She extended her finger and wrote within the air, resembling calligraphy whilst also the unleashing a sword intent.
Wherever that sword passed, it emanated with the terror of destroying the heavens and extinguishing the earth as it was piercing and decisive.
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 1109: What a Fallen Deity indeed!
HSSB1109: What a Fallen Deity indeed!
Yan Zhaoge’s eyes were closed as images appeared amidst the darkness of his consciousness.
A white-clothed woman held a small wine gourd, splashing wine about in mid-air even as she casually produced a terrifying sword intent while drawing in the air with her finger.
Yan Zhaoge was proficient in the Immortal Ending, Immortal Trapping and Immortal Slaughtering Swords, all of which were extremely fearsome swords in this world.
Even so, he still felt shaken to his very core as he watched that white-clothed woman unleashing her sword.
The incomparable terror welling up within him was as if the great dao had collapsed, the heavens and earth no longer existing.
Everything that composed this world, including time and space, the material and the spiritual, the various principles governed creation, were all being extinguished.
“Exterminating Immortal sharp, Slaughter Immortal death, Trapping Immortal doth red light arise.
Ending Immortal variations are infinitely subtle, stained in the blood of highest Divinities all round.”
These four lines aptly expressed the miraculous aspects of the Numinous Treasure Four Swords.
The Immortal Exterminating Sword was sharp and indestructible, one sword breaking all arts.
There were countless powerful martial arts in this world that narrated numerous principles, each possessing powerful defensive techniques.
Yet, even with their defensive power being so great that even the other three of the Numinous Treasure Four Swords were sometimes helpless against them, the Immortal Exterminating Sword rendered all this meaningless.
The Immortal Exterminating Sword was able to suppress even the Immortal Trapping, Immortal Ending and Immortal Slaughtering Swords to some extent.
It was definitely worthy of its reputation as the head of the Numinous Treasure Four Swords. Amongst the supreme martial arts of the Prime Clear lineage, it was second only to the Chaos Extinguishing Origin Scripture.
In terms of the sharpness of its attacks, it was also assuredly at the zenith.
Such a fearsome supreme martial art displayed incomparable power as it was executed by this white-clothed woman.
Despite displaying such a fearsome martial art containing incomparable power, the white-clothed woman appeared casual and relaxed throughout its execution. Even with the extreme disparity here, there appeared to be some form of underlying harmony as well, resulting in it being difficult to find any trace of discord within.
“She has really attained a deep understanding of this sword art that others would not be able to match. It is no wonder that she could hold the title of ‘Sword Emperor’,” Yan Zhaoge nodded repeatedly in approval as she saw this.
While he was not a pure sword cultivator, he too used the sword and cultivated in the sword arts of the Prime Clear lineage, even having self-created his own sword art prior to this, Slaying Azure Dragon.
Watching the sword dance of that white-clothed woman that had deeply inspired him, Yan Zhaoge assuredly felt that this trip had not been wasted.
Obviously, this white-clothed woman was none other than Yan Di’s mother and Yan Zhaoge’s own grandmother, the Sword Emperor Di Qinglian.
All sword cultivators of the Roving Jade Heavens had bowed their heads in submission to her, the Master of Pillglow Peak, that year as they had even been willing to remove their swords in respect.
She was one of Daoism’s most outstanding geniuses of the sword following the Great Calamity.
Only after Yan Zhaoge’s grandfather, the Sword God Yan Xingtang, had suppressed the Roving Jade Heavens with his skill in the sword had Di Qinglian finally met a match in her attainments in the dao of the sword.
While she had admitted to losing by a half-move, she was also the sole person who had been comparable to Yan Xingtang in the dao of the sword.
While Yin Shiyang of the Immortal Court had similarly possessed shocking talent, his foundation had been slightly weaker at the end of the day, having gone to waste. Yan Xingtang had felt this to be a real pity indeed.
If such a figure had not died young, she would also have had a chance of becoming yet another legendary bigwig of Daoism in the dao of the sword along with Yan Xingtang, being comparable to the likes of the Lord of Plentiful Treasure, Cultivated Deity Jade Cauldron, and the Purple Tenuity Emperor.
It was even a possibility that they might have come to surpass their seniors, though who could say for sure?
Although he inwardly sighed, Yan Zhaoge did not feel all that deeply about this. They had never met before, after all.
It was just that Yan Zhaoge felt rather emotional that these two shockingly talented individuals had died at such a young age, never showing the world what they could have been.
He would spend the upcoming days in Di Qinglian’s old residence atop Pillglow Peak, quietly analysing the remnant sword-intent that remained from when she had still been alive and had cultivated in the sword there.
Such a chance was extremely hard to come by.
This was unlike the situation in the Daoist temple, which had suffered the sudden tribulation of the Great Calamity. Everyone had been caught by surprise and suffered an instantaneous collapse back then, with many clues hence being left behind.
It was most likely intentional on the part of the Profound Sovereign and the Dragon Spring Emperor that Di Qinglian’s sword-intent could still remain here at Pillglow Peak.
This was so that it could be gifted to the descendants of Yan Xingtang and Di Qinglian when they finally came.
Yan Zhaoge naturally treasured this chance as he quieted down and comprehended the sword art in earnest.
Long Xueji, Gao Xuebo and the others did not come to interrupt him either.
They were all nodding to themselves in approval of Yan Zhaoge’s actions.
“While this junior apprentice-nephew of ours is sometimes a bit flamboyant, he is able to compose himself and focus on something quietly when it is necessary,” Gao Xuebo commented to Long Xueji in private.
Long Xueji agreed with his elder brother’s opinion but merely said, “Having been able to accomplish what he has today, he would naturally have his extraordinary aspects.”
“Right, news has come from that person at Dynasty Vessel Valley. They have indeed sent someone over with a letter,” Gao Xuebo suddenly said.
Long Xueji frowned slightly but soon relaxed, “Too many tongues are wagging.”
Gao Xuebo shook his head, “Others are different from us at the end of the day. Despite the relation between him and little apprentice-aunt, Zhaoge is still of the World beyond Worlds at the end of the day. Despite the fact that we simply see him as our junior, others would definitely have issues with him being here.”
Long Xueji snorted coldly, “Some people only care about minor things like these.”
Gao Xuebo waved his hand dismissively, “We did not conceal news of Zhaoge arriving in the Roving Jade Heavens previously. In addition to you having openly escorted him to Pillglow Peak, it is only to be expected that such things might happen. While it is a bit troublesome, this may end up fortuitous for Zhaoge if he grasps the opportunity.”
“You can make the decisions, elder brother,” Long Xueji finally said, “If we send a reply, it should wait till after Zhaoge has descended from Pillglow Peak.”
“How long might that take?” Gao Xuebo asked.
Long Xueji shook his head, “I cannot say.”
Gao Xuebo was somewhat surprised by this. This younger brother of his was probably already not much inferior to their little apprentice-aunt, Di Qinglian of the past in terms
of his attainments as well as talent in the dao of the sword.
He was much more of an authority than Gao Xuebo himself was on this topic.
Yet, never would the latter have expected that his younger brother might give such an ambiguous answer.
“Zhaoge’s talent in martial arts and comprehension abilities in the dao of the sword are extremely high,” Long Xueji added, “I cannot see through the extent of his abilities in this area, and so cannot judge anything for sure. I can only say that…”
The eyes of Long Xueji, this youth who was garbed in white and wore a jade crown, shone slightly as he said, “If only Zhaoge were fully devoted to the sword, his accomplishments would definitely be no lower than that of little apprentice-aunt and her husband.”
“I seldom see you praising anyone like this, nor do I see you looking like this either. As a senior apprentice-uncle, you had better not go challenge him in the sword.” Gao Xuebo understood his younger brother too well.
Long Xueji retracted his gaze and nodded, “I know. What a pity, though.”
“It is even more of a pity that, from what I can tell, Zhaoge has no intention of fully devoting himself to the sword.”
As the two were conversing, a disciple of their lineage reported, “Senior apprentice-uncle Yan from the World beyond Worlds has descended Pillglow Peak!”
The two brothers exchanged looks, rendered speechless.
Only after a long time did these two great experts of the Roving Jade Heavens raise their palms and exclaim in admiration, “Good! What a Fallen Deity indeed!”
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 1110: The depressed sword cultivators of the Prime Clear lineage
HSSB1110: The depressed sword cultivators of the Prime Clear lineage
Di Qinglian’s remnant sword-intent that was atop Pillglow Peak had been there for many long years at the end of the day.
While good-intentioned people had preserved it, analysing and deducing its principles was still a very difficult thing.
Not only did this process require supreme talent in the martial dao, it also required one to have sufficient spirituality and comprehension abilities in the dao of the sword. As a result, people would obtain varying degrees of benefits from this experience.
Yan Zhaoge had evidently spent much less time comprehending the dao atop the mountain than had been predicted by Gao Xuebo and Long Xueji.
How could these two peak sword cultivators not feel admiration at that?
Some time before the two brothers were feeling amazed, Yan Zhaoge was descending the mountain while was pondering on the fruits of his efforts.
“Grandmother’s comprehension of the Immortal Exterminating Sword is indeed outstanding. There are many concepts that are worth reviewing over and over again,” Yan Zhaoge clicked his tongue in praise, “True abilities exhibited in those most ordinary of aspects, specifics changing time and time again. It really is extraordinary indeed.”
As he passed the Sword Unsheathing Pond midway down the mountain, Yan Zhaoge retrieved the treasured swords that he had placed there previously.
After pondering for a moment, Yan Zhaoge ultimately left the Green Abyss Sword there, not taking it with him.
When Yan Zhaoge had started walking the martial path, he had wielded the Jade Dragon Sword; a weapon which he had gifted to his junior apprentice-brother Ying Longtu, or Han Long’er, afterwards.
Despite the fact that Han Long’er was also a Martial Saint now, and had long since outgrown a measly low-grade spirit artifact like the Jade Dragon Sword, he still treasured the sword as he would his life. Even though he was using other weapons now, the sword that was gifted to him by Yan Zhaoge was always by his side.
The sword that Yan Zhaoge had used most often after the Jade Dragon Sword was the weapon that had been personally forged by his Grand Master, Yuan Zhengfeng. It was the Green Abyss Sword, a high-grade spirit artifact.
It had accompanied Yan Zhaoge all the way until he had attained the Martial Saint realm and switched to using Sacred Artifacts.
Still, this treasured sword was also constantly by Yan Zhaoge’s side.
While he had burnt countless high-grade spirit artifacts and even Sacred Artifacts later on as fuel in refining his dark green bamboo cane, the Green Abyss Sword was always with him.
In the future, he would not feel sorry even if he burnt the Light Yin Sword Seal, the Cloud Circulating Heavenly Light Sword, or even supreme treasures like the Evil Sword Taotie if the need arose.
Yet, like the previous Jade Dragon Sword, this Green Abyss Sword held a different significance.
Looking at the lotus pond before him in which numerous white lotuses bloomed, Yan Zhaoge ultimately left the Green Abyss Sword stuck in its depths.
“You possessed the title of ‘sword measurer’ back then. It is a pity that I am unable to personally experience your test, not knowing whether I would pass or fail.”
Yan Zhaoge sighed, bowing towards the lotus pond, “I will most likely not be here in the Roving Jade Heavens often. In my place, I shall have the Green Abyss Sword remain here.”
His descent from the mountain was naturally seen by descendants of Gao Xuebo’s lineage who were guarding the area and waiting for him.
On seeing Yan Zhaoge, the disciples of Minor White Peak were all greatly startled as some even looked dazed for a time.
They had previously specifically received orders to wait there for Yan Zhaoge’s emergence.
Their elders had hinted that Yan Zhaoge was meditating on the dao atop the mountain and was not to be interrupted.
While Pillglow Peak had been empty for a long time, they of the Prime Clear direct lineage naturally were aware of what place this was.
From what they knew, it was very normal for meditation on the dao at the former residence of the Sword Emperor to take months, even years.
Who knew that Yan Zhaoge would emerge after just a few days.
If this was anyone else, these disciples of Minor White Peak would probably suspect that the person had been unable to learn anything there and had given up, hence descending the mountain so quickly.
Still, being of the Prime Clear direct lineage and descendants of Green Duckweed Mountain’s Minor White Peak, also having received specific instructions to wait there, they had a basic understanding of Yan Zhaoge.
Yan Zhaoge was extremely famous in the World beyond Worlds with his fame gradually spreading in the coremost circles of the Roving Jade Heavens as well.
Someone who could battle an Exalt head-on just after attaining the Immortal Bridge stage- how could such a person possibly be dumb and incompetent?
“It’s just-isn’t this too fast!” The disciples of Minor White Peak were all wondering, “Maybe he isn’t proficient in the dao of the sword? But since the elders allowed him to ascend Pillglow Peak, would that not mean that he should be able to wield the sword…”
Despite their astonishment, these martial practitioners of Minor White Peak followed propriety and properly paid their respects to Yan Zhaoge before leading the way back to Minor White Peak.
Yan Zhaoge’s gaze flickered slightly as he sensed someone spying on him and the vicinity of Pillglow Peak.
On seeing him descend the mountain, the other party immediately fled like the wind.
“Huh…” The corners of Yan Zhaoge’s lips arched slightly upwards, but he said nothing.
Deep tensions existed between the World beyond Worlds and the Roving Jade Heavens.
Back during their competition for the Profound Sky Purple Gold Furnace, Gao Qing’s fellow disciples and the disciples of the Brocade Emperor had verbally quarrelled to such an extent.
Just as the World beyond Worlds forbade the presence of martial practitioners of the Prime Clear lineage, it was similarly forbidden for descendants of the Jade Clear and Grand Clear lineages to appear in the Roving Jade Heavens.
If one’s identity was exposed and they were caught, it was not merely the matter of a simple expulsion. Most of the
time, blood would be shed.
Although Yan Zhaoge was allowed to freely roam the Roving Jade Heavens because of his grandmother, he was still not of the Prime Clear direct lineage at the end of the day.
In the world of martial practitioners, there were many other factors that decided one’s identity besides their bloodline.
Of these, one of the most important was one’s martial lineage.
In some scenarios, one’s martial lineage was more representative of them than their bloodline.
Led by those Minor White Peak martial practitioners, Yan Zhaoge left Pillglow Peak in returning to Minor White Peak.
As they set off, some Minor White Peak disciples naturally exerted means to inform Gao Xuebo as well as Long Xueji about it.
As they walked, Yan Zhaoge conversed genially with the Minor White Peak disciples. Even as he gained a greater understanding of the culture of the Roving Jade Heavens, he narrated some of his experiences in the World beyond Worlds and extradimensional space, increasing the knowledge that they possessed greatly.
Suddenly, a sword-light lit up before their eyes, halting right in front of them before the figure of a youth appeared. The other party had an ordinary appearance and a serious expression. Yet, sword qi was rampant about his body.
He first greeted, “Before the World beyond Worlds’ Fallen Deity, this disciple of Green Duckweed Mountain’s Subtle Offensive Peak’s Purple Light Cave, Wen Daihong, offers his greetings.”
Yan Zhaoge calmly cupped his hands towards him, “I wonder what you would like to tell me?”
Wen Daihong’s expression was stern as he said, “I have long heard of the capabilities of the Fallen Deity who is rare within this world as one of the greatest heroes of Daoism in post-Great Calamity times. This Wen admires you greatly.”
“It is just that the incident between our predecessors from back then is like a stone weighing on my chest. While I am untalented, this Wen wishes to seek pointers from you.”
What was the incident from back then?
Naturally, it was how Yan Zhaoge’s grandfather, Yan Xingtang, a martial practitioner of the Jade Clear lineage, had suppressed the Roving Jade Heavens with his sword, beating the sword cultivators of the Prime Clear lineage into inferiority.
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