slay Gao Xuan, not only would the Future Star Constellation Pearl be lost, but she would also be at risk. That would be too tragic.

The Celestial Demon Daoist Monarch laughed heartily, "You need not fear. Gao Xuan’s divine soul enters the Ziwei Star Palace, with all divine techniques and spells stripped away, leaving only his divine soul origin. No matter how strong his divine soul origin is, he cannot compare with you. You are the reincarnation of the Cyan Leaf Sword Spirit!"

The Cyan Leaf Sword was not famous in the Immortal Realm, but it had once swept through gods, buddhas, immortals, and demons, all the way to the Nine Heavens.

Even though Aoba was merely a remnant sword spirit reincarnated, her swordsmanship was unrivaled in the Cyan Celestial Realm.

Within the Ziwei Star Palace, no matter how strong Gao Xuan’s divine soul origin might be, without the support of divine dao practice, he would undoubtedly not be a match for the Cyan Leaf Sword Spirit.

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch said, "Once you have slain Gao Xuan’s divine soul, you can absorb his soul fragments through the Celestial Demon Relic, and then refine his body into your avatar. By that time, though the world is vast, who would be your opponent..."

Aoba was moved; indeed, if she could refine Gao Xuan into her avatar, she would be invincible in the Cyan Celestial Realm.

She thought for a moment and asked, "If Gao Xuan’s divine soul origin is powerful, what should I do then?"

In a battle of divine soul origin, losing means immediate annihilation. With life and death at stake, Aoba dared not be negligent. All matters had to be clear.

"A battle of divine soul origin depends on who can better harness divine soul power. You are a sword spirit reincarnated. On the level of divine soul, no one is your opponent. Unless his swordsmanship is stronger than yours and he possesses a special divine soul origin, only then might he stand a chance."

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch said, "Additionally, I am giving you a Primordial Soul Fragrance. Lighting it in advance can boost your divine soul power several-fold in a short time."

He said calmly, "With premeditation and such an advantage, if you lose, that is celestial mandate."

Aoba nodded silently. With so many preparations, of course, she must take the chance.

Should she indeed refine Gao Xuan into an avatar, she could overcome the inherent limits of the sword spirit and ascend to higher levels.

Aoba thought for a moment and asked, "What if Gao Xuan doesn’t refine the Future Star Constellation Pearl?"

"Then just wait."

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch was patient. He said, "Gao Xuan has enemies everywhere now; he should be the one anxious."

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch shook his head while speaking, "The Celestial Mandate Mirror and Reincarnation Disc are extremely formidable. When Gao Xuan suffers, he will naturally think of the Future Star Constellation Pearl."

He thought again and said, "This time at the Celestial Dragon Dharma Assembly, emerging talents abound. Jin Xiang and Jiang Yuelan are geniuses on par with you. Jin Xiang’s divine power is unparalleled, embodying unity of inner and outer, most effectively countering you. Jiang Yuelan is said to be naturally gifted in divine techniques, her magic elusive and the best."

"Only when you refine Gao Xuan as an avatar will you be qualified to dominate the Cyan Celestial Realm and gather the world’s treasures to complete the Sword Spirit’s fragmentation..."

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch gently said, "The future of the Holy Sect is in your hands!"

Aoba nodded, "Rest assured, Sect Leader, I will do my utmost."

As the Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch was about to speak, he suddenly sensed something, "Gao Xuan has already begun refining the Future Star Constellation Pearl, this man is decisive. Here’s the Primordial Soul Fragrance, go prepare."

Aoba hurriedly withdrew from the Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch’s divine sense, took the Primordial Soul Fragrance he gave her, sat cross-legged, and lit it. The purple smoke was absorbed by her.

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch watched Aoba with a complex gaze; this venture entailed great risk.

Should Aoba fail, not only would she perish on the spot, but he would also need to flee immediately.

Only when Gao Xuan ascends or perishes can he reappear...

This was a significant gamble, but the Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch was willing to try. The Demon Sect was so oppressed by the Buddhist Sect, Dragon Court, and Daoist Sect it couldn’t breathe.

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch was not impulsive. He had used a secret treasure to calculate that only three celestial mandate children existed: Jin Xiang, Jiang Yuelan, and Aoba.

Gao Xuan was definitely not a powerhouse from the Nine Heavens reincarnated; he lacked strong roots.

Cultivators like Gao Xuan, with unparalleled talent, have also appeared many times throughout history.

Without strong roots, a cultivator’s potential is limited. The Earth Immortal level is a threshold that even Gao Xuan, with smooth cultivation, struggles to surpass.

Ancient Celestial Immortals control the Upper Three Realms. Rootless cultivators have no opportunity to enter those realms.

Even if forcibly entering, they would be jointly eliminated by the Celestial Immortals.

Billions of years ago, the Daluo Golden Immortal and Celestial Immortals established the order in the Immortal Realm. It cannot be changed.

As the Celestial Demon Sect Leader, the Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch can obtain the most ancient memories of the Celestial Demon from Celestial Demon Relic.

Though dwelling at the lowest tier of the Immortal Realm, he is acquainted with the upper-level situations.

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch guarded Aoba, and less than an hour later, he saw the Ziwei Star faintly shimmering in the starry sky, and knew it was time.

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch pointed at Aoba’s forehead, "Go!"

A thread of starlight descended from the Ziwei Star onto Aoba’s divine soul, and under the pull of this starlight, Aoba’s divine soul ascended swiftly into the depths of the starry sky, directly entering the Ziwei Star.

The Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch looked up at the Ziwei Star in the center of the sky. The light of this imperial star was dim and obscure, showing no change.

Despite his deep calculating nature, he couldn’t help but take a long breath. The fate of the Celestial Demon Sect for the next hundred thousand years was in this moment!