The memories of all humanity are awakening, except for mine.

Jiang Wei felt a chill run through him, the tip of his sword trembling as it pointed at the one-armed demoness: "You...aren't illusions?"

A pink mist surged before Jiang Wei's eyes, and more than ten women in thin veils swayed their slender waists and pressed themselves against him.

As her lotus-like arms wrapped around his neck, the Taihua Sword in her bosom hummed.

"Why must you carry a sword, young man?" The woman in the pale yellow dress breathed into his earlobe, her jade-like fingers tracing the patterns on the scabbard. "Why not wait with me?"

"Certainly!"

Jiang Chuan pointed his fingers into a sword and slashed the peach branches that were wrapping around Jiang Wei, but he staggered and grabbed the black jade sword for support.

The true qi in his dantian was churning like boiling water, clearly the evil-dispelling sword qi of the Five Elements Sword Manual was backfiring.

"Brother Jiang, you look terrible." A voluptuous woman in a crimson dress licked her lips, her delicate hand parting her robe to reveal her fair skin. "Let me help you."

"roll!"

The platinum sword energy swept across, and the beauty's head flew off, only to turn into a rotten peach pit in mid-air.

Jiang Chuan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, when he suddenly heard Sun Qi scream—under the peach tree in the northwest corner, the fox demon's claws had torn open the girl's right shoulder.

"Jiang Wei!" Jiang Chuan roared, his voice shaking the peach leaves. "If you keep playing dead, I'll chop you down first!"

Jiang Wei, who was standing by the wall, suddenly awoke to find that the beautiful woman in his arms had turned into a skeleton covered in rotting flesh.

The skeletal claws were reaching for his crown, startling him so much that he drew his Taihua Sword, its azure sword energy pinning the two skeletons to the tree trunk.

"Brother Jiang, be careful!"

Before Jiang Wei could finish speaking, the entire peach orchard suddenly shrank.

The platinum sword energy unleashed by Jiang Chuan's black jade sword caused new branches to grow wildly wherever the sword energy reached, even as wood chips flew everywhere.

Sun Qi was cornered by the fox demon against the stone wall, and her embroidered shoes nearly caused her to fall when they stepped on loose stones.

"The little girl's blood carries a spiritual fragrance." The fox demon's fangs dripped with saliva, and its sharp claws dug straight for her heart.

"You dare!"

Jiang Chuan suddenly turned his sword and slashed at the central peach tree. The sword energy tore through the ground, and the entire barrier trembled violently.

The fox demon roared and transformed into a red mist as it pounced, but the young swordsman's black jade sword drew a mysterious arc.

"Great River Sword Intent - Waterfall Severance!"

The sword energy surged like a reversed Milky Way, splitting the red mist in two.

Taking advantage of the moment, Jiang Wei tossed out three copper coins, and the Taihua Sword unleashed lightning: "Heavenly Gang Breaks Evil!"

As the lightning exploded, the skulls on the ground turned to ashes. Sun Qi, trembling, raised his short sword: "The tree roots are sucking blood!"

Jiangchuan's sword tip lifted the soil, revealing stark white bones.

Dozens of mummified corpses were entangled in tree roots, their hollow eye sockets facing the crowd.

Suddenly, the peach tree trunk split open, and a pink skull emerged gracefully, with peach blossoms blooming amidst the decaying flesh with each step it took.

"Young master, you have such a cruel heart."

The skeleton, transformed into a beautiful young woman, wept mournfully, her body faintly visible beneath a thin veil. "I merely wish to borrow some yang energy," she said.

Jiang Wei suddenly swung his sword, piercing his own left leg, blood spurting onto the Taihua Sword: "Brother Jiang, cut off its third main root!"

"Good eye." Jiang Chuan's black jade sword ignited with platinum flames, his figure blurring into afterimages. "Great River Sword Intent - Thousand Layered Waves!"

The young girl flicked her jade-like fingers, and the peach branches transformed into a rain of swords that fell to the ground.

Sun Qi threw out his short sword, and the copper bell on the hilt rang out, causing the peach branches falling from the sky to pause for a moment.

Jiang Chuan seized the opening and advanced three feet, his sword grazing the girl's collarbone before suddenly changing his move.

Above the courtyard, amidst the clouds and mist, Wang He and Gao Lin of the Immortal Sect looked down at the battle below.

The scene below was chaotic, filled with shouts of killing and the sounds of spells, creating an atmosphere of tension and danger.

"Gao Lin, look at that demon. Its aura is powerful; it's probably already at the half-step Supreme Realm," Wang He said solemnly.

Gao Lin followed the gaze and nodded in agreement: "That's right. Look at Jiang Wei and Jiang Chuan, one is at the second level of the Knowledge of Subtle Purple Mansion."

A cultivator at the Minor Acupoint stage is significantly weaker than a demon or ghost.

Wang He's gaze lingered on the two boys, and he exclaimed in admiration, "These two young men have amazing talent."

If one enters a sect of immortals and receives some training, one can become a top disciple in the future.

Gao Lin chimed in, "Indeed, and there's also Sun Qi. If you follow them, it won't be difficult to become an outer disciple of the Immortal Sect."

"These disciples who have entered the Immortal Sect this time are all promising talents. They will surely shine brightly in the Kunlun Secret Realm trial three years later," Wang He said with great anticipation.

Gao Lin confidently agreed: "Of course, I can't wait to see how they perform."

At this moment, in the courtyard, Jiang Chuan, Jiang Wei, and Sun Qi were fighting a desperate battle with the demons.

Jiang Chuan wielded his longsword, unleashing the power of a waterfall-like sword, its energy rushing towards the demons and ghosts.

The peach tree beside the demon suddenly emitted light, blocking Jiang Chuan's sword energy.

This tree is of great significance to demons and ghosts, but no matter how it is attacked, it is difficult to destroy.

"What's the origin of this strange tree? Why is it so troublesome!" Jiang Chuan was getting anxious, sweat beading on his forehead.

Seeing this, Jiang Wei shouted, "Jiang Chuan, watch this move!"

He unleashed "Sword Thirteen" from the Martial Emperor's Sword Technique, his sword energy soaring into the sky.

The demon remained calm, easily deflecting Jiang Wei's sword energy with a wave of his peach blossom sword.

Sun Qi watched the battle from the sidelines, shocked by the vast difference in talent between him and the two teenagers.

"When will I be able to have their skills..." Sun Qi muttered to himself, looking dejected.

Jiang Chuan and Jiang Wei exchanged glances, both knowing that the demon's cultivation as a half-step supreme being was far beyond their ability to defeat, but they showed no intention of backing down.

Jiang Chuan said, "Even if the strength is vastly different, we cannot back down! Today we must fight this demon to the death!"

Jiang Wei's mind raced. "Jiang Chuan, this demon is a yin spirit. We can use thunder magic, which can subdue yin spirits."

Jiang Chuan praised, "That's a good idea, but can you unleash powerful lightning magic?"

Jiang Wei said with some regret, "With my current cultivation level, I cannot unleash powerful lightning techniques. We can borrow the power of the Three Talents Sword Formation and have you and Sun Qi help me cast it."

Jiang Chuan replied, "Okay, we'll do it your way!"

The three acted swiftly, preparing to form the Three Talents Sword Formation.

Jiang Chuan and Jiang Wei occupy the positions of Heaven and Earth, while Sun Qi occupies the position of Man.

The sword formation was activated, and the three people's true energy flowed together, forming a powerful offensive and defensive system.

The demon roared and transformed into a peach blossom beast, charging towards the three.

Jiang Chuan unleashed the "Rainbow Piercing the Sun" move from the "Righteous Qi Sword," and the sword light shone brightly, shattering the beast's head. However, the beast quickly reformed.

Taking advantage of the gathering of savage beasts, Jiang Chuan prepared to unleash the signature technique of Wang Zhihuan, the half-step sword immortal.

Jiang Wei focused all his energy on gathering lightning magic within the sword formation, his hands forming hand seals, his body crackling with lightning, and there was a burnt smell in the air.

From above the floating clouds, Wang He and Gao Lin could clearly see what was below.

Wang He exclaimed in surprise, "Jiang Chuan's sword intent is so fierce! Could it be that he has a master guiding him?"

Gao Lin looked shocked and nodded, saying, "Indeed, and his name seems to be related to the successor of the Sword Emperor."

If that's true, then Sword Emperor Xie Xuan is on par with Grandmasters. If Jiang Chuan were to enter the Immortal Sect, in terms of seniority, he would probably become our Uncle-Master.

"This is truly unexpected..." Wang He exclaimed, his eyes filled with surprise and curiosity.

They kept their eyes glued to the battle below, eager to see what would happen next.

In the courtyard, the demon sensed the unfavorable situation and took advantage of its symbiotic relationship with the peach tree.

He unleashed the Extreme Yang True Fire and the Thunder Light Sword Technique, with fire and lightning intertwining.

Jiang Chuan fends off the demons' attacks, keenly sensing the connection between the demons and the peach tree.

"Oh no! The demon and the peach tree coexist, and the peach wood is probably its true form!" Jiang Chuan exclaimed in surprise and quickly informed Jiang Wei and Sun Qi.

"Then what do we do?" Sun Qi asked anxiously.

Jiang Wei said, "In that case, let's use the principle of mutual restraint of the five elements."

Using the Mystic Ice Sword Technique, the Great River Sword Intent, and the Thunder Light Sword Technique respectively to attack the demon and the peach wood, there might be a chance of survival.

Jiang Chuan and Sun Qi exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

The three quickly adjusted their strategy.

Jiang Wei took the lead in circulating his inner energy and unleashing the Thunder Light Sword Technique.

"Behold the power of my Thunder Light Sword Technique!" Jiang Wei shouted.

The lightning was powerful and struck the demon with precision. The demon screamed in agony, and its illusory body revealed its true form as a dried-up skeleton.

"So that's how it is!" Taking advantage of the demon's opening, Jiang Chuan unleashed his waterfall sword energy towards the peach tree, quickly extinguishing the extreme yang true fire. The demon's power weakened, and its body trembled.

With the amplification of the Three Talents Sword Formation, Jiang Chuan and Jiang Wei's sword energy greatly increased.

Jiang Chuan brandished his longsword, unleashing a torrent of sword energy, while Jiang Wei coordinated his attacks with the Thunder Light Sword Technique, suppressing the demons and ghosts.

Sun Qi activated the Profound Ice Sword Technique with all his might, the icy sword energy countering the demonic extreme yang true fire, buying time for the team.

The demon possessed the cultivation of a half-step Supreme Realm cultivator. Although suppressed, it was unwilling to accept defeat.

It roared, trying to escape with the help of the peach tree.

Jiang Chuan sensed the intention and his heart tightened: "Oh no, the demon is trying to escape!"

He circulated his true energy, unleashed the Azure Dragon Sword Qi, bit his tongue to spit out his essence blood, and sealed off the demon's energy.

"Want to run? It's not that easy!"

Jiang Chuan shouted, and the Azure Dragon Sword Qi merged with his essence blood to form a sealing force that enveloped the demons and the peach tree.

The demon struggled desperately, but could not escape.

At the critical moment, Jiang Chuan focused his energy on refining the peach tree itself. A magical peach blossom.

He formed hand seals, chanted incantations, and sweat beaded on his forehead.

The peach blossoms trembled, resisting the refining process, so Jiang Chuan intensified his efforts.

After some effort, Peach Blossom gave in, and Jiang Chuan took her into his arms, preparing to merge her with Azure Scale in the future to enhance Azure Scale's power.

At the same time, taking advantage of the fact that the demons and ghosts were sealed off, Jiang Wei once again unleashed the Thunder Light Sword Technique.

"Prepare to die!" Jiang Wei shouted, his attack was powerful and killed the demon.

The battlefield returned to calm.

After the battle, Jiang Wei was dissatisfied with Jiang Chuan.

"Jiang Chuan, isn't it a bit unethical of you to refine that peach blossom?" Jiang Wei said, frowning.

Jiang Chuan replied with a smile, "Brother Jiang, this is just an emergency. I will definitely treat you well in the future."

How about I trade you some other treasures?

Jiang Wei said, "Alright, before we head to the Cloud Sea Immortal Sect, you have to teach me how to condense sword intent. I've always wanted to master this skill."

Jiang Chuan, considering Jiang Wei's strength and the importance of the team, nodded in agreement:

"Alright, Brother Jiang, but gathering sword intent takes time and patience, so don't rush it."

"Haha, it's settled then!" Jiang Wei laughed, his dissatisfaction disappearing.

The three arrived at a nearby inn.

The innkeeper, seeing them covered in dust and exuding an aura of battle, warmly welcomed them.

"Gentlemen, are you here for the night or just looking for a meal?" the innkeeper asked with a smile.

"I'll stay at the inn, three superior rooms." Jiang Wei took out some loose silver and gave it to the innkeeper.

The shopkeeper took the money and said happily, "Alright, just a moment, I'll arrange it right away."

After a quick wash in their room, Jiang Chuan and Jiang Wei went to Jiang Wei's room to discuss the matter.

"Brother Jiang, thanks to you, the mission was successfully completed," Jiang Chuan said sincerely.

Jiang Wei waved his hand: "Brother Jiang Chuan, we're comrades-in-arms, don't be so formal. You seem quite interested in the Thunder Light Sword Technique?"

Jiang Chuan asked, "Brother Jiang has a keen eye. I am indeed curious. Could you please enlighten me?"

Jiang Wei pondered for a moment, "I can teach you, but you also need to teach me how to condense sword intent, how about it?"

Jiang Chuan readily agreed: "Okay, it's settled then!"

The two reached a deal.

Sun Qi was in her room and vaguely heard the conversation. Feeling a little embarrassed, she realized she couldn't join in, so she kept quiet, thinking that she would work hard to cultivate and catch up with them in the future.

The night passed, and the next morning, the three of them went to the prefectural government office to report the results.

The yamen was bustling with people.

They went to the Hall of Announcements and went up to the second floor.

Standing in the pavilion were Wang He, the head of the Immortal Sect, and Gao Lin.

"Greetings to the two stewards." The three men bowed respectfully.

Wang He and Gao Lin nodded.

"Is the mission complete?" Gao Lin asked.

Jiang Chuan stepped forward and presented the package containing the demon's head: "Reporting to the steward, the mission is complete. This is the demon's head."

After reviewing it, Wang He said with satisfaction, "Not bad, well done."

Gao Lin took out three jade tokens and handed them to them: "These are jade tokens. You have passed the first test of the Mountain Gate Assembly."

The three of them accepted the jade pendant with great joy.

Jiang Chuan felt uneasy and nervous as Wang He and Gao Lin stared at him.

But the two supervisors didn't say much, and after inspecting the task, they let them leave.

After leaving the Announcement Pavilion, the three walked down the street and heard people around them talking.

"Have you heard? Jiang Wei, a young man, slew demons and monsters and performed a great feat!"

"Yes, that demon was powerful. He actually managed to kill it. That's amazing!"

Jiang Chuan teased Jiang Wei: "Brother Jiang, your reputation is quite widespread!"

Jiang Wei scratched his head sheepishly: "Brother Jiang Chuan, stop joking. Oh, and don't forget to teach me how to condense sword intent tonight."

Jiang Chuan quickly agreed, "Don't worry, I won't forget. Brother Jiang, you're a famous figure in Longhai County now, shouldn't you show us around the scenic spots as a hospitable host?"

Jiang Wei agreed: "Of course. The most scenic spot in Longhai County is the Stork Tower. Let's go there first."

Sun Qi then said, "I want to find my father first and tell him that I have passed the first test of the Mountain Gate Assembly."

Jiang Chuan and Jiang Wei exchanged glances and agreed.

“Okay, Sun Qi, you go first, we’ll meet at the inn,” Jiang Chuan said.

Sun Qi agreed and left.

After Sun Qi left, Jiang Chuan and Jiang Wei discussed the arrangements on the street.

"Brother Jiangchuan, should we write home to say that we have passed the test?" Jiang Wei asked.

Jiang Chuan shook his head: "No need, my family should already know."

Jiang Wei understood and suggested, "Then let's set off for the Stork Tower."

“Okay, let’s go!” Jiang Chuan replied.

Along the way, the two chatted and laughed, and their relationship became even more harmonious.

Jiang Chuan praised Jiang Wei: "Brother Jiang, traveling with you has made this journey much more interesting."

Jiang Wei replied with a smile, "I also feel lucky to have met you. Before heading to the Immortal Gate, we should take a good look around Longhai County and enjoy this rare time."

The two walked towards the Stork Tower, the bustling street scene serving as a backdrop to their friendship.

Soon, the two arrived at the Stork Tower.

"This is the Stork Tower, and it truly lives up to its reputation!" Jiang Chuan exclaimed.

Jiang Wei explained, "This is a landmark building in Longhai County. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery around it from the top of the building."

The two bought tickets and entered the building, which was crowded with people, mostly tourists.

They walked up the stairs, floor by floor, each floor offering a different view.

The eighteen prefectures of the western border of the Great Zhou Dynasty are characterized by magnificent mountains and rivers and a thriving culture. The Stork Tower, one of the three famous towers, is renowned far and wide.

The tower is over seventy feet tall and stands beside the Yongji River. Climbing the tower, one can take in the scenery of the three surrounding counties.

Jiang Chuan and Jiang Wei originally planned to walk to the Stork Tower, enjoying the scenery and spiritual energy along the way.

But time was of the essence, and the two still bought horses.

It wasn't laziness, but rather an eagerness to reach the Stork Tower as soon as possible.

After mounting their horses, the two spurred them on at full speed.

The horses kicked up dust with their hooves, and the steeds neighed as they galloped forward with all their might.

The wind whistled past my ears as the scenery rushed by on both sides.

By the time they arrived at the Stork Tower, the sun was about to set, and the world was bathed in an orange-red hue. (End of Chapter)