Daily Divination From Market Rogue Cultivator To Immortal Venerable - Chapter 436

Chapter 436 Invincible Swordsmanship, For Those with Fate (Seeking Subscriptions)

Such strength

is enough to sweep across the current cultivation world!

Qi Jiuyang and the other three exchanged glances, abandoning any other thoughts.

Even if the four of them joined forces, they were no match for this puppet, and could only follow its rules.

“Senior, we have come here to seek a treasure to suppress the alien race’s powerful figures.”

Qi Jiuyang stepped forward, explaining his purpose, trying to move this senior with the righteousness of humanity to facilitate his next move.

However, the puppet simply said,

“Alien race? What does that have to do with me?”

“This…”

Qi Jiuyang was taken aback.

He could see that this senior was not a pure puppet; there was a human cultivator’s soul within his body.

But the other party seemed completely uninterested in the survival of humanity.

The puppet said indifferently, “If you want the treasure, then become my disciples and join my Great Jin Academy of Sword and Books. As long as you perform well, I will reward you with the treasure.”

Hearing this, the group looked at each other in bewilderment.

This person is incredibly powerful; it seems there’s no harm in becoming his disciple.

The Great Jin Immortal Dynasty has long been submerged by the river of time, so even if one becomes his disciple, it won’t have much connection with the Great Jin; it’ll just be another disciple status.

Prince Qing was the first to decide: “Senior, I wish to become your disciple and a student of the academy.”

“Don’t rush. The academy has strict rules and extremely high requirements. Not just anyone can become a disciple. If one’s talent is insufficient, even royalty won’t be able to enter!”

The puppet looked at everyone, its tone still calm.

Prince Qing asked: “Senior, what kind of talent is required to enter the academy?”

“That’s not up to me. Go climb the mountain. Once you reach the halfway point, you’ll be qualified to enter the academy.”

“Climb the mountain?”

Everyone was puzzled.

Before they could ask, the puppet waved its hand.

With a loud “boom,” a towering mountain rose from the ground behind the academy, instantly filling everyone’s vision.

It was about ten thousand feet high, majestic and imposing, with thousands upon thousands of swords planted on its surface, its entire body surrounded by countless sword intents.

It was a sword mountain!

Ordinary cultivators, even with just a few glances, would be stung by the sharp sword intent.

The puppet, hands behind its back, gazed at the mountain and slowly spoke.

“When my Sword and Book Academy recruited disciples, everyone in the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty, from nobles and dukes to commoners, had the opportunity to climb this mountain.”

“Today, you also have the opportunity. Regardless of whether you are at Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, or Nascent Soul stage, your cultivation level is irrelevant; you may climb the mountain!”

Hearing this, many present were puzzled.

Someone asked, “Senior, isn’t it unfair to allow people of different cultivation levels to participate in the same competition?”

“This mountain is a treasure crafted by the Nascent Soul Heavenly Lord of my Sword and Book Academy; how could it be unfair?”

the puppet replied calmly.

“On Sword Mountain, cultivation level is useless. This mountain tests your swordsmanship. The stronger your swordsmanship, the higher you can climb. If you are not a sword cultivator, even having peak Nascent Soul strength is useless.”

Hearing this, many subconsciously looked at the Second Prince, Qi Chengye.

This test to join the academy seemed tailor-made for him.

In terms of swordsmanship, even a Nascent Soul cultivator like Qi Jiuyang couldn’t compare to him, simply because he possessed an innate sword heart, a natural swordsman.

Qi Jiuyang secretly transmitted his voice: “Chengye, don’t slack off, exert all your strength. Perhaps only you can obtain the Pure Yang Crimson Blood Stone.”

“Father, rest assured, I will not disappoint you, nor will I disappoint the Ancestor!”

Qi Chengye took a deep breath, his gaze resolute, his sword intent sharp, like a drawn sword.

“The Ancestor doesn’t trust us, but instead trusts an outsider. I will definitely let the Ancestor know that our Great Qi is more useful than this outsider, Li Chang’an.”

Because of the artifact spirit’s private meeting with Li Chang’an, he and many other disciples of the Great Qi royal family were holding their breath, wanting the artifact spirit to look at them with new eyes.

He stepped forward and asked, “Senior, is it just climbing the mountain, no other rules?”

“No, if you are ready, then go climb the mountain.”

“Yes!”

Everyone passed through the academy and arrived at the foot of Sword Mountain.

The closer they got…

The oppressive aura formed by countless sword intents grew stronger with each step.

Many people, even before reaching the summit, turned pale, barely able to withstand the pressure.

“These people lack swordsmanship foundation; most will struggle to make any progress once they ascend,”

Li Chang’an said calmly, observing the expressions on everyone’s faces.

Soon, they began their ascent.

Just as he had predicted,

many royal disciples, after only a few steps, succumbed to the sword pressure, their flesh cracking and breaking like shattered porcelain dolls, forcing them to give up.

The higher they climbed, the more people abandoned their posts.

In less than a quarter of an hour,

over 90% of the royal disciples had given up.

Someone sighed, “Alas, I am skilled in the art of health preservation, but have never practiced swordsmanship. This opportunity is not for me.”

Another said, “I have learned a few sword techniques, but I only grasped the basics.”

“Now it seems we can only rely on the Second Prince.”

“That Li Chang’an is still climbing. It seems his swordsmanship is not bad either, but he probably can’t compare to the Second Prince…”

“…”

Those who gave up gathered at the foot of the mountain to discuss the final outcome.

As time passed, fewer and fewer people remained.

Even Qi Jiuyang and the four Nascent Soul cultivators, including Jiang Xuanyuan, failed to reach the mountainside.

Just as the puppet had said, their Nascent Soul strength was of no help on this Sword Mountain.

The four gathered at the foot of the mountain, looking at the remaining people.

Before long,

only a few people remained climbing the entire Sword Mountain.

Li Chang’an and Qi Chengye were both there, along with Qi Yunjin, Jiang Muyu, and others.

At the foot of the mountain, Qi Jiuyang looked at Qi Chengye’s back and said in a low voice, “I wonder what will happen to Chengye.”

Prince Qing laughed, “The Second Prince possesses an innate sword heart. Even when the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty was still in existence, there weren’t many geniuses like him. He will surely be able to fulfill the puppet’s requirements.”

He glanced at Li Chang’an and teased Jiang Xuanyuan.

“Fellow Daoist Jiang, your son-in-law’s swordsmanship is quite impressive.”

Hearing the word “son-in-law,” Jiang Xuanyuan was speechless.

He had already discussed this matter with Li Chang’an, but Li Chang’an hadn’t shown any interest, seemingly only focused on cultivation.

During their conversation,

Qi Yunjin and the others also gave up.

At this moment, only Li Chang’an and Qi Chengye remained on Sword Mountain.

They were all somewhat surprised that Li Chang’an had persisted this long.

Qi Yunjin looked at Jiang Muyu with a strange expression.

“Muyu, Fellow Daoist Li is actually a sword cultivator?”

“Young Master is indeed a sword cultivator, with extremely high swordsmanship. This current level is nothing to Young Master.”

Jiang Muyu smiled, gazing at Li Chang’an’s back, her beautiful eyes full of confidence.

“Perhaps he can reach the summit!”

“The summit?”

Qi Yunjin shook her head slightly, finding it too difficult.

She and Jiang Muyu hadn’t even reached the mountainside.

How powerful would one’s swordsmanship be to reach the summit?

In her opinion, even someone with Qi Chengye’s special physique might not be able to reach the summit, let alone someone like Li Chang’an with a mortal body.

Soon, Li Chang’an and Qi Chengye reached the mountainside one after the other.

At this point,

both of them had earned the qualification to enter the academy.

However, this was only the entry qualification, not considered outstanding, and they would most likely not receive the puppet’s reward.

They didn’t stop and continued to climb.

Seeing this,

Qi Yunjin couldn’t help but feel surprised.

“Fellow Daoist Li’s aura is still stable, without the slightest disorder. It seems he can hold on for a little longer.”

Not only her, but the other royal family members present, as well as the four Nascent Soul True Monarchs, were also somewhat surprised.

Li Chang’an’s ability to reach this point had greatly exceeded their expectations.

Prince Qing laughed again, “Fellow Daoist Jiang, do you want this son-in-law or not? If not, I’ll have one of my daughters from the Prince Qing’s mansion go find him.”

Even Qi Jiuyang smiled and said, “Young Friend Li has remarkable talent; it wouldn’t be bad for him to be a prince consort in our Great Qi.”

Both of them acknowledged Li Chang’an’s talent in swordsmanship.

To have reached this level with a mortal body was already quite remarkable.

Qi Jiuyang praised, “If Chengye didn’t have an innate sword heart, he might not be as good as Young Friend Li.”

“Indeed, Young Friend Li is at a disadvantage due to his physique,”

Prince Qing nodded in agreement.

In their eyes, no matter how good Li Chang’an’s talent in swordsmanship was, it couldn’t possibly surpass Qi Chengye, a natural-born swordsman.

Perhaps it wouldn’t be long before he stagnated and had to give up.

However,

for the next quarter of an hour,

Li Chang’an’s breathing remained steady, without the slightest change.

Beside him, Qi Chengye’s breathing had become somewhat disordered, and his body had begun to tremble slightly.

He gritted his teeth, enduring the astonishing sword intent as if carrying a mountain on his back. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he struggled upwards, step by step.

The higher he climbed, the more violently his body trembled.

Half an hour later,

he was nearing his limit.

“No, I can’t give up! I can still go up! I can’t let my father and ancestors down! Everyone is counting on me…”

He was soaked in sweat, his consciousness almost blurred, so much so that he didn’t notice Li Chang’an beside him, only climbing with unwavering willpower.

However, even the strongest will couldn’t support his body.

After another ten breaths,

he could no longer hold on. His vision went black, and he fell backwards.

Just then,

a hand supported his back, preventing him from collapsing.

He shuddered, turning his head in disbelief. In his blurred vision, he saw Li Chang’an’s figure.

Li Chang’an calmly said, “Fellow Daoist Qi, don’t push yourself. Go and rest.”

“Fellow Daoist Li, you… how could you…”

Qi Chengye was shocked, unable to understand why Li Chang’an, a mere mortal, could endure more than him

. The reason he gritted his teeth and persevered was because he felt he carried the hopes of the entire Great Qi and couldn’t rely on others.

But Li Chang’an’s appearance shattered that idea.

At this moment,

not only he found it unbelievable, but the others below the mountain felt the same way.

Prince Qing looked astonished and couldn’t help but ask, “Fellow Daoist Jiang, is your son-in-law really just a mortal? Could he have awakened some kind of special sword spirit body?”

Jiang Xuanyuan shook his head: “How would I know?”

“You are his father-in-law, and you don’t know?”

Prince Qing’s voice rose several octaves.

Hearing this voice, Jiang Muyu, who was not far away, blushed immediately.

Qi Yunjin chuckled: “Muyu, there’s no need to pay attention to Prince Qing.”

“Mm.” “

However, Prince Qing’s words are not without reason. Is it true that Fellow Daoist Li hasn’t awakened a sword spirit body?”

Qi Yunjin also had some doubts.

Spirit bodies are not awakened at birth; many awaken during the cultivation process.

If Li Chang’an had also awakened a spiritual body related to swordsmanship, and to a greater degree than Qi Chengye, then today’s events would be understandable.

Jiang Muyu sighed softly, “I don’t know either. Young Master has always liked to keep things hidden; no one knows exactly how capable he is.”

While the two were talking,

Qi Chengye had already retreated to the foot of the mountain.

His heart was filled with mixed emotions. He came before Qi Jiuyang, bowed his head, and said

, “Father, I have disappointed you.”

“This mountain is a test set up by the Great Jin’s Nascent Soul cultivators. You’ve already done quite well to reach this point; don’t underestimate yourself.”

Qi Jiuyang’s expression was gentle; he didn’t blame him, and instead channeled a burst of Nascent Soul power to help him recover.

Then, he looked again at Li Chang’an’s back, wanting to see how far Li Chang’an could climb.

The others present did the same.

Even the puppet did.

Originally, he hadn’t paid any attention, but as Li Chang’an climbed higher and higher, it gradually caught his attention.

“He’s a promising talent; perhaps he can approach the summit,”

he secretly judged.

“The summit bears the sword intent left behind by Master and my senior brothers. No one can surpass them, not even me.”

He shifted his gaze from Li Chang’an to the swords planted atop the mountain, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

Time passed slowly.

Li Chang’an drew closer to the summit.

His steps were steady, his expression relaxed, for his current situation differed from everyone else’s expectations.

Outsiders assumed he, like them, was passively enduring the countless sword intents of this sword mountain.

Little did they know,

Li Chang’an felt no pressure whatsoever.

He used his Flying Immortal Intent, amidst thousands of sword intents, like an emperor, crushing everything with absolute sword mastery, easily approaching the summit.

Before him remained only nine sword intents.

Each of these nine sword intents far surpassed the others, especially the last one.

Li Chang’an gazed at the last sword, pondering to himself, “The person who left this sword intent has accumulated profound swordsmanship, their swordsmanship skills are no less than mine. Fortunately, I have comprehended the Immortal Ascension Realm.”

The opponent’s swordsmanship skills were in no way inferior to his, only lacking the unique realm related to “immortality.”

Li Chang’an slowly moved forward.

Under the incredulous gaze of the puppet below the mountain, he passed sword after sword, finally surpassing the last one.

He reached the summit!

At that moment, the sword intent of the entire Sword Mountain paused.

In the next instant, thousands upon thousands of swords simultaneously erupted with deafening sword cries, their vast sword intent soaring into the sky.

“He actually reached the summit!”

Many disciples of the Great Qi royal family were dumbfounded.

“No wonder our ancestor summoned him alone; perhaps our ancestor had foreseen this scene.”

“Li Chang’an’s swordsmanship talent is truly terrifying; none of us are as good as him.”

“Yes…”

Originally, everyone didn’t understand the ancestor statue’s actions.

Now, they had no objections.

In terms of swordsmanship, even if all of them combined, they couldn’t compare to Li Chang’an.

At the mountain peak,

Li Chang’an calmly inquired of the puppet,

“Senior, may I receive a reward?”

Hearing this, the puppet’s expression was complex, and it beckoned to him.

“Yes, you may come down now.”

“Yes.”

Li Chang’an retreated along the same path and stood before the puppet.

Then, the puppet summoned him and Qi Chengye separately into the academy and closed the doors.

He asked the two, “Tell me, what treasure have you come here for today?”

Qi Jiuyang stepped forward and replied, “Reporting to Senior, we wish to obtain a Pure Yang Crimson Blood Stone.”

“A Pure Yang Crimson Blood Stone? This stone is one of the most valuable treasures in the academy. You’ve only just entered the realm; you’re not qualified to receive it.”

Hearing this, Qi Chengye’s expression turned bitter.

As the number one swordsman in the entire Great Qi, he had only barely entered the realm.

How strong must the swordsmanship of those academy disciples have been back then? Surely not all of them had awakened a spiritual body related to swordsmanship.

The puppet seemed to know what he was thinking and said calmly, “Although you possess a spiritual body, it’s only at the initial stage of awakening. In my eyes, it’s nothing special. If you could awaken it a few more times, your swordsmanship would far surpass what you have now.”

With that, it pointed a finger of spiritual light into Qi Chengye’s sea of consciousness.

“These are some insights into swordsmanship. Study them carefully; they should help your spiritual awakening.”

“Thank you, senior!”

Qi Chengye’s face lit up with joy, and he thanked the puppet repeatedly.

The puppet asked sternly, “Still calling me senior?”

Qi Chengye was stunned, not understanding.

Li Chang’an reacted quickly, kicking him in the leg, causing him to kneel down on the spot.

Only then did he understand, and he hurriedly shouted, “Thank you, master!”

“Hmm.”

The puppet nodded slightly, then casually tossed the puppet out of the classroom.

“Come back to me after you’ve thoroughly understood all the insights.”

With that, the classroom doors slammed shut again.   Only Li Chang’an and the puppet remained

inside .   The puppet stared at Li Chang’an with a strange look, as if scrutinizing a monster, before speaking after a moment.   ”This is the Pure Yang Crimson Blood Stone you wanted.”   As he spoke, a flash of light appeared in his hand, revealing a fist-sized crimson gemstone.   The stone was intensely hot, its surface emanating a faint, bloody scent, consistent with the description of the Pure Yang Crimson Blood Stone given to Li Chang’an by the artifact spirit.   He casually tossed it to Li Chang’an.   Li Chang’an caught it immediately, and after confirming it was correct, thanked the puppet.   ”Thank you, senior!”   ”No need to thank me, I have something to ask you.” “Please   ask, senior.”   ”What is your swordsmanship?”   The puppet didn’t mention the matter of becoming a disciple, but instead asked this unusual question.   Hearing this, Li Chang’an pondered for a long time.   He hadn’t actually considered this question, as he rarely practiced swordsmanship seriously; his swordsmanship skills were almost entirely derived from Ye Mengxian.   Seeing his continued silence,   the puppet spoke again: “My eldest brother’s swordsmanship is about protection. He is gentle by nature, unwilling to kill, only wanting to protect everything with his sword. My second brother’s swordsmanship is the complete opposite, it’s the ultimate killing…”   Hearing his words, Li Chang’an couldn’t help but recall the sword intents on the mountain peak.   After a moment’s consideration, Li Chang’an replied, “Senior, I think I understand a little about all the swordsmanship you’ve mentioned.”   ”I see. No wonder you were able to surpass the swords they left behind. You, like the Master, walk the invincible swordsmanship of one sword breaking through ten thousand paths.”   The puppet sighed.   ”If the Master were still alive, he would be very gratified to know that someone has followed his path.”   ”Senior, was the Master your teacher?”   ”Yes.”   The puppet told Li Chang’an.   The sword mountain behind the school was left behind by the Master.   ”The Master was originally just a great Confucian scholar from a mortal kingdom, fond of debating academic matters. But in literature, there’s no absolute first place, and he could never truly rival the other great scholars. So he embarked on the path of martial arts, where there’s no second place.”   ”I see.”   Li Chang’an immediately understood.   He chose this path to save his life.   The Master, on the other hand, chose this path to persuade others with force.   The puppet sighed, “The Master left behind a spell, instructing me to pass it on to a destined person. But he left in such a hurry that he didn’t tell me what ‘destined person’ meant.”   Hearing this, Li Chang’an’s heart stirred.   A spell left behind by a Nascent Soul cultivator must be of a high rank.   He felt he was that destined person and had to find a way to obtain the spell.   ”Senior, where did the Master go?”   ”He ascended to the Immortal Realm with the Emperor.”   The puppet’s face showed longing.   ”I wonder what the Immortal Realm is like. Perhaps the Master and the others have already joined the ranks of immortals and attained immortality.”   (End of Chapter)